Seaside Market
Seaside Market Photos
Business Info
You might also consider
More like Seaside Market
Recommended Reviews - Seaside Market
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Locals know this place well but I'm a visitor. I've been hearing about this market and their legendary Cardiff Crack marinated tri-tip roast for years. My buddy brings it every year to our guys weekend bbq and it's always a hit. The market is hell to find parking an a busy weekend but it's worth it once inside. The staff is plentiful, kind and efficient and the lines move quickly. Lots of fresh options and their meat and seafood section is fantastic.
We were bored this Saturday and decided that we should try the Cardiff Crack sandwich. Got there around 6pm and the parking lot was packed. We were still able to find parking quickly. There is only outdoor seating so dress for the weather. Coastal weather in May makes it cool as it approaches evening. I ordered the classic crack sandwich and my wife got their Philly sandwich. Both had lots of meat! Mine had some meat sitting in the container . We also got fries and their artichoke dill pasta salad. It was all tasty. Be prepared to wait in line but also check outside for their canopy serving sandwiches there also. Plenty of outdoor seating. People started clearing out as it got closer to 7pm. While it is out of the way for us we plan to return.
Seaside Market continues to be a great outpost for curated products with a lot of Local options. The star, in my humble option is still the meat counter and the prepared foods section. From sandwiches, to deli meat and of course their butcher shop and marinated meats selection. This is the home of the famous "Cardiff Crack," aka burgundy pepper tri-tip. You may have had it before at a friend or family BBQ, on some local area restaurants in sandwich, or in the famous Tri-Tip Nachos at Petco Park while cheering on the Padres. I love checking out all of the items they have available, and always have to grab at least a pound of the crack. This last time I picked up the Spicy Chipotle BBQ tri-tip as well. So good. If you are just visiting, you can grab a sandwich made with the tri-tip.
I asked for tri tip at the deli counter and got charged for beef wellington instead, which runs $5 more per pound. I didn't catch it until I got home, so I ended up paying the difference without knowing. The woman behind the counter wasn't very friendly, and it's hard not to wonder if the mix-up was on purpose. It's a 40 minute drive for me, so I won't be back to find out.
This is the "EVERYTHING" spot! I mean EVERYTHING! Weekends have a smoker out front! I could leave this review after that! lol. But there's so much more! The view and atmosphere is on point! The ocean air takes this to another level! Outdoor eating with an ocean view is iconic. I hope you know what you want, because once you step inside it's ON! The deli counter is all that and a bag of chips. That's where I got that fat Cali breakfast burrito in the picture. Then you have the butchers area! Fresh seafood and steaks, pork chops, etc....And it's a Super Market to boot. Everyone is super friendly and very helpful. Deli -- Butcher--Supermarket This is a one stop shop, and keep this is mind.. "Quality over Quantity $$. It's better than 3 , but not quite a 4 due to price.
Our visit was specifically for the sandwiches offered from the deli. After arriving into SD for a work trip, an old college buddy of mine took me here for lunch. We went straight to the deli. Busy for a random Tuesday lunch, but the ladies at the counter showed that grit and experience. Quick to jot down the order and hand it back to the cooks. We asked for two bbq sandwiches and the fries (fried in beef tallow) caught my eye-had to get it. While I was waiting for the food, my buddy goes to the back and grabs a couple of Hazy IPAs (benefits of being located in the market). Grabbed a seat outside and enjoyed our market food. The bbq sandwich was definitely good. The fries, also good. The Hazy, classic. That said, an eatery within a market is just that. A few tables, a few chairs, and mostly self-service. Parking gets tricky during lunch time and the setting-by the ocean, can't really beat that.
shopped regularly at Cardiff's SEASIDE MARKET when I lived just down the street and had forgotten how much I enjoyed shopping here. they got back on my radar after seeing them on a you.tube video and the nineteen-year old boy and I trucked down there for sandwiches. he's eaten their BURGUNDY-BLACK PEPPER TRI-TIP (AKA Cardiff Crack) at several local places (Cafe Topes in Carlsbad is a few blocks from our house and has a Crack Salad he loves) so it wasn't a hard sell. Wyatt got a KOREAN CRACK sandwich (grilled trip tip, Korean BBQ sauce, smoked cheddar, kimchi, and crispy fried onions) on a brioche burger bun. I ordered a WHISKEY CRACK (grilled trip tip, whiskey-peppercorn sauce, blue cheese, pickled onions, and arugula) on a ciabatta roll. as is our habit, we traded half a sandwich for half a sandwich. both were amazing. a couple of days later, the wife-unit and I were headed to Solana Beach from Carlsbad, and stopped in Cardiff at SEASIDE MARKET. the sandwich we shared was not as good as the one Wyatt and I shared. instead of a dense, chewy ciabatta roll, this time the sandwich was served on a squishy, wonder bread roll. major downgrade. anyway, pretty darn amazing and totally worth an occasional drive down the coast. plus, you gotta love the view.
