If you're looking for authentic, comforting Mexican food, La Especial Norte is a must. This spot has that true mom-and-pop feel, and you can taste it in every dish. I come here at least once a week/ 2 weeks, which says everything. My go to is the carne asada/ CA burrito, always packed with flavor and generously portioned. Their soups are incredible too, some of the best in the area, especially if you're feeling under the weather, they hit the spot every time. The deep-fried shrimp wrapped in bacon is easily my favorite item on the menu. It's rich, crispy, and just ridiculously good. And don't skip the molcajete, it comes out sizzling in a hot stone bowl and is perfect for sharing. Everything here is consistently tasty, portions are great, and the service is warm and welcoming. One of those places you keep coming back to. There's also a pickup window if you order for pick up, wish this place was closer to my place. read more

Great food and service. I would recommend this place everyday of the week and then some read more

La Especial Norte - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

the soups. Chill reallnos we're so good. The soups were the best I've ever had. Service was wonderful as well. I will be coming back soon. read more

Thursday Date night! They have a parking lot and really fun decorations outside. We waited outside to be seated around 6:50pm and guy said 10 minutes for a booth to be ready. Inside is exactly how you would want La Especial Norte to be decorated. Ordered a margarita and it was excellent. The chips and salsa were satisfying. I asked our waiter which meat he liked better the Asada or the carnitas and he said "they both taste the same". Yikes! I asked which one he liked better between the chicken or beef taco and he said chicken. The chicken was unseasoned and pretty bland so afraid of what the beef tastes like. Wife ordered the Enchilada trio, and she reported that some of them tasted stale. There are so many Mexican food spots in San Diego...would probably go to those before coming back here...unless it was to just to enjoy the ambiance with good company over drinks, chips, and salsa. read more

La Especial Norte - Hard shell chicken taco - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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We were planning to eat here, but unfortunately had a very negative experience before even getting inside. As we were stepping out of our van, the manager approached us in an aggressive manner and told us we could not park in a handicapped spot--despite the fact that we have a valid legal placard. Not all disabilities are visible, and instead of asking a respectful question or handling the situation professionally, she chose to raise her voice and make assumptions. When we attempted to calmly explain and ask for clarification, we were dismissed and told she was "too busy" to talk. It was disappointing and frankly upsetting. A little courtesy and understanding would have gone a long way. Based on this interaction alone, we chose to leave and take our business elsewhere. read more

Food is delicious authentic ,seasoned perfectly and portion sizes are great . Prices terrific. Fast friendly service. If you know anything about Mexican food you'd get to place as fast as you can to enjoy some true home cooked flavor ... muy bien sabroso read more

Try and try the chicken soup Sea food And plenty of different variety It's the best Mexican restaurant read more

Quick decision to pull in as we have driven by this 1000 times. Absolutely THE best Mexican food I have had at the beach. Maybe all of San Diego including Old Town. Had the combo rellano and beef enchilada. Wow! Rellano covered half the plate. Was fresh fried and stuffed with jack cheese. Stuffed! The red sauce was good and thick. The beef was roast beef in the enchilada and covered in a dark mole sauce and cheese. Served with beans, rice and a cabbage slaw. Never got to the sides. My husband had the carne asada burrito and it was huge. He said it was piping hot and no fat at all. They refilled our chips and salsa gratis. Everything appeared to be made and cooked Onsite. Great service and friendly but not overbearing. Cute Mexican decor. Village quaint Casual. Vibrant colors. Total bill with large tip 34.00. 5-9-25 read more

I have been coming here since they opened and continuing the tradition with my daughter having all the delicious homemade soups with the sweet servers makes me a very happy mama!!! read more

Food and service both great! Good to be back. Enjoyed the newly redecorated dining room. read more

La Especial Norte - Great Pozole! - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

Good solid spot. Gets crazy and service is a flag down for a napkin.... But maybe it's just that everyone wants to go out. Pretty main room. Big booths and hardly ever a big wait. Even parking which is rare here, but nice and free. Skinny margaritas had basically no booze. Shame, but there went the 5th star. For $11, put some tequila in can taste. Oh well. Main attraction is the array of soups and carnitas. Huge chunks of pork. Debs enchilada verde very tasty. Carnitas make it a 4.5. Try it and see. Go shots. Not skinny. read more

La Especial Norte - But first.... - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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This place really hit a home run my wife and I wanted to get some soup and this was beyond our expectation. The flavor of the food here is really good. The pozole came out nice and hot and full of flavor the broth was perfect. Excellent portions the size is large for the amount of money you get and all of the stuff on the side was perfect mixture has onions and cilantro, radishes, oregano, lime, perfect amount of everything I had my fill and took the rest home to go. My wife had the chicken soup and rice if you are feeling under the weather and it's cold outside come get this. We got both soups for $23 out the door and had plenty to eat the next day, amazing service fast and friendly and it looks like a very colorful restaurant inside. It feels like you are in Mexico really good family Vibe we will Back for sure. Amazing place. read more

La Especial Norte - Pozole Soup Chicken Or Pork - I got pork - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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So good. Never a bad experience! Always super friendly service and excellent food. I've not had one bad thing--try it all!! Todo y mas!!

