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Las Cuatro Milpas
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
1875 Logan Ave(between Beardsley St & Crosby St)
San Diego, CA 92113
Neighbourhood: Barrio Logan
(619) 234-4460
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
543 reviews for Las Cuatro Milpas
Review Highlights
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"I will DEFINITELY be coming here for rolled tacos." In 125 reviews -
"I had the chorizo con huevo bowl which was so good." In 21 reviews -
"These tortillas are the most incredible on earth." In 244 reviews
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541 reviews in English
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Review from KP M.
San Diego, CA
5/17/2012
Food is the best. Nothing else can describe the food here. Even as$hole5 who have nothing better to do but write negative reviews on here can't do it.
If I can only fit in the bathrooms I'd spend more money and eat lots more but I can't. I ain't that fat but the bathrooms were built so long ago that they didn't really give a shit if a person shits naked like I do. The door is so small even a regular size person has to walk in side ways.
I love this place! -
Review from Trang L.
5/11/2012
I FCKN LOVE THIS PLACE. That's right, I dont love this place.. I FCKN LOVE this place. I came here after a 10k because my friend has been raving about this place ever since he's discovered it. This is straight up a hole in the wall-mom and pop- family run biznazzzz.
Obviously, at first it was a bit sketched but when I walked in.. you can just smell the awesomeness! You have real mothers, grand mothers, daughters working the food line.. so awesome! My favorite item and what I crave the most here is their Chorizo soup with rice! So good! It's rich in flavor and the rice and beans compliments it so well.. yum! It's a great "small" item to fill up your belly.
mmmmmmmmm Chorizo soup.... mmmmmmmmmmm.. -
Review from Carlos M.
San Diego, CA
5/3/2012
A staple in Logan Heights, I have been coming here since I was a child with my parents and now I take my wife and baby! What can I say about Cuatro Milpas that it doesn't already speak volumes about itself, the food here is amazing! Very simple menu, Beans with or without Chorizo, Rice, Tacos, Burritos and Tamales. The tortillas are hand made on sight and are so fresh you can still feel the flour on them when you receive them with your order! Get the CHORIZO it's what they are known for and their tacos!
Cuatro Milpas is old school, no fancy tables, no waitress to take your order, as a matter of fact it's cafeteria style! You wait in line, when you get to the counter, you order your food, buy a dozen tortillas, get all your salsas and condiments, order your drink and put it all on a tray and sit down wherever you find space. The seating is communal, so plan on sitting with a table full of friends or strangers!
If you are in a rush, avoid this place from 11AM-1PM, their is a long line and even though on some days it moves quicker than others, plan on being in it for 15-25 min, depending on the length!
One of my favorite things about Cuatro Milpas is the community of people that go there, from the lawyers in downtown to the construction workers down the block and they all have this place in common. It goes to show that good food will always bring people together!
One more thing, it's a CASH only establishment, no CREDIT or DEBIT accepted! -
Review from Karen C.
Temecula, CA
5/24/2012
Such a dive but the best darn taco I've ever had !
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Review from Jon S.
Las Vegas, NV
5/25/2012
The best mexican food ever. I have been eating here for 20 years. Every trip to San Diego includes at least one visit for lunch.
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Review from Alex B.
Huntington Beach, CA
4/25/2012
They have the second best tortillas in San Diego, and honestly awesome food. I usually just get a chorizo bowl, and stick to the chicken tacos. The menu is a little funky, but just get in line and watch what the person ahead of you orders. It's pretty fantastic, and will wipe you out for a while after. Definitely siesta food. Their hot sauce is just ok, really hot, but not a lot of flavor.
All in all, this is one of the best places to eat lunch in SD, and the line every day speaks for itself. -
Review from Fumi M.
Encinitas, CA
The menu is small, no California burritos, and no guacamole. You really should stay away if you are the type to avoid unhygienic restaurants.
But everything is homemade.
Star for Tortillas: handmade, daily. Deep-fried crunchy corn tortilla pockets and warm and steamy hint of chewy flour tortilla. Just like an all great sandwiches start with good bread, you can't make a decent taco without a good tortilla.
Star for the Fillings: Chorizo con huevos, bean and Cheese, stewed chicken and stewed caritas. Not lot of choices and menu may come across simple, but guaranteed to have burst of flavor.
