La Especial Norte

Our second time here and we'll be back. Generous portions! We had plenty to take home for later. My mom was shocked at how much food there was !! Good service and fun atmosphere.

This review is 30 years overdue. Why? Because I didn't want to make La Especial Norte more popular than it already is. I didn't want to wreck the SoCal beach neighborhood vibe that seems to be built into the kitschy decor. But I find myself leaving the area, so this review is one of the last things I need to wrap up. I will miss the soups, especially the tortilla soup pictured below. In recent years the soup has been served warm so I ask to have it hot. I add 2 spoons of salsa, and that elevates it to the best tortilla soup I've ever had - apologies to my wife who has tried to replicate it. Seafood dishes are wonderful, especially the fish tacos. Pictured below as well is the enchilada platter. The beef enchilada has shredded beef and not the ground beef so many other restaurants use. I always ask for extra cabbage slaw. This is the only Mexican restaurant I have been to that serves it. In fact, I think it's better to substitute the cabbage for the rice on any platter. Also, avoid the sour cream and ask for red sauce instead. Skip the margaritas and other mixed drinks, I don't see the value. Instead get a Corona or better yet a Modelo Negro. This isn't fancy food. It is basic food done really well. The portion to price ratio is fantastic. The proof is the number of families who jam into the place every weekend night. If you're wearing shorts, sweatshirt, and flip flops you'll fit right in. For a restaurant to be so popular for so long is pretty much all you need to know. Get off the 5, enjoy a slower trip on the 101, and stop in Leucadia for some authentic Mexican soups and platters. Muy gusto!

Best Tortilla Soup I've ever had! [They have chicken soup too, and the Tortilla Soup has chicken in it, so be careful what you're ordering 😋]... Has a very Family Owned vibe [not sure if it is family owned] and is very casual. Super busy during lunch hour on any day of the week, and parking is limited, so plan accordingly. I've tried other dishes too and all have been excellent! This place has never disappointed me.

Amazing Mexican Soup. Great hot sauce options. Service was amazing. They were generous in helping me get a takeout water when I left. The salsa and chips at the beginning was amazing as well.

La Especial Norte truly lives up to its reputation as a classic gem for Mexican cuisine! From the moment you step in, you're greeted by a bright and fun atmosphere that immediately lifts your spirits. The vibrant decor and lively ambiance make it a perfect spot for any occasion. The menu offers an impressive array of classic Mexican dishes, each prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. I highly recommend their tortas and tostadas – both were absolutely delightful. Every bite was a testament to their commitment to quality and tradition. What sets La Especial Norte apart, however, is their exceptional service. The friendly staff goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Their warmth and attentiveness make you feel right at home. In summary, La Especial Norte is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious Mexican fare in a welcoming and festive environment. It's just fantastic!

Authentic mexican. Best carne asada burrito I've ever had. Warm, fresh, balanced, full of flavour. Waitress was attentive and motherly. Interesting decor and nice atmosphere. Best in North County

The food was just so so Large portions, very temp hot I had a Chili Colorado dish the meat seemed like it was old and hard to cut through. Not tender like it’s supposed to be and the sauce was not what it was supposed to be. Also an especial chicken dish that tasted and looked like it was a curry dish.

I wasn't impressed. The price was very expensive for Mexican food. The food was very Salty, the waitor an older man with a hat was bothered by us asking for our drinks, and my daughters quesadilla was at our table after everyone was finished eating. I never got the impression that our waitor was happy we chose this place to eat. We'd never been here before and I don't see us coming back. All of the food was very salty steak, shrimp, rice, beans all heavily Salty. Save your money unless you like spending $80 for 4 people, the water was the best part and the Mexican coca cola . My kids weren't happy and they usually clean their plates they couldn't stomach the food they all wondered if this was how people cooked the food in Mexico but I've had better Mexican food elsewhere. Beware

Surprisingly authentic, with just that right mix of Michoacán y Southern California, translated, of course, to La Especial Norte. Went with a mixture of gringo y Mexicano, delivered as a Cheese Quesadilla and Camerones al Mojo de Ajo, both of which were excellent. This stretch of the highway hits differently each and err'tyme, and if in the mood for Mexican food that's both Leucadian and Mexican, you need look no further...

