Food in Tijuana

[SeaBeeJoe]

Was in Tijuana for several days last week and had the chance to try several of the restaurants recommended by the good folks here.

Arrived at Ticuan around noon and went to Caesar's for lunch. Overall, worth visiting at least once, but nothing special. Had the salad, bone marrow and seafood risotto. Both the salad and bone marrow were pretty good, the risotto was cooked well, but the seafood was not fresh. Afterwards, explored around Revolution and hung out at Border Psycho brewery for a bit. I did not watch my water intake and ended up with a hangover, so did not have dinner that day.

Next day, walked to Zone Rio and walked around. Had LionFish for lunch. Overall, decent spot, especially for the price. I ordered a couple of tacos, ceviche Gio, and the tostada sampler. The ceviche was huge and I ended up not being able to finish the tostadas. Everything was quite good, portions were large, pricing wasn't too bad for seafood. The only negative I would say is that the seafood wasn't the freshest. For example, the crab on the tostada tasted bland and did not have the sweetness fresh crab should have. Texture of tuna a bit mushy, etc.

After LionFish, walked to Telefonica Gastro park and got a couple of beers. Did not try any of the food, but looked like a nice spot to chill. It's your typical food market type place, where there's a bunch of vendors with a shared seating.

La Justina. My favorite of the trip. Went for lunch and I guess I was early, no one else was there. I wanted the octopus but I guess they had supply issues that day. Ended up ordering just the Justina salad and Tuna tostada. Both were really good, I would highly recommend the tuna. It was pretty good by itself, but the tostada somehow brought it to a whole another level. Also, their drinks were quite nice too. Bit pricy for Mexico, but I feel it was worth it.

Taco stand by HK. Good tacos, I think this place is notorious enough on the forum already so no need to go into details.

Mr. Pampas. Probably what I was looking forwards to the most before the trip. For me, a bit of a disappointment. Place wasn't bad, especially for the price, $24 for dinner, just the meat quality was meh. Their salad bar was great though, lots of selection besides just salad, more of a sides bar. Favorite cut was the picanha, the ribeye was a travesty, and that's my favorite cut Gristly, too much large pieces of fat, was overcooked and dry / tough. The non beef dishes were ok, tended to be a bit too salty for me. Again, for the price and considering its all you can eat, worth going if you're starving. Personally, I would have preferred a la carte with better quality of meat.

Azuls. Better than I expected. If you're feeling lazy and don't want to go too far from HK, might as well.

Overall, food in Tijuana was pretty good, better than I expected, considering that Tijuana's not really known for food. I would say its a hidden gem, especially if you live in Southern California. If I was in SD, would totally be down to just go down and grab dinner.

I went to Pampas in Otay, it was very bad, the salad bar had old brown wilty lettuce. I will never go back there.

[BabyBatter]

Was in Tijuana for several days last week and had the chance to try several of the restaurants recommended by the good folks here.

Arrived at Ticuan around noon and went to Caesar's for lunch. Overall, worth visiting at least once, but nothing special. Had the salad, bone marrow and seafood risotto. Both the salad and bone marrow were pretty good, the risotto was cooked well, but the seafood was not fresh. Afterwards, explored around Revolution and hung out at Border Psycho brewery for a bit. I did not watch my water intake and ended up with a hangover, so did not have dinner that day.

Next day, walked to Zone Rio and walked around. Had LionFish for lunch. Overall, decent spot, especially for the price. I ordered a couple of tacos, ceviche Gio, and the tostada sampler. The ceviche was huge and I ended up not being able to finish the tostadas. Everything was quite good, portions were large, pricing wasn't too bad for seafood. The only negative I would say is that the seafood wasn't the freshest. For example, the crab on the tostada tasted bland and did not have the sweetness fresh crab should have. Texture of tuna a bit mushy, etc.

After LionFish, walked to Telefonica Gastro park and got a couple of beers. Did not try any of the food, but looked like a nice spot to chill. It's your typical food market type place, where there's a bunch of vendors with a shared seating.

La Justina. My favorite of the trip. Went for lunch and I guess I was early, no one else was there. I wanted the octopus but I guess they had supply issues that day. Ended up ordering just the Justina salad and Tuna tostada. Both were really good, I would highly recommend the tuna. It was pretty good by itself, but the tostada somehow brought it to a whole another level. Also, their drinks were quite nice too. Bit pricy for Mexico, but I feel it was worth it.