I walked through this market before while exploring Northern San Diego and never knew their deli had well known sandwiches until I watched a YouTuber describe their Cardiff crack sandwiches that were a must try. A few months later I was in the area again so I decided to finally try the sandwiches and they were fantastic! I tried the "Whiskey Crack" and my fiancé had the original Cardiff crack. Both sandwiches were generously stuffed with tri tip which were quite juicy and paired great with the sauces (whiskey peppercorn for the whiskey crack and bbq for the Cardiff crack). If you're in the area for some solid sandwiches I'd recommend coming here. The rest of the supermarket is also well curated and seems to have a lot of high quality offerings if you're just here for grocery shopping (think of it like Whole Foods)!
So tonight we wanted the ultimate Seaside gourmet dinner, and we got it. We started with baked brie, which was sensational and could've been dinner and then progressed after a glass of wine from a white wine section to a state dinner, let off by a American Wagyu ribeye which my beautiful wife from Nebraska knows exactly how to cook. Some tomatoes and cheese and a baked potato. A $250 meal cooked at home for less than $100. Yes, people say seaside is expensive and it is but the product you get and the service you get is completely worth the price, not to mention it's three blocks away loved it.
Love love love this place! My husband insists we stop here any time we come to the area because of their Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip sandwiches. His favorite is the Kim-Chi sandwich! The service is always prompt and friendly. It can be a bit confusing because it is inside the grocery story but you MUST stop and try something from their deli. They have something for everyone and it truly a local favorite.
If you're anywhere near Cardiff, Seaside Market is a must-visit spot. They have a wide variety of food options (including gluten-free), and one of the best parts is they serve breakfast all day--a total win if you're a late riser or just craving a burrito at 4 p.m. Speaking of burritos, they're amazing, but the real standout for me was the Original BBQ Crack sandwich. Absolutely packed with flavor--crispy, savory, and smoky in all the best ways. The ordering process is smooth: place your order, wait to be called, and then take your food to the checkout line. While you wait, you can browse their great selection of drinks in the back or even pick up groceries since the market doubles as a full grocery store. Super convenient! To top it off, Seaside is just a short walk from the beach, so you can grab your food and enjoy it with an ocean view. It's the perfect blend of good eats, good vibes, and a great location.
9 days ago
Came in for Nachos, left with all kinds of goodies! The store is clean and well organized and the variety of items you can find for any allergy is perfect! The premade food sections are phenomenal, there are so many things you can pick up to eat right away, or grab and go for lunches or dinners! We stopped during a busy hour for lunch for Cardiff nachos with a friend. While the line was a bit disorganized who was where, the staff were able to get everyone's orders taken in a reasonable amount of time. Our food came out and we were able to pay and find seating outside to enjoy the summer day. For $17 it was not a bad plate of nachos, the tri tip was absolutely worth it. I definitely want to come back to get a burrito or the fries option next time! read more
2 months ago
The California burrito was SO delish! The meat was perfectly seasoned and the salsa was the best addition. I need to ask for extras next time! I also got the pesto pasta salad but I wasn't the biggest fan. I'm still very interested in trying more from Seaside though! My friend was raving about their fruit tart, so I'll be back to get that for my family's next event. The hot bar was busy but service was quick and employees were really kind. Great guest experience - I'll be back!! read more
Locals know this place well but I'm a visitor. I've been hearing about this market and their legendary Cardiff Crack marinated tri-tip roast for years. My buddy brings it every year to our guys weekend bbq and it's always a hit. The market is hell to find parking an a busy weekend but it's worth it once inside. The staff is plentiful, kind and efficient and the lines move quickly. Lots of fresh options and their meat and seafood section is fantastic. read more
We were bored this Saturday and decided that we should try the Cardiff Crack sandwich. Got there around 6pm and the parking lot was packed. We were still able to find parking quickly. There is only outdoor seating so dress for the weather. Coastal weather in May makes it cool as it approaches evening. I ordered the classic crack sandwich and my wife got their Philly sandwich. Both had lots of meat! Mine had some meat sitting in the container . We also got fries and their artichoke dill pasta salad. It was all tasty. Be prepared to wait in line but also check outside for their canopy serving sandwiches there also. Plenty of outdoor seating. People started clearing out as it got closer to 7pm. While it is out of the way for us we plan to return. read more
