Such a cute neighborhood to visit. I came here recently and stopped by the local ramen shop…read more Although it was night time, I still noticed that there were so many businesses open and honestly, it was thriving. There are so many shops in this neighborhood too, making it a great place to shop and eat and simply spend a day with friends and fam. Def a spot to visit in NCSD.

Carlsbad Village is a great place to walk, shop, and dine. It's quaint, clean, and…read morepedestrian-friendly, with a train station and plenty of crosswalks. The dining scene offers a wide range of options, and some recent favorites include: * Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar * French Corner Cafe * Poki Poki Boba & Brewski * Pop Pie Co. * Shoots Fish and Beer Just across the street is the beautiful Frazee Beach, one of several state beaches in Carlsbad. It features some wide sandy stretches and a great promenade that extends to Tamarack beach. What keeps the village from a 5-star rating? Parking, especially on warm weekends and Friday and Saturday nights. It's no easy feat finding parking anywhere close!

Hayley spoiled all the Yelp Elites at Paradise Dynasty! I had my eye on this restaurant in Glendale…read morethat is grand opening near Christmas! The servers and baristas were so friendly and amazing! General Manager Jason and Randy were so welcoming! Legend of the Xiao Long Bao. Say no more! It was so nice meeting fellow Yelp Elites Ana, Kat, and Zara. The perfect lunch at an awesome table. Drinks and conversations were flowing throughout the service. Jasmine Tea was light and refreshing. A 2 Hour Yelp Elite Event Menu: We started the Tasting Menu with a Welcome Cocktail: Singapore Sling. Sweet. What a way to kick off! Appetizers: Japanese Cucumber with Minced Garlic & Radish Pastry to tease your palate. Dim Sum: Signature Original XLB Kurobuto Pork Wonton in Chili Oil - My personal Highlight Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao - If you are feeling adventurous! Definitely get the Dynasty But wait, there is more!!! Intermezzo Cocktail Guava Mama - Definitely stronger than the Singapore Sling Main Course: Fried Rice with Fried Pork Chop - YUMMY Stir-Fried Black Pepper Angus Beef with Basil Braised Creamy Butter Lobster Noodle in Nanyang Style - Lobster was so sweet and tasty Stir-Fried Pea Shoot with Minced Garlic Ended the entire tasting experience with: Panda Chocolate Lava Bun Now for the SWAG: 1. YELP Chopsticks 2. YELP Dim Sum Boxes 3. Paradise Group Bag 4. $25 Vouchers to come BACK! Paradise Dynasty could not have been more generous. Hayley, this one is for the books! It was a legendary tasting experience. So happy and grateful to attend and meet new Yelp Elites, Black Elites, and Gold Elites. Forgive me if my Noodle Pull was limp the first couple of takes :) The cocktails were kicking in.

So happy to be part of this amazing event!…read more The welcome drink: Singapore Sling Appetizer: Japanese cucumber with minced Garlic radish pastry perfect way to start great meal! Dim Dum: signature original xiao long bao all very good and tasty. Mid Cocktail: Guava Mama , perfect way to help you get through rest of amazing tasting menu! Main: fried rice with fried pork pork chop Stir fried angus beef with basil , my fav main dish! Braised creamy butter lobster noodle super creamy and rich Stir-fried pea shoot with minced garlic Dessert: Panda Chocolate Lava. Fantastic service, great location and phenomenal experience!

Love love love love…read more Got the fried chicken combo. They have a ton of mix and match combos you can choose from. Employees were so so sweet and literally telll you which sauces go with what and what they like the best. I will be coming back! Thank you elite crew for putting this one together

It was quite the drive to get up to the Carlsbad Gateway on the final day of this weeklong…read morepromotion at Surf Up Chicken. The business was located in a suite next door to a gelato shop, both of which were in this random industrial park. I wonder with its remote location, how much customer traffic it can generate from beyond the neighbors in this complex? Anyway, a bonus was that parking was super easy. Upon entering and checking in with the cashier to mark my name off the magic list, she informed me that each of us had a $15 credit to select anything off the menu. I really loved the flexibility of this offer as it opened up the possibilities. Normally, an Elite promotion is for one or two specified items. The offerings were obviously heavy on chicken, however I noticed some non-chicken grub like crispy shrimp, Filipino spaghetti, a veggie egg roll, and even Belgian waffles. My picks were the two middle entries out of the six in the Specialties section... Chicken & Waffles and Chicken Curry. They conveniently added up to $14.95. The first container had four mini waffles combined with around a dozen pieces of chicken nuggets. A self-service condiments station was available that provided ketchup and four different sauces with clearly marked signage of each name and flavor profile. I used the Golden Chicken Dip for the nuggets to add a sweet and smoky enhancement to the bits of white meat. The second bowl had white rice as a base with chicken, broccoli, and carrots in a curry sauce that was mild in heat and spices. Two slices of yellow pickled daikon (takuan) were included on the side. The mix made for a nice savory snack. Thank you to the owners and staff at Surf Up Chicken for introducing a group of Elites to your eatery. The combination of Asian fusion and Southern-style flavors was unique. Thanks also to Audrey and Yelp North County San Diego for identifying a new local, family-run business to host an Elite Week Event.

