El Costeño Mexican Food — Restaurant in San Diego

When I came to order the lady didn’t understand the menu had no prices and that the tv screens she pointed to twice were off. Then when I tried to order a simple burrito that was on the menu she said it doesn’t exist any more and that I should order the Rockerfeller. I can’t eat shrimp and that burrito has shrimp and she told me 4 times to order the Rockerfeller because I might like it. This was after I already told her I can’t eat shrimp. It was just a weird interaction. Nobody got heated. It was all pretty cordial. Just weird. Well in the end she put in an order for the burrito I came there for. She seemed very frustrated that I didn’t get the Rockerfeller and then a couple times she was telling me the prices they pay to buy meat every week. I didn’t understand why at any point of what should have been a simple interaction she was telling me that non-interesting fact but I just had to stand there and take it. Again, aside from seeing some unknown frustration on her end it was all pretty cordial just really weird. Well needless to say, I don’t know if I’m going to actually consume my burrito after that interaction. But I do suggest everyone that reads this please order a Mariachi burrito and just get ready for a unique interaction that will live in your mind rent free for the following week or two afterwards. I really can’t explain why this lady insisted on me ordering a burrito I can’t enjoy. I don’t think she wants me to die because of my allergy to shrimp. I just feel there is something else going on that we need...

Hidden Gem ! After a long working day, I decided to take my 8 year old son to eat Mexican food on Murphy Canyon Road. I ordered the fish tacos and my son had the cheese Quesadilla. I had to admit, these were the best fish tacos I had eaten in a very long time. I am a first generation Mexican descendant and know what a great fish taco taste like. The Mexican salsa provided was added a kick. I usually like my salsas not to spicy to avoid to take away the taste of my meal. This is exactly what I got. I could not be happier. To my surprised, I turned to my son and asked him about his Quesadilla to what he replied, "Dad, I want another one. It was really good". Without hesitation, another quesadilla was coming his way. When the second Quesadilla, I took a small piece, and realized my son was right. I could not disagree with him. My kid has never asked for a second entree ever before. As usual, he always complains about something. I was all smiles as I watch he eating the second one. El Costeño is a hidden gem, and I am glad it is only 15 minutes away from home. I know where I am going when the wife decides to take a break...

My family of four had a nice meal. I had the crispiest battered fish ever in my tacos. Fresh veggies, fresh meat, salted perfectly, perfectly balanced, and full of flavor; the chips and salsa, tacos, chimichanga, quesadillas and taquitos were all good. The red salsa was hot, maybe 7-10x spicier than Sriracha. The green salsa was mild.

We’re here on vacation, and we will be sure to come again before we leave. I got to know Juana, the owner’s mother; she explained to me their system of making fresh food. And the proof is in the…beans. I tolerate beans usually, but I actually enjoyed them here. They took over the business three years ago, and I love what they’re doing. It’s not a fine dining experience, it’s the best $10-20 per person that I’ve spent in a long time.

Also, not everyone is an extrovert, take it easy...