The goat of all Mexican food. The soup is incredible and well as the crispy beef tacos. Get on it

Best Chicken Soup in SD! Family owned. Very friendly and helpful. Their tacos, burritos ands nachos are amazing. You won't be disappointed!

Tucked in a relatively small and quiet plaza. Initially had trouble finding the place as I thought it was on the opposite side of the street. I ordered the Carne Asada fries ($8.50) and it was pretty good overall. Nice crispy fries with plenty of carne asada and seasoned very well along with plenty of guac and cheese. Something that was missing was sour cream which I think would have made it better. I didn't see the carne asada fries on their menu but I asked anyway and surprisingly they offered it. Curious to see what other off menu items they have. Maybe carnitas fries! I was initially going to get the fish burrito but I wasn't sure what kind of fish they would serve so I just decided to go on the safer side and stick to something I'm familiar with. I will next time try their fish burrito after asking them after my order that it was indeed Cod which is fine. I also got to try their Sunday special ($7.50) which was a slow roasted chicken with beans and rice. The cook on the chicken was perfection and I couldn't see how they could have cooked it any better. I would definitely order that again if they offer it. The chicken meat was fall off the bone with barely any effort which was mindblowing and of course how do you say no to a slowly roasted chicken. The slower the better! I will definitely come back again to eat here! Great food and great prices! read more

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We've been here a couple times. I really want to love this place but it's getting one star for a couple reasons The prices for this Mexican food is absolutely insane. I'd rather go to casa de bandini and get a huge tasty meal for what we spent here. The sauce on the enchilada is tinny and spicy and leaves a bad aftertaste It really tastes like they just poured it out of a can. The portions for what you pay are so small. I really don't know how they stay in business... Mexican food is cheese, tortillas, rice and beans These are not outrageously expensive ingredients and it would be nice to find a restaurant that respects that and gives us a better value. read more

When I crave something, I CRAVE it. Like, bad. It's more important than work, my friends, my mental health. Someone taught me how to make chicken soup some many years ago and I still think that recipe is awesome. But I haven't found a place in San Diego that makes memorable chicken soup. So cue Jorge's Mexicatessen in Encinitas who's known for their Mexican style chicken soup. What is a Mexicatessen by the way. Is a Mexican delicatessen? Regardless, I was excited to finally try Jorge's Mexicatessen for breakfast one morning with a friend. It's a hole in a wall location that has only a few tables inside. You order from the cashier and they call your order number when ready. We ordered: Large Chicken Soup: - The owner was nice and he let me have the rice on the side (versus in soup). He also suggested ordering the chicken soup spicy. The chicken soup was well worth the 10+ minutes for us to get this dish. There were chunks of freshly scooped avocado in the soup. I didn't grow up having avocado in soup so this always throws me off. But the avocado tasted even creamier once it warmed up in the chicken broth. I think they add fresh raw onions to the broth before serving as there was a nice onion crunch and bite to the soup. The order also comes with two flour tortillas that are served warm wrapped in aluminum. Carne Asada Burrito: - We were disappointed that the burrito wasn't very big. The carne asada had tomatoes, onions, and I think a guacamole sauce. The carne asada tasted nicely beefy and wasn't too tough. We enjoyed this burrito quite a bit. It's a no frills kind of place so there's not much service or banter with staff here. I've tried calling a few times but no one picks up. We visited for dinner some time ago and enjoyed the meal ( plus the carne asada burrito was much bigger the second time around). I'd return if I was in the area but I think I'd make a trip here to Jorge's Mexicatessen just for their chicken soup. read more

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One of my go-to taco shops in Encinitas. Gets busy around lunch, calling on your order is recommended.