Taco stand by HK. Good tacos, I think this place is notorious enough on the forum already so no need to go into details.

Mr. Pampas. Probably what I was looking forwards to the most before the trip. For me, a bit of a disappointment. Place wasn't bad, especially for the price, $24 for dinner, just the meat quality was meh. Their salad bar was great though, lots of selection besides just salad, more of a sides bar. Favorite cut was the picanha, the ribeye was a travesty, and that's my favorite cut Gristly, too much large pieces of fat, was overcooked and dry / tough. The non beef dishes were ok, tended to be a bit too salty for me. Again, for the price and considering its all you can eat, worth going if you're starving. Personally, I would have preferred a la carte with better quality of meat.

Azuls. Better than I expected. If you're feeling lazy and don't want to go too far from HK, might as well.

Overall, food in Tijuana was pretty good, better than I expected, considering that Tijuana's not really known for food. I would say its a hidden gem, especially if you live in Southern California. If I was in SD, would totally be down to just go down and grab dinner.

[Hargow20]

I went there once and the food was quite disappointing.

At this location, I generally eat white rice, veges, and teriyaki this or that. The reason is that it is reasonably healthy and no one can fuck up this simple dish. Plus it is convenient and inexpensive. OK, it is not high dining but I get more than than what I pay. The owner is a cool dude and I've ran into him a couple of times in HK. He speaks English and it's funny the chats we have for the chicas in English while they are eating. Nothing disrespectful. But chit chats on how how hot that girl is who is sitting across from me and what club I can find her at.

[AmorPorFavor]

After being closed during COVID, Colectivo 9 on Revolucion has re-opened. Including all time favorite Indie Burger. If you like to have a delicious inexpensive meal away from dirty and disgusting Zona, you should check it out.

Looks good. Thanks I will check it out.

[Ctytek]

After being closed during COVID, Colectivo 9 on Revolucion has re-opened. Including all time favorite Indie Burger. If you like to have a delicious inexpensive meal away from dirty and disgusting Zona, you should check it out.

[Jackie888]

I was leaving Chicago club last night after a hot session and saw a sushi spot in the Zona. I stopped inside and asked what the owner recommended and he said the banana and mango rolls. I was sweating like a working girl in church and he recommended cleaning up in the bathroom, but I knew that wouldn't help since I just finished an intense cardio session with a lady from Chicago club. I got the iced tea and it was good. The mango and banana rolls were ok, but not something I would consider mixing with wasabi, shrimp, and whatever else was in the roll. The owner is from China and works with his mom and another worker that is in Sinaloa. As I was waiting got my food a black lady came in to order some food and I assumed she was coming from the clubs, but she said she is from LA getting veneers. She said she was getting food for her and the kids. It was odd to see someone that doesn't hit the clubs in the Zona getting food. Apparently veneers are 70% cheaper in Tijuana compared to the USA I'll have to try other food or rolls to give a better review, but the owner was nice and he was busy with orders, which was a good sign.

Anyone try that Chinese restaurant across the street from the taco stand on corner near HK?

At this location, I generally eat white rice, veges, and teriyaki this or that. The reason is that it is reasonably healthy and no one can fuck up this simple dish. Plus it is convenient and inexpensive. OK, it is not high dining but I get more than than what I pay. The owner is a cool dude and I've ran into him a couple of times in HK. He speaks English and it's funny the chats we have for the chicas in English while they are eating. Nothing disrespectful. But chit chats on how how hot that girl is who is sitting across from me and what club I can find her at.

[Jinxx]

The place is OK. . . I've had the chop suey with fried chicken and another time the egg foo yong plate. . . But I prefer Fu Hao Chinese restaurant across from La Malquerida club on Constitucion a block away. The beef with broccoli with fried rice and eggroll is about $100 pesos and hits the spot. Try both and decide for yourself.

Fu Hao is legit. I used to eat there back when I was still a meat-eater. I usually ordered a plate of fried chicken with broccoli and fried rice. The place is run by an old older Asian lady and a young guy who seems to be her son, real nice people.

