Restaurants that take EBT for hot meals in North County

Hot meals with EBT: if everyone in your CalFresh household is 60 or older, has a disability, is experiencing homelessness, or is the spouse of someone who is, California's Restaurant Meals Program lets you buy a prepared meal at a participating restaurant with your CalFresh Food benefits. The State lists 555 restaurants in San Diego County, 119 of them in North County. Closest to the coast: Del Mar: Denny's (2203 Villa De La Valle), Jack In The Box (2690 Del Mar Hts Rd), McDonald's (2705 Via De La Valle); Solana Beach: none listed; Cardiff: Carideef Reef Cafe (3333 Manchester Ave); Encinitas: Wendy's (102 Encinitas Blvd), Carl's Jr (1137 Regal Rd); Carlsbad: J 36 (901 Carlsbad Village Dr), Carl's Jr. (950 Carlsbad Village Dr), Carl's Jr. (2608 El Camino Real), Kentucky Fried Chicken (745 Carlsbad Village Dr).

The State's tip: "Look for the CalFresh RMP sign in the window!"

Rather just ask? Text your question to PJ, a real person in Cardiff, and he answers it. Asking is free. Not sure your household qualifies, or which one is closest? Text PJ

Medicare Open Enrollment is open: October 15 to December 7. Change your Medicare health or drug plan for 2027 now; changes start January 1. Free, unbiased help: HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 (run in San Diego by Elder Law & Advocacy). Bring your card and your medicine list. The free plan comparison worksheet.

Official: Medicare.gov: joining a plan (Open Enrollment Oct 15 to Dec 7). Checked Nov 4, 2026.

From the California Department of Social Services' list of participating restaurants, read Oct 20, 2026. Lists change: look for the sign, or ask at the counter before you order.

Del Mar (3)

Solana Beach: none on the State's list right now.

Cardiff (1)

Encinitas (2)

Carlsbad (4)

"To qualify for the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), all CalFresh household members must be one of the following: an adult aged 60 or older, a person with a disability, the spouse of an individual that belongs to one of the above categories, or a person experiencing homelessness." California Department of Social Services

• The whole household counts. "Households that include at least one member who does not meet RMP eligibility criteria will be ineligible for the RMP."
• Spouses ride along. "Spouses do not have to meet the age or disability criteria."
• It works anywhere in California. "Eligible CalFresh recipients may use their CalFresh Food benefits at any participating restaurant vendor statewide, even if it is located outside of their county of residence."
• Questions: the CalFresh Information Line, 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD), or your county office.

Not on CalFresh yet? CalFresh at 60+ has the easier senior rules and how to apply. Can't get out to a restaurant? Meals on Wheels and the County's senior meals.

• For a parent: PJ sits down with them, calls the CalFresh line together to ask whether the household qualifies, and writes down the closest participating restaurants and how to get there. $30 an hour; asking is free.

Text PJ (858) 461-8054

"It's about being nice and showing up." PJ, a real person in Cardiff and Solana Beach. He never keeps a card or PIN. Prices are set in one place and shown before anything starts.

Need a human?

This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.

Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · every 2027 Medicare plan · is my medication recalled? · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25. Your parent lives here and you don't? The Parent Check-In Plan, $25 a month.