Dave de Jour
Categories: Restaurants Food Stands Event Planning & Services Personal Chefs Food Stands, Personal Chefs [Edit]
Encinitas, CA 92024(858) 699-0429
- Hours:
Thu-Sat 10:30 pm - 2 am
Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Dave de Jour
Review Highlights
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Walter M.
2/17/2011
Dave de jour kinda stepped into the food truck game differently than everyone else. His food is gourmet with absolutely no Asian influence, no Mexican influence which separates him from Tabe BBQ and many of LA's premier trucks. He does gourmet food like angus sliders, cubano sliders and spareribs, but his best items is a combination of the pork spareribs, chicken skewer and mac & cheese on a stick. I find that this is the best when your out late and the only things open are something-ertos, or fast food. He roams the night looking for hungry party hoppers. For being gourmet his prices are right in line with other trucks. He even does vegetarian grilled tofu with a green mango salsa.
Now I've never had his food non nightlife, but he apparently also has the repertoire of a French kitchen mixed with a socal fish house, but none of that cheese Mexicali flavor or Asianesque Pacific rim seafood influence. Just French influence and seafood. -
Review from Melissa M.
San Diego, CA
10/31/2010
I had my hopes set high for this meal on wheels. I'd been tracking Dave's truck for some time and was excited to see that they checked into the Office in North Park. My sister and I headed there to grub.
We both ordered cheesy fries and I had a pulled pork slider. $21 for 3 items! That's insane!!! The portions weren't even that big. C'mon dude I had a slider and it wasn't even good!
The cheesy fries had a weird chili cheese fries taste; there was no chili!!! The pulled pork slider wasn't good. Most of the meat had no flavor. The only thing I liked was the bread. Sorry Dave but I'll make sure to skip to the next taco shop instead. -
Review from Nora S.
1/12/2011
I was sad to hear this food truck was closing although I've only tried it once. I was able to get Dave to come out and park in front of my office once and this is the only food truck experience I have ever had. Thanks Dave! Unfortunately, not enough people were interested in it despite the lack of food offerings around here so he couldn't make a regular go of it.
As for the food, I felt it was a little pricey for what I got. But then I did order the fresh fish sandwich. It was tasty, but the portion seemed a tad small and it was a bit too greasy for my tastes. I did love the home-made sauces. Some of those had a lot of kick! The truffle fries were not special. But now I've tried them and now I know. The other issue was the wait. It look a while for the food to get out, but then we all ran up to his truck as soon as it was parked! -
Review from Jereld W.
Culver City, CA
9/11/2010
I'm jumping on the food truck bandwagon and Dave de Jour is leading the pack in San Diego.
I've heard that Elvis' favorite sandwich was peanut butter, banana, and bacon. Dave's remix is the pork belly slider. Replace the bacon with thick piece of pork belly (basically the "gourmet" version of bacon), peanut butter, and a banana puree and you have a sandwich fit for the modern king.
Accompanying the sandwich are fries and coleslaw. Dave has a few dipping sauces to go with the fries also; I recommend the tamarind ketchup. I'm not a big fan of coleslaw, but it tasted like regular coleslaw. *shrug*
The drink selection wasn't that great when I visited Dave; only canned diet coke (wtf?) but luckily Dave usually hangs out where the booze is.
Pro-tip: Catch Dave at the Ballast Point Brewing Company on Fridays after 4 PM and at back of The Office bar Thursdays from 5-10pm. -
Review from jules m.
San Diego, CA
8/9/2010
Dave is great - so was Danny!
This is a Gourmet food truck - awesome concept and he's a real foodie so the food is not just cheap late night bar food - it's worth trying out.
We caught up with him in Encinitas on Saturday night but he also serves the North Park area - so we will be frequenting the truck there next time. -
Review from Kelly O.
7/21/2010
Dave is awesome. When I tried his truck, there happened to be no one else around so we got to chat. He's super friendly and interesting to talk to. The other trucks should take a page out of his book in that regard - be more personable!
My eating partner got the calimari on a stick and he thought it was great. This is a big compliment from him because he's very particular. They were cooked perfectly and simply with salt and pepper so you can actually taste the seafood.
The smoked lentil tacos are nuts. I freaking love lentils and found these tacos to be filling and delicious. My eating partner won't eat anything that doesn't have meat in it, so he wasn't a big fan.
Both of the items we ordered came with a small little plop of a very spicy slaw. It was really tasty and really spicy!
I would eat at Dave's again in a second!! -
Review from Maribel F.
