Ortega's
141 University Ave
(between 1st Ave & 3rd Ave)
San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 692-4200
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street, Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol: Full Bar
76 Reviews for Ortega's
Had dinner at Ortega's Sunday evening. In short; The adults all had lobster and it was outstanding for the venue. The kids had chicken, again outstanding. The Chips and Salsa have excellent flavor, but ask for hot sauce and diced jalapenos if you prefer heat, as I do! The only caveat is that you can pick teeth with the lobster tails. I mean they do not get smaller then these tails. The size of the tails will detour me from re-ordering again. The margarita are very good, but order doubles to cut the sweetness.
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Went here for the second time last night. The first time was so long ago, I can't really use the experience in this review. I do remember, however, that my drink was good.
Last night I ordered the caesar salad with avocado and chicken, and my wife ordered shrimp tacos. My salad was pretty bland. I couldn't really taste much dressing, and, while cooked nicely, the chicken seemed unseasoned. I tasted the shrimp tacos and was reminded of those little salad shrimps--also seemingly unseasoned. (Maybe I'm just really spoiled by the fabulous shrimp tacos and caesar salad at This place: http://www.yelp.com/us...)
In any case, I wasn't so thrilled with the food. The service, however, was fantastic. And the other people at my table, some of whom I have determined to lack taste in other matters, all seemed to have enjoyed their meals. That said, if you appreciate good service you might like to give this place a try. But if you only want caesar salad and shrimp tacos, head to *shh* that other place.
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I think that this place is a bit on the pricey side for Mexican cuisine. The food here was good, however, and they do have an impressive drink menu, and a full bar. So, for that they have something over Chilangos across the street.
I heard that there is an awesome brunch here on the weekends. I'm going to hit that up and report back.
If you do try going there and the menu prices scare you, trot over to Chilangos.
I went to Ortega's for a quiet lunch on Labor Day with my wife, 3-year-old and 18-month-old daughters, and my sister. I really enjoyed myself. The atmosphere was good (table by the window) and the service was fantastic (the waitress overheard my 3-year-old complaining about being hungry as we came in and offered to take the kids' orders first to speed it up).
But most of all, our food was fantastic. I had the Chicken Mole and greatly enjoyed the mole sauce and homemade tortillas. My wife had the chicken sopas, and my sister had the chicken tamales. Everyone loved the food, including the kids.
We only came for lunch, but are looking forward to returning for dinner and brunch, as the menu looked very appealing.
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This place is just OK. I had pretty high hopes when I walked in since I was starving and it smelled really good. The waitress was friendly and came right away to take our order, but that was pretty much the last we saw of her.
Chips and salsa were yummy. I ordered the Carnitas and really liked it (besides some of the huge, scary chunks of fat which I guess is to be expected in that dish). The homemade flour tortilla was really fresh and pretty good. My hubbie ordered the filet tacos and wasn't as impressed -- they were average.
After eating, we sat at our table for probably 15 minutes before the manager came over with an apologetic look to clear our plates. There were 2 other occupied tables in our section, so I don't know if another area was totally packed or if our waitress was just clueless. Thank goodness for the extra help they have in the dining area or my glass would have been empty for my entire meal.
Overall, the food was alright, the service was not so great. There are so many other options in SD for good food -- I'm not sure I'll be back here anytime soon.
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I'm not really a big fan of Mexican food but this is one restaurant that I'll definitely visit again.
My friend and his roommate took me here for dinner and I was kind of bummed out because I wanted to eat something else. But as soon as we got in, immediately liked the place. Very nice interior and lighting! Staff were very friendly and accommodating, too.
I started off with a cup of black bean and pumpkin soup which was very good and filling (they had a huge cup!). For my main meal, I decided to have their Grilled Dorado Veracruz which was grilled Mahi-Mahi with capers, olives, and other stuff. For my drink, I got the Raspberry Mint Margarita which was very refreshing.
We ended our meal with some Coconut Flan which was so smooth and tasty. My friend said it was the best flan he had ever had.
I think this is the best Mexican food I've ever tried.
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Love the decor, the service and they do have wonderful chips. This bistro is a great concept with what could be a great menu. I don't know about the rest of the food, but the Chicken Mole Enchiladas are probably the most disgusting I have ever tasted. Completely inedible- as was the rice. Both were dry and cold (although the plate was hot- go figure). Seriously folks, you really have to work at it to get food to taste this bad. Someone needs to have a serious talk with the chef!
