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.

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.

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.

Swami's Cafe Review (Encinitas Restaurants)

Pricing:

Expect to pay about $10-18 per entree whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Distance:

There are several locations.  There's one on the coast highway and the new one that just opened up is close to the El Camino Real/Encinitas Blvd. intersection.  Both places take 5-10 minutes to drive to.

Thoughts:

While there are crossover dishes, the vibe of the Swami's close to the El Camino/Encinitas Blvd. area is very different from the Highway 101 establishment.  This review will primarily focus on the former location rather than the latter. 

While the coast highway location is frequently packed and has a distinct earthy quality, this location definitely took a few cues from Beachgrass (the restaurant that used to occupy that building before Swami's).  In fact, the dinner menu is almost identical to what Beachgrass used to offer.   Expect flat-ironed steak, stuffed chicken and ahi as your food options.

The "Swami's" menu can be seen more during breakfast and lunch.  Along with more traditional omelets and club sandwiches, you can also find a few tofu type of dishes.  Plus, there's the selection of famous Swami's smoothies.

While the view is somewhat lacking, I actually like this new Swami's better than the coast highway edition.   It's closer to where I live and there's never a wait to get inside.  The food is quite good.  So regardless of what time of day you go, it's going to be a fast sit-down dining experience.

My only complaint is the erratic nature in the quality of their service.  This entire restaurant seems entirely dependent on the manager.  If she's there, everything goes well.  If she's not, it's anyone's game.  Special food adjustments won't be made, you'll order sides and get the wrong ones, your smoothie never shows up, your standard entree will be missing ingredients, etc.

So if you are laid back enough to be able to roll with these possibilites, I highly recommend Swami's.  If you're the type of person where you would find this annoying, you should probably go elsewhere.

Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)

Pricing:

It's going to be about $9-12 per entree.  This means you pick your main dish plus two sides.  They do serve wine and beer here.  So if you get drinks it will be about $18 a person.

Distance:

In the La Costa area of Carlsbad.  Right on the corner of Avaria Parkway and El Camino Real.  Theoretically close to Encinitas.  If you hit all the lights, 10 minutes.  If you don't, 20 minutes. 

Thoughts:

An interesting establishment.  I was a little thrown off at first by the "fresh kitchen" title.  Like, what the heck does that even mean?  Tin Leaf is a walk in, order and then sit down to eat type of place.  So this also makes it easy for take out.

Essentially, the menu consists of fresh American food options.  So you'll have options like soup and salad along with meatloaf, mac and cheese or turkey breast.  While not exactly a gourmet steak or farmer's market, it is fresher than a fast food joint.  I would place it in the same genre as Panera Bread.

The food is quite good and not at all a bad option for a fast, sit-down lunch or dinner.  I've yet to order something I didn't like.  There are enough menu options to appeal to both health conscious parents and hungry kids.

Chart House Review (Cardiff by Sea Restaurants)

Pricing:
Expensive.  With fresh fish, steak and lobster, you could hardly expect otherwise.  Most of the entrees are between $20-32.


Distance:
A Cardiff restaurant on the Highway 101.  Right across the street from Las Olas.  Will be about a 10 minute drive for most Encinitas residents.


Thoughts:
The Chart House is practically a landmark in the Encinitas/Cardiff area.  It's kind of the go-to nice restaurant around here.  Yes, there is plenty of nice dining in Del Mar or La Jolla.  But in Encinitas, you go to Chart House to spend the big bucks.

The food is fantastic, the service is great and the view is unparalleled.  With windows on practically all sides of the restaurant, there's not a bad seat in the house.  Sometimes it seems like the food is just there to add to the view rather than the other way around.

Sure, you'll be forking over the big bucks to eat here.  But if you're celebrating a special occasion, it's really a classy way to go.  I've never had a meal here I didn't like.  The menu has a nice range of selection so there's sure to be something to please everyone.  Plus, their chocolate lava cake is died-and-gone-to-heaven delicious.

