Drinks were spot on, the mezcal/habanero Toxica blew me away...bartenders were down for small talk…read more Felt like a proper bar.

With so many places to imbibe in Oceanside, I realize how competitive these places have to be to…read morestay in business so I have to admit, my standards are fairly high. My husband and I stopped in to Frankie's on a recent Saturday at 5pm. Our kiddo had a performance down the street at 6pm so we had a little time to kill beforehand. The neighboring spots looked busy so we decided to go with Frankie's, seeing as they were less inundated at the time and we had a time constraint. Another allure was the sandwich board at the front door advertising discounted cocktails - sold!! Inside there were a handful of patrons at the bar, another table with two additional patrons and maybe a couple on the patio so it was fairly quiet and slow, so it looked promising. We headed up to the bar and hung out behind two empty barstools, the single female bartender greeted us and said she'd be right with us, but then continued chatting up the seated patrons, serving them and their friends that had just joined (AFTER we'd arrived). We moved a little further down to the handoff area where she was making drinks to save her having to come back to us again, and stood there for probably 10 minutes while she took orders and made all the drinks. We commented that she looked like she could definitely use a hand, and she said they were still adjusting into summer hours and determining whether more coverage was needed at this time - I figured 5pm on a Saturday should be primetime, so I'm not sure in what universe having a single bartender makes any sense. Finally we placed our cocktail orders, waited while they were made, and then put our card down for the tab. After we'd paid, I noticed the cocktails were more expensive than advertised on the sandwich board out front - I couldn't find a disclaimer anywhere that said only certain cocktails were included, so while it was a bummer I wasn't about to wait another 10-15 minutes to catch her attention and ask for clarification. Just a heads up to beware of whatever is advertised that might summon you in from the sidewalk, and make sure you ask before you make your selection. Drinks were very subpar, nothing special to write home about. While I can appreciate the Gatsby-esque vibe they're trying to uphold at Frankie's, they really should increase their staffing especially during prime weekend and evening hours, and be more transparent about their specials and what's included and what's not. Hindsight is 20/20, and the low volume of patrons when everything else around it was going off was probably a sign, so we'll skip Frankie's our next go around.

Went for Happy Hour Love the Tiki bar Ambience…read more They got it right Hubby loved the Taco Tuesday fish tacos I had the dry rib chicken wings...perfect Shout out to our amazing bartender Parker

If you like your tiki bars low-key, The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill has got you covered…read more If that sounds like a negative, it's not. In this case, "low-key" refers to a tiki bar that is not over-the-top; one that doesn't cause you to enter into an entirely different reality. There's a time and place for that sort of tiki bar but in a small coastal town perhaps you don't want or need to enter a fourth dimension. The Lobby is small (though larger than I'd anticipated), not noticeably dark (like many in the genre), and outfitted with a nice array of tiki-themed tchotchkes. Scooby Doo, playing silently on a small tv above the bar, is a perfect accompaniment to the pleasing decor. I both ate and drank here and found nothing not to enjoy. Tiki bars generally elicit happiness in me and this one, with its excellent server, did not change that mindset. An Astro Chimp ($14) was my tiki drink of choice, mostly because I was interested in trying a cocktail featuring cold brew. Very good, and it did not keep me up all night. Fish & Chips ($23) was a sizable and satisfying portion, plenty there to be shared by two. "Brussels" ($11), were also quite good and ample. You will not go hungry if you choose to dine here. The Lobby is a fun choice for your time in Oceanside. Stylish and satisfying on every front, I'd happily return. Other stuff: * There is apparently a stairway-accessible rooftop deck here but it was closed for a private event during my visit. If open, definitely worth checking out. * 5% surcharge is automatically added to everything you spend here.

Kat and Charlotte super amazing service and even though they are busy they still looked after my…read morewife and I. We are at the restaurant and the food was excellent! Benny was also amazing he was the manager Thanks again !

Beautiful venue great music, lovely room. The food and drinks are overpriced.My fancy hibiscus…read morechambord drink was a bit too sweet. Our server was nice. Loved the atmosphere though! Just gorgeous!

It's my first time here and I absolutely love it !!! The bartender named Angelica and she is…read moreabsolutely amazing 10/10 recommend everyone to come here definitely coming back !!

Came for Father's Day without a reservation and also with a baby. The hostess stand was not that…read morefriendly or helpful. There was a wait of course but we were told there was open seating at the bar area. It was busy but I noticed there were a lot of families with kids so I didn't feel as out of place bringing my baby. We were able to find a table in the bar area thankfully and our waitress was amazing. Unfortunately, I forgot her name but she was so friendly, gave great recommendations from the menu and was very attentive. It's hard to come across that kind of service these days so I really appreciated it. The food was pretty good. We got the steak that came pre sliced with flaky salt and a side of zhoug sauce...so good. The artichokes with the aioli were also very good. Brussel sprouts were good but prob my least favorite of the 3. The vibe and ambience was great and there were ocean views, I would def recommend.

Kirsten is the best bartender I've ever been around! She did not make us wait at all and she knows…read moreher drink drinks! I would highly recommend this bar!!!!

