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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

The Craftsman New American Tavern Review (Encinitas Restaurants)



Pricing:
Slightly expensive.  You're paying for the trendy atmosphere.  The starters and sides are about $8.  The main dishes range $15-25.

Distance:
On El Camino Real.  Close to the El Camino Real/Encinitas Blvd. intersection.  About a 10 minute drive for most Encinitas residents.

Thoughts:
I've been to The Craftsman a few times now and each time my opinion of the place has improved.  The first time I went my initial reaction was, "Great, another overpriced 'trendy' restaurant."  They serve you water in jam jars and I ordered the cheapest item on the menu (the burger) which was good but not great.

The subsequent times I dined at this restaurant I ended up splurging a bit more.  I tried their more expensive, less standard dishes, and another time I ordered off of the specials menu.  Spending the big bucks ended up being well worth it because each time the food was fantastic.  The steak that I ordered off the specials menu was possibly the most perfectly prepared piece of meat I've ever consumed.

Another plus for this restaurant is their tasteful wine and beer selection.  All their wines are above average for the standard restaurant and I appreciate the fact that they serve a number local brews other than just Stone IPA.

They don't take reservations for parties smaller than six but I've never had to wait more than twenty minutes for a table.  The out-of-the-way location makes it crowded but not ridiculously so.  So if you're in the mood to be spendy and want a nice night out, The Craftsman is not at all a bad way to go.