Tip Top has some of the best hamburgers around. The burgers are always on point, the fries are great, and they never disappoint. Service has always been good too. Now, let's talk about the real issue here: WHERE IS THE RANCH? The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because they don't have buttermilk ranch for the fries. They offer Thousand Island, but no ranch? That's a little disappointing Other than that, I have zero complaints. I really hope they consider adding ranch to the menu. They say they don't carry ranch because they don't serve salads but ranch isn't just for salads. read more

Went there on 4/19 and got 2 prime rib specials. It's to go only and they any au jus. Got 2 ribeye as well. The ribeye cost a were pricey but so good. Grilled them up at the hotel. read more

Tip Top Meats - Meat Shops Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Ordered a Rueben over the phone and was told it'd be 10-15 minutes. Showed up 10 minutes later and was told to pay and they'll call it out when ready, so we did so. 20 minutes later, I asked and was told it was almost ready while multiple people had ordered at the counter after I had paid and received their food. After another 25 minutes (45 total), we just threw in the towel and asked for a refund. The guy behind the counter turned around and grabbed our food that had been sitting there for 40 (!) minutes (saw it placed there right after we paid) and goes, "oh, my bad! Here you go, it might be a little cold though" with a straight face. Like, are you kidding me? We got our refund and just left after wasting 45 minutes of our lives here. I hate giving negative reviews, but this place is trash and likely only surviving on boomer nostalgia (we were the only customers under 40 here). Prices aren't competitive either. There's so many other spots to go to in north county, it won't be surprising when we hear about the revival attempt not working out (original owner passed and family is trying to resurrect it). So all in all, skip this spot and go somewhere that won't waste your time and try to serve you old/cold food with a straight face (c'mon bro). read more

Sadly, TipTop is a shadow of its former self. The meat counter has a much smaller selection and their frozen items are far less than they used to have. They tried to offer all the same services in a small space - restaurant, grocery, meat counter and really they should have just picked one thing and stuck with it. Now all fall woefully short. I was willing to drive 25 minutes to get there before, I'm not anymore. We also bought cooked ribs, which turned out to be raw inside and had to cook them for over an hour and we didn't feel too good after eating them. read more

Its back!! Since we were in the area, we decided to check out the "newish " spot. Its behind the old restaurant and about a 1/4 of the size. We stocked up on some sausages and pastries. The shop is very streamlined no wines,,less cases of meat and cheeses. They raised the prices of the hot meals but still reasonable priced ( they were super low priced, which probably was a big draw). Where can you get German specialties for under $20?? Primerib plate for 19.99! There are out 8 outside umbrella tables and a picnic table. At 3.00 it was not busy and no line inside. The guy inside told me there were opening up more dining space inside, about half the space they had previously. A Carlsbad institution! Hope the store can grow a bit more also! read more

I thought this place had closed, but I'm glad it's back! However, they downsized and they no longer have the restaurant seating area. It's much smaller now (half of what it used to be) and basically just a deli counter and small market, but you can still order entrees and eat it outside where they have a few tables or get it to go. The counter to the left you can order entrees and desserts and the counter to the right is a butcher counter. They also sell German candies, snacks and goodies such as black licorice. Their sausage plate is always on par but their prime rib which they only have on the weekends is a miss for me. It was way overcooked and felt more like a flat steak than prime rib. I wonder if I had asked for it medium rare instead of medium it would have made a difference. Despite that, their sides are delicious especially their potato salad and red cabbage. read more

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Tip Top Meats Version 2.0 is an excellent example of transforming and growing into a great combination of a high quality of fresh meat products and home cooking meals reminiscent of traditional values and time honored recipes. When you think of Tip Top Meats, what comes to your mind? Quality and fresh meat? A delicatessen with a variety of offerings, including European cuisine? Friendly and helpful staff? Entrees cooked and seasoned to perfection? All of the above!!! The market has been reduced in size, but looks cleaner, more efficient and organized and with the familiar limited European products you may be familiar with. The staff is so friendly and the Menu boards have been upgraded to a digital display version. There's so much to see and admire. We were there to try the breakfast/brunch menu. Tried two items: -#4 French Toast, slices of brioche bread, tallow fried, and with a polish sausage 10/10: the sausage was incredible! Crisp skin and well seasoned meat. The French toast was also very good. -Bagel with Lox, toasted plain bagel and the salmon lox and veggies 10/10: the lox was delicious, not too salty and a very generous portion. Capers, sweet onions, tomato slices and cucumber were provided with an additional 2 quarter spears of pickles. I was able to make 2 open faced lox on bagels with a lot of extra lox to spare. Lots of seats and tables outside with umbrellas. The food is all to go. Looking forward to coming back for dinner. I'm so excited that they came back and reopened Tip Top Markets Version 2.0!!! The original restaurant and store is closed up with boxes that you can see through the window. I hope they bring back the sit down restaurant. Keep praying all!!! Big John always said: "By Our Quality, We Shall Be Known". read more

