Cardiff Seaside Market

Gourmet grocery store · Encinitas

Cardiff Seaside Market

Gourmet grocery store · Encinitas

1

2087 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007

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Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null
Cardiff Seaside Market by null

Highlights

Gourmet grocery store popular for prepared foods, including tri-tip, with an outdoor eating area.  

Featured in The Infatuation
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2087 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007 Get directions

seasidemarket.com

$$$ · Menu

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2087 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007 Get directions

+1 760 753 5445
seasidemarket.com
SeasideMarket

$$$ · Menu

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Mar 4, 2025

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@infatuation

"When a sandwich has the nickname Cardiff Crack, it’s probably going to be good. Seaside Market, located in the little beach town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea (nope, we’re not in England), is famous for the barbecue tri tip that goes into the addictive sandwich. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

Cardiff Seaside Market - Review - Los Angeles - The Infatuation
View Postcard for Cardiff Seaside Market

Sherman On

Google
Great market for prepared meals, seafood selection, raw meats, a decent variety of sausages and of course the local Cardiff crack tri-tip, which is very popular they had it available raw or pre-cooked. There was a lot of baked goods and other prepared meals and sides not a massive parking lot although it is typically pretty full there is some parking on the street side, so be patient when you roll in because I think you’ll be waiting to be able to get into a spot, especially during theholiday times or vacation months

Brent Timm

Google
I have traveled to over 50 countries, and I can confidently say that this is the best grocery store in the world. Where do even begin, first the selection of the food in the deli is absolutely incredible. Everything is so fresh, and walnut cheap, it is priced adequately for California. First, we ordered the tri-tip crack, brisket burrito, and it was easily the best brisket burrito I’ve ever had in my entire life. All the ingredients were fresh, delicious, but the tri-tip steak was a work of art. I don’t think I have ever had such tender, melts in your mouth, buttery, beef, ever in a burrito. If I lived here, I would order the burrito, every single week. After that, we still were hungry, so we decided to try the grilled tuna sandwich from the outside barbecue truck, and wow, for a pretty fair price, we had an absolutely delicious, tender, and flavorful piece of tuna, on top of arugula, and a very fluffy and big brioche bun, with some fresh cut tomatoes. This thing was a work of our art, and was an absolute delight to eat.after that, we wanted around the store and bought some cool snacks and bake items, because it selection is truly out of control. I love this place so much and can’t wait to come back, and just because it’s a grocery store, you should definitely pay a visit

Ed Pasqual

Google
It was very hot in San Diego County today, so I headed to the coast for some relief from the heat. And what better place than Seaside Market. It’s been a while, but the original crack sandwich is still fantastic. And sitting on the patio with the view of the ocean in the background is pretty nice.

Janessa H.

Google
Wonderful locally owned market with an upscale feel - they carry so many specialty items! I love they support/stock local businesses too, like Hidden Foods Co. and Vegan24. Highly recommend.

Cami Ward

Google
Gorgeous store with a fabulous produce section, deli counter, fresh meat selection, and prepared foods as well. Clean, bright, and airy atmosphere with well stocked shelves and careful attention to detail coupled with friendly service make this a great store with a terrific view. Outdoor seating area and bbq stand available as well

franck pedretti

Google
Why two stars????? A message to the owners: We used to absolutely love SEASIDE MARKET. We’ve been going since 2016. It was always fresh, always good, and welcoming. Now, it’s the complete opposite! Super duper overpriced. Next time I swing by, I’ll film how you treat your customers by charging $8.99 for two spoons of mashed potatoes. We got charged $100 for three veggie bowls, an olive bread, a tiny Caesar salad, and a bottle of sparkling water. Not to mention the poor service we got at the deli. I know it’s summer, but we won’t be coming back to Seaside until you realize we’re not tourists but locals who support local businesses. Here’s a picture of our tuna bowl. Not eating this, completely dry and no sauce! I guess I should have checked and not trusted. Our Sunday picnic at the beach is ruined! Now going to Las Olas to have lunch! Should I return everything ???? PS: $30 for a full plate of mashed potatoes at self-service… sending that thought to heaven. You at least bring a big crack up to my grandmother… what a joke!

