Fish Shop

I've been to Modern Times a bunch in San Diego, and it's one of my favorite breweries, so I had to…read morestop in while visiting Encinitas. I'll admit it was a little bit of a culture shock when I walked in. Albums for sale, food, coffee, and more of a lounge feel than the classic San Diego brewery setup I'm used to. I guess that explains the fancier name. I liked it though. Good place to sit, people watch, and catch the traffic near the station. There were plenty of Padres fans rolling through that day, which added to the energy. The beer is still Modern Times, still cold, and still refreshing. Fun spot.

Really fun spot to hang out during the day. Prices aren't awful for location and portions are…read moregreat. I tried the sabo vegan noodles and I paid an extra add on for the beyond meat on top Absolutely delicious!! So light and refreshing so so good. Id get this meal again.. Bathroom was clean. The service was great. You order at the bar then they bring you your food. The gentleman who took my order was a really genuine person

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Biergarden Encinitas

3.9(1.2k reviews)

0.3 mi

BIERGARDEN @ ENCINITAS…read more Parking can be a little difficult since this spot is located right on the main strip in Encinitas. There's parallel street parking throughout the area, so you might get lucky and find a spot nearby. I ended up parking on one of the side streets, which worked out perfectly. I came here on a Sunday afternoon, and it was definitely busy. We had to wait a little while for a table because several tables still needed to be cleaned before they could seat new guests. The staff was incredibly friendly, though, and we were seated as soon as they could. It did take about 15 minutes before a server was able to come over and take our order, but the restaurant was completely packed, so it's something to keep in mind if you're in a hurry. After spending the day at the beach, we were really just in the mood for drinks. I ordered the Blood Orange Margarita, which can be served with Tajín, sea salt, or no rim at all. It was really good and definitely on the stronger side, which I appreciated. My only complaint was that there was a bit too much ice, but the flavor itself was great. The atmosphere is what really makes this place stand out. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, large open windows that let in plenty of fresh air, and a fun, lively vibe that makes it a great place to relax after a beach day. Overall, I'd definitely come back for the ambiance and cocktails, just be prepared for a little wait if you visit during peak hours.

My mother and I came here for lunch on a Tuesday in June. We both received burgers, she asked for…read moreonion rings instead of fries and I asked for a Caesar salad instead of fries. My burger had very little flavor. The meat was dry, it was still edible just wouldn't order it again. The Caesar salad was fantastic!!!! The lettuce was amazing and the dressing was absolutely delicious. My mother ordered the fig burger with a side of onion rings and instead she got fries and there was no goat cheese on the burger. However she still loved the burger. Also all the pictures online show that they have WAFFLE FRIES - THEY DO NOT. The service was good and they were helpful in fixing the issues with the onion rings. Ambiance is very loud being right on the 101 but it's not terrible.

Cardiff Crack Steak Sandwich was delicious.

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Culture Brewing

4.5(107 reviews)

Wonderful friendly staff. Can't say anything but fabulous service. Trivia by Mary was also super…read morefun. Great selection of beers.

Fun place! We love the beer selection and staff! Great for date night! Sometimes the bathroom…read moresmells and gets kind of muggy in there, but other than that it's awesome!!

Wide selection of gluten reduced beers on tap brewed in house. Seasonal beers frequently featured.

Come as you are. Enjoy pre or post beach beers on the coast.

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Perfect for group parties, private events, corporate gatherings, birthdays, and celebrations.

Encinitas Ale House

4.0(658 reviews)

0.0 mi

One of the great spots in Encinitas for lunch or dinner, if you love beer or ale this is your…read moreplace. They have an entire menu of six pages of different Beers. They know their stuff. If you go try to get Matt and hear our matt's famous phrases It's almost done Just a second Yours is next Almost ready I'm getting it now He was as fantastic as the burger! Glad to go back after a few years it is now back on her list. Thanks to matt

