I like to seek out unique places to dine when I travel. On a recent trip to the lovely city of Oceanside, California, I was looking for a place to get a good breakfast. Doing a search for a dining establishment with high ratings, I was convinced to visit Stratford at the Harbor.
As you would guess from the name, this eatery is located on the harbor, so you have an open view of the water and of boats docked in the harbor. The inside of the restaurant is small, but there is outdoor seating also, which is perfect for soaking up the views and sunshine. The inside is comfortable, too, and I really like the wicker seats.
At Stratford at the Harbor, you order at the counter, then wait for your food to be delivered to your table. They serve omelets, pancakes, eggs and scrambles, bagels, fruit bowls, and similar items for breakfast. Arrive during lunch and you will be treated to fresh fish, sandwiches, soup, burgers, and the like. I was here for breakfast and my teenager and I were served two scrumptious meals, every bit as good as others have claimed. I was tempted to get a second helping, but decided it was best to save my appetite for the next dining excursion.
Beverages served here consist of the usual fruit juices, coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, etc. They also serve selected mixed drinks and beer, which is a huge plus in my book! My meal would have been excellent regardless, but with a delicious craft beer by its side, the food was that much better.
Stratford at the Harbor serves breakfast and lunch only. There is no dinner. They close at 2pm each day, so you need to get her early. And you will be glad you did, because Stratford by the Harbor serves delicious food and drinks with a harbor view, earning it a high...
Read moreAfter visiting Oceanside for 3 years and randomly eating at the Stratford, I finally decided to do a review. I'm doing this NOT for the Yelp! credit, but because I want to share my honest opinion of my experiences here.
Location and Timing is everything here. I would normally come through here on the weekends and it is honestly jam-packed. The wait for seating would be 30 minutes and sometimes was a deterrent for me. But I soon realized that there was a reason for its popularity and why Stratford is patronized by many.
Located in the Harbor of Oceanside, the tranquil view of the boats at dock is very soothing. Occasionally frequented by local seagulls, you can sometimes see sea-lions in the water too.
While the interior is slightly cramped in size, fitting huge groups of 6+ is better suited for their outside seating. Couples and families of 4 will enjoy an interior dining experience that features local photographic artwork of various Oceanside scenery and soothing music that is fitting to the mood of the season.
The food here is immensely qualitative when considering the size & value per dollar spent. Breakfast here is simply THE BEST!! The portions are more than I can handle and the flavor and texture is priceless.
What I also appreciated is that the owner, Josh, was also making rounds and assisting customers and this displayed the attention to customer satisfaction that is often lacking in the food industry.
I know there MIGHT be a wait-list here; but trust me, put your name down, enjoy the view and return to enjoy the meal of a lifetime, served with some the friendliest service...
Read moreA Brunch Haven: Stratford at the Harbor Review
My wife and I recently had the pleasure of stopping by Stratford at the Harbor during our visit to Oceanside, California, and it exceeded all our expectations. We were on a week-long stay in California, and this brunch experience stood out.
For our meal, my wife indulged in the Lobster Eggs Benedict, which she described as divine. I opted for the Chilaquiles Jalisco, and every bite was a burst of flavor. But it wasn't just the main dishes that impressed us; the warm coffee cake served alongside was nothing short of perfection. Even my 5-year-old daughter couldn't get enough of the pancakes, and my son thoroughly enjoyed his mini burger with cheese and fries.
One of the standout features of Stratford at the Harbor is their diverse beverage selection. From a variety of coffee flavors to fountain drinks, everything is self-serve, allowing guests to customize their drinks to their liking.
Adding to the delightful ambiance was the fantastic music selection, featuring tunes from Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, and more. It created the perfect backdrop for our meal, enhancing our overall experience.
As visitors from El Paso, Texas, we were simply passing through on our journey back home, but our stop at Stratford at the Harbor left a lasting impression. It's a great spot for families and food enthusiasts alike, offering delicious dishes, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. We can't wait to visit again on our next trip...
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