Joe Reisman

Google
What a cool place. It's a cross between a Bristol Farms and Trader Joe's. Locally owned, fresh produce, and a quick order kitchen that offers many things, one of those things being Cardiff Crack. I had a breakfast burrito on my way into San Diego and a Philly cheesesteak on my way home. The portion sizes were solid, and the Cardiff Crack definitely didn't disappoint. The staff was friendly and efficient, the store was clean, and the food was delicious. It's definitely worth a stop.

Tod Degray

Google
Best Crack in Cardiff 😉 For those not in the know this is the place to go! Go for all your High Quality Grocery needs. In my opinion Seaside Market is the Bristol Farms of SD. Best Meat Market I have come upon in my 25 years of tailgaiting at Charger games. I got hooked on their Burgundy Pepper Tri-tip "Cardiff Crack" and can't say enough good things about it. Once you have the Crack you'll surely be going back! You can Thank me later!

Sherman O.

Yelp
Fantastic market. Very busy. Tight parking. Be patient. Great meat, deli and premade foods. Home of the Cardiff Crack Tri tip meat. Friendly employees.

Dave S.

Yelp
Smaller local upscale market similar to a Whole Foods. The meat counter has top meats and the well known Cardiff Crack Tri Tip. These Tri Tips are tumbled to tenderize them. You can buy them raw at the meat counter or precooked at the deli counter. They even have prepacked cut up Cardiff Crack. Some might scoff at the price, but I can tell you it is well worth it!!!! Its unbelievably tender and so flavorful! The deli sandwiches are not your normal sandwiches. The bread and the variations of meats makes them unique and delicious! Also I recommend the meatloaf at the deli counter. If you like cheeses, there selection is huge!!!!It's a must try!! They have fresh local produce which is priced high. Seaside Market does have higher price points than a regular market but its comparable to Whole Foods. Every employee is very friendly and helpful. If you are in the area or want the best Tri Tip around, stop by Seaside Market and pick up Cardiff Crack and take it home. If hosting a gathering and you want to impress, Cardiff Crack will do it and its easy to make!!!

Debbi H.

Yelp
Went out of our way for the Crack will be back apparently that's not enough characters for a review so i'll just add that this was the highlight of my No Sugar Added diet cheat day. the rest of Seaside Market is notable for its produce, selection of beer, wine and spirits. could have spent more time but it was Halloween and needed to get out of the way of folks in elaborate costumes lol

Jemiah J.

Yelp
I stopped by for a quick snack and opted for a roasted Japanese sweet potato from the deli; what a unique find! I also picked up some persimmons from the produce section. I loved the variety, thoughtful layout, and how clean the store is. They have a wide selection of grocery items, especially in the deli section, and the staff were very helpful.

Abigail P.

Yelp
Really fun spot to hang out after a long day of surfing with family and friends. The people who work here are always super kind and go out of their way to walk you to an item. The food is great and they have good prices on hard to find items. Also the Cardiff crack is to die for !

Lotta S.

Yelp
Best tri trip in San Diego. Service is satisfactory. They offer takeout as well! The ambiance is a bit congested and busy feeling. This store is a posh and premium "grocery store". I often buy snack or lunch along with kombucha and sit in the courtyard listening to live music and enjoy the moment.

Celeste C.

Yelp
My favorite market! I love that sandwiches here. I seriously try to have a different one each time. I haven't gotten groceries here but I do have the food even the food stands they have outside. They had a ribs one time and gosh best ribs ever! My favorite grocery store.

Michelle G.

Yelp
Great place! My friends brought me here. It has excellent selections of produce, exotic fruits, veggies, healthy foods, prepared food section out of this world. Clean space, well stocked with epic options. Staff was helpful in guiding me to correct isles. Love!

David A.

Yelp
This is what I wish all markets would be like. Amazing selection of fresh local produce. Incredible cheese selection. Great wine and beer choices. Premium liquor bottles. Interesting and unique kitchen gadgets. And one of the best deli's and barbecue around (home of Cardiff crack). Need i say more?

Adrienna Y.