Santana Burger medium rare was 5 stars all the way, and the fruits that accompanied it were damn…read moregood as well. The Kern brewing Chuuuch IPA was also 5 stars for my taste buds. And our server was fantastic. So why, you might ask, only 4 stars in my review. Two reasons: 1). Management has prohibited giving a splash of a beer for someone to sample. Bottom line is that I wanted to order a pint of beer, but I wanted a splash of a couple of beers to try to make my decision. They refused, saying that one must buy a 5oz taster if one wants to taste the beer. I find that policy offensive. In the end I bought a taster to taste the Chuuurch, and then bought an additional pint after. It just seems nickel and dimey, and would be asking to an ice cream place not allowing one to sample their ice creams before buying a cone. I hope management reconsiders this policy. 2. My wife got the Hot Mess Fries and was disappointed not only in the flavor, but also in the misleading advertising. On the menu it specifically said that there was bacon in the fries, but in fact what they put on the fries was either chunks of ham or "Canadian bacon" (which as we all know is a very different thing from "bacon"). If they were or of regular bacon, the kitchen should have told the server this so he could have asked her if she wanted ham as a substitute. And, of they always use ham instead of bacon, them the menu needs to be changed to reflect that.

Side of bar and bigger entrance for wheelchair accessible

Burger with all the stuff. Truly fantastic!!!!

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8% Pliney Elder

The Confessional by The Lost Abbey

4.4(144 reviews)

1.3 mi

•$

I've heard stories, but this was my first time seeing how drunk the manager Chase gets on shift…read more Chase purposely broke some glasses (no one thought it was funny) and BARRADED! The dark haired bartender. Telling him he doesn't do anything, only has a job because of him, shoved him and said "what are you gunna do, hit me?" He proceeded to challenge to tell the owner Tommy, saying "who do you think he's gunna believe?" The other bartender was crying at this point. Other customers offered to drive Chase home since he was wasted. He told them to F off. I've never seen such unprofessionalism and sadly I know this is only one of many occurrences of Chase (THE MANAGER) getting embarrassingly drunk and aggressive (and driving himself home after). Bad, bad look and I won't be returning until he's fired. I urge the owner to speak to the other employees personally. @Tommy

I stumbled onto this place by accident then stumbled out very much by my own doing…read more Was in the shopping center for lunch and had no clue this was here. Lucky accident. Discovered it and post lunch beers were very much in order! Quaint spot, mellow and clean. Friendly service. Good array of beers, especially for a satellite location.

Ocean view from the tasting room patio

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Union Kitchen and Tap Encinitas

4.1(2k reviews)

0.1 mi

Love this spot in encinitas! It's lively, lots of seating and a large menu. You can sit inside or…read moreoutside depending on the vibe you're looking for. The breakfast burrito was phenomenal with lots of flavor and very filling. Definitely could be split depending on how hungry you are. The cornbread skillet was super rich and the sausage had a nice heat to it. A great option if you are looking for hearty comfort food. The service was great, will definitely be back.

Easy spot to get to after a day at the beach. We found street parking but there's a small lot…read morebehind the restaurant too. Its a cool vibe inside. Open air flow with a nice outdoor patio. Unfortunately, we did have to swing at gnats several times while sitting at our booth inside. There's a good amount of TVs on the walls for entertainment. Our waitress was cool but never asked if we wanted a refill or new drinks for our empty glasses. The menu had several things that sounded good to me but I went for the fig flatbread. It let me down. The figs were too big for the tiny slices and not enough cheese. My daughters kid cheeseburger was very bland. I know its for kids but my kids have standards. The beer was delicious and I appreciate the variety they offer. The ranch was also very good.

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The Saloon

2.7(66 reviews)

•$

Good dive bar for a quick drink and perhaps some dancing. It's a small establishment with a handful…read moreof tables and stools at bar. Lighting is dim and drinks are decent. I wouldn't hang out here all night but would stop by as part of a bar crawl. All ages, casual attire, beer and alcohol.

IMPORTANT: Phones and Wallets are stolen here. Thought it…read morewas just mine, end of the night: 3 other reported their belongs Burgled. UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT. Staff couldn't care less, dismissed it as drunk people losing things. My phone is offline. Cannot locate and cannot call, THIEF removed SIM card.

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Pacific Station

3.5(2 reviews)

0.3 mi

Cute little shopping 'mall' close to the beach…read more Plenty of underground parking. Has three cool places: Whole Foods - for your healthy groceries Bier Garden - for casual tasty eats and BIER of course Solace and the Moonlight Lounge - for a nice dining experience

Great selection of beer, nice patio area, gastro pub type menu, attentive, friendly service. Noisy…read morebar scene inside. Calamari appetizer was okay. Dipping sauce was tasty, but Calamari was not evenly coated so it was sometimes crispy and sometimes not. Ahi Tuna sandwich and accompanying spinach salad, while fresh, both were bland and under seasoned. A mixed experienced. I would give it a second try, if for no other reason than to sit on the patio and have a craft beer.

