dine Archives - Visit Oceanside https://visitoceanside.org/tag/dine/ Destination Marketing Organization for Oceanside, CA Sat, 11 Jan 2025 00:34:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://visitoceanside.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/favicon-32x32-1.png dine Archives - Visit Oceanside https://visitoceanside.org/tag/dine/ 32 32 Communal in Oceanside, CA https://visitoceanside.org/blog/communal-in-oceanside-ca/ Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:26:00 +0000 https://visitoceanside.org/?p=40488 Explore Communal in Oceanside, CA—a vibrant café and specialty shop offering artisanal coffee, local bites, and unique handcrafted goods in a warm, community-focused space.

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explore communal

CAFE, ARTISANAL SHOP, EVENT SPACE

Contributing Writer & Photographer: Jordan Younis 

There’s no shortage of delicious coffee and curated spaces to drink it in Oceanside. With vibey java shops scattered all over town, it’s hard to keep them all straight, but Communal Coffee has taken root as an iconic favorite, not only in Oceanside but in San Diego.

Founded in 2016, Jen Byard opened Communal’s flagship location in North Park, followed by the quaint, outdoor shop in South Park. In 2021, Oceanside’s trendy Tremont Collective offered the perfect home for Communal’s expansion to the northern edge of the county. 

Photo by: @letsfrolictogether

Each location is unique to its neighborhood setting but echoes a consistent signature concept: bright, airy aesthetics, a focus on fostering connection and community, delicious coffee drinks, seasonal food items, curated local goods, and, of course, fresh flowers.

O’side’s Communal shop is situated in the collective’s corner spot, welcoming visitors with a sweeping open cafe space and sunlight that pours in through large windows lining the shop’s walls. The interior is complete with tables, couches and chairs, a large co-working table and a small bar lined with wine glasses at the ready. Sidewalk seating as well as a large private patio are also part of the shop’s outdoor area.

Photo by: @letsfrolictogether
Photo by: @letsfrolictogether
Photo by: @letsfrolictogether

On any day of the week, morning through evening, you’ll find a full house of remote workers, creatives, vacationers and locals lingering and enjoying the space. With a robust menu, Communal offers inventive and seasonal coffee drinks along with “not coffee” selections, like sparkling limeades, matcha lattes, local kombucha and seasonal cocktails. Food is available all day, from a variety of toasts like avocado and peach-ricotta, to bagel sandwiches with a breakfast flare. In the afternoon and evening, opt for building your own pizza, or snack on charcuterie along with a glass of natural wine or a refreshing spritz.

In addition to the cafe experience, Communal doubles as a treasure trove for any shopper. Visitors can peruse meticulously curated shelves of locally sourced goods like candles, jewelry, children’s clothing, plants, wine, and bouquets. The cafe is flanked by a designated flower shop in a room beyond the ordering counter, and a separate shop known as the Annex sits next door. An extension of Communal’s retail section, the Annex greets visitors with a calming, earthy aesthetic, and even houses a private event space behind the shop, which straddles the interior space and a charming outdoor patio area. The event space often hosts workshops and is available for rent as a picturesque setting for work outings, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, and more. This area sprawls out to their large Tremont Collective patio space that offers dance fitness and pilates classes. 

True to its name, Communal is a must-visit for anyone seeking a great latte, a curated seasonal menu, hands-on experiences, unique gifts, and a thoughtfully designed space to unwind and enjoy an idyllic O’side day. Discover more about this unique spot HERE.  

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]]> Beach House Winery in Oceanside, CA https://visitoceanside.org/blog/beach-house-winery-oceanside-california/ Sun, 01 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0000 https://osiddevelopment.flywheelstaging.com/beach-house-winery-oceanside-california/ Experience Beach House Winery, an oasis of sweeping scenic views and world-class, expertly crafted wines with the spirit of the inland Oceanside, CA community.

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Beach House Winery

Contributing Writer & Photographer: Jordan Younis

California is home to the most venerable vineyards and winemakers in the nation. Bucket-list destinations like Napa and Sonoma draw millions of visitors to the Golden State each year, and with its wholesome, stay-a-while towns, stunning scenery, and premium vintners, the Central Coast is a favorite region for vacationers and locals alike.

