fuck shelter. i've been here many times before but i'll NEVER come here again. we came on a friday night 6/10 and waited 30 minutes in line. once we got to the front the big blonde security guy kept letting people in front of us. i politely asked why and he said they were his friends and he cussed us out and then said we should go to another bar. i will never go to shelter again. this guy has no business being a security guard and we and everyone around us were so turned off we left. i barhop in encinitas all the time and i'll never come back to shelter. read more

Horrible service. Bartender can't figure out if they had happy hour or not when their happy hour menu is at the bar and every table. ***1st round*** Ordered drinks. Charged us full price. Got it corrected. Bartender apologized... Fine. ***2nd round*** Ordered again. Reminded him (as a joke) there's happy hour prices. Got our drinks. No issue. ***3rd round*** Wife ordered drink. Charged her full price. Went to correct and was told happy hour is 5-8pm. I pointed out their menu that says Monday, Wednesdays, and Sundays ALL Day. Bartender apologized... Fine (yet annoyed). 9:30pm Bouncer comes up and says they're closed. They're "open" til Midnight. Told him "Ok, my wife will finish up and we'll head out." 9:35pm Bouncer comes up again and says, "I'm going to ask you guys to leave the building." ARE YOU SERIOUS??? We left and I promise we'll never look back. This was the worst service I've ever gotten at a bar, drunk or sober. Don't let the cool appearance fool you. It's a pretty mask over a very ugly business. To The Owner, consider restaffing your security and educating your employees on bar specials. read more

Seriously?! I hope people begin to realize that this is a newer business and the possibilities are endless. What a great stop before catching the Coaster back to San Diego. The day was hot and more humid than normal - the door man sold us on coming in, and the ambiance kept us there. The drinks were typically overpriced at around $12 per...but the bonus points come in with customer service. I happened to ask the bartender of any good cigar suppliers in the area, he, in turn, spoke to the doorman who grabbed the local cady limo driver who came to our elevated table and laid out the details of nearby quality suppliers. Never tried to up sell his business. Never asked for anything in return. Just good ol'customer service. For that alone, I will return. Again. And again. And again. read more

The roof opens! Come in when it's rainy or sunny, the bartenders will make you a solid cocktail and you'll get to see the best of the best that Encenitas has to offer. Head to the back to watch the fire blaze and see MILFs fall on their face. read more

I'm so distraught over what I witnessed tonight. Five bouncers swarmed a 110lb girl and grabbed her violently for zero reason. It was evident that several of the bouncers were under the influence of drugs and that most likely contributed to the violent behavior. I really wouldn't recommend this place. I've never felt so unsafe in a bar before. read more

The service from the bartenders is slow. The staff is extremely rude. I've been there at night a few times to give them benefit of the doubt but every visit has been a terrible experience. The dive bars down the street treat their guests with better service and you'll have a way better time, trust me. read more

How many times can I give this place a one star review? If you want a bouncer to punch you right in the face for no reason.. no actually if you want to get curb stomped for funzies then this is the place for you! Every time I'm in Encinitas this place is always a disaster, the last few months I've gone out here the night always ends with someone getting beaten up badly and about 10 cop cars, fire trucks and ambulances having to take some guy to the hospital. Every girl I know that has been here has been drugged, including myself. I don't ever recommend this place, please let's all stop supporting these monsters. read more

This place is just amazing. I never knew I can hear real house music right here in Encinitas! I was like wow! The music is just on point..it brought me back to my young days raving it up in downtown LA. The drinks are nice, the crowd is elite and the staff is professional. I had a great time here and I will never forget that night! I got a bit too tipsy and acted a little stupid but hey...who has not that done that before? Any how.. I loved every minute I had in this house! Mecasa Mucasa people's. Much love. No regrets! You gotta check it out if your into EDM. This is the spot in north county SD..thumbs up..period. read more

One word. Madness. Great cocktails. Young crowd. Lots of young boys chasing you around. One guy bought me a drink then disappeared with it.. that's what young boys do? Good music. Very loud. You really have to be in the mood for a night here. No food. read more

