amazing skewers and the owner is super friendly and inviting!! good vibes always, get authentic filipino food here!

What a great find!! This is the real deal. Rich is the owner and he's got a great place here. The selection is vast. The skewers are amazing. You pick out your own skewers and take them outside and put them on the barbecue pits. The sauces are good. A sweet and a sour are provided. I particularly liked the chicken skewers and the sausage skewers. The fish balls were excellent. Rich is a US Navy veteran. He's only open Thursday - Saturday so he can spend time with his family. The staff is very helpful and friendly. If you're new, they are happy to show you how it works. read more

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Worth every penny. Every single time. I've been coming to Eskinita for about six months now, and I can confidently say this is some of the best food in San Diego. The food is phenomenal, the atmosphere is incredible, but what really makes this place special is the people. Rich, the owner, is genuinely one of the most incredible human beings you'll ever meet. You can tell how much heart he puts into this place, and it shows in everything. And Marvin? That guy is an absolute legend. These two, along with the entire team, have a way of making you feel less like a customer and more like an old friend stopping by. And the food? Absolutely unreal. I've worked my way through so much of the menu over the past six months, and I still get excited to come back every single week. Everything is packed with flavor, cooked with care, and worth every penny. But here's why I'm really writing this review. I'm a husband, a dad to two little girls, and I work a pretty demanding job. Life gets hectic. Between work, family, and everything else, there isn't always much time to slow down and enjoy a moment to yourself. Once a week, I try to carve out a little time to escape the rat race, enjoy some incredible food, and just exist for a little while. Somewhere along the way, Eskinita became that place for me. It's become my little home away from home. I've eaten at plenty of incredible restaurants throughout San Diego, but there's something about this place you simply can't replicate. It's the hospitality, the conversations, the laughs, and the feeling of genuinely being welcomed every time you walk through the door. You can find good food all over San Diego. What you can't find everywhere is a place that makes you feel like you belong. Rich, Marvin, and the entire Eskinita crew, thank you for creating something truly special. You've got a customer for life. read more

The initial expression is very welcoming. As soon as we arrived, we got invited in. They have a great selection of isaw! Its nice seeing other races likes the taste of Pinoy Streets food. The owner is from Tondo, so you know its LEGiT! Pares and Sisig got me too! Love it. read more

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This Filipino street food is so authentic that it's actually on the street! Well.....not the "street" street, but the grills ARE outside in the parking lot of this strip mall block. You can grill the skewers yourself. On top of that, this place is only open in the evening and only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Joints like this are a main reason why I started writing reviews in the first place. I tried the pork, pork belly, blood curd, and chicken feet. It was all delicious, and the bbq sauce they're using was also amazing. I was worried that the chicken feet would be a tad dry like this, but it was surprisingly soft and tasty. Next, I ordered some sisig. In the past, I've had sisig that I thought was dry also, but this was like....a swamp. It was pungent. I would've thought it was too salty if it weren't for all the onion, scallions, and rice. The umami was divine. Finally, as someone addicted to fruit teas, I enjoyed chugging the apple tea and lemon tea. Anyways, Rick you're worried about negative reviews with this review average?!? LOL. 4.8 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google maps? I guess the only direction the average can go is down. What kind of war crimes does a restaurant commit to achieve this? Hey guys, Rick threatened me by saying the bottom of my pillow would be warm and my soda would be shaken if I didn't leave a five star review. If you see a cringe TikTok of me saying the food is good, I am actually under duress. Easily one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego so far. read more

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My coworker and I were on a work trip in San Diego, visiting from the San Francisco Bay Area, and he saw there were a few Filipino restaurants not far from our hotel. Me being half Filipino had to try one of the Filipino restaurants before we left. My coworker had never tried Filipino food before so I had to introduce him. After looking at a few different options, we decided to try Eskinita, as it appeared to be like Filipino street food. We were both very happy with our choice and we agreed it was the best food we had the entire week. Everyone working at Eskinita were extremely warm and friendly. They welcomed us and explained how things worked: pick out as many skewers as you want and pay per skewer, then go outside and grill them yourself before enjoying the feast. One of the staff could tell that my coworker and I were newbies, plus noticed that I had one arm in a sling from a recent accident. He kindly helped us grill our skewers and showed us how to brush the skewers with the bbq sauce. Overall, the food was delicious and the ambiance very relaxed. I preferred dipping the grilled meats in the vinegar sauce. The vinegar flavor paired well with the sweetness of the meats and bbq sauce. My favorite skewers were the longanisa, kwek kwek, pork bbq, chicken bbq, and kikiam. I decided not to get too adventurous with the other organ meats, pig ears, or chicken feet this time. I would definitely go back again if in the area. My only criticism is that the price of a piece of lumpia seemed too expensive for how small it was. read more

