BajaNomad

Resturants in Baja

capn.sharky - 2-11-2007 at 10:31 AM

Have you ever noticed that the best resturants in Baja look like the kind of place your mom told you to stay the hell out of. In Loreto, with some exceptions, the big, fancy, gringo type resturants are the worst and most expensive. Yet, the smaller, mom and pop operations have the best food and the best prices. Its hard to beat the tacos at Taco Rey or burros at Super Burro. Hamburgers are best in the smaller places too. Yolesema in Zarragoza has great burgers and the sportsbar at four corners. In San Quinten, I like the mariscos in the stands alongside the road. At Jesus Maria, its the Green Van at the Pemex station. The list could go on and on. My wife likes the fancy places like Pacha Mama's (high prices and small portions) and El Nido. Fortunately, she doesn't come down with me very often--so I still have a few pesos left when I go home. Try El Sinoloense next to the Mercado Pescador sometime. And speaking of Markets---the best prices are in the smaller markets and not the big gringo type places in Loreto. Bartaleno's east of town is good and so is El Serape. Remember too, that small resturants specializing in one or two types of food are turning that food over all the time so your chances of getting the churro is less than the full service resturants. By the way, El Dragon Oro and El Dragon Nuevo in Via Constitution are both great resturants and not expensive. My favorite places in Loreto are Super Burro, Tio Lupes and El Sinoloense---Whats yours where you live?

Mango - 2-11-2007 at 04:47 PM

In Mexicali I really enjoy the "Dragon" restaurant on Justo Sierra (Just north of Office Depot).

Good Chinese food at very good prices. For those of you who don't know Mexicali has a large population of people of chinese orgin. That is a whole other thread in itself.

For about 18$ US two of us had steamed rice, a pitcher of lemonada, mongolian beef, spring rolls. The portions are very generous.

You can get the lunch special for about $6 US pp. if you want... even more food and cheaper(too much for me to eat). Often times they don't even charge us for the rice we order and the whole meal for two can be about $12 US with much food left over. Next to San Francisco, Mexicali has some of the best Chinese food on the west coast.

The place is very popular with locals and gringos alike. There is a security guard in the parking lot as well. :)

Alan - 2-11-2007 at 05:02 PM

Just found my new favorite! Tres Virgenese in La Paz. Unbelievable food and reasonable prices. Have never spent much time in La Paz but just bought a condo to serve as a base until I retire and my new goal is to sample everything on Jesse's menu. Hope I can do it. I have a terrible habit of finding one dish I really like at each restaurant then not being willing to try anything else.

Everything at Tres Virgenes looked so good I think it will be an attainable goal.

DianaT - 2-11-2007 at 05:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mango
In Mexicali I really enjoy the "Dragon" restaurant on Justo Sierra (Just north of Office Depot).

Good Chinese food at very good prices. For those of you who don't know Mexicali has a large population of people of chinese orgin. That is a whole other thread in itself.

For about 18$ US two of us had steamed rice, a pitcher of lemonada, mongolian beef, spring rolls. The portions are very generous.

You can get the lunch special for about $6 US pp. if you want... even more food and cheaper(too much for me to eat). Often times they don't even charge us for the rice we order and the whole meal for two can be about $12 US with much food left over. Next to San Francisco, Mexicali has some of the best Chinese food on the west coast.

The place is very popular with locals and gringos alike. There is a security guard in the parking lot as well. :)


Besides the great Chinese food in Mexicali, we used to eat a lot at Mandolino on Reforma---not too far from the border. Good steaks and Italian food. Does not look as nice from the outside but nice on the inside. Quite popular place.

Diane

roundtuit - 2-11-2007 at 05:34 PM

News Flash Probably old Scotty is moving from the Pelicono to el Candil. Should be in by next friday:yes::yes:

Hi Mango

akbear - 2-11-2007 at 05:36 PM

In Mexicali there use to be a Chinese place called the Shangrlia, just East of the border crossing on Calon. Had the best b-b-q pork. Hung in long strip by the front counter. Started going there in early 50's when we lived in Calexico. The old Mt Signal Cafe & Gomacho out in the fields north of old hi way 98.

Are they still there ?

akbear

Don Alley - 2-11-2007 at 06:22 PM

In Loreto...

I like El Nido, now called Domingo's Place. I like the food and the service. Good steaks, and their grilled chicken is way, way better than Real or Rico. And I love the quail.

Standing joke at Pachamama, "Here comes Don, get out the bife." Their New York is generally the best steak in town, it's not small and as prices go in Loreto now not too bad. Great service and really nice people.

I've liked Super Burro for a long time, but it's expanded, gets crowded and I think sometimes the service, if not the food, slips.

The hamburgers at the Quatros Altos sports bar...nope, can't say I agree, I don't like them.

I liked Rigo's tacos but he hasn't been open lately. Caesar's Tacos is closed and under reconstruction. I used to like a place near their that grilled pork chops, a funky family place; mom and pop cooked, the kids were the waiters, then we'd all watch cartoons on the TV. But they closed.

