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Carlsbad Restaurants You Won’t Want to Miss


They don’t say that “coast life is the best life” for just any reason. When you live or vacation on the coast, you will find some of the best activities to try — and, more importantly, the best and unique restaurants, especially if you are vacationing or live in Carlsbad. There’s so much luxury and opportunity that comes with this city.

Carlsbad has always been known as one of the wealthiest cities in North County, San Diego, and is the fifth-richest city in California alone. Tourism plays a significant role in why Carlsbad is so affluent, and there are several luxury resorts in this neighborhood (Camp Rey Carlsbad Beach and the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa). In addition to these luxury resorts and spas, there are also countless restaurants to dine in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Below is a guide to some of the best restaurants in Carlsbad Village.

Barrel Republic

Photo courtesy of Barrel Republic
 
If you’ve ever craved a variety of local craft beer and hard ciders in one sitting, now you have your chance! The Barrel Republic is a favorite local destination because it’s home to dozens of local, regional, and national craft beers and hard ciders. With three locations in Oceanside, Escondido, and Carlsbad, Barrel Republic takes pride in supporting the beer crafters of its community.

The Carlsbad location offers over 50 beer taps and six wine taps. No need to wait on a bartender to serve you, either. Help yourself to the selections on tap by using their innovative self-pour system: simply swipe your wristband over the beer, wine, or cider of your choice and fill your glass with as much as you’d like. At the Barrel Republic, you pay by the ounce for an easy transaction at the end of the day.

Pair your top brews with all-American favorites like a bacon-wrapped pork belly and crispy avocado grilled cheese or fried pickles. Add a small appetizer or a shareable dish for the table, including one of their flatbreads, burgers, and sandwiches. Also up for consideration is Barrel Republic’s famous chuck Barrel Burger served on a brioche bun.

This delicious restaurant is more than just a spot to enjoy great drinks and comfort meals — it’s also a great spot to meet up with friends for trivia nights, special Paint and Sip evenings, and live music. A coveted spot for sunsets, make a reservation early enough to not miss the spectacular views from your table. Depending on the time of the year, you can also catch sight of the bioluminescence along the water, visible algae that glow in the dark in Carlsbad’s calm ocean.

Campfire

Photo courtesy of Campfire
 
Campfire offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy Carlsbad’s coastal scene in an intimate setting with fine dining selections like beef tartare, roasted fish, and s’mores you can cook straight over the campfire yourself. Pair their rainbow trout from the winter menu with one of the specialty-made cocktails, like the Lower East #2 or the Coast of Gold. Campfire offers a seasonal menu and is a popular spot for its unique cocktail and wine selections.

The Compass

Photo courtesy of The Compass
 
You won’t find a better spot to grab drinks and snack bites than The Compass in Carlsbad Village. Located on the upper level of The Village Faire complex, The Compass is the perfect spot to start your night out with friends. Small and intimate but high-end and classy, The Compass is known for its beer, cocktails, wines, and fabulous food. The restaurant serves brunch, lunch, dinner, and a special late-night menu.

A few guest favorites off their brunch menu include the biscuits and gravy, the “Big Jess'' sandwich, and The Compass Brunch Sliders, all of which would pair well with a bottomless mimosa. Try the bacon-wrapped dates, the most popular menu item at The Compass!

Well-known for its sandwiches and burgers, all menu items at The Compass pair well with the beer and hard cider collections. Burger and sandwich options include The Compass Burger (the local favorite), the lamb burger, and Kobe sliders. Happy Hour and Wine menus are offered daily from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and feature $2 off craft beers, $2 off cocktails, $2 off wine by the glass, and many other options. Happy Hour snacks include shrimp tacos, wings, loaded tater tots, truffled herbed popcorn, and a few other selections. Whether meeting for a dinner date or with a group of friends to catch up, The Compass in Carlsbad Village will not disappoint.

Jeune Jolie

Photo courtesy of Jeune Jolie
 
If you’re in the mood for some incredible French cuisine by way of Southern California, you’ll absolutely love Jeune Jolie. This upscale eatery offers a four-course prix fixe menu where guests can customize their dining experience. Enjoy delicacies like ricotta dumplings, veal sweetbreads, or duck with black trumpet mushrooms and parsnip. Enjoy the beautiful dining room or relax on the garden patio on a warm night!

Jeune Jolie also offers “Le Menu du Bar,” an a la carte menu for any guests dining at the bar and lounge. This menu changes seasonally, and diners can also order a variety of handcrafted cocktails or choose from a selection of fine wines.

Park 101

Photo courtesy of Park 101
 
When you dine at Park 101, you will notice a unique set of community dining and lounging in the heart of Carlsbad Village. Park 101 offers a small intimate atmosphere for those who want to enjoy close friends, family, pets, and even just yourself. This hot spot ensures something for everyone to enjoy with its 8,000-square-foot, multi-level, plaza-style complex. Enjoy a meal and a cocktail on the first floor, or head to the back of the restaurant for a quick game of pool or cornhole. Wide-screen TVs line the perimeter of the dining space, allowing guests to catch a game, and firepits adorn the outside areas, which is perfect for chilly nights. Park 101 even offers a designated dog park for your furry friends to run around and burn off some energy while you dine!

The second floor features more seating options, pool tables, and other games. Overlooking the rest of Carlsbad Village and its beach, Park 101 proudly serves Southern California and all-American cuisine. Favorite dishes from the menus include the Pulled Pork Sando, The Chick, St. Louis ribs, shrimp and brisket tacos, California lobster roll, and more. Park 101 also features a weekend brunch menu and a daily “on-the-go” menu for those picking up a quick bite.

Another reason Park 101 is such a great spot to dine is because of its location — within walking distance of other bars, coffee shops, spas, and small shopping boutiques, this is one of the best centrally-located destinations in Carlsbad. You can expect to find unique clothing, accessories, and decor when you shop in the Village Faire — there’s even a chocolate shop less than a block away!

If you’re considering moving to Carlsbad, contact Lynda Wennerstrom and Associates today to get started on your real estate journey. Lynda and her team know the Carlsbad community inside and out and offer unparalleled service to those buying or selling a property in this beautiful Southern California neighborhood. With a variety of properties for sale in Carlsbad, let Lynda and her team help you find your next dream home in paradise!



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