You can see this from the street

Sizzling pear martini so good! Not too sweet at all and strong ;)

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Calamari, 5 spice , jalapeño, ginger and pineapple salsa. And fresh fish tacos made with talapia,

Daley Double Saloon

3.1(118 reviews)

•$

Many of nights lost in this room.. core memories here with PLG! Locsl vibe but like not at the same…read moretime it's a look inside the cool kids hangout spot and when your there your one of them!

Stopped in the Daley Double on a Saturday afternoon. Totally cool little dive bar. First off Tab…read moreour bartender was one cool cat. Funny dude too! Oh, and don't waste your time with any "bar tab" jokes with Tab. Trust me, he's heard them all. No tap beer here, only bottles. No problem, Becky and I don't mind cracking a Pacifico on occasion ($4). Pretty big bar with comfortable stools and some booths along the wall. The Jack Daniels logo on the felt on the pool table was cool. The bathroom was horrible. I really don't expect much out of bathrooms in my dive bars. It was relatively empty of day drinkers so we were able to chit-chat and joke around with Tab. Just a fun, old-school dive bar.

Definitely don't need to put on make up to come here :)

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Good Mules in copper cups, need I say more?

Shelter

2.7(300 reviews)

•$$$$

Was walking down the street in Encinitas with a work colleague and decided to stop for a drink…read morebefore grabbing an Uber. The door was open and a few guys were standing around the bar inside. We walked in, asked if they were open, and they welcomed us to grab a seat, while letting us know "the DJ doesn't start for an hour though". I'd obviously stumbled into a spot I'd normally not frequent, but hey... I was already sitting on a bar stool and ordering an Old Fashioned! Friendly staff and decent prices. The booths to the right were a little worn, but as this place is more of a club than bar - that stands to reason. I only stayed for a single drink and then left, but the place started filling out as I walked out the door. BTW... the rope out front should have signaled to me that this place attracts a younger crowd (I initially missed that tip!).

This place is racist!!! They didn't let us in because they claimed some of us were throwing up when…read morewe just got off the uber!!! We noticed that we were the only POC outside...Don't come here!

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Doc Martin

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Bryan T.

12 years ago

I used Yelp to find a place to eat while visiting North County for the day, and Encinitas Fish Company on PCH a few blocks from the beach is what jumped out at us. The ambience was bustling on a Saturday afternoon but wasn't so loud we couldn't have a conversation. There was a line all the way to the door too, a sign of a popular eatery. The decor is very clean, coastal, and pleasant to be in, and you have a choice of inside or outside dining. If you want fresh fish to take home, they have a display case revealing really good quality of fish the sell separately and serve on their menu. We got our number and took a seat. A table near us was being served, and we figured there were 15 tables ahead of us. They brought our clam chowder within minutes, so the 30 minute wait for the rest of our food didn't feel like a big deal to us. The food. Their clam chowder was among the best I've had. It was rich, creamy, had a great complex flavor, and the clams were actually tender. I'd return for just the chowder, especially since my wife and I shared the smallest size, which was the size of a typical cereal bowl for $4. Their large chowder in a bread bowl runs about $9. We also shared an order of onion rings which ran $2.50 for about 7 or 8 very large, thick, battered rings. We both loved them. For entrees, you pick your fish/shellfish, the marinade or spices, and choose between taco, sandwich, wrap, or plate (listed in ascending price and amount of seafood in the dish). Tacos run about $5 each for some really good quality fresh ingredients, and you choose flour or corn tortilla. My wife had halibut with chipotle sauce, shrimp with garlic butter sauce, and the TKO Mahi taco with tropical salsa all on corn tortillas. I had all flour tortillas with halibut, lobster, and scallops. The cabbage and salsas all used very fresh ripe ingredients. My wife really enjoyed all but her shrimp taco, stating there was a bitter flavor of some sort in it. I enjoyed the mix of chipotle with grilled halibut. I was somewhat disappointed with the lobster taco since I only tasted lobster in one bite, but that bite was great. My favorite was the scallop taco, which had scallop richness in every bite! We only spend this much on a meal a couple times a year, and never on lunch, tacos at that. But we realize good quality fresh seafood costs, and we're happy with the meal and experience as a whole. I highly recommend Encinitas Fish Company whether you're nearby or passing through like us. read more

Pat S.

