COASTAL • The Lab Collaborative

Dining: Coastal

THE OSIDER MARCH / APRIL 2022

Mocha Mole

Bone Marrow

THE LAB COLLABORATIVE

WORDS: ERIC KLIER PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

Oside or No Side Sandwich

In the heart of downtown Oceanside—just blocks from the famous Oceanside Pier—is a new restaurant called TLC that has the whole town talking. The Lab Collaborative (or TLC) is a locally sourced and locally run restaurant that’s taking “farm-to-table” to the next level.

Owners Ramiro Guerra and Jack Everett are combining the laid back lifestyle of Southern California, the amazing seafood and agriculture we have here, and then putting their own twist on your dining adventure. With decades of experience behind them, they’ve gathered fellow friends to give a high end and creative hospitality experience. When you walk in, you’ll notice a roomy, relaxed environment with an incredible menu and educated servers and bartenders that’ll help you with TLC’s vast menu of divine food and drinks.

Whether it’s their amazing salads and sandwiches you’re craving or something a little more upscale, TLC has you covered. The Oside or No Side sandwich is one of their most popular items with fried or grilled chicken smothered in a bourbon habanero sauce with coleslaw stacked high, which is probably enough for two people. The entree I fell in love with was the Mocha Mole, which is a banana leaf smoked “Lab Dust” seasoned pork shoulder in an unbelievable mole sauce made with Jet Fuel Espresso beans, and then drizzled with white chocolate served with tomatillos and grilled squash. There’re so many delicious dishes that you’ll have to go see them all for yourself. From seafood linguini, rib-eye steak, or citrus grilled chicken, The Lab Collaborative has everything you need and more.

TLC also carries top shelf liquors with fresh juices and fruit, and their knowledgeable bartenders concoct some of the best most innovative drinks in town. If cocktails aren’t your thing, you’ll find a large craft beer menu and an incredible wine list that’ll satisfy any of your needs. Their motto is “Combine memorable experiences and great meals to make lives better,” and with their immense passion and focus on fresh flavors and food—TLC definitely gives you an unforgettable experience you wont forget. Be sure to check them out—you won’t be disappointed.

Owners Jack Everett and Ramiro Guerra

The Lab Collaborative 201 North Cleveland Street Suite 109 (442) 266-2436 thelabcollaborative.com @tlcoside