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- a staple of Carlsbad we had to check out, there's a line on the weekends but it moves fast and there's plenty to look at in the store so time moves quick! - the menu is massive and has so much variety we'll be back to try more - outdoor seating only! (1) Lamb shank: pretty tender and flavorful! Love that we get so many sides too and a bread roll (2) Octoberfest platter: this was our favorite! So worth for the price ($17.22) and each component was yummy read more

Tip Top Meats - Interior - meat service area - Meat Shops Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I'm very glad that Tip Top Meats is back! It was very busy when we checked it out recently. Prices seem higher than before it closed, but the quality is still here. read more

Tip Top Meats - Interior -- Meat Case - Meat Shops Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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So glad to see this open again. It reopened in what used to be the seafood shop part of the original. Obviously a smaller space so the variety is considerably less but still many meat options as before. Very friendly folks at the meat counter. Many different sausages, liverwurst and meats as well as a few game birds. I would like to see the ranges of mustards return. The breakfast menu offers many options with prices a bit higher than previously. Sandwiches and lunch items are available for takeaway or outdoor tables (only a few). Excellent beef, pork and lamb selection, still including some prime options. read more

Tip Top Meats - Wild Boar steaks - Meat Shops Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Carlsbad just wasn't the same with out this institution, I'm so happy it's back! Parking wasn't bad, as people were coming and going constantly while I was there. The location is in the former tiptop fish market, which is quite a bit smaller than the old location next door. They do have it organized well but it a tight squeeze when you have a crowd. The food side of it has many choices including some old familiar items. The meat side of it has refrigerated meats and all the sausages you missed you can grab to go. The butchers are helpful and quick and have beautiful looking cuts of meat. Everyone inside was commenting how happy they were to have it back! There is some outdoor seating and there were quite a few families outside enjoying their lunches. Welcome back! read more

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We got the big John breakfast and the steak and eggs. The food was so good. My favorite was the Polish sausage. The prices are amazing. And all of the employees were very nice. I definitely need to come back to try the lunch menu. read more

Tip Top Meats - Big John Breakfast - Meat Shops Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I'm truly happy that Tip Top has reopened. Though it's smaller inside, there's still a abundance of European delicacies on the shelves, Tip Top's excellent selection of sausages, great steaks, and they've managed to keep a full-service kitchen with the familiar menu of German specialties and excellent sandwiches. On my last visit, I ordered a classic Ruben sandwich. It was huge! - more like a sandwich and half. Hot and flavorful, with melty cheese and a generous portion of delicious German potato salad on the side. There's no inside seating any more, but plenty of outdoor tables with umbrellas make for an enjoyable al fresco experience. read more

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They're back and twice as good! The location is small but don't let it fool you. They carry everything that you missed. Meat, cheese, sausages, sauces, bread, mustards, curry catsup and more. They have everything from lunch take aways to dinner. There is very little seating and this place is popular so plan to take it to go. Tip: If when you first walk in, if there are a bunch of people hanging out, they already ordered and are waiting for their food. Order at the register. read more

