Lumberyard Tavern & Grill in Encinitas

Sweet, sweet downtown Encinitas; North County San Diego’s preserved beach town where surf culture meets hipster lifestyle, just blocks from the sand.

Over the last five years the ENC strip of Coast Highway 101 has transformed from a quirky vintage district to an up and coming social hub full of new restaurants, laidback bars, and a splash of artsy coffee shops, hair salons, and edgy boutiques. In other words, downtown Encinitas is heaven on earth for party-centric twenty-something locals and hip young parents who want a taste of suburban stability without sacrificing their style.

Lumberyard Tavern & Grill is one such new Encinitas hot spot that takes beachside bar grub to the next level, without losing its cool. Centrally located in the classic Lumberyard Shopping Center on Highway 101, Lumberyard Tavern & Grill is a popular restaurant for catching a bite and watching the game, pre-partying during happy hour, or recovering from the night before during Saturday and Sunday brunch. Lumberyard boasts 10 flat screen HDTVs, a dog friendly patio, and plenty of free parking. The best part? Lumberyard one-ups downtown “industry night” by offering local industry folk half-off the entire bill, every Sunday night. Perks aside, we love Lumberyard most for its massive electric menu of affordable brunch, lunch and dinner eats.

The Food: Lumberyard offers a big selection of classic bar bites, prepared with an upscale twist. Our favorite appetizers range from basic Zucchini Sticks and Hot Wings to the unique Flame Grilled Artichoke served with herbed aioli and drawn butter; and the flavor-packed Grilled Stuffed Portobello filled with crab meat, bread crumbs and seasonings, topped with melted mozzarella on a bed of sautéed spinach. For a light meal without the assumed calories, opt for one of Lumberyard’s crisp salads, such as the addiction-worthy Roasted Beer & Goat Cheese with raisins, walnuts, apples, mixed field greens and citrus vinaigrette; or Strawberry Blue with spring mix, candied walnuts, red onion, blue cheese, sliced strawberries and balsamic vinaigrette. Appetizers and salads are reasonably priced between $5 and $11.

When insatiable hunger strikes, Lumberyard won’t disappoint, no matter the time of day. For lunch and dinner, choose from pizzas, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and grill specialties. A few of our favorite lunchtime entrees range from the Border Burger with chipotle aioli, pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, lettuce, tomato and onion; to the Steak Sandwich with grilled onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, melted white cheddar cheese and creamy horseradish on a French baguette; and the Ahi Wrap with greens, julienned veggies, rice and creamy Asian dressing, in a spinach tortilla. For dinner, treat yourself to the Blackened Mahi Mahi topped with honey lemon butter, served with rice and veggies; Pork Loin Skewers – Szechuan marinated and served with mashed potatoes and veggies. And when your sweet tooth just won’t shut up, you’ll love the Strawberry Waffle Sundae – scoop of vanilla bean ice cream sandwiched between two crispy waffles, drizzled with fresh strawberry puree and chocolate syrup. Entrees are priced between $14 and $24, and desserts $6-7.

If you’re like me, all eyes are on Lumberyard’s brunch menu, the best meal of the day, especially on lazy Sundays! This casual-cool restaurant goes all out for weekend brunch, served Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 2pm, featuring $3 Mimosa and $3 Bloody Mary drink specials all day. If you want your daytime party with a side of food, munch on the classic California Burrito with egg, bacon, sausage, hash browns and cheese; the decadent Seafood Omelet with crab, shrimp, scallops and mozzarella cheese; or the timeless Blackstone Benedict – poached eggs, tomato, bacon and hollandaise on an English muffin. Brunch items range from $5 to $11.  

Daily Specials: Lumberyard Tavern hooks you up with great happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 3 – 7pm, featuring $2 off all appetizers (including Grilled Stuffed Portobello!), $3 well drinks and $5 house martinis. More specials include all day happy hour every Wednesday, and half-off your entire tab on Sunday nights, as long as you show off your industry paystub. Now that is hands-down the best local industry hook up I’ve heard of in San Diego!

Dig In: For more information, call 866.677.8260 or visit Lumberyard Tavern & Grill in Encinitas.

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