I would highly recommend making a point to visit the Chart House at least once if you haven't.  As I said before, it makes for a classy special occasion.  For everyday dining?  You'd have to have a lot more money than I.

Elevation Burger Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)

Pricing:

The burgers themselves are $4-6.  So slightly more than going to McDonald's.  Slightly less than going to a sit down burger joint like The Counter.  The french fries are separate and cost about $3.  A single order of fries is definitely large enough to share.

Distance:

In that same new Carlsbad (La Costa) shopping center as Tommy V's.  It takes about 20 minutes to get to whether you take back roads or the freeway.

Thoughts:

It was kind of strange walking into this place.  It felt like I had just entered a parallel universe and Elevation Burger was what they called their Five Guys.  Because it was Five Guys.  Only it was blue and not red.  And there weren't any peanuts.

The format was exactly the same "build it yourself" high end fast food style.  There are posters everywhere with pictures of cows and farms that boast over how organic their meat is.  Whatever.  If the meat was that organic they wouldn't be charging only $4 for it.

But I digress.  I admit, I liked this place more than Five Guys.  It was less greasy and more flavorful.  The fries were freshly cut and cooked.  I also appreciated the fact that their milkshakes contained actual fruit (it was frozen fruit, but still).

The major drawback to Elevation Burger is the out-of-the-way-deep-La-Costa location.  Yes, I liked it more than Five Guys.  But was it so much better that it warrants a twenty minute drive...?  No.  If I was in the area, however, I would definitely seek it out again.

Tommy V's Urban Kitchen and Bar Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)

Pricing:
This is one of those places where the appetizers will get ya.  At $9-12 for snackage, it costs almost as much as their entrees which run in the $12-18.


Distance:
Nestled in the La Costa part of Carlsbad which means that there's no quick way to get there.  From the freeway it takes 20 minutes to get there because you have to drive on Palomar Airport Road for awhile.  Even if you opt for a non-freeway route it will still take about 20 minutes to drive to from Encinitas because it's impossible to hit every light green.  Trust me, I've tried.


Thoughts:
I was actually kind of pleasantly surprised by this place.  I admit, I approached it with a skeptical eyebrow raised.  It's in a newly developed commercial area in La Costa that seems to want to give off an "urban trendy" vibe.  I'm extremely wary of trendy restaurants because it usually just means below average food for a higher than average price.

Part of my theory rang true with Tommy V's.  The prices are slightly higher than they probably really should be.  Especially considering that the portions are, well, average.  However, the food is quite good.  Though this is not a strictly Italian restaurant, they do offer quite a few Italian dishes.  The lasagna that I had was better than a lot of Italian-only places I've tried.

I will also give Tommy V's points for having some interesting dishes.  I find it refreshing to have a choice of both classic food options and options with a little bit of a "spin" on them (such as a salad with duck on top).

I also wasn't at all disappointed with their appetizers even though they were a bit on the expensive side.  With a large portion of this restaurant devoted to an enormous bar counter, you can tell it caters to an after-work crowd.

So I will admit that Tommy V's didn't entirely fall into the trendy trap.  And despite the dubious "urban kitchen" title (I mean, what the heck does that even mean?) the food is tasty.  Definitely worth a shot if you want to try and mix up your regular restaurant rotation list.

California Pizza Kitchen Review (Solana Beach Restaurants)

Pricing:

Not too bad, actually.  Your pizza/pasta dishes are $8-12.  However, when you order an entree it's only pizza or only pasta.  So if you want some variety, you'll have to order something like a salad separate.  The salads and appetizers are $6-10.  Most of the salads are large enough to share.

Distance:

This restaurant is a chain so there are several locations around San Diego.  The closest one to Encinitas folks is in Solana Beach on the Highway 101.  About a 10 minute drive.

Thoughts:

I kind of wish I could enjoy California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) more than I really do.  Because there are just so many good things about this restaurant!  However, every time I go I just end up thinking "meh."