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They're back! To the throngs who've been waiting for their promised return, the long wait is over. Tip Top is in the soft opening phase, and we stopped in after lunch nearby to see what they're offering. They were doing a land office business at 1:30 p.m today (Tuesday) They're in the same location, but only in part of the space. There's a deli case, a cake and pastry case, and a fresh meat case, along with several freezer cases (frozen meats, and several shelves of bread and grocery items. You can also purchase hot food (mains, sides and sandwiches) and cold sandwiches either to go or to eat at one of the five outdoor tables. There's no indoor seating. Prices are low on the food they prepare. I wasn't able to try any today so we'll have to review that another time. No prices are posted on the grocery items which is something I hope they make a high priority to correct very soon. Meat prices are high, but so is the quality and variety. Today was just for window shopping, so I'll update the stars when they've officially opened and I've made purchases. I definitely want to try the takeout food. For now, they look promising yet still have a way to go. That's what soft openings are for. read more

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The reopened smaller Tip Top. Only has some tables outside. What is okay. But please we do not like to be served in a plastic bag and on top of that ; have to eat out off a plastic box. read more

the new-and-improved and considerably downsized edition of TIP TOP MEATS finally got the city of Carlsbad to give them flight clearance. stopped to check the inventory, which, in spite of being in the much smaller space next door to the old place, is very well curated. realizing we were edging dangerously close to hangry, we decided to order breakfast. I had the BAGEL and LOX, and the wife unit had a BREAKFAST BURRITO with steak, eggs, cheese, and potatoes. you know you're leaning to hard into the whole parent thing when your first reaction is "we gotta come back on Saturday with the kids." so, if you're in the neighborhood this weekend, maybe we'll see you there. ps: been back two more times this week. 3 stars for the food. 5 stars for the groceries ... read more

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Still the same great food at a reasonable price! They've condensed in size but still nestled in the corner of where their original spot was! With limited outdoor seating, it makes it more of a social gambit, which I love. Enjoyed my breakfast with a couple locals reminiscing about the good ole days!!! read more

Tip Top Meats - Order up! - Meat Shops Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Tried the new smaller location and still a winner for us: Due to the smaller location you'll find fewer German groceries to grab (no alcohol) but the butcher is still amazing. Came to buy some German cake slices and the assortment was great. Assistant was very helpful explaining what all they had to offer. Food is to go. read more

Tip Top Meats - Chocolate Awesomeness - Meat Shops Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I was looking forward to visiting the new Tip Top Meats. It is a deli counter with zero seating inside. The service is nice but very, very slow. We ordered and waited outside at the small cafe tables. When the food finally came out - it was just okay. Miss the old place. read more

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Came back for the Turkey Sandwich and fries! Very good! Lines were short at 1000. Limited seating and Togo is your best option! read more

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The German Bratwurst and Big breakfast! I am glad they are back in business. They are an institution in Carlsbad and San Diego and a good local favorite. read more

DO YOU KNOW WHAT TODAY IS? TODAY IS TOMORROW! {*deep, mature British voice-over*} High atop a wooded hill called Gobbler's Knob, there lives a celebrity groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. Every year on Feb. 2nd, thousands of people gather here in person, millions more watch online, and everyone awaits this centenarian hog-school-dropout's next weather forecast. If Phil sees his shadow, winter lasts 6 more weeks. If he doesn't, spring is near. That's it. That's his whole system. Even though we have satellites, supercomputers, Doppler radar-- and apps that reliably amalgamate this data -- we're still, "Yeah, but what does that random rodent say?" The tradition started 150 years ago when Dutch immigrants reinvented the German custom of using a badger to determine the weather. When they got to America, they were like, "There's no badgers... but we do have this chubby little fellow who needs a bath and a haircut. Close enough." One oddity about Phil is he is immortal. He's the SAME forever-groundhog since the 1800s?!. Most groundhogs live 10-14 years, but Phil gets a magic potion every summer, "The Elixir of Life". Each dose gives him seven more years. Hence the name "Groundhog Day". Not "Groundhogs Day." But because it's 2026, there are now OTHER poser groundhogs with ring-lights making their own predictions on TikTok. When other ratfluencers are trying to steal your shtick, but with short, comedic, lip-synced shadow-dances... you know you're in for an Influencer mega-battle.. So what does this vampire varmint do to compete? Is he gonna just chill up in a tree, sip his hog-elixir, and ignore DMs from Podcasters asking for a Zoom? Nope. He leverages his brand. He gets out in public in his Phil‑mobile-- a bus with a platform where he waves to the crowds like the furry little dictator that he is. Legend. Pro tip: Having received their own "Elixir of Life", Tip Top Meats will be continuing it's 50+ year run in Carlsbad by re-opening on Groundhog Day 2/2/26 in the same location, but a smaller, upscale footprint. This "Groundhog Day" style do-over will focus on core menu items, butcher offerings, and takeout service. My favorites were always the Reuben, Big John Breakfast, and the imported cheese and sausages. read more

