Food was great, drinks were phenomenal and so esthetic for the picture but also in taste!!! Service was amazing! Definitely recommend
Corinne S.
No chips, salsa or guac at lunch??!! Made to order, table side guac is great and all for evening service, but how hard is it to implement chips and salsa on your lunch menu? I was told the guy who makes the guac doesn't come in until 2pm. Ok fine, just put some chips in a bowl with some salsa and charge me the money. No cooking required. Should be easy enough. I need you to speak my love language Cocina de Barrio. When I drink the margs, I want the salty tortillas chips on the side. I wanted this to be a long relationship, but we aren't off to a good start.
D S.
Loud....Loud environment....difficult to hear waitress tableside. Tableside prepared salsa not prepared properly, tomatoes cut so coarsely, nearly whole, too large to fit on the stale (and tiny tin of) chips provided. In general food under salted. Tasty sauces, but clearly missing salt. Cocktails tasty and priced reasonably. Other than noise level, atmosphere was nice. Stick to appetizers. Food should be served stove hot, not lukewarm. I normally don't comment on price, but our total seemed high with respect to what we ordered and compared to other higher end (Javier's) Mexican restaurants.
RobinC
We had dinner at Cocina De Barrio. The ambience is very lively and loud but one would expect that from most restaurants. What was not expected was the cuisine. I use the word cuisine because the food is amazing. The presentation and preparation remind me of some Michelin star restaurants I've been to in San Diego. The staff is very knowledgeable regarding all the menu items and the many bar offerings. The staff was also very attentive without being overbearing. I'm still thinking about the guacamole dip made at our table. I highly recommend eating here. I know we will be back soon.
Linda R.
Went last night for happy hour. Fourth time here and I am ready to go back today. Their taco menu is versatile and delicious. I had a spicy margarita which not only tasted delicious but was beautiful as well . The tableside guacamole is not to be missed. You choose the ingredients and it's made in a molcajete and served to you in it. The staff is so friendly and they make your time there extra special It's my new favorite place for happy hour and will be going back for dinner soon.
Sarah P.
Great food and drinks. I've been here twice and the service both times was great! So many options for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. We will be back!
Carla L.
What an exciting dining experience! I love the creativity of the menu items and the presentation. It was my best experience in a few months. Everything was delicious and the staff is very friendly and professional. Kudos to Fatima and Bruce for their services and for their warmth. I will be returning to try more items.
Corinne L.
Exceptional food and stunning presentation! I was truly impressed. The flavors are all delicately woven together for an impressive culinary experience.
Alyssa S.
Second time here, third time at a Cocina de Barrio (other time was Point Loma). I am becoming more & more a fan of this fabulous restaurant, a temple of Oaxacan cuisine that's impressive to Mexicans and non-Mexicans alike. I'd even say: --one of the very top places for vegan food in the county --one of the very top places for creative Mexican food in the county They have very generous portions at fair prices, gorgeous presentations, and really nice staff. The first time I came for date night; the second time I met a friend; this time I suggested it for a work dinner. 4 of us & we got a true *feast* of plant-based and non-plant-based food. COCKTAILS: Everyone ooh'ed & aah'ed over their tequila or mezcal drinks. I got La Tia Chata again (hard horchata with a coconut popsicle); others got the Paloma, the Fresco de Granada and other things. My colleagues were very impressed! APPETIZERS: Then our delicious (huge) apps came. First Ceviche Robalo & Xoconostle: sea bass crudo in a gorgeous green sauce. Sophisticated YUM. Tons of food. --then Tostaditas de Tinga: 4 plant-based tostadas. The meat eaters thought the mushroom tinga tasted just like chicken. Delicious. Complex flavors and just so good. --then one meat app: Infladita De Barbacoa. I didn't eat this, but the presentation was beautiful and everyone raved about this. ENTREES: I got the quesadillas de Huitlacoche because I got them last time and they were too delicious not to get again. The mole negro is SO good. --Another person got the Short Ribs en Mole Negro and was raving about the mole, as a mole aficionado. I tasted the rice and the nopales, and they were delicious. What did the other people get? I lost track! But it was because I was on such a high from all the things I tasted. And we still had lots of food left. Coming on a week night meant it was much quieter on the patio than the last time I came. The patio also has a great overhang which makes it possible to eat there on a rainy night. Don't sleep on Cocina de Barrio - if you are a foodie in North County and haven't been here yet, you're missing out!
Robert Lahr
The Birria does not come with consumée, and we paid $12 for chips and tableside salsa. The salsa was not made well at all and had no flavor. It was just huge chunks of tomato because not enough care in the molcajete. Presentation of the entrees is pretty, but the flavor left something to be desired. The people were friendly and the drinks were good.
Food was decent, I wish there were a bit more options with the tacos. We got the Birria tacos and an omelette. Service was decent. The restaurant was clean, but I did notice some food on my chair and the table was still a bit sticky. Food took a bit to come out.
Silvia P.
It's really good and authentic Mexican fusion!!!! The waitress especially Jaky is awesome!!! Good service
MaribelB
Finally an authentic Mexican restaurant in North County. I am Mexican and understand and know authentic food versus Americanized food. If you want great tasting, healthy and authentic Mexican cuisine, this is the place to try. I do wish they seasoned their food a bit better. Great choices of appetizers, tacos, entrees and drinks. I will be returning.
It was good. Guac made table side was unnecessary and made it feel more crowded when they had to wheel around the cart. Mole was really good but everything else was average. We'll go again but not a regular rotation type of place.
Sam S.
Cocina de Barrio is a great addition to downtown Encinitas! The space is beautifully remodeled and decorated. The drinks and food are both on point, I love sharing a number of the shareables here with a group, especially the table side guac! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about allergy questions - lots of vegan and gluten free choices!
