Red Rooster

Like others have said, this a old biker dive…
But beauty is in the eye of the beholder (I hate when people say that, but alas, it’s true ;)
My guy and I were on the road Thursday morning for quite some time, and the «starving point» was looming.
I Unilocaled «Burgers» while sitting in Solana beach traffic and the Red rooster came up. Looking at all those wonderful photos and great reviews, I couldn’t help but anticipate our arrival.
Finally we made it… 11:15 and they just opened the doors for lunch (aka, our breakfast). The place was empty but inviting; the bartender was very sweet and talkative ;)
We ordered 2 PBRs, the Rooster burger and onion rings.
Since the bartender «wears all hats», she started on this Little grill which was right in front of us, behind the bar. Thinking it was odd, I figured it couldn’t be true and no «great burger» would come off this thing…
Boy, was I wrong! Holy Lord! Hot, smokey, tender, juicy goodness! And our onion rings, so many and perfectly done to perfection without even asking (I like mine a bit on the darker side, not burnt but crunchy crispy), sprinkled with pepper… Yeah… Umm, lets just say they were a drug! They were that intoxicating! The whole meal, the whole divey experience, it was amazing (and not just because we were starving), we really enjoyed ourselves.
I think it came out to about $ 22. We gave her $ 30, and told her to keep the change.

Yesterday was our first time here. We’ve been meaning to come here for a while now, but there’s too many good places to go for dining in Oceanside, Vista and Carlsbad areas. Anyway, my husband didn’t want to go far and I had a big hankering for a good burger and that’s how we ended up here.
It’s a dive bar, staff are very nice and friendly, burger and frings are yummy and first time I had «creamy balls» (Fireball & Irish Crème) and it was awesome. The only drawback is that they don’t take credit cards so CASH only.
We’re definitely going back for more. It’s nearby, very casual, good food and great service!

Rooster burger is the best burger in North County! Half pound Patty Grilled onions and Ortega chilles! You put your own toppings so you can load it up. Best dive bar burger I’ve had forsure!

Everyone has been telling me to go to this bar for YEARS. I was expecting a down and dirty dive, but it honestly wasn’t that bad!
I really liked this bar! It’s obviously cash only, but they have food and CHAMPAGNE! I almost fell on the floor– $ 4.25 for a FULL glass of not bad champagne?! YES PLEASE.
The atmosphere was friendly, a couple of too drunk dudes and ladies, but it was Friday night. They have a welcoming fire pit outside and I think I actually gasped when I got outside! SUCH a great addition to the patio.
All in all, I will be back. You can’t beat that price for a glass of wine :) I can’t comment on the beer because I don’t drink it, but it looked like that had a decent selection!
DONT FORGET TO BRING CASH! Parking can be a pain, and DO NOT park in the liquour store lot because they WILL TOW!

Your friendly neighborhood burger n beer joint for as long as I can remember. And that would be age 3. I’ve been dozens of time for their awesome Rooster Burgers.

Good burgers, but cash only and they ask you to cash out (or pay) everytime you order something

The red rooster burger is absolutely amazing! I am a bit of a burger snob and I must say I was beyond surprised to find such a gem of a burger in a hole in the wall bar. The burger hasn’t changed in 50 years that alone speaks to why. Man! I am laying here wishing I had another one! The place to stop for sure. The bar tender Cory was a very inviting soul made it feel like I’ve been a regular and I had a craft mother earth IPa that was outstanding! All in all I added the Red rooster to a life long destination!

Went in for a burger and beer around lunch time and wasn’t disappointed. I worked the rooster burger and a 20 oz beer. The burger didn’t come with fries so I had to order them separate. The burger came with grilled onion cheese and an Ortega chile (super nice addition).
They had around 15 beers on tap there. Wasn’t busy at all, but it was noon. Seating area was for about 30 people. They had a pool table and a few tvs. BE AWARE IT IS CASH ONLY! But they do have an atm machine inside, but no one wants to pay those ridiculous fees.

Great burgers, and you can’t beat their Thursday special. Love sitting outside by the fire.

I recently went to Red Rooster because my friends were telling, me how good Red Rooster’s burgers were, so I broke down and had to give them a try. I must say a very good burger for a place like this. I also tried their wings too. I little short of meat on the wings, but overall good experience. I will go back!

The Red Rooster is an oside dive bar classic, Thursday nights they have a great deal a pitcher of domestic beer and a classic cheeseburger for 12 dollars. The food is surprisingly good, the burger is very tender and juicy, the beer ice cold.
Cheers!