Stopped by after work to grab some pork pozole. Pozole is a traditional soup or stew from Mexican cuisine. It is made from hominy with meat, and can be seasoned and garnished with shredded lettuce or cabbage, chili peppers, onion, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa or limes. I've since I moved down to San Diego about eight years ago and found this spot. This is the only place I go for Pozole in north county. It's flavorful and a decent price! It also comes with the side of chips. Yum! I usually ONLY get that... But this time I decided to add a chicken quesadilla! But that was a mistake! The chicken quesadilla was just a big breast of chicken, slightly shredded and thrown into a tortilla. The chicken had sinuous pieces and a bone so needless to say, it was not enjoyable. I'll stick with my usual next time! But as far as the staff they are very sweet and accommodating! The decor is colorful and inviting! This restaurant is along the 101 so parking can be tricky as their lot is very small and most of the time we have to find street parking but it's worth it if you want some Mexican food after you hit the beach.

My aunt lives nearby and comes here often. Very welcoming family establishment, they greeted my aunt warmly and knew her favorite table. I love a place that treats their regulars well. Great Mexican comfort food. Fun, casual decor and quick, friendly service. Food is solid, portions are gigantic. Soups (many varieties) are definitely the standout and they alone are worth a visit. Even a small soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own. I gobbled up my Mexican chicken soup and ended up taking half my steak quesadilla (also yummy) home.

Right off of 101 La Especial Norte is an adorable restaurant that looks like you could be in Mexico as you enter the parking lot. The staff is extremely friendly and seem like family. They have an awesome variety of dishes and an amazing selection of caldos. I would not say it's the best Mexican food because I do think they have to cater to the tourists and non Mexican locals.

Good solid spot. Gets crazy and service is a flag down for a napkin.... But maybe it's just that everyone wants to go out. Pretty main room. Big booths and hardly ever a big wait. Even parking which is rare here, but nice and free. Skinny margaritas had basically no booze. Shame, but there went the 5th star. For $11, put some tequila in can taste. Oh well. Main attraction is the array of soups and carnitas. Huge chunks of pork. Debs enchilada verde very tasty. Carnitas make it a 4.5. Try it and see. Go shots. Not skinny.

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.

Locals know that La Especial Norte cooks up a storm in Encinitas. You really can not go wrong at this family owned restaurant that serves up hot and delicious meals at a very fair price point. From the minute I walk through the door until I roll out with leftovers in hand I feel happy and satisfied. Maybe it is the eclectic decor which consists of a cultural items, pops of vivid color and textures galore. Or it could be the giant plates of delicious comfort food? The friendly servers who treat me like a guest in their kitchen are knowlegeable and efficient. They bring chips and salsa and do not nickel and dime you for chips and salsa. The margaritas are the weakest link here. 7up with lime and some tequila is not going to float my boat. QAfter numerous attempts to make the margarita work I have decided to order it neat on my next visit. I highly recommend La Especial Norte for some down to earth Mexican food that will fill up the family and not leave you broke.

We love Especial Norte. The atmosphere is so fun and relaxed. Favorite items include the molcajete and the pork pozole.

This pozole is the BEST EVER!! Add hot tortillas,the garnishes , I'm drooling just thinking about it!

My boyfriend and I wanted to try this place because we weren't sure where to eat and friend recommended this place. Everyone was very kind and service was fast. We both got taco and burrito combos and it was SO amazing!! So so much food for only 15 dollars each. He always finishes what he has to eat and this place actually beat him! We took leftovers home. Would absolutely recommend for a full stomach and some great food

True, authentic Mexican food love it Ordered the chili Verde. It was gross. Never ordered that again. It was horrible True, authentic Mexican food love it

Really great food and service. Loved the soups! Prices are fair too! The parking lot is huge too.

Authentic Mexican restaurant in the heart of Encinitas, family owned with a huge selection of entrees. You have to try their soups, five stars !!!!!

really good food, great service and good ambiance, price was low too will be back gddjjgcbhgdc hgf

This is a hot spot for Mexican food. There's nothing like it around the area as all the other Mexican food places are more beach shacks or taco stands. If you'd like a sit down Mexican food place with the ambiance to match, this is it. Due to the popularity, it takes interminably long to be waited on. We were a party of 7 and went at 6:30 on a Friday night. We were seated within 10mins at an outdoor table & chips/salsa came out promptly. However we waited a good 20mins until a server took drink orders. By then we were ready to put in food orders too. The food is excellent and I'd love to give five stars for that. It's just the overall experience made this a three star experience for me. The staff is incredibly friendly and apologetic for the long wait times with the service. If you're craving Mexican food with ambience, I highly recommend coming here and suggest tailoring your expectations if you visit during a busy time.

