In 1926, a man named Zelig Camiel left his small Polish village with big American dreams. But life had other plans. Thanks to strict U.S. immigration rules, he landed in Cuba instead. He island-hopped through the Americas for two years until he reached Tijuana, where he worked his way up from bellhop to roulette chief at the fancy Aqua Caliente Resort and Casino.
Fast Forward to Del Mar
Ten years ago, Zel's Del Mar opened its doors, bringing fresh Del Mar California food and drinks to this beach town. The place has a laid-back vibe where locals and tourists mix over good food and honest drinks. And yes, your dog can join you on the patio.
The Drinks Worth Talking About
The drink menu at Zel's is a fun read. Their signature cocktails include some clever names like "A Kick In The Bees Knees" - a gin drink with fresh lemon juice and house-infused jalapeno honey. The "Lavender Lemon Drop" puts a flowery spin on the classic vodka cocktail. Wine lovers can pick from bubbles, whites, reds, and everything in between, with options from Spain to New Zealand.
What's on Tap?
Beer drinkers aren't left out. The bottle list includes the usual suspects like Coors Light and Corona, plus craft options like Deschutes Black Butte Porter. They keep rotating draft beers, too - just ask your server what's flowing that month.
Live Music Brings the Noise
Thursday through Sunday, the place comes alive with local musicians. The music flows from the bar through the open windows to the patio, creating a buzz that spreads through the whole place.
The Important Details
Location: Heart of Del Mar
Music: Live performances Thursday through Sunday
Outdoor Space: Dog-friendly patio
Atmosphere: Casual and welcoming
The Menu Breakdown
Cocktails: $14-16 range
- Olde Del Mar Spritz (vodka + aperol + orange)
- The Garden Tonic (gin + lillet blanc + mint-greens cordial)
- Blackberry Sage Goldrush (bourbon + blackberry + sage honey)
Wine Selection:
- Bubbles from Spain
- Whites from France, Italy, and New Zealand
- Reds from California and France
- Prices from $44 to $68 per bottle
Beer Options:
- Bottled beers ($6.5-7.5)
- Rotating draft selection
- Craft options like Stone Delicious IPA
More Than Just Drinks
While the drinks menu shines, Zel's is also known for its fresh California cuisine. The kitchen sends out hot plates quickly thanks to their runner system - no cold food here. One standout is their crab and tuna tower, which keeps customers returning.
The Vibe
The place strikes that sweet spot between fancy and casual. You can show up in flip-flops or dress up a bit - either way, you'll fit right in. The mix of indoor and outdoor seating means you can catch some ocean breeze on the patio or enjoy the AC inside.
A Local Fixture
For over a decade, Zel's has been part of Del Mar's story. It's where locals grab dinner, tourists discover local flavors, and dogs get their patio time. The place doesn't try to be trendy or exclusive - it just serves good food and drinks while keeping things real.
The Music Scene
The live music setup works well here. The bar area gets lively with local bands, but the sound carries nicely to the patio through open windows. It's not too loud to talk, but enough to keep the energy up. This happens Thursday through Sunday, making weekends extra fun.
What Makes It Work
It's the mix that makes Zel's click - good drinks without the fuss, food that arrives hot, staff that keeps things moving, and music that adds life without overwhelming conversation. Plus, any place that welcomes dogs on the patio gets extra points in this beach town.
Sources: zelsdelmar.com, Zel's Del Mar Facebook Page, Zel's Del Mar Instagram Page
Header Image Source: zelsdelmar.com