I love places like this! I've been looking for a place like where I can just have a bowl of rice and some barbecued chicken on the grill and here it is! The pork belly is to die for! I love all the options they have when you walk in you pick and choose- put it on your plate, Go out to the barbecue sit it on the barbecue and cook it to your liking. The ambience makes you feel like you are at your family's backyard barbecue. And the owners and employees are very helpful, Very kind made me feel very welcomed. I can't wait to come back! read more

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Visiting from Arizona, we tried Eskinita for dinner since we were craving street food. Can I just say--this is the authentic Filipino street food I've been looking for and missing from the Philippines. Like omg. Their suka (vinegar) and sweet sauce are the best I've had in a while--I literally drank the sauce like it was soup. Soooo freaking good! I'm not even being OA, you really have to try it to believe it. Even my husband said it takes you right back to memories of street food in the Philippines. And did I mention--you get to choose whatever you like and grill it yourself outside, right in front of their store. Ahhh. I honestly can't put into words how happy and satisfied I am. One thing's for sure--I'll be back as soon as we visit San Diego again. I miss it already though. read more

First time trying this place out last night and we had a great time! We were warming welcomed by the owner and even let us try a sample of the pares and sisig (both were delicious). Weather was a little rainy but that didn't stop us from enjoying! There's so many options to choose from on the stick and even rice plates. You pick your sticks and then pay and order any additional items. After, you go outside and you get to grill, this was fun to do! The owner made sure everyone was doing well, checking in if anyone needed help! Everything is so delicious, great vibes! Feels like you're back in PI! Such a great experience, we'll definitely be back! Highly recommend! read more

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Food may be good, chill vibe but Management is a joke. Next time you guys visit, pay attention to how the owner (male) talks to his employees. Totally unprofessional. Not sure if he's aware of his surroundings but it's happened twice and it just wouldn't be right if I didn't say anything about this behavior. I hope that all the women that work there are not being abused in any way. Whether that be financial, emotional, physical or otherwise. If I am able to witness this as a customer , I can't imagine what happens behind closed doors. I wish i could have recorded both situations. No one deserves to work in a hostile work environment. Get it together man, you don't want that kind of karma! read more

$2.50 per stick (whyyyy so much??) and the meat or stuff (egg or sausage or whatever they have) in a stick is too small you have to spend $30-$50 or more just to satisfy your hunger. Each stick is super tinyyyyyy. And for a place that you have to cook or grill your own food?? Yeah it's fun but for that price???.... No thanks! read more

Rick is a master of hospitality. You feel welcomed as soon as you walk up. The favors are many and delicious. Tables are setup outside. I feel like I'm home here. The people are happy and you feel lots of love. Did I mention, the wonderful music playing? I love this place. read more

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Hands down good vibes all around! First time here and everyone was professional and friendly. Felt like I was at a family bbq! Huge selection of food options to chose from. Can't wait to come back! read more

Eskinita - Filipino Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is not for all. This street food really hit. I'm a huge fan of intestine. The ambiance felt like I was in the backyard hanging out. Definitely needed some cards to playing with. Pretty much you pick the skewers and put them on a basket and pay. Then you go outside and grill it up. Kuya rich was the best. He was a wizard on the grill making sure nothing got to burnt. I'll definitely go back with a group and just go chill for the vibes. read more

Eskinita - Intestines - Filipino Near Me - San Diego, California

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Driven by here a few times and finally was able to check them out! It's Filipino street food - perfect for a summer night! Everything tasted good and we got to grill on a charcoal grill. Of course we had to pair it with some vinegar which they had as well. The owner walked us through everything as well and was super helpful and kind! I highly recommend coming in and checking them out! read more

Eskinita - Filipino Near Me - San Diego, California

Great food hands down. Environment very welcoming and service is great love the hospitality. A must visit on days open. read more

Eskinita - Filipino Near Me - San Diego, California

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After hearing good word about Eskinita, we decided to give this place a shot. Glad we did because the food is delicious, plus we loved the chill vibe and music. Rich has such great hospitality and made us feel welcomed. The customer services was great too. We'll definitely come back and invite family to join us!!! read more

The selection was great. From the classics back at home in the Philippines to the environment of the store, to the clean areas to eat and cook, really good experience. The service was also accomodating as it was my first time at this type of food spot. The lady who was at checkout was very helpful. Each stick was $2.00 and I got a total of 7. The sauce was also very good. They had the vinegar and the classic brown sauce for the food. Tasted just like home. The grill itself was great and they had two. The store also had sufficient seating! Definitely would be back here. Highly recommend if you haven't had a experience like this. read more