Andy and I met here for a quick bite. This establishment is located directly across the street from Vons and in the same shopping center as Wells Fargo and Savory restaurant on El Camino Real with ample parking. Traffic is hectic in the area since ECR serves as a main artery in and out of Encinitas. This Jorge's is totally hole in the wall. There are only about 4-5 tables inside and several outside. This is a more of a grab and go kind of place. During lunchtime it was CRAZY. The line was out the door and I noticed that some people left due to the wait. We ended up waiting about 20 mins in line just to order and about 10 mins to get our food. I ordered a small chicken soup and 1 chicken crispy taco. I've had their chicken soup at the other Jorge location and I concur that it soothes the soul, especially on a cool day. Although the chicken crispy taco was huge, I have to say that I'm not a fan of the chicken (breast). It was on the dry side and I would have preferred dark meat for a juicier flavor. I did like the guacamole that topped the taco, however. Total was about $7. Yes, I would come back to try other items, but the soup is def what will bring me back. Come here only when it's not busy. Otherwise, prepare for a LONG wait or check out the other Jorge location off Santa Fe. read more

Jorge's Mexicatessen - Chicken crispy taco - Delis Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Have I not reviewed Jorge's in all my visits to this little gem? Well here we go! Beware, if you blink, you very well could miss this little spot in the corner of a strip mall off of El Camino Real and Mountain Vista in Encinitas. It is tucked away next to a few businesses that come and go, as well as a shoe and children's optical that have been around for quite some time. So, what is my go to here? Probably along with most patrons, the chicken soup. It comes in two versions, regular and spicy. Go spicy for an amazing meal in itself. Granted, many of the other menu items are wonderful. I also get the carne asada plate, rolled tacos and other combinations. But the soup is my fav. If you ever have a cold, get the spicy soup. It's a cure all! (not to be confused with an actual cold remedy) You will always get top notch customer service when you come here. The crew working the desk will always serve you with a friendly smile and call you "amigo"! If you're in Encinitas and in the mood for Mexican faire, head over to Jorge's. Keep on Yelp'n! read more

Was (key word), really excited to finally try Jorge's! For years now several of my surfer bros have been raving about the exquisite and highly coveted chicken soup here, how crowded it gets during lunch time, and the scores of people waiting to get their share of this place. When an appointment ran late last Friday I finally had my chance. I walked into Jorge's after the lunch time rush dissipated at 2:16 pm (2/5/2016, receipt #0152, register 1, cashier- E. B.) and was surprised to see the place empty. "Score!" I thought, since I was always warned how busy this place can be and ordered the following for me and my assistant "to go"- 1 Large Mex (chicken) soup w/flour tortillas 3 Fish Tacos 1 California Burrito 1 Carnitas Taco Salad Deluxe The service was efficient, not overly friendly/welcoming, and I was stoked that our order was ready for take-out in less than 8 minutes! So, whatchathink Richard? 1. Chicken Soup- Jorge's forgot to include the flour tortillas that were supposed to come with the order. OK, so it's not a biggie but annoying nonetheless. I was surprised to see that ALL of the condiments (onions, cilantro, avocado, rice, pepper, etc) were already thrown into the take-out container with the soup, not placed in a separate side containers, so you can adjust the seasonings yourself, like many other restaurants will do. The soup itself was good, very salty, yet flavorful. That said, Rudy's, Pollos Maria, La Especial, and Nacho's also make a brilliant, if not better homemade Mexican Chicken Soup. 3 Yelp Stars. 2. Fish Tacos- I liked the fresh cabbage and greens (another key word) that topped the tacos. The fish was perfectly cut, almost too perfect, probably frozen, and the oil it was cooked with made the batter taste slightly bitter and a dark, caramelized brown color. My assistant stopped me after I ate the first taco and pointed out that the other 2 tortillas that wrapped the remaining tacos had fuzzy green growths on them, aka, MOLD! (see my pics) Really Jorge's?!?!?! I mean, it's not like corn tortillas are expensive and there's NO WAY that a fresh corn tortilla would spoil in under a day!!! ZERO Yelp Stars. 3. California Burrito- YUM! The carne asada was tender, chunky, and had a delicious texture. The potatoes had a tasty firmness to them and the sauce was delicately seasoned. This is a much better C.B. than El Cotixan down the street or Rudy's up the road. As a matter of fact, it's one of the BEST California Burritos I've tasted in the area! 5 Yelp Stars. 4. Carnitas Taco Salad Deluxe- I loved the super tasty Carnitas. In all fairness, Taco Salads are a difficult "to-go" item since the shell doesn't travel well. That said, there was also about a quarter inch of liquid in the bottom of the "to-go" container. I'm not sure if it was from the carnitas or the condensation, but it seriously left a puddle in my car. 1 Yelp Star. What can I say? I had super high hopes for Jorge's. The MOLDY corn tortillas on the fish tacos was inexcusable but they do have an amazing California Burrito. The soup is good, but not the best I've tasted. I can take or leave the rest. The idea of having been served rotten food is the true deal breaker and I sincerely hope this was an isolated incident. An overall 2 Yelp Stars for Jorge's Encinitas. read more

