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Black Rail Kitchen + Bar - Steakhouse in Carlsbad, California

Black Rail Kitchen + Bar

4.4 (331 reviews)

6981 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009

New American restaurant
Bar & grill
Jazz club
Live music venue

About Black Rail Kitchen + Bar - steak house in Carlsbad, California

Customer Review Summary

Black Rail Kitchen + Bar offers a great dining experience with delicious food, highlighted by perfectly cooked steak and flavorful dishes like chimichurri lentils and empanadas. The ambiance can vary; while the live jazz enhances the atmosphere, there were moments of silence or less energetic music that impacted the overall vibe, especially during events like New Year's Eve. The service is consistently described as friendly and attentive, contributing to an enjoyable outing. Outdoor seating is well-appointed with heaters and cozy blankets, making it an inviting option. Overall, it’s a recommended spot for both casual dining and special occasions, although reservations are suggested due to its popularity.

Key Features

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Fireplace
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list
  • Live music
  • Sports

Popular for

  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
  • Upscale

Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • Transgender safespace

Planning

  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking

Customer Reviews

Rating Distribution

4.4 out of 5
5
227
4
48
3
34
2
12
1
10
Based on 331 reviews

AUIE

2 months ago

Our 3rd year in a row celebrating New Year’s Eve dinner at Black Restaurant Kitchen. The food was delicious—the steak was cooked perfectly and served in just the right portion. The pork brine was flavorful and easily one of our favorites of the evening. However, the music stopped around 9 PM and remained off for about 45 minutes. Just as we were reaching the peak of the evening and getting into the mood, the silence felt like a letdown. Last year’s band had everyone dancing—kids, couples, everyone was on their feet, enjoying the music. This year’s band didn’t quite capture that same energy, and the gap in music took away from the festive vibe. While we might return for a jazz brunch (which sounds amazing), we’ll likely try somewhere new for next year’s New Year’s Eve dinner. Overall, a good evening with fantastic food, but a few missed beats in the ambiance.

Ms. Bui-Bernheim

2 months ago

We sat outside so the pictures are a little dark . They have lap blankets , heaters and fires to keep you warm. The drinks were tasty. The chimichurri lentils blew my mind. Steak sandwich was so tender and didn’t fall apart when bitten into . Their desserts were delish. Reservations are suggested as they do fill up

Meau Vedrun

5 months ago

Food here seems like a solid combination of tasty and healthy. With the live jazz music this place makes for a great date night spot. Our server was very friendly and made us feel welcomed. If you're interested check the website for details on happy hour 🍻

Michael M

6 months ago

First time visit on a Saturday night. We got a table right away on the patio. The patio is huge and we were treated to some live music. Our food was very good and the wait staff and manager came to check on us multiple times. We really enjoyed out first time here and will be coming back. The prices were reasonable and the food was great. What more could you ask for?

M Brewer

1 year ago

Exceptional dining experience. Warm and welcoming staff, unique and tasty food, with delicately balanced fresh flavors. Interesting cocktail and wine choices, open relaxed venue with a unique decor (a bit loud on Fri night, don’t try to conduct business😁). Our server Nicole C had impeccable timing and guided our choices with her expertise, curating a wonderful meal from start to finish. Lovely adult dining experience. Would not recommend for children (does not mean you could not bring them, just might be a bit hectic and loud for little ones? … of course we were there on a Friday night). We will definitely be back!

Lauren R.

10 months ago

I came here on my first night in Carlsbad on a Friday night without a reservation. I was lucky enough to get a table right behind the piano. The restaurant was bustling along with live music playing, which was a nice touch while dining. My waiter was very nice and friendly and the staff brought out the food fairly quickly. The empanadas were amazing, and while the meatballs were spicy, they were very flavorful. The little gem salad was pretty good, especially with the shaved anchovies on top. All in all, from the service to the drinks, the live music and the food, it was a perfect dining experience. I would definitely come back and try other items on the menu and hope they don't run out of the créme brûlée on my next visit.

Peter

1 year ago

Came here for the Jazz Brunch and it was incredible. Loved the guy on the keys as well as the amazing singer. We had a side of pancakes before our meal that were thin, warm and delightful. My New York Steak and eggs were cooked to perfection and we left very happy. Amazing service by our server and the staff, both friendly and attentive. 5 stars and will definitely be back next time we are in the Carlsbad area.

Fiji Honey

1 year ago

What is not to like about this place? The food and drinks are excellent. The outdoor seating area is elegantly decorated with warm lighting, cushions to rest your back, heaters, and blankets for cold or windy days. How thoughtful is that? The drinks are pricey but are crafted with unique flavors and a twist of finesse. We have enjoyed both the indoor and the outdoor atmosphere, both are great! The light fixtures and branches over the bar is impressive!

Location

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

Friday 4–10 PM
Monday 4–8 PM
Saturday 4–10 PM
Sunday 4–8 PM
Thursday 4–9 PM
Tuesday 4–9 PM
Wednesday 4–9 PM

Price Range

$$