San Diego, CA
5/9/2010
Got to try Dave de Jour at a Make a Wish fundraising event this past weekend. This is what I tried...
*pork belly: yummy
*mini duck tostadas: tasty.
*mac & cheese on a stick: okay. Drier than the usual mac & cheese but maybe done on purpose to keep it on the stick...I prefer cheesier, creamier.
I did check out their website and with things on the menu like blackened grouper salad with spicy pepper vinaigrette and roasted lobster with papaya butter over jerked spiced rice....& all of this is coming from a truck! Definitely want to try more! Too bad they are usually only at Cardiff by the Sea, Leucadia, Encinitas. Please Dave de Jour, come to downtown SD! -
Review from Dale W.
San Diego, CA
8/23/2010
Chef Dave's food is awesome.
everything i've had thus far is delicious. (pork belly sliders, duck confit & the truffle fries.) their truffle fries are famous! & their sauces are both unique and yummy. 5 stars. do like me & follow these guys on twitter so that you know where to find them -
Review from Jay D.
8/2/2009 3 photos
With a belly full of wine and food from 3rd Corner, I ran across the street with difficulty shortly after 12am. Before running, I thought I was seeing things.
Wait, do you guys see that?
A roach coach.
Well, it's far prettier than that.
What are you on about J?
I'll be back!
I saw a food truck but painted in yellow next to 1st Street, the bar. I also saw Chinese and Korean writing. I don't know what the characters mean, but I do know this. I WAS EXCITED. Keep up with me.
We stood at Dave's truck examining the menu - beef sliders, spareribs, skewers, mango salad, nachos, and mac 'n cheese on a stick. Huh? Yes.
We had a short conversation with a lady that talked to us next to the line of folks. I listened.
Ever hear of the Kogi truck? http://www.yelp.com/bi...
She said that Dave loves the Kogi truck. LA friends of mine love the Kogi truck. I understand that Dave isn't the Kogi truck, but the idea has come to San Diego. Encinitas - specifically - AND I WAS EXCITED.
So far this was their third weekend cruising 101 looking for their sweet spot. First trying near the Leucadian and second, in Cardiff. Downtown Encinitas might be their spot with the various bars and winebars downtown. So far, Dave's truck shows up on Friday and Saturday nights. I felt lucky as if the planets aligned for me to find them.
Unfortunately, I didn't try anything, but I am fan of street food. Especially for street food that's affordable for late night eats.
The gal said they may start driving 101 on Thursday nights too.
I'm excited and I will find you Dave and I shall update my review then. Dave is a smart man.
It might be premature to rate them so highly, but there was a short line and hearing people gush about his food. Granted these were inebriated comments, but I'm always about choice and knowing that Dave broadening my late night eats beyond Mexican is brilliant. -
Review from Ann P.
Chula Vista, CA
12/20/2010
So sad to say that they're closing :( Confirmed on their facebook. My life without lentil tacos, truffle fries & shark skewers will be sad and dim :(
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I LOVE THIS TRUUUUUCK. Dave de Jour is sooooo bomb. They're parked out in front of The Office in North Park every Thursday from 5-8, which is where I go to get my fix. Follow him on Twitter to see where he is every other day!
The food is amazing! The truffle fries are a must and I crave them all the time. Dave was nice enough to give my boyfriend and I the yellowtail skewers even though they weren't on the menu that day -
Review from Alisa M.
1/5/2010
YES YES YES YES. OMG YES!!!! OH OH OH OH GASP MOAN OMG don't stop YES!!!! oh oh oh Oh OH YES YES YES YES!!
Lighting cigarette. -
Review from Todd M.
Encinitas, CA
2/4/2010
Dave,
You could easily kick the crap out of Sam the cooking jew, and out cook him! I praise thee, There be those who say that things and places have souls, and there be those who say they have not; I dare not say, myself, but I will tell of The Street. All hail DAVE. -
Review from Ian F.
San Diego, CA
9/14/2010
Dave de Jour is one of the best food trucks roaming the streets of SD! Usually roaming the bar scene in Encinitas but heads down outside the Office bar in North Park on Thursdays nights. I do my best to show my support and grab his chow at least once a week.
Dave is former US Navy Seal dishing up delish food with the likes of yellowtail skewers with pina ponzu, pork belly, mahi mahi, and angus beef sliders, smoked lentil tacos, truffle fries and the infamous mac 'n cheese on a stick along side delicious homemade sauces! Everything served up with a spicy thai slaw and pickled papaya! What more can you ask for!
