The Pocket

Restaurant · Carlsbad

The Pocket

Restaurant · Carlsbad

2

2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Photos

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Highlights

Ocean views, craft cocktails, fireside seating, surf bites  

Featured in Eater
Featured in Food & Wine

2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 Get directions

alilahotels.com
@alilamareabeachresort

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 Get directions

+1 760 452 3500
alilahotels.com
@alilamareabeachresort

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

Features

wifi
payment credit card
reservations
reservations required

Last updated

Aug 11, 2025

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@foodandwine

Vaga Is Claudette Zepeda's Love Letter to San Diego

"The Pocket is a laid-back, oceanside surfers’ haunt located within Alila Marea Beach Resort, known for serving SoCal-vibed bites like fish tacos and excellent mezcal cocktails." - Maria Yagoda

https://www.foodandwine.com/vaga-claudette-zepeda-san-diego-7152595
View Postcard for The Pocket
@eater

Chef Claudette Zepeda Opening Signature Restaurant at Beachfront Encinitas Resort - Eater San Diego

"The Pocket Pool & Bar is a poolside eatery at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, serving cocktails and a light, seafood-focused menu inspired by the surf culture of the Southern California coast and the Baja Peninsula." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/2020/10/28/21534672/chef-claudette-zepeda-vaga-restaurant-alila-marea-beach-resort-encinitas
View Postcard for The Pocket

Joel

Google
Love coming here! Food is great - I recommend the sunset ceviche and the buffalo chicken. Cocktails are amazing. I highly recommend the antidote. Bartenders are always nice and professional. And of course the view outside is phenomenal. Just don’t try to get in the pool… if the manager sees she will kick you out! 😂 Parking is valet only for $5, or you can walk up the stairs from the beach.

Abigail Mendoza

Google
I recently visited The Pockets, the poolside restaurant at Alila Marea Beach Resort, and while the views were definitely a highlight, the overall experience was a bit mixed. The restaurant offers nice views of the pool and even a glimpse of the ocean, which makes for a pleasant atmosphere. As for the food, it was just okay. I ordered the steak frites, but unfortunately, the steak was very tough and hard to eat. The chimichurri sauce didn't do much to elevate the dish either—in my opinion, it had an overpowering taste of vinegar. On the plus side, the cocktails were decent, though not outstanding. Service was a bit hit or miss. The first time we dined here, the service was just fine—nothing remarkable, but not bad either. However, when we came back the next day for drinks by the pool, the service was noticeably better, much more attentive and friendly. All in all, The Pockets offers great views, but I would recommend managing expectations when it comes to the food and cocktails. The ambiance is great for a relaxed poolside meal or drink, but the culinary experience may leave a little to be desired.

Sheri Knox

Google
Went on a Monday night - NO ONE ELSE was there and no food was available. A relative from out of town was visiting and staying nearby so it was convenient, but new to me. I loved the photo showing a view to the ocean, but did not realize it was part of a resort where $10 valet parking was required - as there is nothing nearby (no street parking), there is no choice. The valet had to walk us inside, stop to get a key card from the lobby desk to use the elevator (which he walked us to down a long hallway) and when we got off the elevator, we walked several long halls past hotel rooms without another soul in sight before walking into a totally empty bar. The pool is between the bar and the ocean at tabletop height - and it is cool looking. The waiter and bartender took good care of us, and were surprised we didn't know there was no food available, though it was on the website and on the menu handed to us. And somewhere online it said reservations were required (?!). Very odd. We had a one cocktail each and left about 30 minutes and nearly $60 later (including parking). Not in a hurry to return.

Cherilyn Jones

Google
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.

Lorís May

Google
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 !!

Lauren S

Google
In the hotel. Nice location, overlooking the ocean, however seriously disappointing. Maybe if I had no other options and we were staying at the hotel. Otherwise they were out of literally half the menu items (effectively making wings, salad, burgers and pork tacos the only options) and service was slow. Food was middling at best If you're not going to carry shrimp, tuna, sword fish, mushrooms or prawns then why put them on the menu. And 26$ for a sorry burger is exorbitant (and it was lukewarm). I nearly walked out and said sorry we're eating elsewhere but logistically we were committed. Tried something new, this was not it.

John Kelly

Google
Soooooooo, there I was walking the beach from Carlsbad Village to wherever. Got hit by the surf, wet shoes and sweaty smell. Found the Pocket on Google Maps (7.2M walk) thought it was s SoCal Beach Bar (Surfers and Drum Circles), totally was wrong! Ended up Alila Marea Beach Resort! The Door staff, Reception staff, and pool staff were top notch! I had the ceviche and clams plus 2 beers! The entire time I apologized for my smelliness - highly recommend this resort!

Stacey Murphy

Google
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.
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Megan C.

Yelp
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!
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Lucia C.

Yelp
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.
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Melissa F.

Yelp
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!
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Kimberly A.

Yelp
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!
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Richard L.

Yelp
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.
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Jeni H.

Yelp
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.

Molly P.

Yelp
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.

Fatima D.

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

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