Stopped by on way home from airport as we were craving Mexican food and wow - very happy we did ! While the service was a little slow, the drinks were good and well priced and the food was absolutely delicious! My fiancé had the cammorones Al mojo de ajo (garlic shrimp) and he was blown away by the great flavor. I just had two tacos (carnitas and beef) and they were authentic and filling! We'll be back!

Excellent Caldo! The Tortilla Soup was amazing. The Carnitas platter was full of pieces of pork and tender with a lot of flavor. There were so many toppings that came with the soup, cilantro, onions, lemon, and cheese. Great soft tortillas. The chips and Salsa were great and not too tomato-tasting. I hope to come back to this place soon. Muchas Gracias!

If you are looking for an authentic, one of a kind Southern California Mexican restaurant this is the place. Still owned and operated by nice family. Great food, drinks and atmosphere. For veggie lovers, they have cabbage tacos and burritos with lots of yummy guacamole .

Best Mexican food in the region. I've lived in Cardiff/Encinitas since 1960. I've seen some come and go. La Especial Norte is still the best.

Went here on a Thursday with friends, mostly because someone had raved about the chicken tortilla soup. It was decently busy for a Thursday but no wait to be seated. Parking lot is small and densely packed. It took them awhile for them to stop by and greet us once we sat. We ended up flagging someone down. We ordered and it seemed like it also took a long time to get the food. Unfortunately the food was also only luke warm when they brought it to us so maybe it was sitting. The chicken tortilla soup had pretty good flavor but I would have liked it a bit hotter. Chips and salsa were good. My friend had shrimp tacos with mole but the shrimp had a weird boiled texture and the mole was just ok. I also had a chicken enchilada suiza but it lacked a bit of flavor. The atmosphere was lively. This place was just ok for me so I probably wouldn't drive to Encinitas for it again.

Visiting from Las Vegas where there are numerous Mexican restaurants. I must say that La Especial Norte could compete with the best there. Local family say that they have been going there many times over the years. Pleasant decor. Food order taken quickly and presented quickly. Huge portions and surprised myself by eating it all. Enjoyed telling the server three Spanish/English jokes. My wife had been from Cuba so "I speak perfect Cuban food." I love both national foods having lived in many border cities while in the USAF. I would highly recommend the restaurant to everyone.

We ate here last night and loved the dinner. The food was fantastic, and huge servings as always. Despite every table being full it still did not take long to be seated and served. It is my experience that you always get your dinner about 8 minutes after you place your order! I love their refried beans, but everything here tastes good. It's our go-to place for authentic Mexican food.

They make the best salsa you can find. I come in weekly just to buy a quart of salsa. If you want another good salsa, try El Nopalito's "Roasted" salsa, although it's getting a bit pricey. One quart of La Especial Norte salsa is $7, which is a bargain, it's that good.

Amazing food, been eating here for many years. Friendly employees, they're like family to me. Best chips and salsa in town.

We had last eaten here about the time (early 80's) after they had first opened. Back then we had noticed their name was the same as one of our favorite places (La Especial) in the downtown touristy part of Tijuana, BC. Back then we didn't care much for 'Norte' since comparing it to their down south ancestry namesake. If you can tell from the stars, we kinda enjoyed our whimsical visit this trip after seeing it in the same location ever since. By the looks of things, yes, they have been here a while. We were in the mood for soup . . . any kind of soup. La Especial Norte showed up on Yelp and Google when searching for "soup", and we noticed they had a large soup menu (lots of caldo). What is funny is that neither of us ordered soup. Instead, we went with the ol' standbys of tostada, beef taco and chili relleno. We also noticed they had a full bar menu and remembered they had their own parking lot since we were/are in need of a handicapped spot, with minimal distance to walk/scoot; something rather rare along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in the beach areas of Sothern California. We ate a lot of their great chips and enjoyed their very flavorful salsa. Problem is (not really a problem), their portions were very large, but their prices were super affordable. Maybe that's why the popularity among the quantity of seniors patronizing this day. We had a two-item combo and a 1/2 beef Tostada Especial (still huge), a bottled Tecate and a mixed well drink. We only spent ~$38 excluding tip. Pretty good no matter how you look at it when considering the two alcoholic beverages on the bill. The food here today even tasted really good. I remember saying to the wife that the beans and rice were really good; something not normally associated with other Mexican restaurants. Yes, the other items on the plates were also delicious. We had plenty of leftovers, and even took the remaining salsa with us as well. La Especial Norte may now be on our positive experience list of recommendations for good food. So give it a try. Dicks

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.

