
Bluewater Grill
A celebrated seafood destination known for its ocean-to-table freshness, own swordfish boat, and award-winning clam chowder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Bluewater Grill

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A celebrated seafood destination known for its ocean-to-table freshness, own swordfish boat, and award-winning clam chowder.
"Experience outstanding entrees and top-notch service at this local seafood favorite!"
Make Reservations
Consider booking in advance, especially on weekend nights, as the restaurant can fill up quickly.
Patio Dining
Enjoy a cozy outdoor dining experience on the back patio, complete with heaters for cooler evenings.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, American
Price
$$$
Phone
(760) 730-3474
Address
417 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean-to-Table Freshness
Experience unparalleled seafood freshness, with their own swordfish boat ensuring the catch of the day is on your plate.

Award-Winning Clam Chowder
Indulge in the creamy and delicious New England Clam Chowder, a dish praised for its exceptional flavor.

Vibrant Happy Hour
Join the lively happy hour for oysters and delightful bites like the Baked Crab & Artichoke Dip. Oysters are a must-try!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Consider booking in advance, especially on weekend nights, as the restaurant can fill up quickly.
Patio Dining
Enjoy a cozy outdoor dining experience on the back patio, complete with heaters for cooler evenings.
Arrive Early
To enjoy a quieter atmosphere or secure a spot at the bar before the main rush, try arriving around 4:30 PM.
Don't Miss Appetizers
Highlights include the Baked Crab & Artichoke Dip and Firecracker Shrimp Lettuce Cups for a flavorful start.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Consider booking in advance, especially on weekend nights, as the restaurant can fill up quickly.
Patio Dining
Enjoy a cozy outdoor dining experience on the back patio, complete with heaters for cooler evenings.
Arrive Early
To enjoy a quieter atmosphere or secure a spot at the bar before the main rush, try arriving around 4:30 PM.
Don't Miss Appetizers
Highlights include the Baked Crab & Artichoke Dip and Firecracker Shrimp Lettuce Cups for a flavorful start.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bluewater Grill is highly praised for its fresh, ocean-to-table seafood, particularly its award-winning clam chowder and swordfish caught on their own boat. Diners also love the lively atmosphere, attentive service, and delicious desserts. While generally excellent, some find the prices a bit steep for lunch, and a few dishes have received mixed reviews.
"My husband got blackened swordfish and I just got a bowl of New England clam chowder it's the most outstanding experience in food and service, you need to come here and try it
Trisha is an excellent server.
Went back a week or two later and my husband had the blackened swordfish again and I had panko shrimp excellent excellent service
Our service with Dakota was excellent & very attentive"
C. Wise
"Ate at this place while on vacation in Carlsbad and loved it. We had the Ahi Tuna, Swordfish, Shrimp and Linguine, and Rockfish. Every one of the entrees was outstanding. I personally had the tuna and it was prepared well with wonderful flavor. This restaurant has their own swordfish boat so the swordfish is ocean to table and very fresh. We shared the chocolate cheesecake which was equally good.
All of the waitstaff was attentive and very friendly. We arrived at 5:30 and were able to get a table at the bar but the restaurant quickly filled up. It was a Saturday night but might want to consider reservations."
Dennis Blue
"The Bluewater in downtown Carlsbad is excellent. Bluewater has many other branches in the San Diego county.
Be prepared for the parking situation though. The Bluewater has an adjacent parking lot but it was fully occupied because of its vicinity to the beach and other shops. We took 15 min to find a spot in the downtown area."
Dongjing He
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Bluewater Grill operates its own swordfish harpoon boat, ensuring the freshest possible seafood.
Parking can be challenging in the downtown area due to its popularity and proximity to the beach. There is an adjacent lot and street parking.
Customers rave about the New England Clam Chowder, swordfish dishes, and the Baked Crab & Artichoke Dip.
Yes, the restaurant features a lovely outdoor patio, with heaters available for cooler evenings.
Arriving around 4:30 PM on a weekend can help you avoid the peak rush and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings, as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly.
Yes, Bluewater Grill has a popular happy hour known for its oyster specials and appetizers like the Baked Crab & Artichoke Dip.
Mentioned in
