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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Encinitas

Outdoor seating and salsa

You want to eat outside, and you need a place that understands the importance of good salsa.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Puntamar image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Indoor-outdoor space with vibrant decor creates a fun, beachy atmosphere that feels like a little Mexico paradise. Live DJ and mariachi performances add to the lively energy, while a separate patio offers a quieter option. The setting suits family-friendly celebrations and special events.

Outdoor seating feels like a little Mexico paradise with a cute and inviting setup. Heaters keep the ambiance comfortable even when it's cooler.

Chips and salsa come fresh and house-made, offering a unique twist on traditional flavors. The chipotle salsa stands out with its rich, smoky depth that complements the crispy chips well.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican seafood food here to be authentic and top-notch."

"The outdoor seating has immaculate vibes and a cute ambiance."

"The house-made salsas are delicious and unique."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for special events.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of menu options, including prefixed menus and ร  la carte.

02
City Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco shop offers outdoor seating with gas fireplaces and a dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere stays laid back and fun, featuring a DJ and fire pits that create a lively yet relaxed vibe. Salsa bar adds a fresh, generous touch to the experience.

Outdoor seating offers a laid-back coastal atmosphere just steps from the beach. The dog-friendly patio includes a lounge area with a fire pit, foosball table, and space for a DJ during Taco Tuesday.

Freshness stands out with every salsa option. A generous salsa bar offers extras like chunks of avocado in green salsa and fresh cilantro, making tacos and chips more flavorful.

People are saying

"The Mexicali taco here is amazing and super fresh."

"The salsa bar had a nice selection of mango, red, and green salsas."

"You can bring your dog to enjoy the outdoor seating."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday at City Tacos includes $2.50 Mexican beer and 10% off food.

2

City Tacos offers vegan options alongside a variety of tacos.

3

Parking is convenient and generally available near City Tacos.

03
Agave Birrieria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican takeout spot with no dine-in option and fresh ingredients. Atmosphere is casual with good music volume and formerly had nice outdoor bench seating. Known for excellent birria tacos and flavorful dishes.

Outdoor seating features nice bench seating that stands out among taco shops. The area is comfortable enough to enjoy delicious food outside, making it a pleasant spot to eat.

Salsas here bring bold spice and great flavor. The green salsa stands out as especially fiery and complements dishes like birria well.

People are saying

"You have to try their Birria; it's some of the best Mexican food I've had."

"I thought the chile verde burrito was the best I've ever had."

"The outdoor seating area has really nice bench seating."

Good to know

1

Agave Birrieria is now just a takeout restaurant.

2

Parking is difficult due to the nearby gas station.

3

The burrito costs $7 for half and is filling.

04
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with padded seating and a huge bar offers a family-friendly atmosphere with good music at a comfortable volume. Outdoor patio provides dog-friendly seating and a relaxed vibe. The space combines impeccable decor with a casual, inviting energy.

The patio offers comfortable seating that lets guests enjoy the nice weather. It is also dog friendly, adding to the relaxed outdoor vibe.

Chips come with a large portion of salsa that costs extra but feels worth it. Salsa options include salsa macha for added heat and a table-side made guacamole that pairs well with the chips.

People are saying

"The Oaxacan Mexican food here is authentic and tasty."

"The food and drinks here are delicious and great."

"The salsa here is excellent and perfect."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm with great deals on food and drinks.

2

The happy hour food menu includes items priced around $10 to $12.

3

There are plenty of vegan options available on the menu.

05
Las Olas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open-air Mexican restaurant offers beachfront views and casual patio seating with an open salsa bar. Atmosphere ranges from lively and loud to relaxed depending on seating and time. Popular for margarita flights and standout dishes like carne asada nachos and fish tacos.

Lots of outdoor seating offers beautiful ocean views and a patio-like covered area with an open salsa bar. The atmosphere outside by the beach feels relaxed and inviting.

Chips come with perfect salsa that tastes fresh and flavorful. An open salsa bar lets you enjoy a variety of salsas, making it easy to drink the salsa by the end of the meal.

People are saying

"The nachos here are crispy, generously loaded, and packed with flavor."

"The chips and salsa here are perfect."

"I loved the outdoor seating with its great ambience and ocean views."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with great drink specials.

2

Table service is now available during happy hour.

3

Parking can be challenging on weekends due to beachgoers.

06
Roberto's Mexican Food - Leucadia image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers quiet, secluded atmosphere with outdoor seating featuring umbrella tables. The vibe stays tranquil and clean, attracting those seeking a relaxed meal near the beach. A salsa bar adds a distinctive touch to the dining experience.

Seating is entirely outdoors with options at the front, back, and side patios. The front patio seating is quick and cozy, perfect for ordering inside and eating outside.

Salsas come fresh and spicy with balanced flavor in both red and green varieties. The avocado salsa stands out for its great taste, and the salsa bar offers a solid selection.

People are saying

"I loved the carne asada and Cali burritos here."

"I found the salsa to be delicious and perfectly balanced."

"The carne asada burrito is chock full of deliciously seasoned beef."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 9:00 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

There is limited outdoor seating available, so arrive early.

3

You can order ahead via DoorDash or call in to avoid waiting.

07
Raul's Shack Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with beach-town energy and laid-back vibe offers outdoor seating near the ocean. The place serves affordable, authentic Mexican food with a wide variety of fresh salsas and sauces. It feels down-to-earth and family-owned, attracting locals looking for quality and value.

A patio area offers outdoor seating just up the street from the ocean. Seating is limited both indoors and outside.

A huge selection of fresh salsas and sauces comes with both red and green options that are spicy and flavorful. The green salsa pairs well with fish tacos and the homemade style stands out.

People are saying

"I found the cheapest and most delicious burrito I could find."

"The homemade salsa here is so tasty and spicy."

"You can find outdoor seating right up the street from the ocean."

Good to know

1

There is limited indoor and outdoor seating available.

2

Parking can be found nearby, but it may take some time.

3

The menu offers a wide variety of options from breakfast to dinner.

08
Kotija Jr. Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Cozy taco restaurant with outdoor patio seating overlooking a busy highway and park, offering open salsa bar and TVs in every room. Atmosphere is relaxed and sleepy, suited for casual dining and people watching. Known for excellent fish tacos and generous portions, especially seafood options.

Patio seating offers a spot to watch Coast Highway and enjoy people watching. Outdoor areas welcome dogs and provide great vibes with nearby parking options.

An open salsa bar offers a good selection of green and red salsas, both hot and mild. The habanero salsa stands out as especially flavorful, paired well with fresh guacamole.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were the best Mexican food around."

"I loved the fish tacos and salsas with outdoor seating."

"I loved the good selection of salsas, hot and mild."

Good to know

1

Parking is available both inside and outside, which is rare in beach cities.

2

Vegan options are available on the menu.

3

The restaurant offers a good variety of items that some other Mexican places do not have.

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Encinitas, California

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