I ordered a Crack sandwich this afternoon around 1:30pm. The meat was cold & Tough. Usually it takes ten minutes for the chef to make. It was ready in four minutes. read more

The Turkey Caprese sandwich was excellent although a little pricey at $14. Coolest thing on the weekend a musician provides music for the outdoor seating with a view of the ocean in the distance. Soup and salads were very good, too. read more

Delicious tri-tip AKA Cardiff Crack because it's so tasty! The store is clean, bright with a nice variety of foods et al. We always buy extra meat to take back home with us for our friends in Utah. read more

First of all, parking is ridiculously tiny and cramped and my friend says it wasn't even bad because usually it's completely packed! This store is such a treasure, nestled right up the street from the beach. From a copious amount of cheese, alcohol selection, produce, deli, hot foods, fresh meats, sweets and treats, there isn't much you couldn't find here. It was my first time visiting and I thoroughly enjoyed myself as busy as it was inside. It's a bit crowded and since it's so jam packed with all the things, it's pretty difficult to maneuver around. But, so worth it! Prices are steep, but I'm guessing it's the location. Fresh off the grill bbq right outside, too. Bought "Cardiff Crack" for the first time per my friend's rec and we thoroughly enjoyed the soft and tender meat. We would definitely stop by again when in the hood! read more

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I bought a bouquet of flowers thta lasted one day before the flowers wilted and fell apart. I paid $16.99 plus tax . I would expect that flowers at that price would be fresh and not fall apart after one day. read more

This review is about the "Cardiff Crack" sandwich. One word. Hype. I had the original BBQ which is tri-tip, fried onions, bbq sauce all on a brioche bun, with a pickle on the side. The skinny fries were okay. Really liked the bbq sauce. The market itself seemed pretty solid, like a Whole Foods with a very busy deli, and I mean packed. There were so many people ordering. I'm giving it two stars. One because the employees were great, and one more star because the grocery store seems solid. The sandwich I give zero stars. Very rare that I get an upset stomach. When anyone over seasons, they are usually disguising poor quality or older meat. You see the same with sushi that has a ton of toppings thrown on top. All to disguise poor quality. That's like soup of the day. It's all the old stuff that didn't sell made into soup. No thank you. Charge me more, just use better quality meat. read more

Seaside Market - Original BBQ sandwich - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

I'm a person who visits grocery stores whenever I'm traveling, so I decided to drive up to Cardiff to check this place out after I saw it online. It was definitely worth a special trip up the coast to check this one out. What a gorgeous store! Everything is visually beautiful and obviously high quality - the produce, the cheeses, the deli, everything. So lovely. Also - in case you're wondering, the "Cardiff Crack" tri-tip sandwich really is as good as the reviews make it out to be. And beautiful ocean just a block away is icing on the cake. p.s. Whoever buys for this store, I send you a thousand thanks for offering Brown Cow yogurt! (We haven't seen this since we moved from the midwest!) And SUCH a great bread selection. read more

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It was very hot in San Diego County today, so I headed to the coast for some relief from the heat. And what better place than Seaside Market. It's been a while, but the original crack sandwich is still fantastic. And sitting on the patio with the view of the ocean in the background is pretty nice. read more

Seaside Market - Patio area with ocean in the background. - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

A great mkt people drive 20 miles to shop here one of the special items is their tri tip meat!!! Best I've ever had!!!

I love this market. I went every single day that I was staying in Encinitas. On the last day, I brought a ton of stuff home. Everything is so fresh and delicious. They are known for their card of crack, which is their tri-tip. The hot soup is delicious and it was my first time having an artichoke soup that was tomato broth based. It was amazing and so comforting since I was staying there during the rain. Please open one in Redondo Beach, California! read more

