Having spent two years in Germany during my Army days I did two things when I had time. I drank gallons of beer from over hundreds of local brewers. I also ate.. I ate knockwurzt, bratwurst and everything in between. My favorite was a schnitzel sandwich and a german beer.
In the 35 yrs I walked away from Uncle Sam, I've yet to find an authentic schnitzel. Oh how I craved that taste. I searched many towns that bragged of authentic German food. Close but no cigar.
My search is over. Tip Top Meat is now my place for real schnitzel. The portion was HUGE. Topped with a gravy and seasoned breaded cover...the pork was just right. With a side order of pom fritts and german cole slaw. I was a very happy customer. Topped off with a choice of german beer and I was sold. I'll be back often and soon.
I'm sticking to one of my top 5 favorites: prime rib special(Fri Sat. Sun 4-8pm), beef stroganoff, sausages plate, cabbage roll or Big John's cheeseburger combo(1/2 lb burger, fries n a soft drink for $6.98), breakfast too if I can ever get up early!. I think I had tried almost everything on the menu..even bought the meat n have them cook it 4 me ...at least twice a month. (Y) (y)
This deli is worth the 30-mile drive from my house just for a meal. The quality and quantity of food in every meal is unmatched in the San Diego area. They are often very busy at usual meal times, and this can slow down the service. It is to be expected at a very popular restaurant. We always bring home sausage and pretzel bread and pastries. Try the sausages, pork chops, and ham, I've never had a bad meal here! Reading other reviews, it looks best to avoid the hamburger. Enjoy!
The only bad thing about this place is it is so good that the line for lunch is crazy long but generally moves along and totally worth the wait. If you are with someone, you can take turns searching through all the incredible foods in the retail shop while you wait. Pretty unbeatable prices too.
I was recommended tip top meats & European delicious. It is well worth every second. I would also recommend spend time in there grocery store. The staff was absolutely amazing.
This place is delicious! You get great food in big portions at great prices. The restaurant itself doesn't have a lot of curb appeal or the best name, but their meats really are Tip Top & their pastries are delicious. Their cream puff was the size of an eclair & the pastry cream might be the best I've had. We liked it so much we went two days in a row. The attached market has a ton of European delicacies & the butcher has every meat you can think of.
Karla Selders Paterson
+5
One of my favorite restaurants and a special treat for us. We come from Murrieta just for the wonderful food. Their dill pickle and sauerkraut are the best I've ever had. The prime rib and the cabbage rolls are very good too. And I love shopping there for things I can't find anywhere else.
This is a German butcher shop restaurant and grocery store. The butcher shop has high quality steaks, chops home made sausages, quality fish and much more. The restaurant offers great breakfasts and sandwiches at very reasonable prices. The grocery store many speciality items and baked goods. Tip Top Meats is a thro back to the past and I hope they stay in business for many years to come
I have eaten at Tip Top for many years and the food is awesome and the staff can answer any questions you have about a good cut of meat or just ordering a simple lunch. So the next time your in the Carlsbad stop in and have a great meal
Oxtail soup was delicious and the staff was super helpful with the menu. I wanted to try everything but went with chicken cordon on blue and a Iced cold beer.
I'm from louisiana and I came to California for work. My brother took me to tip top. Biggest and best steak ever. Everything is great here. The prices amazed me . Low price alot of food.
The only European deli restaurant in the North County as I know of. Enjoy shopping and having breakfast, lunch occasionally. Tasty food and reasonable portion.
We have always had a lovely breakfast at a great price. The European market is wonderful. Give Tip Top a visit it will be worth it!
Absolutely amazing food and mass portions! The quality is superior! If you haven’t eaten here you haven’t lived! I drive over a hour to have a meal and it’s WORTH IT!
The highest quality German Deli you will find west of the Atlantic. John has always given his best.
Great place for great food and shopping! They have an extensive meat selection, as well as lots of German groceries and even some Indonesian. They even carry fresh Fleischsalat in the fridge! Prices are very fair considering import fees, etc. They also have excellent sausage selection. We ate first, then shopped. When you walk through the shop toward the back you can order food at the counter and then bring it to your table (menu is online if you want to look ahead of time). I got the Rouladen - comes with 2 sides, plus soup or salad and dinner roll. Big portion and absolutely delicious. I got mine with German potato salad and half-and-half Sauerkraut/Red Cabbage. Plenty of food, so come hungry! Salad is fresh & crunchy. Soups change daily. When we were there they had Oxtail and Potato soup. You can taste they are homemade - both excellent. Staff were all very nice and very friendly. We felt welcomed and appreciated. Will definitely be back!!!
Food was good but there is quite a long wait to order food and receive it (went during lunch). Overall took about an hour (in line and waiting) so if you are hungry I'd suggest adding on a soup and/or salad as these are served earlier while you wait for your other food. Large portions for the price.
Great restaurant and market. We have come here for as long as I remember and the food selection has always been exceptional. The restaurant is cheap for what they serve, with New York steak with 2 sides and a soup only costing 15$. You should stop by if you are around Legoland. (Steak'n'Stein pictured)
Hidden gem if you're looking for some German goodies. Try their dinner meals! Super generous portions that come with two sides and salad or soup and a dinner roll. Draft beer is $4. In total I spent $15 for an awesome meal!
Also found the ingredients for Berliner Weiße!
Anytime we are in Carlsbad,we come here on this trip we had breakfast and coffee. The picture tells the whole story. Excellent service and food. And if you want some to go. There is a butcher shop and deli lots of meats and cheeses etc etc.
Our family loves this restaurant. Went in this morning for an early Father's day breakfast. They work hard here and we appreciate it. They are short staff right now so please be patient the food is worth it. Thank you to everyone here who works hard 7 days a week.
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