​I am writing this to alert fellow shoppers to check expiration dates carefully here. I recently purchased several Ritter Sport chocolate bars, only to realize after the fact that they had expired on January 11, 2026. ​When I brought this to the attention of the supervisor, I was told the items were purchased in December and should still be "okay" to eat. However, upon inspecting the rest of the Ritter Sport inventory on the shelf, I found that nearly all the other flavors were also past their "Best Before" dates. ​While I've enjoyed this store in the past, it is disappointing to see a lack of inventory rotation and a dismissive response to a valid quality concern. Please double-check your labels before heading to the register. read more

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Great to have you back, Tip Top -- now please fix the food! Let me be upfront: I'm originally from Germany. I've eaten actual German food -- in Germany -- multiple times. So when I say the schnitzel didn't taste German, I'm not being a snob. I'm being a witness. Tip Top Meats is an institution in Carlsbad, and I was genuinely thrilled when they reopened. We walked up, ordered schnitzel and rouladen from the counter, found a lovely picnic table in the sun, and sat down fully expecting a taste of home. The day was perfect. Our optimism was high. However... The schnitzel The schnitzel came in a takeout carton with plastic utensils -- totally fine for a deli. The presentation itself wasn't the issue. What gave us pause was the color: noticeably darker than it should be, with some edges that had gone a bit further than crispy. The red cabbage alongside it wasn't very appetizing -- more of a deep purple, mushy situation than the bright, tangy side dish we were hoping for. The mashed potatoes and gravy were pretty basic, nothing that stood out. Cutting through the schnitzel with a plastic knife was a bit of a workout, and once we got there, a few bites had an unexpected crunch -- not the good kind you get from a well-breaded cutlet. The meat was dry, and the brown gravy had a slightly bitter taste that didn't do it any favors. Honestly, I've had a Costco schnitzel meal kit that compared pretty favorably -- and that's not exactly a ringing endorsement for either of them. The rouladen My wife ordered the rouladen. The portion was impressively large -- genuinely, a generous amount of food. Unfortunately, it appeared to have been cooked until it submitted completely and gave up all moisture. Good rouladen practically falls apart under a fork. This rouladen fought back. We are still not entirely sure who won. Classic rouladen is filled with mustard, pickles, and bacon -- the holy trinity. If these ingredients were present, they were in the witness protection program, because we could not find them. The same bitter brown gravy made another appearance, and together with the dry, tough meat, the dish landed somewhere between "disappointing" and "chewable exercise." Here's the thing: I want Tip Top to succeed. They are part of Carlsbad's DNA, and their butcher counter and meats are worth the trip. But if you're going for the prepared food -- particularly the schnitzel or rouladen -- I'd steer you firmly across the street to Green Dragon Tavern, which serves very good food at a very fair price and will not require you to make peace with a plastic knife. Tip-Top - do better please! read more

Great place to pick up sandwiches, a few choice German desserts, sauces and meats, have a nice German hot meal. I'm so glad this place opened back up, take yourself and your family here, great people, great food! read more

Tip Top Meats - 2026 menu boards - Meat Shops Near Me - Carlsbad, California

So glad they are back. Much smaller than before but with many of the store and meat counter favorites. Seating for 30-35 out doors under sun umbrellas only. Posting many pictures from April 2026 now. read more

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Thank goodness they're back! This is our go-to market for scrapple and other unusual meats. It was so nice to visit, and see all of the happy customers. read more

Healthy portions, good quality food at reasonable prices. Takeout only now, but there are a few tables nearby. Service is quick and friendly. Go here and give them your business, they deserve it! read more

Been back a couple times once for breakfast and once for lunch for the family. Something is different with the front help compared with the original. It could be because they just reopened and are getting into the groove again. My first order took a long time. It seemed like the order was misplaced. Second order was more efficient but took longer than I expected also. But the shop was busy. Maybe my order was more complicated. But anyway a slight reduction in stars. We're still going back. read more

