If you're expecting average bar food, this isn't that. I went to Encontro in North Park and everything felt a step above what you'd expect. It's a casual spot, but the food leans more chef-driven and thoughtful. We started with the breadsticks and truffle butter simple, but really well done. The crispy portobello mushrooms were one of my favorites, super flavorful with a great texture. For drinks, I had a margarita and a bloody mary, both solid. For mains, we ordered the tri-tip sandwich (aka "Cardiff Crack") and the chicken sandwich. The tritip especially lives up to the hype really tender, packed with flavor, and easy to see why it has that nickname. Dessert is what stood out so much . The butter cake comes warm with ice cream and purée, and it was easily the highlight of the meal. I took a bite and just paused for a second it's that kind of dessert Overall, a really good spot if you want elevated comfort food in a laid back setting. I'd definitely come back, especially for that butter cake and tritip read more

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Encontro is a busy gastropub sitting right on the corner of 30th & University in North Park. I love coming here specifically for their happy hour specials -- the plates are the perfect size, the drink deals are solid, and it's an easy spot to pop into after walking around the neighborhood. The entrée menu is decent -- nothing too out of the ordinary -- and pricing runs a little high in my opinion. But the atmosphere is lively, they're dog‑friendly, and the patio area is a nice place to sit if you want something casual and comfortable. Overall, a decent option if you're looking for a sit‑down American restaurant in North Park with good happy hour bites and a fun, busy vibe. read more

Went there for the very first time and was sadly very disappointed. Unfortunately, due to some other clientele. Because this is a dog friendly establishment, and I love dogs... There was one person at the bar who had his dog off leash which I was surprised the restaurant allowed. Again, this is my first time ever coming to this restaurant and I invited a friend and we had two small dogs with us. Unfortunately, the guy at the bar who had his own dog off leash, kept allowing his dog to come over to us. He had a large breed dog, a Belgian Malinois that kept harassing our small dogs. We said something to the owner and all he did was call his dog over to him, but continued to keep his dog off leash. Again, I'm really surprised the restaurant allowed someone to have a dog off leash in their establishment. Eventually, the man stepped outside to smoke, and he was smoking right next to us which again made for a very uncomfortable climate, and experience. Keep in mind, this is my very first time eating at this restaurant. I really wish the staff would've addressed the dog off leash before it became an issue. Again, totally surprised me that an establishment would allow a dog off leash inside a place where food and drink and people are. read more

These sliders don't look like much but I promise the patties are jam packed with flavor! Bit of a smokey flavor, I just need to have this again. Chilaquiles are more on the sweet side, they were just alright. I'd stick to the burgers here. Can't wait to return to try some more! Love love love the ambience in here read more

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Wow the atmosphere was so nice and friendly. Mom had brought her dog and they even have doggie menus which is so nice. The service was great Jamal was an awesome server. We celebrated our moms birthday here and we will be back again read more

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I hosted my house warming party here (with 12 of my good girls friends) and it was perfect. The location was great, food tasted lovely, and the chef even gave a sweet dessert as a congrats. Highly recommend this place! Thank you so much!! read more

We love coming to North Park! It's vibrant, eclectic, and walkable to many shops, boutiques, art galleries and diverse eateries. It's definitely a hub known for its craft beer scene, trendy dining, and historic charm. Among them is Encontro! This trendy bar and grill serves a wide selection of American pub fare with creative twists, including burgers, sausages, salads, and brunch items. It offers a relaxed, dog-friendly environment with indoor/outdoor seating, and impeccable dining service. My wife made a reservation for (4) around 6ish. The hostess greeted us with a smile and led us to our table. The vibe was warm, welcoming and trendy with open bay windows that provided just the right amount of open air to enjoy our evening dinner. Our server Jamal made some great recommendations- Prime Pork Chop. Incredibly succulent, moist, and tender. A nice thick-cut, bone-in loin, seared to a deep, caramelized brown and served medium rare- chef's kiss! My wife ordered her usual Fish & Chips- the jalapeño tartar sauce was absolutely delicious (great accent). Our friends ordered the Baja Jalapeño Caesar and Cardiff Crack. The steak was tender and juicy, cooked to perfection-medium rare. Overall, we had an exceptional dining experience and would recommend this place to anyone! read more