Yelp
Coastal market serving up a mean brisket sandwich!! It's not every day you leave a grocery store blown away by their deli offerings. Most grocery store fare is pretty standard. Most grocery store fare is what you pick up when you're too lazy to cook and short on time. It's more of a last resort than the first choice that comes to mind after your weekend morning hike. But Cardiff Seaside Market is not your typical grocery store and their sandwiches are anything but typical! We tried the Original Bbq Crack sandwich and it was divine. The slices of brisket were super thin and tender, draped with just enough bbq sauce to give it flavor without overpowering everything else. It was served on a fluffy, beautifully toasted brioche bun. The best part? It's stuffed with crispy fried onions that lend a savory surprise to every bite. I devoured that sandwich in a matter of minutes while soaking in the live music and sunny views on their outdoor patio. I can't wait to be back!

Martin J.

Yelp
When I lived up in Cardiff, about three years ago, I really liked this place. Expensive, yes. But the quality was also very high. I swung by on Christmas Day to pick up one of their lunches. I was so gravely disappointed. I got the brisket, potatoes, and asparagus. Asparagus was great. The potatoes, I thought would be buttery, but they had some odd taste to them. I couldn't quite make it out.and the brisket was terrible. It was so much fat. $20 for brisket that is primarily fat. I was so disappointed. I hope this was a one off.

Mark C.

Yelp
Just discovered this local gourmet grocery store and love it. Yes, it is expensive but you get the best food available! Also, compared to the very high prices that local restaurants are charging now, their prices are not bad at all. Tried the pre-packaged tri-tip dinner box and it was excellent, better than any restaurant and we just heated it up at home. Their desserts are excellent, too, and they have such a huge selection. Plenty of parking.

Gabe J.

Yelp
Food: Always fresh and high quality Service: Always great Ambiance:Clean and organized Price: average, $6.99 for breakfast sandwich $14.98 for others and well worth every bite! Great store to grab food and picnic on the beach or everyday groceries. They have amazing baked goods and a cheese area for charcuterie boards or just for anything else.

Christy D.

Yelp
Great little gem market that offers upscale and one of a kind products. Do not skip on the Cardiff Crack we ordered a couple sandwiches at the counter and made sure to bring home some Cardiff crack tri tip to grill for Labor Day weekend. The flavor is always spot on it's definitely a must stop when we're in the area IYKYK!!!

Matt W.

Yelp
Don't buy the pre-packaged Cardiff Crack tri-tips. They cut off the tips to fit into the plastic packaging. The tips are the best part (my opinion)...they cook to be more well done while the center is more medium rare. Very frustrating...especially at this price point. I basically bought two thick square tri-tips. I don't even know how to cook it so that there is variation in the types of doneness (e.g., well done and med-rare pieces). See the image....doesn't even look like a tri-tip.

Carmen V.

Yelp
I am always super impressed with the quality of the products I buy in the supermarket. I can't believe I have not review it yet!. It's one of my favorite markets in North County. Everything is pristine starting from the flowers. The flower section is just out of this world. All the flowers are so fresh. The bouquets are so freshly made and looking so pretty. I want to ask for a job as a florist there, for real! I really like the cheese section. I can find cheese from Spain that are not easy to find elsewhere. I know the prices are not the cheapest ones, but sometimes you have to indulge, especially when it's something to share with a loved one. Vegetables are perfectly aligned and like from a postcard of a perfect agricultural paradise. The top level is dedicated to classes and events. The decoration of the store is very surfer friendly as is the town of Cardiff by the Sea. I never get disappointed there even if my pocket does!

Tom S.

Yelp
First time here thanks to The Sandwich Snobs on YouTube who recommended coming here. When I looked on the Cardiff Seaside Market's website I saw the weekly ad and they had sashimi grade ahi for $19.99 which is a great price. I also purchased their burgundy marinated tri-tip. The butcher was very friendly and also suggested how to grill it. I went over to the deli counter and purchased the barbecue crack sandwich which was their most popular. The sandwich was outstanding! The thinly sliced tri-tip was so tender and flavorful. It's a bit pricey at $13.99 with a pickle wedge but it was worth it. I will definitely be back!

