San Diego
Seeking Advice ... About Mexican Restaurants
I have a few visitors here, and they are bent on trying Mexican Restaurants. They are from Europe. Any suggestions? The only restriction I have is geographcially, I would like it to be not too far from the coast.
I took them to Fidel in Solano Beach, they loved it. I also remember Alfons in La Jolla in 80s was a great place, but every time I have tried it in the past few years, was not the way it used to be, don't know how it is now.
Thank you.
I entertain Europeans often and found they don't care for the authentic as much as the California-Mex.
Chevy's has been successful for me in San Diego as has El Torito Grill in Orange County. The folks seem to get a kick out of the large margarita glasses and the food is pretty good (not authentic, but good).
I have taken a few to Mexico and hit the taco stands and shops along Revolution. It sounds cheap but the experience can be a memorable one for all.
Su Casa in La Jolla is quite good, and very reasonable. Their table-made guacamole is the best in town. Ask to sit in Foster's section for the best service.
Rancho el Nopal in Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town is also quite good, and their birdbath-sized margaritas are a big hit with visitors. They have the same menu as Casa de Pico and Casa de Bandini, but don't usually have the same long wait.
Casa Don Diego in Chula Vista is also quite good, and has been around since the flood (the one with all the animals walking two by two). They have nothing for vegetarians, however.
Mi amigo, take them to the Roberto's in Del Mar. It overlooks Torrey Pines State Beach. The view from the "el fresco" dining area is one of the best outside of those real fancy restaurants overlooking La Jolla Cove. Hey, the food may not be the best, but after a day of surfing it tastes great.
If you must have La Jolla, then think about Jose' Court Room on Prospect. It is a great place to get hammered.
For the best Mexican seafood/surfer hangout you must go to Las Olas in Cardiff. It's on the opposite side of the street from the ocean but the food is great and the atmosphere is pure So Cal surf.
The calamari appetizer is not to be missed, and they have an awesome fresh fish sauteed in garlic and white wine sauce.
You might want to try "El Gringo" in Pacific Beach, Mission Blvd and Garnet Ave. After your meal you can take a stroll on the board walk.
I understand the dining is great!! Do I need reservations?
-- Modified on 1/23/2004 4:19:24 PM
Try Tony's Jacal right next to Fidel's in Solana Beach. They've been in business since 1946, and I've been going there for over 30 years.
I also like Old Town Mexican Cafe and El Fandango in Old Town.
Miguel's in Coronado has great food. It's accross the street from Hotel Del.
If you go further north there's also a Fidels in Carlsbad. Another good one is Garcias-a bit smaller, but more authentic.
Bahia Don Bravo in Bird rock. Great food. A menu that includes a variety of Seafood variations (shrimp; lobster; octopus, snapper) along with the classics. One of the only places in town that has Sopes. They'll do potato filled stuff for the veggetarian crowd. Really good salsas. They only do beer and wine tho ...
Oddly enough the best ceviche I know if in SD is at a place in PB called The Fishery.
Jose's Courtroom is an old fasvorite in La Jolla.
Just my opinion but I have never truly found good Mexican food in a "yuppie" community/neighborhood. The best food I have had in SD has been in places where English is a second language and the neighborhood is a little questionable. Chueys in the Barrio Logan or a taco cart in TJ are more authentic than a place displays some "lo-carb" diet Mexican food on a plate.
I guess it depends on how "Mexican" you really want to get? Places that serve tripas, nopales y cabeza are not going to be found too often in a "yuppie" community. Mad Cow be damned!
I've never tasted good Mexican food in the nicer neighborhoods of La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach, etc. In fact I've felt ripped off by one particular restaurant in La Jolla when the server asked if I'd like fresh guacamole made at my table-side to go with my chips & salsa. I agreed with delight until I found out later that I was charged $7-$9 for mashed up avocado.
Anyhow, for great food and drinks in a nice atmosphere, I'd suggest Casa de Pico or Casa de Bandini in Old Town. During this time of the year, they have a heated open-patio.
Another place is Chuey's in Barrio Logan. The portions are meager but the quality makes up for it.
Last, but not least, is a suggestion to a hole-in-the-wall joint that is usually open 24 hours. The names of these places usually end with the letter O. About 15 years ago, I would have said that they're all good; not anymore. My favorites are listed below. I don't remember the names of all of them but I've visited them within the last 12 months.
...O's on East H St. & Otay Lakes Rd. in Chula Vista (next to Subway)
...O's on Palm Ave & Beyer Way (not Beyer Blvd.: next to donuts)
??? on 2nd Street in El Cajon. It's a walk-up & drive-thru only (I-8 east, 2nd Street turn right, left-hand side BEFORE KFC)
Cotixan (2 locations; East H Street Chula Vista behind Jack-in-th-box and on Genessee just north of Balboa on the left)
Mission Gorge Rd across (West) from Soup Plantation.
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