La Especial Norte

Mexican Restaurant $ 4.4 (1119)


La Especial Norte is celebrated for its authentic Mexican cuisine, particularly its traditional soups. Many customers affirm the quality and freshness of the dishes, alongside the welcoming service and vibrant ambiance. However, some experiences may vary, especially regarding saltiness in certain dishes.

Overall:

4.5

(907 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.3

Service:

4.1


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (760) 942-1040

Address: 664 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Had an okay lunch at La Especial Norte. The atmosphere was nice, but my enchiladas were a bit underwhelming compared to expectations. They also missed the mark on the spice level, which could have been elevated. The service was quick, and the staff were friendly, but the food didn’t quite hit the mark for me this time. " (*Curated Review*)

" I visited La Especial Norte recently and had mixed feelings. While the decor was charming and authentically Mexican, I found the food to be a bit on the salty side, which was disappointing. The service was prompt but felt a bit rushed. The highlight of my meal was definitely the guacamole; it was fresh and delicious. I think I might give it another shot because many locals rave about this place. " (*Curated Review*)

" I visited La Especial Norte after hearing so much about it and was excited to try the famous tortilla soup. Unfortunately, I found it to be overly salty for my taste. The decor was authentically Mexican, but the service left much to be desired as it felt a bit slow despite the restaurant not being particularly busy. I might come again to see if the experience improves. " (*Curated Review*)

" As a huge fan of Mexican cuisine, I was excited to visit La Especial Norte. I ordered the tortilla soup, which was touted as the best in the area, and it definitely lived up to its reputation! The flavors were vibrant, and the ingredients tasted fresh. The staff were also incredibly friendly, making the whole experience enjoyable. This place is a hidden gem in Encinitas that I will be recommending to friends. " (*Curated Review*)

" I recently had dinner at La Especial Norte, and it exceeded my expectations! I ordered the shrimp tacos, and they were spectacular! The shrimp was perfectly cooked, and the salsas were fresh. The ambiance was cheerful and welcoming, though it did get a little loud as we dined. The only downside was that I wished the wait staff had been a bit more attentive. Overall, a strong experience! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (897)

" Had a fantastic lunch at La Especial Norte. The meal was fulfilling, and the ambiance complemented the delicious food. I tried the carne asada with tortillas, and the flavors were rich. The portions were decent, and the service was friendly. The only downside was that it got a bit crowded, but that didn't take much away from the experience. " (*Curated Review*)

" La Especial Norte is an institution! I went there, and I can confirm it has been consistent with its flavors for years. I had the torta and a bowl of the chicken soup. Both were outstanding. The portions were generous, and the service was quick and friendly. The atmosphere felt like an authentic family-run Mexican restaurant where you can truly relax and enjoy. I can't recommend it enough! " (*Curated Review*)

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