K.C. T.

Yelp
I recently tried a pulled pork sandwich from the deli, which was mostly meat, and was quite satisfying. I also picked up some ready-to-go sushi, specifically the spicy rainbow roll. While the quality of the fish was impressive for grocery store sushi, I couldn't help but feel it wasn't quite worth the $18 price tag. On a positive note, the outdoor seating area where I enjoyed my meal was really nice and added to the overall experience.

Rick H.

Yelp
I've heard about their tritip Crack Sandwich and I thought I'd give it a try, I must say I was disappointed. Small, expensive, little flavor and not enough bbq sauce. On the plus side it was tender and the onions and bun was ok. I won't be returning for this sandwich and wouldn't recommend

Cheryl S.

Yelp
Perfect market to pick up a delicious and nutritious lunch or dinner. We chose hot plates from the outdoor BBQ stand and paired our entrees with fresh salads. The quality and freshness were excellent. Always fun to browse at Seaside. Well organized, clean and filled with delicious choices. Prices are high yet on- line with the area. We often make meal stops when camping across the street or staying in a hotel. Staff are available yet seem busy and not overly attentive. A definite plus in this area.

M. B.

Yelp
Getting greedy about inflation and ripping off customers. BE WARE of the prices marked and what they actually charge you for. Even though they have good products, they seem to have no care in the world about the customers! Price was marked "$6.99" for these desserts and was actually charged $34.99 x 2. Manager didn't care and correct the price. I won't be going back.

Macarena O.

Yelp
This market has so many options to choose from! Great for a casual lunch/dinner and friendly for all types of food preferences. They have meats, fish, veggies, carbs, everything you can imagine. I got the albacore chef's special sandwich and was amazing. The portion was generous so I had two meals out of it. My husband got the tri-tip sandwich and he liked it but *be aware* if you want the real tri-tip sandwich you have to pay in the cashier inside the market not where all the food is and pick it up at the tent located outside. All the food is in the pricey side. Dogs are welcome in the outside area where all the tables are.

Joe J.

Yelp
I have been getting the Original BBQ Crack sandwich for years. Recently, my daughter introduced me to their Surf & Turf burrito. I'll never do the sandwich again, which says a lot. I'll say it here, and I'll say it now. It's literally the best Surf and turf burrito I've ever had. It is so worth the money and, surprisingly, filing. The shrimp, Crack Tri Tip, chipotle cream sauce, cheese, guacamole, and pico de gallo are a perfect combination. It's also not as messy to eat as compared to the sandwich. For those who also like seafood-TRY IT! You will not be disappointed.

Mackjack1k M.

Yelp
This was a great place to go, because it was close to my camp site, the food was ok, but the prices were too high, the service was very welcoming and good, the ambiance was also good, the music blew out any unwanted sounds.

Kathy M.

Yelp
Tri Tip is still the best in town. Love their weekend lunch tent, especially when you can get lobster! Great deli with breakfast burritos and sandwiches. A little pricey but top tier goods.

Patty D.

Yelp
Delicious tri-tip AKA Cardiff Crack because it's so tasty! The store is clean, bright with a nice variety of foods et al. We always buy extra meat to take back home with us for our friends in Utah.

Britnee P.

Yelp
Delicious fresh smoked fish from the fish counter. Cardiff crack original sandwich was just ok. Did not live up to the hype. Monday dollar cookies were good. The service in the hot food deli was quick. The grocery store had a great selection of all things (liquor, meats, fish, even caviar!)

Kurt H.

Yelp
Service and Ambiance 9/10. The prepared foods, meat counter, and deli are 9/10. But, your original Cardiff crack sandwich sucks and is way overpriced. You guys need to put less of that shitty barbecue sauce on it and let the meat shine. The highlight of the meal was the side pickle, I give your original Cardiff crack bbq sando a 4/10. Could barely stomach half of it and that's because I was starving.

Michele W.

Yelp
Overwhelmed by what they offer here. Today we all got prepared aka grab and go sandwiches and some drinks for our ride home. We all enjoyed our sandwiches No complaints. Hope to get back to Seaside Market and take some time browsing.