Cool little bar but they Definitely cater to the locals And the menu I have 2020 vision but needed a magnifying Glass to read it , that is probably the first thing they need to change , and then maybe the attitude of the bartenders read more

This was several years ago and I wish I would have reported but I was ruffied by a bartender there and ever since then I can't go out to places like this. It was the worst night of my life because I can't recall a thing. My sister was with me and it's freaks me out to this day I have no memory what's so ever. I really have never gotten over it fully and too ohh that seeing a similar post on FB from someone at a completely different bar I think women should be aware and watch your ddrinks being made. If you can't see them making your drink make them make you a new one inn a new glass. read more

What did you say? Conversationalist not welcomed between the hours of 8-2am. Music is extremely loud but if you are looking for a cool spot to day drink then I highly recommend. Also there a little known fire pit in the back past the bathrooms. Cool spot to cool off or actually have conversation not consisting of "say that again". read more

Absolutely disgusting. The staff was rude. The service was nonexistent, then we mentioned it to our waitress... she proceeded to tell us, "I'm a bartender and you can walk to the bar and order, baby girl". When we got our check, paid, and her tip was, "learn how to serve", she ran back to our table, kicked us out and said, "you will never be as hot as me" and then started commenting about my boobs. What!?!?! It was the most random insulting belligerent comment. What does your looks and my boobs have to do with restaurant service. I've never been so embarrassed. Our waitress was absolutely out of control. Just wow. read more

There's always a long line 20-40 minute wait to get in. Drinks are way too expense . If you leave go outside you have to wait in the line again ! Good house music playing constantly. It's also impossible to get a drink since it's so packed . Bartenders will take your card even when you want to close your tab . So they can charge you extra $$$$ make you to grab your card . The roof is open so it's not too hot in there read more

Great place for day or evening drinks. The roof retracts and the atmosphere is inviting. Old lights and chandeliers with dark wood and features. Very chill. Decent sized bar, several lounge / table service table and bar tops in the middle. read more

Wes gave me the shittest drink, it was not good. it was too sweet and charged me 25 bucks. Won't be coming here again.

We stopped here for a drink, the place was very nice, hip and a bit loud. I would go again but before the late night crowd. read more

Shelter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Encinitas, California

Awesome place, cool bar, nice music, it's a party. The only reason I'm giving three stars is because the bartender with the tattoo sleeve was a poser. He was happily taking shots before people were getting drinks. He didn't even do a last call because he is so soft and gave attitude when people tried ordering after. Fuck tattoo sleeve guy he is actually a poser. Anyone could do his job better, aside from being rude he simply moves quite slowly so get ready to wait like an hour for drinks. read more

Alyssa was the best super attentive and sweet love her!! Made the vibe super awesome! Picked the most amazing drinks for us!

I'm happy to see they are open! The first time we got the life of Pablo drinks and I would rate them to be okay. Honestly I love the atmosphere here the most! So for the next time we came, we ordered for beers which was the right call. We love the Peruvian fries and parm chips to snack on!! Also the bouncer, Esteban, is a very friendly! read more

On a Sunday afternoon this place had a cool vibe. People were dancing to a DJ. But $28 for a basic martini was a bit much.

If I could give them a zero I would...a bouncer refused to acknowledge a sexual assault by another patron and refused to take any action to correct the situation. Then I spoke to the manager, who also had no interest in correcting the situation and resorted to victim shaming...incredibly disappointing and unsatisfactory... read more

Met my gf here, got to hang out in the dj booth, covid part was ok, we had lots of fun. Drinks were good. Dj played all my favorite songs.

