Karl Strauss Brewery Restaurant Carlsbad

Before going into KARL STRAUSS for our night out, I had heard some comments that definitely didn't boost up the place. Much of it had to do with the service, but for me, that's big. I don't care how good the food is, if the service isn't there, I won't be back. One of my old GM's told me, that for every one satisfied customer, they will tell one friend, but for every one dissatisfied customer, they will tell ten. So, let's just say I went in there with my guard up. It started nicely enough. I was greeted by a host and someone that seemed to be in a managerial position. They were very pleasant as they told me my table wasn't ready and that I could wait at the bar. Did they know where they were sending me to, or who they were sending me to? There, I was "greeted" with an unfriendly bartender who seemed, yet again, too important to serve the mere customer. It is becoming a common practice in the service field to take irritation, bad moods, self loathing, etc, etc, out on the customer. I am sick and tired of feeling bad for asking for a drink, whatever. Please see the reviews on Tomiko and Gregorio's. It was no different at those places of business. Now that that has been said, I will move on to the food. What a surprise! So much spice, so much variety! I want to highlight a few of the items on the menu. The Mac & Cheese was delightful. No one seemed to be able to get enough at both ends of the table. (It was comparable to the Gnocchi at Vigilucci's. TO DIE FOR!) If you are an Ahi Poke fan, I wouldn't miss the Poke salad or sampler. One or the other - - not both. It was quite spicy (which most items were), so be prepared. My favorite dish was Marilyn's BBQ Pork sandwich. Honestly, it could have come from a place like Phil's BBQ, somewhere that specializes in BBQ. I know I will crave that sometime in the future. The Buffalo wings were more east coast style; baked with the sauce. I am so accustomed to eating wings covered in messy sauce, but it was a delight n