San Diego Mexican Food Reviews

2015 Garnet Ave #102
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 581-1408 (map)
Official website

Bottomline - The best Mexican food in PB. The real deal. Yum.

I was all ready to not like Margo's. So many things about it screamed gringo Mexican. The PB location made me think it was another surfer taco place, and the happy hour cocktail specials seemed to support that. The weird font on their sign seemed more German than Mexican. And in a region where Mexican places typically have names like Casa El Robertos, "Margo's" just seems out of place.

I was wrong. This is the good stuff.

My first visit I literally stopped in my tracks as I walked in the door. Not one, but two trompos behind the counter suggested a rarity for a shop where most of the customers order in English - Real al pastor tacos. The menu also made me toss my assumptions out the door - Huarache, sopes, nopales, chilaquiles.

Okay...... resetting expectations. How is the food? It's really good, and done right. The meat is spot on, whether it's the al pastor style pork or the carnitas. The sauces are delicious (get the squeeze bottles that you have to ask for). The toppings are fresh and simple. I do think they put too much guac on the tacos, but everyone seems to do that, so I assume it's me.

The second trompo has a unique surprise - Pollo adobado. I haven't seen this before, and it's delicious.

Over all I would say this is a basic Mexican restaurant of well above average quality. They aren't doing anything wondrous here, just offering the basics better than anyone else in the area. And with that "area" basically being Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Mission Beach and Clairemont....... Well, I'm making a pretty bold claim.

Parking can be a problem, as they're located in a tiny strip mall. Prices are very reasonable. It's a little confusing whether you should order from the counter or at the table, but either works. I suggest grabbing a menu and sitting to order.