Which Wich Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)

Pricing:

They boast all over the restaurant that no matter which "wich" you pick it's $5.  But there's a lot of fine print to this.  If you want a slightly bigger sandwich or, say, a drink, you're going to be reasonably spending about $8 per person for lunch.

Distance:

Located in the Forum shopping center in Carlsbad.  5-10 minute drive for Encinitas residents.  Unless you get stuck in El Camino Real traffic.  Then it will take 20-30 minutes.

Thoughts:

I like Which Wich enough to be a repeat customer.  But I go there knowing that it's a slight rip-off.  Yes, the sandwiches are only $5 but so are the sandwiches at every other sub sandwich place.  $5 foot long, anyone?  So you basically are getting a sandwich that is the same price as everywhere else but is a lot smaller.  You do feel full when done.  But one still can't help but go "hmm...."

In their defense, I do feel like the ingredients are a lot more fresh than, say, Subway.  The toasted feature is also nice. In no way do I feel like this is a spin on Quiznos.  Which Wich is definitely its own flavor experience.

This particular location is a good one.  It's located in a higher end shopping plaza and has some nice outdoor seating which is a refreshing change from the sterile environment sub places usually boast.  Plus, it's right next door to a Cold Stone and a toy store.  So not at all a bad option for kids and adults alike.

The Fish Market Review (Solana Beach Restaurants)

Pricing:
Decent considering that they're selling fresh seafood.  Much will depend on what you feel like eating (lobster vs. salmon) and if it's in season or not.  Most of the entrees range from $16-28.


Distance:
Right off of the Via de la Valle exit.  About a 10-15 minute drive for Encinitas residents.


Thoughts:
I really enjoy The Fish Market.  Yes, it's a chain seafood restaurant but I think it's fair to say that you would never guess it walking in to any of locations.  The Solana Beach branch has been around forever.  Off the top of my head, I can't think of a better place around here to eat seafood (fish tacos don't count).

You wouldn't want to waltz in still covered in beach sand but the environment is very laid back.  I have a hard time enjoying myself at restaurants that feel a little too formal.  The Fish Market always feels cozy and friendly.

The food is fantastic but you have to like seafood.  Don't expect a whole lot of non-seafood options.  The entrees are filling all by themselves but many of their appetizers are just too tasty to pass up.  They have excellent clam chowder, shrimp cocktails, artichokes, etc...  They'll also do seasonal appetizers such as corn on the cob which I think is a nice touch.

When it's Del Mar Fair and Horse Racing seasons, this restaurant can be difficult to get into (it's right across the street from said locations).  Expect a 30 minute wait during those times.  The rest of the year, it's usually fairly easy to get seated.

Joey's Smokin' BBQ Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)

Pricing:

Not too bad.  Most of the entrees (pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, etc...) are about $8.  Every entree includes a side of your choice.  

Distance:

It's in the La Costa shopping center cornered by El Camino Real and Aviara Parkway.  Takes about 15 minutes to drive to from Encinitas.

Thoughts:

I confess that I have pretty high standards when it comes to barbeque.  I have visited Kansas City numerous times so I've had the original stuff.  The cooked-with-sauce-that-probably-was-made-in-the-Civil-War kind of original bbq.  And once you've gone to that level it's tough to look imitators in the eye.  But I do try because I like bbq.

Joey's Smokin' BBQ is not the original stuff.  It's not even good stuff.  It's corporate stuff.    The service was mediocre at best.  There's a soulless attempt at creating a Southern farm atmosphere.  And the food was average at best.  The whole experience was just... depressing.

I really can't see this place lasting.  There's no trademark sauce or anything that would make it remotely memorable.  Plus, there are a dozen other places where you could get pulled pork or ribs; practically every brewery restaurant serves them.

The only upside that I can see to Joey's is that it's cheap.  So I guess if you're looking for a lunch place and you don't feel like Subway, this could be an okay option.