Add him on twitter/facebook and track him down to grind on his grub and you won't regret it! -
Review from Massarra F.
Cardiff by the Sea, CA
2/1/2010
It's one of those nights. You've had a few to drink and you and your friends want to get something to chow down on. We've all been there, right?
The usual thing to do, at least in North County, is to head to a local Mexican food joint. Let me just tell you....once you try some of Dave's mac and cheese on a stick, you will NEVER hit up Filiberto's or any 'to's' joint for some late night action.
In fact, do yourself a favor and order the truffle fries too. You will not be disappointed.
You know that commercial for Thomas' English Muffins, where the little boy says, 'They make my mouth water!'???? That's what I say every time I see Dave's truck. -
Review from Kristen G.
San Diego, CA
1/4/2010
I've been coming off this food cart addiction - you know, shaky hands, irritability, emotional volatility - after a McDreamy trip to Portland. I cut my losses - San Diego has a lot of other things going for it - so thought i had hallucinated (severe withdrawal symptom) when I saw Dave's supped up cart outside Encinitas 1st Street Bar at about 1am this Saturday night.
Dave, warm and welcoming, came equipped with a posse of about 5 regulars who could have been professional brokers for his stock. After trying a couple of the guys' truffle fries, I, literally, fell off the wagon. Fresh, seared ahi skewers on a bed of homemade pickled slaw, pork tenderloin skewers donned with candied apples and marinated in Dave's own TAMARIND bbq sauce, and the biggest, creamiest BLOCK of macaroni and cheese, crisped on all sides and served on a popsicle stick. i mean it, like a 6inchx6inch thick block. He even let us try his new years comfort food, salty ham hocks and collard greens. All around 5 bucks a pop.
But most of all, I enjoyed how proud he was to share his creations and how happy it made him to see my messy bbq lips smiling back at him.
I don't know if this location is his regular territory but keep a look out. -
Review from Angela W.
7/2/2010 1 photo
Stopped by here last night while they were parked out back behind The Office. I love that there's a food truck there almost every day now!
Dave is really friendly and fun to talk to, and the food is pretttty awesome too. A little on the pricier side for a food truck, but the food was really good, so it depends on what you're looking for!
We had the brisket slider, mac n cheese (which sadly didn't come on a stick as I was hoping), and a side of truffle fries. They both came with sides of thai cabbage salad and pickles. I really love that there's a fusion of a lot of different styles, but it's not overwhelming. I'm always afraid when people try and mix together all these different flavors to be "exotic" but then it's just too much.
The truffle fries were amazing. Simple, but sooo good. The tamarind ketchup was tasty with it too but they really didn't need any dipping sauce to be awesome. The brisket was good too, tender & flavorful. The mac and cheese was alright - I think I like the creamy and cheesy style of mac n cheese more rather than baked. But I guess you can't serve creamy & cheesy on a stick!
Overall really glad I finally got to try this place out, will be out to catch them on their outings to North Park again soon! -
Review from Taryn H.
Encinitas, CA
1/8/2010
I first stumbled upon the joy that is Dave dejour outside of The Office one night. Mac n cheese on a stick?! Yes please! My boy friend was entranced at the idea, and I split a veggie burger and truffle fries with my lady friend. All was delicious! My boy friend also got one of the sliders which was greasy, but in the kind of way that men love.
If you love sauce, than prepare to be delighted by the chimichurri sauce (great on the veggie burger) and the spicy ketchup pairs wonderfully with the truffle fries.
I have actually hunted dave dejour down for late night dinner. I'm pretty sure he has a twitter and updates his location. My boy friend and I got to talking to him one night and he used to be a fine dining chef and it really shows.
mmmm I think I might try to find him tonight actually. -
Review from Lance W.
San Diego, CA
7/22/2010
After my 8pm basketball game, my better half and I were both tired and hungry for some grub. The gf suggested we try Dave de Jour food truck in North Park. I was sure why not! It was a bit hard to find..since it was located in the back of the Office bar parking lot. You can only find it if you know its back there which is a downside. Oh well, trucked through the bar and there it was in the back parking lot! Dave is a super nice guy, very friendly and willing to make you a delicious meal.
We ordered the Mahi Mahi slider, truffle fries and calamari skewers! All were very delicious. A bit pricey but the quality is amazing! Definite repeat! If you're in the area or craving a late night snack Dave de Jour truck is the place to give a whirl!
PS. They accept credit cards!! How awesome is that!! -
Review from DONNA T.
