Pelly's Cafe & Fish Market

4.0 star rating
163 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Seafood, Seafood Markets, Sandwiches  [Edit]

7110 Avenida Encinas
Ste 101

(between San Carlos & Loganberry Dr)
Carlsbad, CA 92011
Neighborhood: Carlsbad
(760) 431-8454
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Caters:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"Some of the best clam chowder I've ever had." (in 61 reviews)
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"As for the lobster tacos, top notch." (in 14 reviews)
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"Sea Bass sandwich = heaven." (in 12 reviews)
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163 reviews in English

  • Review from Sam P.

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    • 2 friends
    • 35 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I'll give this place five stars for its hole-in-the wall charm, LARGE portions of meat served in their fish and lobster taco, and decent pricing. It's fancy mexican without the pretension.

    For a satisfying meal I recommend their clam chowder as an appetizer (add some hot sauce for perfection), one fish taco, and one lobster taco. You will not be disappointed.

  • Review from Brittany R.

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    • 8 friends
    • 77 reviews

    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/23/2012

    This place is pretty good. My husband and I stopped in here because the guy who sells amazing ahi bowls on State Street had sold out already, and we were craving some fish. The place is definitely a local type of spot, with fresh seafood behind the counter that you can purchase and take home with you. A little smelly.

    I ordered the crab and bay shrimp sandwich and hubs got the crab sandwich. It was served on sourdough, with a side of coleslaw. It was pretty good, but nothing crazy. The bread was nice and we added avocado for extra oomph. I dig the slaw because it's more vinegar based and not mayo-y.

    Probably won't be back anytime soon, as we don't live that close. Blue Water is definitely a big notch above.

  • Review from Justin K.

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    • 84 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Huntington Beach, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/15/2012

    I MAY come here again. Maybe not. Their crab and medium shrimp sandwich was pretty good but the bread was so dry. My dad had the halibut plate which was decent. Prices weren't bad and it's always nice to have fresh seafood.  Manhattan clam chowder was nothing special.

    Staff was nice and the seating area indoors with 8 tables or so is pretty casual. While inside a Ralph's plaza, the place has a beach feel to it.

  • Review from Lindsey P.

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/1/2012 2 photos 12 Check-ins Here

    I've officially become a Pelly's stalker...seriously, I want to write a review about every new menu item I try - I've got it bad!

    You've been there for me when I really needed you -

    *FISH TACOS: Whether it  be Seared Ahi, Sea Bass, or Alaskan King Salmon, you have never done me wrong! (Comes with Spanish Rice and Cabbage Slaw) You can choose any fish you see in the glass case.

    *SASHIMI: This plate is HUGE! I thought that $16.50 was a little steep, in comparison to their other dishes, but it keeps with the Pelly's spirit of delivering super high quality, fresh seafood to your piehole!

    *SEABASS SANDWICH:  Served on Sourdough with shredded Romaine Lettuce, Tomato, Green Onions, and Pelly's Special Sauce with Mexican Cabbage Slaw on the side.

    *CLAM CHOWDER: Creamy Boston White chowder or Manhatten Red - you really can't go wrong! I haven't had it yet, but they also serve a "Loco Moco" Chowder that has Spanish Rice in it too.

    *AHI POKE: One of my favorite things to eat - This is good, but I think I'll stick to making it at home.

    *SPECIAL ORDERS: When I have the cash-o-la, I absolutely LOVE to call in an order for everything in Cioppino (fish stock, manila clams, mussels, shrimp, halibut) and pick it up to make this yummy tomato-based stew with ease.

    *STAFF: The staff here is really stellar! They are really friendly, helpful, and just good down-to-earth people. I'm always happy to see them!

    *DOWNSIDE?: The chairs outside are really uncomfortable, but I'm not sure if that's up to Pelly's or the plaza that they're located in.

    So there it is, THANK YOU PELLY'S - for being there to support my fresh seafood habit!

    Listed in: Lunché around SD, OMG....Sooo....Gooood.... ., More Bang for Your Buck, [Any]day Funday!, I believe it's pronounced,…

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    2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      4/17/2010

      I have now tried the sea bass sandwich.....OMG need I say more? Great coleslaw --

      DO NOT try to eat… Read more »

  • Review from Tiffany C.

