Sea180 Coastal Tavern

We've been dining at Cohn restaurants for years now (happy birthday babe!) and finally made it out to Sea180° Coastal Tavern. There's one main reason for the tardiness... it's a 40+ minute drive for us to Imperial Beach! Still, the allure of Cohn Anniversary week had us going the distance. A two-course meal was the price of the year which meant $20.17! Street parking was easy peasy in January too!

Sea180 Coastal Tavern view of Imperial Beach

The restaurant is part of the Pier South Resort. Their patio was perfect for people watching along Imperial Beach shore though there was a bit of chill in the air.

Sea180 Coastal Tavern

I like the reflection of the waters and umbrella from this entrance. We cozied up on a patio table to browse the anniversary menu. First the appetizers...

Charred Butternut Squash Arancini at Sea 180 Coastal Tavern

Charred Butternut Squash Arancini - crispy risotto balls smothered in chorizo & white cheddar fondue

Charred Butternut Squash Arancini at Sea180 Coastal Tavern

The risotto was soft and easy to chew, enclosed by a thin but no longer crunchy fried shell. The endless sauce reminded me of Velveeta but a tad bit saltier with more spice. This arancini just couldn't compare to my first (and amazing) experience at Lorna's Italian Kitchen with my bookclub girls. I'm sure I'll make my way back with Dennis to confirm.

Arugula and Baby Beets Salad at Sea180 Coastal Tavern

Arugula & Baby Beets Salad - pecorino cheese, pistachios, tangerines, coriander vinaigrette

The total opposite of fried carbs would be this healthy salad. It was spread out on a rather large dish and dressed with an oil-based vinaigrette. Pushing aside the greens led to the hidden bed of beets which had slightly firm flesh and a very beety taste (less is better for me). What I liked best happened to be the tangerines giving it a splash of citrus sweet.

Fish and Chips at Sea180 Coastal Tavern

Fish & Chips - fresh local fish beer battered and fried, baja slaw, house tartar, malt vinegar, garlic herb fries

One of the most popular items on their menu was the fish and chips. We deemed this "nice breading" because it was not overbattered or too crunchy and the fish portion was plentiful. The accompanying tartar sauce was a bit more pickled than normal though. The bucket of fries didn't carry that much flavor but did remind Dennis of garlic chips. Last was the mild asian chili glaze flavored slaw but we mostly picked at it.

Mary's Farm Chicken at Sea180 Coastal Tavern

Mary's Farm Chicken - applewood slow smoked half chicken, fresh herb parisian gnocchi, wilted spinach, wild mushroom gravy

The rotisserie style chicken stayed moist and was quite filling overall! The heavier mushroom gravy was a bit overwhelming for me but Dennis liked the accompaniment. It's hidden from this angle but there's little doughy bits of gnocchi under there too! We were so stuffed at this point and got a box for the leftovers! Truth be told, you never need to order appetizers at Cohn restaurants!

Sea180 Coastal Tavern

We took pictures of the interior on our way out but seriously, when you're at a beach resort, everyone is drawn toward seating by the water and view! They do have this huge glass entrance which is pretty cool though.

Minimum wage crept up another dollar in 2017 and this was our first encounter with a surcharge (2%)! Since then, I've only seen the surcharge at one other restaurant plus other Cohn restaurants. At least we know the portions are always plentiful but we'll stick to the closer ones after this meal. Come for the view!

Sea180 Coastal Tavern
800 Seacoast Dr
Imperial Beach CA
(619) 631-4949

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Comments

Soo@hungryones.com's picture
Submitted by Soo@hungryones.com (not verified) on Thu, 03/16/2017 - 3:55pm

I like the looks of the fish and chips and the chicken. Maybe Maggie will drive me down there some weekend...

lynn's picture
Submitted by lynn on Sun, 03/19/2017 - 6:46pm

she's fast and you're right off the highway so maybe it would only take you 30 minutes =P

Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table's picture
Submitted by Laura @ Sprint ... (not verified) on Thu, 03/16/2017 - 5:01pm

I didn't even know this was there! What an incredible view.

lynn's picture
Submitted by lynn on Sun, 03/19/2017 - 6:48pm

that was my second time ever to IB! the first time was when a friend of mine was in town and I drove them from coronado and we ended up at the IB beach! no food that time though.

L's picture
Submitted by L (not verified) on Thu, 03/16/2017 - 8:00pm

I think I remember seeing this restaurant on SDRW, but forgot what they had. The chicken looks good! I thought all Cohn restaurants had a 3% surcharge unless it varies from restaurant to restaurant. Still wish they could incorporate prices into the menu instead.

On a random note, will you be going to the Taste of Morena or Taste of Julian in April? I always enjoy seeing your tasting event posts!

lynn's picture
Submitted by lynn on Sun, 03/19/2017 - 6:43pm

Hi L,
I'm not familiar with either of those events but will look into it! hubs likes to bike on Saturdays so I would need to find a partner in crime if I attended Julian (distance is far too)! the other is during Dennis's birthday week so we might be busy eating for his birthday post.

Faye's picture
Submitted by Faye (not verified) on Fri, 03/17/2017 - 3:31pm

We recently had brunch at Vintana and they had the 2% surcharge as well -

lynn's picture
Submitted by lynn on Sun, 03/19/2017 - 6:45pm

we had a surcharge at herringbone too but haven't really seen it anywhere else.

caninecologne's picture
Submitted by caninecologne (not verified) on Mon, 03/20/2017 - 7:50pm

I was just in IB today with my daughter and her friend (we ate at nearby Katy's Cafe). I love the view from Sea 180. I grew up down in the South Bay and IB was the beach we would always go to. It's changed a lot over the years and even has a pretty happening Farmers Market every Friday. Glad you had the chance to come here.

I've been there several times for happy hour and lunch with friends and co-workers. I really like their fish and chips there. I need to try those fried risotto balls that you had.

If you are ever down in IB again and looking for places to eat, along that same street is Coronado Brewing Company, Babycakes, Aroma Thai and IB Street Tacos (same owner of Tostadas and City Tacos in North Park).

lynn's picture
Submitted by lynn on Tue, 03/21/2017 - 12:20am

i biked in coronado once last year and we ate at CBC afterwards. i also have a $25 paper certificate for IB street tacos but at their prices, we would explode if we used the whole thing for just two people. i think we need some blogger friends to go eat tacos... i'd drive to meet up and look at the beach again =D

caninecologne's picture
Submitted by caninecologne (not verified) on Tue, 03/21/2017 - 8:27pm

True, $25 is a lot for 2 people to spend at that taco places although they did raise their price (which weren't reflected on their website). Let me know if you're ever down for tacos one of these weekends. We could do a mini crawl of all the stuff that's down there.