Top 5 Friday – Carlsbad Restaurants Part 2

Happy Friday!

I know – you’ve been on pins and needles since the last Top 5 Friday post – waiting ever so impatiently to see what the final 5 Restaurants are in our two part series. ;)

Well the wait is over! Here are MY top 5 places to eat in Carlsbad, CA.

5. Pollos Maria

Yes. Another Mexican food place. :) This one has the usual things but they also do great Roasted Chicken. You can get a chicken dinner with rice, beans and warm tortillas and it is heaven. Mr. F.T. swears by the Chorizo Burrito – says it’s the best in town.

And you have to check out their sassy, extremely well-endowed chicken on their sign.

I’m a little intimidated by her.

4. Vigilucci’s

Vigilucci’s is seriously good Italian food. There are several Vigilucci’s but I love this one – it’s right in the village and you can sit outside if you want. It’s pricey – but worth it.

Here is my favorite thing on the menu –
Pappardelle con Funghi Porcini e Capesante (which is fun to say and eat)
Homemade wide ribbon pasta with porcini, shiitake, portobello and field mushrooms and pan-seared scallops in a white truffle and brandy cream sauce.

Seriously – how can you beat fresh homemade pasta – then you add in mushrooms and truffle sauce??? Wow. Oh – and I usually sneak a Bellini there too. They make a yummy peach version.

3. Lola’s

Lola’s is a Carlsbad icon. It’s located in a neighborhood in North Carlsbad and it’s been there since the 50’s. It’s family owned and you can go in and spend some time chatting with Lola or her family. She’ll happily tell you all about the restaurant, how long they’ve been there, and I think they’re related to half of Carlsbad.

You order at the counter – and there are a few tables inside and out. I usually get the Machaca burrito – todo style. Shredded beef and egg, with beans, cheese, lettuce, sour cream and pico de gallo added in. I really love this place. It looks like an ordinary little market, but it’s one of my favorite places to hang out.

2. Todo Sushi

Todo is right down the street from us. Which is convenient and dangerous at the same time. It just opened last fall and we have become regulars. The staff and cooks always greet you when you come in and when you leave. I have no idea what they say but it’s fun. They have a big section of the menu that’s half price too.

We all have our favorites but I’d have to say mine is the Star Wars roll. (Great name right?) It’s crab rolled in a jalapeno and fried. And they put some kind of magic sauce over the whole thing.

I wasn’t a shusi eater before  – but I’ve converted. ;)

1. O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub

Here it is. My favorite place to eat in Carlsbad. Maybe anywhere. It’s located in the village in this sweet English building. It’s great inside too – it’s dark, they have a long bar and a stage for music and a big fireplace when you walk in. Exactly what you want in an Irish pub. Sometimes you can go in and there are groups playing music in their large room, just hanging out and playing beautiful Irish music.

The food is great too. I always get the Irish Whiskey Chicken Boxty. It’s a flat potato pancake wrapped around chicken and mushrooms and tomatoes, all smothered in this heavenly Irish Whiskey Cream Sauce. I can’t eat the whole thing but I try every time. And don’t ask me to share. Cause I won’t.

And there you have it! Now I’m hungry again. But that’s ok. I’m saving up for dinner – we’re going to O’Sullivans tonight. ;)

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