The Wild Son

The Wild Son reminds me somewhat of a tiki beach bar. It’s super casual, with almost half the seating being made up of bar stools at the long bar. Directly across the bar are a row of tables for two, maybe 8 or 10 in total, and that’s it. It seems so unassuming, like a place you’d go after a long day of surfing just to shove a burger in your mouth to recover from the hot sun and day of activity, but it’s so much more nuanced than that.

For one, the dishes are much more complex than I would have imagined. For two, the quality of ingredients they use is outrageously good. Two immediate examples come to mind.

First example: I can’t seem to eat any meal these days that doesn’t involve copious amounts of bread, so I’m always ordering a side of toast or some such. I ordered a side of multi-grain, expecting the standard stuff. What I got was one of the best breads I’ve ever eaten in my life. They apparently get their breads from Grandaisy Bakery, one of the best bakeries around, and this 7-grain bread is seriously the bomb. It is incredibly dense, super seedy, and just the most flavorful thing ever. I devoured the side of toast. Then I promptly ordered a second side of toast.

Second example: I asked for a side of ketchup to use on my egg scramble and was given a tiny squeeze bottle with a printed label that merely said ketchup. It was easily one of the best ketchups I’ve ever tried. I asked if it was homemade and I was told that it was Sir Kensington brand ketchup. I had never had nor even heard of Sir Kensington brand ketchup and had never had Grandaisy’s 7-grain, but both were standout selections. The Wild Son sure does know how to pick its suppliers!

Anyway, it’s almost as though the food here was too good for the place. Because it’s so tiny, it’s always running a wait. But a lot of patrons also just come here for the drinks which are wildly inventive. Though they have what looks like a standard cocktail list, each of the cocktails is made with a big twist. The Bloody Mary, for example is made with beet and carrot instead of tomato juice, their mimosa has grapefruit and ginger juices in addition to the classic orange, and their margarita includes kale and ginger.

Of the food dishes, I particularly love the Grain and Egg Bowl, which comes with crispy grains, diced seasonal vegetables, greens, and a sunny egg. But the Blueberry Corn Waffle (with honey butter and homemade clabber cream) and the Good Morning Sunshine (sunny egg, pulled braised bacon, avocado, heirloom tomato, and rosemary aioli on brioche) are very popular choices.

The food is fantastic, but do note that it’s not the type of place you’ll want to lounge in and relax for hours as it’s not particularly comfortable (small, cramped, and during peak times a bit chaotic). But I say if you’re in the area, are up for no frills, and especially if by some chance there’s no wait, definitely give this place a try.

The Wild Son