The fact that West Inn and Suites in Carlsbad has two outstanding restaurants places it in a unique status.
Two days ago we wrote here about the five star West Steak and Seafood Restaurant.
But this resort also has a another restaurant called Bistro West on the property.
Bistro West is a complete restaurant with bar, lounge, indoor and patio dining, casual in decor and ambiance for both lunch, dinner plus the Happy Hour.  While emphasizing the casual aspects of a bistro the  quality of both cuisine and service rates  Bistro West as an award winning restaurant in its own right.
We thought the menu well selected  with items well suited for either lunch or dinner or just some snacks at the bar lounge.
The menu shows appetizers like Calamari, lettuce wraps and our selection which was Bistro Ahi tartare.  Like its sister restaurant the three acre West Farm supplies the fresh produce as with its roasted beet, Caesar, Greek, Scallop salads.  The Chef gave us a sampling of the scallop as well.  Here there is a large selection of pizzas with many personal add on choices all prepared in the stone hearth oven.  Pastas are big here with over seven to chose from as well as classics and Chef pasta creations.  Burgers play a big role here and the sandwiches are most creative. 
Our choice was the French dip sandwich which we shared with our dining partner.  It had a most tasty horseradish onion spread and the dip was exceptional in flavor.  With it were sweet potato fries.  Other sandwiches on the menu included warm reuben, veggie panini or Havana Cubano Pork.
For a serious dinner the menu shows a chicken cordon bleu , beef short ribs, pork loin and a choice of steaks like ribeye, New York or Filet mignon.
We had the opportunity to meet some of the staff including Justin Stark, general manager, Kathy Sellers, assistant general manager, Executive Chef John Miller and our friendly, competent waitress Leah Comas.
Bistro West is located on West Inn property at 4960 Avenida Encinas and open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. with a Happy Hour daily from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Telephone 760 930-8008, web www.bistrowest.com.