Baja Betty's — Restaurant in San Diego

I typically love this place (live down the street) and the servers are generally so kind, but I’ve had bad experiences the last two times I came during busy times. First, I reserved for a group of 6 on a Friday night after I recommended it to my friends, and our server was so absent and strained that we were worried we’d offended him somehow. Like my friend group still dissects the conversation trying to figure out if we were weird. Oddly, he was nice to one of our gay male friends when he arrived. There was nobody waiting for our table and plenty of free tables but he brought the check when we were halfway through and was catty about us splitting it. I figured it was a one-time thing. I came today for Taco Tuesday today hoping for a redemption and was handed a menu to read in the entryway so I can order at the BAR and carry my own drinks to the table. But there is nowhere to even read the menu, I’m trampled by people in the dark, loud, entryway while trying to make room for the servers to pass by (only for more men to cut me in line). As a queer woman, I don’t want to be in a space where men push in front of me and step on my feet, but here we are. 4 employees laughing at the host station 2 feet away while I’m struggling to sign the bill with 2 drinks in my hands, no table to set it on. I’ve never worked so hard for a meal that I’M paying a tip for. When I needed a drink refill, I had to leave my water unattended around a bunch of strangers (not safe) to queue up at the bar (only for another guy to cut me in line). Everyone who works here is perfectly lovely and nice, I just think this system of ordering at the bar seems terrible for both bartenders and customers. I genuinely got the vibe that solo women aren’t super welcome here. I notice that men are warmly welcomed, though. Next time I’ll go to...

Baja Betty’s is a staple in the Hillcrest community and has been for a very long time. Their margaritas, a strong, delicious and fairly priced. I also love their food! But what I think I like the most about Baja Betty’s is the atmosphere. Depending on the time of day, you can either experience a fun, energetic party, atmosphere, or a chill cantina/restaurant vibe. The service has been consistently good; I have rarely if ever had a negative experience in the 20 years I’ve been coming here. It is a very busy establishment though, so keep that in mind when you are ordering (after all we all have a finite amount of energy and patience).

My go to dishes to order, are the chicken, mole, and the potato tacos. Most, if not all of their dishes, come with your choice of black or refried beans and corn or flour tortillas. The portions are typically large enough to keep you satisfied.

If you like tequila tasting, they have a great hand, selected lineup of tequilas. I’m not sure if they have this anymore, but they had a tequila club at some point, and they did tastings every so often. If this is something you’re interested in, you should definitely contact them.

If you have a large party, they are also very accommodating. They have a speakeasy venue in the back of the restaurant that you can reserve for a private event. I have been to it several times with different groups, and it’s always a great time! I think the cost depends on the size of your party, and your food package that you choose, but all of this can be discussed with their event coordinator. It’s a great option. If you have a party that is large for dinner table, but not large enough for a big venue. It’s also a vibe!...

Pride, pride, PRIDE--everywhere!

So we popped in around 5pm on a hot weekday and we're quickly seated inside after the host tried to get us to sit outside in the heat. Nice try! Our server was handsome, wearing booty shorts which looked amazing, and he was not over bearing or too attentive but obliged all our requests in a polite and timely manner. Great service from food runners and all other supporting staff as well. Restaurant started filling up around 6pm.

Happy hour is where it's at! $6, guacamole (served in a semi greasy won ton bowl but the guac tasted like the kind you get at a fancy gas station aka not good), sliced cucumber and jicama plate(fresh and delightful), and house salad with vinaigrette (also super fresh and filling). We finished with the happy hour fish tacos which were cute although tortillas were super undercooked. I understand lots of people enjoy raw tortillas.

This isn't a cocktail bar. The drinks were decent for the HH price but I wouldn't want to pay the full price for these drinks again-- note: can't complain too much about $6 margs. They use pre made sweet and sour and I really, really dislike that taste.

You would think you would get real lime/ lemon juice for $17 cocktails during regular service. It's probably not a big deal for most people. I have been here during regular service and they also use the fake sweet&sour for the regular priced drinks as well. That time we got a really decent quesadilla and loads of salsa. Good salsa!

Anyways, come here to eat, drink, and be super merry in the heart of SD's LBG+ district. Leave the...