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I always drive by this spot in North Park and finally made the time to try it. The Baja jalapeño Caesar was huge!! I was expecting a standard smaller salad as you get at most restaurants, but I was so impressed with how filling it turned out to be. Adding crispy chicken gave it a great crunch and it had the perfect spicy kick to it. Our server was so personable and so attentive. A cute spot to hit before going out in north park. read more

Encontro North Park - Baja Jalapeno Caesar - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

This review is only for their happy hour. We came in and got a drink during the weekday. Jamal was our bartender/server and he was phenomenal! He asked us what we liked and didn't to help recommend something. I had the watermelon margarita. It ended up being 6 dollars due to happy hour. It was really tasty! Highly recommend if you like watermelon and a sweet little drink. We sat at the bar but there were plenty of tables open as well. It was a nice day so outdoor seating was lovely too. As for parking there's street but there's also a parking structure across from 30th. Will definitely come back for another happy hour in the future! read more

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We had an amazing time at Encontro this weekend. The restaurant we originally planned on going to was under construction, so we randomly strolled in here, took a chance, and it couldn't have worked out better. We ordered the truffle Mac and cheese and the patty melt. Both were outstanding, and I even like the coleslaw in the patty melt (usually can't stand it!). The server was super kind and welcoming, made jokes with us, and made us feel super comfortable. The food was incredible and even scrumptious in leftover form that night after the bars. Would definitely recommend for food, atmosphere, and vibes! read more

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I'm so happy they added new items to menu this is brooks favorite place now Santino loves it too each got Mary chicken -rice I had the Cardiff crack service was great she was fast till the end .the Cardiff crack was ok it had no flavor even with the chimichuri . Next time I'll just stick to my salads read more

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The service was extremely attentive. I had at least 5 people check up on me, and I felt very seen. The $3 mimosas were perfect for a lively Sunday morning. It was excellent to sit on the outside single bench. Very dog friendly, with a good amount of inside/outside seating. Music is a good level, and the vibes were high. Great servers and hostess! If going to brunch with a friend, this is a great place. I got the Cardiff Craft Hash. It was super good! A big portion and very tasty. Was very pleased. It's a nice location to walk around afterwards and enjoy north park. Parking is a block away, but can walk anywhere from this area. Very clean bathrooms, easy to find on the corner of University and 30th. Go to Encontro! As a college student, I would save up about $60 to be safe (meal, drink, tip! +leftovers) read more

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Let's Encontro From the Portuguese encontrar--to meet, find, and discover--. @encontronorthpark @explorenorthpark brings a fresh vision of craft beer + chef-driven eats to North Park, all inside a stunning Paul Basile-designed space where cool meets convenience. Created by Chef Jason, the menu hits all the comfort notes with an elevated twist. Obsessed with the house bread (Pat & Oscar's vibes but make it upscale), the butter biscuits, and the ultra-fresh Farm Salad--baby gem, tangy Dijon, dates, cherry tomatoes, corn, pistachios, avocado, capricho goat cheese, and cornbread croutons Don't skip the Jidori chicken wings (all flats!) tossed in sweet chili, house BBQ, or truffle sriracha, plus the fish tacos, butter cake, and so much more. This is your sign to come meet your next favorite neighborhood spot read more

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Had brunch here on Sunday afternoon, we sat at the Bar top. Started with the portobello fries and I ordered the eggs Benedict flatbread. The food came out quickly and was tasty. Unfortunately, I was so hungry that I didn't take any pictures! Sorry. I'll have to come back and take some of the next time. There are many brunch is extensive so I recommend it. read more

Encontro North Park - Menu - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

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TLDR: Fries are REALLY GOOD! Lamb burger was ok I got the lamb burger and it was just ok. I didn't really taste the meat and mainly tasted the acidity of the taziki sauce which if you love taziki you might enjoy. The fries were perfect! Crispy yet thick enough to be potatoey and perfectly salted. read more

