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El Callejon Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
345 S Coast Hwy 101Encinitas, CA 92024
Neighborhood: Encinitas
(760) 634-2793
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
203 reviews for El Callejon Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Oh, the margaritas are delicious too."
(in 71 reviews)
"BTW, their chips and salsa are fan-freaking-tastic."
(in 27 reviews)
"Puntas Oscar in Chipotle Cheese Sauce."
(in 7 reviews)
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203 reviews in English
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Review from Brittany R.
Carlsbad, CA
1/25/2012
Sit in the bar..the service is much better! I wont sit outside of the bar area because we always have had a bad experience but we love the bar!
The cocktail waitress are awsome and all the diff tequilas makes this the perfect lil tequila bar..i hardly order food but when I do I get the lobster tacos delish! -
Review from Dana C.
Carlsbad, CA
1/19/2012
I tried this place for the first time about a month ago and I wouldn't go back. The food is HORRIBLE! I got cheese and chicken enchiladas and the sauce looked like it came out of a can. The beans weren't good either. My fiance got the Land & Sea which came with shrimp and steak. He said the shrimp was decent but there could have been more steak. It was a very small portion.
Then the margaritas, these were probably the worst margaritas I've ever had. When we sat down I just ordered a regular margarita on the rocks and it was nasty. So, I ordered one of the specialty margaritas with some better tequila and it was a little better but still not that great. I'm not sure if it was their mix or what but how hard is it to screw up a margarita!
Also, their prices are a bit high for mexican food. The Land and Sea dish was $19, seriously?! I guess if the food was good it would have been worth it but for $19, such a waste of $$$.
I do have to say our server was nice, the food came out quick and the chips and salsa were decent. If you are in the mood for some good mexican food dont come here! -
Review from S H.
San Diego, CA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great authentic Mex food.
Good margaritas
Great carnitas, -
Review from Joshua S.
Pala, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
El Callejon has awesome chips and salsa! Their bloody mary's are so yummy. I also highly recommend the chicken flautas with the green sauce! Can't go wrong!
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Review from Irma L.
Manhattan, NY
2/5/2012
Great Mexican place. I have not found a more authentic restaurant for years!
Chipotle is excellent, and dessert is too.
Selection of Tequila is also extensive.
Another advantage is the proximity to the beach! -
Review from April L.
San Marcos, CA
1/16/2012
Margaritas are awesome - strong....tons of different types of tequila, so quality is always good! They're food is authentic, always fresh, and the best! I love their soups, salads, and seafood....they're menu is very extensive!
P.S. for some reason, this location is better than Vista - always consistent - always better! Vista fails me too many times....I recommend taking the extra few minutes to go to Encinitas, so you won't regret it! -
Review from Sara D.
Carlsbad, CA
1/30/2012
I haven't been here since my homecoming (ahem . . . 1994). However, after another Friday night in Encinitas trying to find a place to eat that didn't have at least an hour wait, we decided to revisit El Callejon.
It was great! We ordered a pitcher of margaritas which were excellent! They brought my son a virgin strawberry drink, which he was pretty gaga over.
I ordered the chicken tortilla soup (one of the best I've ever had) and the ceviche which had large chunks of fish in it, perfectly marinated.
My only complaint would be that it is just a tad too loud, which makes it hard to carry on a conversation.
I might have a new favorite Mexican restaurant. -
Review from Suzanne B.
San Diego, CA
2/4/2012
Worst service I have ever experienced. I had been to this place once before and it was enjoyable, as expected for your average Mexican fare. Its on Hwy 101 which gets more business than it should for what it shells out.
My friends food was not what he ordered and switched 5 min into eating it. My salad was switched out because of the wrong dressing(common mistake). After 5 min waiting for my plate the food came and was not what I had ordered and the runner insited on just leaving it there until our server could confirm that. My food came 10 min later and was still missing the sides I had wanted and was more like a soup than a plate of food. Ive had Pescado Veracruz, something simple to make and amazed that there was no flavor but oil and it was swimming from all the half tomatoes and giant onion rings. So I sent it back.
