One of the most bizarre things Ive ever experienced happened here. We ordered guac and another member of the staff brought us salsa so we thought (like most mexican restaurants) "cool!" And started eating it. Then the server came back, said "sorry! You got the guac not the salsa" and took the salsa (which I thought was weird). THEN SHE GAVE IT TO ANOTHER TABLE AND SAID "Here is your salsa!" NO WAY!!!!!!!!! I 1, would not have taken it from the table if I were the server, and 2, I would NEVER! NEVER!! Give food to a table that was already in front of another patron. This grossed us out for the rest of the meal and makes us wonder "maybe they are dumping uneaten chips (AND MAYBE EVEN SALSA)" back into the buckets in the kitchen if they are so mindlessly crossing those boundaries in the open... be cautious about eating here read more

I liked this place, the mango ceviche was great and while it sounds different for sure, it looks and tastes great. The birria and steaks here are also great. The location is prime, great vibes, good parking, and the servers are good. No complaints at all, and im sure ill be back read more

Amazing Food, great customer service, great happy hour specials amazing margaritas. Love this place is her favorite place in San Diego. read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - Crème brûlée French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

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The chilaquiles verdes (add a fried egg). It's kind of spicy but hot damn is this the best. The tortillas are light and crispy. read more

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Very disappointed after dining here . Really bad tasting chicken entree ,chewy and flavorless . We were a party of 8 Ordered a variety of entrees drinks and appetizers .Pricey and none of them felt like delicious. Mezcal had a gasoline flavor. They probably use Cheap mezcal in their cocktails. Really poor service , had to request for plates and silverware . The restaurant was half empty still they were slow in getting out the food .The only better plate was lamb tacos. Won't be returning here ! read more

They literally charged $1.95 for salsa, they don't give salsa w your meal and it's a Mexican restaurant. Makes me mad!

Great gluten free options for brunch & lunch! We sat at the bar. The inside of the restaurant is adorable. The food was fantastic. We're from Texas & not used to paying for chips & salsa...but when in Rome. It was well worth it. read more

Good food in a restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and great ambiance right in the heart of Encinitas. That is my TLDR quick review. Read on if you wish to know more. I came here on a Wednesday 1/5/24 with two of my dear friends/former coworkers. My friend D was the one who chose this spot and we were not disappointed. I arrived first and sat at the bar. I ordered a Senorial Sangria for myself and a popsicle margarita for D while I waited for them to arrive. I don't recall if I've ever had the sangria soda before but it was really good. My friends told me the popsicle margarita was also very good. It's basically a margarita with a popsicle on top of it. For appetizers, we had the guacamole Oaxaqueno and ceviche. The guac was amazing. One of the servers brings a cart with all the ingredients and makes the guac in a mortar right by your table. We had the option to add fried chapulines (grasshoppers) but we decided against it. The server let us try some and it was okay, would have added a little bit of saltiness and crunch but not needed. The guacamole was served with large blue tortilla chips. I had a bite of the ceviche and it was decent. I ordered the short ribs en mole negro. This was served with chochoyotes (masa dumplings), baby carrots, and cilantro-lemon rice. I asked for the mole on the side and was glad I did because I didn't care for it too much. The meat was tender and flavorful without it. The short ribs came with tortillas. I ate the meat, dumplings, rice, and carrots deconstructed. When I was down to my last tortillas, I turned the last of the plate into tacos which is probably what I should have done from the beginning. Regardless, I was sufficiently full and satisfied at the end of the meal. I did not give the restaurant 5 stars because the ribs were a little on the dry side (overcooked). Putting the mole on the meat might have changed that so perhaps the rating is unfair. Overall, the food was pretty good. The restaurant itself is on the small to medium side but had a great ambiance. Larger restaurants tend to feel busier and crowded especially on the weekends during dinner service. There was music playing but it wasn't too loud, and there were several televisions so you could watch sports while you dine if you want to. The bar is about one-third of the space. There is ample seating at the bar, a few booths, and plenty of tables. We didn't eat outside because it's winter and rained that day. Over the spring and summer, it must be great to eat outside and enjoy the great weather and good food. I will probably come back, just not anytime soon! read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - Popsicle (mango) margarita. I don't drink but my friends said it was good! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

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We were double charged!! The waiter claimed that his gadget didn't send it the first time. I noticed it a couple days later. It took me several days to get a refund and then,,, they shorted me $10!!! I won't go back!!! read more

I want to start off my saying this is one of my favorite restaurants ever! I have been now to three locations and each one is very delicious. I will say that this location is by far my favorite. They are very attentive and friendly! This location definitely more of modern twist vibe going on but the atmosphere is great! My family and I enjoyed very very much! I RECOMMEND 10000% read more

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Delicious food! Really enjoy the ambiance. One criticism... no olives for their bloody marys!

