The Country Club is set to open its doors to the public on Tuesday, December 5th, coincidentally, National Repeal Day – a most auspicious day for this upscale new dining and drinking establishment in Costa Mesa.
The highly anticipated opening at the site of landmark Pierce Street Annex, a long-time 17th street watering hole, The Country Club is a complete departure from its former self. In its place, a swanky, luxury-appointed restaurant and bar that celebrates traditional American cuisine and classic libations at its finest. Guests of the 21-and-over only establishment will bask in the warm ambiance and classic space reminiscent of a time-honored social club.
The all-scratch kitchen proudly offers nightly dinner options which range from savory flatbread and prime cut steaks to fresh seafood and tempting desserts. Presented by executive chef Zachary Scherer, all items are made with premium ingredients and locally-sourced produce.
Members of the press were invited to a media preview where we tasted a variety of menu items and cocktails. Classic steak house entrees include an impressive 42 oz. Ribeye Tomahawk with fresh horseradish, smashed potatoes, and beef jus (shown above), as well as Roasted Jidori Chicken Breast with salsa verde, baked red potatoes, and creamed pencil asparagus. Side dish items include Crispy Brussels Sprouts and, of course, a savory Mac ‘n Cheese with fontina, gruyere, and aged cheddar cheeses with black pepper.
The Royal Melbourne | Toki Japanese whiskey, pear, and almond
Libations consist of 14 rotating beers on draught, crafted cocktails, premium whiskey and spirits, and a carefully curated list of California-centric wines. All wines are available by the bottle or glass, including options not commonly made available by the glass such as Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags’ Leap Artemis, and Flowers Pinot Noir.
Shinnecock | Eagle Rare Bourbon, popcorn, infused Old Fashioned
Cocktails showcase classic libations such as whiskey old-fashioneds, gin martinis, and Moscow mules. Signature cocktails will rotate seasonally and feature premium spirits made with fresh ingredients and house-made fusions. Among the opening seasonal menu cocktails, all named after famous golf courses, are the Royal Melbourne (Toki Japanese Whiskey, pear, almond) and the Cypress Point (Stoli Vodka, blood orange, and honey).
Chicken “Littles”
Country clubs have always served as a comfortable, social gathering place, and The Country Club follows in this vein with intimate lighting and a stately 80-foot long marble bar as well as communal and banquette style tables on the patio. Guests can enjoy Happy Hour from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. The kitchen opens weekdays at 3 p.m. with a menu of lighter fare of flatbreads, chicken sliders (shown above) and a premium beef cheeseburger, among other Happy Hour bites.
Short Rib Hash | kale, sweet potato, caramelized onion, egg
Guests can also enjoy weekend brunch, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
While the décor and ambiance has a decidedly upscale feel, The Country Club is a place where you can wine and dine while relaxing with friends in the most comfortable of settings. Your Country Club experience also includes live entertainment, after dinner dancing, and exclusive VIP table service. Everything within its four walls is intended to bring people together, over good food and drink, and a memorable country club experience where no membership is required.
The Country Club
330 East 17th Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949-281-2582
Opening photo by Alan De Herrera.
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