The Leucadian Bar — Restaurant in Encinitas

Cold beer and colder stares. As a man whose cut my teeth among other things at dive bars I feel at home amongst the derelicts and degenerates.

You can change the name, but I can still read it, and it will always be known to me as Bar Leucadian. Forget all this pour house stuff, it’s a fancy rename since their infamous 2010-2012 past. I’ll let you google that one on your own.

Parking is usually easy since many locals walk here. It’s well known round these parts for a place to catch a cold one, a game of pool, some interesting eavesdropping and be offended. Thought they dedicated a few taps to the local craft beer I’d still go to O Hurley’s down the street for a little more craft. Same owner Todd.

The female staff are much better than the old guys/bouncers who could care less. It’s best if you don’t talk to them, or make eye contact. Stick amongst your group, though I’m a friendly and social person, it’s a little bit like prison here, that unless it’s daylight eye contact could be dangerous. That’s generally my rule of thumb for any dive bar.

Bathroom is pretty bad, décor is pretty bad, has that roadhouse carpeted bar smell and not that just old carpeted bar smell. Don’t be fooled by the copper mugs in the back, they serve their jamo gingers in them, but that’s about as cocktail as they get. I asked for a tito’s and tonic/ginger and they flubbed that one. That was the last time I got anything besides a beer here. Prices are cheap for the area.

Just about every other bar in Leucadia is...

Zero stars for the extremely rude & ridiculous doorman I encountered last night. Was out celebrating an engagement party with friends but accidentally left my id at home (I’m 31). Explained the situation to the bouncer, wouldn’t let me in. Ok fair enough.

So I paid to have my id sent in a car from Oceanside. He watched me stand outside for 30 minutes waiting for it but still wouldn’t let me in once it arrived?!!

Then, he grabbed one of my friends from inside and forcibly told us both to leave. For no reason. Told us he “could do whatever he wanted.”

My friends are longtime Leucadian locals so it was really disappointing to experience this type of treatment. Safe to say the entire engagement party followed us out and we spent our money elsewhere....

The Leucadian is a gem of a local bar. Recently renovated, the space feels fresh and inviting while still maintaining its classic dive bar charm. The outdoor patio they added is fantastic. One of the best features is how dog-friendly the bar is—many cute dogs to pet with friendly owners. The bartenders deserve a special shoutout for their attentiveness and friendly vibes. Drinks are also very reasonably priced. Overall, The Leucadian is a must-visit if you’re in the area. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back for more! A true...