My friend was given a free beer for the mistake. Later I asked for another glass or wine and water. Water came but no wine! ARRGHH! The bill came and they charged us for a wine that was more expensive and not what I asked for. They adjusted it and gave me another glass of wine when all I wanted was to leave and never come back!
This place is 1 star only because the chips and guac and my friends dinner, which we shared, was good. Server was nice but definately in the clouds. This place needs a manager big time! -
Review from C P.
Temecula, CA
1/6/2012
Worst Mexican food I've had in a long time.
First, it's expensive. $17 or $18 dollars minimum for most things that weren't appetizers. I was ready to leave because of the price point, but we were too hungry to go looking around for other places.
The horchata was watered down. It just tasted like sugar and tap water.
The refried beans were BURNED. What probably happened is they burned at the bottom of the pan/pot, then were mixed in with the rest of the batch. They were hard to eat.
The black beans were fine but probably because they were canned and heated up.
Enchiladas and quesadillas were made with mozzarella cheese. So, pretty much tasteless.
For the quesadilla, it didn't even come with the standard toppings such as sour cream and guacamole, though maybe I dodged a bullet there because I can't imagine what kind of guacamole they must have had, given the quality of everything else.
The enchilada sauce was more of a mole sauce. Also, they were made with hard corn tortillas that seemed to also be a bit stale.
The rice was overcooked, with bits of hard rice in it. It tasted very bland.
The chips were stale and greasy.
The salsa was okay. When we asked for hotter salsa, we were given a chipotle salsa that tasted very smoky but not hot at all.
Overall, especially for the price, a huge appointment. The happiest people seemed to be drinking, so maybe it's the place to go to for drinks or happy hour. Pass on the food completely. -
Review from Steven M.
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a place I really want to like but each time I go, the experience is lacking something.
Visited El Callejon on a sunny Sunday afternoon. There were perhaps 10 tables in the place taken and as large as the restaurant is, that's probably 15-20 percent of all tables occupied.
No hostess working this day we were told by the bartender just to sit anywhere and we did. Chips, salsa and water are quick to the table - I love that in a Mexican restaurant because I want to get munching on those ASAP. After a few moments the waiter came over and we ordered.
This is where the experience goes from good to sitting around and waiting about .45 minutes for our food. Now I realize fresh Mexican takes time but let's be honest. I had a carne asada taco, a cheese enchilada and a tamale with rice and beans. There is no way it takes .45 minute to get this food plated with less than 20 percent of the restaurant filled. Either the kitchen is understaffed, the ticket ended up out of order or something else went wrong.
Had to (twice) get the attention of bus boys and servers to bring us more water and no one offered to re-fill our almost empty chip basket that was devoured since the wait was such a long time. In all, we spent over an hour here just for lunch and personally, I think that is way too long. I wasn't in a rush but the service was just too slow, even for the check I had to waive my hands in the air like a drowning victim to get someone's attention.
Food on the other hand is fresh, delicious and very authentic so you can't go wrong there. If you don't mind the slow service and the wait - this is a great place for decent Mexican food. Had the service been on the money - each of the two times I have been here I would have thrown down another star. -
Review from Saritah K.
San Diego, CA
12/8/2011
Not impressed.
I went here for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I found the surroundings to be kind of dirty and the food to be meh.
My "lobster" tasted like mushy nothingness. It didn't taste like anything and was not the right consistency. I don't know if it was frozen or overcooked or spoiled or all of the above.
The menu had spilled food and splotches of salsa all over it. I hate that. And the bathroom was really gross and there were no paper towels.
I don't go to Encinitas very often, but it seems that there are probably much better options around there. -
Review from Kristina I.
Solana Beach, CA
11/15/2011
I ate about it....