Encontro North Park - Lamb Burger - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

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servers were super nice, we got there 30 mins before close which we didn't realize but they were very gracious. We got the pork sliders and brussels sprouts to split. slider were sooo good. brussels were a little burned on the outside and undercooked on the inside but still pretty good. love the vibe, and it's right on the main drag read more

Encontro North Park - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

Adding an updated review: the $5 sangrias are still delicious! We got to try both the white and the red and my friend got a Paloma. All great! We sat outside, watching the city people go by and service kept us in mind all night. Still a great restaurant for weekday dinner hang outs! read more

Encontro North Park - Cardiff Crack Burger with an upgraded side of Portobello Fries - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place is on the corner of a very busy corner in north park. They have ample seating both inside and outside and the menu is fantastic. It is your typical American fare with some fusion dishes. I tried the chicken and waffles and the Cardiff crack Benedict. The chicken and waffles were okay to me. They just tasted like typical chicken and waffles. The star was definitely the Cardiff crack Benedict waffle which is made with brisket. I feel like the plating could be better because it looks like this could be an appetizer. I would suggest putting it on a round dish and add some potatoes or even an arugula salad on the side. However, that's how it is sold on the menu- literally just the egg Benedict waffle. It was delicious tho! It was more than enough for me. The brisket was cooked so well and had a nice Smokey flavor. The eggs were also poached perfectly. The star is that aioli that had on top, it was what paired everything together. It was also nice to have a corn meal savory waffle as well. I would highly recommend that to be the brunch dish to get! read more

Encontro North Park - Chicken and Waffles - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

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I went to Encontro in North Park and overall had a really good experience! I ordered the truffle mac and cheese, which was flavorful but a little too heavy on the truffle for my taste. It might have been better with a protein, but adding one was a bit pricey. The prices overall seemed reasonable, though they do charge extra for small add-ons -- for example, it's $2 to add cheese to a burger and $1 for other toppings. We also tried the portobello mushroom fries, which were surprisingly delicious and paired perfectly with the basil aioli they come with. For dessert, we had the butter cake, which was a nice sweet ending to the meal. The service was great, the staff was super friendly and attentive. read more

Encontro North Park - Truffle asparagus Mac N' Cheese - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

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When we walked into Encontro last night, we could not have predicted the miraculous dining experience that followed. Nights like this is why restaurants exist. The team at Encontro is so kind, knowledgeable about their menu, passionate about their restaurant, and of course they're dog lovers! The menu is delectable and there is something for everyone! They also have an extensive dog menu! Thanks for having us, Jason & Ellie! Meal details: Appetizer: Hot & Fresh Bread by Pat & Oscar Dessert: Butter Cake (CANT MISS THIS!!!) Side to share: Truffle Fries Ruthie's mom: Diet Coke & Cardiff Crack Burger Shaylee's Mom: Pineapple Sangria & Mary's Fried Chicken Sliders Ruthie: Pup Patty Shaylee: Pup Melt Note: due to San Diego zoning rules and Encontro restaurant set up, well behaved dogs are welcome to dine indoors or outside on their patio. dog friendly dining, San Diego foodie, SoCal fun, date night, night out in north park, north park San Diego read more

Encontro North Park - Ambiance was so chic! - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

Came here on a Tuesday night for dinner, and was not very impressed with most of my time here. For starters the sun shines straight in and it's more of an open building vibe, blinding half the the guests at any time there is light. We got multiple dishes off the happy hour menu and to be honest most dishes were average. Brussel sprouts were soggy and uneven in texture. Also not the biggest fan of the vinegar, made it to sour for my personal taste. The tuna taco was no better, it had too much aioli and seaweed salad and that hid the fresh taste of the ahi tuna. The Cardiff crack tacos were the best out of the bunch, good seasoning on the meat flavor, though even was hard to eat with how small the taco shell was compared to how much diced tomatoes and onions were on top of the meat. read more