Star for Toppings: Again, not much to choose from. As I mentioned in the beginning there isn't any guacamole and there is no yellow shredded cheese. Forget about pico de gallo. What you get is chronic Mexican Cotija cheese, crema Casera, and shredded lettuce. What else do you really need?
Star for Salsa de Rojo: Every good taqueria has its own blend. These guys have oil blended with the usual suspects, chili, H20, salt, garlic, and a touch of vinegar.
Star for the Vibe: Place is gangsta. The restaurant is dirty old building and has pigeons walking around! -
Review from Sharon L.
4/26/2012
I came here a few years ago, in my younger, more naive, and more health-conscious days, and was pretty appalled. My chicken and beef tacos and vat of lard scared me away.
So I'm glad that I stopped by recently. I should have ordered the flour tortillas from the start. They've got a fantastic, springy pull and good texture and consistency. They were so good that I drove back the next day during my lunch break and waited in that godforsaken line again (which actually moves pretty quickly but anyone who knows me can vouch that I detest lines).
I ordered a tamale as well. Like the other reviewers have mentioned, the masa is really dense. It sent me straight into a (euphoric) food coma. I was burping up tamale for hours.
I reassessed the chicken taco for old times' sake; unfortunately, I decided I'm still not a fan. However, I'd definitely come back for the flour tortillas. -
Review from Boston B.
Imperial Beach, CA
5/23/2012
Hole in the wall greasy Mexican goodness.
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Review from Jack L.
San Diego, CA
4/29/2012
Not only does it feel like Mexico, it tastes like it. Aside from the long lines, what is not to like? Unless of course you have an aversion to lard.
Not a bad thing in the house. -
Review from Dalton N.
This place is, hands down, my favorite mexican restaurant in San Diego. It gets busy, so make sure to come early. If not, you will get stuck in the long line outside the place. Good thing, it's a quick turnaround.
Everything there is good!!! I usually get the chicken tacos. They fry the tacos, which is different and how Mexican tacos actually are. Make sure to use the hot sauce they have. Careful!!! Too much and it'll burn.
The restaurant is old, dirty, and a hole in the wall, but that's what makes is yummy!!!
I go with my boss and co-workers at least once a week. Hits the spot every time!!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/2/2012
My boss showed me this place. It's one of the best Mexican food places I've ever been to.
Make sure… Read more »
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Review from Jaime S.
San Diego, CA
5/7/2012
From a Mexican who appreciates homemade tasting Mexican food, trust me when I say that this SD landmark is a treasure. They close when they run out of food. It's delicious. So delicious that people who wouldn't normally be in the hood, flock there for the fresh, fantastic food. I love seeing people in suits standing in line on a busy urban street just to get their Mexican fix. It's a place that everyone has to experience once. You will go back, trust me!
Listed in: Taco Shops and Mexican Food
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Review from Peter F.
San Diego, CA
4/15/2012
OMG, sooooooo good, sooo cheap.
Rice and beans, tamales, roll tacos... all amazing. Not in a good neighborhood, only takes cash, closes mid-afternoon, but oh so worth it for a good cheap lunch. -
Review from Sherley I.
San Diego, CA
3/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Like this place needs any more freakin reviews...guess so...here I go!
Finger lickin good...I say this because I eat everything here with my hands, well except the menudo (probably could) and TECHNICALLY I eat it with the fresh made tortillas, but no fork or spoon needed.
BRING CASH!!
Love that everything tastes like my mom/godmother's/grandmother's food that I grew up with, so super simple.
Come on saturdays for menudo, really good, I always put salt, but that's just my taste. Also, I wish the tortillas de harina (flour tortillas) were a bit thinner around the ends, sometimes doughy...but I KNOW, I KNOW, they have to crack those babies all day!
Just go, it's worth it. -
Review from Lizzy L.
Reno, NV
5/20/2012
Best homemade Mexican food I've ever had. Line out the door everyday! So fresh and delicious! A definite spot to stop at when in San Diego!
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Review from Alex S.
San Diego, CA
3/17/2012
Las Cuatro Milpas is hands down the best Mexican food I've ever had..although located in a low income neighborhood and sometimes hard to find parking its worth all of that. The restaurant is casual. If your a person who dines solely to judge the decor of a restaurant your high tastes wont be satisfied with their decor. Its a pinic table/communal type of place. With abuelitas behind the counter and a restaurant that hasnt changed anything since 1935. Its a cash only restaurant...they dont accept credit/debit or checks.
