16 Best Cocktail Bars in Carlsbad

“What a find this place is! The cocktail program is spectacular, extremely unique and well balanced original cocktails coupled with excellent classics.Food is also really tasty and unique with thai inspired dishes.As if Same Same wasn't great enough, they have gluten free dishes and clearly someone is aware of cross contamination in that kitchen, because I have celiac and woke up feeling great which is kind of rare. So BRAVO Same Same. Your staff was amazingly knowledgeable, friendly and entertaining as well. The decor is also awesome.My husband and I cannot wait to come back and try the whole menu.Dietary restrictions: Vegetarian and Gluten Free / Celiac friendly“

“I honestly cannot say enough good things about my experience dining at Ponto Lago last week. From our arrival at the valet with Tom who went above and beyond to walk us to the restaurant and give us recommendations at Park Hyatt, to our greeting from the hostess to our service from Saeid and Norma- everything was incredible. We ordered the- Guavarita which was a Tequila Cocktail with Guava Foam (the guava foam was SO good): $20- Seasonal Fruit Smash which was a Berry Mocktail: $14- Burrata Salad: I don’t remember the price but it was delicious- Local Blue Fin Crudo: I’m pregnant so I couldn’t taste this but my husband loved it- Tenderloin Steak with Chimichurri, Sweet Potatoes Side & Churros for DessertThe entire meal was absolutely delicious. The portions appeared small at first but they were so flavorful and with the various courses, it was actually the perfect amount. Each dish had a phenomenal presentation and we talked about the sweet potatoes and churros for days after- they were THAT good!We’re already looking forward to our next visit to the Park Hyatt Aviara and Ponto Lago. Hoping we get the same staff as they really enhanced our experience!Parking: Valet parking only in front of Park Hyatt Resort“

“This is an innovative gourmet taco shop with a lovely atmosphere, and a living-room like area with chairs and a sofas facing the bar. It is the sister restaurant of the Michelin-noted Lola 55 in downtown San Diego. Every taco is assempled with care, with some unusual pairings, and photo-ready. The margaritas are zesty and unique, with black salt (?) on the rim. And I had attentive service, including from the owner. I only wish they had more things on their menu, but have liked everything I have had.“

“Hidden behind another pizza joint, I suggested we eat here instead. I was honestly thinking they would have pizza by the slice, but their way of competing against the many other pizza choices around the village is different. They offer a menu more than just pizza, including pasta, salad, veggie appetizers, and wine. Their pizza is practically a thin crust until you get to the end. It was amazing how perfect the crust was. It wasn't floppy anywhere and had a good chew. It was wonderful to dip into the leftover sauce from the stuffed shells, which was also great on its own. The pronounced lemon in the filling was awesome; I actually liked that it wasn't just a hint of lemon. The ambiance is intimate, but it's nice where we sat in their outdoor area. The service was OK. We weren't greeted when we stepped inside or as we walked up. The server didn't present our food by name, but rather placed it on the table. I don't think they even said, "enjoy". It just wasn't personable for a small local shop. When we left, however, another server who was working inside said bye and thank you. Guess it depends who you get.“

“Fun outdoor venue, a converted cargo container, right on Carlsbad Village Drive, good for people watching, didn't have food, just cocktails which were as pricey as full-on restaurants. They do have a Happy hour menu we noticed. Had to try it once.“

“The food is great, ambiance is nice and service is excellent. It is very consistent. It's perfect for date night or family time on the patio. My husband and I really enjoy coming here and are never disappointed. We look forward to returning.“

“We ate dinner on a Friday evening with a party of 7 around 7 pm. Luckily, we got there before the evening drinking crowd because they got crazy busy about when we were leaving. They made everything perfectly, and the portions were very generous! The man taking our order was so friendly and patient with our large family.Parking: There is a small parking lot behind the restaurant. It was completely empty. I don't think many people know about it.“

“A beautiful bar area located inside the Park Hyatt Aviara. We stopped by here on two occasions during our stay, once for Japanese take-out, which was awesome, and once for an after-dinner coffee, tea, and a date at the Top Golf simulator. You have to check in at Pacific Point for the Top Golf experience fyi.In any event, this is a great, sophisticated spot to grab a drink or dinner at the bar. Pacific Point even had live music playing on a Tuesday night, which was very cool!“

“I go to Casero taqueria with my girlfriends every time we go to Carlsbad, the food is so fresh and so are the margaritas, they also have a variety of items in their menu, I highly recommend. I don’t know where the people who rated this place with 1 Star came from.“

“Great little pub in the heart of Carlsbad village. Amberly was the bartender when I was in, very friendly and personable. Seemed she had a decent crowd of regulars at the end of the bar so that was nice to see. FYI... it's the cleanest mirror behind the bar I've ever seen. I thought the bar was twice as big from what I remember. LOL I'll be back for sure.... Peace FrankieG“

“Being here on a weekday setting and as a visitor, being in the town obviously it offers different atmosphere. The Tacos and location make me feel like I'm in the center of Mexico eating the finest tacos. Amazing grilled tacos to be exact. Yeah, beer off tap. Can't loose here!“

“Boy oh boy, where do I even begin... not only is this the best service you will ever receive in your life, but also in your dreams. The bartenders and bouncers are nothing short of super heroes and artists. If you come to this establishment, not only will you partake in the most magically delightful concoctions ever contrived but you are safe, you are liberated, you are home.“

“Not sure if it was because of what we ordered but our experience here was noticeably better than last time. The service was excellent (server Amanda) and all the dishes we ordered were delicious (lamb shank, ahi poke, clam chowder and sourdough). Amanda was also nice enough to seat us at a great booth with ocean views and bring us a dessert for my daughter's birthday.“

“My husband and I had dinner on Valentine's Day there and we were surprised that It was a quiet night for this place - maybe people don't choose a sports bar for Valentine's Day but it was great choice for us. My husband had the ahi tuna and I had a half sandwich and delicious tomato soup. The margarita was excellent and so was the brownie dessert. We had wonderful service - no doubt because the place was practically empty. It was a lovely evening.“

“Tried this place for the first time on a random Wednesday afternoon/evening. Service was fast, ambiance is nice, but food was mediocre. Not bad but definitely not my favorite. They had happy hour. I tried their margarita which actually turned out to be rather strong. I couldn't even drink half of it.“