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    • 36 friends
    • 114 reviews

    Los Altos, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I'm a fan. Whenever I'm in the area, I try to stop at Pelly's.  My usually is the sea bass sandwich and the clam chowder.  Really fresh ingredients, and a nice selection of seafood.  Quite filling, but what can I say, my eyes are bigger than my mouth.  Their coleslaw isn't bad either; well seasoned, and I like the touch of celery for an added crunch.  Their service is pretty quick too.  I really like their chowder, but I think my all time favorite is el pescador in la jolla.

  • Review from Craig W.

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/6/2011

    It's a seafood market, tucked away in a little courtyard next to a Ralph's and Starbucks in a fairly expansive shopping center.

    The fresh shrimp and scallops were as large as small dogs.  I'm not joking.  They looked awesome.

    The fish we selected for future grilling was fresh and well-priced.

    Lots of folks were ordering from their lunch menu and everything looked good.  Honestly, the prices for the lunch items and sandwiches were about a buck higher than I would want to pay, but I would give it a try sometime.

    Clean inside and the servers were friendly.  We will definitely be back.

  • Review from Theresa P.

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    • 217 friends
    • 33 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    2.0 star rating
    8/21/2011

    Proof that you can't always rely on Yelp reviews. We came hungry, ravenous even, especially since we didn't eat dinner the night before. We were dying to get something in our bellies and could have ate anything and been happy.

    So we ended up getting the clam chowder, lobster tacos, and crab sandwich. In a nutshell, food was bland- had to douse everything in sriracha to give it some kick. I know good seafood, and this unfortunately doesn't do it for me. Overpriced and left unsatisfied.

  • Review from Esther L.

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    • 3 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/8/2011

    I love coming here after Sunday worship service or after a surf session in Cardiff or Swamis.  My favorite pick is the Stone Crab sandwich, but the other menu items rock too. All of the seafood is so fresh and mouth watering. I'm drooling right now just thinking about it. You got to come visit this place if your a seafood lover.

  • Review from B W.

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    • 2 friends
    • 4 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/8/2011

    Pelly's is one of those best kept secrets.  It's moderately priced, and your order will take a while, but the food by far outweighs both of those.  Always fresh and tasty seafood.  If you're planning on a quick lunch, call ahead that way your order is ready when you get there.  I always order the two fish taco plate with double slaw.  Their cole slaw is the vinegar based and is AMAZING!

  • Review from David d.

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    • 26 friends
    • 67 reviews

    Oceanside, CA

    2.0 star rating
    8/1/2011

    Let's start with the positives ok. I love this location, the outdoor patio is nice and cool with plenty of shade... one the nicest and dog friendly you will find in SD. It's nestled next to Ralphs and it's next to other nice outdoor patio places like starbucks, subway, Primo's pizza, The counter is courteous and helpful, the girls bringing out your food are also very nice and friendly so service here is great.

    Now the not so great and why Im giving it 2 stars. I ordered what they are known for which are fresh fish sandwiches. But for $9, what I got was a small sour dough sandwich with even a smaller piece of fish red snapper. I mean, if you're going to give us small bread, at least make the piece of fish fill out the bread but no so what happens is you end up with about 1/4 bread uneaten because you run out of fish. That really bugs the heck out of me esp at that price. Im not a big eater but I felt that I could have gotten the same amount of food at Macdonalds's $1 fish sandwhich on fridays.

    Now if you compare Pelly's to Blue water seafood market & grill on India st which offer pretty much identical menu at least Blue water gives you much more for you money...and the fish are cooked on the grill vs on the flat top with Pelly's. Unfortunately I live in oceanside so I might come back here and get their fish plate with rice when the urge for fresh fish hits me and I do like Pelly's patio more than Blue water. I hope the owners do something about their value and be a little more generous with the fish.

  • Review from Alexia S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/8/2011

    I came across Pelly's while visiting friends in No. County.  I was starving and grabbed a bowl of clam chowder.  It was inexpensive, fast and delish!
    I loved how casual the area was (i.e.  great for kids) yet it wasn't a typical "fast food" experience.  Yum!  I am grabbing some to go next time to take home for later!

  • Review from Angela W.

    San Diego, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/7/2011 2 photos 1 Check-in Here

    Yes the fish is fresh. Yes the helpings are generous. Yes there's variety.

    Unfortunately the flavors weren't very memorable for me and fish was rather dry. The clam chowder was good but nothing really special.

    Maybe I'm biased because I've had Blue Water and Bay Park and other tasty seafood places down souther more, but I didn't find myself overly impressed here. Better than Bo's in hillcrest though, I think!

  • Review from kirsten w.

