Encontro Reviews

I work in this area and we eat lunch at this quaint little gem from time o time and I have to say, every visit is a good visit. The food is amazing, staff is friendly, and environment is alway relaxing. Give it a try.

We went for a late lunch. Happy hour had great prices for food and drinks. Everyone ordered something different and everyone loved the food. The setting is super chill. Great for any time of the day to go for a bite.

Street corner bar with nice open air window seats. Good service and yummy appetizers. They have a half price on drinks happy hour that we tried. Wine was a normal pour, but the beer was only 6oz instead of the regular 10oz size. Wines from France, Italy, California, and quite a few from Northern Baja Mexico which I was happy to see. The Cabernet from there was quite good. Fun to try wine from this new up and coming region. The deviled eggs were very good, the street tacos are small but tasty.

Amazing experience - the food was incredible! From the white peach sangria to the assorted menu items we ordered to be shared among five girlfriends, everything was just perfect. Try the Cardiff crack beef, crispy green beans, chicken sliders and truffle tots. And don’t forget the house made hot bread to start and the warm butter cake to finish!! Hats off to the chef - well done!

If you like to dine at a restaurant that serves delicious food and the chef/owner Jason, and the manager, Jeremy, really care if their customers are completely satisfied...then this is the place for you!!! How do we know you wonder? Because, both Jeremy, and Jason (on a busy night) made a point to talk to both of us (as well as the rest of the patrons) without prompting !! But what about the food you ask? Both my wife and I were in the mood for lamb. My wife had the lamb sausage and they cooked it exactly the way she likes it. Mind you, my Australian wife knows her lamb !!! I had the lamb burger - tender, juicy with so much mouthwatering flavor. A definite hit with me !!! For desert, we tried their butter cake...so delicious!! Seated by the window on a still Autumn evening Accompanied by our favorite craft beers (decent selection of wines also), my wife and I had a wonderful date night!!!!

We happened upon Encontro on opening night. The restaurant had not advertised its opening date, so we were able to get a table. Although the restaurant is casual, and you order from a central location, there were a plethora of wait staff available to respond. The beer list has a good selection (didn't look at wines), and the dishes were varied and delicious. The presentation was eye appealing, and the prices reasonable.

This restaurant has great food, great atmosphere, great location...Customer service was awesome with Matt.

Fabulous food and great service! Sliders, tacos, tator tots - yum! So good that we came back the next day for more!

We went here for a happy hour in North Park / Hillcrest after visiting the town and discovering its nearby shops. We ordered for happy hour, carnitas tacos, carne asada tacos, fried zucchini, fish tacos, truffle fries and we had a sangria with berries inside. The sangria was wonderful after a hot day. The food was great but the only thing we would like to point out, that needs a little improvement, was that the carnitas tacos was a just a little dry (the meat). Otherwise, we really had an amazing culinary experience here for happy hour. The ambiance was epic, the server was very kind to us, she gave us right away after we were seated, water. We were delightfully happy to try this place that was recommended to us by a nearby gift shop, Casa y Cocina.

Dropped in on a Sunday afternoon while exploring north park. Ordered the grilled gems and the Brussels sprouts. The gems were fresh and delicious. As entrees we ordered the blt, fries chick sandwich, baby kale salad and Mary's chicken sandwich. All were de-licious!!! We loved everything. The salad was a great combo of flavors. The vibe was fun and vibrant and was open air. Will def go back!

We came twice in this restaurant. We had a very nice welcome from the staff! The food is very good. A lot of choices in the menu. We also had a large choice could between several local beers... I would definitely recommend it!

Four of us stopped in for happy hour on a Tuesday afternoon. We had excellent service, tried a variety of beers (with great help/samples from our server), and split a couple appetizers. They street taco fries were unreal; so tasty! The calamari was a little more breaded than I usually like, but the flavor was great. It's an open-air type place and was pretty much perfect the day we were there.

This place offers local brews and fancified pub food in a lovely space. Large open windows were a bit cool on this April evening but will be lovely as the evenings warm. Decor is warehouse modern, spare and fun. Seats and tables comfy enough, noise level bearable. Burgers, flat iron steak sandwich (what is this? On every menu, hadn't seen just a year ago, but yummy), delicious burgers and dogs. One of those places cropping up all over North Park. A bit yuppified but great food and beer, if a bit forgettable. You'll enjoy it but not quite remember what you had a week later. Yes, I'd go back but with so many great places in the area, I won't rush.

This a vibrant and live place!!! the food is casual but full of great flavors; try the patatas bravas, a great version of the classic tapas from Spain; the restaurant is on the noise side but is full of great vibe!!! the service is lacking a tiny on some things; but you forget as soon you star enjoying the food!!!