Chris S.

Yelp
Seaside Market and the beaches by Cardiff saved our Saturday. As tourists visiting San Diego for the first time, we naively tried to drive to La Jolla shores with a plan to just grab some parking and stroll onto the beach. Apparently, it would be easier to simply walk into Mordor than find parking on Saturday afternoon in La Jolla. Chastened, we fled up the coast to get away from the dystopian gridlock. Kids were grouchy and disappointed, and the day was not going well. I had never heard of a Tri-Tip Sandwich, but I read that the best one was at Cardiff along with some nice, chill, accessible beaches. The parking lot was a little gnarly, but we grabbed a good spot. There are time limits on spaces, and I saw someone compliance. We immediately spotted the Tri-Tip sandwich / Cardiff Crack tent outside in a sun-drenched patio with a dude performing some live music. The market itself was familiar to us. It's a lot like Whole Foods or Central market. There's a ton of gourmet / upmarket stuff packed into a pretty small store. Beer section was awesome, and the kids found some great snacks. The tri-tip sandwich lived up to expectations - it was the best (albeit only) one any of us have ever tasted. The seaside spuds potato salad was surprisingly good. Cardiff Seaside Market hit the spot and saved the day.

Tess C.

Yelp
Great specialty market with lots of upscale choices. I loved picking up their mango salsa and a pumpkin seed/flaxseed/sesame crunch snack (like a granola but very light and low sugar -- also gluten free). But let's be real - the thing to get is the Cardiff Crack tri tip. Marinated in burgundy and garlic and tumbled in the marinade to yield the most tender flavorful trip tip ever. You can purchase it to cook yourself, order it to eat there, or choose a pre- made meal with veggies and mashed potatoes to heat up later.

Kevin T.

Yelp
TL;DR: Good sandos, inefficient ordering process, needs better bread, don't sleep on the mac salad Came after a beach day for some grub after hearing about just how good the sandwiches were here To place your order, go into the market, wait in line at the cashier, place your order and check out any additional items, then go outside to the EZ-up, wait in another line, show your receipt before the order hits the cooktop, wait for your number/name to be called My guess for this waiting game order process is 2-prong: avoid having any cash at the EZ-up, and get hungry customers to purchase more with their food order. Perhaps there's something else I'm missing, but in any case, the process is inefficient to say the least and potentially confusing for the uninitiated Ordered: - Cardiff Crack (4.5/5): Generous serving of well-seasoned Tri-tip on some average buns with the sauce on the side. Would've been better had the buns been toasted. Mac salad is underrated. - Seared Ahi (3/5) - special: fresh veggies with a thin piece of ahi in the middle. Would've appreciated a harder sear and, of course, a thicker piece. As with the tri-tip sando, the bread was weak link. Overall really enjoyed the tri-tip sando - if only the bread were better.. Cheers, Seaside Market

Ed P.

Yelp
It was very hot in San Diego County today, so I headed to the coast for some relief from the heat. And what better place than Seaside Market. It's been a while, but the original crack sandwich is still fantastic. And sitting on the patio with the view of the ocean in the background is pretty nice.

Mike T.

Yelp
This place is out of this world. Everything you could ever want out of a grocery store. From fruit to wine to snacks to fresh meat to sandwiches to the crown jewel the cardiff crack tri tip. The beer selection is amazing. This place has it all!! Beautiful inside and well light. Love this place.

Shirley F.

Yelp
I got some organic apples and they were delicious. Also the hot food was good. Lunch time and I was hungry. Service was very good. The store Ambience was beautifully done. I was really impressed. I am going to back next Tuesday to get my dollar roses again.

Destany K.

Yelp
Parking is horrendous in the lot. If it wasn't for someone to the left of us who thankfully was already in their car, who knows when we would have been able to leave. We were blocked by 3 parked cars; left, right, and behind us. We were tying to get out for what felt like 10 minutes, before the person to the left of us finally moved temporarily so we could get out. Another vehicle a few cars down from the right of us was stuck too. So for that reason alone I'd say don't come. Thankfully the market is better. Food was good. Everything bagel was better than expected. Husband said tri tip really was the best he's had. The groceries were shockingly reasonably priced and the workers were pleasant. It also had a sign outside the store stating no service animals allowed (is that even legal?) Yet there were multiple dogs inside. Didn't bother me as they were cuties, but just in case someone is hoping to avoid dogs, that's not gonna happen here. So other than me worrying we'd be stuck there forever, it was good. Wouldn't go out of my way to come back due to the parking situation and distance from our home, however.

