Sabor de Vida Brazilian Grill Review (Encinitas Restaurants)

Pricing:

$13-18 per entree with the appetizers around the $10 range.  Seems expensive at first but it's cheap for what you get.  LARGE quantities of food and really, really nice steaks (like, steak steak) and sausages for $15.  It's a deal. 

Distance:

In the LA Fitness shopping center near the El Camino Real and Encinitas Blvd. intersection.  5-10 minutes away for most Encinitas residents.

Thoughts:

This place is a hidden gem in Encinitas.  I live in constant fear of it shutting down because it's just so dang tasty and I don't understand how they can offer steaks for so cheap.  

Whatever.  Point being: it's good.  Really good.  And definitely different from your typical meat and potatoes kind of experience.  Everything has a Brazilian spin to it.  Brazilian spices on the meat, beans and rice on the side, etc...

I would say if there's one drawback it's the location.  It's kind of strange and out of the way.  The inside is nicely decorated but the bright lights don't really make for a romantic atmosphere if you're picky about that kind of thing. 

But definitely a place worth trying.  The food makes for great take out but it's also worth dining in if you're in the mood for some tasty cocktails.

83 Degrees Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)

Pricing:

Expensive for what you get.  All the starters are around $10 and the food $15+ per person.  We ordered the shrimp cocktail and got five pieces of shrimp.  For $9.  The cocktails are tasty but, again, expensive.  Expect to pay $10-12 per drink.

Distance:

Right off the Carlsbad Village Drive freeway exit.  Will take most Encinitas residents about 15-20 minutes  to drive there.

Thoughts:

Expensive but not obscene.  This is the kind of place that you would be willing to spend money on if the experience was right.  But it's not.  The service is terrible which makes you begrudge every cent.

We were seated fairly fast considering it was Friday night.  But the efficiency stopped there.  After staring at our minutes for about ten minutes a waitress finally showed up to take our drink order.  Took another fifteen minutes for our drinks to arrive and they came after our appetizer showed up.  After that our food was brought out by a series of lackeys.  We had to bother someone walking by to get waters since we were never asked if we'd like another cocktail.

The food itself was good but, again, this is the type of place where you want to be two cocktails in by the time your $15 burger arrives.  No such luck.  We ate our food... sat around for awhile... the waitress finally shows up to ask if we wanted anything else and we said no.  The check immediately arrives with the waitress all smiles and tries to start some friendly smalltalk with us about the Charger game.  Nice try.

So the concept of this restaurant is good for the location.  Like it serves the type of food and drinks that would be popular in Downtown Carlsbad.  But with the slow drink service, inattentive staff and obviously shoddy management I don't see this place lasting very long.

Thai Society Review (Encinitas Restaurants)

Pricing:

Bordering on pricey but not terrible.  Most of the appetizers are $8-10 and the entrees are $12-15.  So for two people you're going to be out $45 plus tip.

Distance:

Located in the Encinitas Ranch Town Center.  Close to the El Camino Real and Lucadia Blvd. intersection.  5-10 minutes away for most Encinitas residents.

Thoughts:

Before you read any further I need to admit that I'm not a Thai food fanatic in general.  I don't like food so spicy that you can barely see straight by the end of your meal and I don't much care for the fact that when you order Thai food it's usually a huge plate of the same.  Like a huge bowl of curry with a ton of rice.  Tasty but I like variety.

So now that you know my lack of Thai credentials... I do like Thai Society quite a bit.  I'm not sure how it stacks up compared to some of its more hardcore brethren but I appreciate the fact that you can order soup with more than one ingredient in it and entrees with equal amounts of meat and rice.

You can request an increase in spice level here but I've yet to encounter any plate that made me weep for mercy.  So if you're looking for that particular experience, I would try a different place.

The location is convenient for the Encinitas area.  There are people that eat there for lunch and dinner on a regular basis but I've never had to wait for a table making it a reliable go-to dinner place.  It has enough atmosphere to cater to a date night but the location (in a shopping center) is not especially romantic.  Maybe for a quick date?