Happy Hour, Skinny Margs, Chips & Salsa, Rajas, window seat. If you are lucky enough to be waited on by Britta, then you are lucky enough. -
Review from Trish S.
Escondido, CA
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was SUPER disappointed with this place after I heard nothing but good things about it. Its obvious to me that my friends were drunk, or on something when they told me about their experience when dinning here, LOL ....Where to start.. Didn't have to wait for a seat so that was nice. Was seated outside, perfect for a Sunny San Diego day.
People who sat at the next table next to us were seated after us and was served before us. Waited for 10 mins before our waiter came and asked if we wanted anything to drink. My daughter and I finally ordered our food, and specifically order her food without certain items. When we finally got our food, the ONE thing she asked to not be on her plate was on it and ALL over it. We waited for a while and she decided to just to eat it, as we had NO IDEA where our waiter went to again. After about 30 mins or so he showed up again and asked why she didn't eat her food and if there was something wrong with it. I showed him that there was sauce all over it. He took her plate and went and got her a new one..
I order some rolled tacos, they were so hard and ummm sharp. Cut the inside of my mouth biting into one, true story.. The salsa sucked had no flavor. The chips were good..homemade.
Beware of bathroom. I think an ARCO bathroom is cleaner then this. I was absolutely disgusted, I did NOT want to use the bathroom at all. For the area that this place is at I just assumed that it would be a little bit cleaner then most.. WRONG!
I had to ask the bus boy for our bill, and so did the people next to us...not good. When I was paying my bill the waiter was hoovering over me as I was pulling my wallet out and watching me get, and counting my money. Kept asking me if I needed change. I finally said I'm NOT READY YET! I thought it was extremely rude.
I will NEVER go back here agin.. I rather get Taco Bell and share stories with a run down hooker then come back to this place. =) -
Review from Ann G.
Lancaster, SC
Do not miss this restaurant! Authentic food, wonderful warm staff. Have Oscar make you a margarita!
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Review from Seth B.
San Diego, CA
12/16/2011
Stomach aches and good times! OK, so I don't always feel the best after I leave, but the times I always have here are super fun! I really appreciate the friendly staff and the great location. I recommend this place to anyone who has a group of friends who want to hang out for hours and laugh. Super great meeting place!
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Review from David H.
San Diego, CA
12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great food, very authentic and a huge tequila bar. Yes, service can be uneven at times, but normally it is great, food is out quickly and we always have a good time. Don't miss the mole enchiladas or tamales!
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Review from Cristina B.
San Diego, CA
This little treasure trove is nestled away in a tiny strip mall in Encinitas. The parking lot it small but I've always been able to find a spot.
Their margarita menu is epic, and I have trouble deciding every time I go there. Last night my friend and I decided to split an appetizer as well, and settled on the avocado shrimp; two avocado halves filled with this delightful shrimp, onion, and tomato mixture in an unidentifiable but delicious sauce. The avocado was PERFECTLY ripe and delicious, and since my dining companion is from the midwest avocados are not always on the menu where he lives so I was delighted it was as good as it was.
He ordered the sabana arriera, a sirloin steak covered in onion, garlic, peppers etc. I tried the chicken enchilada, pork tamale, and carne asada taco. I was super disappointed with the taco which was literally cubes of carne asada in a corn tortilla. No lettuce, no cheese, nothing. Just a boring, dry taco. The enchilada was good and I'm glad they let me sub red sauce for the green, but the tamale too was a little lackluster. Almost like we peaked too soon on the appetizer and only had downhill to go.
The salsa was a refreshing change of chunky goodness of tomato, onion, and cilantro. A nice change from the usual soupy tomato sauce salsa you get at a lot of other restaurants. I like the outdoor patio-style atmosphere (with heat lamps since it was a chilly night) and did I mention the margaritas? Yeah, they're awesome... -
Review from Charles H.