San Diego, however, hasn’t been known for its wines. Tasting tours typically take place south of the border in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe, or in inland Temecula. But one small winery in Oceanside’s South Morro Hills is changing that.

Perched atop the ridgeline of the Sleeping Indian ridgeline, Beach House Winery was born out of George and Kim Murray’s passion project. The couple started experimenting with winemaking at their beachside home in the 90s – a hobby that evolved into a two-acre vineyard that now hosts the first winery in Oceanside’s agricultural community.

When arriving at the “Vigna al Mare” (Vineyard at the Sea), visitors will follow a long driveway past rows of growing grapes before reaching the main house, where Kim and George will be pouring a variety of reds and whites – each bottle adorned with a simply sketched label drawn by George himself. The family and community feel is palpable in the atmosphere – woven into the winery’s DNA.

“We want it to feel relaxed and intimate, like you’re visiting old friends at home,” George shared.

At the bar, visitors can select one of many varietals created from the Beach House’s own grapes, as well as grapes sourced from other California growers. With a glass in hand, the trip up the old-world spiral staircase promises breathtaking views from the upper deck. With 360-degree views of North County and the ocean, the picturesque patio is a place to let hours pass, and to take in the rich beauty of the agricultural South Morro Hills community.

When most people think of Oceanside, they think of a surfer’s paradise sprinkled with taco shops and local craft coffee, but the city’s agritourism initiative is expanding its reputation, and O’side Sips businesses like Beach House Winery are spearheading that transformation. This blend of agriculture and tourism is one of the fastest-growing niches of the travel industry. Now, visitors to the area can partake in more than just shopping and standard dining experiences – they can enjoy the city’s farms and wineries, and enjoy a mix of education, recreation and relaxation, all while boosting the local economy. And who doesn’t want to boost the local economy… with a glass of wine in hand.

When most people think of Oceanside, they think of a surfer’s paradise sprinkled with taco shops and local craft coffee, but the city’s agritourism initiative is expanding its reputation, and O’side Sips businesses like Beach House Winery are spearheading that transformation. This blend of agriculture and tourism is one of the fastest-growing niches of the travel industry. Now, visitors to the area can partake in more than just shopping and standard dining experiences – they can enjoy the city’s farms and wineries, and enjoy a mix of education, recreation and relaxation, all while boosting the local economy. And who doesn’t want to boost the local economy… with a glass of wine in hand.

CLICK HERE to plan your visit on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 pm to enjoy the sweeping scenic views and world-class, expertly crafted wines with the spirit of the inland Oceanside community.

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]]> O’side Sips Cocktail Trail https://visitoceanside.org/blog/oside-sips-cocktails/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:50:00 +0000 https://visitoceanside.org/?p=38168 Discover the city's top-notch mixology scene, hidden gems, and must-try concoctions that will elevate your Oceanside experience. Immerse yourself in the O'side Sips Cocktail Trail to uncover the perfect libation to complement your seaside adventures. Cheers!

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O'side Sips COcktail Trail

Contributing Writer & Photographer: Jordan Younis 

Experience the mastery of Oceanside’s drink scene with the O’side Sips passport program, your guide to the finest craft cocktail destinations in the city. Get a glimpse into how the city’s bars and mixologists craft distinct beverages using locally sourced ingredients and grain-to-glass spirits. Embark on a flavorful journey that highlights the innovation, quality, and community spirit of our sips culture, all while getting exclusive coupons and tiered rewards. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or a curious traveler, O’side Sips welcomes you to delve into the unique tastes and creative artistry in this Cocktail Trail. 

Cococabana

With touches of island inspiration woven through the menu and decor, Oceanside’s Cococabana will transport visitors from our coastal paradise to one a little farther away.