Let's start with the pros.  The food isn't bad.  The menu is a nice mix between standard pepperoni pizza choices and slightly more adventurous Gorgonzola/pine nut/pear pizza options.  I like adventurous pizza so this aspect to the restaurant appeals to me. 

CPK is also a chain located in several areas around San Diego including Solana Beach, La Jolla and downtown San Diego area (off Friars Road).  These locations make it a reliable, convenient choice.  I've never had to wait longer than 20 minutes at any location.  So if you're starving, it's the kind of place you know you could get into on a Friday/Saturday night in areas of San Diego that normally tend to be more crowded.

The cons?  While the food isn't bad, it's not great either.  Nothing I've had at CPK has been especially memorable.  I don't mind eating the food but there's really nothing "signature" about a CPK pizza.  I would just as soon get a pizza from any other place.

However, I will admit that CPK is a great place to take kids.  It's definitely a step up from Pizza Hut but still has the kind of things that kids like to eat.  So as a family outing it's a good option.  As a going out on the town with your date option?  Meh.

The Tractor Room Review (San Diego Restaurants)

Pricing:

The food is on the pricey side.  Most of the entrees are in the $15-18 range.  A major part of their menu is selecting a few of their side dishes (big enough to share) to accompany your entrees.  The side dishes are an extra $5-8 apiece.

Distance:

A downtown San Diego restaurant.  You take the 163 and then get off on Robinson Ave.  The Tractor Room is on 5th Ave which intersects with Robinson.  Bring change for parking, it can get a little crowded at night.  Takes about 20 minutes to drive there and then what sometimes feels like an hour to park.

Thoughts:

It's cozy, it's cooky, it has cocktails... The Tractor Room is the perfect date night getaway.  The menu selections are not your standard burger/pizza/pasta choices.  So you're going to have to be a little adventurous and maybe order duck kabobs or a lamb burger instead.  Don't worry, the food is all excellent and you can tell your friends that you tried something exotic.

The food is a little too expensive to for me to put The Tractor Room on the regular rotation (plus, it's a little far).  It's also wise to make a reservation with this place.  However, all these things combined make it a fantastic date night.  You can hear the person you're eating with talk.  I also think having to share the side dishes makes things fun.  It gives you something to argue about.

The Tractor Room is kind of has an artsy vibe to it.  It's definitely not mainstream.  Which I think works to it's advantage.  If you're on a first date you can impress your date at your knowledge of the town.  If you've been with your significant other for awhile, you feel like you got out of the house and didn't just go to the local pizza joint for dinner.

Mama Kat's Restaurant & Pie Shop Review (San Marcos Restaurants)

Pricing:

Pretty cheap for a non-chain breakfast/lunch restaurant.  The main courses are $7-12.  And then you'll have to get pie which is about $3 a slice.  Two people can go here and each get coffee, breakfast and a slice of pie and the total bill will be about $35.

Distance:

A San Marcos restaurant.  It's technically on restaurant row though a little out of the way of the mainstream places there.  The street you turn on is called Park.  Just past the movie theater and Fry's.  Takes about 15 minutes to drive there.

Thoughts:

This place markets itself as being good ol' home-style cookin'.  I've never totally understood that phrase.  If you want home-style cooking, why are you going out to eat?  Whatever.  Basically, their entire menu specializes in comfort foods.

For the most part, all the food they use grease to cook is fantastic.  Their potatoes and eggs are oozing with flavor.  Where Mama Kat's falls short is in the fresh produce category.  As an example, one of their featured dishes is the Eggs Benedict.  The English muffin, egg and hollandaise sauce are all delicious.  Order these eggs with a slice of tomato or avocado... even the good flavor of the other ingredients doesn't cancel out the fact that the tomato and avocado are clearly not ripe.  Like, hard as a rock not ripe.

