San Diego Restaurant Tips by Straggler

Restaurant Name: Casa Guadalajara

Fun place to meet, eat and drink. But most of all is the happy hour = free food

The ambience of Casa Guadalajara is reminiscent of a gracious hacienda deep in Mexico. Old wooden gates, splashing fountains, colorful talavera tiles and wrought iron fixtures help create a most magnificent dining experience. Mariachi music is a must to hear.

Check out the website.

Favorite Dish: Hanging out in the often-loud bar near the happy hour table with a Margaritas - where they just keep bring out great finger food.
Course one of the reasons for the happy hour is to entice you to try Tequila Lime Shrimp, Chicken, Beef and Shrimp Fajitas and Carne Asada Tampiquena. Try sharing some Margaritas and then go shopping or Visa Versa

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Theme: Mexican

Phone: (619) 295-5111
Address: 4105 Taylor Street
Directions: Old Town District
Website: http://www.bazaardelmundo.com/dining/guadalajara.h

Restaurant Name: El Indio

Dress is casual and bring the kids.
Back in the late 50s my Mom took me to this great place. They fed the employees of world largest aircraft manufacturing plant during World War Two. It is a family owned restaurant since 1940. They cook and grind corn to make their (fresh great aroma) corn tortillas. Coined the word "taquito" for the rolled taco. All food is made from scratch. No animal lard is used. All food is made when ordered and is abundant and of high quality. Dining indoors and outdoors. Beer and wine is available for consumption indoors. El Indio has shipped its famous tortilla chips to many countries in the world. Three U.S. presidents have ordered food to be sent to Washington D.C. Taquitos, chicken burritos and meatless items are very popular. Combination plates are all served with refried pinto beans and Mexican rice. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Open seven days a week and closed only on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It is worth waiting in line.

Favorite Dish: Favorite Dish: That’s a tough one. Taquitos are for quick and lite appetite. If I’m really hungry? A Beef and Bean Burrito. I very seldom get the combination plates because of the extra cost. Plus I stay away from the Tortilla Chips because of the calories. But then I always take home Corn Tortillas, Chile Relleno and Tamales. OOPS

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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 619-299-0333
Address: 3695 India St. San Diego, CA
Directions: Located off I-5 at Washington St. go east to India St. to 3695 India St, San Diego, CA 92103
Website: http://www.elindio.net/

Restaurant Name: Saffron Thai Grilled Chicken

This is another casual place to grab a bite to eat. They have a little fast walk in and order as well as a sit down. If we have been running around we will eat in. However most of the time we take our food to go and head out to Presidio Park.

Favorite Dish: We generally grab a whole chicken and the honey/hot sauce. They have a few different sauces / chutney and it is fun to try them all. They also pile on the rice.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 619-574-0177
Address: 3731 India St.
Directions: India and Washington

Restaurant Name: Ocean Beach People's Organic Foods Market

Casual dress and bring the kids - your at the beach.

What makes this place special is the care of selection of Organic Foods. No meat here.

Ocean Beach People's Co-op is a member-owned full-service vegetarian retail market that has been serving the community since 1974. If you’re not a member - no worry you will pay 10% more. Which still makes it worth it.

The reason I put this in the Restaurant section is because of its deli - which is up stairs. It is a bit of a trick to eat here but with these tips you will do just fine.

Down stairs pick out what you would like to drink and snack on (olives, pickles, crackers, fresh fruit...). Pay for it at the down stairs cash registers. Take it up stairs and order your main meal (sandwich, soup...) and (I know) pay for those items. If you get stuck just ask an employee, they are all fun people.

They take cash and credit cards.

This is not the normal American Market.
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Favorite Dish: Favorite dishes:
Any of the soups, salads. It is close to home cooking. Plus you can shop for food to take along on your trek.

To steal a quote from them "Our produce is so tempting that you'll think it's forbidden! "
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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: (619) 224-1387
Address: 4765 Voltair St.
Directions: It is in a suburb of San Diego called Ocean Beach. Some of the other things in this area of town is the OB Hostel
(http://www.oceanbeach.com/hostel/), Sunset Cliffs, The Beach and the OB Pier.
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Website: http://www.obpeoplesfood.com/

Restaurant Name: Casa de Pico Mexican Restaurant

Outdoor ambience, service, food, salsa and Margaritas. If you like to people watch this is a great place.

Favorite Dish: Mexican Stir Fry

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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: (619) 296-3267
Address: In the courtyard of Bazaar Del Mundo
Directions: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Website: http://www.bazaardelmundo.com/dining/pico.html

Restaurant Name: "Anthony's Fish Grotto" and "Star of the Sea"

What makes this place special is the quality of food, service and the view.

The prices vary from fair to expensive depending upon where you eat:
Fish Grotto or
The Star of the Sea; is Anthony's fine dining seasonal seafood restaurant located on San Diego Bay. (www.starofthesea.com)

Favorite Dish: My favorites are any of the fresh catch. You just can't go wrong. I prefer the Grilled or broiled to the fried. You will pay a little more but it is well worth it.

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Theme: Seafood
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: (619) 232-5103
Address: 1360 North Harbor Drive
Directions: Located on the San Diego Harbor
Website: http://www.gofishanthonys.com