Eskinita - Filipino Near Me - San Diego, California

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Authentic Filipino street food in SD. Rich walks you through an assortment of different skewers and grills your selection in front of you. Great music and ambiance as you wait for your food. They are patient and helpful if it's your first time! We tried almost every skewer and everything was delicious. Plenty of parking and seats. This is a must try experience! read more

Eskinita - BBQ - Filipino Near Me - San Diego, California

Stumbled upon this hidden gem of a street food spot on a Friday night, and it did not disappoint! We met the owner, Rich, who was super welcoming, kind, and attentive. He guided us inside to select our skewers ($2 each) from a great variety, along with other entrée options. Inside, they also sold Filipino beauty products like traditional soaps, face cleansers, and more. After paying, we stepped outside to grill our skewers ourselves, which added to the fun experience. The ambiance, with its music and casual seating, reminded me so much of Mexico--where you just pull up to a literal esquinita (corner) for a late-night snack, eat, and chat. If you're looking for authentic Filipino street food and a welcoming atmosphere, I highly recommend stopping by and meeting Rich! read more

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We were craving for filipino food for dinner and this place hits different. Filipino street food experience! The owner and employees are so friendly and helpful. My little boy enjoyed his experience so much that he kept talking about it. A must when you are in town. read more

Eskinita - Pork BBQ - Filipino Near Me - San Diego, California

The BEST! You'll will feel like family going here. Lots of parking. Outstanding customer service. Ambiance is just like being in a Philippines neighborhood. Chill spot. Highly recommend going here with family & friends. Veteran owned. Salute. read more

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Only came for quail egg, with my friends. 10/10 Each skew is $2.50, rice is only $2. The employee is very sweet and make sure we are all good. read more

Eskinita - Quail egg - Filipino Near Me - San Diego, California

The vibe was exactly like what others mentioned in the reviews--on point! I actually found them on Instagram while searching for "isawan" in San Diego. I absolutely love the atmosphere here. It was our first time, and the moment we stepped out of the car, we were warmly greeted by Kuya (I think he's the owner). He asked, "Family, is it your first time?" and when we said yes, he guided us through the menu and pointed out their specialties. We got to sample the beef pares and sisig, and they were absolutely bomb! We ended up ordering the beef pares, sisig, and beef mami and of course the bbq and isaw and everything... saraaaapp!!! Salamat po for treating us like family and making us feel so welcome. We will definitely be back! read more

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Drove all the way from Kensington for this and really glad I did! Reminded me a lot of being home. Everything hits the spot! Ordered sisig and pretty much one of each of the bbq skewers and it did not disappoint! Owner was very helpful and friendly. Very quick service as well. Finally something similar like dollar hits in San Diego! Will definitely make the drive back again for this. Really great experience! read more

Eskinita - Filipino Near Me - San Diego, California

We've been looking for a place for late night cravings this is the spot!! The food and the service was excellent. It feels like home. This is a nice spot to bring friends, families definitely you will enjoy this place. This is a better place than dollar hits their food and their sauces is on point. Definitely I will come back and eat some more I'm lucky this is closer to my place. Come check it out this spot I'm pretty sure you will love it too. read more

Eskinita - Filipino Near Me - San Diego, California

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Only open on Thursday, Friday, & Saturday. They make up for the short week with the food. I highly recommend the pork belly and chicken hearts. We throughly enjoyed the experience of cooking our own skewers. The owner walked us through how to do it and we went for seconds! This is a family establishment and they make you feel at home. read more

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I'm resurrecting from my yelp review hiatus to give this place the love it deserves. When the boyf and I got there, right away we were greeted by Rick. Awesome guy, showed us the strings and led us through this experience. The boyf and I got a whole lot of everything that way we could get a good gauge on this place. We went outside to cook on the grills, and Rick could sense that we were beginners so he helped us out lol. And we're sooo glad he did, bc he really elevated our food with all his tips and tricks. Rick said to me "just to give you guys pointers, you want to keep the skewers off the grill bc it will burn. I'm telling you this bc you'll be back. I know my product". And THAT was when I knew this place was going to be DELISH LOL. He was right. Unfortunately we went in too quickly on our food and didn't get to grab any pictures, but the ruffle fat was HEAVENLY. Chicken skin, GOD SENT. There were more that we enjoyed immensely, but we're not good Filipinos bc we couldn't identify what dish was what lol but very juicy, very flavourful, texture on point, and savouryyyy 11/10, vibes, service, and food. WILL go again. read more

Yummy food, and fun atmosphere! Owner was right there in the mix and so helpful. When in the area, we will be back

I'm happy to support this Filipino business. They were so kinda and welcoming. Made me feel sooo welcomed everyone was smiling great energy I'm coming back every week for the food alone!!! read more

This place is a vibe Eskinita always has good energy and the owner is super nice. Feels like you're always welcome here.

