# Encontro North Park > Encontro North Park — American restaurants in San Diego, CA. ## Key facts - **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/encontro-north-park-9494 - **Type**: Restaurants - **Cuisine**: American - **Location**: San Diego, CA - **Address**: 3001 University Ave #3001, San Diego, CA 92104, US - **Phone**: 16192911220 - **Website**: https://www.encontronorthpark.com - **Coordinates**: 32.748323, -117.129869 - **Claimed**: claimed - **Vibes**: Modern ## About Encontro North Park is a lively American restaurant situated on University Ave in San Diego's North Park neighborhood. The menu is built around thoughtful, chef-driven dishes, with standout items like the house-made breadsticks based on an original Pat and Oscar's recipe, Cardiff Crack Sando, lobster roll, and truffle-forward options that keep regulars coming back. The space offers both indoor and outdoor seating with heaters, so it works well across seasons. With a welcoming, modern atmosphere and generous portions, it suits everything from solo outings and date nights to group celebrations and family brunch. Happy hour and Tapas Tuesday add extra reasons to return. ## Highlights - **Iconic house-made breadsticks** — Made from the original Pat and Oscar's recipe, these are a must-order every visit. - **Cardiff Crack Sando** — A fan-favorite dish that diners consistently call out as a highlight of the menu. - **Truffle-loaded menu** — Multiple truffle options across the menu give adventurous diners plenty to explore. - **Open-air seating** — Indoor and heated outdoor seating create a lively, welcoming atmosphere year-round. ## FAQ ### Where is Encontro North Park located? Encontro North Park is located at 3001 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, in the heart of the North Park neighborhood. ### How can I contact Encontro North Park? You can reach Encontro North Park by phone at (619) 291-1220 or visit their website at encontronorthpark.com to browse more details before your visit. ### What kind of food does Encontro North Park serve? Encontro North Park serves chef-driven American cuisine with a creative, approachable menu. You will find options like the house-made breadsticks, Cardiff Crack Sando, lobster roll, portabella mushroom fries, fried green beans, burgers, sliders, and a farm salad with fried chicken. The menu also includes gluten-free bread and multiple truffle-forward dishes, so there is something for a wide range of preferences. ### What are the most popular items at Encontro North Park? Diners frequently rave about the house-made breadsticks, which follow the original Pat and Oscar's recipe as given to Chef Jason. The Cardiff Crack Sando, lobster roll, fried green beans, and the butter cake with passionfruit are also consistently praised. The truffle options across the menu have earned a dedicated following among regulars. ### What is Franki? Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of Encontro North Park on Franki, and earn cash back when you dine there. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring. ### Does Encontro North Park have outdoor seating? Yes, Encontro North Park offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with heaters available outside so you can enjoy the open-air experience comfortably throughout the year. ### Is Encontro North Park good for special occasions or group outings? Encontro North Park works well for a wide range of occasions, including date nights, family time, group hangouts, and celebrations. The lively atmosphere, generous portions, and broad menu mean the restaurant suits both intimate dinners and larger gatherings with ease. ### Does Encontro North Park offer happy hour? Yes, Encontro North Park features happy hour as well as a Tapas Tuesday offering, both of which are popular with locals looking for great food and drinks at a solid value. ### Does Encontro North Park cater to dietary preferences? Yes, Encontro North Park offers gluten-free bread alongside a menu that spans a wide variety of dishes, so guests with different dietary needs will find suitable options to enjoy. ## Reviews ### f.mixersweets — 5.0/5 · Dec 17, 2022 Happy Hour at Encontro, North Park, San Diego 😎💯👌🏼 The oysters are fresh as the tacos are tasty! Perfect for my soju with tajin drink!!! P.S. patience with parking is the key to get around North Park 😉 Don’t give up!! #fypシ #happyhour #sandiego #northparksandiego #oysters #tacos #mixeddrinks ### rothy7 — 5.0/5 · Jan 28, 2025 Great menu options. Gluten free bread too! Cardiff crack is bomb! ### shekamoo — 5.0/5 · May 31, 2025 I LOVE this spot. It’s perfect for any occasion. The food and service never disappoint. It’s always a very lively atmosphere with open air seating. Humble, but excellent. Wish they had a cocktail menu…guess you can’t have everything. ### foodventurewliz — 5.0/5 · Dec 12, 2025 Brunch time at Encontro! Huge portions, loved it! #HolidayWildCard ### sdlovezfood — 5.0/5 · Jan 8, 2026 If you have ever tried Pat & Oscars, you need to go to @encontronorthpark and try their version of the iconic house-made breadsticks because this is the original recipe given to them! It is even better then I remember! Chef Jason puts so much care into every single dish, and you can truly taste it in every bite. He is also so kind and friendly! We tried: • the bread (favorite) 10 • crispy green beans 17 • farm salad 21 • Truffle mac & cheese 19 • Cardiff crack sando 18 • Encontro loco moco 19 • ### foodie__sandiego — 5.0/5 · Jan 10, 2026 Incredible food done right!! @encontronorthpark crafted such a beautiful menu that caters to all, things we ordered: House made bread (recipe was given by Pat & Oscar’s) Portabella Mushroom Fries Lobster Roll Cardiff Crack Sando Farm salad with fried chicken Butter cake with passionfruit and raspberry Such a cool spot to meet up with some friends and they validate parking at the ace parking lot across the street, such a win! #sandiego #foodie #sandiego ### monkeybuzz — 4.3/5 · Dec 6, 2025 unexpected order from encontro but glad we did. burgers and other options available. ### northpark.mayor — 5.0/5 · Feb 7, 2023 This is an old favorite. Encontro is such a solid option if you dont know what to eat in #NorthPark! They have a great brunch and always a solid dinner menu. Theres so many TRUFFLE OPTIONS on the menu - I’m working my way through them all. Indoor and outdoor seating with heaters. It may not be great for a group over 6/7 people, but super cozy for a date night or a few friends! ### itsmaiwu — 5.0/5 · Jan 12, 2024 This restaurant is owned by a chef who made an appearance on 90 Day Fiance! ### sabrina_wine — 5.0/5 · Apr 18, 2025 Get the fried green beans you will NOT be disappointed. Great sliders and burgers- vibes are high and great wine menu. A North Park favorite!