When someone pitches brunch my first thought is Cocina de Barrio. Bottomless mimosas and birria chilaquiles, what more could you possibly want! My friend and I decided to give the cocktail of the month a try I was really looking forward to it ever since I saw the instagram post and I was so sad it wasn't what my friend and I were expecting. However one of the servers passing by (we did not want to send back our drinks cause we are not confrontational) noticed we weren't too content with our drinks and she got us butterfly mimosas immediately and we really appreciated that. I wish we caught her name and our servers cause he was awesome as well. If you're looking for great food and even better vibes make sure you check out Cocina de Barrio! read more

Delicious, creative, fresh up-scale Mexican food and margaritas. Excellent service. My favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. Delicious sea bass ceviche, delicate sauces and fresh made corn cakes. Table-side guacamole allows you to choose ingredients. Great Happy Hour specials! read more

Lovely decor. But sadly food did not equate. The breakfast items were tasteless. No salt or seasoning of any kind on either of our entrees. And for a Latin American restaurant that is hard to do. Drinks were ok. As was service. But food was just super bad. Had tummy trouble for two days afterwards. read more

My mother and I came in here looking for a cute bar and yummy brunch. The stars are for the service, the bartender and server we had were very kind. The food was not flavorful and very bland. I had the Salmon hash and it lacked any vibrance, color, and flavor. My mom had the Huevos Rancheros and it was luke warm and flavorless. Potatoes tasted not fresh. Chairs were adorable though lol. read more

Came here before and had a good experience, so we decided to try it again . If I could give this place a zero I would , The food was good nothing special , waited for the server to take our order she went straight to a bigger party that came in after us and took their order first while we only had water brought by another server. Once she decided to come around she was very cold and brief . The food came out and she only came once to check up on us but would check up multiple times to bigger parties . Once we finished we waited and waited for her to come back again and she was having a conversation with the bar tender we looked at her to have her come over and she glanced at us and went to attend the bigger party next to us. We waited forever for her to come to give us the bill and again was very cold and rude. The server was Jaqueline Z we won't be coming back nor recommending this place to no one . Management needs to talk to staff!! read more

Went last night for happy hour. Fourth time here and I am ready to go back today. Their taco menu is versatile and delicious. I had a spicy margarita which not only tasted delicious but was beautiful as well . The tableside guacamole is not to be missed. You choose the ingredients and it's made in a molcajete and served to you in it. The staff is so friendly and they make your time there extra special It's my new favorite place for happy hour and will be going back for dinner soon. read more

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

See all

Our waitress was very nice, there were 8 of us, she made recommendations and she was knowledgeable and very pleasant. The restaurant was very busy, Srvc was slow. I waited a while to order another drink. I don't think the wide screen TV's fit. I watched the same infomercial the entire time I was there, if TV's are on, they should at least have something interesting. Food and drinks were tasty and unique, presentation was nice. I love the ambiance and decor except for the TV's. Our waitress made up for the slow srvc and we got a beautiful, leche bday cake w/fresh berries to share. Very generous touch. Lastly, if you order the guacamole, it's made at your table, nice touch. One more thing, I saw a guest drinking a popsicle margarita. I might try that some day, it looked rich, like a coconut popsicle or the like, just guessing but intriguing. read more

My husband and I wanted to check new Cocina in Encinitas last 10 days so bad but it was always full and we finally been able to go tonight. We ordered 2 drinks the oyster and the ceviche. Drinks were 10/10 but the food, I wish I didn't order that Oyster, the first one was ok, the second one i literally threw up under the table in my napkin, my husband ate the rest and I felt awful the rest of the time. I think the oysters were soo old and now that we came back home I think we are both poisoned. Also the waitress recommended the ceviche and said it's so goood it's full of avocado and we didn't find any avocado in it and we showed it to waitress and she was also surprised . So I highly recommend their drink but not food. read more

OMG! Tacos de birria were excellent -get the lamb -it was great! Paloma was excellent. No wait on a Sunday afternoon . Service was great too. They offer amazing dessert options t read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - This salsa is hot but deliciously flavorful. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

See all

Amazing service from Christian C. , food is even better, and the restaurant is just a nice place to be. But back to the food, everything we ordered was absolutely delicious with great presentation. Will be back as soon as possible to try more of the menu! COME TO THIS PLACE!! read more

I was looking forward to coming here for a while but the food was so disappointing. Everything needed salt and the Diabla shrimp was truly terrible compared to many versions of that dish I have had in Mexico. I also showed up about 10 minutes later than my party and had to ask for a glass of water 3 times. read more

Food is amazing staff is amazing, I have eaten there several times and always special

Such a cute classy restaurant. The shrimp aguachile was tart and citrusy and perfect with the black sauce & black tostadas. Very pretty restaurant and great service. read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - Augachile negro-Lime-cured shrimp, red onion, cucumber, cilantro radishes, serrano, soy sauce - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