BB B.

Yelp
I'm a person who visits grocery stores whenever I'm traveling, so I decided to drive up to Cardiff to check this place out after I saw it online. It was definitely worth a special trip up the coast to check this one out. What a gorgeous store! Everything is visually beautiful and obviously high quality - the produce, the cheeses, the deli, everything. So lovely. Also - in case you're wondering, the "Cardiff Crack" tri-tip sandwich really is as good as the reviews make it out to be. And beautiful ocean just a block away is icing on the cake. p.s. Whoever buys for this store, I send you a thousand thanks for offering Brown Cow yogurt! (We haven't seen this since we moved from the midwest!) And SUCH a great bread selection.

Steve V.

Yelp
I have always wanted to visit this place dating back 10+ years to when I lived in California, but never had the opportunity to. But on this day, we were headed down to a friend's house for dinner and picked up some crack tri tip! We also wanted to get lunch there and eat outside in their large patio. this place has the best prepared foods. And its proximity to the beach makes it a great spot to get stuff for the day at the beach. There is also a cart outside of the store that sells the tri tip for immediate consumption. It is a normal grocery store, but with a huge prepared food section. I perused all of the selections, grabbed a numbered, and when called, ordered the italian hoagie. It was ready in about 10 minutes and then I had to pay at the front through the normal grocery line. It was a beautiful day, but we were still able to find a spot to sit and enjoy outside at a table. The bread was so good on my sandwich and I loved that it wasn't too oily. There was also a good amount of meat and it was filling. Keep in mind this sandwich is hot, not cold. The sushi that others in my party got looked good as well. The crack tri tip we cooked later was amazing!! It has a reputation for a reason.

Shaun R.

Yelp
Super great place to shop for food and drinks . The store is always clean They are vet helpful The seafood is always fresh

Isabella J.

Yelp
This is an awesome market. Our airbnb was walking distance from the market, which proved to be a little heavy on the wallet, but worth it. It's definitely more expensive than regular chain grocers, but convenience and also the quality made us return customers. The market is stocked with all staples, much like a whole foods but better. Fresh produce, beautiful flowers, nice wine and liquor selection, etc. The deli seems to be the main attraction among locals and visitors alike. The Cardiff Crack tri tip that everyone talks about it legit! We barbecued the trip tip per instructions from the butcher and couldn't believe how tender it was. It was perfectly seasoned and didn't need any additional condiments. The market also has a weekend sandwich pop-up kitchen out front, which is worth checking out. The fresh fish was also beautiful and well priced. Definitely recommend!

Dicky L.

Yelp
So sad the quality has dropped so low for the prices you pay at the deli. You should be wowed, not bummed. Every time I give it another chance (out of convenience) I'm let down. I've consistently gotten breakfast burritos and Bahn mi sandwiches for years, used to always be stoked. But now when I do it's just disappointing and it's always in new ways. Burritos are pinners with extra tortilla, because that's why we get burritos for the tortilla ...sarcasm. How about when all the bacon or cheese is at the end instead of an even distribution. I mean what's the point. The Bahn mi has been my go to, but now it's just junk. I got one today where half had the carrots and cucumbers, but the other half was only sauce and chicken?!?! Where's the spice.... No really, where's the jalapeños? In the past I've had the nice little kick of spiciness, but it looked as if one half a jalapeño was added for an entire sandwich. Then there's the reliable pickle, usually you get a solid 1/4 spear. Today I got a smashed pickle spear that looked like it was half eaten. Nice.... For a $13 sandwich. One more, the super veg sandwich was a regular. You pick the bread and 2 cheeses. We'd order it with everything. Initially it's was the bomb, I was blown away. As time progressed we'd order with everything and it would be different EVERY SINGLE TIME. It would have pickled onions, then they'd act like they never heard of pickled onions. No consistency. Bottom line is they've cut corners with either, the menu, food or staff and it shows. The prices are anything but cut.

