Cocina de Barrio - Encinitas

Service was excellent. Almost overstaffed. Looks like happy hour prices are the way to go. We had dinner here and it’s a nice addition to the area. We ate off the app menu and it’s was quite good. Drinks were tasty, a touch light but prices are not eye watering. Try the hot sauce! All in all this is a recommend and will be back.

Great service, excellent food and happy hour prices (from 3-5 M-F) What else could you want. We were very pleased with the fish tacos and other tacos that we got along with the guacamole mix with chips. Drinks were the best too. All the people in this restaurant were extremely friendly. Comfortable chairs and great atmosphere. We shall return for more!!!

Not a taco shop. Fine Mexican cuisine with extra attention to presentation and unique ingredients. Pricey but worth it for the experience. Staff attentive, knowledgeable and accommodating. Had the sea bass ceviche, tacos de Birria and a plant based quesadilla with an outstanding and flavorful, rich spicy mole. Can accommodate gf preference but prob not safe for celiac since there will be risk of cross-contamination.

My new favorite for lunch, dinner, happy hour! Fantastic team members, excellent and diverse menu. Don't forget to order the table side guac! They make it however you like it! Even with crickets! Excellent mixed drinks, wine and beer! Something for everyone!

Great brunch spot for a large group. Hostess & servers were very nice and helpful with accommodating our baby. My drink was very strong! No non-dairy creamer. I didn’t check the bathroom for a changing table.

My birthday dinner at Cocina de Barrio in Encinitas was an absolute blast, filled with moments that made my taste buds sing and dance, possibly off-key but who’s judging? The service was so outstanding, I half expected the staff to join us at the table by the end of the night. They didn’t, but a girl can dream, right?

Let’s talk drinks. They had this spicy pineapple concoction that I’m convinced was crafted by a bartender who moonlights as a wizard. The name of the drink escapes me, but not the magical experience of sipping it.

I’m a huge aficionado of Oaxaca’s cuisine, and let me tell you, the tableside guacamole with crickets was a crunchy surprise I never knew I needed in my life. It’s like they knew my diet was lacking in the cricket department. And the black ceviche? A dish so good, it was like finding treasure at the bottom of the sea, recommended by our waitress who must have been a culinary treasure hunter in a past life.

For the main event, we split the short rib mole, which was so tender and flavorful, I nearly proposed to it. The crème brûlée and tres leches cake duo for dessert was the kind of pairing that makes you believe in soulmates. And yes, they brought out a tres leches cake for my birthday, making me feel like the belle of the ball.

Combining the tres leches cake with the crème brûlée was an experiment that I’m pretty sure broke several laws of dessert physics, in the best way possible. Can’t wait to go back and maybe this time, I’ll remember the name of that spicy pineapple drink. Or maybe I’ll just invent a new name for it.

In all seriousness, Cocina de Barrio is a gem in Encinitas that’s not to be missed. Their ability to blend traditional flavors with a dash of fun and innovation is truly commendable. If you’re in the mood for an unforgettable dining experience that comes with a side of laughter, this is the place to be. See you there – I’ll be the one asking for more crickets in my guacamole!

Authentic Oaxacan Mexican food at its best! Wow! We went for brunch and tried the Chilaquiles Rojos with beef birria, Chilaquiles Verde, and the Enmoladas! Everything was amazing! We ordered a side of the house made mole and it was insane!!! Everything is made from scratch even the popsicle that goes with the margaritas! The hot sauce is very spicy just the way I like it. Yes!!!! Service was was awesome and our Server Wendy was very friendly and knowledgeable about the different dishes! Can’t wait to try the happy hour and dinner menu!

Food is absolutely amazing. Top 3 breakfast places on my list for sure out of the USA. Churro French toast highly recommend.

This is a hidden gem in Encinitas. I always go to lunch around the area but the name of the restaurant never popped out at me driving by until i googled places around. The atmosphere is very awesome great views very clean the staff quick to serve you. The food was very good. I will be coming out to lunch here more often. There is plenty of things in the menu to try out.

I loved dining here! The food is delicious, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is colorful and charming.

Oaxacan Guacamole Made to Order Tableside sooo delicious!! Service excellent above par. Saving grace ample parking. Can’t wait to come back for breakfast & try out Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes!! Cafe de Olla from Chiapas was so good even our non-coffee drinking guest bought a bag to make it a home it was that good.
Ceviche super fresh & Flor de Calabasa w/ Cashew Cheese a palate pleasing delight!

We have been enjoying brunches here on Sundays for a few months. The food is exceptional. It seems people have caught on about the good breakfast now. Extra shout out to the staff today who found a pouch of money that my mother accidentally left behind. Two hours later when we called, they had it safe. Wishing this restaurant well. It has turned into our favorite Sunday breakfast.

We have been twice for happy hour! Great food and drinks. Love the flavors. I lived in Chicago most of my adult life, with the most incredible restaurants. I’ve found the San Diego restaurants to be overpriced and not good. I’m thrilled to have found this spot.

The cuisine offered at this particular restaurant possesses an extraordinary essence. Despite having indulged in numerous Mexican delicacies throughout various regions of Mexico, I must emphasize that the Mexican cuisine served here is exceptionally distinctive. Furthermore, the service provided was commendable, and the beverages served were impeccably prepared.

Absolutely delicious Oaxacan food! It is nice to find something more unique available than the typical Mexican fare. The drinks were also unique and delicious and the atmosphere was homey and beautiful! We will definitely be back!

Outstanding food , THIS IS QUALITY. THIS IS SAN DIEGO. COME HERE with your friends or parents

Such a cute vibe inside, and very spacious. The bar is huge! We went to brunch and it was sooo good. Cheesecake pancakes :)

Decent selection of mezcal and tequila, and of course you need to try the cocktails that have a popsicle in them.

Mole is good and portions are a reasonable size.

Service was really good, parking lot is hit or miss.

Best brunch spot in North County! One of a kind menu and cocktails. Great for all group's.

This is the newest Mexican restaurant in Encinitas and wow is it different.
From the oysters to the lamb barrira, you can't go wrong.
Their selection of specialty margaritas is really great.
I suggest you visit. Enjoy