Social Profile: 
✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
… View more
Mexican standby since 1977 offers a variety of traditional recipes in a colorful dining room.
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 664 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (760) 942-1040
Website: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049722472499
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
La Especial Norte: Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Encinitas
At La Especial Norte, a captivating Mexican restaurant located in Encinitas, CA, the essence of traditional San Diego family cuisine comes alive. This …
La Especial Norte | Encinitas CA – Facebook
La Especial Norte · Annual vacation re open January 15 @ 11:00 am · Happy Birthday Dad · Happy Birthday Dad · Angel’s Special so refreshing La Especial …
La Especial Norte – Visit Encinitas CA – Discover the Coastal Charm …
A go-to resource for visitors and locals alike to discover all that this unique seaside town has to offer. From the hot surf spots and hiking trails to the art …
Reviews
Ava Thompson
A beloved casual Mexican restaurant known for its authentic, flavorful dishes and generous portions. Locals and visitors rave about the rich tortilla and chicken soups, fish tacos, enchiladas, and vibrant, colorful atmosphere that feels like a lively Mexican kitchen. Friendly service, great value, and classic favorites make it a go‑to spot for hearty comfort food
… moreMo Jo
Our second time here and we’ll be back. Generous portions! We had plenty to take home for later. My mom was shocked at how much food there was !! Good service and fun atmosphere.
… moreKat Monteiro
Great food and service. The chicken soup was really good and the carne asada burrito was also very good. It was spiced like I have never had before and I thought it was delicious!
… moreMark Perine
This review is 30 years overdue. Why? Because I didn’t want to make La Especial Norte more popular than it already is. I didn’t want to wreck the SoCal beach neighborhood vibe that seems to be built into the kitschy decor. But I find myself leaving the area, so this review is one of the last things I need to wrap up. I will miss the soups, especially the tortilla soup pictured below. In recent years the soup has been served warm so I ask to have it hot. I add 2 spoons of salsa, and that elevates it to the best tortilla soup I’ve ever had – apologies to my wife who has tried to replicate it. Seafood dishes are wonderful, especially the fish tacos. Pictured below as well is the enchilada platter. The beef enchilada has shredded beef and not the ground beef so many other restaurants use. I always ask for extra cabbage slaw. This is the only Mexican restaurant I have been to that serves it. In fact, I think it’s better to substitute the cabbage for the rice on any platter. Also, avoid the sour cream and ask for red sauce instead. Skip the margaritas and other mixed drinks, I don’t see the value. Instead get a Corona or better yet a Modelo Negro. This isn’t fancy food. It is basic food done really well. The portion to price ratio is fantastic. The proof is the number of families who jam into the place every weekend night. If you’re wearing shorts, sweatshirt, and flip flops you’ll fit right in. For a restaurant to be so popular for so long is pretty much all you need to know. Get off the 5, enjoy a slower trip on the 101, and stop in Leucadia for some authentic Mexican soups and platters. Muy gusto!
… moreColby Adams
I wasn’t impressed. The price was very expensive for Mexican food. The food was very Salty, the waitor an older man with a hat was bothered by us asking for our drinks, and my daughters quesadilla was at our table after everyone was finished eating. I never got the impression that our waitor was happy we chose this place to eat. We’d never been here before and I don’t see us coming back. All of the food was very salty steak, shrimp, rice, beans all heavily Salty. Save your money unless you like spending $80 for 4 people, the water was the best part and the Mexican coca cola . My kids weren’t happy and they usually clean their plates they couldn’t stomach the food they all wondered if this was how people cooked the food in Mexico but I’ve had better Mexican food elsewhere.
Beware
… moreBeware
Sandy Trumble
Best chicken tortilla soup, chips and salsa ever! Great atmosphere and super friendly staff. The amount of food you get for the money is unbelievable.
… moreColby
I was not impressed. The service was a 1/10 not desirable, if I have to ask for my food after everyone has there’s and the waiter says they forgot, and he never refills our drinks then there’s a service issue. It was nearly $100 for 3 kids meals and 2 adult meals. We’re talking no alcohol and just beans and rice. The food was extremely salty and when everyone at the table didn’t eat but a few bites the food isn’t worth it. I figured that we paid more because it’s closer to the ocean and that quality would be better but I wasn’t impressed. The sodas were missing carbonation and the water was the best part. The atmosphere was very authentic to Mexico but the service was horrible. Asking for basic things isn’t what you have to do after ordering them
I could’ve done it myself and saved nearly $100
Beware of this place if you want to be treated like garbage and pay a lot for beans and rice…. go ahead.
… moreI could’ve done it myself and saved nearly $100
Beware of this place if you want to be treated like garbage and pay a lot for beans and rice…. go ahead.
Evan Tynedal
Amazing Mexican Soup. Great hot sauce options. Service was amazing. They were generous in helping me get a takeout water when I left. The salsa and chips at the beginning was amazing as well.
… moreT B
La Especial Norte truly lives up to its reputation as a classic gem for Mexican cuisine! From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by a bright and fun atmosphere that immediately lifts your spirits. The vibrant decor and lively ambiance make it a perfect spot for any occasion.
The menu offers an impressive array of classic Mexican dishes, each prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. I highly recommend their tortas and tostadas – both were absolutely delightful. Every bite was a testament to their commitment to quality and tradition.
What sets La Especial Norte apart, however, is their exceptional service. The friendly staff goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Their warmth and attentiveness make you feel right at home.
In summary, La Especial Norte is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious Mexican fare in a welcoming and festive environment. It’s just fantastic!
… moreThe menu offers an impressive array of classic Mexican dishes, each prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. I highly recommend their tortas and tostadas – both were absolutely delightful. Every bite was a testament to their commitment to quality and tradition.
What sets La Especial Norte apart, however, is their exceptional service. The friendly staff goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Their warmth and attentiveness make you feel right at home.
In summary, La Especial Norte is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious Mexican fare in a welcoming and festive environment. It’s just fantastic!
Denise Cook
I haven’t been to this place in many, many years. I moved 4 years ago, but was back in Cali visiting my mom, son, daughter in law, and friends. The prices have sky rocketed $15-20 per dish. You get one small basket of chips for 4 people, and the chips at the bottom were all broken. If you want more chips it’s $2.00 extra. It didn’t matter if you are eating alone or with 4 people the basket of chips was the same size. Black beans $1.00 extra. They said they use the same size shrimp for all dishes. We got 3 different dishes of shrimp and they were all different sizes the shrimp. You ask the waitress and she says I am just following the rules. The service was so slow. You had to ask for refills. The food was ok not the best. There are so many other Mexican restaurant that is better food, and doesn’t care if you want another basket of chips. The total bill for 4 people was over $80.00. My mom talked to the manager when we left because as we were walking out this table had one person sitting there and there chips was piled high for one. They told us if there is 1-2 people you get less chips. 3-4 you get a full basket. That was not true. Very disappointing,, and I will not go back. They changed their policy a few months the waitress said..The manager said we should have asked for him and not just taken the waitress word for the new rule. What?!?! That’s crazy.
… more