Photography By: Huy Hoang

9 Nightlife Spots for an Epic Evening in Carlsbad

Turns Out, This Little Beach Town Isn’t So Sleepy After All

Whether you’re looking for a glass of malbec and a perfectly paired charcuterie board, a jumpin’ sports-bar scene or a family-friendly (fur babies included) dinner spot, Carlsbad is the place! Live music venues, lively sports bars and top-notch restaurants are nestled throughout this coastal city, making it the perfect place for some dining, drinking and dancing. More than just a charming beachside community, Carlsbad is overflowing with entertainment, great food and fantastic drinks. Here are nine venues that prove this town isn’t so sleepy after all. Best Nightlife Carlsbad

 

Park 101

Photography By: Huy Hoang

Everyone is welcome at Park 101, including children and furry friends! This 8,000-square-foot, bi-level venue boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, a rooftop deck with a view of the Carlsbad coast and a delectable menu of smoky classics. Barbeque favorites like pulled pork sandos and St. Louis ribs are churned out from the newly remodeled kitchen while cocktail and beverage options are ample—and can now be delivered to you with the introduction of Park 101’s new table service! Guests can sip on boozy beverages like frozen margaritas and classics like the watermelon mule or Smoke Show 2.0—a smooth blend of rum, jackfruit, smoked chipotle, pineapple, tropical Red Bull and tajin. And if you’re looking for the spot to watch football, Park 101 has installed a massive LED screen, so you won’t miss a single tackle or touchdown! Catch a game and plan on staying late because you won’t want to miss PRK after DRK (every Friday, Saturday and Sunday), where you can enjoy live DJ performances! Park 101 is among The Village’s best spots for a night out with friends, a fun family dinner, an afternoon in the sun or evening under the stars.

Best Nightlife Carlsbad

The Compass

Photography By: Huy Hoang

The Compass’ menu takes comfort-food favorites and adds a special twist, making each dish interesting and elevated. Bacon-wrapped corn dogs, Kobe sliders and tempura deviled eggs are just a few of the offerings this rustic pub serves up. From brunch and booze to late-night cravings, The Compass has something for every palate. The best part? Everything is locally sourced, so you know you’re getting a fresh meal!

Best Nightlife Carlsbad

Coyote Bar & Grill

Since the summer of ‘89, Coyote Bar & Grill has catered to the needs of all of those who visit Carlsbad Village. With nightly live entertainment, indoor and outdoor dancing, fire pits and a wide range of SoCal-style eats, any night of the week is a good night to hit up Coyote Bar & Grill!

12/29

 

Barrel Republic

Photography Provided By: Barrel Republic

Cheers to endless beer! Barrel Republic is a mecca for craft beer-lovers and is home to the revolutionary self-pour tap system! Slip on a wristband and unlock your inner bartender. With 52 beer taps along with six wines, you and your crew can treat yourself to just a taste, a full pour or more. Settle up at the end of your experience and pay by the ounce!

Best Nightlife Carlsbad

Clara Restaurant and Bar

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Market-driven fare and craft cocktails come together in a chic setting at Clara Restaurant and Bar. This dining and drinking oasis satiates grumbling stomachs with its selection of shareable plates, such as apple bruschetta, white truffle fries and roasted Brussels sprouts. Clara prides itself in using locally sourced, simply prepared and farm-fresh ingredients, capturing the essence of SoCal dining culture. The components of each dish shine both on the plate and on the palate, and with two outdoor patios and a full bar in the dining room, there is room for everyone! 

Best Nightlife Carlsbad

Black Rail Kitchen + Bar

Photography Provided By: Black Rail Kitchen + Bar

With an open invitation to drink, dine and enjoy, you can’t go wrong with an evening spent at Black Rail Kitchen + Bar. The family of Tinleaf Fresh Kitchen and Beach Plum Kitchen brings the typical neighborhood bar to a new level, serving stellar food and drinks in an elegant, upscale setting. Craft cocktails, local beers and boutique wines are paired with SoCal-inspired menu options for a tasty evening in an industrial-chic setting. Be sure to check Black Rail’s jazz schedule for a weekly lineup of live performances from local musicians!

 

Le Papagayo

Photography Provided By: La Papagayo / Instagram

An experience for all the senses, Le Papagayo offers a unique fusion of Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine along with live music in an art gallery-like setting. With entertainment scheduled every night of the week and an eclectic menu on deck, it’s always a good time at this elevated establishment in Carlsbad Village. Whether you’re craving a burger, sharable tapas or craft cocktails, you’ll find something to suit your senses.

Best Nightlife Carlsbad

Oak + Elixir

 

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With a philosophy centered around a love for people, food and fun, Oak + Elixir successfully serves up both a cuisine and experience that hit the mark. They believe that pouring wine is a superpower, and theirs comes from small-production, family-estate wineries. Plus, you’ll dig the inventive tapas menu and a laid-back, buzzy atmosphere. 

Local Insight: You can also become a part of their clan by joining their WineTribe for just $40 a month to get custom wines, invitations to tastings, other events and more!

Exp 11/18

 

Village Pub

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

With the dull glow and hum of neon lights, the Village Pub transports its patrons to an alternate reality that is less about the sun and sand and all about the suds. Popular among dive-bar connoisseurs, this timeless tavern is known for its “train special,” where every time a train rattles by, there’s a $2 special on Coors, Bud Light, Budweiser and Michelob Ultra!

 

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Jessica Young has lived in San Diego since 2003. She is a graduate of San Diego State University, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Anthropology from San Diego State University. She also holds Master's Degree in Education from University of California, San Diego. Young works as a journalism teacher at Orange Glen High School in Escondido, Calif.

Young is the President of the San Diego Journalism Education Association and serves on the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees for the Quill and Scroll International Journalism Honor Society. She is an active member of the scholastic journalism community and teaches at workshops and conventions around the country. She was recognized as a "Rising Star" by the Journalism Education Association.

In addition to teaching, Young enjoys running with her adopted golden retriever, Maxwell. She has conquered the Original Marathon course in Athens, Greece as well as the Inca Trail in Peru. Young also dabbles in baking and photography. You can follow her adventures on instragram at: @racingcupakes.

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