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    • 2 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Oceanside, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/8/2011

    This sure is Fresh seafood but I have a hard time with the prices. I spent $25 a lbs for large fresh scallops this past weekend for my pescetarian fathers birthday...only to find the same type and just as fresh at Frazier Farms (local health food store) for $11.99 a lbs. I bought some from Fraziers just to compare, and I honestly preferred the ones from Fraziers. They even smelled sweeter raw. I almost felt sick about the price difference..

    I do enjoy Pelly's food though. Their crab cakes (which are a special item so you cant get them all the time) are amazing. Not greasy and perfectly flakey. I enjoy their clam chowder, but agree that it could use more clams for the price. I also love their Crab sandwich and their shrimp & crab salad!

    Great fresh seafood cafe.. but I'd suggest somewhere else when looking for an affordable fish market.

  • Review from John L.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Upland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2011

    I wasn't sure if this place would be good. Boy was I surprised, it was great. The clam chowder was outstanding. The fish tacos are some of the best I have ever had. So if you don't know where to go and you are looking for a good place to eat this is the place. Have fun and enjoy.

  • Review from Sanford C.

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    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Carlsbad, CA

    2.0 star rating
    11/16/2011

    Have been coming to Pelly's for years.  Up until now,  Pelly's has provided great cuts of fish and generous portions at a fair price.  That has changed over time, to the point where the prices have become so high, and the cuts of fish so thin, that I will not be frequenting here again.  All of this references eating in, and getting very thin cuts of fish which are bland if not poor tasting.  This is the complete opposite from what Pelly's used to serve.  

    Maybe someone from Pelly's will read this and realize that the reason for the thinning lunch crowds are due to myself and others finding the above to be case.

  • Review from katie t.

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    • 200 friends
    • 215 reviews

    Anaheim, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/25/2011

    Calamari taco - this is sooo good & unique. I can taste the freshness of the calamari. It was grilled to perfection. The freshness and flavor of the calamari was not overwhelmed by the spices. I was very impressed because I never tried anything like this before.
    Clam chowder - It was fresh and not too creamy. Overall it was good but I'd like more clams in it. I had better clam chowder.
    Mahi Mahi Sandwich - The spread on the sandwich was outstanding. It really complimented the fish. Again, very fresh fish. Delicious sandwich!

  • Review from Sharon B.

    Huntington Beach, CA

    2.0 star rating
    5/17/2011 1 Check-in Here

    It was okay.   But 4 (!) stars?  Really Yelpers?  Really?... Had lobster tacos and the crab sandwich.

    This place is in a standard  mini mall and NOT ocean-view- close.  So if you want to eat a fish market with the ambiance of the ocean, keep looking.

    If you are doing a meet- up with others, there is Primo Pizza next door.  Nice to be able to let folks have the options of both cuisine and then meet up in the middle and eat together in the outdoor patio

    As for the fish:  

    The lobster tacos came translucent, but the owner assured me that's how they are supposed to look.  I never had lobster like that before, but I ate it  anyway and I didn't get sick, so, I guess it was fine.  Regardless, wasn't really feelin' it.

    Nor feelin' it  with the crab sandwich.  Lots of mayo and served on white sliced bread, which was actually good white bread, a soft sourdough,  but not a good match for the crab. We picked the crab out of the sandwich.   Wish I wouldn've had the bread separate with some good butter.  

    .

  • Review from Andrew M.

    Castro Valley, CA

    2.0 star rating
    5/12/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I walked into this place around 6:30 and literally right after I got in line, it became so packed.

    The staff definitely started to get nervous and aggravated and it definitely showed. They have a huge selection of fish laid out right in front of you and then they have the small kitchen making some fish tacos. I ordered the new england clam chowder, didn't exactly remember the color of the chowder and the girl behind it gave me so much attitude when I meant the white one. Sorry if i haven't been doing my fish homework lady.

    The service was no good. The guy who looks like he owns the place was doing a phenominal job but his two workers were getting aggravated and showing a lot of attitude towards the customers. I don't like it when I see employees getting a defensive with their customers, don't forget that they matter most.

    However, if I was to rate this place solely on their fish tacos, five stars indeed. The fish was bright white and tasted so fresh. It came out at the perfect temperature. The clam chowder was just alright. It was so hot I couldn't really enjoy it and then when I was having a hard time finding the clams, I didn't want it anymore. CLAM chowder, don't forget the clams.

    I would try this place to go only. The setting is small and it was pretty hot in there. The guy who owns the place has caught probably a million fish in his lifetime, according the millions pictures hanging in the dining area.

