Is there parking at Encontro in North Park?

Yes — there's convenient parking available, which reviewers specifically call out as a plus. Street parking on University Ave is usually accessible, and there are nearby lots if needed.

Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?

Encontro takes reservations and you should definitely use them, especially for weekend brunch or dinner. Walk-ins work during slower times, but you'll have better luck and shorter waits if you call ahead.

What beer do you actually have on tap?

The spot is serious about craft beer selection — this is a brewery-adjacent operation in North Park. They also do wine, but the beer list is the main draw. Their draft espresso martini leans into the beer side rather than traditional spirits, which caught some people off guard.

Is it good for brunch, and when should I go?

Absolutely — brunch is a major draw with warm natural light from corner windows and a feel-good vibe. Saturday and Sunday mornings get busy, so arrive early or have a reservation locked in. Weekday lunch is a solid move if you want to avoid crowds.

Can I bring my dog or kids?

Kids are welcome — reviewers mention it's great for families and group dinners. Outdoor seating is available, which is dog-friendly territory, though confirm patio dog policy when you call.

What should I order first?

The seasonal, chef-driven dishes are where the kitchen shines — quality ingredients and careful execution show in every plate. Pair it with whatever's rotating on the beer list. Don't overthink it; the team knows what they're doing.

Are there vegetarian or dietary options?

Yes, vegetarian options are available on the menu. Best to mention any dietary restrictions when you make your reservation so the kitchen can plan accordingly.

What's the vibe like — is it casual or fancy?

Decidedly casual and warm without trying too hard. It's a neighborhood spot that takes food and beer seriously but keeps the atmosphere relaxed — perfect for dates, weeknight dinners, or hanging with a group.

Encontro North Park — Restaurants in North Park, San Diego

“Encontro North Park grills meat over open flame, taps its own beer, and puts it all on one bill — brunch to dinner.”

Pela Mesa does the tasting-menu thing; Tribute does the purist pizza thing. Encontro does the **everything-under-one-roof thing** — it's a brewery, a wood-fired grill, and a corner bistro that figured out how to be all three without feeling like a menu committee wrote it. The dishes are chef-driven but not precious: flame-grilled meats, hearty salads, seasonal plates that change when the ingredient deserves it. The beer is brewed in-house, which means the tap list isn't just curated — it's theirs.

The space feels industrial-chic in the way North Park actually pulls off, not the way a design blog forces it. Open corner windows let in natural light; outdoor seating catches the University Ave sidewalk energy. It works for brunch with friends, a weeknight date, or a group dinner where half the table orders steak and the other half goes full veggie. The vibe is warm but unfussy, the kind of place where you can show up in a hoodie or a button-down and both feel right.

Parking on University is the usual North Park roulette, but there's a lot nearby. They take reservations, which is the smart move on weekends. No full bar — just beer and wine — so if you're chasing cocktails, you're in the wrong spot. But the draft espresso martini is a legitimate workaround, even if it's not the vodka version you're used to.

**What to order:** Anything off the grill if you eat meat. The seasonal veggie plates if you don't. And whatever's new on the brewery side of the tap list — they're making it twenty feet from your table, so it's worth the ask.