Torrance, CA
9/13/2011
Last time I was here was about 1993 when this place was called "Taco Auctioneers" and there was nothing else around, no strip mall...nothin'!
Well, this place has grown significantly and is definitely a "destination" Mexican restaurant for many people. Crowded and convivial, we were seated in about 10 minutes on a Saturday night. Strolling mariachis were a nice touch. Really enjoyed my aguacate torta. Wife liked her asada quesadilla. Would definitely come back the next time I'm in the area! Parking was tough after 7:00 p.m. -
Review from Eric G.
El Cajon, CA
12/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great food, love the Old Town/Cabo atmosphere right near water. Love this place and the good vibes it gives.
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Review from renae s.
Cardiff by the Sea, CA
9/7/2011
This place has taken a serious dump the last year or so. I don't know when it jumped the shark, but the last few times I've been there, the food and service has been bad.
I used to love the food here, but the last few times it's been pretty flavorless and salty. Things have gotten a little disorganized. The service always seems rushed and not that great. I've been getting the tacos al pastor or shrimp fajitas for years, but the recipes have changed. I'm sad, because I really liked the food here, but it's gone way downhill. -
Review from Maryam H.
Encinitas, CA
7/29/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I love this place. This is one of my favorite places for happy hour and to eat. The only reason why I gave 4 starts instead of 5 is that one of the waiters is a jack@$$!! He is actually the owners son which is surprising, he speaks to you in a normal voice, no accent, but the second he says a word with the slightest bit of Spanish connection, all of a sudden he sounds like he is in the middle of Mexico City! and you cant understand a word he says! That is not my problem with him at all, that is the humorous part about him, but he is very territorial about his tables and just a little moody and rude in my opinion. So we just request not to sit in his area now and everything is fine. I hope he improves his attitude, I hear the wait staff say that alot of people request not to be in his section.
I still got here all the time, they have the best happy hour prices on beer and margaritas. Super strong drinks! Great food!
The cilantro soup and avocado shrimp are to die for!!Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Laura H.
Las Vegas, NV
8/27/2011
My boyfriend and I went to Encinitas to visit my parents, and we all decided we wanted Mexican food for dinner. So happy we spotted this place! The food was excellent and there was a LOT of it. I saw some reviews here complaining about the prices, but they're good for what you get! We all ended up taking home some leftovers. Our waiter was a super friendly surfer dude who even took the time to chat with us for a bit even though it was a busy Friday night. And he refilled our drinks without even asking, as soon as they were empty. The food came quick too. Next time we're in San Diego we're definitely hitting this place up!
Another note, I come from a family of self-proclaimed chips-and-salsa aficionados, and we could not get ENOUGH. They were amazing and super fresh. The guacamole was to die for as well... gotta love guac with mondo chunks of avocado in it. Mmm-mmm. -
Review from Gary R.
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
A friend and I dropped in here on a Friday afternoon in search of a libation that would take the edge off of a rather stressful week. Parking was a bit of a challenge, but not surprising given the location and small parking lot. After some patience, we found an available space. We were seated promptly, which was a good thing since we were on a tight schedule.
Orderd two margaritas, one blended and one on the rocks. They were decent, but I've defintely tasted better. A bit watered down and not very sizeable. The complimentary chips and salsa were mediocre.
Why the 2 stars? Well, the waiter seemed miffed that we were only having drinks. I'm not sure why that was the case, especially since it was Happy Hour. Nevertheless, it made me feel uncomfortable. The bill came to a little over $20. Seemed a bit pricy for just two small cocktails.
Oh well... -
Review from TRevor G.
San Diego, CA
1/10/2012
good food, good atmosphere. I met a buddy for drinks during happy hour and had a great time.
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Review from Paula T.
Riverside, CA
11/19/2011
Not a very good Mexican restaurant. Service is slow & some waiters barely speak English. Find another place if you can. Drive south on PCH to Las Olas instead. Parking lot is extremely small.
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Review from Alison F.