The place on the San Javier road, Borrachos, has pretty good burgers and good American style breakfasts. I should try the burgers at Yolesema; haven't been there.

I don't like sushi but have been to the sushi place next to Mediteraneo twice with friends. They all like it, and it's a fun place with great service.

I had a shrimp burger out at La Picazon. Good. And so's the view and the beachcombing.

Oh, Las Islas is very good, especially for fish. But the fancy place poached their waiter and that hurt the service.

Mediteranneo, haven't been and probably won't. For Loreto, it's a whole New World Order of prices, well, except for El Taste, for big prices you can get a steak that dazzles you with its size, but not its flavor or texture.

So I can't say in general that the ambience, or how "fancy" a restaurant is, means that much to me, one way or another.

But what do I know; if there were a McDonald's here I'd tell you how much I like their McNuggets. :lol:

DianaT - 2-11-2007 at 06:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by akbear
In Mexicali there use to be a Chinese place called the Shangrlia, just East of the border crossing on Calon. Had the best b-b-q pork. Hung in long strip by the front counter. Started going there in early 50's when we lived in Calexico. The old Mt Signal Cafe & Gomacho out in the fields north of old hi way 98.

Are they still there ?

akbear


Mt. Signal Cafe is still there, but we never ate there during the 5 years we lived in Calexico. Don't know about Gomacho.

Interesting place to live for a while

Diane

Mt Signal Cafe

tripledigitken - 2-11-2007 at 10:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by akbear
In Mexicali there use to be a Chinese place called the Shangrlia, just East of the border crossing on Calon. Had the best b-b-q pork. Hung in long strip by the front counter. Started going there in early 50's when we lived in Calexico. The old Mt Signal Cafe & Gomacho out in the fields north of old hi way 98.

Are they still there ?

akbear


akbear,

I was a big fan of the Mt. Signal Cafe, some of the best beans I have ever tasted. I had a habit of planning motorcycle rides to put us there at mealtime.

However, sorry to say they were closed up and had a "for sale" sign the last time I rode out there.

Ken

[Edited on 2-12-2007 by tripledigitken]

Mt-Signal-Cafe.jpg - 49kB

Sallysouth - 2-11-2007 at 10:20 PM

Now that pic is a keeper!! Frame it and keep it safe!Too bad they closed....

Mike Supino - 2-11-2007 at 10:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Alley
In Loreto...

I like El Nido, now called Domingo's Place. I like the food and the service. Good steaks, and their grilled chicken is way, way better than Real or Rico. And I love the quail.


What? Did Lupe Perez sell to Domingo?

Wow, what a coincidence

Sharksbaja - 2-11-2007 at 11:56 PM

Quote:

Have you ever noticed that the best resturants in Baja look like the kind of place your mom told you to stay the hell out of. In Loreto, with some exceptions, the big, fancy, gringo type resturants are the worst and most expensive. Yet, the smaller, mom and pop operations have the best food and the best prices



It's exactly the same here.:lol:
What no Olive Garden?:barf::barf:

Mango - 2-12-2007 at 12:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by akbear
In Mexicali there use to be a Chinese place called the Shangrlia, just East of the border crossing on Calon. Had the best b-b-q pork. Hung in long strip by the front counter. Started going there in early 50's when we lived in Calexico. The old Mt Signal Cafe & Gomacho out in the fields north of old hi way 98.

Are they still there ?

akbear


It's too bad to hear about Mt. Signal Cafe. I'll have to check out Shangrila. Unfortunately; I have to head back to the states to work for a week or two, so it may be some time until I can get there. Thanks for the heads up.

I've tried Mandolino. A very nice place, great food, and big portions. I will be back. However, it is a little pricey.

I have yet to find my favorite taco place in town. La Furia across from Hotel Califa seems pretty good; but, not great. Still searching...

I know some great places on the mainland. El Morro Churreria in DF is one of my favorites, located just SE of the Alameda. The only thing on the menu is Churros and 4 different types of hot chocolate. :P

vandenberg - 2-12-2007 at 08:49 AM

Hey sharkey,

What did you do to knock this post clear of the page.:?::?:

Hook - 2-12-2007 at 09:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by roundtuit
News Flash Probably old Scotty is moving from the Pelicono to el Candil. Should be in by next friday:yes::yes:


SAY WHAT!!!???

I thought he bought a controlling interest in the place, if not outright.

Where's Paul Harvey, damn it......

Candil's a nice location and used to be my favorite in the early 90s, despite the incredibly slow service. Food made to order is like that, though.

DianaT - 2-12-2007 at 09:26 AM

Did not know Mt. Signal closed---too bad, it was such a landmark.

bajabass - 2-12-2007 at 03:12 PM

Magana"s in La Mision. Baja Burgers, again, in La Mision. Great tacos next door to Hussongs in Ensenada. The tamales at the little joint next to the Pemex north of G.N. Taqueria El Trailero in Sauzal.Chelas in Puerto Nuevo. Weekdays only. A zoo on weekends!!!

