Restaurant Spotlight: Coaster Saloon in Mission Beach

Located just steps from the ocean and the iconic Belmont Park roller coaster in the heart of San Diego’s Mission Beach, The Coaster Saloon is giving BBQ a beach-side home. Indiana native Executive Chef Tim Eylens combines his Midwestern roots and his Southwestern culinary experience to bring Texas-style barbecue to Coaster Saloon.

Utilizing traditional low and slow techniques, Eylens is churning out a menu that features in-house Oak-smoked Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Baby Back Pork Ribs, burgers, and multiple variations of chicken including freshly breaded tenders and hot wings sauced with Coaster’s own housemade selections.

The restaurant has been a Mission Beach staple for nearly 40 years. It was recently acquired by the well-regarded Cohn Restaurant Group who refreshed the interior décor, transformed the menu and reopened the restaurant in April 2018.

Need to Know

Neighborhood: Mission Beach

Cuisine: BBQ

Price Range: $

Meals Served: Weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner

Kids’ Menu: Yes

Pet-Friendly: No

Dress Code: Casual, beach attire acceptable

Ocean View: Yes

Outdoor Seating: Yes

Private Dining: Yes

Takeaway: Yes. Park in the green loading zone and ask the bartender for your meats!

Delivery: Yes. A $200 minimum order is required for delivery. There is a $25 delivery fee plus 49 cents per mile, after 15 miles. They do not deliver orders outside of a 30-mile radius. All delivery orders will be charged a taxable 22% service charge, so tipping the delivery person is not required.

Gluten-Free Options: Yes

Happy Hour: Daily 3:00 — 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. — 2 a.m. (late night drinks only)

Reservations Accepted: Call 858-488-4438 ahead for seating

What to Order at Coaster Saloon

Utilizing traditional low and slow techniques, Chef Tim is churning out a menu that features in-house Oak-smoked Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Baby Back Pork Ribs, burgers, and multiple variations of chicken including freshly breaded tenders and hot wings sauced with Coaster’s own housemade selections.

Ribs at Coaster Saloon in Mission Beach San Diego

Coaster Burger is an amazing blend of brisket, chuck, and short rib, topped with bacon and not just any bacon, but Chef Tim’s house-smoked bacon, Swiss, mushrooms, caramelized onions.

Burgers at Coaster Saloon in Mission Beach San Diego

They don’t call it Best Mac and Cheese for nothing.

Coaster Saloon Mission Beach Mac and Cheese

The Coaster provides a great Southern take on the Weekend Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. — 11 a.m. Craving that Southern flavor? Then don’t miss their Chicken-Fried Steak covered in housemade sausage gravy or the Chicken and Waffles. Complete with a Bourbon Maple Syrup.

Craving more sweets than savory, then check out their GINORMOUS Cinnamon Roll with a cream cheese frosting and a nod to the savory with the bacon crumble — served until they sell out!

What It’s Like Inside

The casual, beachside (right off the boardwalk) vibe is great for family and kids.

Boasting one of the largest outdoor projection screen and 15 flat screen TVs, this self-proclaimed Arizona Cardinals fan beachside BBQ haven is the perfect gameday destination.