Las Tres Salsas — Restaurant in Baja California

In my circles it’s simply known as “Tres”. Sure their name has 3 salsas in it, but I tend to order tacos in groups of 3. 3, 6, 9, 12. Ok that’s pushing it.

For me a trip to Mexico is not complete without a stop at tres. As much as I love tacos on either side of the border there is something here that I haven’t found anywhere in the States, heck it’s even rare down here. That Banana water will quench any thirst. To me it’s more refreshing than any fresca or horchata. It’s not a smoothie. From what I can gather it’s water, bananas, sugar. The tacos are outstanding here, but you might not find anywhere to get that banana water.

This is Taco alley, where the real wars are waged. White shirts, red aprons, big bellys and smiles, look for these things and don’t’ be persuaded by all the others trying to draw you away. They do all the accoutrements. Grilled green onions, radishes, peppers, plenty of limes and the famous 3 salsas. The traditional toppings are guacamole (not American style) and chopped white onions, cilantro and the original red salsa (chile de arbol). The verde is (tomatillo and jalapeno), the third is habanero are more optional. The corn tortillas are hand made and made to order, though they offering flour for quesadillas and other items, the tacos come with corn, don’t order flour like some Texan. Something you may want to try is the vampiro style where they griddle the tortilla on the plancha until its crunchy then fill with meats, cheese, top with guac and salsa. Think tostada, but concave and no beans, it’s a little sloppier.

They have all the meats, asada, adobada, suadero, cabeza, tripa, chorizo, lengua (no pollo). My personal favorites are cabeza, adobada, asada and suadero, though I have been known to order 1 of each. I have always hoped they would carry huitlacoche, but that’s a bit much and not in the style. They do tortas, burritos, quesadillas, mulitas, vampiros. The adobada is lit, red from the achiote, crispy from the fire roast, tender, juicy, fuuuuuggggghhhh, so good. The asada and suadero are not dry at all. The cabeza is amazing, not fatty.

It’s not the cheapest tacos around, but this is still TJ. The loyal following of locals and travelers keeps them a heavyweight in the game. I try places my friends suggest, but we always end up here and they end up pushing tres to people who ask them.

Come sit at the counter, find a spot to sit, come 24 hours, they will be waiting, who knows you might catch me down there after a day/night(s) of drinking mescal,...

The porter at the Hotel we stayed at in Tijuana recomended this place, so we gave it a try. Boy am I glad we did, had Al Pastor, Asada and Suadero. Good quality tortillas, larger than the usual taco tortillas but they don't fall apart! Al pastor was flavorful and seasoned just right. Suadero is the best I've ever had, meat was soft and lean, without the chunks of fat some other places give you, had just enough fat to give it that extra notch in flavor. Asada is cooked in charcoal using only salt as seasoning, great combination. They call it Las 3 Salsas because they use green sause for Suadero and Lengua tacos, a mild chunky red sause for the Asada and Al Pastor. The 3rd sauce is the spiciest one of all, start with a few drops and work your way up, man did it compliment these tacos well. The taquero is a master of his craft, you yell out your order and what condiments you want in your tacos and he will not miss. This dude was shuffling 5-6 people ordering all kinds of things and does not even break a sweat getting us exactly what we order, he doesn't write down anything just muscle memory. He jokes around with patrons and makes you feel right at home. My wife and kids will vouch for this place as well, can't wait...

I come to TJ often and I had my go to taco place and I thought they were the best until I came here! The service is fast the taquero asks you want you like and makes your tacos in front of you. The Asada was incredible thin and full of flavor. I also got tripas which I’m used to when the pan fry them. Here they grill and they are good! Also don’t leave with out trying an agua de platano! It taste kind of a milk shake rich and flavor this will be my go to...