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Came in for breakfast with my friend. She looooves the breakfast burritos here. I opted for something a little more funky. I got the hot chicken and biscuits with gravy. The gravy was different because it had chorizo in it and let me just say that was an absolute game changer!! I loved it. The serving size is big, too. I couldn't finish it alone. Definitely recommend it! read more

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@encontronorthpark is such a cute spot right in the heart of @explorenorthpark. Everything is made to perfection, and the chef prepares it all himself with so much love and passion--you can truly taste it in every bite. read more

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Brought my husband here because I saw an article that Encontro uses the recipe for the Pat & Oscar's breadsticks that he's been missing for years. He enjoyed it overall but said it was missing the strong garlic flavor compared to the original. The patatas bravas were the best item we ordered. The potatoes were crispy but for $16 the portion size was way too small. We shared the chilaquiles and were extremely disappointed. While the presentation itself was nice, this might have been the worst chilaquiles I've ever had. The sauce had absolutely no flavor and ruined the dish by just making the chips extremely soggy. There was barely any chicken and the only part with any taste at all was the eggs. We couldn't finish even half because it was so bland. The restaurant itself is trendy with an indoor-outdoor atmosphere so I understand the appeal of the setting. The food really needs to step up for these prices. Additionally, the menu is not labeled with any allergens and our waitress was not knowledgeable other than knowing gluten free bread was a substitute. She did go ask if what I wanted to order was gluten free so I appreciate that follow up but that left me with the task of figuring out what might be safe in order to decide what to ask about. read more

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We were on our last day of our girls trip and of course, wanted to grab a quick bite before heading home. We originally planned to go to another restaurant that was booked completely, so we walked around to find something. We spotted this place and immediately loved the sign. Walked in and were told they have $3 mimosas So of course, ordered some to cheer with the girls. Right away we noticed the menu looked very good and we ordered our main course. All the food looked and was delicious! I would prob add more sauce to the lobster roll but otherwise it was pretty good. My friends also loved their food and we loved especially our mimosas. The servers were great and checked on us frequently to make sure we had what we needed. The place is simple but cute! Overall we loved this place and would definitely return if given the opportunity. However, I love trying new spots. But if you're in town and want something quick and delicious! Oh and don't forget the $3 mimosas! read more

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Encontro is the best! The food and drinks are AMAZING, I loved the fresh bread, Jalepeno ceaser salad, and the Cardiff crack (Tri Tip) is the best! The drinks were so refreshing, too, and they have great happy hour deals! The staff was SO friendly, and the ambiance was perfect. This is my favorite summer patio to get to with friends:) read more

Encontro North Park - Baja Jalapeno Caesar - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

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The drinks were great and reasonably priced and the hot fresh bread was amazing! Unfortunately, the service was not the best. The hostess was sweet, but it took at least 15 minutes for the server to acknowledge us and she was rude and impatient. read more

Encontro North Park - Hot House made fresh bread - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

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I didn't know encontro had brunch! I went as part of a large group and was impressed how seamless the ordering and payment was (there was like 55 of us). The waitresses were very attentive and helpful. I had the egg benedict flatbread which was decent. I will have to try the Cardiff crack next time. Thank you for hosting, encontro! read more

Encontro North Park - Egg Benedict flatbread - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

Ordered the mini gyros, pulled pork sandwich, and truffle fries. It was very good. The seating is unique with a lot of communal dining tables. Service was good. They only have bottled soda no soda on tap. And the prices were more than I expected for the quantity of food. read more

Was not impressed with the service nor the food! Our lunches were bland & mediocre. As a courtesy, you should inform guests before charging a service fee on top of mandatory gratuity. read more

Great eatery in the heart of North Park! Friendly staff, lots of seating, and good vibes to accompany the delicious menu here. A ton of unique and classic choices offered throughout the day. We love to get the patatas bravas, crispy green beans, and the truffle Mac n cheese. Gotta come check this place out! read more

