Leucadia’s Le Papagayo Expanding to Carlsbad

A fixture in North County, where it’s been operating on North Coast Highway in the Leucadia area since 2003, Le Papagayo is bringing a second, larger location to Carlsbad. Owner Darrin Campbell, who purchased the eatery in 2015 with the intent to expand, is taking over the former Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers space on Carlsbad Village Drive.

La Papagayo is known for live music, and Campbell says this outpost will be even more music-forward. At 5,500-square-feet, the site will allow for a new stage and sound system to be installed to feature their regular roster of artists, who do everything from solo guitar to classic rock, flamenco, and reggae.

While keeping favorites from the original menu, including the bread and pesto basket, Spanish paella, Thai chicken satay, and the signature sangria, Campbell has added a number of New American dishes to the lineup of breakfast, lunch, and dinner plates.

After some cosmetic changes, the Carlsbad restaurant, which includes a large outdoor patio, should be reopening in two to three months.

Next Wave Commercial’s Paul Ahern, who brokered the lease, says, “Darrin and his family have done a terrific job with the ramping up the business at the original Le Papagayo location since taking it over. The concept will be a perfect fit for Carlsbad Village. We’ve been discussing a second location for a while now and I’m very much looking forward to seeing it come to fruition later this year.”