100% do not recommend Literally the worst spot in all of Encinitas. I came at a very decent hour around 10:30 no line was outside and the bouncer said to me that they were booked for the night so I went to another bar respectfully. Then about an hour went by and I now see a line for people to get in. And guess who's going inside a bunch of girls not guys just girls. So I tried a 2nd time and this time he told me I had to wait in a line because I again wasn't a woman. This is the most sexist bar I've ever seen I hope this bouncer gets fired. I then tried again for the 3rd time this time he said we already did last call. Then guess what. Two more girls went inside. I hope someone does something about this because it's a really sad situation you're losing money because your bouncer has a big ego and is sexist. especially after seeing comments about sexual harassment and then no actions being made from the staff if you're a woman you probably should find a place that they care about you and will protect you. read more

The drinks are good. She was also pretty good. Bartenders are friendly. Not over crowded. Would cmm I'm w here again and pleasantly surprised. read more

Finally a place a girl in heels can drink in Encinitas without feeling overdressed. As many of you know, I'm a fancy lady and although North County can't be beat sometimes the low key surfer vibe just doesn't make me as happy as a little swanky chic would. So when those moods hit, its so nice to finally have somewhere close to home and not full of, how shall I say it? Fluxx-esque types. Stay downtown, you know who you are. This modern lounge is a breath of fresh air in the neighborhood and you'll find me frequenting the couches along the wall in the new year for sure! Drinks are a bit pricey and no food just yet, but soon! Excited to dance there soon with my ladies! Welcome Shelter, you can cover me anytime (or uncover, the roof is retractable!) read more

Went here last night (Black Friday) for the first time. I've been wanting to check it out because it seems like the chic bar/lounge my gf and I like. The decor was pretty cool, and although the roof was closed, i see the huge potential. PROs: bar service was good. got drinks right away. decor, roof that opens (but wasn't --but that's okay considering weather has been weird) CONs: the only reason we got in was because 6 parties in front of us in line left after having supposedly waited for 45-1 hour. we got to the front and then waited about 20 minutes. the bouncer/door guys were acting WAY cooler than they should. big parties were being let in before us, supposedly for their bottle service? before we got in (party of 3), it truly felt like we were being treated WORSE than we would in VEGAS. Come on, this isn't XS!!! we got in, enjoyed the inside, but the hassle of the front door guys was just too bad, i had to review and minus a bunch of stars! ...maybe it was just a bad night...but apparently others have experienced the poor service as well.... To the buff front door guys, this is Encinitas, not Vegas, don't try so hard. Shit. read more

FAIL. This place would be great if it werent for the cocky and rude door guys. They really give off a TERRIBLE first impression. They build the line as if it is a Vegas club when you can clearly see how empty it is inside "just to make it look cool" and they arent even friendly. They tell you it is "at capacity" (which is BS) while they will let in 20 young sluts and dudes with be-dazzled shirts right ahead of you. I think its safe to say that the "we are at capacity" line no longer works, esp when you can just look inside. I have seen more people leave while waiting in line then actually go in! Because lets be honest, nobody is going to wait 45+ minutes to get into a beach bar in ENCINITAS when there is a chill bar right next door with cool/ easy going door men. In my opinion the "image" they are going for is only going to fail their business. I witnessed over 30 people leave the line because the door guy was playing cool while the bar was clearly empty inside. That is 30 people who probably would have spent a lot of money on drinks & recommended the bar to their friends, just to protect the douchey rep they are going for... you do the math. Dumb business move. Anywho, if you ever make it past "The regulator" at the door, the place is alright inside... IF and I repeat IF you are willing to wait a decade to get in while to door guy pumps his own ego, puffs his chest and controls the bullshit "capacity" while trying to look cool talking in his earpiece. Also, on that note.. an earpiece? Really? I'm pretty sure you dont need a stupid ear piece in a tiny ass bar.. it is a BEACH BAR... not a club. This place has a lot of potential, but it starts with the first impression. Not worth it, just go next door. :) read more

