Was not expecting the quality of the burgers. I always saw this spot in Carlsbad but never stopped. Glad I did. Exceptional smash burgers. Maybe I got lucky, the burger took 20 minutes and was worth the wait.
I'd like to note that the burger was not messy. Full of flavor and beef, but easy to eat.
Crackheads in Carlsbad is a fun and unique spot with a lot more to offer than just great food. One of the highlights of my visit was the outdoor dining area. The seating was comfortable, spacious, and created a relaxed atmosphere that made it easy to enjoy a meal while taking in the coastal Carlsbad vibe.
The menu offers plenty of drink options, making it easy to find something for everyone. In addition to the main restaurant, I really liked that there is a separate smoothie and açaí bowl building as well as a burger concept attached to the property. Having multiple food and drink choices in one location makes it a convenient place for groups with different tastes.
The food was satisfying, and the overall environment felt lively and welcoming. However, the biggest downside is the nearby Sprinter train. Since the tracks are only a few hundred feet away, the train can be quite disruptive when it passes by. Conversations may need to pause briefly, and it can interrupt the otherwise relaxing outdoor experience.
Even with that drawback, Crackheads remains a great place to grab a meal, enjoy a drink, and explore the variety of options available on-site. I would definitely return for the atmosphere and selection.
4
Loved this open air bar. The service bartender was absolutely slaying it. Pumping out quality drinks at great pace. Watched her make what could've been the best looking espresso martini I have ever seen. Enjoyed my checking tenders topped with a pickle along with a crushable IPA.
3
Service was friendly, drinks were fine. Upstairs patio is a prime spot. Average smash burgers my family ate. But this might be the grossest piece of chicken any establishment has ever served me. Some chicken breasts have small bits that can vary but this whole piece was inedible. Gross dark fatty spots like the one pictured and the rest was like dried out jerky no knife could cut through. If these are breaded in-house I'm actually offended kitchen staff thought this was OK to serve to someone. The whole piece was visibly disgusting without having to cut through it.
2
The place looks cool from a distance but the view from the second story is not at all interesting. Your view is blocked by trees on the south side, and honestly there's not much to look at besides passing cars.
What I found weird was that I was told to find my seat first rather than outright order at the bar. Unlucky for me, the waitress has already gone on break, but another staff member remembered me. I would have been waiting up there unnoticed! It's great that she came when she did because I was about to leave.
The drink was the saving grace. It was an old fashioned for $13, served in a lame plastic "glass". It was annoying that I wasn't given a napkin with it. How strange!
The Pro: it tasted like a strong amount of bourbon-awesome for those of us that like it that way.
The music is a little loud, so like any bar expect to lose your voice or do very little listening. Seating was fine on a Saturday 9pm. The drink came out promptly.