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Finally found me some good Mexican in North County. This place usually has lines out the door, but I happened on a day when there was no one in front of me. Got a bunch of the shrimp fajita tacos for the landscapers, and got a taco-enchilada plate for me. The shrimp fajita tacos are famous, apparently, they looked good but I don't care for tacos on limp corn tortillas. But there were quite a few shrimp, and some condiments, cilantro, tomatoes, etc. The guys loved them. I loved my plate too, almost had to dance a jig. The crisp taco had LOTS of shredded beef, lettuce, sprinkled cheese, and was very tasty. The enchilanda was sorta flat, not quite as round as in L.A., but the flavor was very good, nice buncha cheese and a dark sauce on top that was very tasty. There was a small glob of beans and a few spoonfuls of rice. Everything was delicious. Finally, good Mexican food in North County. read more

Jorge's Mexicatessen - Crispy taco-enchilada plate with rice beans and I added the avocado. - Delis Near Me - Encinitas, California

I did not have the chicken soup. My quest for a tasty fish burrito led me to another local dive, this one with a close to 5-Star rating. Always amazing to find that in any place, let alone a greasy dive in the style I grew up loving. Still, that doesn't mean everything they serve will be on top, and such was the case of our meal. It was alright, not horrible in any way, just not the consistent flavors I was looking for. Simple stuff first... The guacamole was very thin, salted well, but processed to the point where it was kind of soupy. Anytime you can pick up the dish and readily swirl the guac inside around, it's not all that appetizing. They salsa they gave us was their hottest option, something I didn't realize until my girlfriend upended one of the small tubs into her burrito. I don't mind the heat, but she has trouble taking it, and even this had me huffing and puffing every once in a while. This is partially my fault for not asking, but mild really should be the standard given unless specified otherwise. Finally comes my fish burrito. The cream sauce was alright, a good sweet to it that should be there when cooling the hot and salt fish. And that fish was fried well, beer battered and clean. But the slaw that came alongside it? Watery, vinegary, overwhelming in every bite that came after the first two and it made the whole of it just ... average, if not sometimes below it. My search continues. The love of my life partook of the California burrito, her usual choice. I do commend Jorge's for using chopped potatoes and not french fries, though they were a bit overcooked, and the burn on the skin made them unable to absorb any salt or juice while wrapped up in the tortilla. And the meat was a bit dry, a little under seasoned, a bit disappointing all around. Two things I want to note, however, are that the horchata they serve here is delicious, lightly sweet and a great amount of cinnamon in it, and second, that the service here is amazing. The guy behind the counter is as nice as you'll ever see and fun to talk to. If I ever come back to try that soup, it will mainly because I'd like to talk to him again. read more

Jorge's Mexicatessen - Fish burrito, pre-bite. - Delis Near Me - Encinitas, California

Friendly staff. Very quick and efficient. Food is always delicious and fresh! Nothing like this place

Heard about this place from a friend and decided to try it while I was in Encinitas. I had their breakfast burrito and it was very good. I am vegetarian and their wasn't too many options, but their salsa is very good! They only have outdoor seating currently. Friendly staff and quick service. read more

