Encontro

San Diego
American Restaurant
$$$$

Decked out with recycled wood planks and copper accents, North Park's Encontro takes its rustic American theme seriously. The format is casual counter-service, but the dishes are far from rushed: portobello fries are served crispy with a Parmesan sprinkle; Brussels sprouts are charred and sprinkled with bacon; pink slices of flat iron steak are spread over a spinach salad. You cannot (or should not, rather) come without trying Mary's Fried Chicken and Waffles. Twenty-four taps rotate craft beer options that can be sipped at any of the communal tables inside or at street-side high stools. And because cravings have no sense of time, a late-night window lets you grab food to-go, like a milkshake made with local ice cream.

More From Thrillist