The pork burrito is AMAZING. The tender pork has been cooked in some sort of broth all day long and just pulls apart with the slightest motion. The fresh queso in the burrito adds the perfect touch with its tangy almost sour/salty flavor. The portions are a good size and the prices are great. They offer rolled tacos and burritos, beans and rice. Theres no heat in any of the food just flavor but they offer pure chili oil and salsa if you want to spice things up. Its very good and everything is made with love. -
Review from Joanne A.
I can't help but think of the "Soup Nazi" Seinfeld episode when I had my first encounter with Las Cuatro Milpas. Simple menu, one super long line, have your cash money on hand, but instead of getting yelled at, you're greeted with lots of smiles from the gals cooking your meal.
There's really not much to this place and with this spot being around for generations, I'll let the other reviews and the food photos speak for itself.
However, what will have me return for more heavenly goodness they serve up at LCM are their magical flour tortillas. It's soft, fluffy, fresh, warm and incredibly good. The rice & beans combo in the too big of a bowl for the two of us was tasty too. It's so simple, but it touches your foodie soul.
For my first LCM meal, I tried one chicken and one carnitas taco. Had the chicken first and it was good, but I much preferred the carnitas even though it got soggy after it got tired of waiting for me to get to it. We ordered a side of crema and the crack cheese to go with it all and drizzled the spicy hot chili oil that serves as the salsa.
Five stars for being around for all these generations. I loved the authenticity of this spot just as much as the pigeon that walked past our table in the indoor dining room searching for his next meal. -
Review from Andy D.
2/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Anyone who gives this place less than 4-stars should be forbidden from eating out, ever again. This place is the definition of awesomeness.
I went there early for lunch, about 11:30, to avoid the lines. We pulled up, grabbed a parking spot right out front, and walked in with about only 4 people in line, all inside. Even if there is a line, it moves pretty quick. It cash only, and a limited menu. Everything's ready to go, and no waiting for people's credit/debit cards to be run through.
I was prepared before we left, so I ordered a pork burrito. I was almost ready to ask my friend if he wanted to split some rolled tacos, but he already placed an order for some before I got a chance.
We quickly found some seat at a table, and began eating. The burrito was about average size, but it was delicious. The tortilla shell was one of the best I've ever tasted. As soon as I was finished, I realized I had to try some of the rolled tacos. My friend also wanted a chicken taco. There still wasn't much of a line, so it only took me a couple of minutes. Once again, incredibly tasty.
I'll definitely be going to this place regularly. I only work about half a mile away. This is everything that great about Mexican restaurants. Great, inexpensive food. You're not paying for any excessive overhead costs. Cash only, no air conditioning, heating, or lighting, just food, food, and more food!Listed in: Work Lunch Places, Mexican Places
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Review from Tinie T.
3/13/2012
On the reals, I got mad stomach pains after dining at this establishment.
CASH ONLY, so make sure you bring them dollah bills if you do decide to eat here anyways.
I won't knock the place because maybe it was just an off day? Still, I don't think I'll go back because I'm scared about another storm in my stomach and hanging out with Pepto Bismol for the evening again.
I will say that as I was *eating* it at the time, it was yumsters. I got one pork taco and one chicken taco for a little taste adventure of two different things. Definitely loved the pork one much better than the chicken. More flavor and juicier! -
Review from Shane E.
Los Angeles, CA
4/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
A-MAZING! Believe all the hype and follow all instructions from other reviewers about when to come and what to order. The rolled tacos were some of the best I'd ever had and I wish I had followed the advice of others on yelp and foursquare and order a dozen tortillas because I was only in San Diego for the weekend and I miss them already! The one thing I wish this place had is Jarritos. Rolled tacos always go good with Jamaica!
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Review from L. D.
San Diego, CA
4/14/2012
I must have hit it on a day when the line did not move fast. We waited over 45 minutes with the lunch crowd on the side walk. It didn't look too sanitary with pigeons eating leftover food inside the restaurant dining area. Yet I must admit the food was good and authentic. If not for the line from hell I would give more stars. I'll try again in the future and see if the experience improves.