San Diego, CA
10/7/2010
I love the food truck revolution and I admire the Chef's who are adventurous enough to take on the challenge! With that said...I gave Dave a try tonight. Let's just say...everyone has an off night...
The break down:
The lentil tacos I'd order again. Good hearty and robust flavor. You won't miss the meat. If not for this it'd be a total bust for the rest of the menu.
Pork Slider wasn't very flavorful. The meat didn't have much of a flavor to it. If not for the bbq sauce it'd just taste like it was boiled then shredded and plopped on a bun.
The cole slaw tasted like it was old and seasoned with diluted rice wine vinegar.
The chicken confit is suitable for a retirement home. It tasted as if it was placed in a pressure cooker with alot of oil then served ontop a bed of red rice and sauteed onions and bell peppers then drizzled with the grease remains from the bottom of the pressure cooker.
Truffle Fries...I like mine lightly salted with a dose of truffle oil...these were masked by the salty seasoning with trace remnants of truffle oil from the last batch that was served.
Finally, "The Secret's In The Sauce"...this is the slogan used because without the sauce the food served wouldn't have a leg to stand on!
Summary...$25 later and I know where NOT to go again! -
Review from Brandon Q.
Pasadena, CA
4/3/2010
Alright. They got me. Pork stomach sliders. They're awesome.
I was gonna get the Waddup Dogg, but then randomly asked the chef (who I presume is Dave) for his "special." He recommended the pork slider. At first I thought the he just wanted me to get the most expensive item ($7 when most other items were $5 or $6). But I must say, it was pretty good. Oily like crazy, though. And some parts were a bit hard. But flavor-wise, it was a 5. Minus 1 star for non-perfect texture.
He even gave me a free sample of truffle fries! -
Review from Calvin M.
San Diego, CA
8/14/2010
I've only been here once but i was pretty impressed. It wasn't that busy when i went so i actually got a chance to talk with Chef Dave and i brought up how i had just went to vegas and eaten at Bradley Ogden, someone who he actually worked under while in San Francisco. So it's safe to say i had pretty high expectations.
Came her with my lady friend and we ordered the truffle fries, and a pork belly and mahi mahi sliders. While waiting for our order we received a complimentary order of sheephead with grilled peaches. Never had sheephead before, but i loved how the shellfish like texture complimented the sweetness of the grilled peaches. The truffle fries were good but nothing i haven't had before and although i never actually got to try the mahi mahi slider, my lady friend said it was a bit salty. But the whole reason im taking the time right now to write about this is because of the pork belly slider. When i took the first bite i was completely shocked from all of these unexpected flavors/textures (tenderness of the pork belly, peanut butter base sauce, bananas, and the subtle spices in the slaw) hitting me at once.
Pork belly slider is a must order. My lady friend's "supposedly" salty mahi is the only reason im not giving five stars, but its safe to say that ill be back here very soon. -
Review from Trevor H.
San Diego, CA
7/2/2010
What can I say, truffle fries, Chicken Pesto, spicy kethup, delish.
Not to forget the brisket and Mac n Cheese.
For some the spicy Thai Col Slaw can have a bite. I for one think its a perfect compliment to the sliders. -
Review from Erica T.
Solana Beach, CA
2/16/2010
I was lucky enough to taste Chef Dave's amazing talents at an event (yes he does private parties!) and was immediately impressed. Few people know that Dave has been private chef to "as famous as it gets" music and sport stars, I guess because there's no need- his food speaks for itself.
When I heard he was bringing Street Food to San Diego I was extremely excited to try it out and as you can see by all the other 5 star ratings, he's bringing it to a whole new level. Every night it seems he adds new creations and I've tried amazing vegetarian dishes too!
If he ever bottles his homemade sauces I'm stocking my refrigerator... -
Review from Kathleen B.
San Diego, CA
10/16/2010
i thought i could devour the angus slider in a matter of minutes - but i was wrong. this is the heaviest slider i've had in my life. the first one or two bites were amazing (!!) and the last two bites i was already pretty full from eating 1/2 the fries.
the cheese sauce was good but i should have requested in on the side.
having the truffle fries and the angus slider might have been too salty salty for me - however i still enjoyed it. gonna look for this truck next week with some buddies !
also, if you don't follow him on twitter you don't see all the updates on his location. -
Review from Jerod H.
