What an absolutely horrible experience. It's rare for me to label a place pretentious, as that's a criticism which often makes me want to visit a bar rather than avoid it. However, Shelter has accomplished the unthinkable, making a pretentious bar loving guy say no thanks. As one who lived Manhattan and Beijing, and has enjoyed great clubs around the world, I was excited to check out a new option near home on the North Coast, so headed over with eight of my friends. The space is wide open, but lacking in creativity, similar to the craft cocktail list, which is nothing but an assortment of sweet, sugary drinks. Our group ordered at least one of every cocktail on the list, and only one was slightly drinkable. As we left we noticed they were aggressively drilling people at the door, as if they didn't realize we all live near the beach and that "dress code" vibe just doesn't fit. I'm pretty sure it will be out of business soon, and good riddance when it's gone. P.S.: The only bright spot was our server (Elizabeth?), she was pretty awesome. read more

Once again, I'll say that Encinitas is turning into my favorite city. Shelter is just sophisticated, simple, romantic, great ambiance, hip and sexy. The fact that no one knows about it yet, I'm excited to be one of the first ones to experience it. They haven't even had a grand opening! Great location! Right on the 101 Coast highway, easy to spot. With its great big windows, you can see what's going on from outside. My favorite part of the building, the roof opens up. How cool is that!? When the moon is out, it's a breathtaking view. The drinks, not only do they have local beers on tap, but the new refreshing, tasteful, fun cocktails are to Die for! My taste buds go crazy. Ask for Beca the bartender, she is a sweetheart with a great personality let her know what your craving shell know exactly what to make you. (Ask her to smack a sage leaf for you! ) lol . Encinitas sometimes does not have a good reputation knowing that D Street is across the street and sometimes it gets a little rowdy but here at SHELTER you get a very good crowd mixture, which I love! From locals, to visitors, college kids, to business people. Great place to mingle and meet new people. Maybe make a friend or two. There is no food yet, which I cannot wait for it to start coming out. If there drinks are that good, I can only imagine what the food will be like. This place has become one of my favorite spots to hang out and relax with friends. I can't express how much I love it, you just must check it out yourself! read more

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Shelter is a great alternative to some large number of craft beer joints that have popped up. They serve up serve delicious craft cocktails at about $11 a pop. I stopped in on my birthday weekend to have a delicious cocktail- and that we had. I ordered the Citrus Sour and my girlfriend ordered the Moonlight Mint. The Citrus Sour was a champagne cocktail with vodka and grapefruit. Yummy! We sat at the bar and the bartender was very friendly and attentive. I look forward to sampling their food when it is available! read more

Love it! Super open air and happy. Creative cocktails and awesome people watching. The mojito is the bomb. Super fresh citrus. Good house music! Reminds me of a burning man bar camp- minus all the dust. read more

Shelter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I have been coming to Shelter since they opened. I really like the architecture and interior design. It feels really open, especially with the retractable roof! It tends to draw a classy, 20s and 30s age group, with relatable music. I haven't had their food but they make a phenomenal drinks! Everyone on staff seemed courteous and willing to help at a moments notice. Definitely a five star, heart of Encinitas, bar and restaurant. I would highly suggest for friends and family! read more

Giving this place 5 stars for being one of the coolest spots in Enci. Shelter and Roxy are our Friday nights living in the area.

This place is a joke. My sisters and I bought a couple drinks here. One of the staff members came up to our group and specifically told my sister to clean a high top table we were using like she was the staff, we were in disbelief especially after buying a few rounds of the overpriced/overrated drinks. I love Encinitas but this pretentious spot has gotta go. read more

I've been coming to Shelter for six months now, and what keeps me coming back is the staff--everyone is so friendly and reasonable. Everyone on this site who claims the staff were rude was likely inebriated and rude to begin with. If you think that waiting for 10 minutes for a drink on a Friday or Saturday night is unacceptable, you likely won't be happy at any bar in Encinitas. There is no preferential treatment to the line, either, so you won't see people waltzing up and cutting just because they are deemed prettier than you, something I can't really say about the other lines that form outside of bars in Encinitas. As for the food that many people have complained about the lack of, there IS food now, and it is delicious. The burgers are especially noteworthy, though the chicken sandwich and chicken and waffles are also delectable. Try coming here during the off hours and talking to some of the staff. You may find yourself surprised at how personable and kind they are if you actually treat them like human beings instead of slaves. read more

