Vigilucci's is a great privately owned family chain in the area - http://www.vigiluccis.com/. It can get pricey for dinner, but they do a great Sunday brunch in Carlsbad.
I second the Daily News suggestion.
Pizza Port has decent pizza and a huge beer selection.
Hennessey's and O'Sullivan's are both Irish pubs in the Village Area. I've only eaten at Hennessey's, but the food was pretty good.
Off the Palomar Airport exit on the 5 is In & Out if you want a cheap but good burger/fries/milkshake.