Would I recommend it? If you are hungry....go somewhere else. As for myself, I definitely will not be returning.
I've been back a few times (always on Tuesdays for $2 margaritas) and have been able to try both the Kobe Bistek and the Chicken Mole Enchiladas. Thumbs up on both.
I found the Kobe beef to be perfect for do-it-yourself tacos with their awesome homemade tortillas. The chicken mole sauce was rich (in a good way) - the taste of the chile and slight hint of cacao is excellent and the chicken was very tender and still juicy.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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02/20/2008
I'm always down for some good Mexican food - especially when my fellow Yelpers in crime recommend a… Read more »
Okay, so Ortega's is not the most authentic Mexican restaurant in SD, but the grub is good, the drinks are stiff (try a 10 Cane Mojito with a float of Grand Marnier) and the guacamole is prepared fresh at the table. It's a great spot to sit on the patio, have a few too many margies and watch all the lovely gay men walk hand in hand down University. Love Hillcrest, love margies & mojitos, love Ortega's. Not that complicated, friends.
I've been there usually late at night. Very good margaritas, friendly very good atmosphere... I go there time to time to have drinks. The seats at the
bar are nice.
Once I ordered a ceviche, but it was made with ketchup which I'm not a big fan.
I really like Ortega's.
But, I fear that this is partially a reflection of my Gringosim. My GF was born in Mexico and grew up in South El Monte (LA) and she doesn't think Ortega's is all that. The salsa isn't hot enough, etc.
But, from my Gringo POV, the food is dynamite. I think they make the best frijoles I have had outside of Mi Nidito in Tucson, AZ. Their gucamole is perfect, the rice is fantastic.
Each componant of each plate is infused with complex flavors. I love that their beans and rice include hints of cacao and maybe cinnamon but are NOT overwhelmed with those flavors and are not at all sweet. I think Ortega's does (semi) high end Mexican fare very well.
Carnitas: absolutely delicious, even though I tend to like 'crispy' carnitas. Ortega's carnitas aren't crispy, but are richly flavorful with plenty of that wonderous pork fat without being at all greasy.
I've been four or five times and I have always been very happy. And, frankly, the prices--although much higher than 'family style' SoCal Mexican joints and tacquerias--are very reasonable. I think the Carnitas plate was $14, which considering the quality of ingredients and care in preparation, is a very good price.
Margaritas are solid. Chips and salsa solid.
A final note about Ortega's. The rooms are beautiful. The loft space upstairs makes for a lovely setting for a large group, and the downstair's tables are pleasantly dark and warm.
My other favorte Mexican restaurant in SD is Ponce's. Ponce's salsa is hotter and their friloes and rice are more traditionally Mexican (as far as I can tell). But Ortega's is doing something special, IMHO.
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I should have come here a long time ago. A buddy and I moseyed in for an early lunch and totally dug the decor . . . stylish bar, clean, roomy and comfortable dining area.
I noticed a machaca torta on the breakfast menu. I thrived on those things in college and had to try it. My buddy ordered the chicken and tortilla soup and we both ordered a cup of coffee to start.
Wow! The house coffee was excellent, a smooth and rich brew. The food was served about 10 minutes later piping hot. My buddy liked his soup but felt it could've used a little more spice or time to simmer down . . . it looked completely fresh as though the pot was just finished and the flavors may not have had time enough to blend. My dish included a sweet slice of cantaloupe and a small bowl of pinto beans topped with shredded Mexican cheese enhanced with a hint of garlic and onion . . . delicious.
But the torta was friggin amazing! I shared half of it with my buddy who agreed . . . amazingly delicious! The torta bread was nicely toasted and buttered. I selected pulled pork which was savory and tender. The machaca sauce was perfectly seasoned and spiced and wasn't overloaded with eggs. A fresh layer of avocado was a nice touch too.
The service was friendly and efficient. I'm definitely going back.
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We love this place. Been going here since they opened and have always felt welcome and appreciated dining there. The homemade/tableside Guacamole is heaven. Great handshaken Margaritas and other fantastic cocktails. Love the lobster dinner. Very Northern Baja! Great patio and inside bar to chill and talk too!
I always appreciate when I can make reservations online for a restaurant and with Ortega's, you can.
This isn't the first time I've eaten here, times before were ok but not over the top...last night was downright blah!
Our waiter was a a total bore, I may have just ordered my food online as well, when I asked if there were any specials, his response was "Everything is all on the menu"! Can you say BITCH slap? Offer me some suggestions buddy!