Locals know that La Especial Norte cooks up a storm in Encinitas. You really can not go wrong at this family owned restaurant that serves up hot and delicious meals at a very fair price point. From the minute I walk through the door until I roll out with leftovers in hand I feel happy and satisfied. Maybe it is the eclectic decor which consists of a cultural items, pops of vivid color and textures galore. Or it could be the giant plates of delicious comfort food? The friendly servers who treat me like a guest in their kitchen are knowlegeable and efficient. They bring chips and salsa and do not nickel and dime you for chips and salsa. The margaritas are the weakest link here. 7up with lime and some tequila is not going to float my boat. QAfter numerous attempts to make the margarita work I have decided to order it neat on my next visit. I highly recommend La Especial Norte for some down to earth Mexican food that will fill up the family and not leave you broke. read more

La Especial Norte - Chile relleno and enchilada combo - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

Everything at this place is awesome! But if the chicken tortilla soup can't cure you, you're dying...

La Especial Norte is our go-to place in North County for Mexican food. We love it and drove up from San Diego for lunch. The combination plate of chile rellano and cheese enchiladas were delicious as usual. I ordered the Huachinango con Hongos (Fish with Mushrooms) and was really looking forward to trying it. What a disappointment. The dish was filled with at least 3 teaspoons of chopped garlic which totally overwhelmed the dish. The fish was over salted and the mushrooms came out of a can. I've had other fish dishes here and they have all been delicious. On the plus side the rice and beans were delicious as usual. The wait staff were pleasant and the private parking lot is a definite plus. read more

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Amazing atmosphere and food. A must go to on our visits out west. I need to try the chimichanga next time. read more

Been going here and getting take out for 40+ years since I was a kid. Used to be great. Now quality down, prices up, service no longer smiley. Saw someone who claimed to be the owner yell at a costumer and give his money back after he complained about the wait for his take out order. Our food was too salty. read more

I had heard to make the things about this place. I had to go see for myself. I was disappointed in the cheese enchiladas. The sauce is very different than what I've had before in different restaurants. And I have eaten a lot of cheese enchiladas in my time! The sauce tasted bitter and burnt, and it was a color I've never seen before. So all that made it offputting. read more

the very worst Mexican food I've had in a long time. at one time they had the best in Encinitas, now unfortunately the worst. I'll never be going back read more

After reading great reviews for La Especial, I decided to have dinner there while I was in the area. While the atmosphere was inviting, the food itself was only average--I've definitely had better in Southern California. The server recommended the combination plate, which included a chicken enchilada and a chili relleno. Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of the sauce on the enchilada and wouldn't order it again. On the plus side, parking was convenient and the service was good. I'll consider giving it another try when I'm back. read more

I was looking for a restaurant for the first time my directions landed me in the parking lot for this building. I sat in my car for less than 5minutes trying to figure out where it was when the SECURITY of the parking lot walks over stands outside my car repeatedly asking if I am eating at their restaurant! Annoyed and feeling already disrespected I told him to quit worrying about it, as I was already about to leave. Another women comes over and starts yelling at me threatening me to have me towed and call the police taking photos of my license plates before I had said anything else or even got out I was trying to figure out where the restaurant was I was actually going hidden around the corner. Maps had directed me there! Causing a huge scene and both of them teaming up harassing me screaming "this is private property!" I share how I had just pulled up and she accused me of being there for a while which was absolutely not true. It was literally less than 5mins. To assume that I wasn't eating there and come over and start harassing me before I could share what I was doing is absolutely RIDICULOUS! There were many open spots and wasn't like people were waiting for the spot. I get it people have bad days but this was a sick joke. No I would never recommend coming here to anyone or bother actually trying them. They need to calm down and stop harassing people without knowing what's going on and stop projecting their fears onto others! Life goes on! This deserved a review for those who aren't fully aware as I was and have maps direct you into there lot, be prepared! read more

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I was craving Posole! I ordered the big bowl. Almost as good as my Moms, which made me very happy! The table chips were fresh but salsa was mild, so I asked for the hot Mexican salsa. Service was excellent and price was good too. I will DEFINATELY go back to try more dishes but always for my Posole cravings! Muy bueno! read more

The restaurant atmosphere was relaxed and not noisy. The chips to start were very tasty and crunchy-just perfect--salsa of course! Chille Relleno was the BEST I have had in the last several years. Cooked perfectly with a nice coating, and perfect layers of chille and cheese inside. Good sauce. Very reasonable prices and friendly service. Can't wait to go again, taking some friends this weekend. read more