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I have been here hundreds of times since 2009, but I'm finally writing an updated review for this market... especially now that I come much more frequently to get the cardiff crack surf and turf burrito bowl (gluten free), seriously, this stuff is amazing! Yes, you read that right, this market is home to the Cardiff Crack, the amazing tri tip that you've probably had at a potluck party, at a restaurant with some tri tip options, or at a cookout before. Heck, I had the cardiff crack sliders catered for my daughter's communion reception, it was a big hit! They have gluten-free bread as well, but honestly, I don't even miss the bread anymore, because that's how good the bowl is! This market also carries this vegetarian noodle salad that is so good, they used to have it with peanut sauce but lately I've been seeing more of the fish sauce dressing. The dessert section of this market is also amazing and ample selections to choose from! Not to mention, if you're stopping in for some fruits and cheese to picnic at the beach nearby, this place also has that too, all wrapped up and ready to go. My other favorite is the organic roasted chicken, seriously, it's worth getting and paying a bit more than Von's rotisserie chicken. Anyway, I was back here yesterday and decided to finally write an update. read more

Seaside Market - Vegetarian noodle salad. So good. - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

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A friend recommended the tri tip sandwiches here so my bf and I drove over from Encinitas from lunch on a weekday. For non-locals, the layout reminded me of a Whole Foods and we quickly found our way to the deli counter where you can pickup prepared sides and entrees and place your order for made-to-order food. I got the original tri tip sandwich and my bf had the California burrito and we split a side of fries. There was a bit of a wait but they were very busy (day before Thanksgiving) so it was understandable. After we got our food and paid, we went over to a tap room nearby to enjoy our meals. I really enjoyed the sandwich. The tri tip itself was probably a 4/5 but the sandwich was delicious and I'd definitely get it again. Bf enjoyed his burrito and we were divided in the bacon sriracha aioli for the fries - I would have preferred ketchup and he liked it. Would definitely recommend it and it's also a place I'd probably love to have as my local grocery store - clean, friendly and a wide variety of options from what I could tell. read more

We come down from Huntington Beach for the Cardiff crack. We love all the other yummy food they have to offer and I love that they also carry Julian pies. read more

Seaside Market - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

I had heard of this place from north county coworkers, but hadn't been until I recently decided to get Thanksgiving dinner from here. The turkey feast is $250 and feeds 6 (or more), and was delicious. The turkey was very flavorful and all the sides were great (the cranberry sauce is very tart and the turkey took longer than the top time listed in the directions, those were my only complaints) and the pie was decent. I would recommend. It was well packaged and the customer service was great. I saw the ads for Lobster mania when I went to get the turkey, so I went back with my husband and kid to get lobsters, gelato, lunch, and more and again, excellent. They have top end stuff (Prager Bros bread, good cheeses, etc.), though of course it's more expensive. The lobster sale alone was worth the trip, but we enjoyed our Philly Crack Stack, gelato, exotic fruits, brie, baguette, etc. The only added complaint I have is that it's a mess when crowded trying to get into a checkout line. There isn't a clear organization to it and it is a bit annoying. But if it's not crowded it's not an issue, I assume. Wonderful place! read more

I've heard amazing things about Cardiff Crack, I like to grill but my cousin is sort of the Tr-tip expert in our family. He has his own marinade.... He moved to another state so I've experimented and made some good rubs. Let me tell you as good as they are. Seaside Markets "Cardiff Crack" lives up to the name. Some people have said it's burgundy pepper, but it's way different than the burgundy pepper tri-tip I've tried. I made it on a Traeger at a medium high heat, I didn't want a real Smokey taste but it got some. It just fell apart when I cut it. The taste was fantastic. The store is nicely stocked with great produce, a bakery, wines and a great view read more

Seaside Market - Cardiff Crack on Praeger Bread with seaside barbecue sauce - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

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Great atmosphere. Servers were excellent. Found room for everyone inside during a rain down poor.

Just discovered this local gourmet grocery store and love it. Yes, it is expensive but you get the best food available! Also, compared to the very high prices that local restaurants are charging now, their prices are not bad at all. Tried the pre-packaged tri-tip dinner box and it was excellent, better than any restaurant and we just heated it up at home. Their desserts are excellent, too, and they have such a huge selection. Plenty of parking. read more