The food was ok but not for the price, $13.95 for 3 Poblano Queso Tacos or $10.00 for a Pomegranate Margarita (oh pull-ease)! This isn't NY people!
Removed from my future dining list...NEXT!
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My review is based merely on their margaritas and guacamole. I understand the restaurant is more than this, but I've never had a meal here so I can not review their meals. Ortega's is a great place to go catch a happy hour drink while snacking on some freshly made (at your table) guacamole and tortilla chips. Grab yourself another margarita and relax in one of their ultra-comfy chairs / couches. Very comfy place! I'll be back for more than margaritas and guacamole soon and I'll add to my review.
when i was younger, i was a finicky eater.
to be fair, i'm still a finicky eater, but my tastes have expanded to include at least three or four things i would have refused to eat when i was seven. good job, irene. i'm patting myself on the back right now.
when i was younger, my father unwisely tried to force me to eat several nasty food items, the result being that i hated them even more ferociously than i had before. avocados - SICK.
& though california born & bred & always surrounded by them, i would have happily spent the rest of my life avoiding avocados & foods that accidentally came into contact with avocados, if only to spite my father.
but then! my aunt & uncle brought me to this restaurant (at least three years ago) and there, at the table, our waiter made some guacamole. my aunt and uncle raved about it, so i couldn't very well refuse to try it. i mean, i could have, but i'm not a total brat. so i tentatively scooped up the smallest bit & put it in my mouth.
um, okay, not so bad. no, wait... this is good. no, oh my god, this shit is really fucking good!! AVOCADOES, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?! seriously, just like that, i fell in love.
granted, i still hate onions, so i gotta pick the chunks out of everything they touch, including this grade a guacamole, but it's a small price to pay for the delicious green mess your waiter makes for you at the table.
the margaritas are perfect, and the food is pretty much good, too.
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I flew down from San Francisco for business and needed to get some good Mexican food... (SF has great Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese.... probably every-possible-ese, but mediocre Mexican). I found Ortega's on Zagat.com under the listing of top Mexican restaurants and the food was excellent...
I had the Butterflied Shrimp on top of bacon wrapped crab cakes, topped with some sort of spicy creamy sauce. Nice kick, nice blend of flavors (granted, you could wrap a chicken mcnugget in bacon and it would taste great)... Served with perfectly cooked veggies, refried beans with a little extra spice. Their signature Pomegranate Margarita was delicious (and pomegranate is oh-so-trendy right now... Tequila and antioxidants in one!).
The space is a little awkward (hello? this IS hillcrest) and the waitstaff could have a little more fun... but all-in-all, Ortega's is definitely worth trying and I'd go there again.
We hit up this Puerto Nuevo-style Mexican restaurant last night for dinner. I have had many lunches here but always sat at the patio or downstairs. If you can sit upstairs, it has it's own bathrooms and feels more quaint and personable.
Their made-at-your-table guacamole is good. If you like a little more citrus get some limes on the side to add some juice.
My girlfriend had the whole lobster; I went with 1/2 lobster with prawns. Go with the whole lobster for $3 more. They don't offer small, medium or large rock lobsters like their restaurant in Puerto Nuevo (go there for their pitcher of Pina Coladas..MMMM) but these were about medium size, tender and plenty for one person.
Go with the sangria over a margarita for a nice change of pace. It's not weakened by too much juice and has some tasty alcohol-infused pieces of fruit.
Guacamole, 4 sangria's and two lobster plates were $111 including tip.
Joe was our server and did a great , great job. He remarked my choice of ordering the sangria was wise. Joe knows what he's talking about ..."and knowing is half the battle, YO JOE! "( I'll give you $5 if you figure out what that last line in the last paragraph is from, hahaha)
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Good margarita's. Decent happy hour. Especially the late night one from 10 PM - 12 PM. Food and service can be spotty. Nice ambiance. Owners are nice.
The chips are awesome. I actually went twice in a week. The first visit the chips were hot, the second they were lukewarm. If yours are lukewarm ask for fresh chips, they are too good to miss. I had the crab enchilada. It was ok not that great but fresh. The second time I had the Kobe Beef Burrito. It was fantastic, even better the second day out of the doggie bag. The food is all fresh but the don't seem to have a spice rack in their kitchen. What's weird is they don't have salt and pepper on the tables, so you can't the flavor yourself. Even weirder they don't have many items on the menu with cheese. What is mexican food without cheese..
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Ryan R makes some really good points about Ortega's in his review: 1) the ambience is nice. 2) the staff is beautiful and 3) hillcrest is pretty fuckin gay.