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Review from Bearded M.
Cottage Grove, OR
2/24/2012
We researched Yelp for someplace in San Diego that has the "best" authentic Mexican food to have lunch before our cruise vacation started. We had the pork tacos, the tamales, the chorizo, and the pork burrito. Our favorite by far is the Pork Burrito. Unbelievably good!
The tacos were excellent, the chorizo was out of this world, and the tamale was excellent. Oh....and the tortillas were out of this universe. Just make sure you are ready to order when you get in the door....don't slow "las mujeres" down by not being ready.
Las Cuatro Milpas is a must visit if you want excellent Mexican food in a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. This is the best Mexican food we have had...ever. It somehow even beats the great Mexican food at Irmita's in St. George.
Muchas Gracias, mis amigas. -
Review from Mark S.
Del Mar, CA
5/6/2012
Darn good tacos and the chorizo/beans/rice is delicious. Wonderful tortillas. I love this place.
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Review from Natsuki Y.
Milpitas, CA
4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
I heard so much good things about here and always wanted to try. Mmmmmm, I didn't really like it...
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Review from Ginger H.
Temecula, CA
1/25/2012
**BRING CASH**
So seriously delicious I can't handle it. Simple, straightforward, no funny-business, homecooked goodness.
Don't worry about the line. Ask for recommendations from other people in line before you get in because once you are inside, the line moves FAST and they expect you to know what you want.
This place is a must-go. -
Review from Brandon O.
Waipahu, HI
2/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
So work took me to San Diego last week and I needed my Mexican fix. I researched and found this diamond in the rough. As to be expected, we arrived to a very long line. However, the reviews are spot on, and the line moves quickly. The menu is not very extensive, however what they do........they do well.
I ordered a burrito and an order of rolled tacos, while my friends ordered the
Chorizo with rice and beans, and the tamales. I think this was the first time that I have ever tried a real, authentic, hand made flour tortilla. Needless to say, the tortillas are amazing. The texture and flavor are unbelievable. The shredded beef was very tender and flavorful. The rolled tacos as well were ridiculously good. Super crunchy, hot and fresh! Even their hot sauce was awesome.
The joint is no frills, and not a place to go to if you require ambience to enjoy your meal. But if want authentic Mexican food done right, look no further. -
Review from Amanda N.
Fellow Yelper Carlos tipped me off to Las Cuatro Milpas. Though I grew up in San Diego, I had never tried Las Cuatro Milpas because it's hella far away for me. I'm glad I found out about this place through Yelp, because it's a great spot for authentic Mexican food (not San Diego-style Mexican food, of which I am also a fan).
The location is easy to miss - you should look for that green awning pretty much right after exiting the freeway. There was a bit of a line, but it was bearable. My sister and I ordered a TON of food - tortillas, a plain tamale and a tamale in beans and rice, the rolled tacos, and the chorizo bowl. The tortillas are great and a must-order; I bought extra to take home. I also thoroughly enjoyed the tamale (without beans and rice) and rolled tacos. They use that dank Mexican cheese on the rolled tacos and the tamales are exceptionally flavorful. The chorizo bowl was alright, but I think I preferred the other dishes.
The menu is small so it's relatively easy to figure out what to order. Prices are dirt cheap, so you can afford to go crazy here. Overall, I definitely think Las Cuatro Milpas is worth a trip out of the way. Their tortillas alone are enough to bring me back.Listed in: Legit San Diego Mexican Food
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Review from Efren H.
San Diego, CA
1/5/2012
I'm what you would call a MexiCAN, not a MexiCan't. Just to let yuall know.
And this place, god bless it, reminds me of Going to eat frijoles de la hoya, and chorizo tacos at my grandmothers house back in the 80's when I was a blissful young lad living in the streets of East San Jose.
This is by far one of my favorite Mexican soul food joints here in San Diego. it's tucked into Barrio Logan in a part of town that most folks don't stay out in past 7pm, unless you live there, but despite that, It's known by many. So you need patience sometimes to stand in lines, but I'm gonna tell you it's worth it.
Kiss your calorie counting and healthful new year eating aspirations out the window, you're insane if you think you can sneak in a healthy bite here, the beans are no doubt basted with Lard and the house made flour tortillas are deliciously made with shortening and everybite takes you to a special place.
