Las Olas Review (Cardiff By Sea Restaurants)

Pricing:

You'll be looking at $9-15 per entree.  By entree I mean one of those rice and beans plus food type combinations.  And then of course you'll have to get margaritas.  While the margaritas don't come in a large fishbowl, they do pack a punch.  When I go here with three or more people, I usually order a pitcher of margarita which is about $30.  Saves you a few dollars if you want to drink.

Distance:

A Cardiff restaurant.  Located on the 101.  5-10 minute drive if you're located in Encinitas.  50-60 minute walk back after too many margaritas.

Thoughts:

The epitome of a Southern California Mexican food dining experience.  It's by the beach, the hygiene of the bathrooms is questionable and they serve large quantities of good food.  When it's lobster season, they serve super cheap, really fresh lobster (I think they walk across the street to the ocean and catch them).  Las Olas is great for just about any occasion.  It's a fun date night, it's family friendly and it's a good place to take out-of-town guests.

The food is not too unlike your typical sit-down Mexican restaurant.  But, in my opinion, it tastes a little better than, say, Casa de Bandini or El Torito.  It's also more laid back than other said establishments.  The environment is one that encourages conversation rather than getting in and out as quickly as possible.  There's also a nice selection on the menu.  There's the standard entrees for the hungry.  But I also will sometimes just order their chicken tortilla soup (which is excellent) for a light but filling meal.

On a Friday and Saturday night it can get a little crowded.  But I've never had to wait longer than 45 minutes for a table.  And 45 minutes is unusual.  Most of the time it's about a 20 minute wait.  If you get antsy, it's fun to go and talk a walk on the beach.