Captain Keno's Restaurant

I'm rating this a 5 for so many reasons. It was a dive bar and I absolutely loved it. Dirty. Loud. Dark. Retro. The cheapest food I've seen since Vegas in the 90s. Iconic place. $1.99 shrimp cocktail. 11.99 ribs. Say what? Decent too. Nice bartender. Cashier was nice....and very very busy. Really saddened to hear it's closing. I'm sure a drive through Starbucks will go in it's place 0r more.condos 🙄. Either way I'm just glad I got to ✅ this off my bucket list. Almost wish I hadn't since I'll now know what I'm missing when it's gone. 😭 PS kids did complain about the smell of smoke so if you're sensitive to that... beware. PSS CASH ONLY. But they do offer ATM.

THE BEST AFFORDABLE RESTAURANT AROUND. I’ve been coming here for many years and no matter the economic issues happening in the world they have always been here for a wonderful meal that doesn’t break the bank. It could use an update but if that is at the cost of the same feel it has now I would rather them Stay as is.

Menu at this time does not include crab legs! Which is why we came. So we ordered food because kids were tired and hungry. Burgers were decent just basic. Fries not salted. Spaghetti sauce was really good, pasta was over cooked. BBQ pork sandwich was good. Ice tea very good. Service good. Cheap food that tastes decent. Affordable. Cash Only. Interior stuck somewhere in time. Recommend for solid food at a fair price.

Only discovered this “dive bar” a few years ago. The food and drink prices probably haven’t changed in 50 years. I bought a chicken fried steak dinner for less than $5.00. A $20 bill can buy a round of drinks for our table of five. Unfortunately, this little Encinitas landmark will be closing down soon🥲

What a gem! This place is a dive bar, which I find those are really best! Good comfort food in casual atmosphere. Happy hour is 6 a.m. to 12a.m. so basically all day. Unbelieveable prices! Like spaghetti dinner is $2.99. When I first saw that I thought that must be an old sign. Actually the sign that says Captain Kenos is missing but you can find it on Google.Really good portions on food. 3 pork chops come with the pork chop dinner. They also have ribs, not sure what day and I think I saw prime rib on the week end. Also great for kiddies they have a pac man machine and the one with the crane where you can win stuffed animals. Even if you lose the bartender will still give you a prize! Super friendly staff. They dont have a waitress but the lady who takes the food orders will bring your food to you. Yes, the place is dated, maybe 1950? But its very clean and well kept up. I really liked it here. Its soo comfortable. I dont know who Captain Keno is but theres a picture of a fireman captain on the wall. Im guessing thats him. This place is totally awesome and the prices are great for Del Mar. Restrooms were spotless. I really cant say enough great things about this place. I liked it soo much I went 2 days in a row! The only con is its a bit of a drive from San Diego and traffic doesnt help but its a lovely place to stop for dinner and drinks after you leave the beach

3rd visit. 1st had meatloaf plate. Awful. 2nd had the baby back ribs. Even worse. 3rd, the pork chops breakfast plate for dinner. For $6.99, was willing to give Keno one more try, plus it’s close to hotel. Not too bad this time, however, with the low prices for most meals, one can expect the lowest quality food, preparation possible. Think of Sysco frozen food discounted to move. The restaurant is semi clean, but would be great to see clean windows, a thorough wipe down. I get the retro aspect, but keep the place clean. Service is ok, one counter person, one cook.

An amazing time capsule from the 1970s with nearly 1970s prices! $4 well drinks, poured like a double. Cheap food, including $2.99 spaghetti with hot dog bun garlic bread. It's an experience like no other! Unfortunately it is going to be bulldozed in June 2024, so visit before it's gone!!! Also, they no longer serve breakfast. Food starts at 4pm.

The best bar in Encinitas hands down. Very comfy dive bar feel to it. Alas it will be closing mid 2024. Highly recommend you check it out before it does. Very fairly priced drinks. It's cash only, so prepare ahead of time and tip generously. My go to bar anytime I'm in town!