[Captain Solo]

Kim Mon serves pretty good Chinese food. They do a couple good stir-fry dishes.

The portion is huge, almost double normal US. If you just humped a couple girls and sweat like a pig, well, you can eat like one here.

They have no beer, so buy a few from OXXO and drink it with the food.

[Travv]

The place is OK. . . I've had the chop suey with fried chicken and another time the egg foo yong plate. . . But I prefer Fu Hao Chinese restaurant across from La Malquerida club on Constitucion a block away. The beef with broccoli with fried rice and eggroll is about $100 pesos and hits the spot. Try both and decide for yourself.

I was leaving Chicago club last night after a hot session and saw a sushi spot in the Zona. I stopped inside and asked what the owner recommended and he said the banana and mango rolls. I was sweating like a working girl in church and he recommended cleaning up in the bathroom, but I knew that wouldn't help since I just finished an intense cardio session with a lady from Chicago club. I got the iced tea and it was good. The mango and banana rolls were ok, but not something I would consider mixing with wasabi, shrimp, and whatever else was in the roll. The owner is from China and works with his mom and another worker that is in Sinaloa. As I was waiting got my food a black lady came in to order some food and I assumed she was coming from the clubs, but she said she is from LA getting veneers. She said she was getting food for her and the kids. It was odd to see someone that doesn't hit the clubs in the Zona getting food. Apparently veneers are 70% cheaper in Tijuana compared to the USA I'll have to try other food or rolls to give a better review, but the owner was nice and he was busy with orders, which was a good sign.

Anyone try that Chinese restaurant across the street from the taco stand on corner near HK?

[Member #4730]

I was leaving Chicago club last night after a hot session and saw a sushi spot in the Zona. I stopped inside and asked what the owner recommended and he said the banana and mango rolls. I was sweating like a working girl in church and he recommended cleaning up in the bathroom, but I knew that wouldn't help since I just finished an intense cardio session with a lady from Chicago club. I got the iced tea and it was good. The mango and banana rolls were ok, but not something I would consider mixing with wasabi, shrimp, and whatever else was in the roll. The owner is from China and works with his mom and another worker that is in Sinaloa. As I was waiting got my food a black lady came in to order some food and I assumed she was coming from the clubs, but she said she is from LA getting veneers. She said she was getting food for her and the kids. It was odd to see someone that doesn't hit the clubs in the Zona getting food. Apparently veneers are 70% cheaper in Tijuana compared to the USA I'll have to try other food or rolls to give a better review, but the owner was nice and he was busy with orders, which was a good sign.

Anyone try that Chinese restaurant across the street from the taco stand on corner near HK?

[AmorPorFavor]

If I recall, the first half of menu is Spanish, the second half is same menu in English.

You are correct KoolB. The hamburger is pretty good.

[Member #4730]

Had dinner at Senda Norte yesterday. I think they will run into problems because their menu seems eclectic to me, and it is in Spanish without English translations. So I had to pull out the translator to help me order. Prices seemed a little higher than other places too. This is not your typical Mexican food place that you can order the basic Mexican dish without having to look at the menu. On the other hand, there is a lot of privacy here and it's not too busy like Azul. I think it's a nice restaurant for a date with a chica. If eating by yourself, there are better value in the area.

If I recall, the first half of menu is Spanish, the second half is same menu in English.

[Jackie888]

Had dinner at Senda Norte yesterday. I think they will run into problems because their menu seems eclectic to me, and it is in Spanish without English translations. So I had to pull out the translator to help me order. Prices seemed a little higher than other places too. This is not your typical Mexican food place that you can order the basic Mexican dish without having to look at the menu. On the other hand, there is a lot of privacy here and it's not too busy like Azul. I think it's a nice restaurant for a date with a chica. If eating by yourself, there are better value in the area.

[Member #4730]

Looks like a diner doesn't it?

Doesn't look like a diner to me as not sure of bar seating. If it was open air and had chicas walking around with booty shorts, bikinis or skimpy outfits, then would remind me of South Beach Miami.

[AmorPorFavor]

Just typed in this huge report on La Justina and then the database goes down for 2 minutes? Fuck.

Anyway, the food is absolutely mind blowing. Not typing the rest of it out. Get the tuna tostada.

Oh yeah. That place looks good! Thanks.