Perched atop the boutique Brick Hotel, Cococabana is a modern-boho oasis boasting views of the ocean and the city’s downtown. With vibrant Caribbean colors accented by hanging plants and slashes of sun and shadow, this rooftop hot-spot features refreshing cocktails laced with tropical flavors, along with shareable small bites like jerk-seasoned octopus ceviche and tangy lime-marinaded tenderloin skewers. Stop by for Taco Tuesday, or a relaxed happy hour, or breezy weekend brunch.

*$3.50 Mexican Lagers and $5 Jameson Shots when you check in with O’side Sips!*

frankie's

We rarely advocate stepping out of the sunshine in San Diego, but if you’re stepping into a dimly lit bar with a hint of charm and tradition, we’re all for it. (And, of course, there’s always the patio option if you just can’t fathom being indoors in America’s finest city).

Based at the bottom of The Brick Hotel, Frankie’s is a classic bar with a familiar neighborhood watering hole feel, serving a rotating menu of elevated, inventive craft cocktails, as well as a robust selection of beer and wine. A long wooden bar, emerald green leather booths, and exposed brick walls invite you to settle in and sip an afternoon or evening spirit. The menu has everything from riffs on classic cocktails to more original concoctions with sophisticated flavor profiles, and the staff of knowledgeable bartenders can whip up anything else that can be imagined. 

Pacific Coast Spirits

Behind the string lights, picnic tables, and laid-back atmosphere, Pacific Coast Spirits carries a prestigious reputation and countless accolades. This Oceanside star produces its own varieties of single malt whiskey, bourbon, agave spirits, white rye whiskey, gin, brandy and vodka.

Here you’ll find the perfect blend of education and experience. The distilling and production process is front and center – you can’t miss the stunning copper 500-gallon still system or the endless labyrinth of stacked wooden barrels – but a traditional bar/restaurant experience is just as accessible, and the kitchen is just as impressive. A full menu of California classics is available, from bar bites like brussels sprouts and wings, to heartier mains like a 60-ounce filet mignon. Enjoy lunch, dinner, their infamous Sunday brunch, or make Pacific Coast Spirits your next Taco Tuesday or Wing Wednesday outing venue.

*10% off Draft Cocktails when you check in with O’side Sips!*

Check In, Win Prizes.

From breweries to wine-tasting rooms, coffee stops to tea shops and everything in between, Oceanside is the place for craft beverages. With zero apps to download, your O’side Sips passport guides you to participating locations all over town via text and email and includes exclusive coupons and tiered rewards. Simply select your preferred drink category, check in at your destination, and enjoy. Cheers!

The Rooftop bar

Rooftop Bar,
Pier Rooftop Bar

Oceanside’s first rooftop bar tops the list of hotspots for locals and visitors alike. High above the coastline atop the Mission Pacific Beach Resort, The Rooftop Bar flaunts breathtaking views of the city’s coastline and iconic pier, and of course, spectacular sunsets.

From sunbathing hour to sundown and beyond, enjoy lounge-style seating and the luxurious lively pool deck while savoring the sweeping views and a variety of Mediterranean small bites and craft cocktails, each of which bears the name of one of O’side’s beloved surfbreak spots. At sunset hour, The Rooftop Bar evolves into a swanky beach club complete with a blazing fireplace and a DJ playing sets into the night.

The Shore Room

Set off the lobby of The Seabird Resort Ocean Resort & Spa, The Shore Room embodies sophistication and elegance with San Diego’s signature brand of coastal casual. Just across the street from the beach, this gem gives guests a comfortable spot to soak up some sunshine and people-watch by day, as well as a front row seat to those dreamy Pacific sunsets by evening.

The space itself is expansive: a bar and a few tables sit adjacent to what looks like a perfectly curated living room lounge with leather couches and rattan furniture, all framed by sliding glass doors that lead out onto a cozy, oceanfront patio. The brief menu hosts an impressive list of specialty cocktails and small bites like blistered shishito peppers and roasted red pepper hummus, as well as more filling items like a classic burger.

Grab a set on a couch or pull up a chair around a firepit and linger for a while at this classically Californian Oceanside gem.

The Space pad

Oceanside is home to a lot of out-of-this-world eateries and drink venues, but The Space Pad is truly, well, out-of-this-world. 

