Indulge in Creole Cuisine and Celebrate Mardi Gras at This Oāside Hotspot
Not much digging needs to be done to get to the good stuff, especially when it comes to oystersābut weāll get into it anyway. The Southern hospitality of Louisiana just landed in San Diego with a charming coastal location and cuisine thatās to die for. So weāve conjured up five reasons to check out the new Q&A Restaurant and Oyster Bar, which is situated in Oceansideās boutique Brick Hotel! This buzzy ground-floor hot spot will transport you right to the heart of the French Quarter with Creole cuisine and a charming antique ambiance. Come for the party and leave an oyster aficionado (or just tipsy after a few NOLA-style cocktails). Howās that for a shuckinā good time?
Chef Quinton Austin + an Authentic NOLA Food Menu
Q&A Restaurant and Oyster Bar is led by the fearless Chef Quinton Austin, who also serves as head chef for North Parkās similarly-themed culinary success, Louisiana Purchase. With a deep love for New Orleans cuisine, Austin served as former chef de cuisine in New Orleans at the world-famous Antoineās Restaurant before ultimately making his move to San Diego. Having been completely immersed in New Orleansā authentic French-Creole cuisine, his expertise shines through the rich Southern-style menu. Try Creole classics like Uptown Gumbo or crawfish garlic wings, or you can opt for the ultimate oyster experience with coast-to-coast oyster selections and your choice of preparation.
Buzz-Worthy NOLA Cocktails
Whereās all the rum gone?! Nothing carries you through a culinary experience quite like a cocktail, and at Q&A, youāre in for quite the ride. Let the flavors of a Bourbon Street parade dance across your palate with cocktails inspired by New Orleansā vibrant spirit. Each sip celebrates the regionās famed specialty rum, making every drink feel like a second line. Start with the Tropical Sazeracāa sweet and sultry twist on a classic. It blends coconut oil-washed rye, rum, velvet falernum, Jamaican bitters, and a whisper of absinthe. Prefer a showstopper? The Diamonds and Pearls delivers drama in a glass. Itās made with gin rosa, watermelon, charcoal, whipped meringue, and a splash of bubbly. The final touch? One gleaming oyster as the crown jewel.
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Downtown Oāside Location
New Orleans has been long known as The Big Easy, but if thereās one thing to make it even more relaxed, it has to be the beach. Just steps away from the sand, Q&A invites guests to lounge back Louisiana-style and send it to the sand right after to catch an iconic San Diego sunset. The ocean isnāt the only thing ready to call you in: catch the Sunset Market right outside Q&A every Thursday from 5-9 p.m., featuring eclectic goods, live entertainment and plenty of dessertsāthough if you ordered their beignets (definitely donāt skip these), youāll be all set on sweets.
A Hip Spot to Celebrate Mardi Gras
If youāve been waiting for the perfect reason to try Q&A Restaurant and Oyster Barās bold New Orleans flavorsāhere it is. Mardi Gras is almost here, and Q&A is going all in with their first-ever Fat Tuesday celebration. Mark your calendar for February 21, because the party kicks off at noon and rolls straight through to 10 p.m. Expect live music, DJs, and a saxophonist bringing Bourbon Street vibes with every note. Your ticket includes a souvenir yard glass filled with their signature Hurricane or a limited-edition specialāhello, watermelon daiquiri! And yes, yard refills are half-off all night long. Let the good times pour.
Transports Diners to the French Quarter
Built in the 1800s, the space first served as a general hardware storeāhumble beginnings with serious charm. The team uncovered the original exposed brick after removing layers left behind by past tenants. Every detail was intentional. Q&A Restaurant and Oyster Bar pays homage to New Orleans while giving it a fresh, modern edge. Lush greenery lines the ceiling, echoing the vibrant plant life that thrives across the Crescent City. Hanging lights scatter softly above, mingling beautifully with ornate chandeliers that channel the elegance of the French Quarter. Cozy up in one of the booths and savor the Southern comfort in one of Oceansideās oldest structures!
Q&A Restaurant and Oyster Bar
408 Pier View Way, Ste 101
Oceanside, CA 92054
760.688.7249
Jaclyn is a sunshine chasing San Diego native with an extensive writing background. When she isnāt word-smithing, you can find her playing beach volleyball, skating the boardwalk, or on a rooftop enjoying a drink in the sunshine with her pals.
