My wife and I recently took a trip to San Diego, and for one night, we stayed at the Alila Maria Beach Resort Encinitas. There are three restaurants onsite. One is a nice, sit-down restaurant. One is a coffee house. The third is the Pocket Pool and Bar. We found the service to be good, but we really didn't enjoy the drinks. The space was rather empty in the middle of a Sunday afternoon. We received coupons good for two welcome beverages at The Pocket when checking in at the resort. When we arrived at The Pocket after checking in but while waiting for our room to be ready, we found ourselves to be the only guests there. No reservations were needed. The clouds were out but it would soon be nice and sunny. We sat down and each ordered a zero proof cocktail. The ask was for something fruity and sweet. We ordered a variation of the Feeling Peachy, consisting of peach puree, citrus, mint, and bubbles. We did choose to give the bartender the freedom to make drinks that would be fruity and sweet as none of the drinks on the menu sounded like what we were feeling for. The bartender brought us drinks that we tried and decided we wouldn't have ordered if we didn't have vouchers for free drinks. As such, we acknowledged they weren't for us, though if we would have paid for them, we would have been disappointed. As such, I'd encourage anyone ordering drinks at The Pocket to stick with drinks on the menu. Speaking of the menu, the menu offers beach bites like smashed guacamole, craklin' buffalo wings, elote fries, quesadilla, sunset ceviche, and dirty nachos. The main event dishes include blackened Baja fish tacos, the wagyu double smash, millionaire's BLT, coastal Cali burrito, and Pacific poke. The balanced-ish menu items include pocket Caesar, the wedge, paradise bowl, and the Santorini. Treat Yourself dishes include cookie sando, assorted fresh fruit, and seasonal sorbet. Beverages include cocktails, wine, drafts, cans, zero proof. The Pocket is a surf-inspired bar with a view. There are televisions to watch sports games, and with the bar being part indoors and part outdoors, you can catch the nice weather or escape from it depending on if it is sunny or rainy. You can make a reservation on OpenTable. The bar hours are open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM. The kitchen is open Monday through Thursday from 12 noon to 6 PM, Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 7:30 PM, and Sunday from 12 noon to 6 PM. Should we visit the Alila Maria Beach Resort Encinitas again, we may give The Pocket a try again but more for the atmosphere, good service, and perhaps some bites instead of drinks. read more

Very chill restaurant by the pool with the ocean views. Great dining option if you are staying on the resort. Steak was perfectly cooked and the swordfish sandwich was very nicely seasoned and juicy. Staff were friendly and attentive ensuring we were taken care of. We enjoyed a nice dinner after check in and enjoyed the sunset right outside. read more

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I ended up at The Pocket to use my complimentary drinks for staying at the Alila Marea. I could order any alcoholic or mocktail. I don't drink alcohol so I got a mocktail. I like that they have mocktail choices. I got the Ponto passion and it was pretty good. The presentation was lovely. I didn't plan on eating here but decided to give them a try since I wanted to stay and crash the wedding that was going on in front of The Pocket. The poke bowl was a good choice. The tuna sashimi was tender. The dressing was tasty. My daughter enjoyed her Carne asada tacos. Service was great. I noticed they were going around with a tray of champagne. Earlier, same person was handing out chicarones to the guests in the pool. I thought that was great customer service! read more

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The Pocket is deep inside the Alila Marea Beach Resort, right on the Coast at La Costa and PCH. You will have to valet your car if you are not a hotel guest. It is a restaurant with food perfect for pool side eating. Then expect long walk down many hallways to find the restaurant, and you even need a key to get there. The restaurant has perfect food for poolside eating, like salads, tacos, and chicken that look like chicken tenders. I personally did not order well, as I got the Buffalo chicken Bites, which reminded me of a kids meal. I will have to try some other items next time I go. The staff was attentive and friendly. The place is clean and well run. The resort is beautiful and everyone working there seems super happy. read more

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Tasty lunch options! Their steak frites are a hit. I also love their fish tacos with chips. Very refreshing poolside food. Friendly servers and staff here. Relaxing vibes as always. read more

Not sure how this place has a 4.3 rating. Pack your patience. Nice staff, reminds me of a DMV

If you're in a rush not the call. Give your self two hours to actually be on time for something.

I enjoyed this lovely poolside bar at Alila Marea Beach during my stay! I tried the Watermelon Wave drink, which was refreshing and delicious, and for food, I ordered the mushroom lettuce cup--so tasty and a generous portion, definitely enough for one! I savored my drink and meal by the pool at sunset. Great staff also! It was dreamy! read more

The Pocket - Lettuce cup with mushroom - Tasty - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I'm sorry, but this place was a huge disappointment, especially for the price. You expect a nice beachfront hotel experience, but it did not deliver. Service was extremely slow and one couple was in there. Salsa and chips no taste and we didn't even eat it. All of the food we ordered was bland and not worth the cost at all. Buffalo chicken not good, tacos horrible. Do better!!!! Overall, the experience did not match the price or expectations. I would not return or recommend this place. read more

Had a birthday dinner planned at the pocket, but unfortunately, due to weather they closed. Most places would have left it at that and said please join us another time, but the manager Patrick reached out and asked us if we would like to have drinks and food at the bar at VAGA instead. Although it was not what we planned for my friend's birthday it was still a great evening . The food, drinks, and service at Vega was exceptional! The weather ended up clearing right before sunset and we had a beautiful view from the bar! Looking forward to trying the pocket soon! read more

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! read more

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I am an Encinitas local and saw online that the Pocket had happy hour until 6 PM and was open till 7 PM. So I drove over to the hotel, dealt with the valet only walk all the way to the end of the hotel where the restaurant is and ask the bartender if I can take a seat at the bar top. There were about 3 tables dining and I looked at my watch and it was 5:30 PM. The bartender said to me "we're doing last call for food right now and closing at 6 PM. " Standing behind me was a lady who I would assume was a manager or supervisor I didn't notice a name tag but she said "yes we're closing tonight at 6" and I said "oh OK because the website says 7pm and it's only 530." "Tonight we're closing at 6." she repeated to me. No explanation, no apology or alternative. So I said, "Great thanks" and walked out. The way I left that Restaurant feeling, is the exact opposite you would ever want a guest to feel like at your hotel. I worked in hospitality for over 10 years, running events at different luxury properties including a 5 star hotel in San Francisco, so I am very well trained in proper service. Such a missed opportunity to find the YES in the situation. She could have sent me to the other restaurant Vaga or honestly just been nicer about it. I never write reviews & I worked in the industry for so long I understand that things go wrong. But this was an encounter that needs to be addressed. The whole reason I was going to the Alila Encinitas was to see what the vibe was like to possibly have a 25 person room block there for an event I'm hosting early next year. But after tonight, I would never want my guests to stay at a hotel where they could get treated this way. I would expect more from a property where the rooms are over $700 per night. read more

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! read more

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Had a wonderful experience at the pocket. Our bartender Scott was very friendly and gave us some insight into the local scene. Tried the watermelon wave and it was amazing. Just popped in for a drink (or two) but thinking about staying at the resort next time. read more

The shrimp ceviche tostada hit the spot! Definitely recommend it! Service was fast and ambience was comfortable casual.

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. read more

The Pocket - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Encinitas, California

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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. read more

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Awesome atmosphere and great service but the food is not very good. We will just have drinks next time.

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

The Pocket - Mojito and lemonade - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Encinitas, California

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!