Had a quick dinner there last week with my husband and loved it! Such a great vibe inside, with greenery, simple tables, open kitchen concept, and had a doggie menu!! You have to love a place that loves dogs, has a good patio, great beer list, and really really good food. I had the kale salad with the catch of the day on top, my husband had the lamb burger with sweet potato fries. Everything was perfectly delicious, would go back any night of the week. Great location too near breweries/bars for after dinner drinks :)

The food was good and the beer list was great! I had a hard time figuring out what to order as I wanted more from the appetizer menu than the regular menu, but we ordered a few appetizers and were happy. I wish I could say more, everything we ate was well prepared, but we were hungry and wanted a hearty meal, instead we shared a bunch of good appetizers.

This place is attractive, from the outside you will see the plants hanging from the walls and fancy lights. The menu is rich and definitely to try is the Cardiff Crack. Large selection of beers. Service is perfect and everybody is super friendly.

Jason, Jason, Jason, you are amazing! My wife and I have been enjoying your restaurant for more years than I can remember, and every time we have a fabulous.experience! Last night was no different. Your talent for creating exquisite dishes always delivers a uniquely delicious experience. A consistent favorite for us is your Brussels Sprouts; crisp fried, applewood bacon, capers, apple cider vinegar. Add a bit of parmesan cheese to top it off and BOOM! Every time. You choose good, personable people to highlight your winning dining experience, too! Your entire team, from start to finish also deserves this FIVE STAR rating! Your creation is the highlight of the intersection at 30th and University, and worth the every effort to make our way to see you. You are invaluable, and an exclamation point on the map of great places to eat in San Diego. Thank you!

We passed by this place a few times and liked the front windows that open all the way up to to allow full visibility to the sidewalk for people watching and outside seating. We came in to grab a bite after a long day at the zoo. They has Tapas as well as a great food menu full of starters, pub food, and salads. The beer selection was great and the happy hour prices made everyone happy too. We didn’t feel rushed and our waitress was great. The inside was clean and not overly noisy and the bathrooms were clean too; no smells. Anyhow, drop in for yourself and grab a pint.

We arrived at Encontro and they had just opened for the day. They greeted us with smiles and hello's. The decor is very warm and inviting. We started with craft beers and then decided on lunch. Everything was great! I especially liked the Thai Sausage - shrimp and duck. It was outstanding. We also had the Portabello fries. Get them, they rock. Service is great - order at the counter and they bring it to you. Looking forward to going back for sure!

We really wanted to try this place. Boy were we fooled. Place is well located, great decor and vibe. That is it. Some of the worst service EVER. We had to almost plead with someone to take our order after 20 minutes. Our original server who gave us the menus...we never saw him again. The other fellow took our order and we almost had to plead with him to bring our order - 45 minutes after we ordered. Never came to refill our drinks, how's the food? NOTHING!! As we were getting up to leave he ran over with our very modest order. Many tables around us were complaining, 2 couples gave up and left. Many people were told that their orders were screwed up. Too bad. The food is good, the vibe is good...the service sucked so bad that they comp'd our meal. Don't know if I'm willing to submit myself to this place again. You have many other options in the area.

For a counter service spot, this is pretty upscale decor. But yes, you order at the counter and then have your food delivered. There are tables and community style seating as well. As I said, the scene/decor is rather trendy. I had the salmon sandwich. This was done right...as in seared rare. It was decent quality salmon with a nice flavor to it. Fresh tomato and lettuce accompanied it. The bread was also good. I had the sweet potato fries which were OK. I have had better. Also, you got very few of them. We also had the biscuits which were fresh and nice. They come three to an order and they are sizable. Tasted pretty good but be warned. These could be a bit much to handle if you also order a meal. Overall, nice counter service spot. Thought the prices a bit much given that this is counter service only. Nice spot for a quick lunch.

Came upon Encontro on accident. We were exploring the North Park neighborhood and saw it on the corner. Looks inviting from the street so we tried it out. Happened to be happy hour. Great move. Half price beer and wine and $5 small plates. A great way to try the fare and atmosphere. A big winner. All beers are CA made, the one I had was literally brewed around the corner. Food was spot on. Highly recommend the pickled veg, loved the carnitas tator tot nachos and we smashed the street corn. All delicious. Service was stellar. Open air concept with sidewalk seating or stool seating facing outside from inside and a fair number of booths/tables inside with bar seating. Crowd is younger and trendy mixed in with blue collar workers catching some happy hour prices on the way home. Love the mix. Great atmosphere. Highly recommend.

