Seaside BBQ — Restaurant in Encinitas

I've heard so much talk and hype over this "Cardiff Crack" I figured I had to try it. Burgundy pepper marinade is their claim to fame but it was a huge disappointment. You order inside the market at the cash register and pick up outside at the grill or order at the deli counter. The tri-tip was precooked, not sure when, but I'm wondering how it was cook. It certainly wasn't on the grill b/c I see zero grill marks, no bark, no caramelization of the marinade and no smoke ring. It comes with a side of your choice, thank God cause the coleslaw was better than the tri-tip. The meat had a chalky consistency, barely any flavor. Their BBQ on the other hand was pretty good....a nice balance of tangy and sweet.....it was actually the only way I could finish the tri-tip! It didn't help that they gave me a stale bun that even the birds would turn away.

Maybe it was an off day, who knows, but one thing is for sure......this is no crack that I would get...

Best post-surf sando in town. I'm hesitant to leave this review, because I don't want this spot to get blown up, but after seeing only 2 stars, I felt like I had to step in to spread the word of this little gem....The tri tip "cardiff crack" is straight up amazing. I'm not sure what the person with the negative review experienced, but I've always gotten a great, fresh, and deliciously cooked trip tip from the Outdoor BBQ area; like BOMB. My only complaint would be the bread on the sandwich isn't that great -- pro tip: buy a loaf of Praeger Bros organic bread inside and put the tri tip on...

Beautiful store! Delicious food all around you, as well as beautiful kitchen accessories, wine, baked goods and more. Even though the butcher line was long, it was so fast due to the super friendly, efficient staff. And the burgundy tri tip...