Jorge's Mexicatessen - Front of shop - Delis Near Me - Encinitas, California

Yes- the soup is worth the drive! I used my Yelp mobile feature while driving around when I got a sudden food craving. (stopped the car of course- wink, wink!) It's a small hole-in-the-wall taco-shop-- very CLEAN, WITHOUT the typical glaring fluorescent lights and plastic picnic type tables. Menu selection is pretty typical for an SD taco shop- the standard burritos, tacos, quesadillas, etc. But they to offer some nice combo plate specials that change by the day. They also have chile rellenos- which seem to be hard to find lately. I ordered the chicken mole plate. Simple shredded chicken drenched in mole sauce. Nice flavor-- not to heavy or sweet. The beans and rice were fresh (I always judge by how fresh and flavorful the sides are-- no cutting corners!) Also ordered the famous chicken soup-- it's basically shredded chicken in broth, with rice, onions, avocado, and a bit of cilantro. Very simple and very good!! Definitely stop by when you have a craving for something fresh, healthy, and cheap! read more

Chicken soup is unbelievable! My friend brought it to me when I was sick. It was spicy and delicious. I think it has healing powers!

Texcoco soup anytime you're sick!!! Flour tortillas and extra spicy to help clear your sinuses... Texcoco Soup read more

Good authentic Mexican. Flavorful and filling. Tasty carne asada. Chicken soup cures a cold!

Best chicken soup in town! I recommend you getting the soup from here if you want to cheer on your sick friend. Kitchen is fast. Place is "a whole in the wall" but make no mistake, food is just as fine! For sure a local hangout with a mix of bank personnel & surfer dudes and construction workers. The owner has two of these restaurants.... read more

Jorge's Mexicatessen - Delis Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Probably got takeout here about a half dozen times. Get the Mexican chicken and rice soup with avocado. Then, when you get home, add like 2 more avocados for maximum flavor. Tacos are also tasty but probably fall short of Tacos El Gordo. Not knocking Jorge's, they're just really tough to beat. If San Diego had a taco mafia, El Gordo would probably be Heisenberg (Jorge's is probably more like Gale Boetticher). Call ahead for pickup, since the lines can get backed up. read more

Jorge's Mexicatessen - Delis Near Me - Encinitas, California

The chicken soup is out of this world. Tastes great and fixes any cough in our house.

Jorge's has the best chicken soup around. I called when sick and in need, and the staff went above and beyond to help me out. Don't hesitate to go to Jorge's. They are good souls there. read more

Their Chicken Soup has magical powers. Whenever we are sick, my wife and I will get their chicken soup and feel better. Their burritos and tacos are delicious as well. read more

Let me preface this by saying that chipotle is not one of my favorite flavors. I ordered the chicken soup, tacos se adobada & beef taquitos for the kids. I wasn't impressed. The soup tasted fresh and I loved the avocado on it, but I was not a fan of the flavor. The same went for the tacos. They didn't taste like typical adobada to me, which kinda bummed me out since I was really expecting that flavor. I don't know how to describe it other than it was just smokier than what I'm used to. The taquitos looked like they were straight out of Costco freezer bag. It was all a bit disappointing, especially since one of my big things to do in SD is chomp through some awesome Mexican food. read more

Jorge's Mexicatessen - Tacos de adobada - Delis Near Me - Encinitas, California

Our local go to Mexican food take out. Love the burritos and soup!! Have been going here for years.

We were looking for a quick bite to eat and this place showed up. Located in a strip mall in a small suite. No tables on the inside currently but they do have some outside. Ordered a carne asada burrito and a combo plate with two Street tacos with rice and beans and a cheese enchilada for my honey and I. The carne asada meat was seasoned and very juicy. My girlfriend Pam loved the flavor of the meat as did I. It didn't need salsa which I've never done before. The cheese enchilada was a bit on the spicy side. I ordered a carne asada taco and chicken taco. Both were served on corn tortillas. They were both good! read more

They are my neighborhood taco shop, but we go there on purpose. They make delicious food and are lovely people. We have a ton of great Mexican in Encinitas- Jorge's is one of the top! read more

We ordered multiple dishes - chicken fajita burrito, carne asada burrito, carnitas plate, 2 rellenos, carne asada chimichanga, nachos, and everything was amazing! the chili rellenos were extra special tasting. great prices for more food than 4 could eat. read more