The bean and chorizo medly will sit you on your ass after a hearty serving.
But be forewarned, you will not find california or chile relleno burritos here at this joint, this is old timey Mexican fare. Like grandmother used to make, cause seriously, when is the last time your grandma made a damn chimichanga.
Treat Yo Self!! -
Review from Greg E.
In the year of 1933, long before the era of computers, mobile phones and even television: Franklin Roosevelt was inaugurated president, the U.S. was going through the Great Depression crisis, racial segregation in the U.S. was considered normal, construction on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco was just getting started, the ratification of the 21st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution put an end to Prohibition, and this little Mexican shop first opened their doors to the Barrio Logan community.
That's right, 1933. Almost 80 years and this little Mom and Pop joint is still in operation in the exact same building. According to an August 31, 2006 article published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, the shop was opened in 1933 by Natividad and Petra Estudillo as a small family restaurant and is now ran by its third generation of family members.
Las Cuatro Milpas (which means "The Four Cornfields") is the epitome of a real hole in the wall with a dedicated cult following for its fresh handmade tortillas. I have been here a couple of times before and each time the line has been real long (it moves very quickly though). Make sure you know exactly what you want before ordering, as the ladies that are behind the counter are preparing food in an assembly line-type style at a brisk pace.
Their menu is small. Only things they have are tamales; tacos with fried corn shells; burritos in pork or chicken, chorizo, rice, and beans. They serve menudo but only on Saturdays. My personal favorite are the burritos with their handmade flour tortillas. I will go out on a limb and say that these are the best burritos I've ever had. The only thing I have not tried are the tamales. Maybe on my next visit!
The restaurant itself really shows its age. The layout is like a small cafeteria except far more subdued. There are three areas with tables and folding steel lawn chairs for you to sit down and eat. All of the tables are covered in picnic type tablecloth with napkins available. This place has an old, gritty look to it.
I think the huge downside are their operating hours during the daytime, as they are only open until 3:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays (which I don't mind that at all). They could easily get more business if they extended their hours a little bit. This place is legit because it makes you feel like you're south of the border. Don't worry, you won't get sick eating here!
Cash only.Listed in: Mom and Pop, Mexican Food Joints, In The Ghetto
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Review from Maureen C.
San Diego, CA
1/5/2012
I'm not sure I get it, but I get it.
I don't think a week has gone by in 2011 without someone mentioning how fantastic this place is. I'm not a loyal fan to mexican cuisine, but I'm willing to give pretty much anything a shot, so I made it before 2012 came around :-)
Our group ordered pretty much everything on the menu to try (not difficult, it's not an overly large menu): rice and beans, tacos, tamales, burrito, rolled tacos. It was all tasty - everything is cooked in lard, how could it not be?! - but I must admit that the flour tortillas is what I'd save my calories for. Not kidding, there must be crack in these things. And caffeine. And nicotine. Or whatever you find simply, overwhelmingly addictive.
The experience itself is a reason to go at least once. Line out the door for 30 mins on a Tuesday at 11am. Business is not bad for these folks. Very efficient ordering/pay system (cash is best/easiest) and you grab a seat on your own or take it to go.
I see why folks come by in the truckload - complete comfort food, ginormous portions, and the cheapest you will find anywhere - but it just didn't ruffle my feathers enough to need to return. -
Review from Leigh K.
San Diego, CA
12/15/2011
I am going to preface this by saying that I do not eat here. However, if you want the real deal, all the way through, this is THE place to go for Mexican food.
It is homemade. Homemade means that lard is used by the truckload, which is the reason why I don't eat here. But, in the past, I have enjoyed every bite of food I have ever tasted from Las Cuatro Milpas. They have homemade tortillas that send a fragrance down the street. Everything coming out of here looks phenomenal. It isn't a tourist trap, and it certainly isn't in the best of neighborhoods, but this is where you will taste Mexican food that puts southern California on the map. The menu is simple and there is really no fluff to it. But with a place like this, you don't need any fluff.
This is a hole in the wall... it isn't done up and it certainly isn't fancy. If anything, it can seem a little grungy. But there is always a line... and there is a reason for that. -
Review from Eva A.
San Diego, CA
12/16/2011
Soo fuc**** getto but soo fuc**** good!