Food was great, drinks were phenomenal and so esthetic for the picture but also in taste!!! Service was amazing! Definitely recommend
No chips, salsa or guac at lunch??!! Made to order, table side guac is great and all for evening service, but how hard is it to implement chips and salsa on your lunch menu? I was told the guy who makes the guac doesn't come in until 2pm. Ok fine, just put some chips in a bowl with some salsa and charge me the money. No cooking required. Should be easy enough. I need you to speak my love language Cocina de Barrio. When I drink the margs, I want the salty tortillas chips on the side. I wanted this to be a long relationship, but we aren't off to a good start.
Loud....Loud environment....difficult to hear waitress tableside. Tableside prepared salsa not prepared properly, tomatoes cut so coarsely, nearly whole, too large to fit on the stale (and tiny tin of) chips provided. In general food under salted. Tasty sauces, but clearly missing salt. Cocktails tasty and priced reasonably. Other than noise level, atmosphere was nice. Stick to appetizers. Food should be served stove hot, not lukewarm. I normally don't comment on price, but our total seemed high with respect to what we ordered and compared to other higher end (Javier's) Mexican restaurants.
We had dinner at Cocina De Barrio. The ambience is very lively and loud but one would expect that from most restaurants. What was not expected was the cuisine. I use the word cuisine because the food is amazing. The presentation and preparation remind me of some Michelin star restaurants I've been to in San Diego. The staff is very knowledgeable regarding all the menu items and the many bar offerings. The staff was also very attentive without being overbearing. I'm still thinking about the guacamole dip made at our table. I highly recommend eating here. I know we will be back soon.
Went last night for happy hour. Fourth time here and I am ready to go back today. Their taco menu is versatile and delicious. I had a spicy margarita which not only tasted delicious but was beautiful as well . The tableside guacamole is not to be missed. You choose the ingredients and it's made in a molcajete and served to you in it. The staff is so friendly and they make your time there extra special It's my new favorite place for happy hour and will be going back for dinner soon.
Great food and drinks. I've been here twice and the service both times was great! So many options for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. We will be back!
What an exciting dining experience! I love the creativity of the menu items and the presentation. It was my best experience in a few months. Everything was delicious and the staff is very friendly and professional. Kudos to Fatima and Bruce for their services and for their warmth. I will be returning to try more items.
Exceptional food and stunning presentation! I was truly impressed. The flavors are all delicately woven together for an impressive culinary experience.
Second time here, third time at a Cocina de Barrio (other time was Point Loma). I am becoming more & more a fan of this fabulous restaurant, a temple of Oaxacan cuisine that's impressive to Mexicans and non-Mexicans alike. I'd even say: --one of the very top places for vegan food in the county --one of the very top places for creative Mexican food in the county They have very generous portions at fair prices, gorgeous presentations, and really nice staff. The first time I came for date night; the second time I met a friend; this time I suggested it for a work dinner. 4 of us & we got a true *feast* of plant-based and non-plant-based food. COCKTAILS: Everyone ooh'ed & aah'ed over their tequila or mezcal drinks. I got La Tia Chata again (hard horchata with a coconut popsicle); others got the Paloma, the Fresco de Granada and other things. My colleagues were very impressed! APPETIZERS: Then our delicious (huge) apps came. First Ceviche Robalo & Xoconostle: sea bass crudo in a gorgeous green sauce. Sophisticated YUM. Tons of food. --then Tostaditas de Tinga: 4 plant-based tostadas. The meat eaters thought the mushroom tinga tasted just like chicken. Delicious. Complex flavors and just so good. --then one meat app: Infladita De Barbacoa. I didn't eat this, but the presentation was beautiful and everyone raved about this. ENTREES: I got the quesadillas de Huitlacoche because I got them last time and they were too delicious not to get again. The mole negro is SO good. --Another person got the Short Ribs en Mole Negro and was raving about the mole, as a mole aficionado. I tasted the rice and the nopales, and they were delicious. What did the other people get? I lost track! But it was because I was on such a high from all the things I tasted. And we still had lots of food left. Coming on a week night meant it was much quieter on the patio than the last time I came. The patio also has a great overhang which makes it possible to eat there on a rainy night. Don't sleep on Cocina de Barrio - if you are a foodie in North County and haven't been here yet, you're missing out!
The Birria does not come with consumée, and we paid $12 for chips and tableside salsa. The salsa was not made well at all and had no flavor. It was just huge chunks of tomato because not enough care in the molcajete. Presentation of the entrees is pretty, but the flavor left something to be desired. The people were friendly and the drinks were good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was decent, I wish there were a bit more options with the tacos. We got the Birria tacos and an omelette. Service was decent. The restaurant was clean, but I did notice some food on my chair and the table was still a bit sticky. Food took a bit to come out.
It's really good and authentic Mexican fusion!!!! The waitress especially Jaky is awesome!!! Good service
Finally an authentic Mexican restaurant in North County. I am Mexican and understand and know authentic food versus Americanized food. If you want great tasting, healthy and authentic Mexican cuisine, this is the place to try. I do wish they seasoned their food a bit better. Great choices of appetizers, tacos, entrees and drinks. I will be returning.
It was good. Guac made table side was unnecessary and made it feel more crowded when they had to wheel around the cart. Mole was really good but everything else was average. We'll go again but not a regular rotation type of place.
Cocina de Barrio is a great addition to downtown Encinitas! The space is beautifully remodeled and decorated. The drinks and food are both on point, I love sharing a number of the shareables here with a group, especially the table side guac! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about allergy questions - lots of vegan and gluten free choices!