My favorite Mexican restaurant. Been going here for over 30 yrs and always eat here when I come home to visit after leaving 5 yrs ago.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ari Eberlin
I grew up on flying saucers... The best, hands down.
Lynn M.
Iconic. Almost always excellent. I love the tradition of having eaten here for many years. I liked it more pre-pandemic when they offered weekday lunch specials. Prices have gone up, as they have everywhere. Still, reasonable prices compared to other restaurants. I appreciate the eclectic Mexican decor. Decent service.
Clarence Urbanski
Got there early for lunch! And been visiting for past 30 yrs, still a treat...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Susie Q Beshear
Don't go later towards closing. The carnitas were dried out like crispy jerky. The corn tortillas were hard. Beans and cabbage were ok. The best part was the guacamole, chips, and salsa. The last visit, the carnitas were super fatty. Previously, no complaints. Taking a break from dining here after rwo back-to-back bad experiences.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Mary Jane Hansen
Terrible! I was going to dine in while my son got his haircut and they shooed me out of the driveway. What kind of business is that? Too bad for them this word will spread. Plus the food really isn't that great.im local so I'll continue to pass by with no stop.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Ryan T.
Great food, margaritas, and friendly staff! Had a great time with our family. Perfect for an enjoyable, colorful, casual night out.
Karen W.
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.
Stacey C.
Service was amazing. I ordered would and an entree she warned me that's a lot of food. I wanted leftovers but so appreciate the warning. The flavors were so good. Thank you for the amazing service and yummy food.
Amalia K.
Been twice now cause I'm obsessed with the soups... soup everyday! Great people and a family oriented place
Bland, no flavor. El Paso beans for sure. Definitely a let down no flavor and cheap ingredients.
S M
Fantastic lunch. Loved the mole and will definitely
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
The BenSman
The albondigas soup is INCREDIBLE! Fair prices, decent parking, friendly employees. Woefully understaffed at times which can translate to slow service, but it’s a local family business that’s been in the community for decades so I extend them grace. The deserts are good too and they actually put a good amount of booze in their drinks which is nice. Love this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Rosendo A.
Es lo más asqueroso que eh probado en toda mi vida, para empezar un mesero grosero mi hijo de 8 años muy educado le daba las gracias y el mesero ni le contestaba, la comida sin sabor la carne dura y asquerosa las tortas las llenan de frijoles y lechuga, las enchiladas parecen rolled tacos o flautas sin sabor la salsa verde y para acabar les puedes salsa o chiles o cebollas para que la comida sepa con más sabor y te las venden aparte casi 5 dolares por 3 chiles serranos es una locura que te cobren eso si es parte de la comida, y aparte como no les deje propina por el mal servicio me vieron mal, no se lo recomiendo a nadie ni a mi peor enemigo , definitivamente nunca volvere
Tom Grueskin
We have been coming here for over ten (update: 20) years. Amazing food. The molcajete is amazing, a great shared meal. Then, there are the soups. The shrimp cocktails are great too. On and on, I could go.
My favorite Mexican restaurant. Been going here for over 30 yrs and always eat here when I come home to visit after leaving 5 yrs ago.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I grew up on flying saucers... The best, hands down.
Iconic. Almost always excellent. I love the tradition of having eaten here for many years. I liked it more pre-pandemic when they offered weekday lunch specials. Prices have gone up, as they have everywhere. Still, reasonable prices compared to other restaurants. I appreciate the eclectic Mexican decor. Decent service.
Got there early for lunch! And been visiting for past 30 yrs, still a treat...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Don't go later towards closing. The carnitas were dried out like crispy jerky. The corn tortillas were hard. Beans and cabbage were ok. The best part was the guacamole, chips, and salsa. The last visit, the carnitas were super fatty. Previously, no complaints. Taking a break from dining here after rwo back-to-back bad experiences.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Terrible! I was going to dine in while my son got his haircut and they shooed me out of the driveway. What kind of business is that? Too bad for them this word will spread. Plus the food really isn't that great.im local so I'll continue to pass by with no stop.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great food, margaritas, and friendly staff! Had a great time with our family. Perfect for an enjoyable, colorful, casual night out.
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.
Service was amazing. I ordered would and an entree she warned me that's a lot of food. I wanted leftovers but so appreciate the warning. The flavors were so good. Thank you for the amazing service and yummy food.
Been twice now cause I'm obsessed with the soups... soup everyday! Great people and a family oriented place
Restaurantji Recommends
Bland, no flavor. El Paso beans for sure. Definitely a let down no flavor and cheap ingredients.
Fantastic lunch. Loved the mole and will definitely
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
The albondigas soup is INCREDIBLE! Fair prices, decent parking, friendly employees. Woefully understaffed at times which can translate to slow service, but it’s a local family business that’s been in the community for decades so I extend them grace. The deserts are good too and they actually put a good amount of booze in their drinks which is nice. Love this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Es lo más asqueroso que eh probado en toda mi vida, para empezar un mesero grosero mi hijo de 8 años muy educado le daba las gracias y el mesero ni le contestaba, la comida sin sabor la carne dura y asquerosa las tortas las llenan de frijoles y lechuga, las enchiladas parecen rolled tacos o flautas sin sabor la salsa verde y para acabar les puedes salsa o chiles o cebollas para que la comida sepa con más sabor y te las venden aparte casi 5 dolares por 3 chiles serranos es una locura que te cobren eso si es parte de la comida, y aparte como no les deje propina por el mal servicio me vieron mal, no se lo recomiendo a nadie ni a mi peor enemigo , definitivamente nunca volvere
We have been coming here for over ten (update: 20) years. Amazing food. The molcajete is amazing, a great shared meal. Then, there are the soups. The shrimp cocktails are great too. On and on, I could go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Tortilla Soup, Bean Soup