Once upon a time, in the enchanting seaside town of Oceanside, CA, the Local Tap House (affectionately dubbed LTH) emerged as the culinary Van Gogh, painting delectable art onto our dinner plates. The moment I stepped in, I knew I was signing up for more than just a meal. It's a belly-filling, soul-warming journey of discovery, with each dish served as a thrilling chapter.
I'm not one for restraint, especially when it comes to LTH's menu - a vibrant rainbow of flavors with each dish more tantalizing than the last. I tend to over-order, but hey, isn't sharing the essence of enjoying food? It's a culinary paradox, though: you'd want to share but once you sink your teeth into their crispy, delicately seasoned cauliflower or that heavenly French Dip, forget about sharing. Sorry, companions, get your own.
Service at LTH is much like a well-choreographed ballet, seamless and gracious. Smiling faces, quick refills, timely food arrivals - it's hospitality at its finest. Their drink selection? It's the liquid counterpart to their food, equally diverse and fantastic. A haven for beer lovers, it's like wandering into the Hogwarts of hops.
As for my favorite items? Ah, the cauliflower and French Dip, which have secured their spots in my Food Hall of Fame. An honorable mention for the crab and lobster ceviche that used to grace the menu, your memory lives on, old friend. The new contender, Tuna Crudo, is good, but I find myself in a love-hate relationship with the size of the tuna chunks. A bit too chunky for my delicate palate. No offense, Tuna, it's not you, it's me.
Yes, there's a wait list, as there should be for such a foodie paradise. I find solace at the bar, my own little haven amidst the bustle. And they always have the games on, making LTH a playground for both foodies and sports fans alike.
My partner, Ivan, and I have adopted LTH as our Friday night culinary retreat. With each visit, our love for this place grows, much like the waistline of my pants. But who's complaining? Not me, certainly. If loving LTH is wrong, I don't want to be right.
In a nutshell, the Local Tap House is an epicurean journey not to be missed. Just remember: Come with an appetite, leave with a contented sigh, and probably with no leftovers for tomorrow. That's just...
Read moreNestled in the vibrant streets of Oceanside, California, LTH Bar beckons food enthusiasts with its tantalizing menu and warm hospitality. My wife and I recently embarked on a lunch date at this charming establishment, and from the moment we stepped through the door, we were greeted with unparalleled customer service that set the tone for a memorable experience.
Upon our arrival, the attentive staff not only welcomed us with genuine warmth but also took the time to recommend other local spots worth exploring—an unexpected touch that instantly endeared us to the place. Little did we know that their first recommendation would become the highlight of our meal: the legendary macaroni and cheese.
Succumbing to their suggestion, we ordered the macaroni and cheese, and it was a decision we didn't regret for a second. Each forkful was a revelation, showcasing a perfect balance of creamy cheese and al dente pasta—a testament to the culinary expertise of the kitchen staff.
As we savored our main courses—a delightful salad wrap for me and a tantalizing dish for my wife—we couldn't help but marvel at the seamless service provided by the LTH Bar team. From timely refills to thoughtful recommendations, every interaction exuded warmth and professionalism.
In addition to the exceptional food and service, LTH Bar stands out for its commitment to fostering a sense of community. The staff's genuine passion for their craft is evident in every dish they serve, creating an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and inclusive.
In conclusion, our lunch date at LTH Bar was a culinary journey filled with delightful surprises and exceptional service. From the moment we walked in to the last bite of our meal, we were treated to an experience that exceeded all expectations. For anyone seeking a taste of Oceanside's finest, look no further than LTH Bar—a true gem that shines bright amidst the city's...
Read moreThe food here is amazing... Compliments to the chef! We really enjoyed the seafood stew and the black and blue brussel sprouts.
The seafood stew was pricey but had generous portions of jumbo shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and salmon. The broth was so creamy and delicious but not clumpy. Keep in mind it is not a chowder so the creamy broth is more like a true soup.
The brussel sprouts small plate is enough to be a meal. The bacon paired with nuts and dried cherries were unique to this charred veggie and were a welcome addition. The bleu cheese was subtle and definitely not overpowering which is key for this dish because there is allot going on in a favorable/flavorful way.
We also ordered the kung pao cauliflower which was a very close top pick for me. This dish is also enough to be an entire and I would recommend it with shrimp if you go that route.
The last dish on this list is the pazole mussels. It was highly recommended by our server but ended up to by lackluster for me. I think it's just that I really enjoy a traditional pazole and my palette didn't fancy the pairing with mussels. My wife felt the same way... There was just something missing. Sour cream with cilantro and onion would have helped maybe... The crispy hominy sounded better that it was too ...
Don't let the last dish deter you from the LTH experience though; this place is still an easy 5 starts from food to service to ambiance!
Note that there is only one handicap table; all the other tables are bar stool height. They also have these cool fly propellers that seem to work ok if they are right over the food while dining...
Read more