We stopped by here for a quick lunch bite out of a local recommendation on our way home today. Would give it 3.5 stars, but alas. The tri-tip "crack" sandwich was good, but I think the boastful name is a bit over the top as it's not earth shattering. My husband ordered the albacore special sandwich which was quite good (seared albacore v generous with slaw, pickled onions, arugula, tomato) but it came on regular toast when we thought it would be on a brioche roll. Also to note the person behind the counter said Ahi Tuna and Albacore Tuna were the same (ummmm no it's not! Ahi = yellowtail by American standards. Japanese standards albacore = binnaga). We found the service to be a bit blasé and not super friendly - especially since they couldn't be bothered to tell us our order was sitting there as we wait nearby and eventually had to ask after noticing boxes sitting there for at least 5 mins. For sure tasty, but not worth it to us to pay $32 for 2x mediocre sandwiches to eat in the car again. Disappointed it wasn't the small town seaside charming market I hoped it would be. read more

Seaside Market - Original BBQ Crack - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

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I heard about Cardiff crack for a long time and have seen it used at some eateries too now. I was in the area, so I made a pit stop and was finally able to buy some! I ordered a pound of the burgundy pepper tri tip, since I was having dinner elsewhere. I heated it up the next day and it was really tender and flavorful- no sauce is even needed! I would like to save my appetite next time to get one of their sandwiches though. They look so tasty! Besides the tri tip, this market had a lot of goodies I wanted to get. They have a bakery, lots of cheese, florals, seafood, and a variety of snacks as well. The market is a decent size and at the time I went, there were a nice variety of pumpkins in front of the store that looked like a mini pumpkin patch. I'll be sure to come back very soon! read more

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I've heard about their tritip Crack Sandwich and I thought I'd give it a try, I must say I was disappointed. Small, expensive, little flavor and not enough bbq sauce. On the plus side it was tender and the onions and bun was ok. I won't be returning for this sandwich and wouldn't recommend read more

Seaside Market - Bbq crack sandwich - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

There is a reason they call it "Crack" steak. What a wonderfully seasoned and tender unique piece of beef. My daughter drives and hour each way to pick it up! We loved that it was so easy to cook on the grill. read more

This market is very special. It's like a smaller version of Whole Foods with an emphasis on local... and a VERY tasty bakery/deli/meat counter! I've come here on several occasions when I'm in the area (shout out to Del Mar Dog Beach!) And I never leave disappointed. On Saturdays and Sundays, they actually set up a BBQ to get a taste of their famous Burgundy Pepper Tri-tip via sand which - and yes it is THAT GOOD! I buy a lot of tri-tip (Costco quality mostly) and this is marinated for a ridiculously long time so it is the softest tri-tip you will ever sink your teeth into... I can't emphasize that texture enough! It was mildly unappealing by the 3rd bite because it was almost mushy... but that didn't stop me from eating it all. Bought my dad one for Father's Day to smoke on his big green egg and it was a fun twist to fold into his typical BBQ activities. There is also a bakery that does beautifully unique work like a pistachio cake! My mom's favorite flavor of just about anything is pistachio so this was a great option for her birthday - but they don't guarantee having stock on anything! Get it while you can! This sweet market is about the size of a Trader Joe's but with the added excitement of these uniquely delicious fresh meats, bakery and deli products. It's a great place to stop on your way to the beach for the day! I'm not sure who is in charge of their custom fresh foods but I will say I am a big fan! They sell hats and shirts for the real ones! read more

Seaside Market - Lots of fresh sausages and other meats as well! - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

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It makes me crazy going to Seaside Market. They have so many wonderful things- and so many expired things (eggs/milk a week past expiration. Or more!) with management that does not care even a little. They smile and say okay:). . I've spoken to owners numerous times. It's common knowledge around town that you go for Cardiff Crack but not much else. Sad. I love this store but they do not seem concerned at all that their expired food can cause illness read more

This was a great place to go, because it was close to my camp site, the food was ok, but the prices were too high, the service was very welcoming and good, the ambiance was also good, the music blew out any unwanted sounds. read more

