The Coaster Saloon prides itself on being the home of the largest high-definition projection screen in all the San Diego beach area. With dimensions of roughly 20 feet by 20 feet, visitors can sit on the patio and still feel like they are sitting in the stadium for all the remaining NFL postseason action. Coaster Saloon is located at 744 Ventura Place in Mission Beach, directly across the street from Belmont Park and the famous — that’s, right, you guessed it — rollercoaster. As I looked at the screen, I joked, “I bet it would be awesome to play Nintendo’s Wii bowling on this thing.” I must be psychic, because apparently on Wednesday nights this gigantic monument to live sports transforms into the host of the Wii bowling tournament. If you have not played Wii on 20 feet of TV screen, I suggest you try it, because it is amazing. In addition to interaction and television viewing, Coaster Saloon offers more than 30 beers on tap and an extensive menu, including everything from seafood to steaks. Not only that, but from Mondays through Fridays between 5 and 7 p.m., everything is half price, according to Scotty, Coaster Saloon’s head chef. Scotty assured me that owner John Renna and his general manager son, Darren, want to create a place where folks can come in after a long day at work to enjoy the beach, have a nice meal and watch the sun set. Isn’t it nice to know that after you put a 100 percent effort into your day that there is one place that you go to get at least 50 percent back on anything they offer — not just a few select items like chips and salsa? To add to the fun, Coaster Saloon is introducing a new menu in January. Two items that Chef Scotty allowed me to preview while I was there were a new malted waffle (available on the breakfast menu) and a new Florentine stuffed-chicken sandwich. Delicious! If you love high-definition televisions and great food, coast down to the Coaster Saloon, where it’s all larger than life. For more information, visit www.coastersaloon.com, or call (858) 488-4438. — Walter Ruskin is a member of the San Diego Community Newspaper Group’s “Ugly News Team.” Catch his videos and interviews at www.sdnews.com.
