Mission Ave Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Oceanside

Mission Possible, But Not Quite Accomplished at Mission Bar & Grill, Oceanside!

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the sounds of an Upright bass and drums. Now, this isn't your typical two-piece band. This combo created an atmosphere somewhere between a classy speakeasy and a spontaneous garage jam session, and surprisingly, it worked.

The menu here does its best impersonation of a Rubik's cube - colorful, a little chaotic, and more than a tad baffling. However, the confusion didn't stem from missing my usual comfort dish, shrimp and grits. Oh, no. It was very much present, smiling at me from the menu, but in a move that can only be described as audacious, I ventured into the unknown.

Today's gamble was Brussels sprouts, which were, to put it mildly, more noir than desirable. These sprouts looked like they had spent a summer vacation on the sun, and let's just say, the sun won. The flavor profile did its best to rise from the ashes of their charred exterior, reminiscent of good days past, but still hinting at an unfortunate sunbathing incident.

However, the day wasn't without its high points. At Mission Bar & Grill, the cocktails are the heart and soul. They come with names that could double as punchlines, and let me tell you, the humor doesn't drown out the taste. 'Ms. Frizz,' the refreshing concoction I had, was as tantalizing as a magic school bus ride, but without the fear of being turned into a bat. Ivan, meanwhile, swore allegiance to his mezcal Old Fashioned faster than you can say "agave."

In the end, Mission Bar & Grill earns a solid three stars. It's a beloved local spot, with a lively atmosphere, but my mission, should I choose to accept it, will be to navigate the culinary maze to discover whether the gems like shrimp and grits can outweigh the shadow of the sunburned sprouts.

P.S. Mission Bar & Grill, if you're reading this, consider putting those Brussels sprouts on SPF 100, and rest assured, the allure of the shrimp and grits will bring me back for...

Came in today to see my buddy that was working as the head Chef, Woody.

Turns out he's no longer here but I stayed and had lunch anyway. I'm glad I did. 😃

The bartender Amy was very attentive and brought me a Raspberry vodka & sprite in about 90 seconds after I asked for it! So nice. Not too strong but not weak either, just right! The ice was the perfect temperature too. 😉

I thought about ordering the Green chili pork fries based on Amy's excellent description of it, but unfortunately I am allergic to onions so I had to choose something else. I was bummed because she made them sound so delicious. With no way to pull the onions out, as they are cooked into the sauce I had to pass. It sounded so good I almost ordered it anyway!

I ended up settling on the Turkey Sandwich and was incredibly surprised.

Way better than I expected, in fact I told her it literally reminded me if the day after Thanksgiving, but seriously elevated!

It didn't have cranberry on it but something gave me a reminder of the cranberry Mom use to put on her day after T-day sandwiches years ago. Oh the memories it brought back.

The Turkey Sandwich as on the Mission Ave menu includes; Herbaceous turkey, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, mostarda, and chili aioli on toasted sourdough.

It also came with some very crispy fries, ranch, and ketchup. Perfection!

So darn good.

I only work a few blocks away but haven't ever made it in to Mission Ave. for lunch yet.

After tasting that Sandwich and being slightly smitten with Amy's incredibly good service, I will coming back for more of both on the regular.

I highly recommend you ask for Amy, or just sit at the bar and you can't miss her beautiful smile and kind...

Mission Avenue Bar and Grill is a hidden gem that deserves a standing ovation for its culinary prowess and exceptional service. Chef Aaron, the mastermind behind the menu, crafts each dish with the precision and passion of a true artist. From the juicy, perfectly seasoned burgers paired with crispy fries to the melt-in-your-mouth short rib sliders, every bite is a testament to his skill. The chilaquiles? A revelation—bold, flavorful, and unforgettable. What sets Aaron apart is his flair for presentation; every plate arrives looking like a work of art, as if it’s been prepared to fulfill your final wish on death row. It’s clear he pours his heart into every meal, elevating even the simplest dishes into something extraordinary. The experience is made even better by the stellar service. Our waitress, Monica, was an absolute delight—attentive without hovering, and always quick to refill our glasses before we even noticed they were low. She’s a whiskey whisperer, too, guiding us through an impressive lineup of top-shelf options with spot-on recommendations and genuine enthusiasm. Her knowledge and warmth turned a great meal into a memorable night out. If you’re looking for a place where the food dazzles, the drinks flow, and the staff treats you like royalty, Mission Avenue Bar and Grill is it. Chef Aaron and Monica make this spot a must-visit—I’ll be back for seconds (and thirds)...