I feel that since they are a San Diego restaurant, serving really bad avocados is a pretty serious offense.  But not bad enough to totally turn me off from this place.  The staff is really friendly and the overall experience is a good one.  Just read through their menu with a wary eye.

The Cottage Review (La Jolla Restaurants)

Pricing:  

A cute but pricey little breakfast/lunch/dinner place.  Breakfast ranges $10-12.  Lunch is going to be more $12-15.  Dinner starts heading to the $18-22.  The portions are satisfying and tasty but not enormous.  Expect salads and panini for your $12 at lunch.

Distance:

A La Jolla restaurant.  It's right off Prospect St. (as most things are in La Jolla).  From Encinitas, it only takes about 15 minutes to drive to the La Jolla Blvd. exit on the freeway.  Depending on the time of day you go, getting into La Jolla can take a whole lot longer.

Thoughts:

I like this place though it would never be somewhere I go on a regular basis due to the whole price/portions issue.  But the food is very good and is definitely the kind of place I would go to with my mom or friends to have a meal and chat.  

Though it's not a kid-friendly breakfast place, it has a somewhat relaxed environment in the afternoon.  I like that it's slightly away from the main La Jolla streets so you can sit outside and still hear the person you're with speak.

At night, The Cottage goes from a girl gossip haunt to more date-night.  It cleans up nicely and the wine selection is good.  A perfect place to spend an evening getting to know someone.

Beachside Bar & Grill Review (Encinitas Restaurants)

Pricing:  

Most of your selections will range from $8-12 per plate.  As most of the entrees are essentially "finger foods" (panini, pizza, etc...), this is actually not a bad place to go during happy hour and just ordering a bunch of appetizers as your meal.

Distance:  

An Encinitas restaurant.  On the highway 101.  Close to Encinitas Blvd.  Takes about 5-10 minutes to get there.

Thoughts:  

Very much a laid back bar type environment.  While many of the restaurants on the 101 are more "date night," this place is definitely more "game night."  With a TV easily viewed from most angles in the restaurant and a nice open air feel, it's not a bad way to go.

This place is a bar.  So it has more than five beers to choose from which is nice.  As I mentioned in the pricing section, going during happy hour is a really good deal.  Order some nachos, soup and chicken tenders (all on their appetizer menu) and you'll have a pretty substantial meal in front of you that is easily shared.

Beachside Bar & Grill is a fun place to go with friends and just hang out for a few hours.  But definitely don't take the friends that are on some sort of health food/no soy/gluten free kind of diet.  They won't find much to eat here.

Cheesecake Factory Review (San Diego Restaurants)

Pricing:

Most of their dishes range from $10-25.  They have an enormous selection of food.  Everything from burgers to pasta to steak and seafood.  Be warned: where they nail you is in the drinks and dessert.  They don't list prices for any of their mixed alcoholic beverages but each one costs about $10.  Plus you have to get cheesecake for dessert which is another $5-7 a slice.

Distance:

There are a few located around San Diego.  But the closest one to Encinitas folk is the restaurant located in the Fashion Valley mall in the city of San Diego area.  It's right off Friar's Rd.  Takes about 20 minutes to drive there.

Thoughts:

Much like Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, this place is an event.  On any given night you're looking at at least a 20 minute wait.  Fortunately, the location I mentioned is right by a mall, so it's easy to kill time while you're waiting.

Once finally seated, you are presented with a short novel they like to call their "menu."  It's overwhelming how many food choices they have.  This does make it nice for large parties as there is sure to be something for everyone.  The actual entrees are quite good.  I've been to this place several times and I've yet to have a meal I didn't like.  Don't expect to win any weight loss points though.  

Which brings us to the highlight of the evening: the cheesecake.  Keeping with the theme, the cheesecake menu is just as overwhelming as everything else.  You look over the mouth-watering list and find yourself thinking "Oh god, I am not going to fit in my pants after this."  You can order an entire cheesecake or individual slices.  Due to the sheer number of flavor selections, I find it's fun to order several slices and everyone can sample.