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Huh? OK, it has a great atmosphere. I love the indoor/outdoor patio and can see how it would be really pleasant on a summer day but the food. Meh. One word - bland. Red sauce=bland, empanadas=bland, flautas=bland. I was very disappointed. If you want to stop for chips, salsa and a margarita that's acceptable, but the food....not so great.
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Review from Carrie H.
Carlsbad, CA
8/15/2011
El Callejon is a stand-out among the massive array of mexican food restaurants that can be found in North County San Diego.
1. The atmosphere is nice and very spirited. It definitely is representative of decor and environment one would encounter in a restaurant in Mexico(maybe a little exaggerated but you get the idea); you will love the outside patio and it does give that mexican feel they also have a small area inside but more for happy hour/lunchtime I feel...
2. service is good... very attentive
3. food is awesome... wide variety of dishes to try! I personally like the chicken tortilla soup but I have never had anything bad there
4. Drink menu is long! They offer a great variety of margaritas, including a Skinny margarita that is very delicious and not so strong that you feel like you are drinking straight tequila! **HAPPY HOUR STARTS AT 3 PM!!!!****
I feel those are the most important points of a restaurant so definitely go and enjoy the ambience and food! And the mariachis on the weekends! -
Review from Taylor S.
Carlsbad, CA
4/7/2011
My wife and I go to dinner here at least 1-2x a month and love it. We always go for the 2 taco plate since it seems to be one of the better values on the menu, and the margaritas are nice and strong.
The guac is delicious, we always order that to go with the chips. -
Review from Michael H.
Del Mar, CA
6/15/2011
Been 3 - 4 times. Always sat in the bar, which, by the way, needs to be larger to accomodate the bullrush they get at happy hour. Wait staff - especially during happy hour are overwhelmed - they work their asses off..
Margaritas? Authentic. Tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. No mixes, no watered down stuff. They are taaaaasssstttty.
Oh, and, try not to go during happy hour though, just 'cause I need a place to sit! -
Review from Dynolu D.
San Diego, CA
7/10/2011
The atmosphere makes this restaurant - tastefully done with an open-air ambiance, optimizing our wonderful coastal San Diego climate. Weekend evenings are busy, but reservations are not necessary.
Chic-casual with many walking-in off the beach during summer. Pricey, but high quality entrees. Ideal date or group dinner place. -
Review from Lisa S.
Solana Beach, CA
12/23/2011
I am sitting in the happy hour bar as I type. The appetizer ,hurraches needs to be renamed horrible. The salsa tastes like it's been recycled since last night. the only good I can say is I only paid a happy hour price for my margarita...used to love this place never again.
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Review from Chris G.
Tequila Update: New favorite is Tequila 1519 anejo - excellent and smooth with nice dry agave finish. Also new good ones are the Revolucion Tequila anejo, Fortaleza Silver, Chinaco anejo, and love the 1921 anejo - still a favorite. Recommend having these neat no salt and a lime in between tequilas to cleanse your palette. Always excellent service by Gerson as usual, thanks El Callejon for the best tequila joint around, and the foods awesome too.
Listed in: North County Coastal Hot Spots
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/19/2011
Food Update: Must try carnitas tacos with black beans and rice!
Tequila Update: Now on tequila 45… Read more »
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Review from Bill S.
Vista, CA
7/4/2011
I've been coming to El Callejon for years. About time I wrote a review...
Where do I start? The bar feels like my living room. Great margaritas. I tried to get the recipe for their mix and only know it's Bols triple sec and real lime +???. Mix with tequila of your choice.
Some of my favorites here include the pollo mole tacos, the coctel de camarones. And don't forget about the Rajas, guacamole, calamari..it's all good!
And very friendly staff. -
Review from Discriminating E.
Irvine, CA
3/13/2011 1 photo
The colorfully-painted chairs, festive banners & lights, and the multi-levels -- some outdoors, some partially enclosed -- made it feel as if we were in Cabo. It offers a comfortable, casual, and fun atmosphere -- even more fun after drinks!