1 year ago

Walking by, this place looks pretty beachy-hip-cool. Normally I check Yelp but this place seemed too cool so gave we a shot. Myself and two freinds on a weekday for lunch. Long wait to order, but no problem because it was the middle of lunch hour. The order taker was less than friendly, but that did not bother me. For as busy as they are, the area behind the counter with drink cups, etc, was laid out poorly, causing employees to get in one other's way just to place order tickets at the kitchen window, get a drink cups, pickup orders from kitchen window, etc. That did not bother me either because we were here for one thing only: good seafood. However, myself and my friends were disappointed in the food. The person clearing tables asked us how everything was, and we gave her our honest answers. A couple weeks later I give this place another shot. And it went down exactly like the first time. Long wait to order, unfriendly cashier/order takers, disorganization behind the counter, and non-yummy seafood. After 2 bad dining experiences at The Fish Shop, I finally checked Yelp and ran through the 1 and 2 star reviews. Wish I would have read those before eating here. Well you know the old saying, "To live is to learn, and to learn is to live." read more

Kathleen C.

1 year ago

Just had the most amazing meal at Encinitas Fish Shop and I'm still thinking about it! This place is a true gem - fresh, flavorful, and clearly run by people who are passionate about quality seafood. The star of the show was hands down the fish lumpia. I've had lumpia plenty of times before, but this was next level. The fish was perfectly seasoned and flaky, wrapped in the crispiest, most golden shell I've ever seen. Each bite had this perfect balance of textures and the flavors were absolutely on point. It's clear they're using really fresh fish and taking care with every step of preparation. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, clearly proud of what they're serving. The atmosphere is casual but clean, exactly what you want from a great fish shop. Everything felt fresh and well-maintained. We also tried a few other items and everything was excellent, but that fish lumpia is going to bring me back again and again. If you're in Encinitas and love good seafood, this place is an absolute must-visit. Can't wait to come back and try more of their menu! Highly recommend to anyone looking for quality, fresh seafood done right. read more

Kian D.

1 year ago

I've been a loyal customer here for over a decade, but my experience with takeout orders has been hit or miss. Unfortunately, my most recent visit was a big miss. I ordered four salmon sandwiches with fries (light well), extra tartar sauce on the side, and ranch on the side. However, not only was there no sauce on the sandwiches, but they also didn't include any of the requested sides, and the fries were extremely soggy. This turned into an $80 meal that was disappointingly dry and not what I expected. I really enjoy this place, which is why I keep coming back, but these recurring mistakes make it frustrating. It seems like I now have to check every order before leaving, which shouldn't be the case. I'd appreciate if management could make this right, as I truly want to continue supporting this spot! read more

Pierre J.

1180

716

1038

9 years ago

I've heard a lot of hype about this place through friends. So, I decided to have a lunch meeting here. My overall impression: "meh..." Pros: -decent food. The fish taco with Opah was ok. It wasn't any better or any worse than the million+ fish places in CA. -customer service is ok. It's a little irritating that the person who takes your order expects a tip. Cons: -not obvious where to order. When ordering, the process can be a little confusing. Each kind of fish has a different cost, and the server isn't clear about that. -seating is limited -parking can be a challenge -price isn't necessarily worth it Overall a mediocre experience. I'm not sure I would seek this place out again. 4/26/2017- Mgmt reached out. Plus one star for the effort to make things better. read more

Brenda S.

3 years ago

Encinitas Fish Shop is an amazing place to grab a delicious bite to eat. The restaurant's menu features a variety of fresh seafood options that are sure to satisfy any seafood lover's cravings. I loved the fact that there were plenty of sauce options to choose from, which added an extra layer of flavor to my meal. The atmosphere at Encinitas Fish Shop is cozy and inviting, with a rustic vibe that feels very local. It's the perfect spot to stop in for a quick bite in between bike rides or to bring the family and friends over for a meal. The drinks and beer selection is also excellent, making it easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal. read more

Wes S.