The Cheesecake Factory is not a quick and easy dinner.  It's a "let's do something!" dinner.  The atmosphere is fun.  Since the one in San Diego is by a mall, the dress code is pretty laid back as most of the people are eating after a day of shopping.

Ki's Review (Cardiff By Sea Restaurants)

Pricing:

Ki's offers breakfast through dinner.  So the prices vary depending on which meal you're on.  Breakfast and lunch is about $6-12 per entree.  Dinner is in the $10-25 range.

Distance:

A Cardiff restaurant.  On the highway 101 so very close to most Encinitas residents.  Right next to Las Olas and Yogi's bar.

Thoughts:

The picture does not do Ki's justice.  One of the major selling points is that right across the street is the ocean.  So if you want breakfast with a view, this is your place.

Ki's is unusual in that it does offer all three meals over the course of the day.  There are set hours for each type of meal, so don't expect to be eating breakfast for dinner here.  During the day, it's a laid back beach place.  They pride themselves on serving fresh, organic food.  So you can get humongous omelettes that actually feel somewhat healthy.  They're not swimming in grease.

At night, this restaurant completely changes.  It's not at all uncommon for live music to be present on the weekends.  The dinner menu is a little bit more refined.  Expect to see your standard steak or fish served with some interesting sauces or sides.  For example, one of my favorite appetizers there is a quesadilla that has brie, avocados and mangoes.  Sounds like a strange combination, right?  But it's really tasty.  So you do have to be willing to try new things in order to get the most out of this place.

Their wine list is also impressive.  It's not more or less extensive than any other restaurant.  They just have some really nice ones to choose from.  One nice little feature on the dinner menu is they offer food and wine pairings.

I only really have one complaint about Ki's.  90% of the time, the food and service is fantastic.  But every once in awhile, it seems like they have their "B team" running the entire establishment.  Incorrect orders will arrive or the food will be cold... things like that.  It doesn't happen often enough to turn me away from this place.  I still frequent it on a regular basis.  But when everyone at your table has something wrong with their meal, you know something is up.

Karl Strauss Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)

Pricing:

There's actually a wide range on their menu.  Most of the burger/sandwich/pasta dishes are about $10-15.  But you can definitely go all out with steak which ranges from $25-32 depending on the cut.  The beer is about $6 a glass.  Every Thursday is cask night and the price of beer is reduced to $4.

Distance:

There are several locations around San Diego.  The most convenient one for Encinitas residents is the restaurant in Carlsbad.  It's not too far off the Palomar Airport Rd. exit.  Right past the flower fields.  Provided there is no traffic, it takes about 15-20 minutes to get there.

Thoughts:

I love this place.  The food is always just so consistently good.  The laid back "brewery" environment  makes for a fun going out to eat event.  The Carlsbad location always has people in it, but there's almost never a long wait.  Compared to Stone Brewery where you have to kick your heels for well over thirty minutes on any given night, I find this to be an excellent feature.

While pretty much everything on their menu is good, the steak outshines them all.  When I want a good steak, I go to Karl Strauss.  They actually cook the steak the way that you request it.  No medium-rare that looks suspiciously like a medium-well situations.  Plus they have a really tasty beer-based steak sauce they drizzle on top.

The beer is a little more expensive than if you were going to a bar and ordering a Bud.  But that's because the beer they serve actually has flavor and alcohol content.  Most of the beers served on tap are tried and true classics that you can also purchase in the stores: Amber Lager, Red Trolley, Endless Summer, etc.  On any given night they will also have what's called the "tenth tap" which is their seasonal special.  In addition to the tenth tap, they will do cask night every Thursday.  The cask beer is served until it runs out (one night, basically).  If there's any cask beer left by Saturday, you're either very lucky or the beer wasn't a hit.

So while Karl Strauss lacks the enormous beer selection that Stone Brewery sports, I find the experience as a whole to be a much more enjoyable one.  No wait, better food and good beers.