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    Key and Cleaver

    4.8 (17 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Key and Cleaver Photos

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    Interior
    Kareem P.

    Key and Cleaver is a popular burger establishment that has made in presence in Downtown San Diego and is now in Downtown Oceanside. Key and Cleaver specializes in grass-fed, pasture-raised & grass-finished beef. They also have options to upgrade your bun into gluten-free and there's also a veggie garden burger too & it can be substituted to any flavor it appears. They take great pride in actually making sure that their meat is sourced from a local farm and their ingredients are fresh. They explained to me that some farms supply "grass fed" meat, but it's only for a period of time and not for the entire lifespan of the cow. They ensure that their meat has been entirely grass-fed & pasture-raised. They even brine their chicken thighs overnight and only cook them To-Order. This ensures that each one is juicy inside and crispy on the outside. As a matter of fact, their chicken sandwich is legendary and I one of the best I've had. The flavors outshined my burger! As for the establishment, they are in the former location of the Breakwater Brewing Company in Downtown Oceanside. They didn't change much to the interior, except for some minor decor. The seating is allocated to a few group tables in the rear, many duo high-tables on the side, one long bar to sit and also outside patio seating. Service was friendly and I am acknowledging they just opened today, so they are still training staff too. They currently have about half of their 30+ tap ready and this means they have the potential to carry many more beers, kombuchas & ciders. When their menu is updated a their tap is completed, I'll most likely update to 5 stars. Overall, I do like what Key and Cleaver bring to downtown Oceanside dining scene and I wouldn't classify them as "just another burger spot". They have a focus on providing a healthier option to the typical burger experience and I really like the option to upgrade items with beef tallow to enhance their flavors and having HOUSEMADE gluten-free sauces and bun options is a plus in my book! But you SERIOUSLY got to try their fried chicken sandwich with beef tallow rosemary fries!

    Mushroom Swiss burger

    This is our first visit to this new restaurant. The staff were really friendly and attentive, clearly wanting to give a great experience. The physical restaurant is mostly the same as the previous tenant had it and has some obvious issues that I am surprised didn't get fixed before the launch of a new business. It's like they had zero capital to start the place, but even low cost repairs weren't made. Not a good sign. The food was ok, not good, not bad, just ok. Overall, using a baseball analogy, this place is a bunt. They didn't even try to swing, they are just doing the least to try to get on base. For me, there are much better options out there.

    Black and Blue Burger
    Jerry R C.

    Really good hamburger with great flavor and quality ingredients. The Black and Blue burger.

    Black and blue with the fried chicken option. You can get it as a burger or veggie burger too.

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    7 days ago

    Business owner information

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    Christopher D.

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    10 days ago

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    16 days ago

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    27 days ago

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    22 days ago

    Excellent Food and service. Menu is basic but has enough options. We will definitely be back!!

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    8 days ago

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    23 days ago

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    1 month ago

    Just tried K&C last night. Fantastic Food and Super Service. Loved this cozy place and will be back again soon!

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    Ask the Community - Key and Cleaver

    How many wings come in an order?

    It's a pound, so depending on the size of the wings it's anywhere from 5-7 wings per order.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Key and Cleaver

    Not a smash burger either, but a fatty burger that is pink inside for real burger fans!!!

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    BEERTOWN - Cajun fries!!!!! I love shoestring fries! These fries come with a kick to make sure you want another cold beer!

    BEERTOWN

    4.4(146 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Fun spot in Oceanside with a great vibe and lots of weekday specials. I had the miso chicken wings…read more.. tasty but light on sauce. They do charge for extra, which I get, but I wished for a little more to start. Their homemade ranch made up for it though! The happy hour pretzel ($10) was perfect for sharing, and my friend's grilled fish tacos were fresh and light. The coconut shrimp looked amazing, so I'll try that next time. Can't wait to come back for the $20 lobster roll weekends ..and once I'm not pregnant, to sample that awesome beer list!

    This place is awesome! Ryan was absolutely phenomenal and helped us find the NA beer options. Ryan…read moresaid usually they only have 4 but recently they've been carrying 6 options. We tried 4 today and absolutely loved them. If you're looking to go out with friends but don't drink alcohol, this place has got you covered with great NA options! The ambiance is so nice. It's very comfortable inside and currently they have cute Halloween window paintings! Ryan also did a great job suggesting the best options for us too! Beyond the great options here we also received such great service. Thank you so much, Ryan! If we lived in Oceanside this would definitely be our go to spot. Hopefully we can visit again soon!