Cardiff Seaside Market should offer meetings 'round back cuz I can't stop coming back here. This place is an hour and a half from my house. Their tri tip is referred to factually as "Cardiff Crack". I always make a list before I come in to make sure I don't forget my favorites and once all of that is in my cart, I go up and down every aisle for anything new. Here is my list: 1. Tri Tip from freezer to save for the next holiday (yes even Thanksgiving). 2. Samosas from the Deli (double check they gave you a sauce for each one) 3. California Burrito to eat on the beach before heading out of the area 4. Tri tip taco plate from the cold case 5. Chantilly Cream 6. Strawberries to go with the above 7. Tri Tip from the meat counter to grill tonight. As for service, it's touch and go but the people who have worked there for years make up for anyone else's slack. You will be well taken care of here for sure. read more

turkey caprese , surf n turf burrito , crack fries are my favorite. I love the meat section - I've had the tri tip & the bratwursts. It's amazing. The workers are sooooo helpful, and I love that I can eat my food with the view of the beach. read more

Are you cooking dinner for your entire family? Working out of someone else's kitchen, for picky people that are never, ever satisfied? Give them crack. In my experience, crack makes people a little less worried about whether their vegetables are overcooked, or their chicken is under-seasoned. Also, in addition to the hard drugs you are giving your family, you should also purchase a solid amount of Cardiff Crack, the colloquial name for the marinated tri-tip sold here at the Seaside Market. Once you've got the Cardiff Crack, all you need is a grill (and an instant read thermometer if you're not confident you can get a good medium rare on that meat) to make people think you're a genius in the kitchen. Also, this just happens to be a lovely market with anything and everything edible you'd want, on vacation, coronavirus quarantine, or otherwise. read more

Seaside Market - Cardiff Crack and other food purchased at Seaside - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

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I was looking for a grocery store who carries specific raw milk we usually get it from a farm. This is the one I found online and I'm glad I did. They became my go to grocery store although we live 30min away. I stop by after my surf session, it is perfect location by the beach and close to freeway. They have so many kinds of condiments and alcohol l, fresh produce, local products, international grocery, huge selection of bread and cheese, fresh meat and seafood. I'd say better version of Whole Foods or Bristol market to say the least. If you are looking for unique item that you can't find at big chain grocery store, you might want to check out here! You'll love it!!! read more

Seaside Market - Bourbon marinated pork chop So tender and good flavor! - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

this place is off the hook expensive. it is extremely over priced. beyond reason. $125 for a bag. of groceries that wouldve been $40 anywhere else. read more

Love this little neighborhood market. I've really only been here for one reason and one reason only. The Crack! Cardiff Crack to be exact! Crazy good and insanely addicting. People come from miles around for it. Local restaurants use it in their recipes without hesitation. It's that good and high quality. Now before you start scolding me for being addicted to crack, just know it's the name of their tri tip beef in the deli. The burgundy pepper marinade truly is special. It's prepared perfectly as is or lightly altered to a variety of options on the menu that'll knock your socks off and slip 'em back on before you know it. I've had the crack straight up as the main dish of a meal. I've also had their Korean and Whiskey Crack sandwiches. Each one divinely delicious. I brought a tray to a pot luck and my friends devoured it. The customer service is surf town friendly. Everyone is welcome along the 101, so don't be a stranger if you find your tummy a grumblin while traveling along the 5 in north county. Keep on Yelp'n! read more

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We came here specifically to get the Cardiff Crack Tri Tip. It was very expensive and I've had better. At Costco you can get 2 trips tips for the same price and put your own seasonings on it. The market was cute and had live entertainment. Lots of people hanging out. This would be a great stop for a quick lunch but I wouldn't plan on doing any grocery shopping here as it's so expensive. read more

A few months ago I hosted a delegation from Cardiff Seaside market in my classroom Kitchen at Sur La Table in Carlsbad. They wanted to see how we run our classrooms, so that they could maybe do some classes in their store. I don't know if they ever got their cooking classes off the ground, but I hope they did. They were a great group of friendly, professionals. So, I've been wanting to visit their store all this time...Today, for the first time I actually went into Cardiff Seaside market to shop. I just happen to be down on Cardiff Beach hiking with a friend, and she was recommending I stop in and just check the place out. For the record I live in San Marcos and Cardiff is very far away, so this is why I have not stopped in sooner. I was blown away by the selection of extremely fresh produce, excellent cheeses and wines, gourmet groceries, a grab and go section that would make the angels weep, and very friendly service! I bought a tiramisu slice from the bakery, chicken enchiladas from the deli grab and go section, Greek feta dressing because my girlfriend recommended it to me, a Thai turkey wrap for lunch and a few odds and ends. Everything tastes fantastic! The quality is beyond reproach, and the flavors are authentic and magnificent! As a chef myself, I'm Uber-picky about take and go foods, but I would happily buy every item again. It has taken me many months to come to Seaside market, but now that I have visited once, I will be back again and often. read more

