San Diego Mexican Food Reviews

4340 Main St
Chula Vista, CA 91911 (map)
(619) 422-2211
Open 24 hours

So we're headed to Otay Mesa for some Mexican food. For those from out of town, a translation - We're headed a few exits from the Mexican border. Today's taco destination is Asada Taco Shop, a place I've read endless good reviews of and zero bad reviews. That's rare. Very rare. Let's just find out what this is all about.

We pull off the freeway and start looking. I haven't seen a photo of the storefront so I'm not sure what we'll find. A greasy mom&pop shop? A strip mall taco shop? No, we see it right away and it's not what I was expecting. Fancy logo'd sign out by the road, new building, plenty of parking, a real corporate look. A drive-through, usually a bad sign. Right away..... I'm worried. Did we drive all the way down here for some gringo crappy flour tortilla Mexican?

Not even close. This food was great. It doesn't look or feel like an authentic Mexican place from the road. But when you go in you suddenly suspect you're in for the good stuff. Buche, chicharron, machaca and cabeza tacos on the menu. Horchata on the counter. Raw jalapenos in the salsa bar. Even some crazy sounding stuff like a chili releno burrito.

And the food is great. One of the best fish tacos I've ever eaten - Crunchy but not over cooked with great cabbage and white sauce. Carnitas with the perfect balance of crunch and flavor and fat. Simple but delicious salsa bar. Big portions. Really fresh. The al pastor taco was good, but not as outstanding as the other stuff.

Single tortillas rather than doubled up, and big rather than true (small) street tacos. But I'm okay with that.

I would recommend this place to anyone. And we'll be back as well. Too many yummy looking things on the menu.