San Diego - North County
 

Will be based in Carlsbad 2/13 weekend. Would appreciate Mexican and BBQ restaurant recommendations. Also, where to go listen to some easy-listening/jazz type musicians. Thank you!

It's not in Carlsbad but Hacienda de Vega is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the San Diego area. Good food and great ambience. It's in the southed of Escondido, a short drive from Carlsbad. Take Cal Hwy 78 east and get off on City Centre parkway and go south. It's on the left a mile or so down the parkway but on a frontage road.

If you want an idea of the ambience, take a look at http://www.worldisround.com/articles/345757/index.html.

Another place I like a lot is Tony's Jacal in Solana Beach. It's a little hard to locate so ask for local directions.

In the post above, "southed" should have read "south end".

For BBQs, my favorite is a place called Phil's BBQ; I believe they started in Mission Hills and now have a place in Point Loma as well (in a strip mall but food is great).

I've heard great things about Hacienda da vega as well but haven't made it there yet.

For music, you might see what's playing at the Calypso Cafe in Leucadia along Hwy 101; a very colorful local eatery with music.

Hacienda de Vega..wonderful..again there last week.
Bety's in Encinitas/Mex.
Las Olas Cardiff Mex/across from ocean on 101
Brett's BBQ in Encinitas
Fidel's Norte Carlsbad/Mex
Especial del Norte/Leucadia/Mex

music
DiMaria's Carlsbad downtown/Jazz
Belly Up Solana Beach
La Costa Resort Carlsbad
Four Seasons Aviara Carlsbad

Fidel's Norte is now known simply as Norte. Good Mexican food, on 101 in downtown Carlsbad

I called to make sure the family didn't sell off and they said they just shortened the name a couple of weeks ago with the same great food..the chile relleno is one the best ever!
So Norte it is.

Try the Coyote Cafe, it's very good. They have music but I've only been here for lunch.

Can't help you with the BBQ, sorry but you won't regret a visit to the Coyote.

Thank you, Fodorites; appreciate the responses.

Lsky rec's the Coyote Cafe, I agree. Food, music and ambience is great. Crazyburro is another place, they have excellent carnitas and might have music too. If you go to Solana Beach, you might find quite a bit more of what you want.