I came here and had the salmon tacos. They were fabulous. There is a ton of outdoor seating and the inside is really cute. The presentation of the food was amazing and tasted great. I especially LOVED their rice. Reminded me of central america which was glorious. read more

This place legitimately has some of the best food I've ever had. Their seafood soup is on another level.

The popsicle margaritas are absolutely a must try! And worth it! The huevos rancheros were good (the lamb birria was so flavorful) but the chilaquiles verdes was the winner! The serving sizes are big and enough to share if wanted! read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

Appetizers are a great value during happy hour. Drinks were made perfectly. Ambience makes for an upscale restaurant without the heavy price. read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - Happy hour drink menu is a great value. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

Great food, wonderful service, fun atmosphere, and an extensive menu. I don't drink but the cocktails looked colorful and the people at the neighboring table seemed to be enjoying them. This is not your typical Mexican food restaurant, and there are many healthy choices. The dishes are nicely, balanced, and not greasy in the slightest. read more

Cocina De Barrio has excellent food. We had a large group of about 13 and everyone left content with their meals (the ones who ate). The drinks everyone ordered hit the spot as well. Several different types of drinks were ordered and all seemed to be quite tasty. The reason behind the 4 stars is simply due to the service being average. It could've been the big party affect but they almost seemed annoyed with us in there. They also brought out a few dishes that no one ordered at our table, no big deal just little things. Cheers! read more

delicious food and great service . this okace is a step up from a lot of the places in north county.

Excellent addition to the 101! Amazing Mexican food and drinks that you just won't find anywhere else. I took my family during the day but a great date spot or handout too. Everything is amazing you really can't go wrong, anything get also can be made in vegan options. Really can't beat these guys. The service is excellent. Food comes out quick and is 10/10! Will be back!! read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I ordered the beef birria tacos and they were delicious. The meat was juicy and the corn tortillas are FRESH! The mango habanero appetizer we got was very tasty, too. It has shrimp in it and it adds a nice balance between sweet and savory. The service was excellent and their playlist was a big hit with our table, too. Cheers! read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - Beef birria plate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

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We had dinner here last night and everything was so good. The service was super friendly, and the atmosphere was warm and relaxed--perfect for a casual night out. Drinks were great, the portions were generous, and we never felt rushed. You can tell they actually care about the experience. Definitely adding this place to our regular rotation. read more

I was super excited to try this location because I've been in one that's in the southern part of San Diego and it just is not maintained well it's dirty and this location was the difference between night and day. Not sure how someone can expand if you can't keep up with your current locations and the standard you're setting and Encinitas. Food was yummy. Service was good again the ambience the design was beautiful. My biggest biggest biggest complaint that I can't even begin to understand is their tortilla chips are awful. Apparently they come with the salsa that's on the menu and the chips are free so that's what they serve. I get outsourcing stuff but is your chef not Mexican or someone in the kitchen that knows how to make salsa? Even I make a killer salsa Verde. The status part to me is that we have an amazing Mexican restaurant/grocery store here where they could get the chips at wholesale. They are so good and I'm sorry, but this is a make it or break it for me. My husband and I go to Our Mexican favorites Weekley and I love the cocktails here. It's super cute and close by to us, but until they get rid of those terrible tortilla chips, I just can't do it. Please change them. They are awful. read more

The mole was amazing , the drinks were fine, but what I enjoyed the most was the ambiance, they had a good playlist going. The staff is great, super friendly and attentive but not too much where it becomes annoying. I just wish that they have a better parking situation. read more

