San Diego Reader

• Bar/Club
• Restaurant
• American | Pub Grub
• Oceanside

Red Rooster Bar & Grill

• 1985 Oceanside Boulevard, Oceanside, CA 92054 | Directions
• 760-754-8383

The plume of char-broiled smoke wafting outside signals the Rooster’s claim to fame, at least among North County burger aficionados. Cash only, pretty much a beer bar — wine’s an afterthought and the ABC says “no spirits.” So, yeah, it’s a fowl neighborhood dive, but the vibe is so friendly that neither youth nor a propensity to slum in the name of drinking science is required to hang here. It’s a bit raucous, but never edgy enough to be unnerving.

Prices: Rooster Burger with cheese, grilled onions, Ortega chili, $7.75; “Mother Clucker” sandwich, $7.75; jumbo hot dog, $4.50, tater tots, fries or onion rings, $3.75; chicken wings, $8.25; Sunday Special, rib eye steak and salad, from 5 to 9 p.m., $13.50

Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily

Bus: 318

Nearest bus stop: Oceanside Boulevard, opposite Sprinter Crouch Street stop

Train: Sprinter

Nearest Sprinter stop: 50 yards west of Red Rooster