SAGO is a sexy, swanky new restaurant and lounge in the heart of the vibrant Downtown Encinitas. A sophisticated supper club and late-night social scene, SAGO brings something truly unique to North County.
Offering the sleepy beach town a new late-night option, SAGO is perfect for those looking for an exceptional upscale restaurant and an even better party. The chic and sultry space is lavishly designed like a jungle-esque retreat, with a beautiful bar as the venue’s centerpiece. The SAGO atmosphere transitions seamlessly from a refined social club to an exhilarating lounge and nightlife experience.
Created by Chef Frank Fleisher (formerly of Juniper & Ivy), the SAGO food menu consists of elevated shareable plates such as black truffle fries and blistered brussels, made with a balsamic vinegar reduction, Calabrian chile, caper crème fraîche and cheese frico. The flavor combinations are that of a fine dining restaurant but in a very vibey atmosphere. Additional menu items include raw items such as hamachi crudo, tuna tartare and mussels. For more hearty selections, choose from artisan pizzas or an 8-oz. gourmet burger with hand-cut fries. The absolute standout on the menu is the seared salmon medallions. This perfectly seared salmon is served with a beautiful complementary salad with citrus vinaigrette, honey-lemon butter, minted feta, green olive salsa and pistachio. More dishes will be added to the menu in February, and we cannot see what delightful additions will be made.
You can’t talk about SAGO without mentioning the cocktails, of course. The focal point of this Encinitas restaurant and lounge is the stunning bar. Matching the decor of the venue, the tropical cocktail program is divided into three categories: Refresh (featuring spritzes and lighter vodka and gin-based cocktails), Savor (featuring cocktails with infused rums and bourbons and rich flavors) and Adventure (which highlights fruity, herbaceous and playful notes). The drinks are numbered, making them easy to order and remember. The cocktails at SAGO are truly a work of art for not only the beautifully balanced flavor profiles but for the equally thoughtful presentation – they are photo-worthy masterpieces.
Some cocktails you will find on the menu include the refreshing No. 4, made with vodka, aloe vera liqueur, cucumber, basil and egg white. A cocktail to savor is the No. 8, featuring cinnamon and vanilla-infused vodka, Licor 43, coffee liqueur, whipped cream and snickerdoodle dusting. If you’re looking for something adventurous, the No. 11 is already a fan-favorite, made with mezcal, rosemary, lavender and Fever Tree grapefruit soda. SAGO also offers a list of wines and beers to choose from.
SAGO is now open Wednesday, 4:30 to 11 p.m.; Thursday, 4:30 to midnight; Friday, 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights will offer entertainment from a DJ, and the acts are announced regularly via SAGO’s Instagram page, @experiencesago. Brunch service is available on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10 a.m.
For more information about SAGO Encinitas and to make a reservation, visit experiencesago.com.
485 S. Coast Hwy. 101
Encinitas, CA 92024