Food in Tijuana

[LuvMexicanas]

I'll try Charly's when back in town next week as long as it isn't near HK. I might even take the mother and little brother.

Charly's isn't near HK but it is close enough to the fringes of the Zona to where in jest or a curious mind might ask whether you know about the Zona. It is a down to earth place and I have seen families with children eat there. But depending on the social status of the mother and little brother, it might be a tad gritty. I suggest you go by yourself and if you like what you see, take them next time.

[Member #4730]

Yeah, Mexico is much more conservative on all of this. You have to remember that a married woman having a full time job there is only recently being seen as "normal," so it's expected for the man to cover meals out and stuff like that, just like it's expected of her to cook all of the meals at home.

$1,000 a month is probably about right for starting salary for someone with a College degree.

Thanks for clarification. Sometimes I'm skeptical if her perception on life is warped based on living in Sinaloa. My ex was from Tijuana and she was more independent and I guess Americanized as she didn't expect me to "take care" of everything, but then again she didn't cook me every meal as she was a working professional too.

[Member #4730]

Tacos el franc is awesome!! My girl is flying from Sonara so I will take her to that one at the Playa you wrote about.

You might be able to find better restaurants above the boardwalk, but I just wanted a place with mariscos and michelada. If you get a chance to go to Rosarito, then I'd recommend LOS Portales as it sits on a cliff above the ocean and only open Friday-Sunday. Friday is a DJ, Saturday they have live singers, and not sure about Sunday.

[Member #4730]

Got to love Mexico. You couldn't take nine people (I assume you had drinks) for food and drinks to a similar level restaurant in the states for less than $500 after tax and tip. As for tacos, I'm a fan of Charly's on Constitucion, which is just a short walk from the Zona.

We had mostly frescas since the aunt is more conservative and religious. The girl I'm seeing got a mojito so not sure if the aunt knows what kind of drink it was as it looks like lemonade. Everyone else got lemonada natural and regular coke. I got diet cokes which probably seemed awkward as everyone else got regular coke. I was going to pay with my credit card since it isn't bad deal for such a large party, but she told me to just put 1,000 peso towards the bill. I'll try Charly's when back in town next week as long as it isn't near HK. I might even take the mother and little brother.

[SeaBeeJoe]

I went to a birthday party at Churrascaria at Gallerias Hippodromo and it was pretty good. The bill came out to $200 for 9 people, but since it was just 2 of us, we left 1,000 peso toward the bill. Some interesting observations are the circus acts while waiting at stop lights on Cuahatemoc and all of the luxury condos and shopping centers being built in Tijuana. In 5-10 years Tijuana is going to be unrecognizable and probably only the wealthy CA and Mexicans will be residing in the city center. Every block seems to have some kind of development being built on it.

Also another interesting observation happened when we ate at a restaurant in Playas, Vista Bella restaurant and grill. The place had a group of Russian guys and not sure, but was told some Russian groups frequent the Zona. The restaurant was just ok, but the best part is the view of the playa. I wouldn't return unless I wanted a place to eat near the playa.

Some people may be able to provide more insight into Mexican culture. The girl I'm seeing says it is normal for the guy to take care of everything and I said in the USA The women usually help with bills and sometimes take care of the tab. She said that it is the guys responsibility and when she graduates with her engineering degree, then she will probably only be paid 9,000 peso every 15 days which seems shockingly low. Also she seemed upset when I didn't kiss her in front of her aunt and cousins. I didn't want to make it more awkward of a situation as they finally found out that I am almost double her age, but they said I look a decade younger. The funny thing is she said the family thinks it is acceptable with them regarding the age difference as long as she is happy. I learn new things everyday in Mexico.

Tacos el franc is awesome!! My girl is flying from Sonara so I will take her to that one at the Playa you wrote about.

[ClownDays]

She said that it is the guys responsibility and when she graduates with her engineering degree, then she will probably only be paid 9,000 peso every 15 days which seems shockingly low.