This interplanetary speakeasy is tucked away inside Kilowatt Brewing. To find it, head to the back of the brewery and into the “space elevator” – the mirrored hallway that will beam you up to the planet Rillispore. Once in orbit, you’ll discover a kaleidoscope of neon colors and mesmerizing celestial shapes, a rock wall mined from Rillispore’s surface, and glass windows in the floor.

Though held in the expanse of outer space, The Space Pad is a tiny, intimate spot containing two large booths, a few hightops and a short bar, where bartenders mix up whimsical creations that are as fun to look at as they are to drink. Expect the vibrant colors of Rillispore to be found in its cocktails, along with other funky details: a whiskey sour with a floated mesquite-flavored cosmic smoke bubble, the coconut slushy-topped “Beam Me Up”, and the two-toned “Spaceman Sour”, to name a few. Delicious tropical-inspired bites, including halibut ceviche, a poke tower, and a Hawaiian hotdog, are also available.
O’side Sips
Breweries
Black Plague Brewing
Kilowatt Brewing Oceanside Taproom
Bottlecraft Oceanside
Craft Coast Beer & Tacos
Northern Pine Brewing
Oceanside Ale Works
South O Brewing Company
Stone Brewing Tap Room - Oceanside
Cocktails & Spirits
Frankie's
Pacific Coast Spirits
The Shore Room
The Rooftop Bar
The Space Pad
Coffee Shops
Banana Dang Coffee
Bound Coffee Company
Brown Cup Cafe & Lounge
Camp Coffee Company
Communal Coffee
Captain's Grounds Coffee
Jet Fuel Coffee Co
Jitters Coffee Pub
Nautical Bean Coffee Company Inc
Cathartic Coffee
Pier View Coffee Co
Vigilante Coffee
Tea & Juice
Roots Craft Juice
Winery/Wine Bar
Beach House Winery
Carruth Cellars Urban Winery Oceanside
Coomber Craft Wines
Orfila Vineyards Tasting Room & Kitchen
The Privateer Marketplace & Wine Bar

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]]> Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen in Oceanside, CA https://visitoceanside.org/blog/flying-pig-dining-oceanside-california/ Fri, 17 Nov 2023 20:33:44 +0000 https://visitoceanside.org/?p=37933 Explore the culinary charm of Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen in Oceanside, CA! Join us as we delve into the farm-to-table delights, craft cocktails, and unique ambiance that make this restaurant a must-visit destination.

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Dining at flying pig pub & kitchen

Contributing Writer & Photographer: Jordan Younis 

Oceanside is the coastal California cradle of “flip flop” fine dining, and Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen may well be the embodiment of it. Just blocks from the beach in the lively downtown, this 2023 San Diego Magazine-rated Best Southern Restaurant is one of O’side’s original staples and a cornerstone of the city’s community of chefs. 

Diners have the option of enjoying the idyllic San Diego weather on Flying Pig’s street patio, inside to the main dining area or the newest addition, East Wing Lounge & Bottle Shop. Warm and eclectic, the restaurant’s frame is a mix of wood, metal and brick adorned with funky flair. Antique chandeliers and lanterns hang from an exposed wood beam ceiling, vintage mismatched mirrors, photos and art pieces line the walls, and a few taxidermy animals sit perched high above, all lending themselves to Flying Pig’s distinctive “industrial country” vibe.

The menu is just as eclectic as the decor. With an emphasis on using local farms, and sustainable ingredients, owners Roddy and Aaron Browning created a wide sampling of elevated Southern American comfort food. Classics like fried chicken, mashed potatoes and bacon-collard greens mingle with shareable dishes ranging from charcuterie, to deviled eggs, to Flying Pig’s iconic (and Instagrammable) cast iron mac and cheese. Tender port-braised short ribs set on a mountain of truffle risotto and black-eyed peas and the menu’s single housemade pasta dish are stars of the entree selection that are not to be missed.

At the bar, a collection of housemade cocktails – or Pigtails – feature classics with a Flying Pig twist. The bourbon-based “Fashionably Late” and “Gold Rush” are the perfect compliment to the southern cuisine, but a simple margarita and mule and a list of California beers are also available. 

