BajaNomad - Best Fish Tacos in Ensenada

Best Fish Tacos in Ensenada

BajaNews - 7-19-2011 at 10:32 PM

http://www.streetgourmetla.com/2010/11/ultimate-guide-to-bes...

By Bill Esparza ("Street Gourmet LA")
November 8, 2010

The Baja fish taco is adored in the Californias and beyond. It's required eating in Ensenada by guys on fishing trips, the three day cruise ship crowd, overnighters , Baja wine country visitors, frat boys, cholos, girl's weekend outings, and those kindred souls of mine seeking out the riches of Baja cuisine, culture, wine, and lifestyle.

It's quite a lovely proposition, a tempura batter fried filet of dogfish, angel shark, mako shark, or a variety of other firm white fish in a warm tortilla with fresh and pickled vegetables, salsa, crema agria (mayo with 2% milk), maybe some guacamole salsa?

It is a popular belief that Japanese fishermen brought tempura technique to Baja, which they acquired from the Portuguese, but make no such careless culinary revisionism, the Baja fish taco, or taco de pescado, is a 100% Mexican creation. All cuisines evolve from outside influences, and no cuisine is pure. Why isn't Italian cuisine called a fusion when it relies on tomatoes from the Americas, and pasta from Asia? Is Italian really Chinese-Mexican? No, it's Italian. Cuisine is the expression of a culture or people, not cooking devices, techniques, or ingredients.

These fish tacos are available all throughout the Baja peninsula, from Tijuana to Cabo, but Ensenada is the epicenter, and considered the birthplace of this iconic food. It's one of the first things one thinks of when planning a trip to Baja. "Fish tacos, dude!" (high fives)

Surprisingly, there hasn't been a thorough investigation of Ensenada's fish taco stands, with just a handful of places receiving any mention. Chris Cognac hit up Puesto El Fenix and Don Zefe in November of 2006, relying on predictable sources, El Fenix always comes up, and many would consider it the best. Don Zefe rated very poorly on my run, one of the worst, and not worth revisiting. Others have written about El Fenix, but didn't even go to the stand, which is the best of the two El Fenix fish taco establishments, just a block away from each other.

Over the course of four years with multiple visits to a total of ten stands, I have compiled a Baja fish taco guide that ranges from the tourist trap stalls next to the Black Market (fish market) to what I call the Holy Trinity of Ensenada fish tacos. This list focuses on the traditional stands, or shacks that serve fish and shrimp tacos, although two taquerias are included due to their reputations. Fish tacos are found everywhere in Ensenada, restaurants, cafes, stands, and taquerias, but they are done best in a stand using a comal de acero, a stainless steel disc shaped comal with a concave well for frying. All ten locations listed here use the comal de acero, use a similar type of corn tortilla, and have the same basic condiments.

I considered the quality of the fish, cooking technique, condiments, and overall flavor. The stands are ranked in order from least to greatest. This is not a top ten list, but an ordering of the range of fish taco options and the most well known stands to tourists and locals.

For most short stays in Ensenada, a fish taco at the various stalls next to the fish market is your first encounter with this Baja temptation. It was the same for me a decade ago. The barkers stand outside and yell for you to come to their stand, and insist that they are the best.

#10-Mariscos El Norteno
Located across from the Black Market

These places are identical, all stocking the same tarros (large beer glasses) filled with the same salsas and condiments and covered in plastic. So, I randomly selected Mariscos El Norteno.

It's certainly a turn off when everybody has the same stuff. These glasses actually depress me.

The weako de gallo looked awful, a medley of out of season fruit and vegetables devoid of color or nutrition.

The taco itself was compromised by the poor condiments, a lack of flavor that even salt couldn't revive. The cooking was good, a crunchy outside, and a token of tenderness, but a lack of seasoning on batter and fish.

Corvina was used, a type of croaker fish, which allows El Norteno to offer this taco for $10MXP, about $.86USD, but it's just not the right fish for the Baja fish taco.

The other nuisance at the stalls is the smell of fish runoff from the market and the nearby docks. One time, many years ago, a fetid odor accompanied my every bite, jamming my senses with cursed air. Well, I hadn't returned until I decided to do this report, so, don't say I never did anything for you. It's a lame fish taco...

Even without the smell, I wouldn't recommend any of the stalls near the fish market. Let the amateurs have at these. You're quest lies elsewhere.

