Encinitas Ale House — Restaurant in Encinitas

EEEAAAHHH. OOOKKKKKKKKAYYY. Or as I not call this place "lil johns".

80 beers in 80 days. Ok so I'm probably not going to make this goal despite my best efforts. I live a little too far of a drive and commute in the opposite direction and have been traveling lately, but I will be back when I have more time. I shall dedicate myself and try not to drink my good beer elsewhere.

EAH is small, probably less than 50 seats. Tall tables up front and shorties in the back. Bar stools as you belly up. What's great about this place is it's size. It's meant for intimate drinking with people who love not just good beer, but know good beer. Now we all know San Diego is the Mecca for craft beer, but in my travels to Germany and The Czech Republic I'm pretty sure they've got the real fire in their blood. It was there where I found my love for good beer and it's a pleasure to see so many imported here. Forget the British Pub's find a place like this with Belgians, German, French, Swiss and Czech beer, most put most of what we consider craft to shame. There is a lot to be said about availability and creativity so I'm not saying trad houses are better, but just look at all the tap handles on the roof, you've probably never seen half of those.

Water jug and glasses for cleansing is near the country style doors which is great during the summer. So inviting. Bathroom outside and around the corner. Service is amazing, they sure know the beer better than most bartenders know mixed drinks.

Food is actually pretty good from the fries to the wagyu burger (get the gorgonzola on the side because the gruyere is plenty enough already and you don't want to take away from the beef). I haven't actually had much of the menu, but have had most of their burgers. I stayed away from the cheesesteak because it was tri tip and not ribeye, who wants a beer float anyhow? With good pizza nearby I could never force myself to try a pizza. Costa Rica Fish taco's are good, but I'm not sure what makes them costa rican. It's local white fish, slaw, generic white sauce with mango salsa (that's probably it). It could totally use more bite, it's fresh and crispy/crunchy, but could use some refinement on the profile. The calamari plate is really scallops, shrimp and calamari. I was hoping it was all calamari for which I prefer an aioli and fresh lemon, but the scallops and shrimp kind of dictated the heavier tomato based...

Came in on a Thursday 2/08/24 and wow probably the worst service I have ever received. Came in around 8:20pm, place wasn’t busy and immediately was greeted and the lady behind the bar got us drinks. It was me and my girl sitting at the bar. Things seemed super promising from the start, and then after her getting our drinks we never heard from her again. We understand that there was only a few people inside so probably the kitchen would be closed or closing early, whatever, but it would have been nice as we were sitting down if the lady would have communicated that to us. We then proceeded to see her walking around and closing up, not checking in, not acknowledging us again, and then towards then end, just tasting the beers behind the bar…wow. Since she never came back towards us or checked in we only did one round.. There was another lady behind the bar helping other folks out but never really interacted with. We heard her murmur under her breath something like “oh time to start closing” near us (and by never interacting with us, we felt more than like oh okay they want us out of here) and this is all about 8:40, y’all close at 9pm… then she helps her guests or whatever and says to two guys that it’s almost time for closing and if they wanna do another round. Never came over to ask us… until it’s basically 9pm and then was like “oh you want to do another”. They both saw us the whole time and my girl was beyond annoyed by this point because they saw her drink has been almost done for 15 mins, but then said are you sure you don’t want anything we still have to clean up.. felt so unwanted and rushed out.. There beers are great, but man coming from the service industry and seeing this type of service and having it, yikes, i hope y’all...

Happy Hour. Great Food. Great Vibe. Service is friendly and knowledgeable. The focus is on amazing selection of unique beers on draught. Should NOT miss this North County joint.

Happy hour specials

MONDAY NIGHT 4pm - 6pm WEDNESDAY THRU FRIDAY 3pm – 6pm $2 OFF PREMIUM DRAFTS $5 GLASS OF WINE $8 OFF BOTTLE OF WINE ½ PRICE ALL STARTER APPETIZERS DINE IN ONLY BAR AND HIGH TOP TABLE SEATING ONLY

ASK YOUR US ABOUT OUR 80 PINTS IN 80 DAYS!!!

TUESDAY NIGHTS 2 FOR 1 ANGUS & VEGGIE BURGER NIGHT FROM 4PM TO 8PM (w/ PURCHASE OF 2 BEVERAGE’S, DINE IN ONLY NO TAKE OUT ORDERS, DOES NOT INCLUDE KOBE OR SURF & TURF BURGERS, DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS, HAPPY HOUR ITEMS OR PROMOTIONS)

SATURDAY & SUNDAY’S $15 ENDLESS MIMOSA’S WITH BRUNCH FROM 11AM TO 4PM (w/ PURCHASE OF BREAKFAST OR LUNCH PER PERSON , DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS, HAPPY HOUR ITEMS...