Photos by: Kyle Janovick
During our nice holiday break my husband and I were in search of some new restaurants that would complement his meat-lovers diet and my vegetarian one. Sometimes it is hard to find a restaurant that will satisfy both needs, but with all these new places popping up in Oceanside, it is becoming easier. I myself am a big wino and a craft beer snob. I had heard the name Barrel Republic, but I didn't really know anything about their menu or setup. Just the word "barrel", which could refer to beer or wine, caught my attention and we gave it a go.
When we walked in we were greeted and asked for a credit card. I gave a confusing look since this is not the typical hello one receives when entering a restaurant. The host than further explained that every patron obtains a wristband to wear that has a chip in it which turns on the beer and wine valves. Once a valve is turned on, your pour, no matter what size, is measured and totaled at the end of your visit. Hmm, interesting concept.

My husband ordered the bacon wrapped pork belly as an appetizer, (typical meat eater) and I ordered the spicy butternut mac and cheese. Our main dishes were the barrel burger and the wild mushroom garbanzo burger. Although the appetizers were tasty, they were both very rich and made to be shared by a group, rather just 1 or 2 people.