5 years ago

I wish we could give 0 stars. We are visiting from out of town and had a few questions about the menu here and the ingredients. Like why they put MSG in their house seasoning and on some of their KIDS meal items and had a really nasty reaction and response from one of their employees working named Scott. Toxic season and toxic employees! The guy needs a training session in customer service! Maybe come back to Denver and take note on how we treat people in the mid-west. RUDE! Interesting how the business manager doesn't reply or comment on any of MANY the negative reviews, just the 5 start ones. read more

Jeff G.

9 years ago

Please, please bring back the good fries. Went there today craving those great fries, and when my order arrived, I took one look at them and something looked different. After a disappointing taste, I was sure of it, and a server confirmed that the old ones which were so amazing could not be made consistently. Personally, I'd never had a bad fry there until today. I'd rather have the old fries if 8/10 batches are excellent, than the new ones where 10/10 are so mediocre and just another fry. Otherwise, the fish and sandwiches are very good, and decently priced for fish. read more

Rachel H.

208

6 years ago

Food was good but beware of the staff adding tips to credit cards. My husband ordered our meal and tipped 5 dollars (for a restaurant that is basically fast food and doesn't come back to check on you, we felt like that was appropriate). He then ordered a plate for our kids but did not leave a tip on that order. When we got home and checked his account he noticed a $2 dollar tip was added. It's more of a principle issue here. How many times are they adding tips on cards? Sad to say we will not be returning. Just beware if you use a card here. Very disappointing. read more

Iram M.

11 months ago

I ordered the cod sandwich with blackened seasoning and swapped the side of fries with their mac salad. The cod tasted incredibly fresh and was perfectly tender, further elevated with the blackened seasoning. I regret not asking for more tartar sauce, as I prefer my sandwiches to be on the saucier side. The sandwich overall was also lacking in flavor, which could be alleviated with additional pickles, hot sauce, and add-ons. The mac salad was pretty standard in my opinion, but a creamy and refreshing side regardless. read more

Ray S.

3 months ago

Encinitas Fish Shop is a fantastic spot for fresh, flavorful seafood in a relaxed coastal setting. The fish is always cooked perfectly, and I love how you can customize your order with different fish, marinades, and styles. Everything tastes fresh, from the tacos to the grilled plates, and the portions are generous. The staff is friendly, the service is quick, and the casual atmosphere makes it a great place for lunch or dinner. It is definitely one of my favorite places in Encinitas for a satisfying seafood meal. read more

Jacquely M.

4 years ago

Stopped here on my way back to LA after working in SD for the weekend. I ordered a variety of the foods at the recommendation of the gentlemen that answered the phone to go. We really enjoyed the meal. The wine was pretty good too. Very clean and nice outdoor seating. Staff was friendly and welcoming. The prices were very reasonable (well, California price reasonable), and I know that when we head that way again, The Fish Shop at Encinitas will be top on the list of "we've got to go there again" places. read more

George C.

3 months ago

Dear Manager, I have been coming here for years. Today one of your blonde female bussers- who wore booty short jeans - was cleaning the tables outside and couldn't have been more rude to myself and every member of our party. Is this how you train your employees to treat your patrons? This place isnt cheap so I dont expect the atmosphere to stoop to that level because of an employee who takes her frustrations out on paying customers, and makes them want to take their business elsewhere. read more

Greg G.

303

255

2 years ago

Straight up, this place is bomb. The food is ridiculously good--fresh, flavorful, and just hits the spot. The collaboration taco with shrimp and Cardiff cracked tri-tip? Next-level. The lobster taco with that buttery sauce? Unreal. The ahi was so fresh and soft, and the shrimp? Seriously amazing. They've got a cool beer selection to top it off, and the whole vibe is super chill. If you're in Encinitas, do yourself a favor and check this place out. You won't regret it. read more

Briana W.

12 years ago

Love this place. I have never been to a Fish Shop location before, but I definitely will be coming back soon. Their shrimp was amazing, probably my favorite thing that I tried. I loved the ceviche too. The staff was incredibly friendly, and I love that it has an outdoor patio, so you can soak up the sun on the 101. Their extensive beer menu was awesome too. Definitely the perfect vibe and fit for the area. This is an excellent addition to downtown Encinitas! read more

Catherine F.

9 years ago

Fresh fish marinated different ways and grilled, then served as a sandwich, taco, salad or platter. I had the snapper. 10 bucks for fresh fish sandwich and fries is a good deal. Wait in line to place your order then they bring it to you. Minus one star because the fries were cooked in the same oil as some of their fish. There is a reason you have never seen fish fries on a menu. It is the only reason I may not return so often. read more

Robbin W.