San Diego, CA
8/29/2010
After hearing so many great things about Dave my wife and I decided to go check Dave out. Wish we would have done it sooner. Dave's food is amazing to say the least. On top of the great food Dave's friendly personality adds to the experience of dining at Dave de Jour's. He takes the time to get to know his customers and makes em feel right at home ordering gourmet food from a pimped out roach coach at 11:30pm. Equally impressive is the fact that Dave is a former Navy SEAL and could kill you in 2 seconds flat with his bare hands. Not that he would do that though. Honestly, he's a really nice guy that serves up some of the most legit food i've had in this city. Try the yellowtail skewers. You won't be disappointed. I highly recommend Dave de Jour.
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Review from Rebecca R.
Solana Beach, CA
10/13/2009 1 photo
Chef Dave and his Dave de Jour Street Food is amazing!! First of all- getting real, fabulous food from a cool, funky bright colored truck is the coolest experience. I love the Angus Beef Sliders and the Sweet Potato Fries are out of this world. On Saturday and Sundays in PB in front of Thursters- he serves "Breakfast in a Boat" with soy choizo- another one of my favs.
Chef Dave cruises around in his "culinary vessel" and does the late night crawl in North County- Encinitas, from 1st Street Bar down to the Shanty. Find him on Wed-Sat- the best late night stop you will ever make!!! -
Review from Matt P.
San Diego, CA
2/11/2010
I'm always on the look out for good street food. You don't see that much in America, much less San Diego. I was in Encinitas last weekend and saw Dave's truck parked on the 101. Left the bar around midnight, and sure enough he was still there. Everything on the menu looked good, but I went with the bacon wrapped hot dog with some crazy sauces and mangos on it. Awesome. Great flavor, great everything. He even threw in some grilled calamari for free. Also really good. I'll definitely be on the look out for Dave. Look him up on twitter and you will always know where to find him.
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Review from Kelly C.
Riverside, CA
6/17/2010
My wife and I found Dave's truck late one night in Cardiff. The Angus slider and truffle fries were PHENOMENAL! Truly a gastronomical orgasm. His menu changes with his whim, but you can count on a dining experience to remember.
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Review from Chris G.
San Diego, CA
8/16/2010
Dave de Jour. This was a 5 star experience for the fact I too, as Kelly O. mentioned in her review on 7/21, got to talk with Dave at length. He's got great stories and really seems to genuinely like talking to people.
He's got a great thing going here and you should try it.
I had the pork belly Elvis slider. I've never had an Elvis before and it was delicious. Dave told me had just a little bit of pork belly left and didn't put it up on the menu. But if I wanted to try it he had enough to make me one. even if he had had enough to put on the menu he would have had to take it right back off. Because I would have ordered all of them. So delicious. My girlfriend had the smoked lentil tacos which were super. Good smoke flavor and the lentils were as filling and satisfying as any meat.
When I was almost finished with my food Dave came over to the window and handed me a Lengua slider. Lengua is tongue in spanish. I've had tongue several times before and wasn't worried about trying it. Tongue is actually really good. Back to the story. The slider was amazing. It had a nice thick slice of meat which is unusual for tongue prep. Its normally thinly sliced in Asian cuisine and cubed in Latin cuisines. This was more like a tongue steak. He told me he braises them in a port sauce. The flavors of this are hard to describe other than melt in your mouth yummy.
Please track him down on twitter for updates on his location and Don't order an Elvis. Those are for me!
Don't forget to say Hi to Danny. Danny takes the orders and the money. Rumor has it he's a sick ass bassist too. -
Review from Jeff C.
Carlsbad, CA
6/12/2010
I didn't pay any attention to the food truck that rolled up to Uncle Dukes until a free sample of fries with some unique sauces were offered up. The sauces were phenomenal, so I ordered a couple of burgers. The burgers were the perfect size just a little larger than sliders. Honestly, they were the best tasting burgers I've ever had. I am very happy to have discovered Chef Dave and look forward to sampling his unique fare.
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Review from Tony A.
San Diego, CA
3/19/2010
Best street food I have EVER eaten. Hands down. Loved the tamarind ketchup and truffle fries. Thanks for the treat, Dave!
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Review from Chuck S.
Encinitas, CA
6/19/2010
Ever changing menu of this "roach" coach provides a solid alternative to the greasy Mexican food joints and driventhru McSnackers. This joint on wheels has an ever changing menu of sliders, skewers and tacos that will satisfy anyone's stomach.
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Review from Dave B.
Encinitas, CA
10/30/2009
three words, FRIED MACARONI AND CHESE....
this stuff is good, go out get a good buzz and track down dave will take care of you.