I have been to this place about a half dozen times and I have less fun each time I go. I have a long winded story but the bottom line is they are trying to make as much money as possible, which I understand, but they will end up alienating a lot of clientele in the meantime. Fun if you and your one friend or girlfriend want a drink but don't go with a group. It's not gonna work. It's sad because it has all of the fixins to be a dynamite spot. Oh, and they don't have a phone. What is that about? read more

This is in North County? I love living in Coastal North County, for many reasons EXCEPT the night life (or lack thereof). I always end up going to LA or Downtown SD for fun but of course that's not always feasible. I have been from bar to bar from Del Mar to Oceanside and just always feel bored or let down. I am a night person, that loves kick drum music, four to the floor beats, dancing and I am accustomed to living in busy cities so bear in mind my review won't apply to everyone or even most of North County. I love Shelter. It's the only night life place in North County I love. It's accommodating to those in their 20s, 30s and even early 40s, and has good DJs which always makes or breaks the night. I see a lot of the reviews were not in favor of the DJs, but I'll clarify why I love them. No top 40, no "pop edm" (which may be the death of me), no hip hop, great transitions, and song selections that make you stop mid sentence and say "yeah, I need to dance now". I can say there is no where else in North County (at least coastal) you can get this. Since I'm such a large city person I have no issues with the bathrooms, the narrow hallway, or even the small size of Shelter. Maybe the only downside is the dance floor is very small, but they'd have to remove tables and I'm sure most people would rather have the tables as all the times I've been I have yet to see a lot of people dancing anyway (not due to the music but the crowd is more "loungy"). I look forward to having some more good times here. Cheers read more

A bit of a downtown vibe finally in North County. A place where you can dress up and go have a drink, and get your groove on. The crowd is on the younger side, but there is still a good peppering of people there from 20s - Late 40s. I like the decor and atmosphere. They have about 6 large tables with couches which is good for a group, and in the middle are high top tables for smaller groups. However if you want to reserve a large table they want about $400 in bottle service, which for Encinitas I feel is a bit pricey. The bar is in the back and it does take awhile to get service. It is not a large place so it fills up quickly. If you aren't there by 9:30pm you probably will have to wait in line to get in. Not a place I will go to regularly but for a special event it is fun. read more

Always delivers the sauce that is always much needed with the homies can't get better than drinking frothy drinks with beautiful people under the stars via retractable roofing elements read more

My friends and I used to go here all the time. But the last few time we went we were not allowed in "just because". I asked a few bouncers for reasons why and they cannot give a straight, consistent answer. The drinks are expensive and they stuff waaaay too many people inside at once. Definitely won't be going back after being discriminated against for not buying a table. If I could, 0 stars... bouncer's name was Albert? Wouldn't tell me name but was very aggressive with girls. read more

LOVE LOVE the atmosphere, they hit it out of the ballpark, gorgeous BUT NO HAPPY HOUR which just infuriates me. Why do some restaurants think they are above happy hour? I just don't get it? and be aware there is NO FOOD OF ANY KIND, they "haven't worked out their kitchen issues yet" not sure what that meant but we came at 530 for happy hour and food and no happy hour no food. Drink was great in taste but $11 for a SMALL scotch glass packed full of ice for a specialty Margx, equalled about 3 sips and gone, $5 mexican bottled beer, and no happy hour no food, makes me think not. I want to like this place its super cool very UN Encinitas looking, owners own the Saloon next door which is so funny! 5 stars to the decorator/designer 2 stars to no happy hour no food SUPER over priced drinks full of ice! read more

Shelter has a bit of a different vibe than Encinitas's other establishments. Their roof retractable (cool!) and they have a cocktail menu full of specialty drinks that I've never seen elsewhere. It's a true mixology bar, and that's pretty cool. The clientele doesn't seem all that different from other local dives, and whether that was their intention or not, it's nice to have an alternative place to chill. We've been here twice, and both times I had a mojito (not on the menu) and a specialty drink. Everything has been pour perfect, and the bartenders really know what they are doing. On our last visit the bartender made the wrong drink, immediately realized it upon delivery, and comped us a redo. This should be standard anywhere, but we didn't even have to ask. They were polite, quick and just the right amount of talkative. There have reserve/VIP tables, but they let you sit there if no one has reserved them. It is pricey, but again, they are making specialty cocktails, which often involve a muddle, a splash and a zest. It's not just a pour, so keep that in mind when you see the $11 price point per drink. My new go to for mojito cravings. read more