Aside from wholesome comfort food, visitors to Flying Pig will discover an element of human comfort nestled into the restaurant’s southern hospitality. And this, perhaps, is what sets Oceanside and its core culinary players like Flying Pig apart: a palpable camaraderie that connects the food community.

With tears in her eyes, Owner Aaron Browning shared a story of when their original Oceanside location was closing before moving to its current Mission Avenue home. In the last two days of being open, their cook left, leaving them under-manned in one of their busiest times. In immediate need of help, she phoned fellow Oceanside chef and friend, William Eick of Matsu, Flying Pig’s former home. Despite the menu being a complete departure from Chef Willie’s modern Japanese wheelhouse, he turned up thirty minutes later to help whip up Pig’s menu items on the fly to keep the operation afloat through the transition.

“Oceanside is its own entity when it comes to the restaurant scene – it is not like any other city. We’re all here to do the same thing, but we don’t compete. We’re a huge family,” she says.

And that familial feel echoed through the Oceanside community is what you’ll find in full-force at Flying Pig and East Wing lounge. From southern hospitality to southern comfort food with a California edge, this neighborhood institution will undoubtedly find its way to the top of your O’side dining bucket list.

Want to experience more of the stories behind Oceanside’s top restaurant first hand? Book a spot on one of Carla and Linda’s Food Tours for a culinary adventure featuring chef-curated selections from Oceanside’s finest. 

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]]> Carla & Linda’s Walking Food Tour in Oceanside https://visitoceanside.org/blog/carla-linda-walking-food-tour-oceanside-california/ Fri, 27 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000 https://osiddevelopment.flywheelstaging.com/carla-linda-walking-food-tour-oceanside-california/ Experience the ultimate foodie outing with Carla & Linda's Walking Food Tour in Oceanside, CA.

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Carla & Linda's Walking
Food Tour

Contributing Writer & Photographer: Jordan Younis

It’s no secret that Oceanside has emerged as a shining San Diego culinary mecca. Peppered with countless vibey craft coffee shops, homegrown breweries, and fine and casual dining restaurants, choosing a place to have a meal or a drink is no easy task. Luckily, Carla and Linda’s Walking Food Tours gives diners a small taste of a few local hits all in one curated session.
Carla Werts and Linda Pina have a passion for Oceanside and good cuisine – one that they’ve been sharing with others since 2015. On each tour, Carla and Linda lead a pack of eager eaters to a handful of handpicked local staples, many of which happen to be some of the pair’s favorite restaurants. As a tour member, you will stop at a total of four to five culinary destinations over the course of about three hours, getting a history lesson about the community and the scoop on each spot as you stroll.

Where you stop depends on which tour you choose. Carla and Linda have three Oceanside tour options available, highlighting North O’side, Heart of O’side, and South O.

On the Heart of O’side tour, you’ll enjoy classic American cuisine at Masters and brewery bites from Bagby Beer. The South O tour features dishes from PCH Bar & Grill, the Privateer and more. If you choose the North O’side option, as I did, you’ll meander from the 101 to the city’s trendy downtown, stopping at local favorites like Petite Madeline Bakery for the signature sweet-and-savory Chicken and Waffles Benedict, The Flying Pig for a bowl of hearty bolognese, and Orfila Tasting Room for a glass of delicious wine and a woodfired flatbread. You may also make a stop along the stunning coastline for a taste of Hi/Low’s beachside brunch. In a special twist, we were offered an off-the-menu item and got a brief meet-and-greet with the hotspot’s chef. Little details like this are a testament to Carla and Linda’s relationships within the culinary community, as well as a testament to the downhome, community spirit that permeates the city.

“We want people not only to get a sense of how delicious the food is here in Oceanside, but to get a sense of the community and its people,” Linda explained.

Carla and Linda’s Walking Food Tours give you a sense of all that is Oceanside. Rich in diverse and delicious food and buzzing with communal energy, this food scene is a culinary adventure waiting to be discovered. Let Carla and Linda be your guides along the way! Interested in booking this experience? Visit their site HERE. 

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