san diego food blog
the quest for edible food in sd
top ten eateries
bottom ten eateries
by food type:
american
burgers
chinese
japanese
greek
indian
mexican
middle eastern
thai
pizza
about this site
site terms of use
El Callejon Encinitas
Nice Spot, Good Tacos (most of the time)
You know, we used to live in Encinitas and hit up El-Callejon quite a bit, maybe more because they were our neighborhood watering hole (and taco land) than being a fantastic Mexican place, but I think they are overall a good choice to make.
It’s kind of a bit of a whitey-ville Mexican place with Encinitas people all sun burned from surfing but it’s also a good place to relax with some fresh salsa and chips, margaritas, and some tacos.
There have been times when my taco al-pastors have been scant on the meat, or not with enough sauce. I also recommend avoiding their main plates, which may seem like a reason not to eat there, but I’ve had several of their main meat-type dinner plates, including the Sabana Arriera which claims to be “VERY HOT!” but has very little spice at all actually, and they don’t seem to perform very well overall in this category.
Also avoid the tacos Rajas and Alambre, both of which tasted to me like a generic version of Philly Cheesesteak on tortillas.
OK, you say, well what is good?
Well I’ve had pretty good (though ketchupy) tostadas de ceviche (fish marinated and cooked in lime juice served cold on a crispy tostada).
I’ve also had pretty decent quesadillas (though a little greasy, but that’s mainly my fault for getting al pastor quesadillas).
The best thing about El Callejon that keeps me coming back are their tacos, particularly the tacos lomo adobado (pork) and their tacos al pastor.
al pastor (with pineapple)
I’m a big fan of al pastor tacos, when done right they are spicy, bbq’y, and combine the right elements of taste and meat. When they are done wrong they can be the worst thing you ever ate (not necessarily at El_C), including getting tons of chewy overcooked fat pieces. Al Pastor is supposed to be on a rotisserie like shawarmas, but most places don’t do it like that, and even though I suspect that El Callejon doesn’t have a rotisserie they do have some of the best Al Pastor tacos that I’ve ever had anywhere, when they do it right.
You have to (well you don’t have to, I do) get the tacos al pastor without pineapple, which for some reason they sprinkle on, I’m not sure why or how this is a taco al pastor if it has pineapple but maybe that shows how stupid I am, maybe all al pastor tacos have pineapple in them? Anyone?
In any case. Sometimes they bring this little metal thingy that has three bowls of chopped cilantro, one of onion and one of lime wedges, use all of them on your tacos.
Also for some reason the taco al pastor is only available one by one, rather than with beans and rice as a platter type thing, not sure again, but it’s the way they do it. And I’ve never had chicken al pastor tacos, my comments are all about the pork.
I forgot to mention the salsas they bring to the table, they are some of the best salsas that I’ve had at a Mexican restaurant, and their chips are homemade and pretty decent as well. They usually give you two salsas: a pico de gallo type that can have pockets of deep spice hidden in them and a green tomatillo salsa, which is also spicy. Sometimes they also give you a red salsa that is quite good as well. They are all freshly made and taste well accordingly.
quesadilla
Their margaritas are great, homemade mix, dizzy after one sip, everything. They also have a menu of like 10,000 types of tequila. I get the regular house brand, though if you are a tequila junkie they may sate your thirst and have your favorite brand. They also serve pitchers of margaritas for a pretty cheap deal, and usually have either Tecate or Dos XX on draft, which is fairly rare anywhere.
The tacos lomo adobado are dry pork that has been marinated and barbecued and are usually perfectly done. They are chopped up into little pieces and put in a mountain on two-four tortillas and that’s all, and that’s all you need, except for a little salsa, some lime, some onions and cilantro. That’s the good stuff. They usually do this one right, the meat is spiced, but not too much, it is cooked white and tender but not crunchy or underdone, and the combo is something that works well for the EL.
tacos lomo adobado
I recommend. If of course you eat pork, otherwise do something else.
As I said, I can only heartily recommend their salsas, margaritas, taco lomo adobado and taco al pastor (pork, without pineapple).
Other dishes are suspect. Their sides of black beans are pretty tasteless. The rice is usually good though, fluffy and moist, slightly seasoned and containing occasional corn. I usually put onions, cilantro, lime and salsa on everything and that seems to do the trick.
The place is the one in Encinitas with the cheesy paintings on the outside. It’s in a mini-mall on the corner of Encinitas Blvd. and Highway 101. If you’re coming from the South take Encinitas Blvd. on the 5 North, take a left, at the 101 take a left and then take your first immediate left into the mini-mall parking lot.
They also have a newer restaurant in Vista in Vista’s new revitalized movie theater/stone cold creamery/bad pizza restaurant/teenaged hang out place, but I’m not sure if it has the same ambiance. They also have one in San Antonio Texas! Never been yet!
The Encinitas joint has an outdoor seating area underneath a wooden covered awning (with heat lamps). The bar is usually crowded, and sometimes they open up this other room that also has a bar. Sometimes you can sit outside in front, with no awning, or outside in the back with no awning, though these tables are the worst.
They also sometimes have a strolling singer or singers with guitars and songs, and are usually very crowded on weekends.
Peace be upon you and go forth and eateth taco.
- george caye
El Callejon
345 S. Coast Hwy. 101
Suite C2
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-634-2793
fax 760-634-2875
http://www.el-callejon.com/
info @ sandiegofoodblog.com
all pictures and content Copyright ©2006-2007 sandiegofoodblog.com and may not be used without written permission