LOVE this place. Friendly service and the best Mexican take out ever. Prices are great. I love the specials they have. This place is solid. I recommend their chicken flautas. read more

The spicy chicken soup is the best in town. Great when you're feeling sick or it's cold outside. I am also a fan of the crunchy beef tacos. I haven't tried the burritos yet, but def on my list of things to eventually check out. Everything is super fresh and the staff is friendly. They get busy so I'd recommend calling your order in. read more

Ridiculously good mexican food. The chicken soup is beyond addictive - should come with a warning label - once you eat it, you can't stop. Burritos are great too, but that soup... many that soup. Jorge's is a small place, but is constantly busy... must be the fresh food the good service and the delicious soup... man that soup. read more

This place has been in business since the dinosaurs roamed the Earth and throughout all this time, their food remains incredible. My favorites are the carne asada burrito and the chicken soup (Mexico City Style). You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. read more

So amazing and delicious. Jorge's is everything to me. If you're not sure what to get, I recommend the California burrito + guac (this order has never led me astray)! If I had to request last meal, you already know what it is. read more

Best spicy chicken soup on the planet. No exaggeration! Super nice owners and very consistently good.

This place has solid Mexican food at a great price with excellent customer service. On my first visit, I ordered a bean and cheese burrito with chicken and it was delicious. The 2nd visit brought 2 bean and cheese burritos and they were perfectly made. The flour tortilla was soft and the burrito had lots of cheese to compliment the beans. Can't wait to go back. read more

I will say time and time again their chicken soup saves lives. Anytime that I am nearby and am not feeling my best I will get this soup and I swear that it makes me feel better. Their other options are also really good but nothing really compares to this soup, in my opinion at least. Their are many Mexican places with great burritos but I come to Jorges specifically for the soup. read more

Jorge's chicken soup, California burrito, and Carne asada burrito are delicious! The food is made fresh daily and is always consistent. The carne asada meat is tender, juicy, and delicious in the California or carne asada burrito. read more

Best Mexican place in Encinitas! Love their California burritos and love their chicken rice soup perfect for rainy day. read more

usually good. last night i got a breakfast burrito. the potatoes were almost raw. the rest of the ingredients were fine. sure woulda been 500% better with crispy potatoes.... do better, jorges. read more

The Mexican Food Nazi "No Taco for YOU!" - the food is okay, but almost always cold by the time you get it home because most things come with cold sour cream and guacamole on top as standard (fatty cold additives I can live without). I actually despise going there, although some of the food gets rave reviews, but the service & packaging is not good, and their ego is over the top. Today I called in an order, drove down and stood about three feet from the line, to the side and waited. I was the only person standing there for about 15 minutes - no line. I heard him call out "Order 109" - the guy was not there. He walked in 5 minutes later and went to the window and got his order. So, I figured like 99% of take out places, they call out the numbers of waiting orders every few minutes, or when they are ready. Finally 10 minutes later he says to me "Can I help you?" "I called in order 103" - He looked at me like a deer in headlights. "Didn't I call your number?" "No, no one called me." It had been sitting behind him for 20 minutes, but he never called out my number. Instead I got a lecture: "When you come to Jorge's for phone order you must wait in line and pay - and then I can tell you if it is ready or not. Otherwise I don't call it out, do you know why? Because it isn't paid yet, do you understand?" "Yes" "So, just remember when you call in you have to wait in line (which is often a 20 minute wait) and give me the number." Okay - stupid rule, stupid system. Why don't YOU just call out my number every few minutes. Why did you think I was standing there? Do you really expect me to remember your rules when I go to 20 different places every month? So, now I am heating up my oven now to reheat my food (which is never hot from Jorge's anyway). It is literally room temperature, not very inviting for a deep-fried chicken taco. Reheating tacos is not easy - with some hot & some cold ingredients, but I had to remake it anyway, because all the ingredients fell out because they put it in a box instead if a wrapper. read more

Great food love this place totally recommend if California burrito and soup are the best