Captain Keno's is a classic establishment that serves cold beer, strong drinks, an array of classic American dishes in an old-school godfather style setting. It will be a tragic day when this place is gone in a few months. We've sat at the bar (2 drinks for under $10 which is mind blowing in Encinitas) and had a few dinners here with the kids - full spaghetti and garlic bread plates, BLTs, hot turkey dish and soup for less than what you'd spend at In-N-Out. The space is a maze of a restaurant that contains dining rooms with giant red studded leather booths, a 70s diner-style section, a living room style next to the bar. It's like stepping back in time. Bartenders are friendly, crowd is local and appreciates this gem will be shining until they shut their door permanently in June. Grab a hat while you can to preserve the memory of this fine sailor.

I went to Kenos last night, had great steak, good service. I have taken 10 people to Kenos this month. Today I ordered steak again, it was all fat, I asked if they could make me another, or a burger ? The ignorant rude idiotic manager, Jorge, said that he doesn't make any money off of me so he can't do anything for me! I said that's not really my problem and that's not what you tell a customer! He said don't order steak here! Then in front of all the customers he said, go to Dennys. The food workers are in charge and they are getting more rude by the day . I said I've been coming here since I was a kid & that he should not be rude. He said again in front of the other customers, " I DONT CARE HOW LONG YOU HAVE BEEN COMING HERE! " Please do not support Captain Kenos anymore At YMCA in Encinitas, TODAY, I told my friend Leaf , to try it, I think he said his family didn't like the food at Kenos, but my friend Leaf was so nice, he asked me , " WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISH AT CAPTAIN KENOS? " I answered: Their Steak ! Why would Captain Kenos go out like this? With one of the rudest restaurant managers I've ever met

Great atmosphere, like if Round Table Pizza was in Twin Peaks. Devin is a great bartender.

Who can deny how iconic this place is? Cheap drinks, lifelong friends, random crockpot in the corner with a yummy soup...the list goes on. Thanks for the memories

It is what it is: a local restaurant for as long as I can remember. Apparently, they are staying open into August now. Then forever closed. Iconic after beach spot. Cheapest place in California I would assume. I was astonished how low their prices were. The bar staff is great. Server was pretty rude but it as Saturday evening & slammed. Sad to see one of our last hometown places disappear. It was a great run!

Seen bad reviews on this place so had to comment. It's not a Michelin star restaurant but it's not terrible either. Place is clean , greeted with a smile and food comes out fast and is NOT BADDDD at all. Pretty cheap but you won't be leaving hungry! Cool place to just relax - and bar area was definitely jumping.

I get this please is a "gem" but my coworkers came here after work this past Friday and I have no idea why the cashier for the kitchen and Diana felt the need to be rude when no attitude was given. Right off the bat the cashier was very short with me and the way Diana dropped off the food was like she didn't want my coworkers and I there. Sorry to have been so nice with kindness and even leave a $5 tip. Next time I'll reciprocate the energy you gave me ladies. But for the next 2 months before this establishment closes, those who haven't experienced Captain Keno's yet, the food is great and cheap and the drinks are very reasonably priced!

CASH ONLY. It's a restaurant and it's a bar but you want to come for the bar. Yes, it's divey but in the best possible way. There's Christmas lights up in the middle of July and the music is loud and rowdy and there are some absolute characters in the bar. The bartenders are super laid back and friendly. The drink prices are as low as the food prices. Two full dinners cost less than 20 bucks. The clam chowder was terrific and the baby back ribs were really good. The burger? Edible but nothing special. I can't recommend it, sorry. If you want food, you order in the restaurant section, take a number, and they'll bring you your food, even tothe bar. And, you'd never guess it, but the restaurant area is family friendly. Kids are absolutely allowed. This place has been a local landmark forever and it's going to be sad to see it go. No, the food is not amazing but that's not the point. This place has real character. You're almost guaranteed to have fun here (in the bar; the restaurant section was very quiet).

Cheap asss drinks !!! What beats that ?! Come on. It is 10/10 except now I really want to try their food, gotta come earlier than 8:30

Showed up on Fathers Day Sunday at 1:30pm. Went in for lunch and a beer. We sat at a bar top table and waited for any service at all, or even eye contact from the bartender. Walked 6 feet to the bar, ordered a beer and asked the (disgruntled) bartender if I get the food menu from him or does someone come by. He told told me there is no food. No more explanation. So I asked when will they have food, and he told me 4:00. Their website states breakfast 6:00am until midnight and lunch/dinner 11:00am to midnight. No food, REALLY! Yes the beer is good and cold and cheap by beach standards. The bartender apparently didn't want to be there and never saw him ONCE come out from behind the bar to clear a table or take an drink order. So in one day I experienced two of the best bartenders I've seen in awhile at Poseidon and Draft Republic. And then I got to experience the worst at Cap'n Keno's. He has about a dozen people to serve at the most and he was too put off to care. Sure wish I could rate the food, but alas that was a no bueno. Good thing because if the food was anything like the disgusting mens's restroom, I am sure that I am better off without their food.