Bajalero - 2-12-2007 at 07:10 PM

"C"omachos place is still there - or at least it was about a year ago. Been there I think since the late 40's. It's on Wahl at the "S " out in the middle of nowhere with nothing around for miles exept for alfalfa and sudan grass fields. Dirt farmer paradise and worth the effort (actually not that hard) to find if you're in the area. It was one of the few mexican food eateries , north of the border, that was fairly consistant , reliable and always had good cold beer. I know people who drive from San Diego because they like it that much.

Used to love stopping at the Mt. signal cafe for shredded beef tacos and a pitcher of brew. Too bad if it's closed.

tripledigitken - 2-12-2007 at 07:43 PM

Bajalero,

I have heard of Comacho's for years. I have never been able to find it however. Do you have GPS coordinates by any chance? Or/more detailed directions to get there.

Thanks

Bajalero - 2-12-2007 at 08:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
Bajalero,

I have heard of Comacho's for years. I have never been able to find it however. Do you have GPS coordinates by any chance? Or/more detailed directions to get there.

Thanks



Ken , to the best of my ability,

8 east

98 exit toward Calexico

North on Brockman at about mt.signal

Rt. on Lyons or (maybe lions). Follow this east for a bit , it then turns north and eventually turns into Wahl which heads east again. Comachos is right where Wahl picks up again.

I'll buy you a beer if you can't get there from la mesa with those directions.

Just ignore the next part but fyi

Where people get mixed up is from DREW road and / or BROCKMAN road , there is WAHL . but because of a canal , there is a missing section of Wahl and a mile or so away it picks up again. You'll eventually end back on Lyons and if you follow the above will eventually get back on Wahl


lero

Von - 2-12-2007 at 08:40 PM

You know guy
I love La Fonda
Its quick from here in San diego over looking the beach, just sitting there and listlening to the surf, I go there once in a while and have breakfast and come back home...

tripledigitken - 2-12-2007 at 08:43 PM

Bajalero,

Thanks, with those directions I will find it and you will owe me a beer.

I'll collect in Tecate when you are in Potero!

Ken

PS I will post pictures and a review.

Worldtraveller - 2-13-2007 at 10:30 PM

I agree that Domingo's Place is quite nice and good value. Mediteranneo is pricier, but well worth it for a special treat.
Quote:
Originally posted by Don Alley
In Loreto...

I like El Nido, now called Domingo's Place. I like the food and the service. Good steaks, and their grilled chicken is way, way better than Real or Rico. And I love the quail.


Mediteranneo, haven't been and probably won't. For Loreto, it's a whole New World Order of prices, well, except for El Taste, for big prices you can get a steak that dazzles you with its size, but not its flavor or texture.

Sharksbaja - 2-14-2007 at 01:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
Quote:
Originally posted by roundtuit
News Flash Probably old Scotty is moving from the Pelicono to el Candil. Should be in by next friday:yes::yes:


SAY WHAT!!!???

I thought he bought a controlling interest in the place, if not outright.

Where's Paul Harvey, damn it......

Candil's a nice location and used to be my favorite in the early 90s, despite the incredibly slow service. Food made to order is like that, though.



Gee , I guess he won't be competing with Robin for the sports crowd anymore. Maybe "Mom" bought it for him.:rolleyes:

[Edited on 2-14-2007 by Sharksbaja]

oxxo - 2-14-2007 at 12:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrotter
Besides the great Chinese food in Mexicali, we used to eat a lot at Mandolino on Reforma


There's another good restaurant in Mexicali. It's called Laguna Azul. I was turned on to this place by Mexican friends who live in Mexicali. The shrimp c-cktails are HUGE! It's on the street with the canal running down the center. I forget the name of the street (maybe Constitucion). It's on the way to the new border crossing.

Camacho's

Hook - 2-14-2007 at 12:36 PM

If this is the place I'm thinking of, I went there and was NOT impressed with their mexican food.

Does Camacho's have counter seating on the left as you enter and then booths and tables to the right that seem to wrap around to the right? Seemed like an old diner that had been converted.

The enchilada sauce was like marinara, the beans had to be canned. I think the taco shells were the pre-formed hard ones, too.

No bueno, if its the same place........we drove all the way there one night from Bow Willow CG and were very disappointed.

Hook

akbear - 2-14-2007 at 01:17 PM

That sounds like the place. Out in the fields on farm roads, left then right then left ...
It was good back in the 50's & 60's !

akbear

QuePasaBaja - 2-14-2007 at 06:12 PM

If you want a really nice meal in Rosarito beach, check out Susannas in the Pueblo plaza. It is a bit pricey, but well worth it. she also has a site about the place. www.susannasinrosarito.com I believe it is.

TecateRay - 2-14-2007 at 07:37 PM

In Tecate try La Tradicion - just west of the plaza. Great Carne Asada plus lots of other menu choices - pasta, shrimp, steaks, chicken, ...:lol: