It’s easy to get a good carne asada burrito here in San Diego, a city blessed with all varieties of Mexican food joints and restaurants. Clairemont has El Cotixan, Pacific Beach has Fred’s and Miramar has Roberto’s. But drive about 20 minutes north and you’ll find La Especial Norte, a small restaurant located on Highway 101 in Encinitas. Owned by the Salazar family and opened in 1977, the simple restaurant is alive with its colorful interior and decor. But it is its “los caldos,” or Mexican soups, that makes La Especial unique. If you’re fixin’ for some Mexican fare but had your fill of Chipotle burritos, visit La Especial for their pozole, a rich and spicy soup made with pork broth and hominy. The Mexican-style chicken soup, brightened with slices of avocado and chunks of tomato, will surely chase away the blues and satisfy your inner craving for homestyle Mexican comfort food.

664 North Highway 101

Encinitas, CA 92024

(760) 942-1040