We were looking for a dog friendly restaurant in North Park, and stumbled upon Encontro. The restaurant has a cool set up right on the side walk, and has an open air concept. My husband typically gets a "beer-mosa" for brunch, which is basically beer with maybe less than an ounce of orange juice. We were a little surprised that our waitress had to inquire with her manager about a splash of orange juice, which we were charged for. She even mentioned a work around of using some OJ from my mimosa if it wasn't made, so he could add it to his drink. It's all good, but it was kind of a weird experience. The avocado toast was pretty good - Really enjoyed it with the corn & pickled peppers. My husband enjoyed the tri-tip burrito, and said it was flavorful. Not sure if we would return, but the food was decent! read more

Encontro North Park - Avocado toast! - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

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Went here for lunch one day. I got the Cardiff crack sandwich, which was relatively good. My friend got the Cardiff crack burger, which was basically a normal burger. She didn't feel like there's anything special or different about it. The service was pretty good. They were quick with the beverages. We got margaritas which were decent. Luckily they were on happy hours, so no complaints for us but they were a bit sweet. We got to sit outside, but we're put on the street side so it was a bit noisy from the cars, but can't complain since we were in the sun. read more

Visited on a Sunday morning for brunch. Food was under whelming. Loved the fresh bread. Servers were attentive. Might come back to try dinner menu but not in a rush to. read more

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Encontro is serving up crave-worthy dishes from a menu created by Chef Jason-bold flavors, comfort favorites, and plates made to share. Start with the legendary breadsticks inspired by the original Pat & Oscar's recipe and taken to the next level. When it comes to entrées, don't miss the crack tri-tip (tender, flavorful, and seriously addictive) or the perfectly cooked pork chop that delivers big, satisfying flavor in every bite. Encontro is truly a restaurant for all: a kids menu for the little ones; a dog menu for your furry companions and stress-free dining with parking validation at the structure across the street. The ambience is relaxed and the staff is friendly! read more

Encontro North Park - Farm salad - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

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Amazing service and great food I got the lamb burger with sweet potatoes fries and it was so delicious!! Chef Jason was awesome!!! The bread was def the show stopper!! A must order!! The vibe was chill, the restaurant was nice and clean. read more

Encontro North Park - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

Amazing amazing amazing! Came here with my friends for brunch and had the best time. The food was delicious and the service was friendly and welcoming. They had a doggy adoption event just outside on the street. My favorite items were definitely the iconic Pat and Oscar's bread and the butter cake. read more

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I came here the other day for the first time, this spot had been recommended to us by a friend. And I can definitely say I had a great first impression! We came on a Saturday for brunch and the spot had a really nice vibe to it. Great for groups, families, or just with a friend or partner. The staff was very helpful and friendly! We definitely recommend trying the items in the boxes on the menu. The Cardiff crack steak and eggs or steak sandwich, the house made bread which comes from a special recipe, truffle Mac and cheese, poke tacos, warm brussel sprouts salad and definitely get the dessert. The butter cake was a little tooo delicious, hard to stop eating! I'd come back here. Good food and good vibes in North Park! Oh and they also have a dog and kids menu! Love that. read more

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We had an absolutely amazing brunch at Encontro North Park -- every bite was a delight. Right from the start, the vibe was welcoming and lively, and the food was nothing short of phenomenal. The Cardiff Crack was a standout -- rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked -- it's easy to see why people rave about it. The fresh house bread was another highlight, warm and just begging to be enjoyed with everything we ordered. Chef Jason clearly knows his craft. Every dish felt thoughtfully prepared with bold flavors and excellent execution -- you can tell he puts heart and skill into his menu. Locals and visitors alike should definitely look him up because this place is one of San Diego's hidden gems. read more

Encontro North Park - Butter cake Churro Ice Cream Sandwich Warm Butter Cake - New American Near Me - San Diego, California

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Food was bad and cold, service was poor, bathroom was dirty without soap, and on top of all that it was extremely expensive and has a 6% surcharge that does NOT go to employees. I assume this restaurant is near closing their doors, they really weren't trying at all. One waitress for the entire restaurant while 3 gabbed and drank beer at the bar for the entire duration of our incredibly disappointing and frankly disgusting visit. read more