Crazee Burger Review (San Diego Restaurants)

Pricing:
Much depends on what type of meat you choose for your burger.  If you go standard beef about $7-8.  If you prefer a more exotic experience it heads to the $15 range.

Distance:
This particular location is in Downtown San Diego area on 30th street.  From Encinitas it takes about 20-25 minutes to drive there.  I've heard they have another branch in Old Town.

Thoughts:
A gourmet burger experience with the atmosphere of a Denny's.  Their claim to fame being a wide variety of meat offerings.  Yes, there are some regular ol' burgers you can get here so those that prefer a plain patty will still have options.

For those bored with the plain patty experience, Crazee Burger will definitely add some spice to your life.  From alligator to kangaroo meat, there are quite a few intriguing selections that will make you want to come back for more.  There burgers are quite tasty.  I'm also a fan of some of the unusual toppings they pair the meat like whipped cream.  Whodathunk?

Overall, definitely worth a visit.  They have an excellent selection of beers on tap and it's just a fun, funky little place.

Gregorio's Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)

Pricing:
$10-17 for most of the pasta dishes.  They do serve steak and seafood which runs between $25-30.

Distance:
Right off of Carlsbad Village Drive in, what I consider, the thick of "Downtown Carlsbad."  About a 15-20 minute drive for most Encinitas residents.

Thoughts:
I love Gregorio's Fettuccine Alfredo.  It's a dish I don't normally go for when dining at Italian restaurants because the flavor dosen't compensate for the arteries I'm clogging.  At Gregorio's I make an exception.  It's totally worth it.  Their other food is also quite tasty.  I've yet to order a dish here I didn't thoroughly enjoy.  It's just that when I do order other things it's... not Fettuccine Alfredo.

Laid back, comfortable and delicious, Gregorio's is definitely worth making a trip to Carlsbad.  It's located in a fun area with lots of shopping.  So it you get there early enough there are things to do before and after eating (to walk off the tub of pasta you just consumed).  A perfect date spot or fun family outing.

Firehouse Subs Review (Encinitas Restaurants)

Pricing:
$6-9 for a sub.  About $10-12 for combos.  Not bad at all considering the size and quality of food that you're getting.

Distance:
Right by the El Camino Real/Encinitas Blvd. intersection.  5-10 minutes away for most Encinitas folks.

Thoughts:
This is not a low-calorie health food event.  But as far as subs oozing with tasty flavor go, Firehouse is not a bad option.  Despite my initial prediction, this is not just another Quiznos.  Firehouse definitely has its own distinct flavor.  The sales pitching being that all the meats and cheeses are smoked and then toasted.  Whatever.  It works.

The sandwich options here are of the hot/melted genre.  So don't expect anything light with cold, crisp lettuce.  All the subs are served with a signature pickle and if you dine-in you get to have some with their hot sauce corner.  They have over a dozen sauces to choose from that range mild to we-keep-it-behind-the-counter hot.  Yet another little thing that makes it feel unique from other sub places.

So if you're hungry and in the mood for a substantial lunch sandwich, it's worth checking out.  I've tried almost all of their subs by this point and I've yet to be disappointed.  However, if you're on a calorie counting health kick, you might want to look elsewhere.  This is not the type of establishment where you'll find lots of wraps/gluten free/salad options.

Ignite Bistro & Wine Spot (Carlsbad Restaurants)

Pricing:

$12-18.  Most of the options being around $15.  A few of the steak options run up to $22.  Fairly typical sit-down dining prices.

Distance:

At the intersection of El Camino Real and Alga.  About a 10-15 minute drive for most Encinitas residents.

Thoughts:

I'm not 100% certain what to think about Ignite.  It's just too.... much.  Too much blatant trendiness, too much of an attempt to be a wine bar, too many types of food... It's so much I'm not sure what unique thing I'm supposed to take away from the experience.