I visited Encontro on a whim. I was walking by and needed a drink. I settled on the Encontro Blonde Ale with white peach. It was just OK. it wasn't great or horrible. Just run of the mill. I was extremely surprised about the lack of patrons. The place in very low key. For a Tuesday late afternoon, I expected more than five customers. To go along with my beer, I ordered the Carnitas tater tot nachos. So yummy! Fresh avocado with sour cream and cheese were a great combination with the carnitas. I told them to remove the pico de gallo. The serving was larger than expected. I love a tasty appetizer and this one hit the spot. For having no customers, I was disappointed that no one once came by to see if everything was ok. The chairs are really uncomfortable. I found myself squirming in my seat. They do not put forth the vibe of "stay awhile." I was shocked to learn they don't accept cash! What bar doesn't take good ole $$$?! I don't know if I would be a return customer. If I did come back, it would be due to the tater tot nachos.

Popped in for a snack and a beer at lunch. Had a couple of small plates, which were very tasty, and a couple of beers. All very good and the staff were also very nice. Overall a very good vibe.

Encontro is stellar for meeting up with friends. We sat at the bar and we're greeted with smiles and a quick drink order. Followed up by our food order and off we went. Conversations all around us from other patrons. Nothing too loud, just awesome people talking to other awesome people. Coffee from a French press, delicious and warm. It is a cold and rainy day and I LOVE IT. BLT Benedict WHAT?!?! Breakfast Burrito minus the carne & queso (vegetarian) and it was AWESOME! Chilaquiles with house made red sauce, and an epic chicken Sando.

Open restaurant in north park. The food is always amazing. The beers on tap change and there are always some great local ones. The sauces for the sweet potato fries are really good. Brunch is amazing !!!!

I had dinner here recently with my wife. The restaurant is very nice but the seating is a little awkward if you don't like sitting next to strangers. Service was excellent and we both enjoyed our meals. I would recommend this place if in the area.

I went to Encontro to drink some great craft beers but the food outshines the beer at this place. My wife had chicken and waffles which was both hot and sweet and included a full half chicken. It was simply amazing. I had the beef short rib which came with polenta. The portion was large and everything went together well. The service was quick and knowledgeable. I will definitely return.

Wow sums it up. Are these guys and gals Michelin escapees? Hip eating experience with fantastic flavors created by the kitchen crew and vibrant energy generated by the wait staff, the diners and the local street scene. Order everything! A special shout out for Übers' "wine and dine and get me home safe policy."

Food was good no problems. Four people in our party everyone was satisfied. I ordered sausage sandwich with fries food was served hot

Very cool space on a corner that attracts a lot of hip attention, but the food is only average, so the prices must be paying for prime real estate. Very friendly staff, though.

Warm neighborhood restaurant ideal for the dating crowd but without being a scene, but which was perfect for a family visit on Super Bowl Sunday. The waiters were excellent offering helpful advice on dishes and spiciness. The fish and chips were terrific: great ratio of beer batter to fish and a generous portion to boot. Fries were flavorful as was the home made slaw. The honey jalapeño tartar sauce was not too intense but added zing. The Brussels sprouts shared plate was fine except a little too much apple vinegar which gave the dish a sharp taste. Probably not how it should be. Mythic Modern Times IPA was solid and an amazing recco as a pairing with the fish and chips. I’d definitely return. There are many dishes on the menu - whether more elaborate (Cardiff Crack) or simpler (Patatatas Bravas) that are well with a visit.

Excellent food, environment and service. Highly recommend the Cardiff crack and the pradas bravas. But all of the food was delicious! Don’t forget desert

I am not sure how they have such high reviews. A group of us ate their last night. Their were some hits but lots of misses. The biscuits are Devine. The truffle fires were yummy. The Brussels sprouts were greasy and not a caper or piece of bacon to be found. On to entrees. The scalllops were sliced thin but still undercooked. The sauces served with the scallops were delicious. The risotto served with the scallops was too salty to eat. The pork chop was dry because it was over cooked. Ditto for the chicken and waffles, though the plate was impressive. Overall with all the great restaurants in North Park choose another one!

There is a variety to choose from, some huge sandwiches and innovative salads too. The nightly deals looked good too! Nice dog menu and friendly patio. The lighting, custom tables and chairs and use of copper and the plants give it a nice vibe.

We had patatas bravas, crispy green beans (better than PF Chang’s) chicken sliders (just the right mix of slaw and crunchy chicken). Loved the Maine lobster roll, truffle tots and house made chips. Devoured everything and just realized we didn’t take photos, but remembered for the dessert.

Outstanding food,service and ambience. Two standouts on the menu: wild boar burger and the warm Brussels sprout salad with a protein.

Encontro has a menu of sausages and burgers and salads with a lot of options on how to build them including sauces, cheeses and chef's recommendations. The spinich salad was delicious and the hot dog was good (we should have gone with our other choice of thai sausage) and the fries and sauces were delicious. Beer and wine only but with this food, it works. We'll be going back.