12 years ago

I stopped by the new Encinitas Fish Shop last night for their grand opening party. The new spot is amazing, especially the outdoor patio and bar. I first became a fan of Fish Shop when I ate at the Pacific Beach location two years ago. Since then, I go at least twice a month. Luckily for those in Encinitas, the great menu is the same! Must-trys are the lobster lumpia, TKO taco, Fish Shop shrimp and the mahi-mahi ceviche. read more

Jazmin E.

253

3 years ago

I can't say enough good things about this restaurant! The food is beyond excellent, the staff is super friendly and you can't beat the fresh beach air that runs through the place. Cody the manager took care of me and made sure I had everything I needed. If you've never been, I definitely recommend the Fish Shop Shrimp. The seasoning is insane and addicting. Overall a wonderful vibe, I'll be coming back forever. read more

Vanessa B.

5 years ago

Worst waiter was have ever seen in 9 years going there. I had to leave without ordering. I was not going to give my money to these guys. They are 2 of them . The older guys in the crew of waters . They think they are owners and can treat people like they are nothing . They need to be fired !!!! Never going to this place again and I will make sure to tell everyone I know about these 2 useless human beings read more

E W.

11 years ago

We love the Fish Shop in PB and then found they opened one in Encinitas. So glad they did!! The location in Encinitas has much more seating and is a bit more relaxed than the PB location. We took our families there a few days after our wedding. Everyone loved the fish tacos!! The menu is a complete customized experience so you can chose how you want to mix things up. A must visit in SD! read more

Fish Shop - seafood - Updated September 2026

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Fish 101

4.3

(1.6k reviews)

Every year we travel to Carlsbad for family vacation, each time we want to look for new place to…read moretry as well as our old favorites! This time we wanted to try this new to us place, we were so happy to take rideshare to this location as parking is very limited with severely road work happening all around. This restaurant gives a beachy hole in the wall relaxing vibe which we love!! Menu was simple quite a few options, we went for their fish tacos and fish n chips. Between the 4 of us we shared the items to see if they are good before ordering more, the short version of the story is that the food was very good, not dry or fishy smell, taste fresh, succulent piece if fish fillers on the taco, the fish n chips batter was a bit on the thick side but still very tasty. Clam chowder was on point, creamy and not a cream breaking point. We would love going back again once all the road work are done. Service is quick and prompt, no frills. It is a hole in a wall place so expect a bit of self service like getting water or napkins. Overall a solid 5 stars a must try if you like fish tacos and fish n chips.

A wide range of fresh, high quality fish served in various form factors. The fish & chips were very…read moregood, with good quality cod (I think) and fresh cut fries that were reasonably crispy. But the batter was a bit too thick and salty for my taste. The side of tartar sauce was bland and needed a kick of sriracha and lemon. The Mahi three taco plate was very good and a fair value with decent sized pieces of fish and a tasty crema on the finely shredded cabbage and tomatoes. But the tortillas were too dry, which is inexplicable given the myriad great tortillerias in the region. Service was fast and efficient, and the ambience bustling with people jam-packed together scarfing their food. I really appreciate their ongoing excellent health inspection reports.

Solana Beach Fish House

4.2

(584 reviews)

My friend and I were craving some tacos after a day at the beach and these definitely hit the spot…read more I got the two grilled fish tacos with rice and beans; they were delicious and perfect portion to leave me feeling full but not overly stuffed. They have indoor and outdoor seating available and a parking lot out front with plenty of spots. The food came out relatively fast and we felt comfortable in our beach clothes as it's a pretty casual spot. Servers were friendly and attentive.

Solana Beach Fish House was exactly what I was hoping for - fresh, flavorful seafood in a relaxed,…read morewelcoming atmosphere. I ordered the Cajun salmon sandwich with lettuce, tomato, onion. I made a special request to add coleslaw on top, and every bite was outstanding. The salmon was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of Cajun seasoning, and the creamy slaw added a cool, crisp contrast that made the sandwich unforgettable. The wide-cut fries were hot, golden, and perfectly crisp. The restaurant has a casual beach-town vibe with nautical décor, wood accents, and a cozy dining room. Service was friendly and efficient. If you're in Solana Beach and looking for a delicious lunch with easy parking and a laid-back coastal feel, this place is absolutely worth the stop.