Capn Kenos is simply just an Encinitas gem that officially closes on June 30th. Incredibly cheap drinks and food, almost everything is under $5, but keep in mind that they are no longer restocking anything so once something is gone, it's gone forever. There's currently no more breakfast and other items have been ran out as well so get there soon! Still has the best workers and keep in mind more busy than usual so I'm glad it's getting the proper send off!

Love this place and want to buy a hat before they close but they're sold out Please make more before you go

So tragic that this place is getting torn down to make way for condos in the next couple months. This place is a true gem. A place that doesn't exist for profits but instead for making people happy. The prices are UNBELIEVABLY affordable and the food is comforting and nostalgic, not to mention quite tasty. Your will not get more bang for your buck at any other bar or restaurant, period. Staff and bartenders are really friendly and the whole place is like a window into the past. I can only imagine how many beautiful memories were made here. Worth every minute and every penny you spend. You will soon be gone but not soon forgotten Keno's!!!!

Don't overlook Captain Keno's! It's a great deal for what you get. I was pleasantly surprised to feed 3 people for $22 and change. I haven't been since I was a kid and it still looks the same lol The fish and chips, I was expecting it to be fish bites but it was still pretty good! Especially for the price. The tartar sauce and fries were especially good. Now I know whenever I'm in the area and I'm hungry I can come in for a quick efficient cheap snack!

Interesting old bar and restaurant that seemed to have lots of locals. Drinks super cheap. Food not bad.

Been coming here since I was a kid and it still has amazing charm, great food, terrific drinks (try the Bloody Mary!!!) and the prices are absolutely unreal. Don't know how there isn't a line down the street! What's not to love???

This place is basic in all the best ways. There's no frills here, just good food for a reasonable price. The thing to remember is that they only take cash.

Well Hell when you are at the beach you need a good Dive Bar that served fried chicken thighs as an appetizer for Happy Hour!!!! Full bar and packed with happy locals munching on fried chicken thighs and drinking ice cold beer. Don't get me wrong they have a complete bar but this crowd was down and dirty on the draft beer, so I joined in! I didn't try the chicken because James loved it an scarfed it down but he said it always magical. The smell was amazing. They had it in a big silver bowl and everyone jumped up when they brought it out and it was gone son! Bottom line music was perfect, vibe was everything and beer was ice cold. Run in here anytime of day and any day for that fact and you will have a ball!

I'm still in shock about the prices of the food! I got a chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes, my husband got a burger and fries and we both got beers. All for $20.00! The service was super friendly! They greeted us right away, gave us recommendations and were just super personable. The ambiance gives me old 50s style coffee house meets dive bar. My 2 absolute favorite things. We are making this a weekly spot now!

clam chowder, 10/10. pork soup, porky levels 12. gin & tonics, the gin is ginning. great service, love vaka. ambiance: somehow, something feels good in a place like this. though there is much pain in this world, with a cold beer in hand, messy drunk boomers, bloomers out, and gracefully pumpin to madonna, there is no agony in this room. only crooked cars in the torn up lot of life. i find myself lost, looking deep into a ketchup bottle and i just cant stop thinking about how when everything is mushed up and add a little sugar, u can be the perfect condiment! thoughts? respond pls. if u ever feel lost, keno's will guide you home. love you have compassion

Its hard to rate this place as we never bought anything. Giving it 5 because dont really want to screw up its rating without really knowing. We walked in on a late friday night and it was packed. So packed i cant imagine it wasnt well over capacity. Two guys were walking out and heard them say that it smells like shit in there. Walked in and it did. Horribly. There was no chance of maneuvering to the bar as it was several layers deep of people so we left. Could be the greatest place ever on another night but this night was bad enough that ill just go somewhere else

Really enjoyed this place.... Too bad it's closing down. It's the local and good places that get shut down. This place is an icon though! So fun....