One of my concierge at the Hilton San Diego , Karin; recommended this place to me. Because I told her my girlfriend was coming to town and I wanted bottomless mimosas. My girlfriend loved it! I loved it! Who couldn’t love it?!! My girlfriend got the steak and eggs (Made by Amber; who cooks like a chef De Cuisine, best steak I’ve ever had and I’ve been ALL around the world), and I had the French Toast. Zack did elite level work!!!!! To make things better, I guess a server rang up something extra, and they allowed us to try it. A Loco Moco. I had this when I lived in Hawaii, and it most definitely lived up to the dishes origins. That burger was amazing Amber!!!!! *throws up Wakanda symbol*🙅🏾‍♂️ Great Mimosas and great food. Thank you; for this experience.

We were able to reserve the indoor/outdoor table at the windows, which was fun for our large group. The people watching in North Park is top notch. Food was creative and delicious. (The variety of Hashes all were favorably reviewed.) Only gripe was that they only had French Press coffee (for $6), which gets expensive for those who drink a lot of coffee. Also, there were not enough French presses to go around, so some were asked to hurry through their pot.

It took a long time to get food. Our waitress was very inattentive. She didn't come back to ask how everything was. It did have a cool atmosphere!

Had a great meal w/ fam and friends. Lamb burger, sweet potato fries, farm salad, Brussels sprouts, scallops, garlic bread, portobello burger - all delicious. Crystal was our server, took great care of us. Can’t wait to go back next time we are in town.

Excellent beer list- lots to choose from. Menu is varied with several good options. The patty melt was huge and delicious. Would definitely recommend for a nice evening.

Holy goodness! This place was absolutely delicious. My wife and I shared the patty melt and it was phenomenal. The fries are like in-in-out but BETTER with the perfect seasoning. The manger was on it with our service & drinks. The restaurant itself has a great vibe. We will come back for the fish n chips, pulled pork sliders and fried cauliflower. They looked really good.

I went here with a friend for a dinner. It was a little confusing how to order, since it is a cafeteria style, first come first serve seating. All in all, good food, a little pricey, but great atmosphere.

I love the open air vibe inside and out. The bar inside is a good spot for lunch and the outside sidewalk counter is great for Happy Hour people watching. Love the Spanish potatoes bravos from the starter menu and beers and wines 1/2 price during happy hour. Encontro in Portuguese means "meeting" & this is a good meeting place. It feels like a real window on the busy corner of 30th St & University.

My husband and I were looking for lunch places in North Park and Encontro kept popping up. We’ve been missing out this whole time! Service/Ambiance: We were seated right away on a Saturday early afternoon. We opted for indoor seating this time but there were many seats available outside. It’s a pub-looking kind of restaurant with benches and high tables. Outdoor seating is dog friendly and they even have a dog menu! The place looks like it could accommodate a larger party. We had excellent service from Catherine and Jason (who we later found out is the chef and owner of the place!). They were so accommodating, friendly, and made our first time dining here an excellent one. Food: They serve brunch and lunch/dinner menus and we opted for lunch. -Jidori Wings ($16): We ordered half garlic parm and half sriracha. They accidentally served us barbecue at first, which they let us keep. The barbecue flavor actually ended up pretty tasty too! You have to option for the wings to be dry or saucy and we opted for all of them to be saucy. -Patty Melt ($18): ordered with sourdough bread. My husband really enjoyed this dish. It’s usually served with house made chips but upgrades to truffle fries. -Lobster Roll ($28): served with house made chips which were fresh and crunchy. For this price, you actually get TWO lobster rolls. The bread was nice and buttery and there was a generous amount of lobster in each of them. I was pleasantly surprised with this dish and I’d definitely order this again. Overall: Excellent service from Jason and Catherine. Great casual food for great pricing. Will definitely come back!

We noticed the menu and stopped in for lunch. The burgers are delicious, the staff friendly, and the sweet potato fries are great. However, because all the windows were open on all sides, we got cigarette smoke from every smoker walking by, and it was freezing inside. As we sat shivering waiting for our food, we noticed that everyone else was bundled up, both staff and diners. Obviously this is a place you have to prepare to eat it. There's a lot on the menu that sounds good that we'd like to try. Frankly, I doubt we'll be back, since it's bound to be fly-infested in the summer as well as freezing on cool days. It's also spendy for lunch (we dropped $50 for two burgers and two iced teas, with tax and tip).

Encontro has a great vibe, happy employees. And superb food. Serving sizes were small and came with no sides. Relaxed atmosphere but seating is limited as you order at a desk and then hunt for a table.

We happened by for a late lunch after visiting balboa park and found this recently opened spot. We ordered a Mary's chicken sandwich, chopped salad with extra chicken (which wasn't necessary) and mini corn dogs, sharing delicious portobello fries. Everything was great. The menu is interesting and the food quality is high. I highly recommend this place. I wish it was in Michigan.