Like Ryan, I am a poster boi of masculinity and heterosexual prowess. I gots more bitches than a puppy mill. That being said, it obviously took some arm twisting to get me up to this part of town to try Mexican food, I mean. I can get Mexican food anywhere in SD, why do I want to put my reputation on the line by being seen in this neighborhood?
After getting my nails done I was finally convinced that it would be "OK" for me to venture into hillcrest and that my reputation wouldn't suffer. "What-ev-errrr!!" I thought to myself but grudgingly, I went. We had to go to the hair salon anyway.
The ambiance was absolutely fabulous and my server had amazing hair and OMG the drinks were STIFF. Hot! Getting out of my comfort zone and venturing to such a gay part of town was TOTALLY worth it. I had kobe beef tacos with a side of beans and rice. Tasty, very nice. When I was done I felt as if I had been stuffed with hot latin meat from both ends.
I recommend this place, even to those of you who are big manly, masculine, pussy hunters like Ryan and I. rawr!
(Also, there's a great store across the street that sells fabulous mens' swimwear. To Die For O-M-G!!!)
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I went to Ortega's on a Sunday afternoon with my beautiful girlfriend. We both had margaritas and being the sissy that I am, I was a bit sad that mine wasn't frozen. But my pomegranate margarita was still very good. My girlfriend mentioned that mine was better than hers (raspberry mint).
The chips were very salty, but also warm and very good. The salsa was good, but not great. But the guacamole (appetizer) was awesome. Our waiter made it right in front of us and it was worth every penny.
I had the carnitas plate which was at least a 7.5 out of 10. The rice and beans were excellent and the warm tortillas, delivered in a big pot, were really good as well. She had the chicken mole plate which she loved. She also mentioned that the rice in particular was really good.
We didn't have any dessert as we were stuffed. The waiter was quiet but very helpful with refilling drinks, except for water. The atmosphere is friendly and I would definitely eat there again.
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I really love this place. The staff is young and friendly, it's never a huge madhouse, and I never have had to wait long for a table.They have a nice ambiance too, great margaritas (2 bucks on Tuesdays for happy hour), and fresh tortillas! Now I must say I'm a tortilla snob spoiled by my friend's mom in High school who used to have fresh tortillas waiting after school. But this is exactly what their tortillas taste like! Yum!
They are a little over priced with their dinner menu, that's why I always go for lunch. For some reason it's always a couple bucks cheaper. I love their tortilla soup, carnitas sopas, chicken tamales, kobe steak burrito, and their enchiladas. My somach is growling just thinking about it...
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I've only been there once - and it was for a party, so I didn't get the full run of what I could have had, but the GUACAMOLE IS AMAZING. I think we had some of the quesadillas as well. But seriously, the GUAC. YUM.
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Try the chicken tacos...really good..
tableside guac is a can't miss as well...
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First order the Guac. It is amazing. As is the Puerto Nuevo soup. Order a cup of soup instead of a bowl. The bowl is like 4 spoonfuls more in volume than the cup. That bugs!! The Kobe burrito and the fajita tacos are very good. The ceviche is very sweet (actually sugary sweet, not 'sweet' like 'rad'), so I was not into it. The service is a crap shoot. They never keep their staff around for very long. I don't know if they hire those that need to be fired or if they are dicks to their employees. It makes it sorta hard to relax when your server is always in the training stage. I love eating at this place though I have never had an issue free experience with them. I would stick to lunch and dinner. Their breakfast is...meh. The guacamole and chips are what kept me coming back.
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The queso fundido is to die for! Super yummy. Probably not the healthiest thing if you already have a few clogged arteries, but if you're out there sweating regularly, this is something you have to try. My tacos were pretty average, but some of the fish dishes are quite tasty. I echo the comments about their fresh tortillas. Their corn tortillas are authentic.
We went there on Cinco de Mayo and it wasn't too busy early on. No complaints from the service. In fact we ordered premium margaritas rather than their happy hour ritas. The server forgot to put the drinks on the bill to which we honestly told him about. He was nice enough to charge us only at the happy hour rates, saving us something like $5 per drink.
Definitely plan on going back!
Came here with the girls for lunch over the weekend and had a great time. Excellent people watching for the out door tables. The tableside guacamole was good, and the margaritas were strong! Everyone was really nice and attentive. Their menu is varied with something for everyone. Only thing I wish is that their salsa would be a bit spicier.