    Photos
    BEERTOWN - My new favorite place, draft list on the wall! TVs and comfy barstools

    My new favorite place, draft list on the wall! TVs and comfy barstools

    BEERTOWN - Merchandise, Togo beers, leading to the outside seating!

    Merchandise, Togo beers, leading to the outside seating!

    BEERTOWN - Double IPA!!!! The do it right! The foam ring represents clean glass! Beer nerds know!

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    Double IPA!!!! The do it right! The foam ring represents clean glass! Beer nerds know!

    The Rooftop Bar - Spread Trio

    The Rooftop Bar

    3.9(587 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$

    Came for Father's Day without a reservation and also with a baby. The hostess stand was not that…read morefriendly or helpful. There was a wait of course but we were told there was open seating at the bar area. It was busy but I noticed there were a lot of families with kids so I didn't feel as out of place bringing my baby. We were able to find a table in the bar area thankfully and our waitress was amazing. Unfortunately, I forgot her name but she was so friendly, gave great recommendations from the menu and was very attentive. It's hard to come across that kind of service these days so I really appreciated it. The food was pretty good. We got the steak that came pre sliced with flaky salt and a side of zhoug sauce...so good. The artichokes with the aioli were also very good. Brussel sprouts were good but prob my least favorite of the 3. The vibe and ambience was great and there were ocean views, I would def recommend.

    Visited the Rooftop Bar in Oceanside for some drinks on a beautiful Saturday. It was busy but we…read morewere able to get a table, enjoy some drinks with excellent service and then wander over to the bar to visit with the bartenders. Sitting at the bar was a lot of fun, we enjoyed how pretty the bar was, how friendly and personable the bartenders were and how delicious the drinks were. The view here is unmatched, it's worth paying the price for slightly pricey drinks just to drink in the view for a while. Just simply enter the lobby of the Marriott and ride the elevator to the top floor and visit the hostess. Let her know I sent you for absolutely no discount on anything but the view.

    Photos
    The Rooftop Bar - Martini, juice, and olives

    Martini, juice, and olives

    The Rooftop Bar - Tuna Tartar with Virgin Pina (drink)

    Tuna Tartar with Virgin Pina (drink)

    The Rooftop Bar - Our cocktails

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    Our cocktails

    Bottlecraft - Shootz

    Bottlecraft

    4.4(53 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    The Hubs and I love to do Saturday beer days - We will bounce around to different breweries to try…read morenew brews and grab some tasty bites. Bottlecraft has several locations, but we have both agreed that the Oceanside location is our favorite. Bottlecraft is a bottle shop and tasting room - This means that you can taste a variety of beers, which taps continuously rotating - then pick up cans of your faves.. or try brand new cans to bring home. We love to grab a spot at the bar {typically to watch whatever sporting event is on TV}, or on the back outdoor patio space if we come with a group. When seated at the bar area, you can also chat with the amazing beertenders and ask for their recommendations if you're unsure what to try {I will always recommend a good Hazy or Double IPA}. The team here is always on point - Providing fantastic service as well as friendly conversation while you enjoy your brews! Not a beer drinker?! Hard Kombucha, Cider, Wine and Non-Alcoholic options are available - There is something for everyone! While enjoying your brews, if hunger hits, visit Shootz Fish & Beer - This is a stellar food spot tucked in the corner as you enter the shop. Do not skip out on the Potato Taco! It's the perfect pairing with a good beer - You will thank me later for introducing this combo into your life! ;-) Along with phenomenal beer, Bottlecraft is pet friendly and just a hop skip and jump to the beach - What's not to love here?! Calling all beer peeps - Are you on Untapped?? If so, let me know.. I'd love to connect and see what brews you are currently loving.. or not.

    If you are looking for a place to try new beers this is the place to go. Not only do they have a…read moregreat selection on tap they also have a great bottle/can selection. I was able to find beers that I have not been able to find anywhere else. Tried the sour that was on tap and bought the cascade kriek sour. There is a small corkage fee if you buy bottles and want to consume them there but it's worth it. They have a nice outdoor area that seems to be connected to the other businesses they are connected to. Will come back to try more beers.

    Photos
    Bottlecraft - Inside Area

    Inside Area

    Bottlecraft - Lunch Maine Beer Freeport, ME American IPA Beautiful Citrus Pine Dichotomy

    Lunch Maine Beer Freeport, ME American IPA Beautiful Citrus Pine Dichotomy

    Bottlecraft - Bottlecraft entrance

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    Bottlecraft entrance

    Key and Cleaver - burgers - Updated June 2026

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