Seaside Market continues to be a great outpost for curated products with a lot of Local options. The star, in my humble option is still the meat counter and the prepared foods section. From sandwiches, to deli meat and of course their butcher shop and marinated meats selection. This is the home of the famous "Cardiff Crack," aka burgundy pepper tri-tip. You may have had it before at a friend or family BBQ, on some local area restaurants in sandwich, or in the famous Tri-Tip Nachos at Petco Park while cheering on the Padres. I love checking out all of the items they have available, and always have to grab at least a pound of the crack. This last time I picked up the Spicy Chipotle BBQ tri-tip as well. So good. If you are just visiting, you can grab a sandwich made with the tri-tip. read more
2 days ago
I asked for tri tip at the deli counter and got charged for beef wellington instead, which runs $5 more per pound. I didn't catch it until I got home, so I ended up paying the difference without knowing. The woman behind the counter wasn't very friendly, and it's hard not to wonder if the mix-up was on purpose. It's a 40 minute drive for me, so I won't be back to find out. read more
This is the "EVERYTHING" spot! I mean EVERYTHING! Weekends have a smoker out front! I could leave this review after that! lol. But there's so much more! The view and atmosphere is on point! The ocean air takes this to another level! Outdoor eating with an ocean view is iconic. I hope you know what you want, because once you step inside it's ON! The deli counter is all that and a bag of chips. That's where I got that fat Cali breakfast burrito in the picture. Then you have the butchers area! Fresh seafood and steaks, pork chops, etc....And it's a Super Market to boot. Everyone is super friendly and very helpful. Deli -- Butcher--Supermarket This is a one stop shop, and keep this is mind.. "Quality over Quantity $$. It's better than 3 , but not quite a 4 due to price. read more
Our visit was specifically for the sandwiches offered from the deli. After arriving into SD for a work trip, an old college buddy of mine took me here for lunch. We went straight to the deli. Busy for a random Tuesday lunch, but the ladies at the counter showed that grit and experience. Quick to jot down the order and hand it back to the cooks. We asked for two bbq sandwiches and the fries (fried in beef tallow) caught my eye-had to get it. While I was waiting for the food, my buddy goes to the back and grabs a couple of Hazy IPAs (benefits of being located in the market). Grabbed a seat outside and enjoyed our market food. The bbq sandwich was definitely good. The fries, also good. The Hazy, classic. That said, an eatery within a market is just that. A few tables, a few chairs, and mostly self-service. Parking gets tricky during lunch time and the setting-by the ocean, can't really beat that. read more
shopped regularly at Cardiff's SEASIDE MARKET when I lived just down the street and had forgotten how much I enjoyed shopping here. they got back on my radar after seeing them on a you.tube video and the nineteen-year old boy and I trucked down there for sandwiches. he's eaten their BURGUNDY-BLACK PEPPER TRI-TIP (AKA Cardiff Crack) at several local places (Cafe Topes in Carlsbad is a few blocks from our house and has a Crack Salad he loves) so it wasn't a hard sell. Wyatt got a KOREAN CRACK sandwich (grilled trip tip, Korean BBQ sauce, smoked cheddar, kimchi, and crispy fried onions) on a brioche burger bun. I ordered a WHISKEY CRACK (grilled trip tip, whiskey-peppercorn sauce, blue cheese, pickled onions, and arugula) on a ciabatta roll. as is our habit, we traded half a sandwich for half a sandwich. both were amazing. a couple of days later, the wife-unit and I were headed to Solana Beach from Carlsbad, and stopped in Cardiff at SEASIDE MARKET. the sandwich we shared was not as good as the one Wyatt and I shared. instead of a dense, chewy ciabatta roll, this time the sandwich was served on a squishy, wonder bread roll. major downgrade. anyway, pretty darn amazing and totally worth an occasional drive down the coast. plus, you gotta love the view. read more
I walked through this market before while exploring Northern San Diego and never knew their deli had well known sandwiches until I watched a YouTuber describe their Cardiff crack sandwiches that were a must try. A few months later I was in the area again so I decided to finally try the sandwiches and they were fantastic! I tried the "Whiskey Crack" and my fiancé had the original Cardiff crack. Both sandwiches were generously stuffed with tri tip which were quite juicy and paired great with the sauces (whiskey peppercorn for the whiskey crack and bbq for the Cardiff crack). If you're in the area for some solid sandwiches I'd recommend coming here. The rest of the supermarket is also well curated and seems to have a lot of high quality offerings if you're just here for grocery shopping (think of it like Whole Foods)! read more
6 days ago
So tonight we wanted the ultimate Seaside gourmet dinner, and we got it. We started with baked brie, which was sensational and could've been dinner and then progressed after a glass of wine from a white wine section to a state dinner, let off by a American Wagyu ribeye which my beautiful wife from Nebraska knows exactly how to cook. Some tomatoes and cheese and a baked potato. A $250 meal cooked at home for less than $100. Yes, people say seaside is expensive and it is but the product you get and the service you get is completely worth the price, not to mention it's three blocks away loved it. read more