Brewventure is back! Thank you Belching Beaver, what a great way to start off the 2018 brewventure…read moreseries! I did not even know that Belching Beaver had this tucked away little spot, what a great way to check out this location, tasty beer and the food is on location here, so no need to depend on food truck services here. This place has a nice cozy feel to it, it has great outdoor seating, enough indoor seating and plenty of places to stand around and chat. The staff here was super friendly, and quick to offer suggestions and/or recommendations! We both really enjoyed the IPA here, I also enjoyed the peanut butter stout (as always).. the wife thinks it a bit too sweet for her, but always hits the spot for me! Thank you Danny and Trish, this was another nicely executed function, we both had a great time, and it makes for a perfect excuse to get out mid week and check out a new place. I will be back!

This was another awesome event! I missed the 1st Brewventure because I was getting ready to go on…read morevacation. I'm glad I made it to this one, it was fun. I obviously won't be giving my review of the beer, but the girls in my party definitely liked theirs. The brewery is nice because it has the outdoor patio area, unusual especially for the breweries in a business park. Got chilly toward closing, but not too buggy. The fire pit wasn't lit, because it's warm weather. It would be nice in the winter months out in the yard with the fire going! The food from Mexico City was great! The $5 Yelp deals were an awesome bargain! I had the nachos with carne, and I couldn't finish mine because they were huge. I'm looking forward to the next one! Thanks to Trish, Bill, Andy, and Chang for a fun time!

Great event, my friends and I enjoyed it. Three hours of non-stop foodie adventure with unlimited…read morebites and sips. Surrounded by tons of fun ppl. Nothing brings people together better than delicious food and drinks. At the flower field for the "best of north county food festival". This is my very first time attending a food festival, it won't be my last for sure. Tips for the event: arrive at least 15 minutes early to wait in line. Always go with a group of friends, it is more fun. They have dancing music so wear dancing shoes if possible. Dancing is good after eating buffet-style food. wink. Fun atmosphere, good to try out local restaurants you have never been to. Some of them are newly opened.

Last night I had my first experience at this event together with a friend and we both enjoyed the…read morewhole package: phenomenal venue in Carlsbad -even with the threatening rain- the funny retro, filled with props photobooths, the wine galore, even more craft beer to choose and, ohhh, the food! The both decided that our favorite was that ceviche with watermelon from the Wrench and Rodent seaabasstropub. Now I am so looking forward going to that semi new restaurant! Volterra wine and generous paella did not disappoint either, and neither did Cafe Secret and the citrusy ceviches that were so refreshing! Music was very good too, tines for all tastes and everybody dancing and having a good time. I got to know several new spas an beauty salons for me, so the list of new stuff to try grew as much as the warmth in the cold night. San Diego magazine offered tons of the latest issue, so I got a couple of them to share the joy of our city many beauties with others. Great event overall with plenty of food and drinks forb every body.

I never realized that Blue Bowl had expanded to so many locations as my first experience with this…read morebusiness was about four years ago when they opened on the UCSD campus. On this occasion, I met with a North County friend who lives nearby and was also confirmed for this Elite Experience. I was allowed to bring her spouse as my plus one as a perk of the new Yelp Elite All-Stars program. Blue Bowl was on a busy corner in South Oceanside not far from the Freeman Collective. We each found a nearby curbside spot as there was no on-site parking lot. The shop had a steady stream of customers during our weekend morning visit. After a worker marked our names off the magic list, we were allowed to sample as many of the seven different bases which each had coconut yogurt and coconut water as a foundation. Two of the varieties, Mango Passion and Matcha, were quite unique. Layered smoothies and bowls were the theme. We each created a custom 16 oz bowl with as many toppings and add-ins as desired. Huckleberry was my base which consisted of muddled banana, mango passion, fresh strawberries, coconut yogurt and coconut water. I also selected maple quinoa granola, acai yogurt, blue bowl chia pudding, pineapples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, The Butter, organic dates, dried mangos, dried peaches, almonds, and organic agave nectar as components for my custom bowl. I was very impressed with how the worker carefully assembled the complimentary bowl which could have been called "everything but the kitchen sink." The coconut flavor in the base was subtle while the fruits were very fresh. It was a high-quality product that had a reasonable market price. Thank you to the owners of Blue Bowl in Oceanside for allowing us to sample one of your custom creations. It was a healthy snack between breakfast and lunch. Thanks also to Audrey and Yelp North County San Diego for organizing this three-day Elite Experience.