The service -- from the greeting & seating by the hostess -- was friendly and attentive.
We loved the thick, crunchy chips and fresh pico de gallo, as well as the cocktails (margaritas and Bloody Mary), which were very tasty, with some power (apparently, more than I originally gave 'em credit for, as I slept almost the entire trip back -- of course, I wasn't driving)! Our entrees (carnitas, as well as a shrimp in a garlic butter sauce), and our dessert (folded crepes covered with a generous helping of a warm, buttery caramel sauce) was great! This was our first visit; we're eager to return! -
Review from Kathalyn N.
San Diego, CA
12/6/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Hit or miss.
My sister and I wanted to grab breakfast/lunch and a margarita (yes, I'm a lush). I ordered the machaca plate and she had the chicken enchiladas, one with green sauce and one with red sauce.
The machaca was a little dry. Peppers and onions were scant, and I didn't think it was a very good value. My sister said that her enchiladas were...okay. Nothing to sing about, nothing to complain about.
I've been here when the food is really good. I've been here when the food was ehhh, but 2 things that NEVER disappoint are the margaritas and the chips. I mean, holy cow...the freaking chips are the best chips ever. Seriously, they are too good to be true.
The caveat is the salsa. Why?! Why can't the salsa be as good as the chips? It's tragic!
That said, It is a great place to take out-of-towners. It's a great place to happy hour (7 days a week--yay!!!). The service is friendly, and they have a million tequilas to choose from. And I like the Queso Fundido, which is just a bowl of molten lava jack cheese.
To summarize, give me margaritas, chips and queso fundido--and I'm a happy camper. -
Review from Stren M.
Encinitas, CA
12/8/2011
I guess it's good if you want to try many tequilas, the food though is standard bland mexican food for gringos who don't know any better. Think fidel's but worse.
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Review from Farshid S.
Mercer Island, WA
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very good mexican food. Coming from Seattle, we wanted some good mexican food before heading home and we picked this place based on Yelp. It was certainly on par with expectations. They had great chips and salsa, live music and good atmosphere.
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Review from Daniel S.
Del Mar, CA
7/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not what it use to be.
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Review from Staz S.
Carlsbad, CA
12/2/2011
No way! They must have different managers running the Vista and the Encinitas restaurant. I first went to the Vista location and thought the food was awesome. Then visited the Encinitas local, it was terrible. The food was oily, lathered in heavy cheese, tasted bland (I know what you're thinking "uh, it is Mexican food after all") but no! The Vista location is night and day different. Definitely not going back to the Encinitas local. The food was yuck!
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Review from Charles M.
Sylmar, CA
12/29/2010
I visited on the evening of Tuesday, December 28th 2010.
I love the ambiance of the place: the physical layout, the tables, plates, silverware, etc... The clientele this night skewed to white, healthy and wealthy groups of 40 to 60 somethings who were a little loud due whatever they had been imbibing, but that's not a big deal to me. There were some squalling kids when we first arrived, but they either left or quieted down.
The menu is quite large and has a pretty good number of dishes. Prices are a little on the high side, but not outrageously so. I'm a bit of a beer snob, so the only thing I saw on draft I might want was Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Really? So close to San Diego and its embarrassment of brewing riches? Oh, well, I went ahead and ordered the SNPA. Oh, sorry sir, we're out of that one. So I had a Diet Coke.
I loved the pico de gallo and chips that started things off - lots of onion and cilantro paired well with the crunchy, salty homemade chips.
My companion had a quesadilla while I had the puntas de pollo. Both our meals were very filling - so much so that there was no room for dessert.
The staff was attentive and friendly, one server even dropping by to comment positively on my Stone Brewing workshirt.
I have no hesitation recommending this place and I make it a point to visit whenever I get down to Encinitas. A note to the management, though: get on the craft beer train!
