Best Late Night Junk Food in San
Diego
Late
Night Junk Food in San Diego |
San
Diego’s Junk Food
Article written by Nathan Lindsay
About ten years ago I found myself far from San Diego, drenched
along the outskirts of Portland, Oregon. I was a month into
what would eventually become a one year cross country adventure
and my appetite was homesick for the one thing this city offers
the best of – Mexican food. The friend I was staying with
at the time, also a native Californian, though not of San Diego,
promised to appease my demanding palate with comparable fare.
So deep into the heart of Portland we went. I had visions of
plate-sized burritos, rolled tacos thick with guacamole, and
hot sauce that leave the eyes so drenched as to demand a satisfying,
spicy smile.
What he introduced me to was a deep appreciation for my hometown
that had, at that point, never been realized. I spent a desperate
six dollars on a burrito the size of my hand made by college
students who had most likely never set foot out of the Northwest,
let alone Portland’s beltway.
Every nook in this nation has an underlying flavor of so-called
junk food that helps bolster a region’s reputation. New
York pizzas are not to be reckoned with. Chicago dogs should
never be underestimated. If you’re looking for Chinese
food to enrich an exotic palate you have several choices, like
San Francisco or Seattle or New York. The Midwest offers some
of most competitive wild game on the planet. And where in this
country do you think you begin a search for a Philly cheese
steak?
And so, while San Diego may be lacking in the arena of dizzying
junk food, it’s tops when it comes to Mexican food. You
can travel anywhere stateside along the borders of Mexico and
Baja and still not find Mexican food that comes close. For such
outstanding prices, flavor, and choices, it’s easy for
Mexican food to become a staple diet for the single, struggling
individual.
Deals at Taco Bell or Del Taco?!...Who cares! Like coffee shops
in San Francisco, it’s easy to find an affordable twenty-four
hour taco joint in this county. May not be the end-all meal
but it beats commercial fast food hands down.
And locals are crazy about their Mexican food. Not in the sense
that they lose their grip at the sight of any old taco joint
they happen across, but in a real, rational and personal sense.
A San Diegan knows where the best places are. On the right day,
with the right motivations, a San Diegan will drive across the
county to visit that one, small taco stand he or she feels beats
the rest in town by miles. Everyone has their own list and sometimes
they drop a name or two in conversation, telling friends they
“…absolutely have to go and check this place out…”
And the list is never identical. It’s as personal as one’s
own home. With so many choices within driving distance, it’s
not surprising.
One aspect to remember is that in Mexico itself styles of food,
or the way food is prepared, differ greatly. If you’re
privy to such information, knowing the region where the owners
are from, or derive their influence, can aid you tremendously
in your choice.
That said, what follows is my current top five (as with anyone
else in this town, it’s always open for revision). In
no particular order of favorites:
1. El Zarape (4642 Park Blvd) – Located
in University Heights, this seems to be a local favorite among
the hipsters. Offering one of the best seafood choices I’ve
seen in some time, the food is delicious and the atmosphere
is cozy and casual.
2. Pokez (947 E Street) – Offering an
edgy atmosphere near the heart of downtown, the food here is
beyond reproach. While the tone is that of your run-of-the-mill
taco joint, there are wait persons and a very vegetarian friendly
menu.
3. Los Panchos – (409 Washington) A San
Diego chain, I tend to like the one located on Washington. If
you’re out and in the mood for decent fish taco, keep
this place in mind.
4. Valentines – Located on Washington
Street (1810 W. Washington) near interstate 5, next door to
Bar Dynamite, this is, perhaps, the best place for a decent
potato burrito at two in the morning.
5. Sarita Taco Shop – (9906 Campo Road)
This is one of those places I would drive across town to visit
had I the time and energy. One key component in a taco shop
is breakfast…nothing in San Diego registers better, after
a harrowing night out, than an excellent breakfast burrito and
that’s exactly what makes Sarita worth the trip.
And if you’re looking for excellent sit down in San Diego,
Old Town San Diego has a few to choose from. My favorite is
Old Town Mexican Café on San Diego Avenue. Well worth
the wait in line, look forward to a zesty carnitas plate or
tasty enchilada. And last time I was there Green Day dined a
few tables away from me…how’s that for a plug! |