Stopped by after work to grab some pork pozole. Pozole is a traditional soup or stew from Mexican cuisine. It is made from hominy with meat, and can be seasoned and garnished with shredded lettuce or cabbage, chili peppers, onion, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa or limes. I've since I moved down to San Diego about eight years ago and found this spot. This is the only place I go for Pozole in north county. It's flavorful and a decent price! It also comes with the side of chips. Yum! I usually ONLY get that... But this time I decided to add a chicken quesadilla! But that was a mistake! The chicken quesadilla was just a big breast of chicken, slightly shredded and thrown into a tortilla. The chicken had sinuous pieces and a bone so needless to say, it was not enjoyable. I'll stick with my usual next time! But as far as the staff they are very sweet and accommodating! The decor is colorful and inviting! This restaurant is along the 101 so parking can be tricky as their lot is very small and most of the time we have to find street parking but it's worth it if you want some Mexican food after you hit the beach. read more

La Especial Norte - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

If you like mom n' pop mexican that doesn't break your wallet, this is the place. Big menu. Always great service.

Surprisingly authentic, with just that right mix of Michoacán y Southern California, translated, of course, to La Especial Norte. Went with a mixture of gringo y Mexicano, delivered as a Cheese Quesadilla and Camerones al Mojo de Ajo, both of which were excellent. This stretch of the highway hits differently each and err'tyme, and if in the mood for Mexican food that's both Leucadian and Mexican, you need look no further... read more

La Especial Norte - Real Recognize Real - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

We love Especial Norte. The atmosphere is so fun and relaxed. Favorite items include the molcajete and the pork pozole. read more

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Best chicken and tortilla soup I've ever had !! Had amazing food and great service !! The restaurants design is so comfy and nice! Definitely a must try! read more

Horrible taste of grease in Chili Relleno and below avg enchiladas. I hardly ever give any reviews but this was bad. They also charge for 2nd basket of chips....very bad read more

Fun night with friends! The food was delicious, everyone loved their meal and our waiter was just the best! I forgot his name but I know he's been there forever and is always so friendly. The best Mexican restaurant in town! read more

Best Mexican food I've ever had!! Trio Enchiladas were the best though I ate too much. read more

La Especial Norte - Trio Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

I've been eating here since 2007! I had jaw surgery and for 8 weeks I could only eat soft foods, well my friend told me best soup in San Diego! Introduced when I was sicker flu before surgery, 18 years ago best soup and Mexican food WHY, the family run business is built on Love and Kindness it shows in everything they do I love, they have 12 soups so far eaten 5 of them! Chicken soup is favorite! Located on PCH in Encinitas by Leucadia and PCH! ENJOY u won't be disappointed! read more

Authentic Mexican restaurant in the heart of Encinitas, family owned with a huge selection of entrees. You have to try their soups, five stars !!!!! read more

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Best Mexican food ever! I was hurt that they carded my date knowing im an old man!!! That was a slap in the face! Ruined my 1st date night

We always get the carnitas burritos, enchiladas, (green sauce is best in my opinion) and the crunchy shredded beef tacos. Their beans and rice is great! We always go here when we are in Encinitas. Customer service is great and the staff is friendly read more

This is a hot spot for Mexican food. There's nothing like it around the area as all the other Mexican food places are more beach shacks or taco stands. If you'd like a sit down Mexican food place with the ambiance to match, this is it. Due to the popularity, it takes interminably long to be waited on. We were a party of 7 and went at 6:30 on a Friday night. We were seated within 10mins at an outdoor table & chips/salsa came out promptly. However we waited a good 20mins until a server took drink orders. By then we were ready to put in food orders too. The food is excellent and I'd love to give five stars for that. It's just the overall experience made this a three star experience for me. The staff is incredibly friendly and apologetic for the long wait times with the service. If you're craving Mexican food with ambience, I highly recommend coming here and suggest tailoring your expectations if you visit during a busy time. read more

Absolutely one of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever eaten at anywhere in SoCal. The chicken soup is comforting and delicious down to the last spoonful. Huge chunks of moist chicken, avocado, cilantro in a broth that compliments all the flavors that come together in this very popular menu item. My husband's burrito was packed full of meat. The portions are generous and they don't skimp on the ingredients. Very popular and always packed, so expect to wait but it's totally worth it. read more

Original San Diego family Mexican food. Quick attentive service and food was excellent. I had taco/burrito combo plate and had plenty leftover for the next days lunch read more

Right off of 101 La Especial Norte is an adorable restaurant that looks like you could be in Mexico as you enter the parking lot. The staff is extremely friendly and seem like family. They have an awesome variety of dishes and an amazing selection of caldos. I would not say it's the best Mexican food because I do think they have to cater to the tourists and non Mexican locals. read more