The Pocket

They just opened up to locals (not hotel guests) by reservation only and must provide credit card. It’s $25 per person cancellation fee if you don’t show or cancel within 24 hours. This is to keep the exclusivity feel consistent they said when I checked in at the lobby. They will give you wristbands and escort you to the restaurant where you have many options for dining inside or outdoor by the fire pits. We chose the fire pit seating. It’s open air with a few umbrellas on cushioned seating with tons of pillows. Concrete fire pits are large enough to have beverages and food. There are small stools to use that out you closer for eating. They have a few large bottles of sunscreen at various stations as fyi. They had sound healing just outside the pool area at 5:30pm on Wednesdays. The Apres-Sea aka happy hour menu had a few bites on it. We got the carne asada nachos and it was a huge stack, lots to share. Excellent deal. My friend tried the pork banh mi and loved it. He also ordered the ponto passion drink and enjoyed it as well. I got the blackberry cider and it was tasty and refreshing. Patrick was our server and he was amazing!!! Definitely ask for him if he’s working!!! Loved the ambiance. The dinner menu offerings looked delish and excited to come back for more explorations. They brought a new menu (changed menu tnite) so you will see differences in photos.

We loved this spot !! Even though it’s inside of the hotel, Getting to the bar was a nice walk through the hotel. We Want it a bar in Front of The Ocean!! We got it ! Good cocktails, nice view, excellent service and quality food !!

The atmosphere and food were great. Poke bowl was one of the best I’ve had. Scott, the bartender, is friendly and provides fantastic service.

I totally forgot to take photos because I was enjoying myself so much! You need a reservation if you aren’t a guest at the hotel. We sat by the glass overlooking the ocean with a fire pit lighting our table and keeping us warm. Great atmosphere! Listening to the waves below. We had the prawns with shisitos, the clams, and the fish tacos. All of it was amazing. My favorite was the prawns with the chimichurri sauce. Divine! Server was super sweet. We were there near closing (6pm closing for food) and she was helpful to make sure we knew to order right away.

Walking the beach and looking for a beer. Food was as good as the view.

Friendly service. Very professional design, but food is only so-so. We order the chicken bites and the churros and loved the churros, but the chicken had too much flavor it was overpowering. Definitely visit between 7:15-8:15 pm for the complimentary cocktail if staying on property

Loved this place. Such a great service. They served us free drinks and when they ran out of beer they gave us a different kind for free. Definitely will be back. Thank you guys!

Hidden gem, great for quiet meal with a view

As a guest at the Alila Marea Beach Resort, of course I had to experience this poolside restaurant! First off, the servers are all exceptional. Very professional, as they are expected to be, working at such a high-end resort. They make one feel special and pampered, no matter what. The menu selection is excellent, too! The carne asada tacos were delicious, and so was my tropical cocktail, 'The Antidote'. There is a large, beautiful indoor space, as well as the entire outdoor area, including all around the pool. You mustn't be a hotel guest to enjoy this restaurant; there were some women next to the pool area, where there is seating around two huge firepits, who were local. Of course they couldn't use the pool, but I liked that they could enjoy the outdoor area, despite that. The firepits look gorgeous at night, too!

Ordered a few things from here during our stay at the Alila Marea and it was definitely hit or miss. The nachos and salsa were delicious and so was the mocktail that I enjoyed by the pool, but the steak frites and burger that my husband and I ordered for dinner were so overly salty that they were borderline inedible (even the fries were too salty). This was disappointing as I think our meal would have tasted pretty good if the salt was not overdone. Prices were as expected ($$$). Overall this is a convenient spot to get food and drinks if you're staying at the resort, but we would definitely choose to drive out and try somewhere else in the area next time.

Good drinks and light food for hotel guests at the Alila Marea Beach Resort Service It seemed to me that The Pocket was short staffed when I went. I sat at the bar and I had to wait a bit to be greeted and get a menu/water with the bartenders/waiters being busy filling other drinks/orders. After I ordered, the drinks and food did come out at a reasonable time. Drinks/Food The drinks were strong and descent size for the price ($14). The Watermelon Wave was sweet and tasted as expected. The Sassy Sangrita I learned was not sangria, so I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would, but that's my own fault. The Adobo Quesadilla was delicious! Overall, this is your only option for food or drink if you're poolside so either plan ahead or order here!

So fun! love the Pocket. The music was a little too loud the first time. The view is stunning and cocktails are delicious! Food was great. It was dark to eat outside on the deck, but can't beat the views before the sun goes down!

It was a layback morning/noon. After enjoying pool and jacuzzi we decided to grab some quick lunch with The Pocket. Hostess took our order at our resting chairs. Menu was simple. We've ordered following items: -Baja Caesar Salad added chicken(Great) -Oaxaca Quesadilla(Great) just a little oily -Baja Fish Taco (ok it will be better if they added the hot sauce that goes with Oaxaca Quesadilla) -wild mushroom ceviche (Great) -Guacamole -Coffee, Cocktail, Water You have to wait a little bit but food come out together one afternoon another since we only have one hostess serving us. The Baja Caesar Salad had grilled romaine which give it extra flavor with the normal but lighter Caesar sauce. The bread crumbs were crispy and fresh. Oaxaca was nice with it's unique hot sauce. I believe they should use this hot Auvergne for the fish taco also to enhance the flavor. Wild mushroom ceviche was first for me. I had many types of ceviche but mushroom was the first and it was tasty with some Mexican beans. If you are in the resort this is a good quick finger food that can easily fill.

I love this casual bar. Beautiful view of the pool and ocean. I met my boyfriend here for a quick drink before heading upstairs to the beautiful restaurant, Vaga, It's very relaxed and friendly. They have some nice wines on hand. It's located up at the pool level so they have someone walk you from the lobby all the way up. Honestly I can't imagine finding my way without them. It's quite the trek. They have valet parking here, and it's discounted if you remember to get valued at the bar.

Went to dinner with the kids. Sat by the fire pits overlooking the ocean, great ambiance. They have a kids menu even though it wasn't listed on the menu card. Do yourself a favor and order the prawns. They were absolutely succulent. We also ordered the steak frites and the ceviche. Literally every bite was tasty and my mojito was fresh and balanced. We would definitely come back next time we are in Carlsbad.

We loved the tacos at our stay in the resort. It was really fresh and highly recommended them. The service was great as well.

Great atmosphere, food and delicious drinks inside of the Alila Marea resort! We had multiple meals here and enjoyed drinks by the pool!