  • Review from Melissa D.

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    • 90 friends
    • 31 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/2/2011

    What makes this place so great? The seafood is always so fresh and tasty. I have been here dozens of times but generally stick to the same order: Pelly's special salad which comes with crab, shrimp and fresh ono. This salad is always delicious, fresh and never disappoints.

    This is not a fancy restaurant, it's wedged in between a Subway and a pizza place. However, the inside is clean and pleasant for a lunch break or casual date.

    Why 4 stars instead of 5? It is a bit pricey if you're just looking for something quick. A salad will run you around $10, but it will fill you up.

    Also, there have been one to two times where I have paid extra for avocado and they have forgotten..I know the place is busy and the employees are hustling all day, but it's a bit annoying.

    I do highly recommend it though, I have never been dissatisfied with the food and the lobster tacos are delicious as well.

  • Review from Marina S.

    Burbank, CA

    2.0 star rating
    4/6/2011

    I am truly surprised by these reviews.

    A few months ago I had the Red Snapper Seafood plate with Lemon Butter- and I was unhappy to say the least.  

    The fish was weak and limp, a small sad filet with no flavor, little juice, and I don't know what they mean by priding themself on freshness...

    I feel like I didn't get much food, and what I DID get - didn't taste good.  I won't be coming back!

  • Review from Jessica B.

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    • 5 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Oceanside, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/27/2011

    We love it here!  

    Some of our favorites are:
    -clam chowder
    -oysters
    -shrimp salad sandwich
    -stone crab sandwich (ask for the bread toasted!)

    I'm not a big fan of the tacos but all of my friends some to love them.  If you can get outdoor seating it's great, indoor seating is not nearly as nice.  Place is SUPER casual: there's a fish counter, you order at the counter and they bring it out to you on paper plates.  Great place for casual, super fresh fish.  We order it for takeout at work too.

  • Review from Paul M.

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    • 2 friends
    • 6 reviews

    La Mesa, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/28/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I've been here twice so far.  Both times had the smoked fish salad ( I don't eat carbs).  It is the most delicious salad i've ever had.  Today I took my boss here and he had the sea bass sandwich, it looked amazing and we both devoured our plates.  I don't live close or I would be here weekly for lunch, try it!

  • Review from benito d.

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    • 97 friends
    • 245 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/26/2010

    What it tries to be: Fresh, tasty grilled seafood and seafood tacos.

    What it is: Really good.

    Value: Good.

    Environment: Nice hole in the wall. They play "Planet Blue" or surfing vids on a small tv.

    Would i go again: I've been a few times. The fish/shrimp tacos are some of the best there are....and I'm from San Diego.

    Better than/Worse than: Better than Wahoo's. On par with South Beach in OB.

    Notes: If you're starving, get a bowl of clam chowder to eat while you wait for your food because it's a little slow. They have a market here where you can pick up some awesomely fresh seafood to bring home and grill. No alcohol.

  • Review from jo j.

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    • 10 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Carlsbad, CA

    2.0 star rating
    3/23/2011

    You are a restaurant that specializes in ... fish.  Yet, when our order is prepared, the yellowtail and snapper are both grossly overcooked.

    Sandwich was dry and not very flavorful.

    Fish tacos were better but still just a "meh".  

    Coleslaw: way overdressed with italian-style dressing.

    Wanted to love it, but it was not good.  *Not* good.

  • Review from Rami A.

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    • 2 friends
    • 98 reviews

    Fort Worth, TX

    4.0 star rating
    9/4/2011

    I love the clam chowder with spanish rice. Hubby usually gets a sandwich and they've always been delicious. The first time we went he had a scallop sandwich and it blew both of us away. I just wish they stayed open later, but otherwise no complaints.

  • Review from Matt A.

    •  
    • 44 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Vista, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/15/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I've come across this restaurant too many times on yelp, so I had to give it a try.

    Pelly's is a lively, ocean-themed hole in the wall smack dab in the middle of La Costa. I walk in and immediately greeted by a deli case displaying a small variety of freshly caught fish. The dark  blue interior and maritime decor reminds me of the iconic marisqueria one would  find in Ensenada.

    Me and moms each try a fish taco combo, which comes with a shrimp taco, fish taco, "spanish" rice and slaw. While I wait, I peruse the pictures along the walls and the giant album they have near the front door, a filled with images of friends and family either fishing or eating fish. Whoever Pelly is, he/she seems to be pretty popular.

