The best soup ever! Doesn't matter which one, all are delish. Been coming here since 1989. So good😜😜😜😜

I haven't been to this place in many, many years. I moved 4 years ago, but was back in Cali visiting my mom, son, daughter in law, and friends. The prices have sky rocketed $15-20 per dish. You get one small basket of chips for 4 people, and the chips at the bottom were all broken. If you want more chips it's $2.00 extra. It didn't matter if you are eating alone or with 4 people the basket of chips was the same size. Black beans $1.00 extra. They said they use the same size shrimp for all dishes. We got 3 different dishes of shrimp and they were all different sizes the shrimp. You ask the waitress and she says I am just following the rules. The service was so slow. You had to ask for refills. The food was ok not the best. There are so many other Mexican restaurant that is better food, and doesn't care if you want another basket of chips. The total bill for 4 people was over $80.00. My mom talked to the manager when we left because as we were walking out this table had one person sitting there and there chips was piled high for one. They told us if there is 1-2 people you get less chips. 3-4 you get a full basket. That was not true. Very disappointing,, and I will not go back. They changed their policy a few months the waitress said..The manager said we should have asked for him and not just taken the waitress word for the new rule. What?!?! That's crazy.

My Dad Wally loved La Especial! July 12 is his birthday today. 🤙🏼🕊️ Pictures of my daughter and your restaurant. I am grateful for you guys because my Dad loved the way you treated him and I am thankful for that. Thank you guys! I appreciate your kind words about my Dad. 🕊️🤙🏼🤍

Thankfully some things don't change! I haven't been to La Especial Norte for almost two years now and the excellent service, great food and killer margaritas are still the same! The Matilda's Chicken Soup is literally chicken soup for the soul, and they give you so much that you have to take some home with you! Bravo!

Great food! Very chill place. We will be back.

We've been living in Encinitas for 3 years and have wanted to eat here and I'm sad that we waited this long! We arrived on a Thursday night at 530pm and were seated inside right away (plenty of seating outside on their patio too) in a booth. Within an hour the place filled up with locals. Fast and friendly service. The drinks, chips, and salsa were great. Really appreciate the kids menu. My wife and I both ordered enchiladas which were solid - the red mole was a bit strong for my wife (but to each their own). I'm so glad that I ordered the chicken soup because it was AMAZING. A friend had recommended trying one of their many authentic soups and I will definitely be back just for the soup alone!

We were recommended to La Especial Norte by a friend and I'm glad that we went. There was a little wait. The staff was very nice and the food was excellent! Very authentic. I had a bloody Mary to drink a little different from what I'm used to but very tasty. The prices were very reasonable. You can dine in or outside.

Legendary. My grandparents loved gathering the family here when they were alive. The food is great. The 'meseros' are so friendly. Children and adults alike are drawn to the colorful murals and decor. Never had any food I didn't like, and I have probably eaten most of the menu by now. The tortilla soup to go is like a soothing miracle food for anyone feeling under the weather. It will heal your 'gripe'.

We stopped here for an early dinner after taking a walk on the beach. We arrived at 5:15 pm and there were plenty of tables to choose from. Within 30 minutes the place was packed. Our server was great, and took our drink and food orders quickly. The food arrived really quick! The food was delicious and the amount of food was incredible, given the low prices. We'll definitely be back many times.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at La Especial Norte, and I have to say, it was an incredible experience. Not only was the food delicious and authentic, but the margaritas were some of the best I've ever had. They were perfectly balanced, not too sweet or sour, and packed a serious punch. And the pours were definitely generous - I felt like I got my money's worth and then some. The restaurant itself was clean and welcoming, and the staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. I also appreciated the wide variety of menu options, and the fact that everything was made fresh to order. The prices were very reasonable, especially considering the high quality of the food and drinks. Overall, I had a fantastic time at La Especial Norte and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic Mexican cuisine and amazing margaritas. I can't wait to go back

This is a the best Mexican food in town, we are going back twice this week. The chicken especial is amazing.

We weren't able to sit outside which is why we chose this place. They advertise outdoor seating. The booths aren't comfortable at all. Im short and the booth is so low compared to the table I felt very awkward. The chips and salsa were good. My husband ordered shrimp tacos and only ate one. He didn't like them and I ordered a steak burrito and taco they were ok. Service was slow. Could use some paint and cleaning of walls next to the booths.

We had an overall nice lunch. Salsa was really good & the house-made chips were above average. The beans & rice are very good. I couldn't stop eating the coleslaw type salad until it was gone. I'm not sure why. My partner in crime's tacos were reported to be good. 1 chicken, 1 beef. Nothing more remarkable than the crispy shells were a bit of a mess. I had the Chile Verde & I liked it but it was not Chile Verde. It was carnitas in Verde sauce. It was really tasty but, my whole life in a family of Mexican heritage has had the pork stewed in the Verde sauce. Again, it was tasty but I won't be ordering it again. I'd definitely get the carnitas because that meat was fantastic. The flour tortillas were very good. I like them a little more done but my weird stuff is not their fault. At first, I thought service was slow for the maybe 6 tables seated. I then realized we were all getting our food served about the same time so it was more than likely bad timing with everyone ordering at the same time. Very reasonably priced. The decor is awesome. The booths are quite roomy. I'm an oversized man & there was almost too much room between me & the table. The tables are not fixed so I could have pulled it closer but that would've caused a bigger issue on the other side. We'll be back fairly regularly, I'm sure.

We were seated quickly and our server brought us chips and salsa as quickly as I'm sure was possible. She apologized for any possible delays because the place was very busy. Didn't happen. Our drink orders and appetizers arrived fast and our food orders taken with assists on menu options. The food arrived hot and delicious. Looking forward to return.

Good food. The beef enchiladas were good. The rice was good. Their guacamole is good because it's simple and I like their salsa with it. Definitely try another dish next time. Can't wait to try it again sometime. It gets super busy and one area for the dining room and a little small, but it's good. They do have a bar and outside patio seating. Their crispy tacos are good too. My husband and I definitely like this spot.

Pancho, our waiter was very personable. We really enjoyed our Mango Margaritas 🥭 and the Mole and Swiss Enchiladas we're delicious!

Overall good, but a few things let us with a desire for it to be better. One was the guacamole, which was very bland. Same for the famous Chicken Tortilla Soup, it looked so good but had not much flavor. Ingredients were all great just a very bland soup. Maybe that's how it's supposed to be. The combination plates were much better. Prices good as well as the service staff

I really enjoyed my enchiladas and my husband did too. He wished it had been more spicy but he didn't ask to see if they had a spicier one. We were pleased with our food. The service was great even though they seemed short staffed.

Classic Mexican fare served in a bright and fun atmosphere by friendly staff. It’s just good.

Very authentically decorated Mexican restaurant, that is family-friendly. Good portion size and great tasting food!