I really don't know how this place has an A health rating...maybe they bribe the officials with their yummy tacos?
Anyways this place is not beautiful or tidy but it is darn GOOD. They basically have 3 menu items: fried tacos, beans and chorriso and tamales. All of the Items are made fresh right in front of you and all of the menu items are mouth watering.
I should also mention that I have never gotten sick here before.
Conclusion: This place is awesome. Come here now! -
Review from Melissa Nicole J.
San Diego, CA
1/27/2012 2 Check-ins Here
******There's a reason why there is ALWAYS a line around the corner, because it's that GOOD******
My mother has been coming here since she was in high school and has been bringing my sister and I here since we could chew. It's funny when you're standing in front of my mom, or you could be driving with here, or shopping and never fails to ask "Are you craving chorizo, like I am?" It's hilarious! We make that trek from east county to the barrio to stand in line for what seems like forever and you know what.....IT"S TOTALLY WORTH IT!
We always order 2 large chorizo's with rice and beans. My mom orders almost everything on the menu...and I get a pork tamale with beef rolled tacos. Everything they make is delicious and fresh...and in house! I love this place and will probably bring my children here.
By the way, you have to get there WAY early if you want extra flour tortillas...They are SUPER Nazi's when it comes to extra anything! Enjoy -
Review from Joshua D.
San Diego, CA
3/30/2012
Greasy delicious cheap legit Mexican food.
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Review from Erik G.
San Diego, CA
Went mid-week at 11:00am and there was already a line of about 10 people in front of me (7-8 minute wait at most). Parking is a little tough as you fend for spots amongst the normal street fair along Logan Ave. Got lucky and parked within 2 minutes but, again, "i got lucky"...
The menu is quite simple. As you make your way through the "assembly line" style ordering process......you will see the menu listed as Pork or Chicken Tacos/Burritos....Rolled Tacos....Chorizo Con Huevos, Side of Rice and Beans, and Tortillas.... that's pretty much it...and there may be more, but I doubt i missed that much more.... You're given your standard cafeteria plastic blue tray, and slowing down the line would certainly be faux pas. So keep it moving.
Everything here just tastes so authentic and real....and as another fellow yelper's previous review says...you can actually taste the "chicken" .....as you can also taste the pork, and the freshness of the fresh flour tortillas in texture, warmth, flavor. The Chorizo Con Huevos bowl is out of this world. I likened this to a perfect bowl of "Mexican Chili" so-to-speak...with bean, meet, chorizo, egg, and it makes for a great dipping for the tortillas too! It seems everyone orders this (as everyone did in front of me). I ordered "Chorizo Con Huevos, 1 Pork taco, 1 Chicken Taco...1 Diet Dr. Pepper"....
As you will gather from other reviews and pictures...this place is known for it's FOOD...not the decor, not the interior decoration, not the ambiance.....but wait...maybe it IS for the "ambiance"....We're talking the "hole in the wall" authentic I-can-get-down-and-dirty-type-of-ambiance-as-long- as-it's-good-type-of-thing.
Yes, it's that good. There are three main dining areas so to speak - the "main" area where you order, then two dining areas to the buildings to the side....All with fairly industrial looking "blue" painted walls, with one area of the dining areas with picnic tables and others in long styled tables with cafeteria style chairs. All tables covered with a plastic blue and white checkered picnic table covering.
The industrial feel also comes into the fact that the "back kitchen" where all the workers are preparing the days food are also in the back of the dining area. All along with the huge commercial grade food mixer and the workers making tortillas hands covered in flour. In a weird way, it's what makes this feel so real. No pretentiousness about this place as food is their business... Good food ....Darned good food. -
Review from T C.
Fountain Valley, CA
12/25/2011
Everything is fried in lard. The place is hecka ghetto - the location, the lines, the menu, the seating area, the bathroom... everything. There is no A/C, you will be swatting flies while eating, the place feels like a sauna and has poor ventilation. Definitely would never go alone; not even during the day. The tacos, burritos, taquitos, and salads are all a-ok. The prices and portions are more than fair.
Other important info: be safe and take the bus/trolley as it is likely your car will be resting on cinder blocks when you get back from your meal here, poor air circulation, fair prices and portions, lard on and in everything, cash only, limited seating inside and outside, lines around the block. -
Review from Dan D.
