Carlsbad Restaurant Tips by Richmond

Vigiluccis Vigiluccis Review

Memories of Southern Italy" are evoked by this "North County find", the "cute" Carlsbad branch of the Vigilucci's family of eateries where "lively, authentic" cooking, and "good value" leave lots of locals "satisfied";

Hours

Sunday - Thursday
11AM to 10PM

Friday - Saturday
11AM to 11PM

Friday - Saturday
Bar Open till 12-Midnight

Thursday - Sunday
Live Music!

Address: 3878 Carlsbad Blvd

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: (On the corner of Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd)

Phone: 760.434.2580

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 0

Theme: Local

Barrio Carlsbad authentic Mexican Food

Lola's Market and Deli is practically Barrio Carlsbad royalty. The market was established in 1943 (Lola was the founding matriarch and the business is still kept in the family) and continues on to this day as a community landmark and point of pride. Run by sisters Connie Trejo and Ofelia Escobedo, Lola's has changed with the times to be not just a neighborhood market, not just an authentic Mexican mercado, but a "deli" that turns out the best (really) tamales and carne asada burritos in North County. There's no Taco Bell kitsch here -- Lola's is the real deal. Recipes are based on recipes from the sisters' grandmother, who learned how to craft simple but wonderful food growing up in Jalisco.

Lola's has just a few tables to accommodate diners -- this is part of the charm of the place. Breakfast (served all day long, bless these folks!) hosts a steady stream of ravenous early birds lining up for their daily huevos rancheros fix. At lunchtime (after 11am), it's not unusual to see engineers from the Carlsbad Business Park curbside, leaned up against their shiny Lexuses with ties tossed over their shoulders, chowing down on tacos or shoveling chile rellenos while enjoying the sunshine. Dinner offers more of the same great food.
Lola's serves as a neighborhood gathering place for the Barrio Carlsbad community as well as the Carlsbad Village in general. This is the perfect place to check the pulse of local politics, cultural happenings and Latino resources … and, of course, eat.

Favorite Dish: On Saturdays, carnitas and menudo are featured -- both can be had for under $5, which is some kind of urban dining miracle, making Saturdays a special day indeed.

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Lola's Market and Deli
3292 Roosevelt St.
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 0

Theme: Mexican

The following are picks of my...

The following are picks of my favorite Carlsbad restaurants. For a complete list of restaurants, pick up the Dining Guide from the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 1246, Carlsbad, CA 92018 or call 1-760-434-6093
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---LOCALS FAVORITES---

Spirito's----Italian restaurant in Carlsbad Village Faire that has great pizza, salads, and classic Italian entrees.
Don's Country Kitchen---classic coffee shop/greasy spoon breakfasts, downtown.
Vinaka Coffee House--also in Carlsbad Village Faire. They have the usual coffees/teas/desserts, and good ice cream, too. Families are more comfortable there than other coffee houses in town.
The Farmer's Market on Wednesday afternoons from 2-5 pm.

---NORTH (PLAZA CAMINO REAL MALL)---
Olive Garden (Italian), 1884 Marron Rd., 434-1016
Souplantation (salads, pastas, and soups), 1860 Marron Rd., 434-9100
Tony Romas (steak and ribs), 1814 Marron Rd., 720-0700
---CARLSBAD VILLAGE (DOWNTOWN)---
Armenian Cafe, 3126 Carlsbad Blvd., 720-2233 Traditional european restaruant, outdoor dining near beach.
Fidel's Norte, 3003 Carlsbad Blvd., 729-0903. Mexican.
Fish House Veracruz, 417 Carlsbad Village Dr., 434-6777 Lots of fresh fish.
---SOUTH CARLSBAD---
Claim Jumper, 5958 Ave. Encinas 431-1085. Hearty American food, ample portions (take some home).
In-N-Out, 5950 Ave. Encinas. Good hamburgers in a retro setting.
Karl Strauss Carlsbad, 5801 Armada Dr., 431-2739. A microbrewery with hearty, excellent food.
Marie Calendars, 5980 Ave. Encinas, 438-3929. American.
Pea Soup Andersen's, Holiday Inn, 890 Palomar Airport Rd., 931-1400. Soups and breads.
Palomar Runway Cafe (American--right on the runway and sometimes crowded), 2162 Palomar Airport Rd., 431-9150
Tip Top Meats, 6118 Paseo Del Norte, 438-2620. Landmark German market and restaurant. Very European feel, but not for vegetarians!

Rating: 0

Theme: Other