The Pocket — Restaurant in Carlsbad

They just opened up to locals (not hotel guests) by reservation only and must provide credit card. It’s $25 per person cancellation fee if you don’t show or cancel within 24 hours. This is to keep the exclusivity feel consistent they said when I checked in at the lobby. They will give you wristbands and escort you to the restaurant where you have many options for dining inside or outdoor by the fire pits.

We chose the fire pit seating. It’s open air with a few umbrellas on cushioned seating with tons of pillows. Concrete fire pits are large enough to have beverages and food. There are small stools to use that out you closer for eating.

They have a few large bottles of sunscreen at various stations as fyi.

They had sound healing just outside the pool area at 5:30pm on Wednesdays.

The Apres-Sea aka happy hour menu had a few bites on it. We got the carne asada nachos and it was a huge stack, lots to share. Excellent deal.

My friend tried the pork banh mi and loved it. He also ordered the ponto passion drink and enjoyed it as well.

I got the blackberry cider and it was tasty and refreshing.

Patrick was our server and he was amazing!!! Definitely ask for him if he’s working!!!

Loved the ambiance. The dinner menu offerings looked delish and excited to come back for more explorations. They brought a new menu (changed menu tnite) so you will see...

I recently visited The Pockets, the poolside restaurant at Alila Marea Beach Resort, and while the views were definitely a highlight, the overall experience was a bit mixed. The restaurant offers nice views of the pool and even a glimpse of the ocean, which makes for a pleasant atmosphere.

As for the food, it was just okay. I ordered the steak frites, but unfortunately, the steak was very tough and hard to eat. The chimichurri sauce didn't do much to elevate the dish either—in my opinion, it had an overpowering taste of vinegar. On the plus side, the cocktails were decent, though not outstanding.

Service was a bit hit or miss. The first time we dined here, the service was just fine—nothing remarkable, but not bad either. However, when we came back the next day for drinks by the pool, the service was noticeably better, much more attentive and friendly.

All in all, The Pockets offers great views, but I would recommend managing expectations when it comes to the food and cocktails. The ambiance is great for a relaxed poolside meal or drink, but the culinary experience may leave a little...

Went on a Monday night - NO ONE ELSE was there and no food was available. A relative from out of town was visiting and staying nearby so it was convenient, but new to me. I loved the photo showing a view to the ocean, but did not realize it was part of a resort where $10 valet parking was required - as there is nothing nearby (no street parking), there is no choice. The valet had to walk us inside, stop to get a key card from the lobby desk to use the elevator (which he walked us to down a long hallway) and when we got off the elevator, we walked several long halls past hotel rooms without another soul in sight before walking into a totally empty bar. The pool is between the bar and the ocean at tabletop height - and it is cool looking. The waiter and bartender took good care of us, and were surprised we didn't know there was no food available, though it was on the website and on the menu handed to us. And somewhere online it said reservations were required (?!). Very odd. We had a one cocktail each and left about 30 minutes and nearly $60 later (including parking). Not in a...