Favorite bar to hit with the co workers after work. I love the vibe, the service is great, it's just an all around favorite bar for a lot of people in Encinitas. read more

Love this place!! The drinks are yummy and so is their FOOD!!! Mmmm! And I wanted to say thanks to their bartender JACOB! He gave us the best service and he really cares about customer service, and makes the best mule I've ever had!!!! Ask for him you'll be glad you did!!! Can't wait to go again ! read more

Shelter - Lime Cilantro Chicken Tacos!!! And Shishito Peppers!! Mmmmm! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Encinitas, California

I used to love this place, it's a fun night out and a great place for a bite to eat, especially on a beautiful day. Unfortunately, nowadays if you get there past 10 pm the line is an hour long. That's disappointing, especially for a regular who loved going there. The owner is a nice gentleman who also owns the little dive bar next door. The staff are all competent and friendly. The fact that it's impossible to get in later in the night is such a drawback. I definitely won't be going anymore unless I'm out really early. One other cool thing I should mention is the ceiling, it's retractable and on beautiful nights it gives the room a great vibe. Beware of the wait, that's my only warning. read more

Shelter is quality location and makes a quality cocktail. Unfortunately the vibe is very "what kind of car do you drive". If that's your thing, then this is your spot! You can get bottle service and get that "who do you know" downtown feel right in Encinitas But alas, it's just not my style. Sorry. read more

Cool spot. Great staff and good music. It's a smaller location so managing all the guests must be a challenge for management. If you are looking for a cool, clean spot in Encinitas/North County I believe this is one of only a few options. read more

I read the reviews and I wanted to know. I work in the liquor industry and like to see reviews. From what I have seen this place is not cool- the staff sucks and door man is an asshole. I decided to check out Shelter, with my husband around 6pm. I was dressed well.So was hubs. Upon entering a "door guy" was there but he was more of a greeter. We chose a cushy seat in the corner and almost immediately the bartender came over. He was very nice, asked us what we would like to drink and was attentive. I give them 4 stars because as more people came in he was working to take care of all patrons thus missed my glass was empty. I like an attentive bartender/waitress because I drink a lot. I was disappointed he neglected my obvious glass ready to be refilled. Had he been more attentive I would give 5 stars. Shelter is aesthetically pleasing and fun. Maybe the people giving bad reviews weren't dressed appropriately!! read more

Not my favorite place down in Encinitas, I am always greeted with a snobby attitude and I always end up with the most pretentious bar tenders. I had ordered ONE drink, which was undrinkable and was charged for 8 drinks. My bill got swapped, easy mistake! When I had brought it to my servers attention, she flat out told me that she did not make an error, after 10 minutes of being persistent she finally adjusted my bill. The environment is beautiful, the music is poppin. I just wish the customer service was better read more

I am updating my review in light of the management's response to my below review. The owner, Dale, personally addressed the incident with me via message. We really appreciated how seriously it was taken and although we haven't gone back yet, we will be returning to give Shelter another shot! We had a lot of fun that night absent the incident and it says a lot about a business to take one yelp reviewer seriously. So thanks Shelter for paying attention to your customer's complaints! Your bouncer gets your whole business a one star. The way he manhandled my girl friend while kicking her out of the bar was incredibly unprofessional. I am sympathetic to the fact that he may have a chip on his shoulder after dealing with drunk 22 year olds all night- and I would understand had my friend been acting like one of them. However, she was looking out the front door to see if our friend was waiting for an Uber and was grabbed and tossed out without any justification. I've seen my drunk friends escorted out of bars on several occasions and I've never had issues with bouncers doing their job. This was not ok. It was so wrong that I approached him about the incident and took his photograph just to make sure we had documentation. We had a pretty good time at Shelter so it was unfortunate this event ruined our experience. read more

Don't be fooled by the look. First the bartender tried to charge my husband full price during happy hour. Then, he tried to charge me full price. He said "happy hour is 5-8", when on the menu it clearly says "Sunday all day". Whatever maybe he is new. But what really made our experience awful was the fact that the bouncer came to tell us they are closing at 9!!! They really weren't closing until midnight. We figured they were dead AF. So no wonder they're closing. I tried to hurry and finish my drink and the bouncer came back around and said "I am going to have to ask you guys to leave the building" in a VERY rude way. As if we're some assholes making a ton of noise, causing a ton of trouble. GTFO. We could have EASILY gone to another bar down the street and NOT had this awful experience. Don't go here and waste your time. And if you do. Watch your bill. The idiots might charge you full price, then kick you out. God forbid they work their full shift read more