Yeah, Mexico is much more conservative on all of this. You have to remember that a married woman having a full time job there is only recently being seen as "normal," so it's expected for the man to cover meals out and stuff like that, just like it's expected of her to cook all of the meals at home.

$1,000 a month is probably about right for starting salary for someone with a College degree.

[LuvMexicanas]

I went to a birthday party at Churrascaria at Gallerias Hippodromo and it was pretty good. The bill came out to $200 for 9 people, but since it was just 2 of us, we left 1,000 peso toward the bill.

Got to love Mexico. You couldn't take nine people (I assume you had drinks) for food and drinks to a similar level restaurant in the states for less than $500 after tax and tip. As for tacos, I'm a fan of Charly's on Constitucion, which is just a short walk from the Zona.

[Member #4730]

I went to a birthday party at Churrascaria at Gallerias Hippodromo and it was pretty good. The bill came out to $200 for 9 people, but since it was just 2 of us, we left 1,000 peso toward the bill. Some interesting observations are the circus acts while waiting at stop lights on Cuahatemoc and all of the luxury condos and shopping centers being built in Tijuana. In 5-10 years Tijuana is going to be unrecognizable and probably only the wealthy CA and Mexicans will be residing in the city center. Every block seems to have some kind of development being built on it.

Also another interesting observation happened when we ate at a restaurant in Playas, Vista Bella restaurant and grill. The place had a group of Russian guys and not sure, but was told some Russian groups frequent the Zona. The restaurant was just ok, but the best part is the view of the playa. I wouldn't return unless I wanted a place to eat near the playa.

Some people may be able to provide more insight into Mexican culture. The girl I'm seeing says it is normal for the guy to take care of everything and I said in the USA The women usually help with bills and sometimes take care of the tab. She said that it is the guys responsibility and when she graduates with her engineering degree, then she will probably only be paid 9,000 peso every 15 days which seems shockingly low. Also she seemed upset when I didn't kiss her in front of her aunt and cousins. I didn't want to make it more awkward of a situation as they finally found out that I am almost double her age, but they said I look a decade younger. The funny thing is she said the family thinks it is acceptable with them regarding the age difference as long as she is happy. I learn new things everyday in Mexico.

Also the tacos at Tacos El Franc are the best in my opinion and better than Taconazo, but Taconazo isn't as packed and also cleaner establishment. Also found it odd that this is the second Mexican lady I've been with that is concerned with my caffeine consumption, but they don't mind downing endless amounts of alcohol. I guess we all have to decide on what kind of vices we find acceptable. Have fun!

[Sol12]

I ordered the seafood soup, octopus ball appetizer and mixed sashimi dish. The regular got a chicken rice dish and some sushi roll. We also ordered 2 micheladas and everything was delicious. The bill came out to $60 plus tip. I would repeat my visit, but Sunday most likely going to a Churrascaria. Highly recommend if you like Japanese food.

Nigori sushi at Gallerias Hippodromo is ok, but Ive had better sushi. It is convenient if you need something to eat before going to the Cinepolis VIP movie theater on the same floor across from restaurant.

If you like Japanese food like Benihana you can try Komasa on Sanchez Toabada. It had just opened up back when I tried it and was very good.

BTW on Thursday Nov 12th USA and Mexico are playing for World Cup qualifying. It's always fun to watch the game in a restaurant or bar with others to see how serious they take this game. Especially if Mexico wins and how they party in the streets. You should enjoy the experience.

[SeaBeeJoe]

Last weekend, I had the best fish tacos ever for $1 each from the seafood cart guy on ave consitution in front of Gloria bar- simply awesome. Each Tacos comes with two pieces of feed fried in batter. So a lot for $1.

I always have lunch in a hole in the wall place -very local / authentic & tasty. Not for Americans unless you are adventurous. Is is opposite the Sara Parking lot on see. Primera.

I saw two restaurants next Chicago club. One attached to it on right side as you face the club. Didn't have a name and the other was called Antojito. Which one is recommended?