Love love love this place! My husband insists we stop here any time we come to the area because of their Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip sandwiches. His favorite is the Kim-Chi sandwich! The service is always prompt and friendly. It can be a bit confusing because it is inside the grocery story but you MUST stop and try something from their deli. They have something for everyone and it truly a local favorite. read more
This place is always our go-to when visiting the area. The deli is amazing with MANY choices of delicious, clean food. I recommend any of the pick up and heat options. The staff are friendly and no choice is a bad one here! read more
If you're anywhere near Cardiff, Seaside Market is a must-visit spot. They have a wide variety of food options (including gluten-free), and one of the best parts is they serve breakfast all day--a total win if you're a late riser or just craving a burrito at 4 p.m. Speaking of burritos, they're amazing, but the real standout for me was the Original BBQ Crack sandwich. Absolutely packed with flavor--crispy, savory, and smoky in all the best ways. The ordering process is smooth: place your order, wait to be called, and then take your food to the checkout line. While you wait, you can browse their great selection of drinks in the back or even pick up groceries since the market doubles as a full grocery store. Super convenient! To top it off, Seaside is just a short walk from the beach, so you can grab your food and enjoy it with an ocean view. It's the perfect blend of good eats, good vibes, and a great location. read more
I had received many recommendations from friends and family to try their Cardiff Crack. We were in the area so decided to give it a try. Before I ordered I walked around the market to check it out. Found a bottle of Fortaleza reposado I have been looking forever for. As for the food, my friends and family did not steer me wrong. I got the regular sandwich and fried and they were both incredible. I absolutely loved it. Definitely worth the price!! If you're in Cardiff or the surrounding area give them a try. read more
6 months ago
Love this store! It's a great neighborhood market with lots of items from local sellers. I love that you can find things here that you can't at chain stores - it gives it a unique feel. The prices are pretty reasonable too. I had a lovely conversation with one of the workers - it started about jam and then we started talking about travels, it definitely created a personal, local feel to my experience. read more
Grab your Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip sammie, cold drinks, cut fruit or salad from here and head down to the beach for a picnic lunch. CSM is conveniently located a few steps from the beach and has a full array of grocery, hot and cold food options. Yes it's three $$$ for a reason but you can't beat the freshness and convenience. This is one of our go-to stops en route down to San Diego. read more
3 months ago
Yessss! A 10000000 times yess. The staff, THE PRODUCE! The tri tip CRACK!!! The dollar rose Tuesdays, the VIBE, the things you will never find anywhere else outside Italy for your charcuterie board, the seared albacore sushi....OMG! GO THERE read more
This has got to be one of my most favorite markets in the San Diego area. This isn't just a market, it's an experience. The Seaside Market is located rIght off the coast highway and when you walk in you just wanna sample everything. The store is very organized and it is easy to find what you need. The produce is always so fresh, unique gourmet items, an incredible wine selection, tasty bakery and a fantastic deli. I really enjoyed viewing all the side dishes featured in the deli for take out. There are even a couple of tables outside where you can sit and enjoy your purchases. I have now visited a couple times and decided I needed to review. On my most recent visit, we stopped here to pick up some items for dinner. We decided to grill some fresh halibut, sweet corn, salad and a nice Sauvignon Blanc to complement the dinner. My friend spoke of the Cardiff Crack - this is their famous Burgundy Tri-Tip but we decided we would try in on my next visit. From what I have heard, this Tri-Tip is pretty incredible. The majority of the workers here are helpful and friendly. Only one sour puss in the store and she was the woman who checked us out. All good, I managed to get a smile out of her once I called out her name. Parking is pretty easy since the market is in a large plaza and this store will invite you in. read more
Cardiff Crack lives up to the hype!!! You already know about the tri tip, marinated and cooked to perfection. But the onion straws, BBQ sauce and brioche bun!? Such a perfect combo never existed until this. Love the market too. Plenty of sides and goodies to go with your sandwich. While I think the sandwiches are actually pretty fairly priced, the rest of the market is too rich for my blood. The parking lot has ample space, and cashiers are always friendly. Some outside seating available, but the trashcans are always gross and overflowing. Make sure to get a bakery dessert for your post-sandwich treat! read more
10 days ago
So if you haven't had Cardiff crack before, you're doing it very wrong. The seaside market might be one of my favorite grocery stores in Southern California. You can order hot food here as well as get your groceries for the week. This is the Cardiff crack breakfast burrito and I'll tell you one thing, it was incredible. There's also a sandwich in this review. Cheers! read more