Excellent cocktails, friendly service, great vibe! LOVED the decor and vibe. Had a great timeread more

Space Pad is hidden bar inside Kilowatts that feels like you've stepped through a sci-fi portal…read more Walk past the rows of pinball machines and find the mirrored hallway, and suddenly you're in another universe. The vibe is out of this world, literally. Neon glow, retro-futuristic decor, and that perfect mix of chill and cosmic weirdness that makes you want to stay for hours. The menu itself is fun to read. I was a little worried the drinks might lean too sweet, but I mentioned that to the bartender, and he nailed it. Every cocktail was balanced, creative, and smooth. You can tell he actually cares about the craft here. Highly recommend this spot. Great drinks, killer vibe, and we capped it off with some pinball on the way out. Tip: - wear something that glows under black light. It's fun watching yourself light up like part of the decor

Drinks are good and definitely a cool place! BUT the waiter/bartender tried to double tip himself…read morehoping I wouldn't notice. They make it hard to see but 20% gratuity was already included and somehow they "accidentally" selected an additional 30% tip for me. I had to ask about it and he gave me a refund but seemed suspicious. Make sure to thoroughly review your bill before paying. I have brought many people to this place over the years and probably won't be back.

We got here just in time for sunset and the amazing view. The bartender was super friendly and…read moreaccommodating. It wasn't a very busy evening, there were only a few other patrons at the time so we were able to get nice seats looking out towards the beach. My friend and I each ordered a cocktail that was cute but weren't amazing flavor wise. I had decided some fish tacos sounded great for dinner and found out that they were actually on special for taco Tuesday, score! $6 each, don't mind if I do. The tacos were delicious and refreshing, 2 was the perfect amount for me. My friend opted for the poke bowl which she said she enjoyed but it did have quite a bit of spice so be aware. This was such a cute spot I loved the ambience and I will be back, maybe try a different drink next time.

I've been wanting to come here since I first heard about it last year. Well, I'm happy to say, it…read moredid not disappoint! My husband and I came on Monday night to enjoy a couple of drinks at sunset, and lemme tell you, it was the perfect spot. It's a few blocks from the beach, but you can see the ocean. And watching the gorgeous sunset with a well-made cocktail in hand was the perfect end to our day. We ordered at the bar and had the Mango Guava Spritz and the Miami Pound Machine. They both came in large glasses and were well worth the price. Nice presentation and both were delicious and not too sweet. Just the right amount of alcohol, too, in my opinion. I loved the vibe up there. They had heaters on and cute umbrellas and lighting. It's just a fabulous spot on top of the Brick Hotel. I will definitely be back when I'm in Oceanside again.

Riding my bicycle from Huntington Beach to San Diego, with a night in Oceanside halfway in between…read more Looking for something solid for sustenance, because my health app. told me I burned 2,600 calories today. Hence, my menu readout: Appetizer: Mac 'n Cheese Main: Porkchop Dessert: Banana Pudding Service was outstanding, food was great, and the vibe was very O'side. Five outta Five, would recommend!

Second vist and just as great! This time we ordered the…read morebruschetta...it is not your normal bruschetta...it is an amazing combination of marscapone, peaches, honey, and a balsamic glaze on top of toasted ciabatta bread. For dinner I ordered the tri-tip sando. It was excellent but the chimichurri was a bit too strong so I wasn't able to taste much of anything else...the hubs liked it more than I did. The hubs ordered the Pig burger. Two patties...one beef and one pork with bacon jam, white cheddar and bread/butter pickles. The patties were cooked perfectly and the sweet bacon jam was a perfect addition (I'll be ordering this next visit) Both sandwiches came with thin sliced fries. We sat at the bar and Sean was again our server...very attentive and friendly!

Went here yesterday for a late lunch. They have a rooftop seating option that was perfect since the…read moreweather was so nice. It has a great view of the city! We got the Prosciutto and Arugula flatbread, which was very thin and crispy. The truffle fries were really good and we had them with their chipotle aioli. We also both got raspberry lemonades which were very sweet and refreshing. The coconut shrimp was really really good. My boyfriend was obsessed. I don't often love any kind of fried or battered shrimp but these were so good. I definitely want to come back!

Meh, you can do much better. Super long drink times, food, etc for a $100+ bill. Food wasn't even…read moregood tbh. I wish it were good but that just ain't the case. Caesar salad was good but everything else not so much. Edit: Had 2 star and changed to 1 star based on manager review/reply to my comment.

I had gotten an email wishing me a happy birthday and to come in for a FREE ENTREE. I was like,…read morewhat!? Yeah a lot of places give a free dessert but you almost never see a free dinner. I instantly set a reservation (didn't really need it) and we arrived around 4pm on a Tuesday and sat on the patio. Happy hour is daily from 4-6pm and if you sit on the recently renovated patio, drinks are 50% off. I ordered the Ribeye as my birthday entree and we also ordered the Fried Zucchini ($7), Popcorn Chicken ($9), Guajillo Braised Pork Shoulder ($21) and several cocktails ($7 each during HH). Everything was great honestly. No complaints. My wife REALLY loved the braised pork shoulder. My steak was excellent and even though it was free, $32 for a ribeye is the lowest you'll find anywhere. It was nice having not having to fight for a seat. Enjoying a cocktail on the patio in perfect weather is something everyone should try. Highly recommend coming to Mission Ave Bar & Grill for happy hour and to check out the new patio. Make sure to register for their mailing list to get birthday offers too!

Mission Ave Bar and Grill is basically the type of place that says, "just one drink," and suddenly…read moreit's three hours later, you've made new friends, and you're emotionally attached to the Peanut butter stuffed french toast. From the juicy breakfast Burger to the dangerously good country benefit and spicy blood orange, everything feels a little too easy to fall in love with. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it feel like your favorite neighborhood hangout -- even if it's your first time there. Honestly, if good food, great cocktails, and happy vibes had a love language... this place would be fluent. What I got: Peanut butter stuffed french toast $16 Country Benedict $17 Breakfast burger $18 Arnold Palmer Spicy blood orange $10