217 3rd Ave
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 863-7417 (map)

Tacos El Poblano says that it's an authentic TJ style taco shop. And since they actually run several taco shops in TJ, we can accept that as fact. Of course people will still argue about it, much like people will argue that Guinness tastes better in Ireland, but I suggest just relaxing and not worrying about it. The tacos here are really good.

The menu here is simple. Asada, goat, adobada in either tacos, tortas, or burritos, and not much else. And that's fine. Because what you're likely coming here is the tacos and there's no point making it more complicated than that. My go-to order is 3-4 carne asada tacos without guacamole. They come with plenty of smokey meat, a tangy and spicy salsa, and a slightly crunchy tortilla. Simple and delicious.

I typically leave off the guacamole just because I think it overpowers the meat, not because it isn't good. In fact it quite good, I'd just rather have more meat flavor. But you'll have to decide that for yourself.

How does it stack up against the 437 other carne asada tacos in San Diego? In my opinion these are some of the best. The meat is the key, and the meat here is just a touch better. Also, rather than the typical raw onion in fresh cilantro garnish, these come with a very well made pico de gallo salsa. The slightly crunchy tortillas are also a nice touch.

There is usually plenty of metered parking on the street. And they only take cash, although there is an ATM there.

2489 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 297-4330 (map)
Official website

Bottonline - A San Diego tradition. Food doesn't stand up to the hype. Touristy.

While OTMC isn't one of my favorite places to get Mexican food, you will find many recommending it and lots of locals eat here. And of course it's mentioned in every San Diego guide out there, so I guess I owe it a review.

The good - Old Town Mexican Cafe is a fun experience for guests. With a festive atmosphere, colorful decor, and ladies making fresh tortillas by hand out front, there is plenty to make this a fun stop for San Diego tourists. The food is good enough that anyone not snobbish about Mexican food will enjoy it. Some of the dishes, such as the posole are pretty good.

The bad - San Diego has tons of great Mexican food. This isn't it. While the food is good, and might be great in a town with few Mexican food options, it doesn't measure up so well in a place like San Diego. Add to that the looooooooong lines that usually fill the sidewalk. In my humble opinion, the food isn't worth the wait.

So what should you eat in Old Town if you are a tourist trying to find lunch or dinner after going through the cute shops? To tell you the truth, I'm not sure it matters. During the tourist season most places will have lines that are just too long. And the food doesn't vary that much form place to place. I actually enjoy Plaza Del Pasado, mostly for the over-the-top atmosphere.

So.......... While it's not bad, you *are* in San Diego. Try the really good stuff.

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.

524 Stevens Ave
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-0788 (map)
Official website

Bottomline - Some of the best street tacos in San Diego. Seriously good meat.

I have no idea how a hole in the wall convenience store in Solana Beach ends up having some of the best Mexican food in San Diego. Logic would suggest that the closer you get to the border the more authentic the food would be. Not in this case.

The star of the show here is the meat. The carne asada has that great grilled taste. The cabeza is crunchy and tender at the same time. The carnitas is juicy and unctious. The al pastor is sweet and savory. The al pastor is actually my favorite here. Rudy's recipe is orginal yet familiar, with carmalized onions replacing the pineapple for sweetness.

While I recommend just getting the street tacos, they do have all the usual San Diego Mexican fare, including breakfast burritos. And it is a full convenience store as well, so you can also pick up beer and cleaning supplies if you wanted. If you're just coming for tacos, inside seating is rather limited, but there is a patio out front with several tables. It's usually pretty busy though, so you may end up eating in your car. In my humble opinion it's worth it.

Rudy's food has soul. Many restaurants lack that. So don't be scared off by the Solana Beach address, as this is the real deal.

89 Bonita Rd
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 934-4063 (map)
Official website

Bottomline - A Tijuana style Mexican seafood restaurant with a huge menu and dependable food.

Sometimes it seems like Chula Vista is the epicenter for Mexican style seafood places (mariscos) in America. Everything from street tacos out of a truck, to strip mall restaurants, to mainstream/fancy places like Los Arcos. Which style you prefer will be a matter of personal preference, and each has it's plus and minuses.

The draw here is the dressed up location, the top notch service, and the fancy presentation. If you are trying to impress your foodie friends, go to a taco truck. If you are trying to impress family from Maine, bring them to Los Arcos.

One of the things common to most mariscos is a huge menu, and that's true here as well. There are pictures, but that hardly touches the surface. Don't be shy about quizzing the wait staff. I also recommend trying an appetizer, unless you've come with a small appetite.