10 months ago
6 months ago
I finally stopped through to have the much raved about Cardiff Crack Tri Tip sandwich casually hidden away within a boutique marketplace near the beach in Cardiff. The sandwich uses USDA choice sirloin, the meat marinated through an ultra secret process in their "Burgundy Pepper". They load the meat between bread, slather some sweet BBQ sauce within and insert crispy fried onions. For about $15, the sandwich was loaded, but not overly. In fact, the Korean Kimchi sandwich also ordered appeared to have more meat. The cult-ish obsession with the sandwich likely lies with the combination of ingredients, the fried onion adding this more than delectable crunch. A darn good sandwich for sure! THOUGH, the peppery meat was only alright, likely rewarmed after sitting in the case. We ordered inside at the deli and ate our monstrosities at the tables outside. They have a stand outside too and I think you can order the sandwich from here too? Otherwise, they were serving mostly BBQ there. Parking could prove challenging in the lot with narrow spots. If you can pop in without any parking stress, a treat you will find. read more
10 months ago
On our recent visit, I had the Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip Burrito and it was spot on; flavorful, good quality meat, and really satisfying. My family and I also tried the New York cheesecake, which was creamy, not overly sweet, and had a great crust. That said, I do agree with other reviews about the pricing and portions. The burrito is now $15.99, and I remember when it was $12.99 and noticeably bigger. read more
The parking lot of this market is a nightmare! It's really tight and there are bunch of people making trips to stop by before the beach across the street. But once you get in, they have lots of selections on fresh food. We parked about two blocks away and grabbed the cubano and Italian sub sandwiches along with drinks & a bag of chips. The service was quick and the lady who helped us taking the order was really nice. I really enjoyed the Italian sub as it had a lot of veggies & banana peppers. We decided to walk to the beach from the market and it took us about 10 minutes. read more
6 months ago
2 years ago
Really fun spot to hang out after a long day of surfing with family and friends. The people who work here are always super kind and go out of their way to walk you to an item. The food is great and they have good prices on hard to find items. Also the Cardiff crack is to die for ! read more
Get the original bbq crack sandwich. $15.99 & it comes with a pickle! Soooo delicious, no complaints. This is probably the best bbq sandwich we've had in San Diego so far. The bun & bbq perfectly complement each other. It was a bit of a wait on the weekend, but my husband & I already want to come back! read more
7 months ago
The famous seaside market lives up to their hype, while it can be overwhelming especially the parking, the array of produce and groceries available provides upscale shopping experience. Great place to grab gifts too! Don't forget "the crack" read more
2 years ago
Great place! My friends brought me here. It has excellent selections of produce, exotic fruits, veggies, healthy foods, prepared food section out of this world. Clean space, well stocked with epic options. Staff was helpful in guiding me to correct isles. Love! read more
4 months ago
Page 1 of 24
More info about Seaside Market
2087 San Elijo Ave
Cardiff, CA 92007
Directions
(760) 753-5445
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.seasidemarket.com/
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
Seaside Market Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Seaside Market
Are the spices and marinades for your tri tip gluten free?
What should out of towners (from Sf) order as picnic lunch ? Should I go to this beach or another recommended (staying in vista, back to sd airport tmr nite)
There's lots of options for a picnic lunch. You can check their menu out online and order ahead online and take it to any beach you want, but the beach nearby is beautiful as well so worth checking out. There's also cheese plates and options around…
Are they open New Years day
Yes, everyday, certain holidays they will close around 3 or 4pm
Review Highlights - Seaside Market
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
71 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
5 years ago
18 years ago
14 years ago
10 years ago
14 years ago
14 years ago
10 years ago
13 years ago
6 years ago
15 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
13 years ago
11 years ago
17 years ago
15 years ago
6 years ago
11 years ago
16 years ago
Seaside Market - grocery - Updated July 2026
Best of Cardiff
People found Seaside Market by searching for…
Browse Nearby
BEST of Cardiff, California Coffee near Seaside Market
BEST of Cardiff, California Restaurants near Seaside Market
BEST of Cardiff, California Breakfast near Seaside Market
BEST of Cardiff, California Desserts near Seaside Market
BEST of Cardiff, California Parking near Seaside Market
BEST of Cardiff, California Things to Do near Seaside Market
BEST of Cardiff, California Pizza near Seaside Market
BEST of Cardiff, California Supermarket near Seaside Market