Other than that, I will be coming to Ortega's again.
Why in the world would I drive all the way down to Puerto Nuevo... spending all that money on $4/gallon gas and risking some guys posing as Mexican police trying to get all medieval on me... just to get lobster? Ortega's lobster is just as good if not better. The table side guacamole is wonderful, and the margaritas are perfect. I've had the shrimp enchiladas too and they are just as good... but get the lobster.
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Here's my take on this place:
- Drinks (soda was watered down. Saving cash?)
- Guacomole (handmade on your table. Excellent)
- Chips (pretty good. Light and tasty)
- Menu selection. (Pretty good). Not a lot of quantity but a lot of variety. Unusual dishes like mole, huitlacoche, etc. Not just beans and tortillas.
- Service. Friendly enough but slow.
- Price (OK, within normal ranges for sit-down place).
- Food. Incomplete score. Tried the huitlacoche, which I hadn't had before. Unimpressive, but that may have just been me.
- Atmosphere (Good). Sort of a upscale cantina look.
I shoulda listened to my gut, the fish was way fishy smelling....I only get sick once and never visit again....
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I am Mexican and I am telling you: I LOVE THIS PLACE!
It has taken me years to find a Mexican place that I like in this town that is not south of the border. With fresh, well-made food and good prices, it is definitely my favorite. it is also very romantic, even though I never gone there with a guy. But maybe soon, perhaps? But if I do, I am sitting next to the fireplace and I will defiantly be holding his hand the whole time.
So if you are looking for great healthier dishes at a good price and great homemade tortillas and want to get a kiss after dinner- COME HERE! It is worth it! I promise!
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2 words: Shrimp Papagayo! YUM!!!! Yes the chips and salsa are great too but stuffed shrimp wrapped in bacon, c'mon. The service has always been satisfactory but last time our waitress was especially attentive. One of my fave Mexican restaurants in SD. That parking lot does kind of suck cuz it's so tiny but small price for such great food.
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Overall, a big fat meh.
Service was inattentive and forgetful.
Food: I had the 1/2 lobster and beef medallions (which were purported to be filet). The lobster was a bit on the small side and just OK, the beef was flavorless, rice & beans were nothing spectacular. The wife had 1/2 lobster and shrimp, she wasn't impressed either. This is in no way a replacement for a Puerto Nuevo run or Baja Lobster & Club in Chula Vista (now closed). As mentioned, the portions are "European" but more of the bland excuse for a food wouldn't have made a difference.
They have a microscopic parking lot, park on the street.
No reason to go here....
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I saw the article in some San Diego magazine so I thought I'd check this place. Who doesn't like a good grilled lobster.
I was pretty disappointed. I ordered a Blue Azul (margarita, probably the best thing I had all night). For my entree, I had the Lobster and Steak. The steak was very small, flavorless and poor quality filet. The lobster was actually decent. I was a bit surprised that my entree didn't come with more sides (I was yearning for some corn, salsa, anything!) and the only side it did come with was some really soggy and gross rice.
I think my money is better spent elsewhere.
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I figure I better get on it and review this place while I can.
As once there are over 50 reviews for a place, the allure of writing one greatly diminishes for me. Thankfully, I'll be number 45.
I've been coming here since they first opened and still have occasional cravings for some of their signature dishes.
They do these things par excellence:
Charro Beans with Dry, Spanish Chorizo.
Chicken Tortilla Soup with a lovely clear broth.
And most important of all, some of the best
Chips & Salsa
in town - light chips with that ephemeral crackle and salsa with oven-roasted Romas and just the right blending of Hot, Sour, Sweet, Salt.
Since it's called Ortega's, many folks with disappointing visits here came to try the Puerto Nuevo Lobster & Steak.
Save the pricey, Surf & Turf meal for a time when your parents are taking you out to Donovan's or something.
And as for Lobster, preparation is a no brainer. Buy a tail on sale, bring it home, cook it and put melted butter on the side. Not real chefery there.
Come to Ortega's for the lovingly prepared, slow cooked foods that make Mexican Cuisine famous.
As for the peopled who complain of small portions, they obviously didn't enjoy enough Chips & Salsa while they were here.
I can come here, split an order of Smartly-Stuffed Sopes with my Sweetie--with an extra side of Charro Beans of course (I don't share well when it come to those beans)--and leave plenty full and happy.
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2 stars for the guacamole only. The portions are tiny, overpriced, and all taste the same. Way better places to eat mex, to support this one.
