Great Mexican Food Without Leaving Encinitas

There's nothing better on a hot summer night than a cold Cerveza with chips and homemade salsa. At La Especial Norte you'll get this and much, much more. Right on Highway 101 in Encinitas you'll find this establishment, decorated with bright colors and Mexican kitsch. It's been a family run business for years, and the food will blow you away.

There's always a bit of a wait unless you get there very early, but that's not a problem. There's a small bar where you can order a good margaritta or beer, and either sip it in the waiting area or go to an outside patio waiting area. As soon as you are seated, hot chips and homemade salsa, chunky and a bit spicy, is put before you. It is delicious, and it's hard to contain yourself from devouring it all. Then it's time to get down to business, perusing the menu and making a choice from the multitude of choices.

I've been eathing at Especial Norte for years, and have eaten most items on the menu. My favorite meal is a small bowl of tortilla soup and one beef taco. The tortilla soup is loaded with chunks of white meat chicken in a delicous broth with vegetables, lots of shredded cheese, sliced avocado and fresh, crispy tortilla strips. The large bowl is a meal in itself, but I usually get the small one so I can have a taco too. The beef taco is made with shredded beef, cabbage, and guacamole in a slightly fried corn tortilla. This is served with Mexican cole slaw. The total meal is only about $10. Other items I can rave about are the jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon and served with rice, beans, and cole slaw. Very unique and so, so tasty. Many people I know go there for the shrimp cocktail. It is served in a large, wide rimmed glass, topped with avocado, diced tomato, cucumber and cilantro. Also delicious is the whole fried mojarra fish, served with salsa fresca, Mexican coleslaw, lettuce, beans and rice, all for about $12. Of course Especial Norte has all the standard fare, enchilladas done several ways, tostada salads, burritos, chile rellenos and sopes. The food you get at Especial Norte is authentic, not an Americanized version of a Mexican dish.
Service is friendly, but a little slow. Just enjoy your time there, have another margaritta. The waitstaff will happily bring you more chips and salsa while you wait. A small, family run Mexican restaurant with truly authentic tastes, what more could you ask for on a hot summer night? La Especial Norte is located at 664 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. Telephone 760 942 1040.