It’s on a side-street behind the strip mall and the place where pro surfers eat six or seven breakfast burritos at a sitting. Its décor can best be described as “we love the ’60s and hoarding knickknacks oh and weed and dogs.” And it’s just about perfect—an unpretentious temple of Dia De Los Muertos-inspired surf funk. For nearly 50 years, Besta-Wan Pizza House in Cardiff-by-the-Sea has been a locals hangout fit for the shirtless, the socialited, the beer-bellied, the yoga-abbed, the preschooled and the flea-collared. And after a half century they’ve decided to expand with a second, bigger location in Carlsbad. Besta-Wan Big House is going into the former Finnegan’s Pub at 1814 Marron Rd., right off the 78 Freeway. This is nearly Oceanside/Vista territory, which means that once-depressing cauldron of stucco-fied chain slop is starting to see a few rays of light. Flying Pig announced they’re heading to Vista with their second location (an Italian spinoff). Then the guys behind Urge Gastropub said they’re opening up a bowling/beer/whiskey/food Disneyland-for-adults in a former Bally’s Fitness in the area. Vista is the new North Park! Land is cheap! Start prospecting!
INCOMING: Besta-Wan Big House