#9-Tacos Corona
just north of Juarez on Espinoza

Tacos Corona, while being better than a Back Market experience, falls in the category of below average. Like most of the stands, it is a family run operation, mothers and daughters, cousins, and grandmothers. They've been around for 40 years, and the current family member that owns the stand has had this place for 17 years.

All of the stands use their oil a couple of times, which I don't mind. A seasoned oil of lard, yes, all these tacos are cooked in lard. But, it must be strained and filtered, and changed when needed.

While the condiments were acceptable here..... the batter was very dark, not the golden brown crispy outside you crave. The flavor and texture damaging bits were visibly floating around the comal, resulting in a coarse, oily crust.

Mako shark was used, a quality fish, but the flavor was an upfront saltiness with no substance on the back end. The problem here is in the frying.

#8-Tacos Don Zefe
on the corner of Riveroll and Mutualismo

Tacos Don Zefe is a taqueria, and one of the well known destinations thanks to a story by Chris Cognac.

There's a very pleasant seating area, and a formal stand that seems more California than Baja, like a hot dog stand.

The taco was made with angelito, Angel Shark, on a fresh tortilla. It's served traditionally, a warmed tortilla with the fried fish is given to the customer to indulge his/her inner taquero. Standard condiments are available, nothing that stands out though.

The seasoning is rather dull here, and a few bites leaves you wanting less, as in why did I order this. Also, the frying technique needs to improve in order for this stand to hang with the big boys.

#7-Tacos "Nemo"
on the corner of 6th and Gastellum

Like most of the stands here, Tacos Nemo is a family run joint. They've got a cute name and mascot. Can you say copyright infringement?

There appears to be a pattern here. Second tier fish taco stands use the less expensive angelito. There's no difference in price, so I think angelito, a slighty more affordable fish perhaps allows for a greater profit margin.

Only slightly better than Don Zefe's, Tacos Nemo also suffers from the same deficits in flavor, and fry technique. Finding Nemo? Nah, I don't think so.

#6-Tacos Lulu
on the corner of Juarez and Floresta

Oh how I wanted to love Tacos Lulu. A family run stand, mother and daughter working alongside another family member. A family recipe, that luxurious dogfish, and just a great group of people.

This is a much more engaging fish taco than the previous ones, but just didn't inspire. They have some friendly regular customers, as I'm sure all these stands enjoy.

The balance of crispy outside, tender inside, and seasoning here are so crucial to the fish taco. This was clearly a superior taco to numbers 10 through 7, but the only achievement here is mediocrity.

#5-Tacos Castillo
On the corner of Juarez and Castillo

The big surprise of all the places I went to was Tacos Castillo, a stand I had never heard of anywhere.

This is a tasty fish taco, well seasoned, and the frying here is competent. The condiments here were solid, and a fine roasted chiles salsa added a little character.

This is the kind of stand that would be outstanding here in Los Angeles, if they could work out the sourcing issues, of course. This stand uses angelito.

#4-Tacos Mi Ranchito El Fenix
on the corner of Espinosa and 6th

Tacos Mi Ranchito El Fenix is the stand everyone talks about. It is more inviting than the original down the street because it has seating, and a taqueria style structure.

The frying here is consistent and expert. This is the benchmark fish taco in Ensenada, that solid workhorse that always brings it.

Fine condiments, and just a brilliant red and a tangy green pair of salsas allow for a pure Baja fish taco expression. Cazon, of course, is used at Tacos Mi Ranchito El Fenix.

But, Puesto El Fenix is better than Mi Ranchito El Fenix.

And now for the fish taco Holy Trinity. These stands are all worthy of your attention, and a crawl of these three traditional stands should be included in your Ensenada itinerary along with falling off the bar drunk and hitting your face on the floor boards of Hussong's Cantina, and getting your name engraved on a grain of rice. Who does that?

#3-Tacos La Floresta
on the corner of Floresta and Juarez

Tacos La Floresta is a no name stand located on Av. Floresta . It is truly a shacky shack. When I arrived there was a flock of hungry fish taco fiends gathered 'round.

This is excellence, perfect frying of the rare mako shark. The owner Rica, is a sweet lady, who sweetly smiles and calmy directs her crew as she facilely cranks out stellar fish tacos. The flavors are subtle, but that crust, and clean fish flavor meld into a refined cooperation of textures and savors. Crunchy, hot, cold, tender, fruity, creamy, and wet satisfaction.