Seaside Market - This is so delicious, I could actually drink it! - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

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I was in total amazement upon entering the Market. The visual experience for me was like no other store has given me! It was because the store's displays were so beautifully arranged! The space in which you walked through each section had ample space and were strategically set up so you could see the huge variety being sold. The store carries fresh produce as well as unique ones like purple Brussel sprouts and Buddha Hand (fingered citron), and more! Their liquor section was so neatly arranged with selections from wines to liquor and beer. They optimized their space to display this section to the ceiling against a wall. I could go on and on! Other section worthy of mentioning are their prepped foods, their cheeses, breads, housewares, etc. I loved that they carried such a variety. I must say, they stole my heart! read more

Seaside Market - These are a few photos taken as I browsed the store. - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

We heard about the tri-tip so we decided we needed to check out the place. We came on a Sunday at lunchtime on our way from Julian to Orange County. It's a wonderful place to visit. They had clean restrooms, friendly staff and a wonderful selection of meats and cheeses. We had a tri.-tip sandwich for lunch and it was tender and delicious! We brought some tri-tip to bbq at home. We look forward to returning! read more

This kimchi sandwich is something else. So juicy and flavorful, every bite was a step closer to pure bliss and happiness. My wallet do be hurting now, but I cannot fully describe the masterfully curated blend of taste. Definitely not for the faint of heart. read more

Seaside Market - Korean Crack - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

We stopped here on vacation and loved this place! Perfect to grab some food, snacks and drinks to enjoy by the beach across the street. Highly recommend stopping by! read more

Want all the possible beach picnic food options ever? Go here. Want pistachio cake? Go here. Want 6 ready made deviled eggs with caviar on top? Go here. Want a juicy, freshly-carved, tri-tip sandwich Or a rack of smoky delicious pork ribs? Go inside, pay the cashier, then take your receipt to the guys in the tent in the parking lot and they'll give you containers groaning with food and sides. Then eat your dinner at one of the tables outside, enjoying the ocean breeze and San Diego life. read more

Forgetting the fact that everything here is extremely over priced for a few minutes...The prices are consistently mislabeled. Never in the customers favor, 100% of the time in favor of the market. This over many many years. For example, shelf says a product is 4.29 at the register rings up 4.89. Across many items and over time, it most certainly adds up to pad their margins by defrauding customers. One example that was absurd was a product that was labeled as $3.29 rang up as $36.99 at the register. They put products aligned with the label for a less expensive product as well, packages of lettuce above Spinach label but the price for the lettuce you grab is 50% higher at register. When pointed out they will always correct it and offer an empty apology BUT not fix the issue. Often prices will vary for the same product if not driven by barcode. ALWAYS check the prices by watching them ring you up. Nobody wants to do this but you're being robbed if you don't. Example image attached where two bundles of asparagus vary by more than 20% in price for identical product. Happens all the time. I've caught them putting a label over an expired expiration date multiple times as well. It's convenient to shop here (walking distance) and that's the only reason I come. Quality of produce pretty terrible compared to Jimbo's or Whole Foods. Writing this after all this time because it happened to an older woman in front of me that had a mismarked item, I pointed it out and she was extremely grateful. Said she struggles to buy groceries as is. If that is happening to her it's happening to others like her. read more

Seaside Market - Two bundles of identical asparagus. One for $10.99 one for $8.99. Observe BS like this every visit. - Grocery Near Me - Cardiff, California

Great market! The tri tip is the bomb. I will return many times. I think the produce and deli are excellent as well. read more

The Cardiff Seaside Market is my favorite grocery store EVER, and I love grocery stores. I mean, how can you beat an ocean view from the store's parking lot?? It is on the expensive side, but the products and ambiance match Whole Foods. The displays are beautiful and the variety is unmatched. They even have a gelato counter! I'd definitely go back to shop or even just to roam around and explore more unique products (like a pink pineapple or marble orange bread). read more

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