El Paisa — Restaurant in San Diego

So, I'm looking for a place to get a quick bite and since they were closing at 2200, we got there at 2115 and had plenty of time to order and eat so I figured no problem.

When we arrived, the place had many customers eating and drinking so it looked like a nice place. However, the music was louder than was comfortable for me but I figured I could handle it for less than 45 minutes. That was my first mistake and I should've walked out. The waitress said to go ahead and take a seat so we did. She finally came around a few minutes later and I ordered a beer at first but since we weren't ready to order food yet, she said she'd come back.

Now, looking at the menu was confusing and there were many items that looked good but ALL OF THE PRICES WERE WHITED OUT. That was my second mistake. So, my friend ordered a carne asada taco salad and I had an adobada burrito. Afterwards we flagged down the waitress and ordered, I also had to remind her to bring my beer. Well, the food arrived about 10 minutes later and we started eating. My friend's meal was a deep fried tortilla made into a bowl shape with the fixings inside. My burrito was a normal sized burrito, on a plate.

My friend enjoyed the taco salad but my burrito was awful! There was tons of onions and cilantro throughout the burrito. It was overpowering, so I cut the burrito open and picked out the adobada, which was tasty but left the tortilla, onions and cilantro. And the music was still blaring.

When the bill came later, I was shocked to see that the taco salad was $13.95 and my stinkin' burrito was $12.95 and the bottled beer was $8.00. The prices were way higher than I anticipated and seemed unreasonable. I walked out of there with my wallet $40 lighter. Lesson learned was don't order or even stay at a restaurant that doesn't have any posted prices and if you are uncomfortable in any way, just walk out. I wish...

Review for El Paisa Mexican Restaurant

As a San Diego native and someone who’s definitely clocked some serious taco shop hours, I’ll be the first to tell you I don’t hand out compliments on Mexican food lightly. I like to keep it fair, but honest. So, last night, my girlfriend, her son, and I ventured over to El Paisa, and let me just say – this place is legit!

First off, the food was amazing – and that’s coming from a guy who practically lives at the best taco spots in town. The tacos were chef’s kiss, and don't even get me started on the Michelada! I’d go back just for that alone. It's one of those “might have to show up again today” situations.

Now, here's the kicker – both my girlfriend and her son (who are about as far from native taco enthusiasts as you can get) absolutely loved it. And when they say it's delicious, that means it’s not just good – it’s “so good even a couple of white folks are raving about it” good.

To top it off, the staff at El Paisa were incredibly friendly, making the whole experience that much better. From the service to the prices (which are refreshingly reasonable), El Paisa hit all the right notes. This place might just be my new taco HQ....

These are TACOS!!!!

I was on local business travel when I decided that I needed some tacos to fuel this body for lonche. I just needed a few tacos to tie me over until dinner. Tacos El Paisa was near by so I decided to stop in.

I had dos tacos de carne asada y dos tacos al pastor. The tacos were loaded with carne asada, and the right amount of cebolla and cilantro. The carne asada was perfectly charred y cooked to about a medium. Still juicy. The al pastor was sweet y juicy y spicy; it was tasteeeee!!!

The doble tortillas tasted hecha a mano but they may not have been. They were cooked just right and seasoned by the comal they cooked them on. Tu sabes.

I just wanted four tacos but this place loads you up with a big spread of chips y salsas. All the salsas were deliciosos. One was really bravo. The guacamole; Im not a big fan of guac but it was good too.

And the best thing.....they give you FREE FRIJOLES!!! I love free but I love frijoles even better. Save room for the frijoles.

This place is giving some serious competition to its competitors in the area. Even the fat...