All products used to finish your tacos are exceptional.

These are the kind of fish tacos that Baja dreams are made of. Fish taco worshippers concentrate about this stand eating in silence, only intermittent conversation interrupts the feeding frenzy of shark eating man!

#2-Puesto Fenix
the corner of Juarez and Espinosa

Puesto Fenix would be my last stop on this fish taco odyssey. Having found three gems, I took time out to celebrate, by ordering another fish taco, carefree, sans camera. I just kicked back and actually felt a huge burden had been lifted off of my shoulders. OK, not really.

I hung out for awhile at the end of the fish taco portion of the day. By 5pm, most fish taco stands are giving way to the night time tacos, carne asada, al pastor, or suadero.

When I asked the team at Puesto Fenix what kind of fish they used, a very serious gentleman responded, "filete de cazon." I like that. Yes, give it its proper due, dogfish fillet homes!

Here, the same green salsa from Mi Ranchito El Fenix, but the difference between the small chain in taste is substantial.

This taco is more boldly flavored, a noteworthy taco. If this stand is why you're praising El Fenix, then you are justified, if not, just walk one block north on Av. Espinosa and your perspective shall improve by leaps and bounds. I never saw the reason in plugging El Fenix until I stopped here.

As all of the top three stands, an expert balance of all the components of cooking, quality of ingredients, and condiments is key. While I love Tacos Floresta and could easily spend an afternoon there, Puesto Fenix has a more robust flavor in the batter.

#1-Fish Tacos Ensenada
on the corner of Juarez and Gastellum

My number one fish taco stand in Ensenada has been close to my heart for many years. It's definitely not because of the name, Fish Tacos Ensenada. I was reluctant to share this stand back in my chowhound days, always referring people to Mi Ranchito El Fenix. When I brought a large group of bloggers, chefs, restaurateurs and writers down in the summer of 2009, we went to Mi Ranchito El Fenix. I hadn't finished putting my favorite stand to the Pepsi challenge.

I only shared this place with small groups, and close friends. A recent e-mail from a reader inspired me to finish this run down, so I could without hesitation, share this special stand.

The stand is, well, of course, a family run operation. A woman from El Salvador moved to Ensenada, got married and in time opened a fish taco stand with her husband. These days, Yasmin, the cute young lady pictured here, works alongside her sisters, and their mom.

This is the only stand that has such a mob of killer salsas. Everything from standard creations to the creative little numbers crafted by the owner and her daughters. The salsas are always changing, colorful, and vibrant.

The freshly fried cazon here is a sight to behold. Fish Tacos Ensenada is old school, just a tortilla with a comely piece of plump fish are given to the lucky diners. As much as you want to race to condiment while the fish is at its peak, you are likely to give this baby the once over, just for a second though.

They've got everything here: fresh cabbage, pickled cabbage, six to eight salsas, toasted chile de arbol, mayo, and crema agria. Consistently, the fish sings with virtuosity. I would drive here just for a fish taco, and I have.

Like Puesto Fenix, the seasoning here in upfront, the cooking is sublime, but the difference is in the condiments, and the overall flavor of this fish taco. It's good enough to make a frat boy moon his buddies and lose himself in base hyperbole. "Oh my god, dude, this taco is like.....SO awesome."

It's the end of a day glorious day tasting wine in the Valle de Guadalupe, and I approach Highway 1. Do I head north, or do I head into town? Perhaps, just one taco before I hit the road. I'm not really hungry, but my craving can't be denied.

Fish tacos, or tacos de pescado, as they are known in Mexico, are a universal pleasure. You're not wrong to want to hit up the best while in town. Your expectations are high, so allow me to take you to the promised land of milk and honey. Set your sights on my beloved Fish Tacos Ensenada, the famed Puesto Fenix, and the local favorite Tacos La Floresta, and experience the best fish tacos Ensenada has to offer.

JESSE - 7-19-2011 at 10:41 PM

The best fish taco is way way east of the city, in a place full of second hand stores. Theres a little stand in the middle of the street, and the tacos are the best i ever had.

BajaNomad - 7-19-2011 at 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
...in a place full of second hand stores.

Mercado de Los Globos?

JESSE - 7-19-2011 at 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
...in a place full of second hand stores.

Mercado de Los Globos?

SI!!!!

DENNIS - 7-20-2011 at 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
The best fish taco is way way east of the city, in a place full of second hand stores. Theres a little stand in the middle of the street, and the tacos are the best i ever had.

I agree. Shrimp Tacos as well. Excellent.
Another place that has been mentioned is a stand on the road to la Bufadora, about a mile west of the Maneadero turnoff, in front of Albercas Ramos. Excellent.
Stopped in there the other day and was told by someone of the Siete Mares Soup they have. She said it was "to kill for." [I think that means it's good]

Fish Taco....14 Ps

Shrimp Taco......16 Ps

Siete Mares....???

Bajafun777 - 7-20-2011 at 07:36 AM

My buddies and me use to enjoy the drinking before the fishing and there use to be two little hole in the wall places on the same street as Husson's cantina but do not remember the names. Maybe it was the beer flavoring we already had in our stomachs or maybe just being with good friends made those fish tacos great to remember,LOL.
My buddy that died a few years ago had us always go to the fish market and he watched the oil they cooked in before we sat down to eat. He had several places there we had to have fish tacos before we went to our hotel and before we left just good food, good friends and remembering makes me miss them all! Take Care & Travel Safe---- "No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777

Bob H - 7-20-2011 at 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
...in a place full of second hand stores.

Mercado de Los Globos?

SI!!!!

Can you post directions to this area?

Edit: Ok, I found this link about this market.
http://www.ensenada-baja-vacations.com/los-globos.html

[Edited on 7-20-2011 by Bob H]

DENNIS - 7-20-2011 at 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
Edit: Ok, I found this link about this market.
http://www.ensenada-baja-vacations.com/los-globos.html

That's it, Bob. East on 9th from Reforma /Hwy 1, three blocks east. [I think they mean three stop signs]
At the third stop sign, there will be a used furniture store on the left corner and a used appliance store on the right.
Turn right at that corner and park wherever you can. The taco stand is in the street 100 feet from the corner.

Bob H - 7-20-2011 at 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
Edit: Ok, I found this link about this market.
http://www.ensenada-baja-vacations.com/los-globos.html

Thanks for the details Dennis! I think I've driven by it a few times but didn't know where to park, etc. This is good info...

JESSE - 7-20-2011 at 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
Edit: Ok, I found this link about this market.
http://www.ensenada-baja-vacations.com/los-globos.html

IMHO, the best gosh darnn fish tacos in the world.

Bob H - 7-21-2011 at 06:40 PM

There is a fantastic place for fish/shrimp tacos just North of El Sauzal, right where the walking overpass bridge used to be, by the Police substation. The stand is right by the street and there is a little parking lot there. You can see this stand on the left hand side as you are headed South as you are just entering El Sauzal.

These fish/shrimp tacos are to die for!!

Elgatoloco will back me up on this, right?

woody with a view - 7-21-2011 at 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
There is a fantastic place for fish/shrimp tacos just North of El Sauzal, right where the walking overpass bridge used to be, by the Police substation. The stand is right by the street and there is a little parking lot there. You can see this stand on the left hand side as you are headed South as you are just entering El Sauzal.

These fish/shrimp tacos are to die for!!

Elgatoloco will back me up on this, right?

pictures of the place, please!

Bob H - 7-21-2011 at 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view

Quote:

pictures of the place, please!

I had pictures of this place and now I cannot find them. Let me do a little research and at least give you the name of this place. I'll get back to ya.... Bob H

elgatoloco - 7-21-2011 at 07:25 PM

Quote:

Tacos Jaliscience - closed :no:

bajasammy - 7-21-2011 at 08:44 PM

I was just at El J last Sunday enjoying their incredible Shrimp Tacos, but it does seem to close early sometimes. Located close to El Trailero, just a bit North...

Bob H - 7-22-2011 at 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajasammy
I was just at El J last Sunday enjoying their incredible Shrimp Tacos, but it does seem to close early sometimes. Located close to El Trailero, just a bit North...

That's the place! Glad to hear it is still open for business!!!!

elgatoloco - 7-22-2011 at 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajasammy
I was just at El J last Sunday enjoying their incredible Shrimp Tacos, but it does seem to close early sometimes. Located close to El Trailero, just a bit North...

Good to hear! We were down last month and there was a chain link fence right up against the stand from the building behind and they were closed at 2:00 PM on a Saturday. Maybe they were on vacation?