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My heterosexual life mates and I went here Wednesday afternoon for a late lunch. Having given up alcohol for the month of January, we've discovered that sober people engage in various activities to pass the time, late lunches being one of them. Hillcrest reminds me of my neighborhood in San Francisco, not because of the hills but because it is incredibly gay.
My best friend lives a block away from Ortega's and I've always been curious each time I visit the neighborhood. Not bi-curious... I was curious to know what a Mexican Bistro has to offer. To compete with all the taco shops in the neighborhood, a Mexican bistro would have to be the cock of the walk, right? Especially located in such close proximity to Urban Mo's... I mean that place draws some serious cocks....
Anyway, back to our late lunching experience. The first thing I noticed upon entry was the heinously ugly teal polo shirts that they have their staff wearing. Immediately the fashion police sirens went quiet when I realized how beautiful everyone who works here is. I shit you not, these assholes could wear wet burlap pajamas and you would still tip over 20%. I mean my friends and I are pretty good looking for walking trash but these people were straight out of Latin pop culture magazines.
On to the food before I lose all credibility as your average straight, twenty something, reviewer. The menus themselves are really nice, suggesting that the food was something to be excited about. The selection of dishes was relatively small and eclectic with a couple stand outs.
My friend ordered the crab enchiladas and I ordered the Kobe beef burrito. He and I discussed what we wanted before hand and decided, as usual, to try something that would give them the opportunity to showcase their unique flare for the cuisine. Our server was shy but effective and the food arrived in a timely manner. I have to say, I was very impressed with the presentation of the food and the general ambiance of the restaurant.
The portions are very European, not your monster California burrito from the neighborhood taco shop. However; this was a late lunching experience and the portion size was appropriate and made us feel more sophisticated than the ruffians we are in real life. My only qualm was with the actual flavor... I'm sorry Ortega's Mexican Bistro, you have a lot going on that is great but you could stand to improve the single most important part of a restaurant...
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I'm always looking for great Mexican food...and I don't know why it's so hard to find being that San Diego is so close to Mexico. Anyway, my friend, Vero, has been raving about this place since she went around 2 months ago. The "FAM" and I were pretty hungry around noon today, so we thought we should go check this place out for ourselves.
Parking was a "B"! Should have known since this place is on University Ave. But we actually found parking in the little shopping center. Outside looks as if this place were small, but it's not! As we walked in, I fell in love with the decor and ambiance of this Mexican eatery. We sat down immediately in a booth close to the entrance, since the main dining room was packed. The waitress was nice, but seemed a little stressed.
The chips they served were a bit salty, but we just brushed the residual salt off. The salsa is OK, but not spicy at all. I think salsa should have some kick to it (bygones!).
For the appetizer, we had the table-side guacamole. It was good. You gotta be stupid to mess-up guac, right? For main dishes we had the following:
*Sopes (1 chicken and 1 pork)- My man said that they were OK, but there wasn't enough meat in these sopes. Lots of lettuce and cabbage mix, but skimpy on the chicken and pork.
*Shrimp Tacos- My kiddo ate 1 and-a-half of the 2 tacos on her plate. If she didn't like 'em, she wouldn't have touched them.
*Chicken Mole Enchiladas-I had these and they were not bad. A bit sweet for my taste, but the it was a red mole they use...not the usual chocolate mole everyone else serves.
All 3 entrees came with beans and the enchiladas also came with rice. The beans were decent, but I did not care for the rice. It was a bit "mushy".
For dessert, we shared the flan. It was served with a slice of grilled pineapple. It was way better than I expected. It was creamy, and the pineapple was really yummy.
Oh, I forgot to mention drinks...we had mango mojitos. They were yummy, but the man thought it was missing some rum. I thought they were great because the liquor didn't overpower the taste of the mint and mango.
I wouldn't give the food a "WHOO HOO", but for what it's worth, the location is awesome.
This is the best high-end Mexican restaurant I've been to in San Diego. I love the space and the food. It has authentic decor that is just so warm and welcoming. And their chips and salsa - oh, yum! The salsa has a unique flavor that I haven't experienced elsewhere.
Do try the the guacamole, which is made fresh table-side. I also highly recommend ordering a house margarita. Ortega's makes their own fresh margarita mix, and if you go during happy hour it's only $3! (and EVEN better: I just learned they are $2 ALL DAY on TUESDAYS! WOOT!)
Entrees run about $12-$16 each, Expensive for Mexican in San Diego if you're used to taco stands, but this experience is worth it. Ortega's is one of my new faves!
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