This is definitely a Dive Bar, in a 100 yr old building, but Captain Kenos since 1970. Cheap drinks and eats. Food is served only at Dinner, but the prices can't be beat. Spaghetti dinner plus a salad is $5.00! No tiny servings, but also not a heaping plate. Check out the pics on Yelp or other social media sites. A spaghetti dinner with a salad, breakfast plate (bacon eggs,potatoes and toast) a beer and a Bloody Mary is about $16.00. Many other choices like chicken fried steak, ribs, burgers and such in the menu. There is a dining room, as well as a bar area. Parking could be at a premium depending on time of the day. CASH ONLY! If you are in the area you might want to give them a try and do it quick. This little Gem of local history will be gone in June of 2024!

God save the Queen?? God save the Captain Kenos!!!... C'mon on in, keep it light, make a new friend here, it's a variety of folks. See what the old world looked and felt like in all it's splendor. Leave better for the time spent here and enjoy their great selection of cold beer on draft and full menu of food - the shrimp basket is phenomenal

Great prices and it's always been good The spaghetti is where it's at, though. So inexpensive and you can add a salad for a dollar and a quarter.

Order at the counter, cash only. Cheap. But good. I got a burger and fries. Husband got the prime rib- it's not your typical prime rib. It's broiler. And looks like a steak. He was not a fan. Mom got the sirloin. Was decent. Can't beat the prices. Definitely a little old and dusty. Cool looking dive bar feel in the lounge l.

Jerry For Mayor! Such a staple in Encinitas. He really did leave a positive mark on North County San Diego. Serves the community, cash only, warm conversations, bartenders are amazing, mind blowing low prices on drinks and eats! Family friendly, prefunk, nite cap, all around The best kept time capsule, Cap'n Keno's. P.S., I'm on my way there right now!

Me and my friend sat down and were ignored for 15 minutes. We got up and left. Not a very welcoming place, all seats were empty.

An institution! You will be transported back in time. Great dive bar ambiance, insanely low prices, cheap beer, good music, fun people watching. Very glad we checked it out, especially as their is talk of it closing!

Captain Keno's is an Encinitas institution! Happy hour from 6:00am until midnight every day, is the best deal in town. Ol' fashioned menu from French dip, roast beef sandwich, hot turkey sandwiches 1/2 lb burger with fries or mashed potatoes $5.95. Notorious meatloaf dinner $5.00. Clam chowder is delicious, soups are yummy. Fish and chips , fried shrimp, NY steak or grilled sirloin dinner is great too! Saturday's specials are prime rib or king crab legs, I think baby back ribs too. Great well drinks, cold beer, awesome bartenders and excellent kitchen and meals! The best in Encinitas.

This is about the breakfast. They advertise having a great breakfast. We drove up from San Diego to try it, only to be told breakfast won't start till 2pm. Why even call it breakfast if it's at 2pm?!? We are very disappointed.

One of the last few dive bars in Encinitas. Super cheap food and drinks. We came for a celebration and it was a packed night. our group had ordered the cocktail shrimp, meatloaf, ribs, spaghetti and a few other items. At first you would be skeptical that the food would be bad because the place is dark, you can tell it is dusty and a little sticky at the tables and chairs, but remember, this is a dive bar and i thought the food was surprisingly good. you definitely can't beat the prices either. the cocktail drinks were well made at killer prices. a super cool place to chill and hang out. everyone had a great time. it does take a while to order food as well as get the food. i was told ahead of time from our group so we were aware of the wait. they had one person running the cashier, cleaning the tables and bringing the food out. definitely give it a try if you have not, i heard that they will be closing down soon.

Captain Kenos is no longer open for breakfast...Even tho the website and signs say it is.

I wasn't sure what I was going to get when I first found this bar. To be honest, I was on reddit looking for cheap drinks in San Diego County...and I was ready for whatever gross dive bars they could recommend. Seeing that they had $3 spaghetti and no cocktails over $5, I really wasn't sure what I was going to get, and prepped for the absolute worst. I feel ashamed for that thought, because this charming time capsule of a bar has now become a favorite for my boyfriend and me. Every bartender we have encountered has been incredibly kind and informative, and my drinks seem to always be made with the kind of care you'd get from a friend. The feeling is not "gross divebar", but rather small town cozy local eatery that cares about its community. If you are looking for a no-frills bar that's laidback with absolutely zero pretense, this is your spot. Come for the cheap alcohol, and stay because you're comfortable.