I would definitely classify this place as a dive bar. There are homeless that constantly come in and out of this place and in my opinion this place just has layers of deep dirt. Despite the way it looked my husband ordered food because he had been eyeing their burgers for so long. Big mistake, he ended up with a stomach ache

Um so… WTF!!! The burger was mind blowing, pitcher of beer on point, and prices are are way less than the incredible value. From such a «divey», less than impressive looking bar on the outside to one that I appreciate, WILL recommend and definitely be back to. ORDER and EAT the BURGER!!!
Update: I have lived in Oceanside (moved from San Marcos) for about a year now and this place definitely has the best burger and fantastic deals. I keep coming back for more and all my friends agree.

I’ve been wanting to come here for a while and I was in the area wanting some food. Of course I got on Unilocal to do a food search in the area I was in. The Rooster came up and I said to myself it’s time to try the best burger in Oceanside from what I’ve been hearing.
So I checked out some pics and was impressed by what I saw. I pulled in the tiny parking lot but was happy to see that there are assigned parking stalls just for Red Rooster. There were only 4 people when I walked in and the bar tender/​cook/​bouncer asked what I wanted to drink. I ordered a Pacifico and the Rooster burger which has grilled onions, Ortega chilies and cheese. The burger was really good and I would have to say the best I had in a dive bar and is way better then In and Out.
So yes the burger is what Rooster is famous for but they have a small outdoor patio with a fire pit which is a nice touch for a dive bar. I’m sure Friday and Saturday nights are crazy busy so I will probably just come during the week but I will be back for the best burger.

Surprisingly excellent food. The service here was very good also. The competition for billiards would rival any dive in Oceanside.
Sunday you can grill your own steaks. Bow cool is that?
I heard this place was a cool hangout, i enjoyed it there and i will come back.
Cash only ao dont say i didnt tell ya!

Date.. .. .. .. .. .10.4.14
Type.. .. .. .. .. .Burger Joint + Dive Bar
Location.. .. .…Hole in the wall, Oceanside Blvd
Prices.. .. .. .…Normal
Tap Selection.…Okay, 18 craft taps with locals
Bottle Selection. .Unknown
Full Bar.. .. .. .. .Yes
Samplers.. .. .. …No
Full Pours.. .. .. .Yes
Beer Level.. .…Decent to Lower, local taps
Food Level.. .. …Unknown
Staff.. .. .. .. .. .Friendly
Growlers.. .. .. …No
Noise Level.. .. .Loud
Décor.. .. .. .…Dive Bar, Neon
Good for Kids.. .No
Parking.. .. .. . …Private Lot
Cash Only.. .…YES
Recommended. .Sure, it’s fun :)
Comments: Red Rooster recently upped its game to include a lot more local taps including Pizza Port, Oceanside Ale Works, Belching Beaver, harder to find Ballast Port, and more. Burgers are supposedly the «best» in San Diego county for four years in a row, 2011 to 2014. I’m not sure who decided that, but I will be back to report on the burgers. For now, you can do an «off the strip» bar crawl on Oceanside Blvd hitting up Dani P’s, Red Rooster, and finishing at Stoney’s till close.

Best burgers ever. You expect the place to be a dive and it is… But unexpectedly they have amazing food… Don’t be scared. Lol. Delicious

Lisa is a great bartender and cheese burger master! Thanks for making our first visit to Red Rooster a great one.
This is my kind of joint — locals dive bar with tasty cheese burgers (served late) + a pool table.
Tater Tots
CASH ONLY
ATM inside
If you have to much to drink you could leave your car in the parking lot over night. Never drink and drive.

Cool little bar! The burgers are great! They have a lot of beers on tap, including local breweries OAW, and Port etc.
The bartender does it all. Pours & cooks! Great spot for an all American beer, burger & fries! CASH ONLY! This is the only thing I didn’t love-​$ 2.50 ATM fee– bring cash!

The Red Rooster is an Oceanside staple. My dad brought me here for my first rooster burger and beer on a Thursday years ago (probably shortly after I turned 21). And let me tell you– its the best deal in town. A delish burger and a pitcher of beer for $ 10– shut the front door!
The vibe is very laid back and the bartenders are super nice. There is a pool table inside, that is usually occupied, and a fire pit out back.
Don’t forget your ID (they ALWAYS card), cash, and an appetite. You’ll thank me later.