Disappointment doesn't even begin to describe this review. Despite the obvious power trip of the door guy, I told my friends and family to check out this bar with the friendly bartender and awesome copper mules. When my son turned 21 I told him to take his girlfriend there to celebrate...the jerk wouldn't let him in on his birthday!!! Hey buddy, here's a tip for ya..you have the right to refuse service but you better make sure you're not discriminating against a protected class or that loss of booze sales just got a whole lot more expensive for you. If any bar in SoCal turns you away because they think it improves the reputation of the establishment, you are DEAD WRONG! I put up with the rude behavior at the door because I thought the guy was just having a rough night but, to turn away someone WHO IS CLEARLY 21 and had not been drinking at all that day is just unacceptable. I can get my copper-mug mules elsewhere and will be letting all of my friends know to stay away from this place!! Am exercising my right to refuse your rude lack-of-service. read more

I gave this bar TWO stars in December of 2013. Now I'm downgrading it to ONE star. Why? The cocktails were undrinkable. Seriously, bartenders. Learn to make a drink. You already know how to flirt with your co-workers. Instead, focus on what you're being paid to do. Additionally: OBVIOUS drug deals still going on at the bar. I mean BLATANT. And, since that's the element here, we now saw an actual "working girl" and her "driver". This is NOT what Encinitas should be known for. There does not appear to be a manager taking charge here. Just a bunch of 'kids' running the place. Running amok. Running it into the ground. It's a crying shame. read more

Not sure what's up with all the bad reviews here, I come here almost every weekend with my boys and I have nothing but good things to say, the door guys are always polite and professional (the clean cut brown hair and the big red head). Just this last weekend one of the security guys at the door told a guy in line to stop cat calling and harassing girls right in front of us, whenever I'm inside the only people getting confronted are drunks or people fighting. The bar tenders are super quick (dude with the sleeve) is always polite and makes my order right away no matter how busy it is, and the few times I have had a table the waitress is just the same. Always love coming to shelter!! read more

I'm not big on bad reviews. But we've tried Shelter a couple times and it's turned into one of those places where they hire a local, that local brings his/her friends, those friends and the local employee hang at the bar and drink-block the rest of the patrons. If your not in their group they truly treat you like the nerd table in high school. It's kind of a pseudo snobby, wanna-be something, too cool for school vibe. I actually heard staff ridiculing and laughing at patron. The decor is cool, location is great, made pretty good whiskey drinks, but vibe & service are a non-starter for me. read more

I like this bar! The place is good, but every time i go there and leave my tap open, they charge extra drinks that i did not ordered or there are double charges in my card. It is the third time that this happened to me and that is why i'm writing this review. One of the times i tried to contact them, there is no phone number, I email them and no answer, so my only advice here is to watch your bill at Shelter. They take advantage of their custumers. :( read more

Meh, not worth it at all. It is always over crowded, the music absolutely sucks. The only time it is kind of fun is if you go with a fun group and get a table and don't care about listening to techno nonstop. The only problem is, it's the only "club" type place in North County so choices are limited. read more

Disclaimer: I've only been here for lazy weekend afternoon drinks, never as a night spot. That being said, I really dig it. The roof retracts, giving you that nifty outside drinking feel from the comfort of a cushy lounge area. Imagine that you're in one of your friends' back yards. A friend that makes a TON of money and has really nice stuff. The drinks are good but appropriately priced for what they are. That's a nice way of saying that drinks are walking towards expensive. I want to reiterate that I view pricing from a relative perspective. If you're looking for the cheapest possible hangover, just go next door to Saloon. If you want to embrace something nicer for a night, this is a great option. That being said, be aware that this place is a step up on the classy scale from the rest of the drinking establishments in the 'Nitas. This isn't a bad thing, but it's something to be aware of. One thing that is impressive about Shelter is that they strongly resist the urge to be douchey. There is high douche potential, but the door guys are really nice, the bartenders are friendly and helpful, and you just never get the impression from the staff that you're not welcome unless you're wearing $300 worth of clothes and driving a 6 series. So why not 5 stars? There's just no secret sauce. They make craft cocktails that are delicious, but there are better options for craft cocktails in North County. While the drinks are appropriately priced for the establishment, the establishment is the most expensive in Encinitas. It just doesn't have that "it" factor that's so tough to define. I'll definitely continue to come back, but this isn't true love, it's just a crush. read more