Came in on a whim on a Saturday night. Lots of choices to BBQ outside. The owner, Rich, was so welcoming and friendly and made sure all of us had enough sauce for our skewers, I got the chicken and pork BBQ, the pork belly, and the chicken skin -- all great! Will definitely be back! read more

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First time here with my husband and some of his coworkers. Thursday night was pretty slow right when they open but that means we didn't have to wait for the grill. The owner opens only 3 days a week and is super friendly! This is not your typical skewer restaurant/shop, this place is meant to give you a glimpse of the hospitality of the people of Philippines. We were greeted and given instructions on how to order. You go inside, grab a red basket and choose which skewers of meat you want. *YOU MUST BE OPEN MINDED.* You then pay at the counter and bring it outside to heat up on the grill. We had 14-16 skewers in total and an Arizona Iced Tea which totaled about $36. Remember, the whole experience is meant to mimic a street food type of eatery. We had the pleasure of talking with the owner and him offering to grill our skewers as well since part of the experience is to enjoy doing it yourself. My favorite were the chicken liver, chicken & beef intestines, and battered quail eggs. They also have two sauces to dip, I recommend both! YUM!! From the initial greeting, to the selection, to the owner, and to the food, we had a wonderful time! Hope to bring family and friends back soon! read more

Eskinita - a basket of skewered food - Filipino Near Me - San Diego, California

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I love not just their street food, but also their sisig, beef pares, and sago at gulaman here. It was definitely taste of the Philippines. Oh how I missed that... and the ambiance was like it too. They definitely make you feel at home. Their service was superb and the owner was super friendly. This is my new favorite spot! read more

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This place never lets me down. Best skewers in SD. I travel from Arizona whenever I'm able :)

I'm so glad we found this. My husband and I wanted to celebrate tonight and get really bomb ass food at the same time, but wanted to venture a little ways away from where we normally hang out. We decided to come here and man, did this exceed our expectations. Located inside large plaza, EsKiNiTa is truly a hole-in-the-wall joint serving up some of that authentic Filipino skewers over a grill that you get to cook yourself (it IS part of the experience). Now... don't expect fine dining, expect a welcoming and homey atmosphere. The owner was beyond hospitable, explaining what is the most popular item and even cooking our food for us. The charcoal isn't your basic pillow-shaped, charcoal either. They used mesquite charcoal, so it adds another layer of flavor to your food. I highly recommend the chicken and pork BBQ, chicken intestine, chicken liver, and chicken heart. But honestly, you can't go wrong with any of the choices. The BBQ sauce is a must and if you're like me, make sure to get the vinegar sauce to add a different flavor to your tastebuds. You'll have a great time, be surrounded by good people, and enjoy it all with some really good food. Highly recommend, and just like he said... I'll definitely be back. read more

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The place is clean, and the ambiance has Filipino vibes. The food and services are excellent! They will take care of you. All the staff members are friendly, especially ate Jen and Kuya; they make you feel at home. I love the food; it's so delicious and juicy. I love the chicken and pork intestine, and don't forget to try their sisig as well! We'll go back. read more

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Such a fun place. This is like having a backyard BBQ with family and friends. The selection can be a bit daunting for a newbie but Rich and his staff are happy to help. For a complete novice I had Rich do the grilling but next time I'll try myself. There's always someone around to offer tips and tricks. Really enjoyed it. read more

Came here last Friday! Our second time! Kuya was so nice, welcoming us and all. Plenty of space/ grills to cook. He also helped us cook our sticks. Each stick was surprisingly more expensive than the last time I went. It was $2.50/stick. It was worth it for the chicken isaw tho. We also got a scoop of rice to go with the sticks. But the rice was hard and I think I got the bottom of the pot part. My friend jokingly said that it might be the NFA rice from the Philippines. Jasmine Rice would be nice. Overall, everything was good! Sticks were delicious. It's just the rice killed the vibe for me. Maybe I'll bring some of my own rice next time I come! read more

First time here with the husband and we loved it! The owner was very nice and helped us grill the skewers. All the skewers and the sauce were delicious but the bulaklak was our favorite! Definitely coming back! read more

Eskinita - BBQ - Filipino Near Me - San Diego, California