Westwood Coast, the newest culinary venture from San Francisco-based Proof Positive, is set to open in early July at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa. Known for its buzzworthy Bay Area portfolio, which includes Wilder, Horsefeather, Thriller Social Club, Last Rites, and Westwood Gold, Proof Positive makes its debut in Orange County with Westwood Coast by pairing an elevated dining experience with lively country entertainment.
At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Jayro Martinez, who brings over a decade of culinary experience to the venture. Martinez has led as an Executive Chef in several acclaimed kitchens, including Mayfield in San Juan Capistrano, AHBA in Laguna Beach, Social in Costa Mesa, and most recently, at Dana Point’s Knife Modern Steak under the tutelage of famed Chef John Tesar. Westwood Coast is bolstered by a team of powerhouse hospitality professionals, including Chef de Cuisine Dan Perry, formerly of The Ranch, and General Manager Michael Ruiz of BOA Steakhouse. Westwood Coast presents a unique experience that masterfully blends exceptional hosapitality, lively entertainment, and bold American flavors with premium cuts of meat.
Shareable starters are brought to life with locally sourced peak-of-season ingredients in dishes like the Grilled Spanish Octopus, which shares the plate with fried green tomatoes and crispy Smoked Duck Wings. Martinez’s signature Corn Ribs are reimagined with tangy lime aioli and salsa macha powder. Standout entrees include Short Rib Agnolotti with bone marrow and shaved Brussels sprouts, and Petaluma Fried Chicken served with herby buttermilk and hot honey.
The menu’s ‘headliners’ are its premium char-broiled steaks, which include options like a 10-oz Picahna and large-format Big Daddies, boasting impressive cuts like a 32-oz 45-day Dry-Aged Porterhouse, and a 40-oz Bone-in Australian Wagyu Ribeye served with braised king trumpet mushrooms and cippolini onions.
Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., guests can look forward to a lively brunch at Westwood Coast. Standout brunch entrees include Salmon Lox atop everything-spiced gourgères, Dungeness Crab Benedict with truffle Hollandaise, and the Cowgirl Croque, a unique twist on the classic Croque Madame with housemade mortadella cut thick and topped with an over-easy egg on 61Hundred Japanese milk bread.
Upon entering through Westwood’s double doors, guests will notice a 14-seat private dining room on the left juxtaposed by a corral housing Louis, Westwood’s mechanical bull, on the right. The entrance visually represents the restaurant’s unique blend of elevated dining and famous country-style entertainment. The focal point of the 8500-square-foot space is a stage where guests can enjoy instructor-led line dancing on Thursdays and live country music on weekends. The main dining room extends into an upper-level porch, which offers open-air seating. Adjacent to the dining room is a 20-seat bar boasting more than 100 types of bourbon.
The cocktail program, designed by Proof Positive’s beverage director, Sean Doolan, emphasizes playful riffs on classic cocktails and whiskey-based drinks crafted with artisan spirits and housemade cordials, syrups, and tinctures. Doolan’s award-winning horchata-infused Espresso Martini, recognized as one of the top five in the nation by Tasting Table Magazine, is a highlight. The members-only Smoked Spirit Society offers perks, including four bottles of Westwood’s single barrel selections, exclusive events, and discounted bourbon pours. The beverage program includes a comprehensive California-focused wine list and a selection of low-ABV and non-alcoholic drinks.
“Westwood Coast is where fine dining meets fun,” says General Manager Michael Ruiz. “We’ve curated an elevated menu and bar program that caters to discerning diners, while our lively entertainment offerings ensure that every visit is a memorable experience.”
Westwood Coast is located at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa (1870 Harbor Blvd.) and will be open for dinner Tuesday – Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. entertainment and live music nightly. Brunch will be served Friday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information, visit their website and connect on Instagram.