Very chic especially for Encinitas. I swung by for a drink on Halloween so it was very entertaining with all the characters! Lounge area is comfy for a group of friends. Drinks were good and so was the service. There's a nice outdoor lounge with a fire pit too. Reminds me of NYC bars so I felt at home. I'll be back! read more

I have been living in Encinitas for the past 10 years, we all know Encinitas is a beach town but is great to finally have an option of a nice local bar to go to. Since the Shelter has been open it became my favorite local bar! Every time I have been there my friends and I had a great time. The atmosphere is awesome , the cocktails are delicious , the service very efficient and the people are friendly and well dressed. Welcome Shelter!!! read more

I was feeling the music but not the overcrowdedness. There was NO dancing room whatsoever. I was getting smacked in the face by some dumb broad trying to take a selfie of her and her man and you pretty much have to two step your way around the place and bump into people hoping they don't turn around and think you're trying to start something. This place isn't big enough to accommodate a large crowd of people. I was almost expecting the fire marshal to come in and shut the place down. Just like any other overcrowded bar, you have to pretty much squeeze your way to the front to get the bartender to notice you. Some lame chick tried to cut in front of my friend by shaking the bartender's hand (wtf?). Glad he took care of my friend first since she was next to be served and we all laughed at ms. hand shaker. Probably won't ever come here again since my friend and I were visiting for the weekend. Too many college kids. read more

This is an addition to the bar Saloon, but this bar Shelter is only open at certain hours of the day... What sets this hidden gem apart is their sun roof and the floor plan they have mastered plan. From wall to wall you will find nice lounges that appear to look like VIP seating at a club but its open to anyone anytime:) If you look up, you will see the nice beautiful sky and that because this bar built a retractable roof so you can enjoy the sun and get that tan on lol They have a full bar and always one bartender who is very attentive. Overall, I highly recommend you come check this place out if your in Encinitas. I can see this bar being the number one place to hang out over summer. Its been getting a lot of buzz and has been featured in Pacific SD Magazine! The price of drinks here is a beet steep, but for the experience and the people that do drink here, you will feel a bit more upper class and very happy that you did stop by for a drink or two;) read more

If you want to have a fun safe night do not come here! I left crying and pleading with the security. I guess I should have expected this when our Uber said it was dangerous or when the security guy up front tried to first tell me my very real I'd was fake. However I gave it a shot... worst idea ever. It's packed like sardines, unsafe and the security does not listen to customers being physically assaulted. While my girlfriends and I were there, a creepy man kept harassing my friend. He followed her, touched her ,and called her a bitch for not talking to him. When she went to the bathroom I saw him follow right after her and that's when I decided to tell the security. Luckily they listened to me and removed him. Finally things were peaceful... Until a group of people, perhaps his friends, perhaps just drunk, began to chuck ice at my friends and I. The huge chucks from the bottle tin at the table. It almost took out my eye and hit my friend in the head leaving her with a head ache. We instantly ran to the security manager outside checking ID's and what he said to me shocked me and enraged me so deeply. That he had already helped me, and that they had received complaints of me taking drugs off of a table. To this I responded how dare you, make me take a drug test, make me walk in a line, check the cameras you'll see them throwing ice, this is ridiculous. I never even stopped at a table. He did not listen to me, he did not believe me and instead of doing his job as security and protecting the vulnerable he decided his job was over and physical abusers would not be held accountable. It was my first time in this establishment as well as my last. I will be calling later today to find out who the owner is and I will call over and over until I receive an apology or some sort or help to hold the man checking ID's up front accountable. A truly sickening experience. I am a strong patient woman who can ignore all the name calling in the world, however am 5'1, and can only defend myself so much. That was assault and I am writing this at 2:20 am because I am truly disgusted by this experience and the response of the personal of this establishment. DO NOT GO, not worth it. Crowded and dangerous, security will not protect you and will probably call you a liar too! never again! Let less people in, you can't control your business environment. read more

Paid to Uber here and they were closed over an hour and a half before their posted hours. I understand that it is a Sunday and it may be slow, but if a business posts hours they should stay true to the hours that they have posted so that customers may plan their night accordingly. read more

