Randy B.
Yelp
Swung in to check out the Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen in Oceanside. Surprisingly quiet for an early afternoon during the Summer, I was able to score a seat at the bar rather easily. I went with the local Karl Strauss Hill Street Blonde draft (San Diego) and the Pork Verde Chilaquiles before brunch stopped being served at 3pm.
My bartender was friendly and it appeared that there was a family-run feel to the staff (including management) running around helping each other out, checking on patrons and asking how the experience was. I found that type of effort, especially during a slower period, to be indicative of the detailed attention to service excellence at the Pig.
The restaurant itself was nice, open air with plenty of indoor and covered outdoor seating to people watch in Downtown Oceanside. The bar itself had a dozen seats, a two small TVs to watch the latest sporting events.
The chilaquiles were served up in a small iron skillet. At first, one may think that the diminutive portion size won't be adequate, however, once you dive in, you'll find that it was packed with incredible flavor. The pulled pork was extremely tender, served with a spicy salsa verde over a bed of tortilla chips. Topped with a perfectly cooked fried egg, cotija cheese and cilantro, this dish was deep in flavor and hearty.
The bathrooms are clean, well-stoked and easily accessible. The prices are comparable to other establishments in the area near the beach, but the value you get in the homemade offerings blows most other Oceanside gastropubs away.
For the drinking crowd, the beer was delicious and I also witnessed a fellow patron order the Bloody Mary. I must say, it looked delicious, right down to the extremely unique and rather porkified garnish.
Next time you are in Oceanside, swoop into The Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen, you won't be disappointed.