We happened upon this new restaurant & it didn't disappoint! The short ribs en mole negro and pollo en mole Coloradito were amazing. The homemade tortillas were an added bonus! I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Jalisco express margarita! It was delicious!! I highly recommend this new encinitas gem! read more

See all

We happened upon this new restaurant & it didn't disappoint! The short ribs en mole negro and pollo en mole Coloradito were amazing. The homemade tortillas were an added bonus! I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Jalisco express margarita! it was delicious!! I highly recommend this new encinitas gem! read more

We stumbled into this place on a whim for lunch and wow, we were really blown away! The food, the service, the drinks, everything was amazing. We are in the food industry and it's rare we are this impressed by a spot! Our server Oscar was great, super attentive and on top of everything. 10/10 recommend Cocina de Barrio!!! read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - vegan coconut aguachile, birria tacos, rice and beans, chips and salsa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

If you wanna try REAL and AUTHENTIC Mexican food, this is the place. They have an incredible menu inspired in central and south of México. So if you are in the mood of some crudos they have ceviche and aguachiles. If you want to try homemade moles they have 3 kinds and they are AMAZING. I would recommend starting with some antojitos (appetizers) they have different textures and bold flavors. And please don't forget to check the drinks if you are more like an spicy person try the jalisco express and if you want some sweet get the tía chata (horchata with alcohol and a coconut popsicle). The place is beautiful and decor reminds me about the pretty colors and murals of México. They serve brunch, happy hour during the week and dinner. Service is great. So energetic. I would definitely coming back.. thank you for an beautiful night. read more

Came to try out the newest restaurant on the 101 for lunch, since we work down the street and frequent local eateries for lunch to support local and have fun. Strike one: we arrived on a weekday around 1:45pm and they only provided a brunch menu to order from. When we asked for a proper lunch menu, they explained that they were only serving brunch. I did make sure that my calendar wasn't off and I wasn't mistaking Tuesday mid-day for Sunday morning. Nope. Only brunch. So, we asked what our options were for a lunch fare that didn't include huevos. The server simply replied that we could request to remove the huevo and bring us the dish. Strike two. So I'm getting LESS food for the same price? We ended up ordering a dish that could kind of resemble lunch and it was small, no sides and while the presentation was on point, I can't give it any more stars for flavor or sophistication being a $15+ entre. Strike three: no chips and salsa served, yet they offer a full bar menu at brunch while you wait for your food. Overall, there are far better restaurants on the coast that have their menu and flavor dialed in than Cocina de Barrio, for better prices, too. I don't recommend this place. Last tip: we heard from a friend that tried to take a small group to Concina De Barrio and the host refused to seat them until the entire party had arrived... and the restaurant was empty. What happened to being able to arrive and order a drink while waiting? Are people allowed to sit at the bar and wait or casually enjoy a private moment with a cocktail? Not at Cocina De barrio in Encinitas. read more

The happy hour has the best food in Encinitas or any of the north coastal towns by far. And, the pricing on happy hour is so fair. Also, the service was spectacular. The employees are courteous, attentive, and genuinely seem happy working there. This is a high-end Mexican establishment but if you go during happy hour, you'll get the best of both worlds: great food at a great price. read more

Nice environment and good margaritas and tequila selection. Good table side guac, but asked for salsa and instead for about two tablespoons of chili sauce?? No salsa... entree quality was good. But I think I learned that of the regions in Mexico, I'm least excited about Oaxacan/Pueblan. My wife similarly had a beautiful entree but it was okay in flavor. Still looking for a new favorite, authentic Mexican restaurant in coastal north county. read more

Service was atrocious and they weren't even busy. Seated our reservation for 3 and a tiny table for 2. Took awhile to get a waiter... then took even longer to get our drinks.We ordered their table side guac and it had zero flavor. When we asked for salt and limes, the server looked at us like we were crazy. Took forever to get the server back to take our food order, thought we weren't even going to get food! When we were finally able to pay our check, the server was defensive when we complained. HORRIBLE service. read more

This was truly one of the best restaurants I've ever been to! The ceviche and French Toast were delicious! I can't wait to go back again!

I've visited the other locations and the ambience in this one is to die for! The food was great, and thank you Nicky for your service :) read more

Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas - Enmoladas, churros n French toast, pollo en mole - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

What a fantastic find! Heard about this restaurant today from a friend and had to come and give it a try. I'm so glad we did, really beautiful Oaxacan food, homemade everything. Julian made the best table side guacamole we've ever had. No exaggeration. I had the braised lamb shanks and husband had the short rib mole. Both stellar, but you must order something with their incredible mole. You'll thank me. The overall service from Wendy was fantastic. She gave us great guidance on the menu and was so enthusiastic about the food. I would be too if I worked here. Oh, and the drinks were also excellent, had the Cadillac margi and the Hibiscus margi. You should too! read more

Had an amazing time this morning with my grandpa at this fine restaurant, the food was amazing and the service was better,Thanks to Oscar the manager of the establishment for the amazing service and great menu recommendations and knowledge. The atmosphere of the restaurant is also great, I love how open It feels in there and the easy view of the multiple televisions, also loved the desert I had gotten after my breakfast, sweet and savory! read more