BajaNomad - 9-5-2011 at 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
Edit: Ok, I found this link about this market.
http://www.ensenada-baja-vacations.com/los-globos.html

IMHO, the best gosh darn fish tacos in the world.

This the place?

JESSE - 9-5-2011 at 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
Edit: Ok, I found this link about this market.
http://www.ensenada-baja-vacations.com/los-globos.html

IMHO, the best gosh darn fish tacos in the world.

This the place?

THATS THE PLACE!!! awesome tacos.

DENNIS - 9-5-2011 at 01:25 PM

Great place. And if you want a Reyn Spooner Hawaiian shirt for 20 Ps, just walk across the street and start diggin'.
I love the Segundas.

woody with a view - 9-5-2011 at 04:07 PM

DAMN. to think i spent good pesos at El Trailero........ :cool:

Bajahowodd - 9-5-2011 at 05:13 PM

Interesting to note that the original article mentioned that these fish taos were available all the way down to Cabo San Lucas. I have to admit that while I often enjoy "Ensenada-Style" fish tacos even here in Orange County, my experience has been that the fish taco in Los Cabos is more likely to have been grilled, rather than batter fried fish.

Might I suggest especially for you older dudes who may have issues with fat in your diet, there are some wonderful grilled fish tacos available. Even if it just saves some room for the avocado and queso.

jbcoug - 9-5-2011 at 05:47 PM

Where are pictures of the actual tacos, That's what I want to see!

John

AmoPescar - 9-5-2011 at 08:50 PM

Hey Dennis, Jesse, Bob, El Gato, etc...

Just wondering... :?:

Have any of you eaten at the 'Super Burro' which is on the road to Estero Beach (California y o Tercara)?

Been a while since I've been there, but they had very good Tacos de Pescado and food. I had friends 'locals' who lived in that area and they said it was one of their favorites.

Miguelamo :?:

DENNIS - 9-5-2011 at 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AmoPescar
Hey Dennis, Jesse, Bob, El Gato, etc...

Have any of you eaten at the 'Super Burro' which is on the road to Estero Beach (California y o Tercara)?

Been a while since I've been there, but they had very good Tacos de Pescado and food. I had friends 'locals' who lived in that area and they said it was one of their favorites.

Ya know, Mike? There are a lot of "best in the world" Fish Taco stands down here. Actually, they should be rated on a 1 to 5 basis.....nothing better than 5.
How can you beat perfection??

JESSE - 9-6-2011 at 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AmoPescar
Hey Dennis, Jesse, Bob, El Gato, etc...

Just wondering... :?:

Its been many years, i usually get gas, buy stuff, and eat @ Ensenada, and then don't stop until el Rosario.

DENNIS - 9-6-2011 at 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jbcoug
Where are pictures of the actual tacos, That's what I want to see!

John

They don't last long enough to get the camera out, John. :biggrin:

Bajahowodd - 9-6-2011 at 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AmoPescar
Hey Dennis, Jesse, Bob, El Gato, etc...

Just wondering... :?:

Actually, when we stay at Estero, we revel in the tamales that are sold on the main corner in the late afternoon through evening. Incredible

Cypress - 9-6-2011 at 04:42 PM

The hungrier you are the better the taco, no matter who makes it or where you find it. :biggrin:

AmoPescar - 9-7-2011 at 02:18 PM

Hey Cypress...

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
The hungrier you are the better the taco, no matter who makes it or where you find it. :biggrin:

Well...since you didn't mention fish tacos specifically...I guess
TACO BELL's tacos could be included in filling that spot in your tummy!

Personally...I'd rather STARVE than eat their miserable little excuses for tacos! Now Jack in the Box's tacos are another story...yummy ...LOL!

Miguelamo :lol:

DENNIS - 9-7-2011 at 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AmoPescar
Now Jack in the Box's tacos are another story...yummy ...LOL!

Miguelamo :lol:

Does that mean you've discovered the ingredients in the paste they call meat?
I've often wondered. :?:

Bajahowodd - 9-7-2011 at 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by AmoPescar
Now Jack in the Box's tacos are another story...yummy ...LOL!

Miguelamo :lol:

Does that mean you've discovered the ingredients in the paste they call meat?
I've often wondered. :?:

Really don't wish to hijack this thread, but when Jack in the Box tacos are mentioned, well...

