CHRISTINE DAVIS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CARLSBAD VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
While several business sectors are still unfortunately not able to open or were recently forced to close again due to the San Diego County’s watchlist status here in California, most of our downtown businesses have been allowed to open. In fact, five newly established businesses opened for the very first time since June 1. With the push to move business into the fresh air, especially for dining establishments, our moderate, coastal temperature has provided a lifeline to many with no other option. Outdoor dining has always been popular in the Village, but now more than ever in response to the current health pandemic, dining al fresco is an absolute must.
To help businesses thrive during this changing landscape, the City of Carlsbad Economic Development Department has established two programs to enable businesses the opportunity to temporarily use private property (primarily parking lots) as well as sidewalks for business promotion and transactions. Online permit applications are available on the city’s website at www. carlsbadca.gov and the turnaround time is fast. There is no fee to activate a private parking lot (although a permit outlining the proposed use is required) but there is a small fee required for sidewalk activation that uses the public right of way.
Nearly every Village eatery is designed for outdoor dining. Some have expanded their outdoor footprint by adding tables and colorful umbrellas to the adjacent sidewalks, while others have created new outdoor dining areas from the ground up. The innovations are endless. Vigilucci’s Cucina has added an entire section for patio dining behind their restaurant surrounded by large box trees for privacy. Mas Fina Cantina has turned their extra parking into the Cantina Corral. And Crackheads has added a rooftop patio to their establishment.
There are over 75 eateries in the Village ranging from taco shops to fine dining and everything in between. The Carlsbad Village Association website (www.carlsbad-village. com) has a directory of restaurants and each profile indicates whether or not they have outdoor dining. Here are just a few Carlsbad Chamber members to consider the next time you are downtown and looking to enjoy dining al fresco: for breakfast try Daily News Cafe or Señor Grubby’s; for lunch Gregorio’s, Pollos Maria, or Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers; for dinner try Park 101, 264 Fresco, or Bluewater Grill.