El Indio in San Diego
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Mexican Food in San Diego by Type
Many San Diegans tend to rank our favorite according to who makes the best kind of Mexican food. Because we have so many options when it comes to different types of Mexican food, we get a little spoiled. Here are some of our favorite Mexican restaurants according to the type of food.
Fish Tacos
Rubio's (Multiple Locations)- We could not leave Rubio's out of this comprehensive list. They are conveniently located throughout San Diego county and beyond. Ralph Rubio, the founding owner, was so inspired by the way the Mexican fishing town of San Felipe made fish tacos, that he brought back the recipe and opened up a place of his own. Ralph has gone from operating in an old Orange Julius on Mission Bay Drive to dozens more locations, including Petco Park! Rubio's single-handedly started the fish taco movement of sorts here in San Diego. We are so glad he did.
El Zarape in San Diego
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El Zarape (4642 Park Boulevard, University Heights)- Our favorite place to go get some Mexican food to go is El Zarape. Their menu is written on a large chalkboard inside the little restaurant and features many types of burritos, including a scallop burrito. This is the kind of place that caters to all kinds of people and makes a concerted effort to serve vegetarians what they want. We happen to be fans of their very good fish tacos and there is usually a daily lunch special that includes 2 fish tacos (grilled or fried), rice and beans, and a soft drink for $4.99. It's a delicious deal. While you are waiting for your order, be sure to load up on the 3 types of salsas (hot, mild, and green) and the marinated carrots to spice up your meal even more.
South Beach Bar & Grill (5059 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach)- Of all the Mexican restaurants listed in this article, none can match South Beach Bar & Grill being featured in Bon Appetit for their fish tacos. Why are they so special? South Beach offers fresh fish that is grilled and paired with delicious salsas on warm flour tortillas. They are garnished with sliced red cabbage and even more salsa. The unique thing is that they offer different types of fish to choose from. In one sitting you could enjoy wahoo tacos, mahi mahi tacos or even good ol' shrimp tacos. Their fish tacos are also available fried which are also delicious. Be sure to arrive earlier in the day when they open (11am) and take advantage of the beer clock prices which starts at $1 and goes up .25 every hour!
Miguel's
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Brigantine Restaurants (Multiple Locations)- This very gringo sounding place actually makes terrific fish tacos at their various locations. The fish is fried and garnished with sliced red cabbage, cheddar cheese, a special white sauce, and salsa. Pair this with an order of ceviche (marinated seafood with salsa)and you are good to go. The Brigantine has a very good happy hour that offers discounts on drinks but also the fish tacos and the ceviche.
Carnitas
Old Town Mexican Cafe (2489 San Diego Avenue, Old Town)- Located in Old Town, Old Town Mex as it's known by the locals, this busy restaurant bar attracts a steady flow of loyal locals and curious tourists every day of the week. The locals are drawn in by the good drinks and even better carnitas and the tourists are drawn in by the spectacle of the Mexican ladies who make the corn and flour tortillas by hand. A nice big window to the tortilla 'factory' of sorts allows young and old to see how this ancient tradition is done. Remember that when you order your tortillas with your dish, you are getting some of the freshest ones in town! Old Town Mex has indoor and covered patio seating. They also have their own parking lot.
Carnitas Uruapan (8035 Broadway, Lemon Grove)- The original Carnitas Uruapan is located in Tijuana and for many years many of us would make the trek across the border and get out carnitas there. The Lemon Grove location makes getting carnitas much easier and less time consuming. Just like in Tijuana, carnitas are ordered by the pound and all meals include rice, beans, flour or corn tortillas, and chopped onions and cilantro for garnish. This is a fix it yourself kind of meal but that is also half the fun. If you are not in the mood for carnitas, this restaurant also features many other kinds of typical Mexican dishes.
|image3| Porkyland
(1030 Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla and 2196 Logan Avenue, Barrio Logan)- Porkyland. We know, it's a funny name but boy do they have good food! If you look at the addresses for the 2 locations you can understand that Porkyland appeals to a wide variety of people. Porkyland is known for its carnitas but it is also known for the quality of its corn tortillas. Did you know that you can buy their corn tortillas at Costco in San Diego? Yes, you can! Porkyland offers many other kinds of Mexican favorites and prides itself on fresh quality ingredients. The salsas are delicious and HOT. Porkyland is a great place to pick up carnitas for lunch or dinner and many times they offer specials on the carnitas.
El Indio (3695 India Street, Middletown)- is mainly known for its flour and corn tortillas, thick and spicy tortilla chips, and fat tamales. It also has some great carnitas that are not too salty. This restaurant prides itself on making these items fresh every day. A number of San Diegans make a special effort to stop in and purchase bags of El Indio chips and tortillas. Many other customers prefer to dine in and enjoy El Indio's extensive menu featuring carnitas, enchiladas, burritos, taquitos, carne asada, and even Mexican breakfast items. A convenient salsa bar is located next to the napkins and utensils so you can fill up on salsa before your number is called. If you want to go to one of the local's favorite Mexican restaurants, look no further than El Indio. The walk-up counter service is usually busiest at lunch time and seating is available outdoors and indoors.
Mole
Cantina Mayahuel (2934 Adams Ave., Normal Heights 619-283-6292)- Cantina Mayahuel is making a name for itself for its unusual Mexican cuisine. What makes it special is the freshness of the food, the authentic decor and preparation. If you like molé, they grind it fresh at this place. Because of the time consuming process, the mole dish served only on certain days of the week. The mole special is a large meal with black beans, rice and tortillas. Even the Caesar salad is authentic at Cantina Mayahuel. The soft tacos are fresh, big, different and inexpensive. In fact, nothing is over $11.00 for the most part. Beer and wine are both served. As a treat, they also sell Coca-Cola from Mexico and they make homemade Aguas De Frutas, or fruit drinks. This is the only Mexican food restaurant that we know of, that actually uses authentic Mexican clay plates. The owner, an artist, has given the place a neat feel and ambiance. Lunch time is quiet but evenings do get crowded.