There was a time, long ago, when Jack in the Box actually was a nationwide franchise.

I grew up on Long Island, (NY). Way back in the 1960's there was a Jack in the Box store in Mineola. Their tacos were my absolutely first introduction to "Mexican food". That mystery meat, along with the grease and the seasonings was all I knew at the time about "Mexican Food". In the day, there was really no Mexican Restaurants in both the New York area, as well as the Northeast.

Nueva York had its Puerto Rican and Cuban fare, but not Mexican.

So, today, although I do not frequent Jack in the Box, from what I can tell, the current tacos they sell are not nearly as good as what I got back on Long Island in the day. Might just be my mind workiing tricks on me. I dunno.

Cypress - 9-7-2011 at 04:44 PM

AmoPescar, I'll take your word about those fast food tacos. You know more about 'em than I do. :biggrin:

bajasammy - 9-7-2011 at 06:05 PM

Hi AmoPescar!

Regarding your question on Super Burro, it has been re-incarnated into Big Burro and is run by the daughter of the original owners (Luis & Maria). I hear it's pretty good, but haven't had a chance to compare - I'll let you know when I do :yes:

Luis actually has a small stand on the Chapultapec just before the 'dip' and still makes the Super Burro 'by request' (takes him like 20 minutes to assemble) - my son is the only one I've seen who can handle it without some assistance

AmoPescar - 9-7-2011 at 06:06 PM

re: Jack in the Box

In reality...I'm not a big fan of any Mega chain's fast food tacos, but I do indulge in Jack's once in awhile. It's one of the things we ate as kids, so there's a comfort thing there.

But...I trust the Clown more than the Bell. If you're wondering what's in the Bell's tacos...Have you noticed the Chihuahua is missing? We've all heard of 'Puppy mills'!

I stopped eating the crappy mexican food at fast food restaurants about
30+ years ago when little Taquerias started opening all over So. Calif. and it became apparent that the other stuff was 'FAKE'

AND...when I discovered fish tacos in Baja...well all I can say is "BAZINGA!"

Miguelamo :yes:

woody with a view - 9-7-2011 at 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd

Quote:

Originally posted by AmoPescar
Hey Dennis, Jesse, Bob, El Gato, etc...

Just wondering... :?:

Actually, when we stay at Estero, we revel in the tamales that are sold on the main corner in the late afternoon through evening. Incredible

ay Cabrones..... my amigo Rafa (exiting the truck) insisted we stop by this past Thur morning for a half burro. it was decent. with everything in it, i can't imagine how can you go wrong. i just remember turning at the Pemex next to the militery base in Chapultepec and heading toward the estero. kinda out of the way if you are heading somewhere, but if you are staying nearby, check it out!

[Edited on 9-8-2011 by woody with a view]

rsz_100_8045.jpg - 36kB

J.P. - 9-7-2011 at 07:15 PM

So, today, although I do not frequent Jack in the Box, from what I can tell, the current tacos they sell are not nearly as good as what I got back on Long Island in the day. Might just be my mind workiing tricks on me. I dunno. [/quote

Gawd I rember those greasey thing's best darn hangover prevention on the market in the day If my memory serves me they were 4 for a dollar :lol:

woody with a view - 9-7-2011 at 07:17 PM

those mickey d filet o' fish sammy's are pretty good once or twice a year......

postholedigger - 9-14-2011 at 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajasammy
I was just at El J last Sunday enjoying their incredible Shrimp Tacos, but it does seem to close early sometimes. Located close to El Trailero, just a bit North...

This is the place right?

http://g.co/maps/vsy4d

I haven't been down in a while now. Man, I miss the food...

[Edited on 9-14-2011 by postholedigger]

MMc - 9-14-2011 at 03:43 PM

Yup! They are the standard. Great folks also.
Mmc

BajaNomad - 2-11-2013 at 06:26 AM

Was updating some Tijuana/Ensenada seafood and fish taco info... and thought I'd note in this thread a map marker for the Tacos Pescado Los Globos.

This place is right here:

http://goo.gl/maps/1Ov7s

[Edited on 2-11-2013 by BajaNomad]

Hook - 2-11-2013 at 08:01 AM

My favorite from LONG ago was in the Black Market and was called Tacos Lupita. I went here from the early 80s till it disappeared sometime in the late 90s or early 2000s. It was the second to last stand from the water along the row that faced the fish market itself. Family run; I suspect the abuela who ran it must have died or something. They used angelito.

