Old Fashioned

3/31/2025

I really wanted to like this place. My husband and I came for our 6th month anniversary. We live in the area and pass by it on occasion. I was looking forward to trying their octopus.

The staff was nice and attentive and the ambiance was clean and inviting.

We didn't order the chips - they were $5 but for apps we ordered the chicken taquito because they were out of the short rib taquito. Unfortunately, they were very dry and there was little sauce on them, as shown in the photo. Very underwhelming. The rolled tacos from the taquerias are much better.
After my husband finished the rest of the taquitos the server was very kind to bring chips and salsa on the house. That salsa would have been great with the taquitos.
My octopus was a bit on the sweeter side, but the texture was great. I prefer a more savory sauce. Potatoes were ok.  The octopus from Kings is still my fav with their veggie caponata.
My husband loved his dish, the birria enchilada, rice and beans. He said his old fashioned was a bit too smoky tasting.

Was a good experience overall but wouldn't seek it out.

11/20/2023

Came here with some friends on a Saturday night, with a reservation. We were seated immediately and greeted by our server. The place filled up quickly and gets loud! Complimentary chips and salsa were served. The salsa was average. We shared an order of cornbread - meh, on the dry side. The coconut soup is delicious, served with a drizzle of chili oil. The mushroom tacos were tasty but the rice and beans were dry, as though they had been under a heat lamp. The lobo old fashioned hit the spot, as did the flan - loved the apricot and Tajin combination. The chocolate bread pudding was meh. Friends enjoyed their lobster and short rib enchiladas, as well as the margaritas. It's a pricey place, but in the heart of downtown Carlsbad - the location is great.

9/21/2023

Really good ambience, enjoying being outdoors for a light dinner and nightcapthen had the Best tequila old fashioned by Randy 10/10, will be back soon!!

4/7/2023

If you want to experience an amazing modern take on Latin cuisine then Fresco Cocina is the place to be.  I've been here a few times now and I'm always taken back by the bold flavors of their dishes.  My favorite dish to snack on is the Peruvian Ceviche by far.  If you feel like you can eat something more, then you won't go wrong with the Brazilian Churrasco.  The cocktails are amazing.  I'm usually an Old Fashioned type of guy.   I love their three options of spirits with theirs on the menu.  If Felicia is at the bar, I'd recommend just skip getting a table.  She makes the ambiance all come together.

2/18/2023

When some one wants to order the Old Fashioned just let then order the house old fashioned not the $28.00 old fashioneds.

9/4/2022

Great feel and we love the location.

The bar area is trendy and cool.  I could just come back here and sip cocktails all night.

We ordered the mezcal old fashioned and peach mojito. Very good. Thank you!

Next up,  tacos, patata bravas and octopus. I enjoyed the tacos but I'll continue to explore the menu.

The patatas bravas were tasty but not traditional and the octopus was a disappointment. Sorry. The texture was good but the sauce reminded me of a bbq sauce.

Next time we'll try the sea bass which I
heard is the dish to get.

We look forward to returning for a 5 Star experience.

8/14/2022

Great Latin Food is now now available in Carlsbad Village! I had high expectations for Fresco Cocina and if delivered.

For year's I've been a regular at 264 Fresco, the sister Italian Restaurant located down the street, so I'd been eagerly awaiting Fresco Cocingrand opening. The owners definitely brought a new taste to Carlsbad Village, serving a wide selection of traditional Latin dishes and cocktails, but putting a new-age spin on timeless recipes.

My wife and I came here on a Saturday night for dinner, and requested a table on the rooftop deck (which I recommend doing). We were seated within 20 minutes  and glad we waited for the rooftop view. We each started with a Good Vibes Cocktail- a refreshing blend of gin, lemon, orgeat and Aperol, while we snacked on the complimentary duros and and browsed the menu.

With so many options, we decided to share several plates. Both the Chipotle Glazed Octopus tacos, served on hand-pressed blue corn tortillas, and the Spanish Grilled Octopus were delicious choices. We also had the Charred Broccolini and the Maduros, which were a great compliment. Lastly, we each capped off the awesome meal by sipping on a Cocina Old Fashioned, the classic cocktail recipe but with Añejo Tequila instead of bourbon.

Whether you're local to the area, or just visiting, I highly recommend that you take a trip to Fresco Cocina. I cannot wait to go back for another round!