BajaNomad

Day to spend in TJ

castaway$ - 11-18-2010 at 10:36 PM

Any suggestions after getting our tourist card? We will be walking across the border and want to find some REALLY good food, like Carnitas, any suggestions within walking distance?

sancho - 11-19-2010 at 02:09 PM

THE Carnitas place in TJ, as far as I know,
is Carnitas Uruapan Blvd Agua Caliente,
not walking distance from the border,
I caught one of those collectivo taxis,
the stationwagons that hold a few people.
It's perhaps 2 mi. east on Agua Caliente,.
A small cafe on Revoultion, Cafe Especial,
was our favorite close to the border,
it was closed when we went a few months back.
Looked like some 40% of businesses on
Revolution were closed down. I remember hearing
of a Rest called Cien Anos, don't know anything
about it, upscale I think

The Hungry Hiker's Guide to TJ Dining

Gypsy Jan - 11-19-2010 at 07:16 PM

It is a very good source of information, but it hasn't been updated much lately.

http://www.hungryhiker-tj.com/

Buen provecho, GJ

fdt - 11-19-2010 at 10:19 PM

Carnitas Quiroga. When are we going?

BajaNomad - 11-19-2010 at 11:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
It is a very good source of information...

http://www.hungryhiker-tj.com/

Indeed. The people behind the reviews (and administration) of that site are high-integrity. FYI.

tjBill - 11-20-2010 at 02:15 PM

There is string of taco stands near the yellow cabs right as you enter TJ through the gate. Decent food, usually crowed. Not the most famous but its within walking distance.

BajaBlanca - 11-20-2010 at 07:23 PM

Cien anos is really good.

Pompano - 11-21-2010 at 06:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by tjBill
There is string of taco stands near the yellow cabs right as you enter TJ through the gate. Decent food, usually crowed. Not the most famous but its within walking distance.


tjBill, here are the stands you mentioned. I was just there a couple weeks ago and had a couple tasty tacos while on my walkabout.

About the handiest tacos you can find within walking distance of the San Ysidro crossing.

Below is the bldg and office to get your tourist visas.











Hope you enjoy a good lunch ...Bon apetito!

wilderone - 11-21-2010 at 08:20 AM

warning - I did this on a Saturday. Big mistake - I shoulda known. But the walk-across line was about 2 hours. I paid $5 to get in a van in the bus lane, but was still one hour. At least we could sit in relative comfort and visit.

Pompano - 11-21-2010 at 08:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
warning - I did this on a Saturday. Big mistake - I shoulda known. But the walk-across line was about 2 hours. I paid $5 to get in a van in the bus lane, but was still one hour. At least we could sit in relative comfort and visit.


Hmm...why a mistake, wilderone? Granted, the wait is long coming back across the border, but it's a price you have to pay. I did the same thing a couple weeks back..walked across and around, then paid for a cheap van ride back to the border check-in on US side.

Was fairly easy and pleasant for me..met some new friends, gave a nice young senorita a ride to the San Diego airport so she could catch a plane to Pheonix on time and save mucho bucks for taxi.

Was all fun..but you're certainly right....the wait coming back will be at least 1 - 2 hours. Can't avoid it..so just settle in and enjoy. I got all my and my 2 visiting friend's business done without hassle..and they were good to go. Plus some sightseeng anb tacos.

Here's a photo report of the same:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48373#pid5648...

wilderone - 11-22-2010 at 08:29 AM

"... why a mistake"?
I should not have gone on a Saturday. I think M-F, 8 am, or around 7 pm would have resulted in a shorter line. I've never, ever been in a walk-across line that long.

Another option is to get on the Mexicoach bus that goes across the border - it's a Rosarito-San Diego run. Costs about $3.50, and the terminal is on Revolucion. One time that bus went all the way to Otay to cross and then back to San Diego-SY to drop us off. It takes a while, but again, you're out of the weather on a cushioned seat. Bring lunch.
PS: 1 hour or 2 hour? Big difference. I can handle 1 hour, but 2 is a bit much - I'm not a patient person.

wessongroup - 11-22-2010 at 08:58 AM

Pompano, I like the way you roll... good man...