Sizzle and Savor: Top Spots for Grilled Food in Carlsbad This Summer 2024

Ember & Rye

To start it off, you can turn up the heat on your summer nights with some top-notch grilled food at Ember & Rye. Located at the scenic Aviara Golf Club, this Richard Blais gem blends clubhouse vibes with culinary creativity. Summer nights at Ember & Rye mean warm evenings, cool breezes and tables overlooking the lush 18th green.

Their menu is all about fresh, local ingredients turned into mouth watering steaks and seafood. Whether it’s the Special Reserve Steak or the Diver Scallop Aguachile, each dish is a tasty twist on traditional grilling. They’ve even got Grilled Fish Tacos and Wagyu Beef Burgers.

Wine lovers, mark your calendars for Corkage Free Nights every Wednesday. Guests can bring their favorite bottle and enjoy it without any extra fee. Their award-winning wine list has bright whites and robust reds for the perfect accompaniment to apps and mains at sunset.

Whether it’s a lazy lunch with a view or a romantic dinner under the stars, it’s a place where good food and good times come naturally.

The Wise Ox

For a more hands-on grilling adventure, check out The Wise Ox in La Costa. This chef-driven butcher shop is a meat lover's dream, offering top-quality cuts that are hormone-free and pasture-raised.

Chef Brad Wise has crafted a killer sandwich menu, with standouts like the Philly Cheesesteak and Roast Beef sandwich. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it the perfect grab-and-go meal for a summer picnic.

The Wise Ox’s selection of beef, pork, lamb and chicken is a grill lover’s ultimate toolkit. They offer the Ox Box, which is a monthly subscription of 10 pounds of premium cuts, so that your summer backyard barbecues are stocked with the best.

Pick up ingredients for a backyard BBQ or enjoy a sandwich on the go, The Wise Ox brings people together through good meat and great food.

Park 101

Park 101 in Carlsbad Village is another great place for summertime grilling and camaraderie. This sprawling complex invites casual dining and a place to lounge with a drink.

Their BBQ offerings are the weekend highlight, with tender ribs, smoked brisket and crispy fried chicken. The Trap Shack adds seafood to the mix, offering options like crispy fried chicken with tangy Trap Sauce.

Park 101 is super family-friendly, with a kids’ menu featuring Chicken Dino Nuggets and Grilled Cheese sandwiches. Plus, they offer to-go options for those spontaneous summer adventures. The Garden Pub’s relaxed outdoor setting is perfect for savoring your meal at a leisurely pace.

Weekly events like Beer N' Shot Night and Taco Tuesday & Trivia Night add to the fun, making Park 101 a go-to spot for summer gatherings with family and friends.

Polo Steakhouse

For a more upscale grilling experience, Polo Steakhouse knocks it out of the park. Their menu is a testament to the art of grilling, featuring a variety of prime cuts that are the pinnacle of a summer feast. From the 8 oz USDA Prime Filet Mignon to the 20 oz Bone-In Ribeye, each steak is cooked to perfection. If you’re seeking something truly special, the 32 oz Porterhouse and the Tomahawk Ribeye from ICON X Farms in Australia are large-format options that are great for sharing.

The starters at Polo Steakhouse are equally impressive, showcasing a blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors straight from the sea. Highlights include the Maryland Lump Crab Cake with remoulade and petite herb salad, and the Spanish Octopus served with romesco and charred lemon. For seafood lovers, the Fresh Oysters with classic mignonette and house cocktail sauce, as well as the Seared Scallops with guajillo and banana mole, offer a tantalizing taste of the ocean.

Campfire

Lastly, Campfire (quite literally) embodies the essence of grilling. Its unique, rustic vibe is centered around the element of fire and how flame brings life to flavors with grilled perfection. Located on State Street, this spot invites you to gather around the fire and enjoy honest, flavorful food.

Chef Eric Bost draws inspiration from California’s diverse landscapes, creating dishes like grilled octopus and smoky brisket. The menu celebrates the joy of outdoor cooking, with each dish evoking the warmth and simplicity of a campfire meal. The food at Campfire is anything other than ordinary. Each dish is an elevated version of common comforts and the ambiance throughout the restaurant is all about community, connection and the outdoors.

Ice Cream

After grilling, no summer meal is complete without ice cream. Luckily, Carlsbad’s also got some amazing places that bring a sweet finish to a hot day:

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream on State Street is a local favorite, offering over 45 rotating flavors made fresh daily.
McConnell's Fine Ice Creams serves up rich, creamy delights made with the finest ingredients, perfect for a summer treat.
Stella Jean's Ice Cream offers innovative flavors like Sweet Corn & Black Raspberries, adding a fun twist to traditional ice cream.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is known for its smooth texture and inventive flavors like Brambleberry Crisp, making every scoop a delight.

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Carlsbad’s food scene is all about making memories. There’s a unique charm to enjoying summertime meals at these great locations. So, next time you’re craving grilled food, Carlsbad has got you covered.