    After about 10 or 12 minutes of waiting (a little long for fish tacos, but I'm OK with it since a longer wait usually waits better ingredients and more involved prep), our combos finally arrive! Without even thinking, I immediately attempt to squeeze the rock hard lime over the plate and begin to devour my poor little shrimp taco.

    The tacos were actually some of  the better ones I've had from a commercial spot in North County. The portions are great (not too much, not too little) and from one bite of each taco, you can tell the shrimp and fish are fresh! Very meaty.

    My only qualm was that everything tasted a little too sweet. They used long-grain rice, which is ideal when eating Mexican seafood, but honestly, it tasted like Uncle Ben's. "There's too much carrot," Moms says. She was absolutely right. All I could taste from the rice was carrot, celery and that "boxed" flavor (bay seasoning?  bay leaves?).

    The slaw, on the other hand, was expectedly sweet and not too bad! It was light and didn't overpower anything else on the plate.

    The quality of the fish taco was really good, as well. The tortillas were made from corn (thank God) and weren't too thick or thin, just right. The edges of the tortilla came out a little on the cold, undercooked side, but that was minor. Again, for some reason, both tacos tasted a little on the sweeter side. When I go for fish tacos, I think of tangy, opposing flavors; excitement! It may have been the yogurt sauce on the tortilla or the lingering sweetness from the rice, but yeah. If the limes they had provided had enough juice, I'm sure it would have been a different experience.

    All in all, I really recommend this place to anyone who likes mariscos or seafood, in general. Pelly's really is a hidden gem in North County and should be given a chance! If I had to pick between Wahoo's fish taco and Pelly's fish taco, my choice would be Pelly's.

    Next time, I want to try the chowder and a lobster taco :D.

    I've yet to buy any fish from Pelly's for home cooking, but from the looks of it, they've got a following going on.

    Breakdown:
    Food: 4 Stars
    Service: 4 Stars
    Cleanliness: 3 Stars
    Ambience: 4 Stars

  • Review from Jay D.

    Carlsbad, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/11/2010

    It's no secret that "chicken" of the sea is tuna and Jessica Simpson is as credible as a headless pelican.   It's also no secret that if you look carefully, you might miss Pelly's since it's tucked away and a bit behind the storefronts.  

    I've been here a number of times and each time enjoyed, the nicely wrapped tacos (fish of your choice) accompanied by cole slaw and spanish rice.

    Do try the char-gilled seafood sandwiches - calamari or atlantic salmon.  Do try the lobster tacos.

    Thankfully, it's near and I don't have to drive a seaside tourist trap locale to enjoy their glorious seafood delights!

  • Review from yo k.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 120 reviews

    Alhambra, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    Good! Love this place! I love lobster Tacos and Halibut. but they have good fish by season!

  • Review from Kc S.

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    • 3 friends
    • 70 reviews

    Carlsbad, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/21/2011

    The fish is always really good here, but the main reason I visit pellys is for the ahi poke, which is excellent!  Most days they sell out of it!

  • Review from Kent B.

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/28/2010

    Hey dude, PUT THE BURGER DOWN!!! You ever crave something different?  As I write, you literally have french fries falling outta your mouth!!  No, I don't mean fried fish and chips or Red Lobster SMART ASS, that's another review...I'm talking HEALTHY FRESH SEAFOOD from the cool folks over at Pelly's Cafe & Fish Market.

    It's this small GEM located in the Ralph's shopping plaza that serves up some CRAZY-GOOD fish sandwiches, oysters, soups, dinner plates, and if you prefer take it home to the wife and kiddies. I've had a few things there that have pleased my belly which include:

    1. The Shrimp and Crab sandwich is loaded with fresh shrimp and crab goodness with a light mayo, tomato, and lettuce. Served with a side of vinegar coleslaw (very light) that's a nice counterpoint to the main course. 2. The smoked fish sandwich...the best way I can explain this...let's see, it captures the pure essence of the North West with every bite. Honestly, I could do without the bread, lettuce and tomato and just eat this cold, smokey, "Poseidon Approved" salmon on it's own. 3. The "New England" style clam chowder....hey Boston, I have a news flash, your chowder can suck it!

    I give this place 10 "Hungry Fisherman" outta 10

  • Review from Stephen G.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 208 reviews

    Tucson, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 8/7/2011

    The fish market is fabulous. It deserves 5 Stars even if the cooked food deserves 3 Stars.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      8/5/2011

      An unusually long list of fresh seafood options, but the food in this place is missing something.… Read more »

  • Review from Paula D.