They offer a smattering of everything from fish tacos to pizza to calamari.    The food is good but other places are better.  Plus there really isn't a signature dish.  They don't specialize in a particular type of food nor to they offer a dessert that will induce stage three diabetes. 

They have wine but, surprisingly, this aspect of the restaurant (despite being called a wine spot) is not really emphasized.  Yes, there is an area where you can pick wine.  But it almost looks like it's wine on display rather than for shopping and drinking.  You walk right by it more often than not and the servers rarely drop lines like, "would you care to head over and choose a wine to drink?" (I've been to this restaurant multiple times).

The location is large, sporting tons of indoor seating along with an outside patio and bar.  If you wanted to hang out with friends and get a few drinks, this is probably the best feature about Ignite.  But again, this is not something you couldn't find just about anywhere else.  Right across the street are at least four equally good if not better dining experiences that also offer areas for the casual drinking experience.

So would I pitch a fit if I got invited here?  Nah.  It's not a bad experience.  But would I go out of my way to eat here?  Ehhh.....

Notorious Burgers Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)

Pricing:

$9-15 for a burger or sandwich.  The pre-made selections are $10/11.  It adds up if you do a custom built burger with a ton of extra toppings.

Distance:

In the shopping mall at the intersection of El Camino Real and Aviara Pkwy (the Vons and movie theater mall).  So an easy 10-15 minute drive for most Encinitas residents.

Thoughts:

This place is pretty simple.  Burgers and beer.  And holy meat patty, batman, is it good.  

There's wine too, of course, but it pales in comparison to what is possibly one of the best selections of local craft beers.  I would say that in the immediate area Encinitas Ale House is the only other place that offers more selection.  Notorious had at least fifteen beers on tap.  All craft beers and all tastefully chosen (like it's not just a bunch Red Trolley and Stone IPA).

The burgers are absolutely phenomenal.  All ingredients taste fresh and the meat is real.   Extra brownie points for having interesting appetizers.  Like crab and cheese fries instead of the usual nacho stack you see everywhere else.  There is no possible way to exit this restaurant still hungry.

After leaving here, I couldn't help but think, "Stand aside Counter Burger, here's your replacement."  The establishment is clean and the staff is friendly and helpful with beer selections (shock!).  Notorious Burger has definitely earned a place on my list of regular restaurants.

Solace & the Moonlight Longue Review (Encinitas Restaurants)

Pricing:

On the slightly expensive side.  You can get exotic cheese plate appetizers that can cost up to $18 and most of the entrees are $18-28.  Couple this with a few drinks and there's no way you're getting out of this place for less than $50.

Distance:

On the Highway 101.  At the E Street and 101 intersection.  About 10-15 minutes away for most Encinitas residents.

Thoughts:

Yet another "trendy" place that I went into with trepidation.  It's on the 101... it's a converted train station... it's right by a set of condos they're trying to sell for 500k... all signs pointed to expensive food that left you wanting for more after everything was said and done.

But I ended up being surprised by Solace.  We were seated in the restaurant after only waiting for a few minutes.  Yes, the cheese plate was expensive but really good.  All of the fruit and condiment sides were very thoughtfully put together so the tastes complemented one another.  And the burgers... this place serves the best burger I think I've ever had in my life.  So, SO good.

Their beer and wine selection was impressive.  They had a nice range of brews that you don't normally see on tap along with a few seasonal 22oz bottles you could buy.  All the wines they had were above average in quality.  Like you're actually buying a nice glass of wine when you're paying $10 and not just a cheap wine with a huge markup.

All in all, definitely worth checking out.  Yes, it was expensive.  But the kind of place you leave feeling like your money was well-spent for a nice evening out.

   

The Craftsman New American Tavern Review (Encinitas Restaurants)

Pricing:

Slightly expensive.  You're paying for the trendy atmosphere.  The starters and sides are about $8.  The main dishes range $15-25.

