De Cabeza /El Único — Restaurant in Chula Vista

We came in as a group of 10 today after a day full of tennis and being in the sun. With most of our group being visitors from Portland, Oregon, we had our mind set on trying some of the best Mexican food in San Diego. This restaurant did not disappoint. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the place was busy even during the middle of a Sunday evening. The servers were more than happy to get our large group accommodated very quickly, always made sure we had waters and beer flowing, and even took the extra time to help us with pronouncing all the words correctly on the menu. At one point the owner made his way to the floor and introduced himself to us, and was so kind and hospitable and even played us a short video on the TV of some media content he filmed for his restaurant. We’re always about supporting local businesses, especially ones that are family-owned, wherever we go, so it made our visit that much more special when he took the extra time to welcome us and let us know a little bit of himself. The food was amazing — we went a little crazy and had about 10 tacos a person. If you’re ever visiting San Diego (seeing as the locals are already caught up to how amazing this place is) and seeing this review, please consider giving this restaurant a visit. It is well worth the price and you will be wanting to go back for more the next day. Our group vote for the favorite was the Cacheta...

After today, I will no longer be coming back to this establishment. This is my third time here, and by far one of the worst experiences. The first couple of times was amazing. Food was great service was amazing. Our server was very rude and unprofessional from the moment we got seated. When we were placing our orders, she made it very obvious and clear that she was annoyed with us since she kept rolling her eyes the whole time. I know that when coming to places like this customer service isn’t their priority, but her attitude made our experience very uncomfortable. The worst part of it all was when we had to pay. She brought out the handheld card reader and scanned my father’s card. When she handed it back to him it asked for his pin which he did input, and he was waiting for the option to add a tip, but it never popped up. I was a bit confused because despite of the horrible customer service provided, we were still going to leave a tip. I asked for a receipt, and I see that she had added her own tip. This is the first time that has happened. To me this is beyond unethical and unprofessional. If you do come here, please make sure to check your receipt. We will not be coming back after today’s experience, and my father will be disputing this charge...

My wife and I ate in for our first visit. Two servings of four small (street) tortillas laid out on a plate and topped with a modest portion of Carne Asada, Carne Al Pastor, bell peppers, onions and their signature addition of bacon tipped the scales at $27. No 'chips & salsa' came, no water, and two unappetizing plastic squeeze bottles (upon request) dispensed the hot sauce.

An order of their rolled tacos (3 ) came on a trendy square plate along with two warm cans of Diet Coke, but no glass or ice offered. The beverage focus here is on the prominently displayed quart bottles of premium beer which seemed to be popular with the other patrons. This along with tax added another $18 to the bill for a grand total of $45. $45 for what amounted to four street tacos, one and a half rolled tacos and a warm Coke, times two. Ridiculous.

While the food was flavorful enough, no matter how you plate it, it was still just tacos served on the cheap with grossly inflated prices, and unless you're into consuming 3 beers with your meal to numb your judgement, you'll likely feel as we did, the victim of slick salesmanship served up with a cut rate dose...