Sizzle and Savor: Top Spots for Grilled Food in Carlsbad This Summer 2024
There’s something to be said about blending the thrill of outdoor adventures with the warmth of gathering around a perfectly grilled meal. In Carlsbad, you can spend your day exploring scenic beaches and hiking trails, then top it off with a feast of expertly grilled fare. From local steakhouses to innovative beachside barbecues, Carlsbad's dining scene is designed to bring people together.
Join us as we explore the best places in Carlsbad to enjoy grilled food in 2024:
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=970d9598190506cf8a6a70582737b5fb 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=63c890cdd6090e7e6f81ddc8f66dc690 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=b450c5638852e0db50311c55563aea38 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=c4125e14b1333b213912188c94ff6059 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=f46d20d28b4e2b56e2d49acfdf132ada 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1440&s=df11ffdf6fe0b271590c1e8387fdfd85 1440w)
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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.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Wise-Ox-4.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=205c3405a96fd190ae3b357af684742a 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Wise-Ox-4.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=1569c747cb01b5a443805a0fc27b4211 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Wise-Ox-4.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=01e3ca66d572c3af10cbad9959426723 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Wise-Ox-4.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=a59ab00873395c0344eb601f0547ea0d 900w)
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.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-17-at-12.09.31-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=eb74b545b452b05ece6e8fb66c11f8db 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-17-at-12.09.31-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=cfa54a1c04c299eecfdad52e0ce7d289 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-17-at-12.09.31-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=d98c49ed07d597e75fedd04dab3c2997 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-17-at-12.09.31-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=6378051c8ce6bf5858a2408c67592720 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-17-at-12.09.31-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=21c33358d1e2a70ee7ac2f11470451b0 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-17-at-12.09.31-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=9abce8d6f7941fbeb552ef01b0c04a53 1311w)
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.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-17-at-12.11.56-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f3e0515a54c646c003bbf7af5f9de54c 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-17-at-12.11.56-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=f3d543cec74221ea477fdd1a721c896f 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-17-at-12.11.56-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=87f0415dd7d55b2a6ae472aa780fed87 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-17-at-12.11.56-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=80896e0616b9b8b74f5963f1f9e65e6a 892w)
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.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=0c8832b725ed7aa5ed6c648c4f7085bc 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9934cff073a721f07a89645f38661c40 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=d7de0cbbbbcfbc1707ce800f02607e2a 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=866ab360f7c5039a04d390e3942d9e84 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=be463b61b669e1a4335d0cd13fe34616 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=a158d869bdf96fd4387bf259c0dae519 1440w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=8acd02fa19b841c35dd1c60a6d434f90 1920w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_0117.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=1239e93ad9756afdfdd145e1de040323 2500w)
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.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Stella_KimberlyMotos-75-of-132.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a732d89365fdd775c50aa82a56998c36 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Stella_KimberlyMotos-75-of-132.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=f6f9dad66275696187c4a0be662b554d 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Stella_KimberlyMotos-75-of-132.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=058b53754c2cb9bc904cc37c4b241c50 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Stella_KimberlyMotos-75-of-132.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=f4be691d5eb35ab70673caa9071509cd 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Stella_KimberlyMotos-75-of-132.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=62926db2d0a3c8c012fc6e292be4c7fe 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Stella_KimberlyMotos-75-of-132.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=10ab92a7e2312b38f3b4b23b17177d7d 1440w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Stella_KimberlyMotos-75-of-132.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=b96dcad0c4a35ad14c8bdcb4d7335065 1920w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Stella_KimberlyMotos-75-of-132.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=60c3bb8cde0d900e6de876ae6ea2d101 2560w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Stella_KimberlyMotos-75-of-132.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=436498204506202cefceb9b521daaf96 3840w)
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.
Related Content:
Ember & Rye7447 Batiquitos Drive
Carlsbad, California 92011
Park 1013040 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, California 92008
Campfire2725 State Street
Carlsbad, California 92008
The Wise Ox7750 El Camino Real, #P
Carlsbad, California 92009
Polo Steakhouse4980 Avenida Encinas
Carlsbad, California 92008