Unkind, penciled licks from the Target.

Still I have the warmth of the sun
Within me tonight.    -Beach Boys
OC skyline from Cape Isle of Wight. February, 2018.

   Winter can be the  unkindest of seasons. Yet some people like the cold. Winter storms, snow, and all. But, they are people who usually live in Miami Beach for four months each year. Me? I miss the sun light. The ability to get outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun. No harsh wind in my face. Thus, we cut back each year. Avoid the bite of winter. The coastal waters are reading just above 40F. No surf. No beach. We meet sparingly. Just enough to keep the spark of the Crew burning.  So, we met for our third time in 2018. Watt's choice, in West OC, was the Full Moon Saloon. A gloomy, rainy night as I arrived just a little early. A saloon without the full moon. An omen? The Watt had guaranteed they would be on time, and for them maybe they were. But there was a problem upon arrival. The place was packed. Middle of February on Old Bridge Road in West OC. Packed. It was OC Jeep night in addition to the special of Chicken and Dumplings. We were thinking it was more about the Jeeps. 
   As we entered there were only a couple of tables available and we got seated in the back corner. Now on the winter side of offseason most restaurants need only one or two waitresses but with a full house they were truly understaffed. After waiting quite a while we considered leaving and trying our luck elsewhere. But with so few available options this time of year, our debate bought enough time for our waitress to find us. LWatt ordered a Margarita and Wattman a Yuengling. The first Margarita attempt was sent back. No salt. No tequila. The second wasn't much of an improvement.  While it was modestly priced if you don't finish it what does that matter? Wattman's beer came in a glass that wasn't chilled...only marginally cold...not cool. At this point we were hoping our meal would be better. We ordered the Mild Buffalo Wings, Pork BBQ Sliders, and Cold Smoked Tuna. The wings were the only decent part of the night.

While small, they had a smoky flavor with a nice, unexpected back end kick. The Pork BBQ Sliders were Carolina/Vinegar style and we were not expecting this based on their description in the menu. The Tuna was a major disappointment. While any smoked fish can be dry, to enjoy this at all required a large dap of the mustard sauce. Thus, our night was not the success we had hoped. With no music, and only mildly adequate service due to the crowds, we left early into the rainy night.  An unkind evening combined with a disappointing experience. Our last visit three years ago, when Full Moon first opened, dispensed similar results. You'd think they'd have it down by now. Our expectations are high. Our reviews rigid. The road will be littered with dives like this. The Patrol begins...

THE RATING-

Mild Smoked Buffalo Wings: B

Pork BBQ Sliders: C

Smoked Tuna: C-

Beer: D

Atmosphere: C-

Value: C

Overall Score = 1.92