The Wise Ox

TRUST Restaurant Group is behind some of San Diego’s premier restaurants (TRUST, Fort Oak, Cardellino, Rare Society), so when chef Brad Wise and team decided to open a chef-driven butcher shop, it was quick to gain a loyal following. That holds true for the recently opened Carlsbad location, where they offer the same pasture-raised, hormone-free beef, pork, lamb, and chicken, all hand-cut by skilled butchers and used across their restaurants. Come for the dry-aged cuts but also for the fan-favorite deli orders, such as the Philly Cheesesteak, with hand-shaved NY strip, peppers, and cheese on a toasted amoroso roll. If you can’t get enough of the goodness onsite, opt for the Ox Box, a monthly subscription featuring 10 pounds of premium meat, encouraging carnivores to cook up some of their favorites at home.