Moe’s in Mission Beach opened its doors to the public on March 4 after two years of planning, renovating, and creating. Taking over the iconic Mission Boulevard building known to many as Saska’s, this new concept from OMG Hospitality purposefully retains much of what made it loved by the surrounding community.
Purchased in 2020 by local restauranteur Eric Leitstein, owner of OMG Hospitality, Moe’s pays homage to its predecessor and the steakhouses of its original era. The name is a tribute to Leitstein’s grandfather, Moe, who inspired him to pursue a career in the restaurant industry.
“I purchased the property to keep the business local and continue a family-owned operation in Mission Beach. We were fortunate to acquire this iconic location. Our goal is to continue the legacy and traditions of serving the local community,” said Leitstein.
Moe’s menu features premium hand-cut steaks, housemade pastas, and a full bar that combines classic cocktails and modern libations. Executive chef J. Scollon delivers menu highlights including a pear and prosciutto-wrapped burrata appetizer, handmade ricotta agnolotti with kabocha squash, and a crispy skin salmon with shrimp risotto. Scollon’s showstopper is sure to be the shareable 40-ounce Bistecca Fiorentina served with fresh salsa verde.
The restaurant team is led by Brent Noll, general manager and certified sommelier, with support from OMG veteran Luke Corsano as service manager. The cocktail program from long-time OMG Hospitality mixologist, Daniel Vargas, combines the best of the classics and contemporaries.
While OMG Hospitality and San Diego design and fabrication studio Tecture retained much of the building’s exterior and footprint, visitors will now enjoy a noticeably more open seating concept with bar, booth, and high-top options. The existing bar top and unique overhead lighting remained, but the back bar display was enhanced and modernized.
Most notably, large retracting windows were added for increased natural light and spatial flow. Standout fixtures, including the original Saska’s dining room red booths, were also carefully preserved and used within the new design.
“I want people to feel comfortable when they step into Moe’s. Our goal was not to eliminate the foundation of what was here but to elevate the food, drinks, and space. We look forward to a whole new generation falling in love with Mission Beach’s only steakhouse,” added Leitstein.
Currently, Moe’s is open seven days a week for dinner only. Reservations are required for the dining room, while bar seating is open.
To learn more, visit moesmissionbeach.com or follow on Instagram @moesmissionbeach.