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The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Carlsbad, CA
With its combination of classic American fare and innovative, contemporary dishes, Bluewater Grill is something of a local favorite- and for very good reason. With a patio, bar, happy hour, pet-friendly environment, friendly service, a full-service seafood market, and a clam chowder so good it’s won awards, it’s the perfect place to relax with a drink, some friends, and some seriously good seafood.
Top 3 Seafood Restaurants in Carlsbad
Located in Carlsbad Village, Bluewater Grill is one of the most highly regarded seafood restaurants in the area. They operate their own swordfish harpoon boat that they use to catch their products. In addition, they purchase some of their food from local fishermen during peak season so they can serve the freshest food possible to you and your family.
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If you want to eat on the patio of a great restaurant then look no further than the Bluewater Grill. The grill has some of the best cocktails, appetizers, and seafood ever. Items on their menu include dishes such as Fried Calamari, Oysters on the Half Shell, Rainbow Trout, Lemon Pepper Mahi Mahi, Rock Lobster Tail, Beer Battered Fish & Chips.
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For seafood lovers, Bluewater Grill offers a delightful dining experience with its fresh and sustainable seafood options. Located right on the waterfront, this restaurant is perfect for enjoying a meal with an ocean view. Their menu includes classics like clam chowder and fish tacos, as well as chef specials that change with the season.
Outdoor Dining in Carlsbad Village during the Pandemic
In addition to eateries that already had outdoor seating a number of restaurants have added outdoor patios or have reconfigured space to provide outdoor seating this year in response to the pandemic – Campfire, Jeune et Jolie, Bluewater Grill, Blue Ocean Robata and Sushi Bar, OAK + Elixir, to name a few.
Best Seafood Restaurant in Carlsbad, Seafood Restaurant near me
Bluewater grill was established in newport beach in 1996, by partners rick staunton and jim ulcickas. We have since grown into a family of seafood restaurants, located in resort communities, committed to serving guests pristine seafood, sustainably caught, and prepared classically or with a modern twist.
Top Restaurants You Have to Try in Carlsbad, CA When You Visit
Additionally, Bluewater Grill is a popular choice for seafood enthusiasts looking for a casual yet upscale dining experience. Specializing in sustainable seafood, Bluewater Grill offers a wide selection of fresh catches, including oysters on the half shell, grilled mahi-mahi, and classic fish and chips.
20 Must-Try Carlsbad Restaurants to Try in 2023
Cuisine: Seafood restaurantAddress: 417 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008Bluewater Grill’s Website. The 17th Carlsbad restaurant to add to your list is Bluewater Grill, where you can enjoy delicious fresh fish and craft beer on tap.
14 Carlsbad Happy Hour Specials Frugal Foodies Love
Bluewater Grill is the happy hour Carlsbad oyster lovers flock to. Oysters are a very popular food in California, and the bar seats fill up fast. So, it’s best to arrive as close to the start of happy hour as possible.
Must Try Restaurants in Carlsbad
Bluewater Grill is a nautically themed and inspired restaurant. This should be your go-to place for seafood and adventurous desires. The restaurant even has its own boat Pilikia to harpoon fish like swordfish.
Best Seafood Spots in Carlsbad and Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Bluewater Grill specializes in sustainably sourced seafood, salads, grilled meats, and pasta. A full bar, spacious patio, and a retail seafood market make it a must-visit spot for oyster connoisseurs.
10 Best Restaurants in Carlsbad, CA – Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
With fish sourced directly from local waters, dishes like the fish tacos and clam chowder are always fresh. Bluewater is often named among the top rated Carlsbad restaurants for its consistency.
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Blue Water grill – lovely seafood and fish restaurant with a nice outdoor terrace with view on the Amtrak line (our kids adored it!) and with nice kids menu and coloring set gifted on arrival.
NEW Restaurants Opening Up in Carlsbad Village
Bluewater Grill is set to open in the Fall of 2016, which is right around the corner. It took over the spot Fish House Vera Cruz obtained for the longest time on Carlsbad Village Drive.
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For awesome seafood for lunch and dinner, look no further than the Bluewater Grill at 417 Carlsbad Blvd. They are open Sun.–Thurs.1 a.m.–9 p.m.and Sat.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit