Self explanatory. Be an amateur reviewer. It may lead to free meals and a paying job!
This entry was posted on April 6 2008 at 16:18 and is filed under Restaurant Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.
Ok. I’ll do all the work here, dammit. Mario’s, family-owned and operated for over a generation. Make-your-own fish taco platter a must. located in an old Craftsman style home on the eastern edge of La Mesa on the blvd. Also, the surtido appetizer plate is a meal unto itself. Courtly service, great food, excellent bargain, wtf? Only thing missing is real tequila for a real margarita, but who’s keeping track. Portions huge!
chris says: April 7 2008 at 16:21
fish tacos and beer!!
Jesse east county says: April 7 2008 at 17:16
If you like Red wine I have a great suggestion for a bottle of Red Wine under priced try the Crane Lake 2005 Petite Sirah way under priced at $2.99 a bottle. Remember it is the 2005 Petite Sirah. Let me know what you all think.
Jorge E. says: April 7 2008 at 17:58
LUCHA LIBRE -
There’s a new restaurant located in 1810 W. Washingon Street
San Diego called “Lucha Libre”. It’s at the very end of Wahington st. right next to the freeway. Not only do they serve delicious so called “gourmet” tacos, among other body slammin’ great food, but the scenary within the restaurant is masked with pictures, portraits and anything else relating to “lucha Libre”, (Mexican Wrestling). They even have a special “champoin’s table”! It’s a delightfully pleasant expirience eating at Lucha Libre. A local homage to the art of Mexican wrestling. I give it 4 turnbuckles.
chris says: April 8 2008 at 05:13
Stacy makes some mean eggs at his house.
Jessica says: April 8 2008 at 08:45
Bite in Hillcrest (on University near Richmond):
great california bistro and wine bar! It’s one of the few non-pretentious wine bars in San Diego, very relaxed atmosphere.
The food is served tapas (small plate) style. I recommend the medjool dates stuffed with gorgonzola and wrapped in applewood smoke bacon, gooood. The oysters with chive truffle oil are also very good.
Oh, and Bite has a great champagne happy hour. Where else can you get a Pear sorbet Bellini for $3.50?
I love Lolita’s taco shop in Bonita (and another one in Chula Vista and Kearny Mesa). My fav is the carnitas burrito. Great prices too.
Lorianne says: April 8 2008 at 10:01
Ups to Greg in Bonita for the Lolita’s reccomendation. Best taco shop in SD in my opinion. California Burritos (add guac)are very good. Also, they have the best hot sauce!
ps - another Lolita’s Taco Shop to open across the street from Petco Park!
Carole in San Marcos says: April 8 2008 at 12:03
Now open in San Marcos. Cocina del Charro. The original restaurant is located in Escondido. The two sons of the Escondido location’s owner are running the San Marcos location.
Best hand shaken Margarita’s ever. The inside even has a little bit of ambiance, a treat for regular “mexican” restaurant customers.
I keep reading the entire menu and order the Chimmy. The enchilada’s are also great. And, try the shrimp tacos.
The hippest place I know - “Spread: The Restaurant” - 2879 University Avenue, San Diego, California 92104, Tel. (619) 543-0406 - 100% organic & vegetarian. All local fruits, vegetables, and edible flowers, picked & purchased daily. And don’t forget the Spreads.
The owner works the floor, remembers the patrons, and makes everyone feel welcome provding personal service and attention whether it is your first time or you are a regular. The food trancends words. I have never had a bad meal at Spread, and everyone I have brought there raves about it.
Here is a quote about the menu “Our menus change every day depending on the fresh, organic produce we find each morning at local farms and farmer’s markets. Each dish is served one at a time, to encourage sharing.” There is a sample menu on the website http://www.spreadtherestaurant.com/
Lorelei says: April 9 2008 at 13:32
For the best in unpatriotic, anti-American French food in San Diego, go to Bleu Boheme on Adams Avenue in Kensington. (http://www.bleuboheme.com/) It’s the best peasant food in town and the prices are high, but not that high. I’ve been there three times and each time I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the meal. The Boeuf Bourguignon is to die for. There’s another, more expensive anti-American French restaurant on G, I think near 9th. It’s called Cafe Chloe. It’s wonderful too, but much less peasanty. The wine lists at both restaurants are excellent.
Jessica says: April 21 2008 at 09:23
Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria in North Park
3448 30th Street
I highly recommend this place. I had the thin crust pizza with bacon and giardiniera (Italian pickled relish) on Friday night. DELISH! The sauce is zesty and the crust is perfect.
Lefty’s offers sandwiches, pastas, apps, thin crust pizzas, stuffed pizzas, and the Chicago style deep dish pizzas. Tons of topping available. They serve beer and wine (Pabst on tap, Ca Del Sol table wines, etc.) The place is small and you can eat inside, but they also have a small dining patio outiside.
The Chicago style Hot Dogs look great as well: mustard, onion, sweet pickle relish, dill pickle spea, tomato slices, and celery salt. Just the way they serve them at Wrigley field.
Jer1066 says: May 2 2008 at 22:28
Ponce’s in Kensington. Located a convenient 1/8 mile off the Adams Ave. exit on the 15, it also boasts a mid-sized public parking lot next door, in addition to ample street parking.
Don’t look for traditional So-Mexi-Cal fare here; the only seafood is the shrimp in the Rancheros Camarones. Everything else on the menu is straight up beef, pork, beans, and chicken. The burritos are huge, and bursting with chorizo, beans, or carne asada. Ponce’s real specialty, though, are the tacos. either filled with piping hot beef (ground OR shredded, for connoisseurs) or chilled guacamole, they are always piled high with crunchy lettuce and shredded cheese.
The ambience inside recalls a south-of-the-border cantina, without the campiness of a “South of the Border” regional-chain restaurant. The wall decorations, from the authentic oil paintings to the suit of armor, are all understated, and blend nicely into the dark wall paneling. By mid-evening, the best way to enjoy Ponce’s is by dining on the patio. It offers a great view of Kensington Village, and while the traffic noise can be heavy, Kensington remains one of the most idyllic neighborhoods in San Diego, and is a great spot for people-watching.
Ponce’s specialty margaritas deserve a whole seperate review. All are delicious, but try the El Picante (an unlikely combination of tequila, triple sec, Absolut Peppar, and Hot Sauce) for a truly unique cocktail experience.
On the downside, the service tends to be a bit slow at times, especially if you decide to sit on the patio. Be prepared to go inside and hunt for your server when you want extra napkins, another drink, or your check.
I give it three stars (***).
Jessica says: May 6 2008 at 16:04
Jorge and I had dinner at Dish in Hillcrest on their opening night, Friday. I am mixed about this restaurant. I had been anticipating their long awaited opening for months now.
My thoughts were that they had a few kinks to work out because they were new. But someone pointed out that because it was their opening night, things should have been on point.
Here goes:
DÉCOR:
The place is GORGEOUS! It’s chic looking, but in a different style than most of the trendy San Diego restaurants. You’ll find beautifully twisted driftwood and peacock feather designs on the walls, and mixed light and dark hardwood floors.
SERVICE:
We had dinner reservations for 8 p.m. and when I checked in with the friendly hostess, she let me know that our table will not be ready for 45 minutes. I’ve never experienced having to wait when my reservation has already been set. But we moved to the outdoor bar between the restaurant and their nightclub, Universal. I had a delicious Sake-tini and all was forgiven.
Once we were sat at our table, I realized the they had sat us BEFORE the table was even set. They were setting the table AFTER we had been seated for awhile. I was pleased with the service of the waiter. He was accommodating and fairly quick.
WINE:
The wine by the glass list is limited and I do not recommend having the pinot noir or the cab they serve by the glass. They had an odd fizziness to them.
FOOD:
The pot roast was great! Very flavorful and juicy. It’s served with a potato puree. The steak on the other hand left a bit to be desired because it was served cold. If it had been warm, it seems like it could have been good, it was served with a blue cheese butter on top. The side dish was fingerling potatoes which were very good. We didn’t have desert.
I will return to Dish once they’ve been established for a few months because the seasonal menu looks very good.
Jorge E. says: May 7 2008 at 10:48
Dinner at DISH:
I went with my gorgeous, incomparable girlfriend, Jessica. I’m more of a, “hey look, that place has burritos! Lets’ go there!” Kind of guy. So, I would say her review will be more useful than mine.
We did get seated 40 minutes later than the time we originally reserved. I hate that. We were forced to wait and buy expensive drinks at their lavish bar. Joke was on them, I don’t drink! When we finally sat down, the table settings weren’t all there. I wouldn’t be so critical, but they had an extra 40 minutes AND it’s their opening night. It’s not like they didn’t know people would show up. Sheesh.
It’s not opening night anymore, so, I would say the food is the most important part from now on. I had some sort of meat loaf. Delicious. It even came in a cute little pot to boot. The mashed potatoes on the side were also quiete tasty. The steak my hot date had, I thought, was pretty good. And the prices didn’t seem to be that bad.
We had a total of 2 dishes and 2 glasses of wine, oh, and some delectable mac and cheeseas a starter for a total of $73.00.