We had an amazing first time here at Cocina de Barrio. We came here with friends visiting from out of state and we all loved our meals. With guac made fresh at the table, topped with the optional crickets, we felt like we had such an authentic experience. Mezcal cocktails were delicious and we loved the sea bass ceviche. The birria tacos were a little drier than expected, but still good (we tried the beef and lamb and swapper). Highly recommend. The only disappointing part is that they can't get around the fluorescent lighting on the patio due to the building signage. read more

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This place is excellent! Tony made our guacamole fresh right by our table and everything was fresh and delicious! Great service and great food read more

We dined on a Saturday night and had a blast. The memelitas of lamb birria were the best type of sopes that I've found anywhere, and the costilla a la parilla was cooked to perfection. The drinks were delicious too! I'd return in a heartbeat. It's also worth noting that we took our toddler with us, and they were totally cool with it. read more

Went here on a Saturday night for early dinner (6pm). The venue is gorgeous and the bar is really impressive. The service is impressive, very attentive and prompt. Margaritas and cocktails are spot on delicious. When it comes to the food, this is a step above your typical Mexican restaurant. There are some great shareable choices as well as full on entrees. We went with a few shareables for dinner and couldn't finish. Too, get the tableside guacamole it's fantastic. read more

This place was so cute and the food and service great too! It's tucked away in a little shopping center but a hidden gem! The table side guac is not to be missed, loved the micro cilantro in it! And I got the lamb and beef Burris tacos and they were delicious. Margaritas were also beautiful and good size. Will def be back soon! read more

Delicious food, amazing drinks, wonderful service and beautiful bar. Can't wait to go back!

Great place! Starting with the table-side guacamole and ending with the churros, we had great food and even better service. Highly recommend. read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

This is the cutest place for brunch! The inside is clean and bright, but we chose to sit on the very nice patio for brunch. I can not say ENOUGH great things about the service- everyone was so friendly and attentive! Our brunches were very delicious and huge! I had the Sopes Benny and hubby had the Santa Fe omelet. Bonus- the breakfast potatoes were so, so good! We will be back the next time we're in town... for sure!! read more

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Laura is an incredible server and was very on top of everything. The bottomless mimosas were great! The sope de Benny were so so tasty! Try the Butterfly mimosa. read more

Went for happy hour and it was great. Get the spicy jalapeño margs for $5 and aguachile!

Absolutely delicious. A Mexican restaurant boasting food from a unique but different region of Mexico. Flavors and selections are not typical border Mexican food. We loved everything our group ordered. Cocktails were great. A must try read more

Tonight was the second time that I had dinner here and it was as wonderful as the first. Our server was attentive, the setting is attractive and comfortable, and the food and cocktails were delicious. They also have delicious plant based options, so my guest who is vegan was beyond thrilled. read more

Ambiance is great! Lovely little spot along the 101 in a small shopping center in downtown Encinitas. Service was attentive. Brunch was decent, I ordered the red chilaquiles and they were good if not very tortilla heavy and rich. I'd actually like to return and try some sweet options as they had a vast selection. Bloody Maria was smoky! They have a good selection of brunch cocktails as well. Looking forward to another try. read more

Cocina de Barrio is a great addition to downtown Encinitas! The space is beautifully remodeled and decorated. The drinks and food are both on point, I love sharing a number of the shareables here with a group, especially the table side guac! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about allergy questions - lots of vegan and gluten free choices! read more

My mother and ai came here last night and loved everything about this place. The blue corn tortillas were tender, the different mole's were complex and flavorful and the meats in the warm appetizers were ordered were tender and plentiful. We also ordered the lamb shank and had enough to take home with us! read more

First time here and we were disappointed... when we got there it was empty we were seated quick and got our drinks fairly quick. He gave us lunch and brunch menus, we wanted brunch. We waited like 20 minutes to order as our server just sat at the bar finally another server started serving OTHER people that were seated after us, so we were confused and asked him to take our order. We couldn't even get brunch anymore :( We ordered off the happy hour menu and the food was okay but hurt all of our stomachs. The ambiance is nice. read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - Pom Pom pomegranate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

First time here. Sunday, Fathers Day was super busy yet the service was exceptional! The food is delicious. Tried the Tacos dorados ... delicious! Hubby had their Tlampiquena plate with mole pipián... finger licking' good! No doubt we will be back :) read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - Pastel de elote...yummy!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California