Happy Thursday, Encinitas! 👋
Here's what's actually happening this weekend around Encinitas and nearby — with specifics, links, and no filler.
🍽️ Food & Drink This Weekend
Union Kitchen & Tap — Weekend Brunch
📍 1108 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
🕘 Saturday & Sunday | 9:00 AM–1:00 AM
🔗 https://localunion101.com/
Their brunch game is strong: fried chicken & waffle with Sriracha-maple glaze, smashed avocado toast with poached eggs, and a veggie frittata with goat cheese. Pairs well with their weekend vibes and full bar. Open late if you want to stick around after brunch.
SAGO — Tapas & Cocktails
📍 485 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
🕔 Friday | 5:00 PM–1:30 AM
🕔 Saturday | 11:00 AM–1:30 AM
🕘 Sunday | 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
🔗 https://www.sagoencinitas.com/
Darker ambiance, chill beats, and creative small plates. Lobster bao buns and the chicken + caviar dish have been getting solid buzz from locals. Weekend brunch available Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 AM. Good spot for a date night or just trying something different.
🎶 Live Music This Weekend
Mr. Peabody's — Sunday Jazz Jam
📍 136 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
🕕 Sunday | 6:00–10:00 PM
🔗 https://www.peabodysrocks.com/
A decade-long tradition: the Tony Ortega Band plays from 6:00–8:00 PM, then it opens up for a jazz jam session until 10:00 PM. Free, no cover, and the best weekly jazz night in North County.
🍹 Happy Hour Highlights
Cocina de Barrio (Oaxacan + tequila)
📍 967 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
🕓 Monday–Friday | 3:00–5:00 PM
🔗 https://www.eatcocinadebarrio.com/
$5 Barrio margaritas (cucumber, mango, mint, strawberry, or jalapeño), $7 craft drafts, $9 mezcal cocktails. Food highlights: $12 for birria tacos (3), memelitas (2), or vegan portobello mushroom tacos. $14 ceviche. Handmade tortillas and Oaxacan flavors at happy hour prices.
Ernie's Craft Deli (Wine & Beer)
📍 1058 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
🕒 Sunday | 3:00 PM–Close
🔗 https://www.erniescraftdeli.com/
$3 off wine and beer on Sundays — new offering from the spot locals already love for their Deli / Smash burger Weekends and great Wine and Beer selection
Farmers Markets
Leucadia Farmers Market
📍 Paul Ecke Elementary, 185 Union St, Encinitas
🕘 Sunday | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Fresh produce, food vendors, live music, and local artisans. It's become the Sunday ritual for a reason — grab your reusable bags and make it part of your morning.
🚧 Local Alerts
Grandview Beach Access Closed
📍 Grandview Beach Staircase
🗓 February 3–Memorial Day 2026
The Grandview Beach staircase will be closed starting Monday (2/3) through Memorial Day for repairs. Plan your beach access accordingly — nearest options are Moonlight Beach or Beacon's Beach.
Free Universal Waste Collection
📍 Encinitas City Hall Parking Lot
🗓 Saturday, February 1 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/cityofencinitas
Drop off batteries, sharps, electronics, and other universal waste for free. No appointment needed.
🚗 Worth a Short Drive
Belly Up — Andy Frasco & The U.N.
📍 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
🕘 Saturday | 9:00 PM
🔗 https://bellyup.com/
High-energy funk, rock, and soul from Andy Frasco and his band. Tickets are still available. Legendary venue, always a good show.
👀 Looking Ahead
Cardiff Farmers Market kicks off February 7 at 10:00 AM — part of the Encinitas Arts programming for 2026.
🔗 https://www.encinitasarts.org/calendar/
Pastaria Vivi — a chef-driven fresh pasta spot from Michelin-seasoned chefs — is opening this spring in the Encinitas Village Shopping Center. North County's first monthly pasta subscription box service plus à la carte dining. Worth keeping on your radar if you're serious about pasta.
🌴 Encinitas Fun Fact
Encinitas was once known as the "Flower Capital of the World" thanks to its history of flower-growing farms. You can still see traces of that legacy in the nurseries and gardens scattered around town.
See you out there 🌊
EncinitasLocals