Came to Shelter on Halloween weekend, excited to escape the MonsterBash crowds downtown. D Street was still pretty crowded, but the bouncers at Shelter were efficient, and my group was in in no time. My friends had a table, which was super useful since the dancefloor was packed most of the night. As crowded as it was, no one in my group was ever waiting for a drink for more than a few minutes. My biggest issue with bars in other beach towns is having to wait forever to pay for a crappy drink. The bartenders were all fast and friendly, and the drinks were strong. Even at night, the open air vibe was tons of fun. The music was perfect for the night, and it was so refreshing being in a younger crowd that wasn't just a bunch of frat stars. Although it did seem a bit crammed, there was never too long a line for the ladies room which is a big big big plus!! Can't wait to check this place out in the daylight! read more

Had a great time at Shelter back in February for a birthday party. We had a table for our party of eight, Danielle (who arranged it for me) was a joy to work with and super accommodating, and inside the drinks were tasty and the music added to a great vibe. The bouncer who I encountered was nice to everyone in my party and helpful anytime I encountered him. The "dance floor" wasn't very dancey, and its tough to get a flow to a place that's mostly a box surrounded by booths with a bar at one end, but its a good looking box and we all had fun. Yes its a slice of downtown in an otherwise low key row of beach bars, and if that doesn't cater to your wants for the night then don't stand in line or pay the prices for that experience. If you want sandals and burritos and cheap beer - which is awesome in its own right, no doubt - go somewhere else. Flat out. Rating this place one star for not being a dive bar is as silly as low balling Roberto's for not serving egg rolls. read more

Cool place to hang out on Sat. night. Same drinks, same stools taken by the same pretentious people the only difference the original starry night ceiling which could be very consoling if you are in waiting or you date is too much distracted by Gin& Tonic.Number the stars. read more

Best drinks in town, if you don't like the club atmosphere just come on a weeknight. It's great!

Came here last night for an after dinner drink. Two notes... 1 the bar needs purse hooks underneath. No woman wants to balance her purse on her lap all night or put it on top of the bar. 2 you need purse hooks in the bathroom! I went in with my hand bag and coat and there was nowhere to put them! The cocktail I ordered was very refreshing with grapefruit and vodka. I had asked about a different drink and the bartender was really honest and told me it wasn't popular and they would be removing it soon. I liked his honesty. All around I won't be running back, but won't avoid it either. read more

I enjoy the atmosphere and the setup they have! Good drink selection and the bartenders are always really helpful. If you want something different in Cardiff/ Encinitas, go to Shelter! read more

I really like coming here at night! It has a great vibe and atmosphere. Very beachy, hypster, but classy at the same time. It does get packed at this place towards the end of the night, so I hope they expend this place soon since I have seen more room in the back. Bartenders are nice and on top of orders. Overall it is a great place to stop and have a drink with your friends or date! read more

Shelter is awesome! My girlfriend and I were walking around Encinitas on our anniversary and stumbled upon this really modern, cool looking bar. I had to see what it was all about. It was a Saturday afternoon and wasn't too busy. We grabbed a seat a the really cool booths and Luis came over with some menus. They were offering a brunch but we were just looking for drinks. I had the El Guapo and my girlfriend had the Citrus Sour which we both loved. Luis is an excellent bartender and really put some time and effort into each cocktail. The vibe of this place is what I enjoyed the most. Open roof, comfortable booths, great drinks and some chill music playing made it a perfect afternoon. I would definitely recommend this spot and can't wait to comeback at night! read more

When you wanna feel like you're in a miniature LA hotspot, this is it. The crowd is attractive and everyone seems to dress their best when heading to Shelter. The music is loud enough to keep you moving your feet. Can't comment on the drinks or food. Part of me wants to like Shelter, and then part of me hates it. Generally nice people there, staff included, but the snobs that stick out really make me wonder how much money they asked mommy or daddy for prior to getting themselves a table. read more

So this was our 3rd stop on our birthday celebration. I have to say I loved the open ceiling the couches are very comfy and the back patio was very nice as well. Bathrooms clean and the staff was nice. But overall way over priced. Good thing you can still get a shot next door at the Saloon for $4. I give this place another 6 months. Seriously bottle service this isn't Vegas but hey guess someone had to try to liven up the night life in Encinitas. read more