April 6 2008 at 16:54
oh yeah. Mario’s in La Mesa for best down home mex, altho soft spot for Las Olas in Cardiff. But where’s the good Indian, Thai, and Chinese?
April 6 2008 at 17:01
Ok. I’ll do all the work here, dammit. Mario’s, family-owned and operated for over a generation. Make-your-own fish taco platter a must. located in an old Craftsman style home on the eastern edge of La Mesa on the blvd. Also, the surtido appetizer plate is a meal unto itself. Courtly service, great food, excellent bargain, wtf? Only thing missing is real tequila for a real margarita, but who’s keeping track. Portions huge!
April 7 2008 at 16:21
fish tacos and beer!!
April 7 2008 at 17:16
If you like Red wine I have a great suggestion for a bottle of Red Wine under priced try the Crane Lake 2005 Petite Sirah way under priced at $2.99 a bottle. Remember it is the 2005 Petite Sirah. Let me know what you all think.
April 7 2008 at 17:58
LUCHA LIBRE -
There’s a new restaurant located in 1810 W. Washingon Street
San Diego called “Lucha Libre”. It’s at the very end of Wahington st. right next to the freeway. Not only do they serve delicious so called “gourmet” tacos, among other body slammin’ great food, but the scenary within the restaurant is masked with pictures, portraits and anything else relating to “lucha Libre”, (Mexican Wrestling). They even have a special “champoin’s table”! It’s a delightfully pleasant expirience eating at Lucha Libre. A local homage to the art of Mexican wrestling. I give it 4 turnbuckles.
April 8 2008 at 05:13
Stacy makes some mean eggs at his house.
April 8 2008 at 08:45
Bite in Hillcrest (on University near Richmond):
great california bistro and wine bar! It’s one of the few non-pretentious wine bars in San Diego, very relaxed atmosphere.
The food is served tapas (small plate) style. I recommend the medjool dates stuffed with gorgonzola and wrapped in applewood smoke bacon, gooood. The oysters with chive truffle oil are also very good.
Oh, and Bite has a great champagne happy hour. Where else can you get a Pear sorbet Bellini for $3.50?
April 8 2008 at 09:14
I love Lolita’s taco shop in Bonita (and another one in Chula Vista and Kearny Mesa). My fav is the carnitas burrito. Great prices too.
April 8 2008 at 10:01
Ups to Greg in Bonita for the Lolita’s reccomendation. Best taco shop in SD in my opinion. California Burritos (add guac)are very good. Also, they have the best hot sauce!
ps - another Lolita’s Taco Shop to open across the street from Petco Park!
April 8 2008 at 12:03
Now open in San Marcos. Cocina del Charro. The original restaurant is located in Escondido. The two sons of the Escondido location’s owner are running the San Marcos location.
Best hand shaken Margarita’s ever. The inside even has a little bit of ambiance, a treat for regular “mexican” restaurant customers.
I keep reading the entire menu and order the Chimmy. The enchilada’s are also great. And, try the shrimp tacos.
April 8 2008 at 12:34
The hippest place I know - “Spread: The Restaurant” - 2879 University Avenue, San Diego, California 92104, Tel. (619) 543-0406 - 100% organic & vegetarian. All local fruits, vegetables, and edible flowers, picked & purchased daily. And don’t forget the Spreads.
The owner works the floor, remembers the patrons, and makes everyone feel welcome provding personal service and attention whether it is your first time or you are a regular. The food trancends words. I have never had a bad meal at Spread, and everyone I have brought there raves about it.
Here is a quote about the menu “Our menus change every day depending on the fresh, organic produce we find each morning at local farms and farmer’s markets. Each dish is served one at a time, to encourage sharing.” There is a sample menu on the website http://www.spreadtherestaurant.com/
April 9 2008 at 13:32
For the best in unpatriotic, anti-American French food in San Diego, go to Bleu Boheme on Adams Avenue in Kensington. (http://www.bleuboheme.com/) It’s the best peasant food in town and the prices are high, but not that high. I’ve been there three times and each time I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the meal. The Boeuf Bourguignon is to die for. There’s another, more expensive anti-American French restaurant on G, I think near 9th. It’s called Cafe Chloe. It’s wonderful too, but much less peasanty. The wine lists at both restaurants are excellent.
April 21 2008 at 09:23
Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria in North Park
3448 30th Street
I highly recommend this place. I had the thin crust pizza with bacon and giardiniera (Italian pickled relish) on Friday night. DELISH! The sauce is zesty and the crust is perfect.