What an absolutely horrible experience. It's rare for me to label a place pretentious, as that's a criticism which often makes me want to visit a bar rather than avoid it. However, Shelter has accomplished the unthinkable, making a pretentious bar loving guy say no thanks. As one who lived Manhattan and Beijing, and has enjoyed great clubs around the world, I was excited to check out a new option near home on the North Coast, so headed over with eight of my friends. The space is wide open, but lacking in creativity, similar to the craft cocktail list, which is nothing but an assortment of sweet, sugary drinks. Our group ordered at least one of every cocktail on the list, and only one was slightly drinkable. As we left we noticed they were aggressively drilling people at the door, as if they didn't realize we all live near the beach and that "dress code" vibe just doesn't fit. I'm pretty sure it will be out of business soon, and good riddance when it's gone. P.S.: The only bright spot was our server (Elizabeth?), she was pretty awesome. read more

It's really not a bad place, the decor is nice and the large TVs are great for watching a game. I came here with a couple friends last week and the bartenders just didn't seem to care that much. I went up to the bar and asked the bartender what the well rye whiskey is, he answered we have Maker's. Seems like pretty basic knowledge, but then I ask for Bulleit rye instead because I saw it on the back bar. When I tabbed out, I was charged for Templeton. I'm sure it's probably about the same cost, but make me wonder if people don't really look at their receipt would they just charge whichever they want? read more

Great music and crowd on a Friday night.. the place was quite when we arrived around 9 but everyone started arriving around 19 and by 10:30 the place was bumping.. overall a great option for north county folks who don't want to go all the way downtown.. read more

Once again, I'll say that Encinitas is turning into my favorite city. Shelter is just sophisticated, simple, romantic, great ambiance, hip and sexy. The fact that no one knows about it yet, I'm excited to be one of the first ones to experience it. They haven't even had a grand opening! Great location! Right on the 101 Coast highway, easy to spot. With its great big windows, you can see what's going on from outside. My favorite part of the building, the roof opens up. How cool is that!? When the moon is out, it's a breathtaking view. The drinks, not only do they have local beers on tap, but the new refreshing, tasteful, fun cocktails are to Die for! My taste buds go crazy. Ask for Beca the bartender, she is a sweetheart with a great personality let her know what your craving shell know exactly what to make you. (Ask her to smack a sage leaf for you! ) lol . Encinitas sometimes does not have a good reputation knowing that D Street is across the street and sometimes it gets a little rowdy but here at SHELTER you get a very good crowd mixture, which I love! From locals, to visitors, college kids, to business people. Great place to mingle and meet new people. Maybe make a friend or two. There is no food yet, which I cannot wait for it to start coming out. If there drinks are that good, I can only imagine what the food will be like. This place has become one of my favorite spots to hang out and relax with friends. I can't express how much I love it, you just must check it out yourself! read more

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This place would be 5 stars if they had food. I need to ask if you can bring food in. The couches and the atmosphere combined with their generous pour make this place a favorite for a cocktail at the end of a long day or before heading out for dinner in Downtown Encinitas. If you're not familiar with Shelter, it's a nice place connected to the old Saloon. This place used to be the outdoor patio for the Saloon and they built Shelter a couple years ago. The cool part is the roof opens on beautiful days and if you go in the summer it feels like you're almost sitting outside but on a nice comfortable couch with a cocktail watching a huge TV. They also have a remarkable selection of wines (they will let you taste) as well as a great selection of Tequila. They even serve Don Julio 1942 ($23) but they pour is fantastic. Large snifter to sip and probably just over 2 oz. Definitely a nice pour in a nice place with a great atmosphere. The only way to improve would be to have food or allow food to be brought in, or they could have menus from local restaurants or allow door dash or some other delivery. That would be cool read more