I loved the spicy shrimp tacos from the same cart, they are super yummy! It is a must try after you get done mongering, the perfect way to cap off a good night.

[Member #4730]

I ordered the seafood soup, octopus ball appetizer and mixed sashimi dish. The regular got a chicken rice dish and some sushi roll. We also ordered 2 micheladas and everything was delicious. The bill came out to $60 plus tip. I would repeat my visit, but Sunday most likely going to a Churrascaria. Highly recommend if you like Japanese food.

Nigori sushi at Gallerias Hippodromo is ok, but I’ve had better sushi. It is convenient if you need something to eat before going to the Cinepolis VIP movie theater on the same floor across from restaurant.

[Explorer8939]

I am happy with Azul restaurant at Cascadas.

I generally go to Caesars restaurant once a year.

[Captain Solo]

At that stand try the shrimp quesadilla, tastier, creamier, goes well with the seafood soup Siete Mare.

When you are not too busy screwing girls, try El Chopfor Mariscos at the Cathedral Plaza and Titos Mariscon on O'Campo, big menus with fresh seafood.

The restaurant on the left of Chicago belongs to Royal Roach Hotel Leyva. The place served precooked food and smells bad like severely contaminated with bacteria, not recommended.

To the right of Chicago is El Capone. It was open last Saturday night but had no clients. The place used to served hot, tasty, freshly cooked meal specials for 70 pesos. But chef Jose was gone 2 months ago and I think it changed owner. Don't know what they serve now. Go in and check out their menu.

Alternatives are Azuls, Monte Carlo and Sonora Grill across from Adelitas or Las Perla.

[Rambo1969]

Last weekend, I had the best fish tacos ever for $1 each from the seafood cart guy on ave consitution in front of Gloria bar- simply awesome. Each Tacos comes with two pieces of feed fried in batter. So a lot for $1.

I always have lunch in a hole in the wall place -very local / authentic & tasty. Not for Americans unless you are adventurous. Is is opposite the Sara Parking lot on see. Primera.

I saw two restaurants next Chicago club. One attached to it on right side as you face the club. Didn't have a name and the other was called Antojito. Which one is recommended?

[Sol12]

Yeah, most days we go out she doesn't need make up and is willing to walk bare foot when we were in Cancun. I definitely wouldn't walk barefoot anywhere. We got an Airbnb for 2 months to see how things go. She has a friend in GDL that is HR for Volaris and could get her a job, but it wouldn't require using her education. I told her to take a lower paying job that uses her education when she graduates so she gains experience and puts it to use. We went to El Potrero and got the carne and huevos dish that included Chilaquiles. I loved their Mexican coffee and decent price as both our meals and drinks came out to under $30. Later that night we went to New City complex with a bunch of different restaurants and got a prime ribeye, lobster, tuna, and mixed drinks. The bill with tip came out to $160, but it was delicious. We also ate at LOS Arcos and I got a wonderful pulpo dish and she got some fish dish with shrimp skewers. We also got 2 desserts and the total came out to $70.

We've been going to the Caffenio drive thru often as the price for 2 drinks are the same cost of just one at Starbucks. She plans to cook for me since it is getting so expensive eating out, but she says she only does Mexican dishes and I said cool. We agreed we need to eat better and find a local gym.

Glad to hear you liked the place. Yeah the coffee is very good, my buddy that took me to the place said it was the best. The restaurants hadn't been built yet when I was living in Tijuana so I'll have to try them someday since you've had good experiences. Another friend of mine always took his girls to LOS Arcos for lunch after taking them to La Mansion for a few hours. They actually opened up a restaurant in San Diego by Plaza Bonita but it didn't last that long and went out of business.

Much better to go to local coffee shops to give them the business instead of the big corporation. I'm sure you will like her coking and if you want a nice gym they have one on Sanchez Toboada by the Plaza Rio mall. Went to it once since you can by a day pass before and it's very nice and even has a pool. You've probably have seen it driving around it's right on the corner and big glass windows so you can see the people working out.