Lobster
Ortega's Bistro
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Ortega's Mexican Bistro (141 University Avenue, Hillcrest)- This relative newcomer has found its home in Hillcrest. Ortega's is owned by one of the Puerto Nuevo Ortega family members and it shows. Ortega's differentiates itself from all the other Mexican restaurants in town by preparing lobster in the authentic Puerto Nuevo style. The Mexican lobster is quite different than the Maine lobster and some prefer it. At Ortega's, the lobster is plated with drawn butter, salsa, rice, beans, and yes, freshly made tortillas. Ortega's makes a concerted effort to present authentic and healthy Mexican food - they also have some very good fruit margaritas made the real way. From the beginning, Ortega's made its mark with its beautiful decor and real Mexican furniture. If you are in the mood for Mexican food at a very nice place, make a reservation and go to Ortega's.
Tamales
El Indio (3695 India Street, Middletown)- is mainly known for its flour and corn tortillas, thick and spicy tortilla chips, and fat tamales. This restaurant prides itself on making these items fresh every day. A number of San Diegans make a special effort to stop in and purchase bags of El Indio chips and tortillas. Many other customers prefer to dine in and enjoy El Indio's extensive menu featuring carnitas, enchiladas, burritos, taquitos, carne asada, and even Mexican breakfast items. A convenient salsa bar is located next to the napkins and utensils so you can fill up on salsa before your number is called. If you want to go to one of the local's favorite Mexican restaurants, look no further than El Indio. The walk-up counter service is usually busiest at lunch time and seating is available outdoors and indoors.
Ortega's (4993 Niagara Avenue, Ocean Beach)- Also located in Ocean Beach, Ortega's is one of the smaller Mexican restaurants in San Diego but boy do they make up for the lack of space with really good Mexican food. Tamales are their specialty and they even sell them in front of their restaurant during the Wednesday afternoon Ocean Beach Farmer's Market. Ortega's is not to be confused with the 'other' Ortega's in Hillcrest - they are quite different! This Ortega's is quaint and cozy. This restaurant is also much more affordable. Again, the quality of the food and the authenticity are what makes Ortega's one of the better Mexican restaurants in San Diego.
Tortillas
Cuatro Milpas
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Cuatro Milpas (1857 Logan Avenue, Barrio Logan) - When people ask us which Mexican restaurant is the most unique and the most authentic, we say, "Cuatro Milpas!" This hole in the wall lunch counter has a line out its door every day of the week. The line of people outside tells you that it is very good and that people from all walks of life come here for the food. Like Old Town Mex and El Indio, corn and flour tortillas are made on the premises. But there is a big difference in the flour tortillas, these are the thickest in town! They are delicious and filling. These are the same tortillas that are used in their burritos so you can count on one big burrito if you order one. Cuatro Milpas (translated as four small plots of agricultural land) has a limited menu which consists of freshly fried chicken or beef taquitos, burritos, large tamales, and rice and beans. All servings are plentiful and very affordable. Generations of Latinos have eaten here and many swear that Cuatro Milpas' menudo (tripe soup) is the best in town. Keep in mind that this hangover cure is only available on Saturdays.
Porkyland (1030 Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla and 646 University (between 6th & 7th), San Diego)- Porkyland. We know, it's a funny name but boy do they have good food! If you look at the addresses for the 2 locations you can understand that Porkyland appeals to a wide variety of people. Porkyland is known for its carnitas but it is also known for the quality of its corn tortillas. Did you know that you can buy their corn tortillas at Costco in San Diego? Yes, you can! Porkyland offers many other kinds of Mexican favorites and prides itself on fresh quality ingredients. The salsas are delicious and HOT. Porkyland is a great place to pick up carnitas for lunch or dinner and many times they offer specials on the carnitas.
El Indio (3695 India Street, Middletown)- is mainly known for its flour and corn tortillas, thick and spicy tortilla chips, and fat tamales. This restaurant prides itself on making these items fresh every day. A number of San Diegans make a special effort to stop in and purchase bags of El Indio chips and tortillas. Many other customers prefer to dine in and enjoy El Indio's extensive menu featuring carnitas, enchiladas, burritos, taquitos, carne asada, and even Mexican breakfast items. A convenient salsa bar is located next to the napkins and utensils so you can fill up on salsa before your number is called. If you want to go to one of the local's favorite Mexican restaurants, look no further than El Indio. The walk-up counter service is usually busiest at lunch time and seating is available outdoors and indoors.
Chevy's
(Multiple Locations)- This national chain is worth a mention because quite a few people remark on their freshly made tortillas and tortilla chips as well as their fajitas. For a chain, Chevy's impresses a lot of people with the quality of the food. Chevy's is also located in various places around the county and can often be a good place to get some lunch or dinner while you are out shopping.
Tortas
LaTorta (Multiple Locations)- La Torta refers to a Mexican style sandwich which usually includes a particular type of bread roll (a bolillo or a telera), some kind of meat, some kind of cheese, and anything else that their hearts' desire. La Torta is the only Mexican restaurant that focuses specifically on these great sandwiches. The tortas are filling and can easily feed 2 for lunch. Tortas are available hot or cold, spicy or not, and vegetarian as well. Be sure to look the menu over carefully so that you get the kind of sandwich that you want.
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