Best family dining in San Diego and Carlsbad?

[laura428]

We'll be flying into San Diego next Sunday, staying for one week in Carlsbad at the West Inn. I've taken care of our activities with the San Diego Go card, but was thinking this morning that I don't really know much about dining options.

My DH and I are into all cuisines, but we'll have DS7 (pretty easy) and DD5 (very picky). We try to not let DD's eating habits restrict us too much - we're good most places if we can find grilled chicken, pasta or soup somewhere on the menu for her.

TIA for your help!

 

[munchkinsmom]

Some suggestions:

Pat and Oscar's (Chicken, Ribs, breadsticks, salads, pastas, multiple locations)
BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse (multiple locations)
Island's (burger joint, multiple locations)
California Pizza Kitchen (multiple locations)
Old Spaghetti Factory (in San Marcos, East of Carlsbad and downtown SD)
Corvette Diner (50's Theme in San Diego, close to airport)
Ruby's Diner (50's theme, in Carlsbad Premium Outlet)
Leucadia Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant (multiple locations)
Rubios Fish Tacos (Mexican, multiple locations)

 

[lisaradz]

We'll be flying into San Diego next Sunday, staying for one week in Carlsbad at the West Inn. I've taken care of our activities with the San Diego Go card, but was thinking this morning that I don't really know much about dining options.

My DH and I are into all cuisines, but we'll have DS7 (pretty easy) and DD5 (very picky). We try to not let DD's eating habits restrict us too much - we're good most places if we can find grilled chicken, pasta or soup somewhere on the menu for her.

TIA for your help!

Hey, we will be staying at the West Inn on Sun - Wed. Looks like a beautiful hotel. I can't wait. We have DS7 & DS10.

Minchkinsmom thanks for the dining recommendations!

 

[laura428]

Thanks Munchkinsmom!

And Lisa, maybe we'll see you there!

 

[fliplover101]

Del Norte (Mexican food in Carlsbad) - their chicken burritos are to die for, and it's just a tortilla stuffed with chicken.

In 'n' Out Burger (fast food burgers) - these are to die for! Fast food, but made while you wait

Claim Jumper (American food in Carlsbad) - Family friendly, good atmosphere

Fish House (downtown SD by Midway) - VERY family friendly, good if you like seafood

Su Casa (La Jolla Mexican food) - Mex, very family friendly, great kids meals and they bring the kids sodas in character cups

If you guys want a fancier dinner where kids are acceptable, Jake's (Del Mar) has California - Hawaiian fusion right on the water

The Poseidon (right next to Jake's) - American food, burgers, etc. Also right on the beach

Hope this helps! Have a GREAT vacation!!!!!

 

[mermaidwannabe]

We are staying there in June! Would you mind coming back and posting about your stay and where you found to eat. We have three girls, and we are looking into places to go as well. It isn't easy even with tripadvisor! Have a great time!!!

 

[Dizneydaz]

I definitely second Claim Jumper. Great food, and huge servings. Totally sharable. And if you want a treat for the whole family order the I Declair. enough dessert for the whole family.

Oh wait, I have a picture, let me post it....

Kid's meal inc. 2 sides. She picked mandarin oranges and apples with caramel. You always get a whole apple with your entree. $5.75. They actually have 2 sizes of kid's meals. Little Jumpers (most meals $5.75) and Junior Jumpers-for larger appetites $7.95 not inc. beverage

This is sooooo gooooood! We don't have it often, when we do it usually all we order.

I Declair
Baked fresh daily. Sweet pastry filled with a buttery Bavarian custard atop vanilla bean ice cream with hot fudge & homemade whipped cream 9.99

All the food at CJ is good. Their potato skins are some of the best. And their desserts are legendary!

For fast food, Del Taco is another good choice. Good, cheap, fact mexican food.

 

[Stephanie218]

The Bistro right next to West Inn & Suites has really decent food - we go there fairly often. It's been quite busy recently, even during the week.

For brunch/lunch, we really like The Grand Deli in Carlsbad Village. Vigilucci's is nice, but a little pricier. If you are driving down the coast, Pannikan in Encinitas has great breakfast as well as a bunch of other desserts (pie, cake, etc).

 

[lisaradz]

We loved West Inn & Suites. The staff was very friendly. Rooms are clean. They serve milk and cookies at night. My kids loved the pool & hot tub. It is very convenient to take the shuttle to Legoland. They drop you off right in front and you save the $10 parking fee. You can arrange your pick-up in advance or just call the hotel when you are ready to be picked up. If you want to get to the park first thing in the morning then make your shuttle reservation when you check in. Breakfast is very good and was different each morning.

We ate at Buca Di Beppo and Rubio's for some quick tacos. Buca Di Beppo is great for families and close by. We also love the Corvette Diner in San Diego.

 

[alyssa810]

I'm psyched to see Claim Jumper getting positive reviews! I just ordered a $50 gift card from there using my mypoints.com rewards (now I just need it to arrive before we leave LOL!)

 

[rtobe]

Hey all thanks for all these great ideas. I have been in San Diego a ton on business and always nice to get more ideas.