Having had açai in Brazil, I'm a bit spoiled and picky about my açai. My favorite spot in the past…read moreis near Mission Bay but that's too far for me to go now that I live in North County. I've been looking for a place closer and this is it. I have a new favorite. I came in late in the afternoon and there was no line. I know the area well because I frequent nearby businesses and so I was prepared to have a difficult time parking. Luckily that was not the case and I found a spot. I walked in and was greeted instantly. The man helping me was beyond friendly, informative and helpful, making a bit of an overwhelming experience easy and enjoyable. I got to taste the different flavors and decided on blue coconut/açai. I added a lot of other thing s too (see photo). Grabbed a table, the line was now long, and ate my wonderful bowl. So so good. I like the fact that the price is listed and you add whatever you like for no additional fee. The free coffee at the register was a great touch even though I didn't try it. Thank you, CM Audrey, blue bowl, and Yelp for introducing me to my new favorite açai bowl place

Review #885 2025-056…read moreYEE #135 (missed count @ #95) Comped Food & Drink Order: Ube White Chocolate Cookie (Asian inspired from Cookie Chaos) Yuzu Refresher Frizz Yelp Schwag: Yelp Logo Drink Sleeve & Coaster Another oldie, but goodie that was drafted & not posted. I'm appreciative of Yelp granting me this invite to Dash Coffee Bar, & stopped by late afternoon on Mother's Day as a treat; Elites receive a coffee of choice + Cookie Chaos cookie. I'm not one to celebrate this holiday... all I ask of my family, kids especially, is peace & quiet. Easy peasy, & totally affordable, yet it doesn't happen even though it's only 2 days out of the year (other is my birthday). Anyways, I digress. My son joined me in this quest to Dash Coffee Bar, & he was curious about the menu's refresher bar, particularly the yuzu refresher frizz & butterfly pea lemonade, that he made a mad dash out of the car when I barely parked. We were warmly greeted upon entering, & peruse the menu for my comped drink. I inquired that I'm not a coffee drinker & asked if I may choose from refresher bar list, which she said ok, & requested the Ube White Chocolate & Yuzu Refresher Frizz. Normally, I would prefer tea with a cookie, though I imagine coffee goes better? Our cashier/barista was quick, & got the fizzy drink fast! I had to put a hand on my son to snap a pic & gently remind him that it's mine & that it's Mother's Day. Yeesh! ;-) I love, love, love this yuzu refresher... absolutely "refreshing" bubbly with citrusy sweet & sour notes!!! And the cookie was delish... good ube flavor & sweet chocolate... a match made in heaven! We polished both off in a minute! The coffee bar is a skip from Old Town, & on a quieter street: Union St. just off busy Lake Ave. The dining area is bright & spacious, & designed to allow you to "hang out" &/or work, though I'm not sure how comfy the bench & chairs are for extended periods of time. Compact menu of: expressos & coffees with add-ons, crafted bar, teas & refreshers that's fairly priced (though it seems cheaper than tea/coffee shops) with excellent, friendly service. It's a bit of a drive to Pasadena, but I'm always open to exploring the neighborhood near my brother, & sharing my finds with him (told him about DCB; he's a coffee aficionado & approves). DCB is quickie walk from his office & a short drive from home. Not convenient for me, but definitely worth a stop whenever I'm in the area visiting my big bro. Recommended: Yuzu Refresher Frizz (a must) & Ube White Chocolate Cookie. A special thanks to Yelp, CM Margaret, & the Dash Coffee Bar team for this refreshing fizz & uberlicious cookie to celebrate APIHM!

This was a fun event and a great experience. The coffee was absolutely delicious. I would…read moredefinitely come back again.