William B.

Yelp
I've heard amazing things about Cardiff Crack, I like to grill but my cousin is sort of the Tr-tip expert in our family. He has his own marinade.... He moved to another state so I've experimented and made some good rubs. Let me tell you as good as they are. Seaside Markets "Cardiff Crack" lives up to the name. Some people have said it's burgundy pepper, but it's way different than the burgundy pepper tri-tip I've tried. I made it on a Traeger at a medium high heat, I didn't want a real Smokey taste but it got some. It just fell apart when I cut it. The taste was fantastic. The store is nicely stocked with great produce, a bakery, wines and a great view

Jessica J.

Yelp
We come down from Huntington Beach for the Cardiff crack. We love all the other yummy food they have to offer and I love that they also carry Julian pies.

Annabelle R.

Yelp
Known for its world famous burgundy pepper tri-tip, on a Tuesday afternoon, I had already eaten lunch but couldn't pass up on trying this. I ordered the Original BBQ Crack, and it certainly lived up to its name. Nicely seasoned generous amount of tri-tip, with just the right amount of bbq sauce. The brioche bun was nice and soft, buttered and grilled, and the crispy fried onions blended perfectly with all of the flavors from the meat and sauce. The ordering process was easy too, it's similar to my favorite deli/market in my hometown San Jose (Zanotto's), you order from the "Cuisine To Go" counter (on the right hand side when you enter Seaside Market), and wait for your food to be ready (they call out your name/number), then you pay for your meal at the grocery store registers. They have a little bit of outdoor seating available in front of the market as well. The customer service was awesome, with plenty of employees eager and ready to serve customers, and very little wait time for the sandwich to be ready. I was very pleased with my experience, trying cardiff crack for the first time :)

Claudia P.

Yelp
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST PASTRAMI SANDWICH!!!!! A must try!!! I would recommend that you buy two sandwiches because they taste even better a day after. So good.

Camille A.

Yelp
First time here today and I loved it. It's a local grocery store with an amazing food bar across both prepared and order up foods. We specifically came for their famous Cardiff Crack aka the peppered tri tip which is delicious! We had their breakfast burritos which were huge and so so yummy. I'd come back a million times just for that breakfast burrito. Their other food selections looked delicious as well - prepared salads to soups to more hot bar items, sandwiches, you name it. The location is also beautiful as it's situated right across from the water. A perfect place to stop before or after a beach day. Service was awesome too. 10/10 would come back ASAP!

Glinda M.

Yelp
There is a reason they call it "Crack" steak. What a wonderfully seasoned and tender unique piece of beef. My daughter drives and hour each way to pick it up! We loved that it was so easy to cook on the grill.

Christine L.

Yelp
I stoped by this market all the time on the way from OC to San Diego. Last week (9/17) I was there and went to the restroom, I couldn't believe how dirty and filthy that is. To me, the restroom is the face of the market or restaurant. That's was a last time! Won't come back.

Deidre M.

Yelp
We stopped by here for a quick lunch bite out of a local recommendation on our way home today. Would give it 3.5 stars, but alas. The tri-tip "crack" sandwich was good, but I think the boastful name is a bit over the top as it's not earth shattering. My husband ordered the albacore special sandwich which was quite good (seared albacore v generous with slaw, pickled onions, arugula, tomato) but it came on regular toast when we thought it would be on a brioche roll. Also to note the person behind the counter said Ahi Tuna and Albacore Tuna were the same (ummmm no it's not! Ahi = yellowtail by American standards. Japanese standards albacore = binnaga). We found the service to be a bit blasé and not super friendly - especially since they couldn't be bothered to tell us our order was sitting there as we wait nearby and eventually had to ask after noticing boxes sitting there for at least 5 mins. For sure tasty, but not worth it to us to pay $32 for 2x mediocre sandwiches to eat in the car again. Disappointed it wasn't the small town seaside charming market I hoped it would be.