Birrieria Don Rafa — Restaurant in Chula Vista

Birrieria Don Rafa is an authentic Mexican restaurant that specializes in birria. They also are well-respected maestros of menudo, and prodigies of pozole.

If not for the wildly colorful wall art, Birrieria Don Rafa would be plain and humble in appearance. It's not fancy, but it's welcoming. As are the staff. Waitress Ilse, in particular, is a delight.

On my visit here, I ordered the "Tatemada de Res," where a substantial amount of dry-roasted beef birria, seasoned and bearing crispy carnitas-like edges, is piled on an oval cast-iron sizzler adjacent to a serving of pinto beans, and accompanied by a concentrated beef broth served on the side in a cup. This dish arrives at the table with fresh corn tortillas, which inspires a DIY taco assembly process that leverages the lime, raw onions, cilantro, and hot sauce delivered to each table before the rest of the food comes out. The shredded beef is well-browned at the expense of being slightly over-done and dry. However, with the accompaniments provided, particularly the broth, the meat transforms into a nice tortilla filling that is characterized by its strong, concentrated beefy presence.

I also tried the "Taco Chivo," a delicious taco featuring rich, juicy braised chunks of goat, with pinto beans in a fresh corn tortilla. Like the Birria, once you hit it with some onions and a little of the hot sauce on the table, you're in business.

The "Menudo Rojo" is excellent, possessing a good, clean, and non-insinuating flavor. The distinctive spongy tripe, tender as it is, is paired with hominy to facilitate robust spoonfuls of fun textures to be extracted from the spicy red pepper broth. Spiked with Don Rafa's scorchingly spicy hot sauce, cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime, this is a tasty soup.

Everything's good here, I look forward...

If you're in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than Birrieria Don Rafa. Nestled in Chula Vista, this gem of a restaurant specializes in serving up mouthwatering birria that will tantalize your taste buds like never before.

When you step through the doors of Birrieria Don Rafa, you're greeted with the irresistible aroma of simmering spices and slow-cooked meats. The star of the show here is undoubtedly the birria – a traditional Mexican dish known for its rich, savory flavors and tender, succulent meat. Whether you prefer it in taco form, as a stew, or atop a plate of rice and beans, Birrieria Don Rafa delivers a birria experience that is second to none.

But what truly sets this restaurant apart is its fiery red sauce, guaranteed to add an extra kick to every bite. Made with a blend of spices and chilies, this sauce is not for the faint of heart – but for those who dare to indulge, it adds an unforgettable depth of flavor that elevates the birria to new heights.

Parking is available in the back, making it convenient for diners to enjoy their meal without worrying about finding a spot. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite on your lunch break or settling in for a leisurely dinner with friends and family, you can rest assured that parking will be a breeze.

Birrieria Don Rafa is a must-try destination for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine with a kick. From the flavorful birria to the spicy red sauce and everything in between, every dish is a testament to the passion and dedication of the chefs behind the scenes. So why wait? Head on over to Birrieria Don Rafa today and treat yourself to a culinary adventure you won't...

The service needs much improvement. I walked in and waited to be seated for a few minutes even after the staff saw me standing and waiting. Once seated it took over 10 minutes for the waitress to come to my table and give me the menu. Not sure what I wanted and asked for a couple of minutes to decide. 20 minutes later I was out the door. She never came back with drinks or to even check on me. She walked by many times and not once she bothered to check on me. After ready ng the other reviews I think management should understand that even if the food is amazing it will not seel without good service. Service is a must in a restaurant. Patrons want a pleasant experience and not a poor one. Staff is not family friendly and that should change. I had their food prior to this new location and the food and service was good. That is not...