My husband and I ate at Cocina de Barrio in Encinitas for lunch today. The food was absolutely delicious. I had the healthy Pepita Salad, it was crunchy and refreshing, the salad had just enough salad dressing and cheese; with crunchy tortilla strips. I loved it! I also had a side of black beans, the beans were delicious. My husband had Calabasitas with cheese; tons of flavors, not spicy at all, it had just enough cheese; my husband loved it. We also had chips and salsa, the salsa was not too spicy, it was just enough spice; so I was able to enjoy it; the skinny margarita was very refreshing not too strong in alcohol but I could definitely taste the tequila. I highly recommend eating here, we will be taking our family here to try the dinner menu. Our waiter was very kind, and helpful, he met our needs. read more

The Happy Hour Margaritas and food were great!! Super flavorful and affordable!! Danny was our waiter, very fun and pleasant! We will definitely be back!! Thank you so much for a wonderful experience!! read more

Great spot to connect for brunch, wonderful decor and drinks! Food is also wonderful, unique spot. Highly recommend!

Great service and food. We will be back with friends and family. 5 stars. Recommend the shrimp!

This place is a nice surprise. Food and service were both great. Nice to have a more upscale option for Mexican influenced food other than a taco stand. We had an outside table which may also be a quieter spot to consider for a couple. read more

I've been here twice, and really want to like it but I just can't. Both times the bar was dirty, sticky rings from previous margaritas and salt on the bar. I bartended for many years, and one thing you do, is wipe it periodically. Second issue was the deafening noise. I my friend sitting inches away from me at the bar couldn't hear me it was so loud in there. Luckily they had a table outside. Will say staff, the hostesses, bartender and waiter were all very friendly and the food was pretty good. read more

It's really good and authentic Mexican fusion!!!! The waitress especially Jaky is awesome!!! Good service

Thought we'd try out this new spot with my folks visiting from the east coast... wasn't too busy and got seated right away so that was nice. Then waited for about 7 minutes before someone offered to get waters for the table. Dropped the waters then left before we could order drinks. Waited another 6 minutes until we were able to order drinks and some chips and salsa. Drinks came out and they were good, the salsa and chips on the other hand... Huge stone caldron of salsa and a small metal bowl of maybe 17 chips?! For $12!!! Then asked for more chips as we barely used any of the salsa, turns out extra chips are $1.75 per small bowl?! WITW!! Decided to just leave as everything else on the menu was very expensive. If I were you I'd hit up City Tacos right next door. read more

Highly recommend! Great service and bottomless mimosas. All the food felt traditionally Mexican and had great taste and quality. 10/10 on food, drinks, and hospitality read more

Ok. I Love the decor so much. Encinitas has needed a new fun spot. I will say.....I'm a local and I've been here a few times and so far everyone I have brought has been rubbed the wrong way. They won't give you chips and salsa, the don't have wifi, they have not the greatest attitudes and now I'm here on a Sunday and it's packed because of the street fair and they just informed us that they close in 15 minutes. Like. What? Why? So stupid. I don't understand and I'm here with 6 other locals who are now so irritated. I don't see this place doing well if they don't make some serious changes. read more

I'm giving the restaurant a 3 because I just don't get it. Is it a vegan restaurant, trendy Mexican...I don't know. There are not chips and salsa. You can get some dry blue corn tortillas but the salsa does not exist. We got some very hot red sauce that you could dip a corner in and eat. We asked for some green salsa - all they had available in a Mexican restaurant. Cost $2 for about 2 tablespoons. I had the barria beef tacos which were good. My friend had a Caesar salad with salmon which was lack luster especially for the price. Drinks were good and the highlight if that is what you are going for. We won't be back and I don't think this place will be here in a year unless they carve out a niche. Service was great but I felt they were like just get the barria tacos and a drink to be happy. We made reservations but really there is no need as the place was dead on a Saturday night. I'd go somewhere else. read more

Asked for chips and salsa. Wa told everything is made to order thus no chips and salsa. Ordered chevichi and came with tostadas that were stale. Definitely not made to order. read more

We stopped in for drinks and ended up adding guacamole, fish tacos, and an amazing vegan dish. As young Maximo from "Acapulco" would say, the guacamole here will change your life! Here's the real find: A vegan plate of young coconut meat and cucumbers in a deep green salsa. Reminded me of abalone! Extremely friendly service and a spotless restaurant. read more

Abby was super helpful with explaining the menu to my wife and I! I love the table side guac that is served ONLY during dinner. We love to stop by and have the churros French toast for the their brunch that's served daily. Great addition to the Highway 101 strip! read more

Arrived at the restaurant at 8:45. The business indicated it was closing at 10:00. There were multiple patrons seated and in various phases of their dinners. Was met at the front and told they decided to close early. Sad to close a restaurant an hour and 15 minutes early when you still have customers arriving. read more