I am looking for a nice Mexican restaurant to throw a party at in north county (San Diego). It doesn’t have to be super nice - just no hole in the walls. An oceanview would be a big plus. Any suggestions?
kb04
Jul 17, 2008 08:56AM
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If you are willing to venture inland, Hacienda de Vega in Escondido is a beautiful location.
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It's not exactly a dedicated Mexican restaurant, more Mexican inspired, but En Fuego in Del Mar is pretty nice, probably won't break the budget and the food is pretty decent. The restaurant is on two levels is build around a big old tree and has lots of open space. The bar is on the lower level around the base of the tree, they make pretty good Margaritas.
Las Ollas is right on Pacific Coast Hwy. in the Encinitas/Luecadia area. More traditionally Mexican. Food is okay, neither very good, nor very bad but you'll get your ocean view. It's a pretty high volume place due to it's location.
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Has anyone heard of Cabo Grill? For a surprise birthday party - would you suggest Cabo Grill or En Fuego? I am from tha LA area so I feel like I am making a decision in the dark.
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Haven't heard of Cabo Grill but have been to En Fuego. The bar in the lower level area is good for larger parties. Food is decent and won't break the bank.
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I would say
El Callejon in Encinitas has the space, the liquor menu, and the vibe. The food is good. No ocean view.
La Especial Norte in Leucadia has great food, more casual than El Callejon, also serves alcohol. No ocean view as well.
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Have you thought about Epazote in the Del Mar Plaza?
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Epazote's is no longer Mexican. They switch to an upscale steakhouse/american menu about a year or so ago.
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Upscale Mexican is a bit of an oxymoron. Regardless, El Callejon in Encinitas, Los Olas in Cardiff and Fidel's and Tony's Jacal in Solana Beach are all good and can accomodate parties.
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Folks, if you want to discuss whether or not "upscale Mexican is a bit of an oxymoron", please do so on the General Topics board. We've removed some posts about that because they are off topic on a regional board.
Thank you.
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wtf - do some research before you make a claim like that.
I'll give you a hint - search Alta cocina, patricia Quintana, el Bajio for just a taste. You may have to learn spanish
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Wanker: I have to disagree with your recommendations of Los Olas and Fidel's, since the OP requested "upscale Mexican restaurant", as those are mostly pretty casual. And you are incorrect that upscale Mexican is an oxymoron.
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I would probably go with DougOLis and suggest HdV as the most upscale Mexican place in No. County, and it can deal with large parties. Cabo is ehh o.k. touristy, nice view though. It is at the very north end of Leucadia, looking up towards Carlsbad. En Fuego is more of a scene, can be fun. I don't get El Callejon, the food was never that great or good when I went there, and I would rather eat at Especial Norte or gasp! even Fidel's.
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