Distance:

On El Camino Real.  Close to the El Camino Real/Encinitas Blvd. intersection.  About a 10 minute drive for most Encinitas residents.

Thoughts:

I've been to The Craftsman a few times now and each time my opinion of the place has improved.  The first time I went my initial reaction was, "Great, another overpriced 'trendy' restaurant."  They serve you water in jam jars and I ordered the cheapest item on the menu (the burger) which was good but not great.

The subsequent times I dined at this restaurant I ended up splurging a bit more.  I tried their more expensive, less standard dishes, and another time I ordered off of the specials menu.  Spending the big bucks ended up being well worth it because each time the food was fantastic.  The steak that I ordered off the specials menu was possibly the most perfectly prepared piece of meat I've ever consumed.

Another plus for this restaurant is their tasteful wine and beer selection.  All their wines are above average for the standard restaurant and I appreciate the fact that they serve a number local brews other than just Stone IPA.

They don't take reservations for parties smaller than six but I've never had to wait more than twenty minutes for a table.  The out-of-the-way location makes it crowded but not ridiculously so.  So if you're in the mood to be spendy and want a nice night out, The Craftsman is not at all a bad way to go.

The Counter Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)

Pricing:

$12-15 for the burger depending on what you add.  French fries are sold separately.  So if you get fries and including drinks, you're going to be spending a little over $20 per person here.

Distance:
In The Forum strip mall which is right by the Calle Barcelona/El Camino Real intersection.  About 10 minutes away for Encinitas residents.

Thoughts:
I feel like The Counter is neither bad nor great.  The location in Carlsbad is a convenient one.  If you're out shopping it's a decent dining option because there's hardly ever a long wait to get seated (even on weekends).

The food is okay.  I like the flavor but it's not the juiciest burger I've ever had.  The fact that you have to order fries separately also kind of goes against the grain.  I could name a dozen other gourmet burger places that serve equal if not better food and the fries are always included.  Their salad bowl option is also iffy.  Sometimes the salad is fresh other times it tastes like it's been sitting in the bag too long.

I just feel like the pros and cons balance each other out to make an average dining experience.  This is a chain restaurant.  I know that concrete is hard to keep looking clean but many times I have walked inside and the whole place feels like no one has been through with a broom all day.

So not a bad option if you just want something quick and painless and there's a location right by you.  Would I go here for a special night out or really craving a good burger?  Probably not.

Calypso Cafe Review (Encinitas Restaurants)

Pricing:  
Really good happy hour specials, regular menu is kind of expensive.  At happy hour you can get $4 sangria and a tasty humongous salad for $7.  When it's not happy hour that same salad is $9 and the other, more standard, entrees are $22-28.

Distance:
On the Highway 101, close to where it intersects with Leucadia Blvd.  About a 10 minute drive for Encinitas locals.

Thoughts:
Calypso has arguably one of the best happy hour menus in town.  You can get a lot of fresh, good tasting food for fairly cheap.  Notice I said "fresh."  As opposed to a nacho stack with extra sour cream.  Not that I'm dissing the nacho stack.  It's just a different kind of food experience.

The rest of the menu I would classify as loosely as "Mediterranean" but with a California twist.  California Italian?  Whatever.  You'll have pasta options along with meats and seafood.  Your appetizers will range from caprese salad to lamb.

I've enjoyed every dish I've ever ordered at this restaurant.  I can't help but feel that some of the dishes, especially the meats, are slightly overpriced.  What is a $25 plate of pasta should really be more like $18. Yes, it's a huge plate of food with some nice shrimp on it.  But still.  It's pasta.  $25 buys be a really nice steak at pretty much every other restaurant.

Because of this I go here for the happy hour specials usually.  The place has a cozy feel to it and there's almost always live music which is a fun touch.  If you go on the weekend, be sure to call for reservations or you'll never get seated.