Tip Top Meats - New sign, fresh paint. - Meat Shops Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I'm so happy tip top is open again. Thought it significantly smaller it's the same delicious and reasonably priced foo. She the switched to avocado oil and tallow. No more seed oils! Portions are generous and the same as before. Just plan on eating outside due to the change in size. OR order to go and hit the beach! read more

OMgosh, where do I start? This is not the Tip Top of old. This is a tiny tiny take out deli type shop, and unfortunately the food has taken a serious nose dive. Ordered a pastrami sandwich and a slice of cake from their dessert case by the cashier. The sandwich had very little meat on it for $14 and what was there was dry and hard. The cake had a very strange, very strong chemical taste to the point where I literally had to spit out what was on my mouth and throw away the rest of the slice. I am usually of the 'there's no BAD cake' thinking so for me to spit it out and throw the rest away, it was seriously chemical tasting to the point where it was weird and scary- like what on Earth is in this?? Never ever again. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere. read more

Not what it used to be. Flavor is gone. Place was busy which is usually a good sign, not this time.

I am so happy they're open again! The staff is amazing. I like the Big John Burger, their desserts are delicious and its a great spot to pick up some German style eats. $20 for a steak dinner cant be beat. read more

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This place is out of business. They're closed when we got there. :(. We used to drive all the way to Carlsbad just to get Big John's breakfast. read more

Tip Top has re-opened!!! Hallelujah . Had a bomb Pastrami sandwich! Some of the old staff is there too! Can't wait to go back!!! Limited seating and training new people so please be patient while they get up to speed. read more

Tip Top Meats - Pastrami with Swiss cheese and German potato salad. If you want any condiments on it (mustard, etc) you need to request it. - Meat Shops Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We were so excited TipTopMeats was open again. We drove all the way from San Diego to get a Reuben and German potato salad. The Reuben was so dry and not like it used to be and the German potato salad was ok. Not like it used to be. My husband got a French dip and fries. Still very dry and the fries had no flavor. I'm hoping we just went there on an off day. They are remodeling so I love TipTop!! Please please tell me it will get better??? My whole family and a ton of friends are counting on you we won't give up on you! I used to shop there constantly! Lots of German in my family!! Good luck Tip top! We want our old tiptop back!!! read more

I am writing this review for a specific situation I experienced on Monday, April 20, 2026. I was disappointed with the recent experience at Tip Top Meats. I live in Escondido and drove out to Tip Top Meats in Carlsbad to grab a few assorted deli meats. I know why so far for when there are deli's located in my area. Well, Tip Top has German deli meats and food items I cannot buy at any local deli store in my area. Plus, my mother (German) who is 87 does not get around much, enjoys the german food items. I arrived at Tip Top at 7:25 PM. I walked up to the counter; there were two ladies behind the counter talking to each other and a young man wiping down the butcher countertop. He asked how he could help. I said, I would like to get some deli meat. The two ladies behind the counter looked at me and walked through the door behind the counter, which I assumed leads to the kitchen. The young man said the deli clerk just walked to the back and he would go get her to help me. He returned and told me the deli just closed. I confirmed with him that the store was open until 8pm and it is only 7:30. He replied, "yes, but the deli closed early tonight and next time I should arrive before 7:00 PM". Wow, what?! I could understand if I arrived 7:50 or they were not taking meal orders or the deli had different operations hours. But none of the above applied in this scenario. They were still taking meal orders as there were 3 customers in the store. There were no signs posted in the store or online identifying the deli or butcher counter had different operations hours. Right or wrong I got the impression, the deli section was slow, they already cleaned the meat slicing machine and did not want to dirty it up and then have to clean it up again. First, way to go on the customer service level. Second, if business operation hours are posted, unless stated otherwise, the entire store should be open until closing. It will be a while before I go back, not the customer service level I remember. read more

So glad they're back. Don't tell anyone! It will get packed. Best kept secret for an amazing filet dinner. Great quality steaks and familiar faces! read more

Tip Top has reopened in Carlsbad!!! Time for the Big John Special!!! They're located at the same place and the food is still great!!! read more

Tip Top Meats - Tip Top has reopened today!!! - Meat Shops Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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