Welcome to EsKiNiTa
At EsKiNiTa, nestled in a San Diego plaza, a culinary journey into authentic Filipino street food awaits. We celebrate the vibrant flavors of the Philippines with traditional skewered delights like marinated chicken and pork BBQ, Kwek Kwek, and beloved sweet longganisa. The experience is interactive, as guests grill their chosen skewers outdoors, creating a casual and welcoming ambiance reminiscent of home. Owner Rich and his dedicated staff ensure every visit feels like family, fostering a warm atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delectable Ube ice cream, and immerse yourself in a genuine Filipino culinary adventure.
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1840 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154 Hotline: (619) 429-5957
Welcome to EsKiNiTa: A Slice of Filipino Flavor in San Diego
If you’re craving authentic Filipino street food, EsKiNiTa is the destination you’ve been looking for. Nestled in San Diego at 1840 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154, this hidden gem promises a vibrant culinary experience, complete with the welcoming warmth of Filipino hospitality.
Step inside and immerse yourself in a delightful atmosphere that perfectly mirrors the charm of a traditional Filipino eatery. The owner, Rich, is known for his friendly demeanor and attentive service. He eagerly walks newcomers through an impressive selection of skewered delights, including:
- Ihaw Ihaw: Savor the taste of Filipino barbecue with choices like Chicken BBQ, Pork BBQ, and Longanisa BBQ, all at an affordable $2.50 per skewer.
- Combo Plates: Indulge in hearty entries such as the Pork SiSig, a savory dish featuring soft pork bits, tangy dressing, and fried egg, or the tender Beef Pares—both priced at $13.99.
- Sweets/Desserts: Don't miss the Ube Ice Cream, a delightful treat showcasing the unique flavor of purple yam for only $5.99.
What sets EsKiNiTa apart is not just the food, but the interactive experience of grilling your own skewers right outside. Customers rave about the communal feel, akin to a backyard gathering, where laughter, good music, and the tantalizing aroma of barbecue fill the air. As you cook, the mesquite charcoal adds a distinctive flavor, elevating each bite to new heights.
Reviewers share glowing sentiments, reminiscent of nostalgic nights spent in the Philippines. Maria G. praised the warm atmosphere and diverse menu choices, while Ailleen J. highlighted the unmatched taste of chicken and pork BBQ, paired with flavorful dipping sauces. Customers leave feeling more like family than guests, with many promising to return for another joyous gathering.
In a bustling city like San Diego, EsKiNiTa stands out as a sanctuary of flavors and heartwarming service. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Filipino cuisine or curious to explore it for the first time, this little corner eatery is a must-visit. Rich and his team are waiting to welcome you with open arms and plates full of deliciousness—after all, the best part of dining at EsKiNiTa is not just the food but the lasting memories created over shared meals. Come experience the essence of Filipino culture one skewer at a time!
Contact EsKiNiTa:
Phone: (619) 429-5957
Came in on a whim on a Saturday night. Lots of choices to BBQ outside. The owner, Rich, was so welcoming and friendly and made sure all of us had enough sauce for our skewers, I got the chicken and pork BBQ, the pork belly, and the chicken skin -- all great! Will definitely be back!
Stumbled upon this hidden gem of a street food spot on a Friday night, and it did not disappoint! We met the owner, Rich, who was super welcoming, kind, and attentive. He guided us inside to select our skewers ($2 each) from a great variety, along with other entrée options. Inside, they also sold Filipino beauty products like traditional soaps, face cleansers, and more. After paying, we stepped outside to grill our skewers ourselves, which added to the fun experience. The ambiance, with its music and casual seating, reminded me so much of Mexico--where you just pull up to a literal esquinita (corner) for a late-night snack, eat, and chat. If you're looking for authentic Filipino street food and a welcoming atmosphere, I highly recommend stopping by and meeting Rich!
Authentic Filipino street food in SD. Rich walks you through an assortment of different skewers and grills your selection in front of you. Great music and ambiance as you wait for your food. They are patient and helpful if it's your first time! We tried almost every skewer and everything was delicious. Plenty of parking and seats. This is a must try experience!
The place is clean, and the ambiance has Filipino vibes. The food and services are excellent! They will take care of you. All the staff members are friendly, especially ate Jen and Kuya; they make you feel at home. I love the food; it's so delicious and juicy. I love the chicken and pork intestine, and don't forget to try their sisig as well! We'll go back.
First time at EsKiNiTa and it did not disappoint! The food was excellent, authentic Filipino cuisine and the service was just as good! Rich, the owner, helped us cook our food, and he was so kind and welcoming. Great ambiance as well, definitely will come back!
Amazing Food!! The owner is absolutely amazing! Pick your food and bbq it like you're in the Philippines!
This place is not for all. This street food really hit. I'm a huge fan of intestine. The ambiance felt like I was in the backyard hanging out. Definitely needed some cards to playing with. Pretty much you pick the skewers and put them on a basket and pay. Then you go outside and grill it up. Kuya rich was the best. He was a wizard on the grill making sure nothing got to burnt. I'll definitely go back with a group and just go chill for the vibes.
Please excuse the photo, I was too focused on crushing this delicious spread. Reminded me of Manila. Delicious street bbq and nicely priced. The beef pares was nostalgic. And the owners were freaking awesome! This was my first time, but will definitely be my new cheat meal spot.
The BEST! You'll will feel like family going here. Lots of parking. Outstanding customer service. Ambiance is just like being in a Philippines neighborhood. Chill spot. Highly recommend going here with family & friends. Veteran owned. Salute.
I'm so glad we found this. My husband and I wanted to celebrate tonight and get really bomb ass food at the same time, but wanted to venture a little ways away from where we normally hang out. We decided to come here and man, did this exceed our expectations. Located inside large plaza, EsKiNiTa is truly a hole-in-the-wall joint serving up some of that authentic Filipino skewers over a grill that you get to cook yourself (it IS part of the experience). Now... don't expect fine dining, expect a welcoming and homey atmosphere. The owner was beyond hospitable, explaining what is the most popular item and even cooking our food for us. The charcoal isn't your basic pillow-shaped, charcoal either. They used mesquite charcoal, so it adds another layer of flavor to your food. I highly recommend the chicken and pork BBQ, chicken intestine, chicken liver, and chicken heart. But honestly, you can't go wrong with any of the choices. The BBQ sauce is a must and if you're like me, make sure to get the vinegar sauce to add a different flavor to your tastebuds. You'll have a great time, be surrounded by good people, and enjoy it all with some really good food. Highly recommend, and just like he said... I'll definitely be back.