Chef Andrew Bachelier Expands His Culinary Vision to Encinitas with “Chick & Hawk”

North County food lovers have plenty of reasons to be excited. Chef Andrew Bachelier, one of the creative forces behind two of Carlsbad’s most celebrated restaurants, is bringing a new dining concept to Encinitas.

Known for helping establish Carlsbad as one of Southern California’s premier culinary destinations, Bachelier has built a reputation for creating memorable dining experiences that blend exceptional food, hospitality, and atmosphere.

A Legacy of Culinary Excellence

Chef Bachelier is best known for his work with two standout Carlsbad restaurants:

Campfire

Since opening in 2016, Campfire has become one of Carlsbad’s most beloved dining destinations. The restaurant’s woodfire-focused menu celebrates the simple pleasure of gathering around a fire with family and friends. Guests enjoy creative dishes prepared over open flames, seasonal ingredients, craft cocktails, and the restaurant’s iconic house-made s’mores.

The restaurant’s unique atmosphere and innovative approach to live-fire cooking helped put Carlsbad on the culinary map and continues to attract diners from throughout Southern California.

Jeune et Jolie

In 2018, Bachelier and the team introduced Jeune et Jolie, a contemporary French-inspired bistro that quickly gained national recognition. The restaurant combines French culinary techniques with the vibrant flavors and ingredients of Southern California.

Known for its elegant four-course dining experience, sophisticated wine program, and beautifully designed dining room, Jeune et Jolie has become one of the most sought-after reservations in North County. The restaurant earned Michelin recognition and helped elevate Carlsbad’s reputation as a destination for serious food lovers.

A New Chapter in Encinitas

Now, Chef Bachelier is turning his attention south to Encinitas with an exciting new restaurant concept opened in 2022.

While details are still emerging, the restaurant is expected to blend the best elements of casual dining and fine dining into one approachable yet elevated experience. Diners can expect globally inspired cuisine that draws influence from cultures and flavors around the world while maintaining the creativity and attention to detail that have become hallmarks of Bachelier’s work.

A thoughtfully curated cocktail program is also planned, creating a destination where guests can gather for everything from special occasions to casual evenings with friends.

Tony Hawk Joins the Team

Adding even more excitement to the project, local skateboarding legend Tony Hawk is part of the investment group supporting the new venture.

As one of Encinitas’ most recognizable residents and a longtime supporter of the local community, Hawk’s involvement highlights the growing interest in North County’s thriving culinary scene.

The Evolution of North County Dining

The success of restaurants like Campfire and Jeune et Jolie has demonstrated that world-class dining experiences can flourish outside of major metropolitan areas. As talented chefs continue to invest in North County communities such as Carlsbad and Encinitas, the region’s food scene continues to evolve and attract attention from diners throughout California.

For local food lovers, Chef Andrew Bachelier’s newest project represents another exciting step forward in the growth of North County’s culinary landscape.

Chick & Hawk is the new restaurant in Encinitas. The restaurant combines high-quality ingredients with a casual, surf-and-skate-inspired atmosphere, creating what the owners call a “fast fine dining” experience.

Rather than offering a traditional fast-food menu, Chick & Hawk focuses on chef-driven comfort food prepared with premium ingredients and bold flavors.

Signature Chicken Sandwiches

The restaurant’s star attraction is The Birdman, a crispy fried chicken thigh served on a soft potato brioche bun with:

• Kimchi comeback sauce
• Sweet-and-spicy pickles
• Tangy slaw

Guests can choose from several spice levels, cleverly named after famous skateboarding tricks—including the popular 720 heat level.

Seafood with a Coastal Twist

Although hot chicken is the restaurant’s signature, seafood also plays an important role on the menu.

One standout is The Seabird, a blackened albacore sandwich topped with yuzu tartar sauce that Tony Hawk himself has described as one of his favorite menu items. The menu also includes other seafood offerings that reflect Southern California’s coastal lifestyle.

Elevated Comfort Food

Chef Andrew Bachelier brings the same creativity that made him famous in Carlsbad to Chick & Hawk’s side dishes and small plates.

Popular offerings include:

• Duck fat fries
• Fresh seasonal salads
• House-made pickles
• Premium caviar service
• Creative desserts

The menu blends playful comfort food with refined culinary techniques, giving guests an experience that is both approachable and distinctive.

Craft Cocktails and Local Beverages

The beverage program complements the food with:

• Signature craft cocktails
• Local craft beer
• Sparkling wines and Champagne
• Carefully selected wine offerings

One house beer, Cheep Skate, was created in collaboration with a local brewery and celebrates the restaurant’s skateboarding roots.

A Skate Culture Atmosphere

The restaurant celebrates Southern California’s skateboarding heritage through colorful murals, vintage skate memorabilia, artwork from well-known skate artists, and a fun, nostalgic design inspired by the 1980s and ’90s skate scene. It creates an atmosphere that feels uniquely North County—relaxed, energetic, and community-focused.

A Worthwhile Stop Near Carlsbad

Located just minutes south of Carlsbad in Leucadia, Chick & Hawk has quickly become a destination for both food lovers and skateboarding fans. Chef Andrew Bachelier’s culinary expertise, combined with Tony Hawk’s passion for the local community, has created one of North County’s most talked-about new restaurants.

If you’re exploring the area after a day in Carlsbad or before heading to Encinitas’ beaches, Chick & Hawk is a fun stop for anyone looking to enjoy creative comfort food with a distinctly Southern California personality