Great food, margaritas, and friendly staff! Had a great time with our family. Perfect for an enjoyable, colorful, casual night out.

Best soups around North County. They have an entire menu page of 12+ delicious soups. Chicken tortilla soup,Matildas chicken soup and regular chicken soups are savory and satisfying. Pozole with chicken has a kick of red chili with a side of fresh cabbage, lime, radishes, onions and cilantro- very good! Hearty soups of Tarasca, black bean and pinto bean soups; I love the Tarasca with hearty smooth pinto beans, avocado, toasted chile, cheese! Other notable soup favorites include Caldos de mariscos various seafood soups, Eggplant soup, Albondiga meatball soup, Tlapeno soup and beef caldo with plenty of vegetables and rice. Best soups ever, great service and restaurant.

Delicious food, the carnitas maybe the best I've ever had. Perfectly crispy and moist. We got the platter, unbelievable quality and for 50$ it can feed a family of 4 easily. The soups were also amazing. Will absolutely be coming back here. Service was on point!

Awesome ambience. Cool spot. Was excited to go. The food and prices were great. But...dang my service was pretty bad. We waited so long for them to take our order. We came in on a popular Sunday night so it was busy. But that's no excuse. We waited for 20 minutes until our waiter took our order. Then another 10 to get the drinks. I know it's busy, but we'd be much happier to wait 35 minutes for our food if we had DRINKS to help wash down the chips and salsa (which came within the first few minutes of seating). Also my kid threw a small fit because the kids meal picture had french fries with the quesadilla and was served beans and rice instead. I'd still go back again. Would like to try the other soups. But would avoid busy times. Bottom line: get people their drinks orders and give em some chips and salsa and you can be excused for making them wait 35 minutes for their food.

Went for the first time. The service was very good. Chips and salsa came out quick. Coffee was fresh and hot. Ordered from the breakfast menu. Very good ! Great prices. Will definitely go back when we are in the area again.

Always great Mexican food and margaritas. Service very good overall a great experience

This place was rough. TLDR: too expensive for too little flavor and soggy food. Chips and salsa came right away and were very good. Took around, I'm being honest, ~8 minutes to make eye contact with a server to ask for water. Ordered the carne asada and carnitas tacos. So much meat. So so much. Great for meat lovers. But the corn tortillas they came on were soggy and lacked crunch or flavor. No bad meat bites tho, that's a plus. And the carnitas had the occasional nice crispy bites but again not much flavor. Came with rice and beans. Rice was enjoyable. Refried Beans were underwhelming. Just not much flavor. Same kinda tortilla issue with the cheese and chicken enchiladas. Just not incorporated well into the dish. Everything falls apart in a soggy mushy mess. Lastly the chicken quesadilla for the 6 year old in tow. So much meat. So so much. Not much flavor. So much grease. He'll normally eat these, but couldn't pull through at this place. Paid about 85$ for the dishes listed above with two house margaritas. Probably only 35% of the food was consumed because the majority of it was just not enjoyable. Really wanted to like this place. Decor and ambiance is awesome. Just felt like the cook in the kitchen just wasn't feeling it when we came. This place could be amazing with a little more care and expertise in the kitchen. Sorry if this sounds harsh. Just an honest opinion on an almost 100$ meal.

We stopped in with a couple of friends on a Saturday afternoon. It took a little bit to be seated - maybe 5 mins? May have been only 3 minutes. Either way I noticed and was a bit confused as outside patio was empty. There was no host/hostess in sight as we waited. Once seated it took awhile to have our waitress come back out. She was very warm and professional, as well as helpful with all our questions. The salsa was decent, as were the chips. We were excited for our margaritas, however we all agreed they were just ok. Nothing great, and we would have not missed them if we skipped them. When our food did come (it took awhile for a 4 top, maybe 30 mins) it all looked amazing. My chicken soup was just as great as it looked pictured on the menu. I'd definitely get it again. However, my shrimp taco literally fell apart. The tortilla was wet and floppy, and overall it was pretty flavorless. I definitely could have figured out how to make a tastier shrimp taco at home. It was very disappointing! My friend ordered one of the large platters and she was not at all impressed with the meat. The chicken was dry, and the steak was over cooked. She didn't touch the steak outside of one bite. She said the bell peppers were good, as was the beans and rice. My other friend had a shrimp and fish taco. He was very underwhelmed to the point of disappointed. When we rolled up it smelled good outside so we had expectations that all the food match. He was definitely not interested in coming back. My boyfriend said his tacos were just ok, nothing he ever needed to come back for or repeat again. All in all, I'd say come try the chicken soup. Outside of that, we can't vouch for much else.