Lefty’s offers sandwiches, pastas, apps, thin crust pizzas, stuffed pizzas, and the Chicago style deep dish pizzas. Tons of topping available. They serve beer and wine (Pabst on tap, Ca Del Sol table wines, etc.) The place is small and you can eat inside, but they also have a small dining patio outiside.
The Chicago style Hot Dogs look great as well: mustard, onion, sweet pickle relish, dill pickle spea, tomato slices, and celery salt. Just the way they serve them at Wrigley field.
May 2 2008 at 22:28
Ponce’s in Kensington. Located a convenient 1/8 mile off the Adams Ave. exit on the 15, it also boasts a mid-sized public parking lot next door, in addition to ample street parking.
Don’t look for traditional So-Mexi-Cal fare here; the only seafood is the shrimp in the Rancheros Camarones. Everything else on the menu is straight up beef, pork, beans, and chicken. The burritos are huge, and bursting with chorizo, beans, or carne asada. Ponce’s real specialty, though, are the tacos. either filled with piping hot beef (ground OR shredded, for connoisseurs) or chilled guacamole, they are always piled high with crunchy lettuce and shredded cheese.
The ambience inside recalls a south-of-the-border cantina, without the campiness of a “South of the Border” regional-chain restaurant. The wall decorations, from the authentic oil paintings to the suit of armor, are all understated, and blend nicely into the dark wall paneling. By mid-evening, the best way to enjoy Ponce’s is by dining on the patio. It offers a great view of Kensington Village, and while the traffic noise can be heavy, Kensington remains one of the most idyllic neighborhoods in San Diego, and is a great spot for people-watching.
Ponce’s specialty margaritas deserve a whole seperate review. All are delicious, but try the El Picante (an unlikely combination of tequila, triple sec, Absolut Peppar, and Hot Sauce) for a truly unique cocktail experience.
On the downside, the service tends to be a bit slow at times, especially if you decide to sit on the patio. Be prepared to go inside and hunt for your server when you want extra napkins, another drink, or your check.
I give it three stars (***).
May 6 2008 at 16:04
Jorge and I had dinner at Dish in Hillcrest on their opening night, Friday. I am mixed about this restaurant. I had been anticipating their long awaited opening for months now.
My thoughts were that they had a few kinks to work out because they were new. But someone pointed out that because it was their opening night, things should have been on point.
Here goes:
DÉCOR:
The place is GORGEOUS! It’s chic looking, but in a different style than most of the trendy San Diego restaurants. You’ll find beautifully twisted driftwood and peacock feather designs on the walls, and mixed light and dark hardwood floors.
SERVICE:
We had dinner reservations for 8 p.m. and when I checked in with the friendly hostess, she let me know that our table will not be ready for 45 minutes. I’ve never experienced having to wait when my reservation has already been set. But we moved to the outdoor bar between the restaurant and their nightclub, Universal. I had a delicious Sake-tini and all was forgiven.
Once we were sat at our table, I realized the they had sat us BEFORE the table was even set. They were setting the table AFTER we had been seated for awhile. I was pleased with the service of the waiter. He was accommodating and fairly quick.
WINE:
The wine by the glass list is limited and I do not recommend having the pinot noir or the cab they serve by the glass. They had an odd fizziness to them.
FOOD:
The pot roast was great! Very flavorful and juicy. It’s served with a potato puree. The steak on the other hand left a bit to be desired because it was served cold. If it had been warm, it seems like it could have been good, it was served with a blue cheese butter on top. The side dish was fingerling potatoes which were very good. We didn’t have desert.
I will return to Dish once they’ve been established for a few months because the seasonal menu looks very good.
May 7 2008 at 10:48
Dinner at DISH:
I went with my gorgeous, incomparable girlfriend, Jessica. I’m more of a, “hey look, that place has burritos! Lets’ go there!” Kind of guy. So, I would say her review will be more useful than mine.
We did get seated 40 minutes later than the time we originally reserved. I hate that. We were forced to wait and buy expensive drinks at their lavish bar. Joke was on them, I don’t drink! When we finally sat down, the table settings weren’t all there. I wouldn’t be so critical, but they had an extra 40 minutes AND it’s their opening night. It’s not like they didn’t know people would show up. Sheesh.
It’s not opening night anymore, so, I would say the food is the most important part from now on. I had some sort of meat loaf. Delicious. It even came in a cute little pot to boot. The mashed potatoes on the side were also quiete tasty. The steak my hot date had, I thought, was pretty good. And the prices didn’t seem to be that bad.
We had a total of 2 dishes and 2 glasses of wine, oh, and some delectable mac and cheeseas a starter for a total of $73.00.