    San Diego, CA

    2.0 star rating
    7/6/2010

    I used to come to Pellys regularly when I worked in Carlsbad.   We went back there today for the first time in two years.

    What happened Pelly's?

    The daughter liked her clam chowder.   The spouse liked the lobster taco but the fish taco was awful.  It arrived,late, cold, dried out and tasted off.   Really quite appalling.   About a half an hour after leaving Pelly's I started feeling queasy and felt queasy for another hour.  I don't know what was wrong with that fish but I hope they didn't continue to serve that putrid pescado to the other customers.

    Bleah

  • Review from Trish C.

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    • 15 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Oceanside, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/17/2010

    Yes i like it, i really don't have any complaints. my husbands said he had some fish here that was a bit fishy, but he didn't get the local stuff. Stick to the local flavor and you'll be good.

    Definately get the fresh Carlsbad oysters, on weekends they have crab cakes which are pricey but have to swear to sweaters the best crab cakes i have ever had!

  • Review from Mindy H.

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    • 50 friends
    • 76 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/11/2010 1 photo

    This is the first and only non mexican taqueria/restaurant that I've eaten in the Encinitas/Carldsbad area. They have a large case of seafood in display in the front and a pretty sweet menu. There is no way you can get away from the fishy/seafoody smell and I love it!

    We ordered the red snapper combo plate and Pellys Garden Salad. The red snapper was super delicious. Very fresh, right amt of seasoning, not dry, and tender. It came with a side salad and a side of spanish rice. The salad was also good, but hard to mess up a salad. I wasn't really a fan of the spanish rice though.

    The Pelly's garden salad was also really good; it comes with crab, salmon and shrimp. I super dig it! Their blue cheese dressing is incredible, very rich.

    It seems like a really laid back place, and the cashier girl was super sweet! It's a bit pricey for me (but what seafood place isnt?), but I'd definitely come back!

  • Review from Charles F.

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    • 3 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Valley Springs, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/18/2011

    Excellent variety of fresh food and cooked seafood. My favorite combo was the 1 fish & 1 shrimp taco combo plate.

  • Review from Brian S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 145 reviews

    Winnetka, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/13/2011

    Interesting place - fish market with a restaurant and small dining room.  Filled with both kinds of locals: beach bums and the hoi polloi.  We were the tourists in mix!

    Nice selection of fish but the restaurant could really excel if they attended to a few more details.  Small pieces of fish (5 oz???) for the price and too much bloodline left in, which causes a really nasty taste.  The house sauce is too much worcheshire tasting.  Avoid that and go for the butter-and-lemon option.

    I'll come back whenever in town though!

  • Review from Jane D.

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    • 2 friends
    • 67 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/1/2011

    Great spot for fresh fish.. I liked the fish plate: it was the fish that was the best part.. The rice and the salad were fine, but the sea bass was fresh and delicious. My dining companions all had fish sandwiches, and they seemed quite happy and enjoyed the cole slaw that came with the sandwich. I thought the cole slaw was a bit sweet for me. The clam chowder got a good review also.

    Next time, I'll try some of the crab salad, shrimp salad, etc.

    The interior is pleasant and casual, the surfing video and the giant wall map were a diversion, and overall, we are fans. We actually have been there several times and I don't know why I didn't think if reviewing it before.

  • Review from Albie M.

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    • 2 friends
    • 19 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/29/2011

    Love the food but they don't get the order right 1/2 the time.

  • Review from Courtney K.

    Carlsbad, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/12/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I made another trip to Pelly's this weekend, this time with my Annapolitan parents in tow.  As picky as they are, they really enjoyed it!  Mom and I both had the fish tacos and Dad (a commercial crabber, mind you) had the Pelly's Special Seafood Salad and said it was excellent!  Way to go Pelly's for impressing my parents who traveled all the way here from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay!

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    • 4.0 star rating
      2/4/2011

      I moved to Carlsbad from Annapolis, Maryland about eight years ago and I can't believe I waited… Read more »

  • Review from Lily W.

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    • 11 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Carlsbad, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/28/2010

    The freshest oysters I have tasted in a long time...they get it right off the coast of Carlsbad, not from the gulf coast!  I can bring my dog and enjoy the outside seating w/ twinkling lights and a cup of hot tea w/ honey right from Starbucks.  

    The oysters here beat out 333Market, Brigantine, Zenbu, Harney Sushi & Station Sushi and priced just right!

    Love their lobster taco also!!!

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