Of course this upscale sort of dining comes with higher prices than the more humble mariscos in the area, but I don't think they are out of line. The food and service are very good, and you'd pay more at a seafood place downtown.

People will debate endlessly about whether this is "authentic", or whether it's as good as the Los Arcos in Tijuana. I'll leave that debate to others. But the food I have had here was as authentic and delicious as I needed it to be. An argument could be made that a more "mom & pop" style mariscos will be more authentic, but I'm not sure I buy that. Yes, the food here might be a bit safe. But it's still really good.

I didn't find Los Arcos to be stunningly delicious. It was basic mariscos fare with quality preparation and very good service. So I'm not going to present it as the best Mexican seafood San Diego has to offer. Frankly I'm still looking for that. But it is quite good, and I'm very comfortable recommending it.

1177 Broadway, Suite 14
Chula Vista, CA 91911
(619) 585-0773 (map)
Official website

Bottomline - A very solid sit-down option for authentic Mexican style seafood.

This restaurant has three locations, but the only one I've been to is the one on Broadway. A few people have suggested the one in Eastlake is better, so I'll need to get out there some time. At any rate, the menu and recipes are basically the same for all of them.

The first thing to contend with here is the intimidating menu. It's huge. Well over 100 items, all of which look and sound delicious. I strongly suggest getting a cocktail if you're going to try and ponder over entree choices for long. Or spend some time quizzing the wait staff.

It's all here. Fish in sauces, grilled fish, fried fish, mixed fish, stuffed fish, tacos, enchiladas, etc. Though the menu has pictures for many items, asking the server is a good idea.

Some translations for those (like me) weak on Spanish -

Molcajete - This is a stone bowl typically used as a mortar and pestle. If you see something like shrimp molcajete on the menu it just means the dish will be served in a stone bowl, not that it's cooked in the bowl or anything.

Machaca - In this context you can assume this means the meat will be shredded or finely chopped.

Campechana - Your basic Mexican style seafood cocktail typically with a mix of fish. Not as thick and tangy as an American style shrimp cocktail. More sweet and brothy.

Everything I've tried has been great. Quality fish, solid preparation, generous portions. Prices are quite good when you compare them to what you'd pay for the same thing at an American style seafood place.

A mariscos is a good alternative to the typical tacos, moles, or carnitas you might be used to. And Pescados y Mariscos Hector's is a very dependable mariscos option.

4370 Genessee Ave
San Diego, CA 92117
(858) 571-8843 (map)
Official website

Bottomline - Classic San Diego Mexican. Some locations better than others.

I've only eaten at the Genessee location. Reviewers seem to like this one and not like the others. So your mileage may vary.

First of all, this is not authentic Mexican food. It is purely and unapologetically the style of Mexican food most San Diegans eat. Burritos, carne asada fries, rolled tacos, fish tacos, etc. And while you'll see basically the exact same menu in hundreds of other San Diego taco shops, I think the food is just a touch better here.

I particularly like the tacos here. Especially the fish tacos and al pastor.

But there is just no getting away from it - This is gringo Mexican. It's fast food. And a chain place to boot. Normally that would be two big strikes against it for me, so why am I reviewing it? Well, sometimes you just need to be open to the idea that fast food can be good. And this *is* what people eat around here. It's our regional cuisine as much as the po'boy is in New Orleans or chowder is in New England or a loaded hot dog is in Chicago.

If you live in San Diego you likely already have a personal favorite for this sort of food, or you really don't like it. If you're from out of town and want to try some local favorites, I think Cotixan is a good place to do that.

So....... Is this San Diego's best Mexican food? No. It's not. But if you're hungry for a fish taco or burrito it's actually pretty good. And if I'm going to pick a San Diego chain as our best, this is the one I'm picking.

4246 Bonita Rd
Bonita, CA 91902
(619) 267-4577 (map)
Official website

Bottomline - A seafood bar/taco shop hybrid with unique flavors. Delicious.

This is a tiny little place, and is often packed. Just accept that's the way it is and don't worry about the limited seating, and don't be afraid to grab a stool at the counter. If you are like me you'll be enjoying the food enough that you won't even notice the cramped quarters. In fact I suggest snagging the stools at the bar so you can watch all the action as everything is cooked right in front of you.

Also, don't get locked into the "oyster bar" idea. Yes, they serve oysters but that's a small part of the menu. Seafood cocktails, tacos, tostadas, and whole fish. One specialty item is the "Aquachile" - A stone bowl filled with raw shrimp drowned in lemon juice and hot chile, accompanied by onions and cucumbers. I haven't tried that, but word on the street is that it is indeed rather hot.

