I recently drove down to Chula Vista to check out the new Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, and I have to say it’s incredibly impressive. It has a beautiful waterfront setting with plenty of restaurants, bars, a stunning pool area, and even a hidden speakeasy. And if you’re wondering where to eat this guide to Gaylord Pacific restaurants covers all of the dining options, what to order, price ranges, hours and whether you can visit without staying at the resort.
How Many Gaylord Pacific Restaurants Are There?
One thing that really impressed me when I visited Gaylord Pacific was how many places there are to eat and drink. The resort offers a mix of full-service restaurants, casual dining, poolside grills, coffee and grab-and-go options, and several bars and lounges, so even if you’re coming for dinner at one restaurant, you’ll have plenty of other options to explore during your visit. I’m including all the dining options here so you can see what Gaylord Pacific restaurants are available and find the right fit for your visit.
Full-Service Restaurants at Gaylord Pacific
Old Hickory
- What type of food? Upscale American steakhouse specializing in premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood and elevated surf and turf. The menu also features artisanal cheeses, sides and an extensive wine list.
- What should you order? 8 oz Filet Mignon; 24 oz Porterhouse; Scallop Crudo. The filet, porterhouse and scallop crudo are among the dishes highlighted on the current OpenTable menu.
- Price range: $$$$ | $50+ per person. Expect more depending on steak selection, sides and wine
- Atmosphere: Sophisticated and upscale, with contemporary California design and views of the Chula Vista Bayfront. Most formal dining experience at the resort
- Best for: Special occasions, anniversaries, date nights, business dinners and steak lovers.
- Hours: Bar: 5–9 p.m. daily. Kitchen: 5:30–9 p.m. daily.
- Reservations: Recommended. Reservations are available through OpenTable
- Can non-hotel guests dine there? Yes, however, during select peak holiday dates, table-service restaurant reservations are restricted to overnight resort guests.
Trēō
- What type of food? American and California-inspired cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients, locally sourced seafood and fresh herbs. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- What should you order? Seasonal seafood selections. California-inspired entrees. Fresh salads and seasonal dishes.
The menu changes seasonally. - Price range: $$$ ($31–$50 per person)
- Atmosphere: Bright, contemporary and relaxed, with a tranquil setting. It’s suitable for both casual meals and a nicer dinner.
- Best for: Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, families and guests looking for an all-day dining option.
- Hours:
– Breakfast: Monday–Friday, 6:30–10:30 a.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 6:30–11:30 a.m.
– Lunch: Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, noon–2 p.m.
– Dinner: Daily, 5–10 p.m. - Reservations: Available through OpenTable. Recommended.
- Can non-hotel guests dine there? Yes, generally, subject to availability and resort policies. During select peak holiday dates, reservations may be limited to overnight guests.
Marzul
- What type of food?
Coastal California cuisine with Baja influences. The menu features seasonal ingredients, seafood, meat and vegetable dishes designed for sharing. - What should you order? These are the dishes I’d recommend: Ahi tuna. Grilled scallop tostada. Octopus salad. Wood-grilled halibut. Lamb shank birria. Sweet potato with whipped ricotta
- Price range: $$$ ($31–$50 per person)
- Atmosphere: Stylish and contemporary, with indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor patio is especially appealing for sunset dining and views of the water.
- Best for: Date nights, sunset dinners, sharing several dishes, creative cocktails and anyone who enjoys coastal Baja-inspired cuisine.
- Hours: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Check before visiting, as operating schedules can change.
- Reservations: Recommended, especially for weekend dining.
- Can non-hotel guests dine there? Yes, generally, subject to availability.
Taiyō
- What type of food? Modern Japanese cuisine featuring chef-crafted sushi, sashimi, signature rolls, sake and cocktails.
- What should you order? Chef-crafted sushi rolls. Nigiri. Sashimi. Signature specialty rolls
- Price range: $$$ ($30–$50 per person)
- Atmosphere: Contemporary and relaxed, with a modern coastal design. A
- Hours: Daily, 5–10 p.m.
- Reservations: Check directly with the resort for current seating arrangements.
- Can non-hotel guests dine there? Yes
Bars and Lounges at Gaylord Pacific
Growlers
- What type of food? American sports-bar cuisine featuring burgers, sandwiches, wings, appetizers, salads and shareable plates. The bar also features local craft beers, cocktails and a large selection of beers on tap.
- What should you order? Growler Wings. Carne Asada Nachos. California Angus Burger. Wagyu Beef Burger. Giant Pretzel.
