More Good Eats In Oceanside

Rarely do I concentrate reviews or recommendations on just one city, but since Oceanside is an up and coming foodie location, here goes.  These are just a few of the super cool restaurants to try, some old, some new, in the hottest spot for new gastropubs.  Actually, only one restaurant on this list is a gastropub.  All the others are good, causal restaurants, with great food.

608 is the name of a new restaurant taking over where Swami's used to be on Mission Avenue.  The owner and chef comes from Real Bar and Bistro in Solana Beach.  He likes to combine classic, comfortable and familiar staples with bold flavors and seasonings.  The restaurant just opened a few weeks ago, and I will try to get there soon for a full review.

Captain's Grounds is a local coffee house, with great lattes and a good vibe.  If you're like me, and like to support local merchants rather than chain restaurants, give them a try next time you're in the area.  Also, Red and White Market on Vista Way, is a small local market that has been around for years.  It's family owned, and the people couldn't be friendlier.  They are known for the excellent deli, and delicious sandwiches.  Next time you're on the way to the beach or picnic, stop at Red and White and get your sandwiches.

The Breakfast Club Diner is not new, but it's place you will love, if you want to feel like you're back in the 80's.  Huge portions, great food and a real diner experience await you at this local spot on Coast Highway.  It looks like something Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives would review.  Maybe he has.  Buccaneer Cafe is another diner type restaurant, with big portions and always busy with lots of locals.  My favorite breakfast place in Oceanside, however, is the Beach Break Cafe on Coast Highway.  Run by the same family for many years (they used to be right down the street), the food is fabulous, whatever you get.  On the weekend, be prepared for a wait, but it's worth it.  French toast, pancakes, omelettes, and eggs of any type, are all great.  Try their coffee cake for a special treat.

Finally, one more restaurant that I can't wait to try.  It's called WuLan Ramen House, on Frazee Rd.  Coming from L.A, we have one street in Santa Monica (Sawtelle Blvd) that has about 15 different ramen restaurants to choose from, so I've had lots of ramen.  We don't have many ramen restaurants  here in north county, so if this is good, as all the reviews say it is, it will surely be a winner.  They serve ramen with several types of broth, and lots of additions to broth, depending on your taste.  They also have other Asian appetizers, so there's a lot to choose from.

So many new places to try, I can't wait.  I will review 608 and WuLan Ramen House as soon as I go there.  Until then, happy eating, wherever you go.