So why is this a stand out? The flavors. The fresh fish and ceviche taste really fresh. The garlic shrimp are an honest garlic experience. The marlyn (smoked fish) tacos are in your face smokey and fishy. The ceviches are full of citrus but the fresh fish flavor still comes through.

Personally I don't like the red sauce they serve, but I thought everything was fine without it. I'd also steer you away from the tacos with cheese, but maybe that's just me.

The folks running TJ Oyster Bar are actually from Tijuana. So while many of the items may have been tweaked for a gringo palette, it's all grounded in authentic Mexican food. And it has a flavor you may not have experienced if you haven't been to a Mexican style seafood bar or ceviche place. I do think a bit of the raw edge has been taken off, and the recipes are certainly geared towards Americans. But that's fine. This food is delicious.

Part of me wants to pass on the review and keep this tiny place a hidden gem. Oh well. If you want to try a great Mexican style fresh fish bar, this is a great place to do that.

110 W Washington St
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 295-9713 (map)

Bottomline - A quintessential San Diego local taco shop. And one of the best.

A while back my sister from Montana told me that when she came to San Diego she wanted to eat at a little hole-in-the-wall, mom & pop taco shop. For me, El Cuervo would be that place. It's nothing special. Not a place that tries to be the greatest this or that. Just a neighborhood taco shop that comes out on top when competing with the many other shops near by. All the standards are here, and are done quite well.

I'm not going to try to identify what gives this place it's "something extra", but it's there. The garnishes work a little better, even though it's the same onion, cilantro and sauce. The salsa bar always gets a second trip, even though it's the same basic sauces. The fish taco is something I'd order again, which is a rarity. Whatever it is, things just taste a bit better here. And that's the hook for me - Hundreds of places in San Diego have this exact same menu, but El Cuervo's food tastes just a little better.

Keep in mind, no one will seriously hold this place up as San Diego's best Mexican food. There is no "wow" factor here. But that's not what it's about. People come here from the surrounding offices for a reliable cheap lunch that won't put their taste buds to sleep. It's what my sister wanted - What the locals eat. So order some tacos and cerveza, sit down and relax at one of the chunky wood tables, and worry about fancy-pants foodie Mexican cuisine some other time.

I've liked everything I've tried here, although I tend to stick with the basic tacos. Some people rave about the seafood dishes, others hate them. The burritos tend to get raves, as do the rolled tacos and asada chips. I advise trying several things from the salsa bar - it's good stuff - but only take what you'll use.

There is plenty of parking on the side or around the back, so don't try to fight for street parking. At noon on weekdays it tends to fill up with people on their lunch break, so to avoid lines come earlier or later.

The tacos here are the larger SD size, but smaller TJ style tacos are also on the menu. Either way you are getting darn good value.

1410 S 43rd St
San Diego, CA 92113
(619) 266-6080 (map)
Official website

Bottomline - The largest Latino market in San Diego. Outstanding selection of hard to find items. And a taco shop.

Obviously this isn't a restaurant. But if you are an SD local and you like Mexican food, eventually you'll want to try cooking some. And then, eventually you'll come across an ingredient that you can't find at the local Von's or Albertson's. Or maybe you just want to shop in a place with ingredients you didn't know existed.

Taqueria, freash masa, gelatinas, cremeria, quesos, ceviches, cocteles, chicharrones, carnitas, buches, fritangas, full butcher shop, pinatas, Mexican cerveza and Tequilas, cake shop, tamales, dried chilis..........

This is the place. A huge produce section with all the things missing in the gringo grocery stores. A vast fresh meat counter. Another vast meat counter, this time with cooked meats. A whole room of employees making fresh tortillas. I could go on, but you get the idea. This is the place.

As this is a restaurant review site, I'll mention the prepared foods you might eat on the premises. The small taco counter serves very good tacos, not great, but certainly darn good for a grocery store. The long counter with prepared foods is both irresistible and daunting. Stews, hunks of meat, sauces, goat heads, etc.

It there is a line at the counters you need to use the queue system in place. 1) Find out what you want first. Everything you want. 2) Find the person near the counter with a mic and a roll of numbers. Get a number. 3) Wait for your number over the speaker system. The number may be given in Spanish. 4) Find a free person behind the counter and order.

If you haven't been here on a weekend you're in for an experience. The place is packed and busy and boisterous. It's not a casual stroll through the market. Not mass hysteria, but certainly bustling. And fun.