Shoots Fish & Beer

4.4

(125 reviews)

I love Shoots Fish & Beer. They have so many tasty options, it's hard for me to choose just one. It…read morealso makes me want to go back to try even more food. It's become a place that my husband and I return to, and take our visitors. My mouth is savoring at the thought of the fish and chips. The fish is delicate and the breading is just thick enough and crispy. The fries remind me of when McDonalds fries are at its best, We've tried tacos, which was nice and fresh. The seasoning and sauce were also delicious. I was a huge fan of the tuna in the sampler. There was a spicy option I wasn't a huge fan of. Doesn't have the most private seating but it is part of the Cottages complex.

Shoots Fish & Beer was a very satisfying experience. Even though I found the food I sampled to be…read more3-star, not 4-star, I liked the vibe of the place and it was easy to imagine returning for a similar light nosh and beer, which I think is the sweet-spot for enjoying the place. I sat inside which is a deceiving statement. The space has a roof on it but, as designed, the entrances are wide open and not much different than sitting outside. So why sit inside? Because you can opt for the counter/bar seating or because you want to watch the baseball game airing on the big screen. Many beers are offered here, and the satisfying Harland Nelson West Coast IPA was chosen. Accompanied by a Toro Handroll ($12), Musubi ($8), and Bang Bang Cauliflower ($8), this made a satisfying light meal for two. Despite fully consuming them, the food offerings didn't wow us. Some additional wasabi, ginger, and I know not what would amp up the flavor profiles and be more personally satisfying to me. But still? I liked the place and left saying that I could see returning. Nice vibe and perfect for a cold beer and a simple, small something to keep your stomach from grumbling.

Le Papagayo

4.1

(2.4k reviews)

First time visit, the food is outstanding, Best Chicken fried Steak west of Texas…read more Service outstanding. Love the atmosphere, cool vibes, and laid back no pressure.

Finding this place on an AI suggestion for an early dinner coming back up north from La Jolla, took…read morea chance and pulled into the parking lot that is directly a stone's throw from trains going by. Its a very cute and charming patio and seating areas inside and out, and was lively. Unfortunately, the food did not live up to the ambience as we found it very bland, re-heated type. Service was good, but couldn't figure out why food was so off and tasteless. The Birria Eggrolls sounded divine but had that reheated vibe and texture. Was very underwhelming in terms of taste and crispness. Meat and cheese looked like it was faded/left out after cooked or reheated. We then split a seafood enchilada plate and it was completely devoid of any taste; barely any seafood in it, just 2 heavy thick smelly corn tortillas, the rubbery kind that's served at Rubios locations (are they still in business?) I love me some corn tortillas, but not these rubber mat-thick ones, the light fluffy corn ones. $40 hefty price tag wasn't close to delivering on any point value or taste wise. We asked for the beans on the side, and I have to say odd as it is, it was the best refried beans Ive ever tasted in my life. Asked for some house chips (I guess they dont bring unless you ask here and zero accompanying salsa I mean really?) got a small portion to dip in the bean spread; it was the best part of the meal, and it shouldnt have been. Basically, blew a C-note just to find out Sharkey's has much better tasting food. A one and easy done for us, too bad.

Chick & Hawk

3.9

(212 reviews)

This review is based on a take out order! This is our second time at Chick & Hawk, first actually…read moregetting to try it! The first time we had our hangry baby & doggo with us and it was extremely packed! Sadly we had to leave, but said we would def return to try again. The second time, we scored parking & I saw there's a sign for parking elsewhere too! The hubs and I each got the Birdman sandwich (spice levels 360 & 720), a half order of duck fat fries, and sunomono pickles. I thought my sandwich was great! It was basically a nice sit down restaurant worthy chicken sandwich that I could quickly grab and go. I thought 360 wasn't quite spicy enough but 720 was a bit too much for me to enjoy the sandwich. My husband liked it though LOL The duck fat fries & sunomono pickles were good as well. I'm glad we finally got to try it!

I decided to finally stop in at lunch. Parking is a struggle but I endured…read more I ordered the their signature sandwich, Duck Fat fries, wings to go and mushroom nuggets. Everything was delicious. The sandwich, dubbed the Birdman comes in several spice levels. The 360 was perfect for me... as they advertise, perfectly spiced. The duck fat fries... awesome!! Overall I got exactly what I wanted and the service was especially nice. Good product for the price.

