Looking for a place where comfort food gets a serious upgrade and live music sets the mood? Culinary Dropout in Del Mar has quickly become the go-to spot for anyone craving scratch-made American cuisine, ice-cold beer, and a laid-back vibe that keeps locals coming back. Located at 12875 El Camino Real in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center, this restaurant brings together food, drinks, and entertainment in a way that feels effortless.
What Makes This Place Special
Culinary Dropout is part of restaurateur Sam Fox’s Fox Restaurant Concepts, a brand known for creating restaurants that feel like a favorite hangout rather than just another dinner spot. The concept is simple but brilliant: take nostalgic favorites and give them a twist that makes them worth talking about. The open kitchen with a glass window lets diners watch a team of chefs and cooks at work, adding an energetic backdrop to every meal.
Food That Hits Different
The menu at this Del Mar restaurant with live music features dishes that balance familiar comfort with unexpected flavors. Start with their famous soft pretzels with provolone fondue, a crowd pleaser that pairs perfectly with their craft cocktails. The 36-hour pork ribs come slathered in house-made jalapeño molasses BBQ sauce, proving that patience pays off in the kitchen.
Other standouts include the chicken cacio e pepe pasta, the Korean ribeye cap with zucchini and roasted onion, and “The Slicer” antipasti board that’s a clever nod to pop culture fans. For something lighter, try the roasted salmon with butternut squash and crispy Brussels sprouts, or go bold with the spicy tuna crispy rice topped with Fresno chili and yuzu soy caramel. The beer-battered fish and chips and fried chicken with a buttermilk biscuit are comfort classics done right.
If you’re exploring more of what the area has to offer, support the heart of our community and see more neighborhood favorites featured here for additional dining and shopping inspiration.
Happy Hour and Weekend Brunch
Weekday happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm, making it the perfect stop for craft beer lovers and cocktail enthusiasts looking for a mid-week break. Weekend brunch from 10am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays brings a whole different energy, with dishes designed to start your day off strong.
Live Music That Brings the Energy
What really sets this best restaurant in Del Mar with live entertainment apart is the live music scene. Local bands perform Thursday through Sunday, turning dinner into an experience where you can enjoy damn good food while talented musicians create the soundtrack. The vibe is relaxed enough for conversation but energetic enough to keep things interesting.
The Atmosphere
Dark furnishings and a mix of outdoor tables, indoor booths, and regular seating give guests plenty of options. The space feels trendy without being pretentious, and the energetic, friendly staff from the busing team to servers make sure everyone feels welcome. It’s the kind of place where you can dress up or keep it casual and fit right in.
Whether you’re planning a dinner with friends, looking for the best Del Mar happy hour spots, or just want to catch some local live music while enjoying elevated comfort food, Culinary Dropout delivers on all fronts. Open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 11pm, with extended hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Stop by and see why this spot has become a local favorite. Call (858) 437 6191 to make a reservation or just show up ready to enjoy great food, cold drinks, and live tunes.
Sources: culinarydropout.com, yelp.com, Culinary Dropout Facebook Page, Culinary Dropout Instagram Page
Header Image Source: culinarydropout.com