Wow what can I say. I do a lot of UYE. It is so amazing to meet new Elite Friends. They are liked…read moreminded and we love food. I usually do a UYE every month. Our Elite friends get together and chat away at some new restaurant or a specific type of food. We have a blast. It is a unique community that is so much fun. We even once went on a weekend trip to Lake Tahoe with our Elite friends. Such great memories and times. Happy eating. SYOY

I've had my fair share of Unofficial Yelp Events (UYEs)! Even more so when I first started Yelping…read moreback in my early 20s. 17 years later, you can probably guess my age. Heehee. OG yelp granny! Something special about UYEs are due to a more small, intimate setting. You can finally put that face in real life to that yelper you may be following for years or have been virtual friends with. Like-minded yelpers with similar passions get to connect and really get to know each other at these gatherings. Whether it's becoming lifelong friends or making memories with those near or far, it's always a positive and uplifting community and experience. A lot of work and coordination comes with organizing these events and each one I've been to have been so fun and worthwhile. From costume-themed events to breaking a sweat at a local gym/studio it never disappoints and I always have a blast! So many UYE highlights throughout the years and I'm thankful to those who I have come across and I look forward to meeting more yelpers aka friends in the future! Pardon my cheesy review, but had to represent!

An Elite Week Event that can drive new life: body, mind and spirit!…read more I was passionate about attending this health driven event at Vitality Tap! My fire was fueled by the choices we had available: an elixer shooter, a juice or smoothie, a superbowl or toast, and a coffee beverage on nitro! All courtesy of Vitality Tap and the NCSD Elite Team. Trying the following items added some pep to my step... The All Day Energy Shooter added vigor to start the day! MSM, ginseng, cordyceps mushroom, green coffee, bean, organic juice and coconut water. The So Citrus Juice drove my cold away! Antioxidant rich, immunity kick and weight loss. Grapefruit, orange, pineapple and Fuji apple. The Tropical Superbowl added a punch to the afternoon! Pitaya, strawberry, pineapple, banana and coconut water. and The Mexican Nitro Coffee provided vivacity to get through the night! I couldn't even choose a favorite - as they were all so delicious in their own way! Thank you to VT and Andy at Yelp for your wonderful elan! The husband and I look forward to returning on our visits nearby and hope to sparkle again! #Yelp #thanks #WOW

Health and Wellness Bars are a thing now…read more Consuming fresh, raw, and locally-sourced organic produce to detoxify the other parts of our 3-ring sh*t-show-of-a-life are a thing. Acai bowls topped with hemp granola, blueberries, and bee pollen are a thing now. All day energy shots with fresh orange juice, ginseng, cordyceps, msm supplement, green coffee beans, and coconut water: all "things". Citrus antioxidant juices with grapefruit, orange, pineapple, and fuji apple juice are a thing. Mexican cold brewed superfood coffee -- you guessed it -- a thing. These "things" to appreciate and savor at Vitality Tap -- like pandas playing piano, prom-date online proposals, and bikini baristas-- all things that SHOULD be things. But just because something is a "thing" doesn't mean it should be a thing. Sushi donuts, mint-filled Oreos, and BK's Cheeto Chicken Fries : things that arguably shouldn't have gotten to "thing" status {pretty sure the filling in mint Oreos is toothpaste... and... Burger King needs a new slogan - how about: "We now clean our restrooms!"}. Also: "Odor control undies" and "toddler perfume"... while somewhat practical... not necessarily things that should be a thing. Goat beauty pageants and "cats that look like Hitler" videos : definitely SHOULD NOT BE A THING (jeez - stop the Internet, I wanna get off!). Life is all about the journey, experiences and things we choose to be "a thing". Glad to have experienced Vitality Tap Health & Wellness Bar (thanks Andy & Tanya!). It's our new thing.

Thank you Sojeata and the OC Yelp team for the invite…read more Sojeata is located in downtown Fullerton. The place is very nice with plenty of seating available. There were so many good drinks that I was interested in trying, I eventually ordered the Matcha Einspanner. The drink was delicious especially the cream on top. Overall, what a great experience. Thank you again Yelp OC for allowing me to discover a new coffee shop!

Come here if you are a matcha lover. Their matcha quality is really high and they abide by their…read morepromise of providing premium matcha. I came here on a Sunday early afternoon and the place was very peaceful and it wasn't too busy. The staff members were nice and helped me pick out a drink. I typically go for a classic matcha latte but they had so many fruity options that I couldn't help but want to try something new. Strawberry matcha has been around so I was looking for something more tropical. I was super torn between the Mango and Peach, but was lucky enough that the staff I spoke to offered to mix both. So technically I ordered something off the menu - Mango Peach Matcha Latte with Oat Milk. It was delicious! The drink was very balanced, just make sure you mix your drink well so you get all those flavors in every sip. The vibe in the cafe was very zen. They went for a minimalistic and natural aesthetic which I appreciate given it's a matcha place. The music choice was nice too. All in all, I had a great experience and would definitely go back! Quick note: The parking lot in the back of the plaza is free for Sunday and it's a big lot. There is also street parking available if you are looking to pick up a drink.