Rosemarie's Buns and Brews

4.4

(111 reviews)

I had to check out one of San Diego's best rated burgers. Staff was very helpful explaining the…read moremenu, favorite items, the don't miss specialties. I opted 2 sliders and fries meal. I went for the OG award winning Rosemarie's smash burger and Cajun soft shell crab slider. The crab was fried crispy with bay seasoning. The crab was sweet. The breading could have a little thinner to let the crab shine. The smash burger was comforting with melted American cheese, a thousand island dressing, grilled onions on a fluffy bun. The pickles cut through the richness. Lots of different fries options. I went for classic. The fries were crisps. Service with a smile may be cliche but it was such a great warm atmosphere that I would definitely come back when I want to grab a delicious burger in Encinitas.

Amazing service and even better food. Justin is the man and the food is well worth the priceread more

Nómada

3.8

(105 reviews)

This place never ceases to amaze me. Food absolutely…read moredelicious. Cocktails and margaritas done just right. Customer service-on point. Kylie is seriously the BEST. She served us in the bar area and she's super friendly and efficient. So glad we had her again. However, there were other nice & kind helpers that brought other food & dessert out and cleared our table. These employees really add to the wonderful dining experience. The vibe in this place is warm but lively, makes you just want to hang out. We missed the salsa class that was going to start in 45 minutes which they have every Saturday night. They cleared out some of the tables in the bar area to accommodate it. So cool they have these events. We'll be back!

Storytime…read more Unfortunately, not the best in terms of service. Around late August, I had an 8:30 PM reservation for my partner for his birthday & they had closed the restaurant. We didn't understand why if we had a reservation. A lovely elderly woman also tried to enter, as she was confused as well. So, she tried to enter with us as we had to go to the back door & wave someone to get their attention. They let us in, but told us they closed due to slow traffic ... Again, that doesn't make sense & they didn't think to check the reservation list? Luckily, the elder was doing all the talking & they seemed irritated that they had to seat us, when it isn't our fault they closed early with a reservation. We got the aguachile + pork dishes. Food came out, it was good, but service ruined it honestly. The white blonde bartender also was rudist one out of all of them ... She didn't want to serve us drinks even though my partner turned 21, I had my ID, & the elderly woman wanted to pay for us. She also got offended that we asked for a birthday dessert, but they don't do any complimentary dessert. She said it was a 'ridiculous' request. Even though they closed the restaurant on us & it was my partner's birthday ... Overall, I wouldn't come back here. If these are the people who represent the chef ... especially the bartender ... I have no words for this restaurant. Since everything was closed, no live music, no other customers, no real way to feel the environment. Never coming back !

Beach Wolf

4.8

(47 reviews)

Ok yea I was skeptical when I pulled up. Bc it's literally a "concession stand" at a little state…read morebeach where you don't even have to pay to park. It's the cutest cleanest state beach I've seen in a while for one. Free parking. Little playground with grassy area. Bathrooms, outdoor communal shower, lifeguard tower, several tiki huts for additional shade, clean seating area. I saw the prices. $14.50 for 2 tacos. I'm thinking it's steep. It is... and money is also relative. All I'm hoping for is that the tacos are as good as people say it is. I couldn't make up my mind so the owner let me order one of each - pulled pork and beef. He slow cooks them every morning!!! And yes, I can def tell that it was fresh. It was juicy, and it was flavorful. I was also skeptical about the tortilla and how it would come out. I'm so picky. I don't want just store bought floppy dry tortilla. I don't want a birria deep fried shell. This was just the right amount of crunchy and not oily at all. Solid tacos here!! My only wish was that the lime it came with would have been a fresher lime. It was an old lime with zero juice and all pulp. No juice came out when I squeezed it and all the pulp just fell apart. . But that's ok. The tacos didn't NEED them. So glad I stopped by.

Best beach side concession food at a beautiful Moon light state beach…read more Selling breakfast and lunch sandwiches and tacos, hotdogs and salads too. Ordered at window and wait to pick it up. Service is adequate. Food is consistent good and satisfactory for beach goers. Location cannot be better.

Union Kitchen and Tap Encinitas

4.1

(2k reviews)

Lobster Lab

4.6

(323 reviews)