I remember arriving with a group of fellow employees of the college I worked at who had never really been ANYWHERE in Mexico, except Ave. Revolucion. We were all headed up to Laguna Hanson for camping and a shrimp cook-off between us and stopped at the Black Market to buy shrimp and eat fish tacos.

Well, our trip occurred right after the famous currency devaluation of 1994. What had been 2-3 tacos to the dollar before was now 6 tacos for a dollar. This became an excuse to pig out, of course, on a long weekend in Mexico and we had an impromptu eating contest.

I won it by eating TWELVE fish tacos.

I guess my story is more about quantity than quality................... :rolleyes:

There are NO fish tacos over here as good as the ones in Ensenada. Batter fried ones are not common; they are usually grilled. The one gringo oriented place in San Carlos that serves them with batter is now charging 18 pesos per fish taco and 22 for shrimp tacos. Just too expensive, and they arent as big as my memory of fish tacos in the Black Market lead me to believe.

Final note: there used to be a good fish taco stand in San Quintin that I would hit when I was towing a boat south and the Black Market area was impractical, due to parking constraints. Believe it was called La Pasadita and it bordered a zocalo, as I recall. Good paletas place real close. It seemed to have gone downhill when I last went there in the 2000s, but the one thing it taught me was how good whole, lightly fried (w/o batter) jalapenos marinaded in soy sauce can be on a fish taco. I still keep a jar at home for an addition to many kinds of tacos, tostadas and even on steaks. You de-stem the whole pepper, slit it to allow steam to escape while frying and drop in hot oil for about 1-2 minutes. The outer skin peels but the flesh still remains moist, not crispy. Then, into soy sauce for AT LEAST a couple hours.

We often eat fish tacos with just cabbage, crema agria, the marinated onions, a squeez of lime and these jalapenos. Salsa bandera, salsa roja and the guac puree seem to clash with this combination.

[Edited on 2-11-2013 by Hook]

DENNIS - 2-11-2013 at 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad
Was updating some Tijuana/Ensenada seafood and fish taco info... and thought I'd note in this thread a map marker for the Tacos Pescado Los Globos.

This place is right here:

http://goo.gl/maps/1Ov7s

[Edited on 2-11-2013 by BajaNomad]

This place was number one on my list for.......well....ever. Still is, I suppose, since I haven't found anything better.
I have, however, found one that is right up near the top, and much closer to home, on the road between Punta Banda and Maneadero, right in front of Ramos Pools.
Wish I had a picture.

tripledigitken - 2-11-2013 at 08:34 AM

Hook,

Thanks for the recipe. I don't recall eating those. Next time we serve steaks they will top them, with some roasted grape tomatoes.

Ken

Hook - 2-11-2013 at 09:14 AM

Ken, I usually make up two batches. One is jalapeno halves with seeds and one without; so I have an option for those who want a milder version.

I halve the peppers after cooking.

Actually, now that I think about it, I dont de-stem the peppers until after cooking, either. But that slit is VERY important. These could explode, spraying hot oil everywhere. I use either peanut oil or sesame oil as I like the nutty flavor it imparts on the peppers.

[Edited on 2-11-2013 by Hook]

Fish Tacos

dpwahoo - 2-11-2013 at 09:58 AM

While not in ensenada, We like Los Cabos fish tacos, in rosarito, behind Waldos.

bajadock - 2-12-2013 at 12:55 PM

Thanks for reminder on Los Globos Fish Tacos, Doug. Was introduced to them right after I bought my appliances at El Primo, a few doors south, in 2007.

Dennis, here is Lupita's, 1/4 miles west of Maneadero on carretera La Buf.

Now waiting for Pariente Mariscos' new location to open, west side of hwy1, just after propane station as you approach Maneadero.

[Edited on 2-12-2013 by bajadock]

DENNIS - 2-12-2013 at 01:24 PM

Thanks Doc..........Lupita's eh. I wasn't sure.

Do you mean the propane station when coming from Ensenada?

EnsenadaDr - 2-12-2013 at 02:12 PM

Let me tell you, the most delicious fish and shrimp tacos and ceviche are right around the corner from my place in Valle Verde, Ensenada. When I get back from Hawaii I will take some pics and post them...I have never gotten sick once from the ceviche and they are cheap!!