Had some amazing service, I wish I could remember all their names but the boys behind the bar really hit it out of the park. Can't beat the prices. Can't beat the keno and the fun decor. I had their corned beef and it was delicious

Food is so cheap and good drink are good and cheap also go there before they close next year

They don't open at 6am as described on line... Liars.... Which socks because on line it states 6am on line

Great dive bar in Encinitas! Went in for a morning cocktail and was great by a friendly bartender. Drinks were cheap and good. Heard a little funny history about the place too.

Havent even gotten the food yet...hear me out. The PRICES ARE FROM THE 8Os! Baby back ribs: 11.99, cocktail shrimp, 1.99, coffee/orange juice : 1:29, most other dinners are 5.99. I didnt think a place like this existed here...Is basically a diner with booths, you order st the register and they bring your food.

This is THE BEST Dive Bar around. Extensive menu with very very reasonable prices. The Bar has tv's to watch sports with good inexpensive drinks!!! Its not fancy but George the manager is great. Our Group eats there once a week together to catch up and enjoy a meal together. Not sure of their hours but you can get breakfast food, lunch & dinner meals anytime. Meatloaf, patty melt, fish/chips, clam chowder to mention a few. 4 area to sit but would say the area closest to cashier is more friendly for young families.

It may be a local Encinitas iconic place, but ooh ick. No one waited on my husband and I. We were looking forward to having lunch there, to check off our local San Diego eateries before they closed forever. It looked like it was a help yourself bar, and no one was in the dining room! I could not review the food, because we were never acknowledged! Walked out after sitting in the bar for 15 minutes.

I love this place came a couple of time's with friends great food goid drinks great atmosphere.i go everytime im in town.best place and good prices

Good ribs, hamburgers, salads, happy hour all the time! The bar was full of people and a busy yet very friendly bartender.

Had a friend tell me about this place, raving about the price. I thought, for the price, this is definitely worth going to. I sure was right, my partner got the Ham omelette with a side of potatoes and toast and I got a salad with a baked potato on the side. We both also got a soft drink each. In total the cost came out to a little under 13 dollars. My partner and I were stuffed and extremely satisfied with the food. The salad was crisp, and my baked potato was cooked to perfection, the butter on the side extremely soft and creamy. Their omelette was also cooked to perfection, as were their potatoes. It's a shame this restaurant may not be around for much longer, though I'm glad I got to try it out-Hopefully I can come back soon.

Amazing customer service from the bartenders, we were at a much fancier place earlier, but had a much better time at Captain Keno's. We broke a glass and the bartender was happy to replace the drink. Would come again happily

4 stars for pricing ,friendly and quantity. Hungry late and needed some carbs. Driven past thousands of times and saw sign for spaghetti . Perfect! Had a quick beer then spaghetti to go! Tasty and satisfying. No frills or precocious attitudes just good people serving their public and community. A must see on the 101

Love this place so much! They have great food and great deals. Such a classic establishment. Ma and pop owned place. The servers are so welcoming and friendly

Literally have never been here after living in the area for 10+ years now. Wandered in on a Friday to meet some old friends. Love the dive bar vibe. Place was PACKED and despite that, bartenders were very attentive. Fun vibe, crowd was cool. Overall, was really disappointed to hesr this place was bought out ;(

Great fish and chips too!!! Come take a trip on the 101 to see Captain Keno while they still hang on. Love the old school booths in the dining room. Bar has a good vibe too.

So, I went back to Captain's Keno to show my visiting French friend the "local flavor of Encinitas", have a quick beer and leave... (no food anymore there as my last experience was terrible. Make sure you read my previous review) The bartender informed me that I was indefinitely banned from Captain Keno for "writing a bad yelp review". He also informed me that "health inspection" came over and that somehow the owner linked this inspection to my review, which is a lie. Management of captain Keno should definitely start considering that other customers might also have had issues with the food and the cleanliness of this place.