Venue Image

Hours

Mon. 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Tues. 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Wed. 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Thu. 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Fri. 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Sat. 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Sun. 11:00 AM-9:00 PM

Parking

Valet parking

Pricing

Medium ($$)

City's Best

El Callejon Restaurant   

345 S Coast Highway 101 # C
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-634-2793
www.el-callejon.com

Rating: 3 out of 5  (10 Ratings)   Read Reviews (10)    Rate and Write a Review
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This charming place offers a bit of indoor seating, but most guests opt to dine in the sheltered courtyard, where murals suggest the town square of a Colonial Mexican town. The flavors are wonderfully authentic, and this is the place to look for folded quesadillas filled with a sumptuous mix of molten cheese and chopped chorizo sausage. Make a meal of tacos stuffed with pork loin or cactus leaves, or go for chicken in the silkiest of mole sauces. Mexican-style steaks are another specialty, as are soups, which range from a classic chicken caldo, to a richly flavored tortilla soup sprinkled with crushed dried chiles. Weekends draw a lively crowd, but even so, those seeking a romantic mood find it at quiet corner tables. The inevitable flan is thicker, creamier and richer than most.

User Ratings and Reviews Rate and Write a Review

10 Ratings and Reviews

Order by: Oldest | Newest
pameluquis
Review rating 5 out of 5
By pameluquis on 05/20/2008
user image
Review rating 5 out of 5
Mo and Sandy
By srau24 on 03/02/2005
When we want good Mexican food, this is where we go - Excellent margaritas, chips, salsa, atmosphere - It's festive and the food is well prepared - very fresh....... the best in the area as far as we're concerned
user image
Review rating 4 out of 5
Anna's review
By anatude1 on 08/12/2004
Soups are great, and the homemade flan is excellent. Moderate prices and drinks that don't skimp on the alcohol.
duderoatan
Review rating 5 out of 5
DudeRoatan's Review
By duderoatan on 07/15/2003
Very good mid-range Mexican food. Not completely authentic, but closer than most. The food is certainly a step above your average Cali-Mex food, but does not attempt to be "gourmet" Mexican cuisine ala El Agave or Candelas.

Standouts, IMO, are the fish dishes. Pescado a la Vercuzanna is a winner. The fish is always fresh and not overcooked.

In addition, the chips and salsa are very fresh and very tastey, as are the margaritas - which will really knock your socks off too unlike the watered down versions many places serve.

It's much more expensive than Fidels and the like (expect to pay about $15 for a dinner), but if you know food you'll know the difference.

The atmosphere is also very nice. The staff has worked there a long time and once you get to know them they are very nice and accomodating. Mario will make you a nice hot (caliente) salsa, or bring out the spicey (picante) stuff. If they really like you, you may find that your margarita buzz starts lasting longer and longer into the evening.

Overall, excellent food for a price.

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