Been twice now cause I'm obsessed with the soups... soup everyday! Great people and a family oriented place

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

Margaritas had no tequila like none, I was with a party of four and everyone was disgusted and had diarrhea the next day. Worst food we've all ever had in growing up in Encinitas. The fish tacos are so gross they aren't fried but some weird grilled coleslaw type thing. Don't recco this place, never again. They charge $2 for chips even that's a red flag. You should try Juanita's, rauls or Pavlos and save yourself. Never ever try this place.

Best soups ever! Great service and food as well in a very nice outside and inside setting! My favorite Mexican restaurant in town ! Highly recommend!

I've been going here for 23 years. I simply love it. I especially like the carnitas and margaritas.

This spot is an absolute hidden gem. I've been going here since I was young and have always appreciated the fun decor, wide selection of food, and great prices for what you get. This is my go to sit down Mexican restaurant. I love getting different combos, their black bean soup, and their cabbage salad is seriously the best. I most recently ordered the (cheese) enchilada and (cabbage) burrito combo and it was excellent, per usual. I appreciate that they also have a few vegetarian entre options like potato tacos, Chile relleno, veggie fajitas, and the cabbage burro (veggie burrito with their cabbage salad in).

I've been to many Mexican Restaurants that serve Pisole. This is the best anywhere. Especially the pork. My wife had the Chicken Soup which was equally great. I accompanied my Pisole with a very good shrimp taco. Nice sized shrimp too. The portions are big, the service is right on, and the prices are very reasonable.

I went here at lunch time for the first time and was able to get a sunny table outside. The waitresses were quick and friendly with the water, chips, and salsa. I ordered a Chile verde pork wet burrito but I made the mistake of not asking for beans inside the burrito(that's my go to way to eat one). It was a delicious verde sauce. I would highly recommend this dish and I will be back to indulge on this again. I wasn't a fan of the coleslaw the added on this plate because it made my taco they laid on it kind of soggy. But I am biased because I am just not a fan of coleslaw ever. Cabbage and I don't needed each other in life but this chili verde burrito was quite the lovely surprise. Plus plenty of free easy parking next to the restaurant made this a great way to spend my lunch time.I will be back soon.

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.

Stopped in to place an order to go. I had eaten in person a while back but this time I needed tortilla soup for relative nursing the flu. He wanted his favorite soup in all of N. County and requested La Especial Norte tortilla soup. We decided to pick up a second tortilla soup to enjoy ourselves later. After delivering the soup, later that night I rewarmed the tortilla soup to find it full of chicken and seasoned just right. I would definitely recommend the tortilla soup.

One of my top five favorite places in North county San Diego. Hands down the best Mexican soups in town. My favorite is the Tlalpeño soup-- spicy & delicious with curative properties. If you have a mild cold this is the chicken soup for you. The prices are very reasonable. If you are via check out this family restaurant.

I love La Especial Norte for their soup (Caldos). I believe they originally opened in 1977 and it's like eating with family. The service was very friendly and efficient. The ambiance, if that's how you want to refer to it, is simple...it reflects a family run restaurant opened in the late seventies in the small beach community of Leucadia. My server today was very friendly and helpful. I ordered the tortilla soup which is a chicken tortilla soup with fresh avocado, chopped tomato, chicken, and tortilla strips hidden under melted cheese. So good!

Our go-to place for Mexican comfort food. Great soups, excellent service. We drive here every week or two from Ocean Beach.

Bland, no flavor. El Paso beans for sure. Definitely a let down no flavor and cheap ingredients.

Food is good, service was good. However, the margarita was served frozen which was fine but the menu did not state that. On the next round we specified on the rocks and a glass of pure warm simple syrup was served. The viscosity was so thick. We tried to add water which still did not help. And there was no tequila in either. When we told the server that unfortunately we could not drink them he said "we normally don't serve them like that (on the rocks) because it doesn't taste good" which for a Mexican restaurant that specializes in margaritas that was bizarre to hear. He also did not warn us to not order on the rocks when we did so very confusing. If you go here go for the food do not order any margaritas.

Don't know what happened here but we had a terrible meal at what WAS our favorite Mexican restaurant. So disappointing. Picked up the tacos and they just fell apart. The tortillas were wet and flimsy. Restaurant has been restyled nicely but if management has changed then the cooks need to get better. The Tortilla Soup was still good though.