Encontro North Park

Came here 45 mins before happy hour ended. They were not busy at all, after my waitress Sam gave me my drink and food I never saw her again. I’d planned to get a 2nd drink but the longer I waited the more frustrated I became. Someone else checked me out and apologized but apparently my waitress went home for the day no goodbye or anything. Bad business!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1

We had never actually eaten at Encontro before, but it always seemed like a really popular spot and we checked out their brunch the other day. We were honestly super impressed. The staff was lovely, we really enjoyed the outdoor seating, and the menu was impressive. They use a lot of fresh ingredients and also utilize Cardiff Crack (if you know, you know) so we had to get a bit of variety. We ended up getting their fresh, house made bread (a must!) the BLT benedict (perfectly cooked) the Mary's 1/2 Fried Chicken and Waffles which is now my husband's favorite across San Diego, and the Cardiff Crack Hash which was an explosion of flavor. We will definitely be back, and we need to try out their happy hour too! Definitely recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It’s been so long since I’ve been out and felt that every dish was phenomenal. After the meal, we both felt everything was well worth the price and we will DEFINITELY be coming back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice staff, but the food missed the mark. The corn dog appetizer and Brussels sprout salad were both underwhelming, and the margarita was just okay. Prices felt high for the quality — likely more about the location than the food.

This is the Brussel Sprouts..

I have nothing to say

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Our server was Chole, she was so nice and attentive. We were on a time crunch and she was super mindful of it. I got the hot dog with Tator tots… literally felt like I was eating an outside bbq. Delicious. We sat by the window and had great views of the street and other people. I can’t wait to try other stuff on the menu, will return!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Every time I’ve came here the staff has been so nice, head chef got behind the bar when they were busy because of the holiday and farmers market and last minute short staffed. Always nice, enjoyed every menu item, great happy hour. Not in North Park much but make a point to stop in here if I am.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I absolutely LOVE Encontro. I’ve tried almost everything on their menu and have never been disappointed. Awesome salads, fresh vegetables and seafood and the Cardiff Crack….oh my!
Brunch is great too!! If you’re craving a hearty and delicious breakfast burrito on the go, you can’t go wrong here. Fun atmosphere, great service. Always a must when I’m in SD!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I was a little underwhelmed with my dinner but the service and atmosphere made up for it.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Great meal!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

COME FOR HAPPY HOUR! we passed by this location, hungry and looking for a spot to hang and eat and were not disappointed. Get the Cardiff Tacos and the fish tacos!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cardiff Crack

WOW . went during happy hour and they have the best things on it. I'll post a picture but chef Jason killed it . Thank you so much . Freshed artichoke dip. Huge grilled cheese with the happy hour soup for 7$ . Not sure you can do better in San diego . Will be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I dont know why this place has good reviews... the waitstaff took 40 minutes to get to us after we were seated, then were confused about our order, and then 35 minutes later we got our food but the burgers were so greasy they were falling apart, and they were flavorless with low quality ingredients, and they were priced above market value... not coming back!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Photogenic food which is overpriced and not tasty.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

Saturday night, no reservation, full dining room—we were sat at the patio. I asked for the heater to be turned on and got a cheerful, “Of course!” followed by… absolutely nothing. Who needs heat when you have the warm glow of broken promises?

Waitress #1 took our order, and the appetizer beat the wine to the table. When the wine finally arrived, it was unopened, with two glasses—because apparently, we were on self-serve duty. Good thing I went with a twist-off; otherwise, I’d still be there, contemplating my life choices. Enter waitress #2—so spacey I’m convinced we could have walked out, waved through the window, and she’d have waved back. I even joked, “We could leave right now, and she’d probably say goodnight on the way out.”

The universe must have heard me, because one minute later, waitress #1 reappeared—bill in hand—like a restaurant guardian angel, ensuring the house always wins.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 2