Clara Est. 2018

300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA, USA

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Clara
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An unexpected and stylish Carlsbad oasis, Clara’s vibrant and lush décor offers an inviting backdrop for modern coastal food and drink.
Clara’s executive chef is lauded San Diego Chef Alex Carballo (Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Moto Deli). Bartender Seth Marquez (Campfire, Sycamore Den) is behind Clara’s innovative beverage program, focusing on a list of uniquely “sessionable” cocktails featuring colorful and ingredient-driven drinks that are long, light and refreshing.
The Lowdown
Type
Bar / Club / Lounge
Restaurant / Private Dining
Views
Street
Style
Eclectic
Modern
Retro
BEST type of CELEBRATIONS
Anniversary / Engagement Party
Baby Shower
Bachelor / Bachelorette Party
Birthday Party
Bridal Shower
Charity Event
Corporate Event
Product Launch
Dinner Party
Holiday Party
Rehearsal Dinner / Welcome Reception
Social Event

Venue Setting

An unexpected and stylish Carlsbad oasis, Clara’s vibrant and lush décor offers an inviting backdrop for modern coastal food and drink. Clara’s executive chef is lauded San Diego Chef Alex Carballo (Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Moto Deli). Bartender Seth Marquez (Campfire, Sycamore Den) is behind Clara’s innovative beverage program, focusing on a list of uniquely “sessionable” cocktails featuring colorful and ingredient-driven drinks that are long, light and refreshing. Placing an emphasis on the design, Clara’s playful and feminine aesthetic offers an inviting backdrop for an unassuming eating and drinking experience that is a stylish Village standout.
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price Range

Does this include catering fees?

Yes

Estimated Price Per Head

from $25 to $200

Insurance

Additional Insurance Is Not Required To Host An Event Here

Capacity

Seated
69
Buffet
N/A
Standing
100
Celebrations Hosted Here Since
2018
Curfew
2 AM
Venue Spaces
Indoor Venue Space Only
Catering
Client Must Use The Catering Provided By The Venue
Alcohol
Provided By Venue For Fee – You Must Use The Venue For All Alcohol Services
Corkage/Bottle Fee – You Can Bring Your Own Alcohol For A Fee
Music
Indoors & Outdoors
Smoking
Non-smoking Venue
Eco/Green Events
Yes
Kid Friendly Events
Yes
Amenities
  • A/V Equipment
  • Street Parking
  • Wifi
  • Ample Parking Onsite
  • Dining Chairs
  • Dining Tables
  • Onsite Restrooms
  • Other
Celebration Locations
Dining Room:
- View: Street
- Max Capacity: 50
Bar:
- View: Street
- Max Capacity: 40
Eats & Drinks
Food, Restaurants, Cafes, Bars & Lounges
Food, Restaurants, Cafes:
Chef Carballo presents a simple menu featuring of-the-moment, vibrant dishes that rely on the quality of their seasonal ingredients to deliver exquisite flavor. Guests can enjoy bar snacks, appetizers, flatbreads and mains starring vivid vegetables, local seafood and meats. Appetizers include asparagus with lemon caper vinaigrette, balsamic pearls, gremolata, soft boiled egg and bonito flakes and scallop crudo with cucumber agua chile, radish, avocado mousse and cilantro. Entrees will include scallops with sunchoke puree, fennel, asparagus fennel salad and tarragon vinaigrette and a sous vide lemon herb chicken served with sweet potato hash, cipollini, zucchini, tomato and chicken demi-glace. A portion of the menu will be devoted to flatbreads - house-made doughs with unusual toppings, including an option with a beet and honey crust topped with creamy Dijon vinaigrette, goat cheese sauce, sliced beets, arugula, almonds and honey drizzle. 
Bars & Lounges:
Bar Manager Seth Marquez has crafted a standout beverage program featuring handcrafted cocktails, eclectic wines and craft beers. Several of his cocktails will be shareable and uniquely served in communal porrons – classic Spanish barware traditionally used to allow everyone to drink from the same vessel without touching it to their lips. Marquez’ signature cocktails feature light, fresh flavors executed with classic technique and quality spirits paired with locally grown produce. Taking note of San Diego’s perpetually warm climate, Marquez set out to create low ABV cocktails that can be enjoyed year-round. Utilizing liqueurs, fortified wines and sherries, Marquez has crafted tall-glass sippers that complement the flavor-forward dishes yet can stand alone to support the bustling bar scene at Clara.
New Restaurant
Carlsbad's Newest Restaurant Has a Color Story You'll Fall in Love With
Cortnie Fausner
byCortnie Fausner
view venue profile

Clara

300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA, USA


 

You know that feeling you get when a new neighborhood café opens up around the corner from your house and you think, “Wow, is this going to make my coffee habit even more convenient?” That's the feeling our team experienced when we heard that Clara was opening down the street from our office. If you’re a local to Carlsbad, California then you know that the bustling downtown village is opening up hit after hit. Ahem, we are looking at you Campfire, Park 101, The Goods Dougnuts and Jeune et Jolie. So, it was only natural that Clara would round out the Carlsbad dining scene with their seafood and vegetarian-heavy menu.  

Upon opening night, our team was seated together at a table next to the open kitchen concept and quickly served the chili braised cauliflower tacos with crispy jicama slaw and red onions. This was the table favorite among vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Our table also got pretty excited about the skirt steak skewers which were perfectly cooked and seasoned – we recommend sharing this with your crew on a Friday night. You will get full, but not too full if you know what we mean. Plus, the interiors are serene, casual and comfortable making this spot pretty ideal for a dinner feast prior to heading out for a long night out with your friends. To be honest, the neutral interiors and menu offerings would also work for romantic dinners, awkward first dates and family feasts. There is a little something for everyone here. 

We spoke with Jess Hicks, Clara designer, for more info about designing and opening Carlsbad’s newest place-to-be. Photography by Kimberly MotosNathan Mueller for The Venue Report 


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