- Price range: $$–$$$ ($20–$40 per person)
- Atmosphere: Lively and casual, with a 75-foot screen for watching sporting events.
- Hours: Bar: 11 a.m.–12:30 a.m. Kitchen: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Reservations: Available through OpenTable.
- Can non-hotel guests dine there? Yes.
Oeste
- What type of food? Mexican-inspired tapas and shareable plates, along with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive selection of premium tequilas.
- What should you order? Mexican-inspired tapas. – Shareable small plates. – Tequila-based cocktails.
- Price range: $$–$$$
- Atmosphere: Located in the center of the resort’s spectacular glass atrium. The bar has a distinctive surfboard-inspired design and a stylish, social atmosphere.
- Hours: Noon – 1 AM daily.
- Reservations: Not necessary.
- Can non-hotel guests dine there? Yes
Mariner's
- What type of food Coastal-inspired drinks and bar bites. This is primarily a place to enjoy a drink rather than a full-service restaurant.
- What should you order? Coastal-inspired cocktails. Bar bites, when available.
- Price range: $$–$$$
- Atmosphere: Features an outdoor terrace with firepits and water features.
- Hours: 3–11 p.m.
- Reservations: Not required
- Can non-hotel guests dine there? Yes
Cask & Crown
- What type of food? Cocktails only. A hidden speakeasy specializing in handcrafted cocktails.
- What should you order? House-crafted cocktails. Classic Prohibition-era-inspired drinks.
- Price range: $$$
- Atmosphere: A hidden speakeasy tucked inside the resort, with a secret entrance and Prohibition-era charm.
- Hours: Opens 7:30 p.m.
- Reservations: Not available
- Can non-hotel guests dine there? Yes
Poolside Dining at Gaylord Pacific
Sunny's
- What type of food? Baja-inspired Mexican cuisine with a casual poolside menu
- What should you order? Fresh aguachile. Fish tacos. Carne asada tacos.
- Price range: $$–$$$
- Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. and kitchen from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Hours can vary with pool operations.
- Reservations: Not required
- Can non-hotel guests dine there? Access is associated with the pool area.
Shallow End Grill
- What type of food? Casual American poolside food featuring classic boardwalk favorites.
- What should you order? Burgers. Chili dogs. Loaded fries.
- Price range: $$
- Atmosphere: Casual and family-friendly, located next to the family pool and water park.
- Hours: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Reservations: Not needed.
- Can non-hotel guests dine there? Access is associated with the family pool and water park.
Coffee, Quick Bites and Room Delivery
PCH Café & Market
- What type of food? A casual grab-and-go café serving specialty coffee, fresh brews, pastries, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, acai bowls and quick meals.
- What should you order? Specialty coffee. Freshly baked pastries. Acai bowls. Sandwiches and salads.
- Price range: $$
- Atmosphere: Casual and convenient
- Hours: 6 a.m.–11 p.m. daily.
- Reservations: Not required.
- Can non-hotel guests dine there? Yes
FAQ's
How many restaurants are at Gaylord Pacific?
Gaylord Pacific offers several full-service restaurants, including Old Hickory, Trēō, Marzul and Taiyō. There are also bars, lounges, poolside dining options, PCH Café & Market and room delivery. The total depends on whether you count bars, cafés and poolside grills as restaurants.
Can you eat at Gaylord Pacific without staying at the hotel?
Yes. Non-hotel guests can generally dine at several Gaylord Pacific restaurants, including Old Hickory, Trēō, Marzul and the resort’s bars. However, access to poolside dining is tied to pool access, and some holiday periods may have dining restrictions for non-hotel guests. It’s best to check with the resort before visiting.
What is the best restaurant at Gaylord Pacific?
That depends on what you’re looking for. Old Hickory is the choice for an upscale steakhouse dinner, Marzul is a good option for coastal Baja-inspired cuisine and waterfront dining, and Taiyō is the place to go for Japanese food and sushi. Trēō is a convenient choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Does Gaylord Pacific have restaurants with waterfront views?
Yes. Marzul offers indoor and outdoor seating with views of the water, making it a nice choice for sunset dining. Old Hickory also has views of the Chula Vista Bayfront. Mariner’s offers outdoor seating with firepits and water features.
Does Gaylord Pacific have a hidden speakeasy?
Yes. Cask & Crown is a hidden speakeasy inside Gaylord Pacific. It specializes in handcrafted cocktails and has a Prohibition-era atmosphere. It opens in the evening, so check with the resort for current hours and access details.
