The bar tenders have very bad attitude. The service at the bar was horrible.
Sheri Knox
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.
Joel
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 $5, or you can walk up the stairs from the beach.
Abigail Mendoza
I recently visited The Pockets, the poolside restaurant at Alila Marea Beach Resort, and while the views were definitely a highlight, the overall experience was a bit mixed. The restaurant offers nice views of the pool and even a glimpse of the ocean, which makes for a pleasant atmosphere.
As for the food, it was just okay. I ordered the steak frites, but unfortunately, the steak was very tough and hard to eat. The chimichurri sauce didn't do much to elevate the dish either—in my opinion, it had an overpowering taste of vinegar. On the plus side, the cocktails were decent, though not outstanding.
Service was a bit hit or miss. The first time we dined here, the service was just fine—nothing remarkable, but not bad either. However, when we came back the next day for drinks by the pool, the service was noticeably better, much more attentive and friendly.
All in all, The Pockets offers great views, but I would recommend managing expectations when it comes to the food and cocktails. The ambiance is great for a relaxed poolside meal or drink, but the culinary experience may leave a little to be desired.
Lauren S
In the hotel. Nice location, overlooking the ocean, however seriously disappointing. Maybe if I had no other options and we were staying at the hotel. Otherwise they were out of literally half the menu items (effectively making wings, salad, burgers and pork tacos the only options) and service was slow. Food was middling at best
If you're not going to carry shrimp, tuna, sword fish, mushrooms or prawns then why put them on the menu. And 26$ 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
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!
Sara Rismiller
The atmosphere and food were great. Poke bowl was one of the best I’ve had. Scott, the bartender, is friendly and provides fantastic service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vince Meyer
Hidden gem, great for quiet meal with a view
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Recommended dishes: Sunset Ceviche
Dale Acker
Walking the beach and looking for a beer.Food was as good as the view.
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.
Parking: If you don’t want to valet your car, you might need to park a couple minutes walk away. It’s easy, but may want to account for it with your reservation time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Shrimp
Lorís May
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 !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dion Caporrimo
Staycation, self care dazing with lite emails and ambience to spark creation. Delicious food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Carne Asada Nachos
Yevgen Stupka
Classy upscale little cafe, great food and service, vibey people, interior design is great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
911eVoX
Friendly service. Very professional design, but food is only so-so. We order the chicken bites and the churros and loved the churros, but the chicken had too much flavor it was overpowering. Definitely visit between 7:15-8:15 pm for the complimentary cocktail if staying on
Friendly staff! Good food!
The bar tenders have very bad attitude. The service at the bar was horrible.
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.
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 $5, or you can walk up the stairs from the beach.
I recently visited The Pockets, the poolside restaurant at Alila Marea Beach Resort, and while the views were definitely a highlight, the overall experience was a bit mixed. The restaurant offers nice views of the pool and even a glimpse of the ocean, which makes for a pleasant atmosphere.
As for the food, it was just okay. I ordered the steak frites, but unfortunately, the steak was very tough and hard to eat. The chimichurri sauce didn't do much to elevate the dish either—in my opinion, it had an overpowering taste of vinegar. On the plus side, the cocktails were decent, though not outstanding.
Service was a bit hit or miss. The first time we dined here, the service was just fine—nothing remarkable, but not bad either. However, when we came back the next day for drinks by the pool, the service was noticeably better, much more attentive and friendly.
All in all, The Pockets offers great views, but I would recommend managing expectations when it comes to the food and cocktails. The ambiance is great for a relaxed poolside meal or drink, but the culinary experience may leave a little to be desired.
In the hotel. Nice location, overlooking the ocean, however seriously disappointing. Maybe if I had no other options and we were staying at the hotel. Otherwise they were out of literally half the menu items (effectively making wings, salad, burgers and pork tacos the only options) and service was slow. Food was middling at best
If you're not going to carry shrimp, tuna, sword fish, mushrooms or prawns then why put them on the menu. And 26$ 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.
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!
The atmosphere and food were great. Poke bowl was one of the best I’ve had. Scott, the bartender, is friendly and provides fantastic service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hidden gem, great for quiet meal with a view
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Recommended dishes: Sunset Ceviche
Walking the beach and looking for a beer.Food was as good as the view.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
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.
Parking: If you don’t want to valet your car, you might need to park a couple minutes walk away. It’s easy, but may want to account for it with your reservation time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Shrimp
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 !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Staycation, self care dazing with lite emails and ambience to spark creation. Delicious food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Carne Asada Nachos
Classy upscale little cafe, great food and service, vibey people, interior design is great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Friendly service. Very professional design, but food is only so-so. We order the chicken bites and the churros and loved the churros, but the chicken had too much flavor it was overpowering. Definitely visit between 7:15-8:15 pm for the complimentary cocktail if staying on
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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