La Mesa, CA
11/13/2011
This is a 3 1/2 star review. It's a San Diego institution so I went easy on the place.
Right at the base of the Coronado Bridge in the heart of Chicano Park you'll find this little gem of a Mexican dive restaurant. Good luck finding street parking within block.
DO NOT expect fine cuisine or tablecloths on the plastic picnic tables.
DO NOT expect to walk right in, order Taco Bell-style and sit down. If you arrive after 10:45 AM or before 1:15PM, you're gonna stand in a long, long line (it moves quickly, trust me).
DO expect some tasty Mexican food served as fresh as it gets.
Advice: Grab some hot flour tortillas from the lady's hands as you walk in. Munch on them as you contemplate the menu. If this is your first time, please ask others in line for suggestions BEFORZE you arrive to the old ladies taking orders.
The pork tacos, bowl or rice and beans and any of the tamales are a good start. And a can of soda. Now move along, junior, there are hungry Yelpers behind you waiting to order.
Pull up a plastic lawn chair and sit where you can.
The hot sauce is underwhelming, but the delicious food makes up for it (muy sabroso!).
Look, this place is what it is. It's special, then it's nothing special. It's different than Los Panchos drive though. It is hot, fresh, flavorful Mexican food served quickly and sans fanfare. Enjoy it for what it is.
NOTE: While you're here in Chicano park, during daylight hours, why not go look at the cool artwork. It's really something to see up close and not from a speeding car as you pass by on the I-5 south. -
Review from Adolfo M.
San Diego, CA
2/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
My grandpa used to know the owners of this place waaaaaay back. I love the authenticity and how it has really not changed very much over the years. I would give it three stars if I wasn't so connected to it emotionally cause it is authentic Mexican food, but the kind of authentic you get from your aunt that really can't cook that well. Soggy rice, dry burritos, I'd stick to the beans and tortillas which are the best things they have.
-
Review from Dietrich M.
San Diego, CA
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
OMG, if I believed in heaven, this would be it. As a super white dude, I was pretty sketched about going into Barrio Logan, but good thing my homies had my back here, cause it was damn worth it! Holla back!
The line was pretty stacked up around mid day, but damn it was well worth the wait. This place takes the "no frills" motto to an all new level. There is absolutely nothing fancy about this place... and ya know what... that's good because the food is absolutely front and center.
I usually get the Chorizo con huevo but don't get it twisted, because it's not as it seems. It's served up in a bowl with beans and rice... chorizo and eggs are mixed in. It is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. Sorry about all those damn O's... but you know I wouldn't do that unless it was really good.
But seriously, it's super cheap and super good... so get up out of your white neighborhood, bring a big ethnic friend to protect you and get down here for some super awesome bomb-diggity Mexican food... done PROPER.
Holla. -
Review from Alice C.
Expect:
1. Simplicity - the menu is very basic
2. No-thrills decor/dining room - it is like an indoor picnic area
3. Long lines (usually goes through in 10 minutes or less, though)
Worth the wait? YES.
Why?
The CHICKEN TACOS are excellent. The meat is very tender and succulent. The carnitas are good, too, just more greasy. This is my go-to staple when I'm here. I've always wanted to try the burritos, but my taco FOMO (fear of missing out) is too bad. What really ties it together is the queso fresco. I always pay the 50 cents for extra cheese. You can also add onions, cilantro, limes, and hot sauce.
Their TORTILLAS are the real "belle of the ball", though. I'm not sure what they put in them...I actually probably don't want to know because nutrition facts can be the O'Douls in your Mexican fiesta. But they are A-MA-ZING. They are more doughy, like a very thin naan. You can order a tortilla plain.
Pro Tips:
1. Menudo served on the weekends only.
2. Don't come if you want carne asada or fries in your nachos. They're like an In-N-Out or Chick-Fil-A...not a vast menu, but they few items that they do, they do it RIGHT. So right that my line-hating self keeps coming back for more.
Bring:
1. Cash (cash only)
2. Your appetite
3. Elastic waist pants
4. A Spanish speaker*
*Ok, not really. For being an authentic place in the barrio, they deal with enough English speakers so translating to get what you *really* want is not an issue. But you should still bring a Spanish speaker (*cough* thisgirl *cough*) because she's a hungry grad student and it's a nice gesture.
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