Su Casa Mexican and Seafood Restaurant
6738 La Jolla Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0369
www.sucasarestaurant.com
Overall Fish Taco Rating: 1.75
Overview:
Su Casa is a family owned restaurant that's kind of a mainstay of the La Jolla/Windansea community. It's known mainly for its fun happy hour atmosphere, 70s style round booths, excellent table-side guacamole and an array of margaritas - some of which really should come with cab ride. It's a great location for a few margis and a walk to the beach afterwards. Most of their food and drinks are pretty good... with a couple notable exceptions. Read on.
The Deets:
Chris and I used to frequent Su Casa years ago and we loved that place like a second home. Ah, those were the days... Sadly, those days are gone. Did ownership change? Did aliens take over their brains? Aliens with really bad ideas about how to make a fish taco? Dunno. But I can no longer stomach that establishment. As Chris points out, the service was poor. Really poor. Zombies on quaaludes are quicker on their feet and exude more enthusiasm. Not sure if they're just understaffed and overworked, but clearly they need to improve in that department. They have both fried and grilled version of their fish tacos; each come with chopped lettuce/cabbage, flower tortillas (I think), which are of the hard 'n crispy variety. We each ordered one grilled and one fried. And then we waited... and waited...
Our Ratings:
CHRISTOPHER: After receiving poor service, I was further depressed by receiving a poor fish taco. I ordered a grilled and a fried one for comparison. The grilled one lacked flavor, leaving me with a taste in my mouth like I just licked a corrugated cardboard box with ranch dressing on it. The corn tortilla was such a black hole of taste, that any flavors within it's proximity were sucked into oblivion creating an gaping chasm of enjoyment in my mouth. The fried fish taco was a slight improvement, but only because the taste of greasy batter was better than licking cardboard. A very underwhelming finish that required a lot of Diet Coke to wash away the stain it left in my soul. I give it a 2.
DARREN: ...When we finally got our fish tacos, we received two grilled fish tacos and two that looked and tasted mysteriously like chicken tacos: this is because they were chicken tacos. Eventually, those were replaced with two fried fish tacos. The "grilled" fish taco should probably be renamed "stewed" fish taco. I didn't sense anything grilled about the fish. It was soupy, soggy and tasteless. The piece of round, stale, brown construction paper claiming to be a tortilla and the massive amount of chopped up other ingredient (I think it was lettuce... not sure) didn't help. Heck, I couldn't even tell if those were corn or flower tortillas. The fried fish taco was definitely fried... but it could have been steamed. It did have batter on it and it did taste slightly better than the "grilled" version, but not by much; it still suffered from the same flavor-eliminating other ingredients. The tortillas on both were over heated and rather inflexible, much like hot, greasy cardboard - not so good in my book. And in just a couple minutes, they began to disintegrate from the soupiness of the fish. My rating on both fish tacos: 1.5.
Not to insult them too badly, as they do have a good atmosphere, excellent guac, great margaritas, and ample parking. Just don't go there for happy hour and expect quick service.
Oh, by the way, the chicken taco wasn't very good either.
The Brigantine (Del Mar)
The Brigantine
3263 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 481-1166
www.brigantine.com
Overall Fish Taco Rating: 10
Overview:
The Brigantine caters to the Del Martian crowd of race enthusiasts, millionaires, wannabe-millionaires, people who date supermodels and who drive cars much better than mine. I mean, do I really need to have valet parking to eat a fish taco? Maybe. But the main restaurant is not where you want to concern yourself. Instead, head straight for the bar area with the rest of the common people, and pull up a chair, barstool or booth, and put your hands around the Happy Hour menu. Get yourself a nice beer, some of the artichoke fritters or calamari to start, but don't fill up too much because you need to make room for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever have in your life.
The Deets:
The fish tacos are in a perfect marriage of deep fried fish in a beer batter, rainjacket-colored yellow cheese, crunchy shredded cabbage and tangy ranch dressing served in a soft corn tortilla. Two usually is a complete meal, even though when you're done, you'll just want more. Go for the Happy Hour special and you can get them a la carte cheaper ($2.50 each I think?) than getting the fish taco platter which just comes with potato chips, which just removes space in your stomach that you could be putting more fish tacos.
Our Ratings:
CHRISTOPHER: If you like fried vs. grilled, then hands down, the Brigantine in Del Mar is the best place to get one that I've seen so far. I've tried them at the Brigantine in Coronado as well, but I just didn't feel they captured the awesome as well as Del Mar did. Flawless execution. A perfect 10. This sets the gold standard for all fried fish tacos you'll ever eat.
DARREN: [insert wisdom here]
3263 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 481-1166
www.brigantine.com
Overall Fish Taco Rating: 10
Overview:
The Brigantine caters to the Del Martian crowd of race enthusiasts, millionaires, wannabe-millionaires, people who date supermodels and who drive cars much better than mine. I mean, do I really need to have valet parking to eat a fish taco? Maybe. But the main restaurant is not where you want to concern yourself. Instead, head straight for the bar area with the rest of the common people, and pull up a chair, barstool or booth, and put your hands around the Happy Hour menu. Get yourself a nice beer, some of the artichoke fritters or calamari to start, but don't fill up too much because you need to make room for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever have in your life.
The Deets:
The fish tacos are in a perfect marriage of deep fried fish in a beer batter, rainjacket-colored yellow cheese, crunchy shredded cabbage and tangy ranch dressing served in a soft corn tortilla. Two usually is a complete meal, even though when you're done, you'll just want more. Go for the Happy Hour special and you can get them a la carte cheaper ($2.50 each I think?) than getting the fish taco platter which just comes with potato chips, which just removes space in your stomach that you could be putting more fish tacos.
Our Ratings:
CHRISTOPHER: If you like fried vs. grilled, then hands down, the Brigantine in Del Mar is the best place to get one that I've seen so far. I've tried them at the Brigantine in Coronado as well, but I just didn't feel they captured the awesome as well as Del Mar did. Flawless execution. A perfect 10. This sets the gold standard for all fried fish tacos you'll ever eat.
DARREN: [insert wisdom here]
Jose's Courtroom
Jose's Courtroom
Overall Fish Taco Rating: 6.5
Overview:
Jose's Courtroom (locally referred to simply as Jose's), is a local favorite. Almost everyone in San Diego has been there once or a dozen... hundred times. This place is a probably the most famous margarita stop in town. It's located in one of the loveliest places in SD; the La Jolla Village on Prospect St., exactly where the street's level splits such that if you sit in one of the three coveted window tables, you get an extraordinarily pleasant view of the park and ocean below, not to mention the frequently stylish passers-by. But despite its highly posh local, it's possibly the most unpretentious and congenial restaurant in all of La Jolla. You can enter the front door in a t-shirt, boardshorts and flip-flops, or your goin' out clothes. All are welcome there. Fish tacos or not, this place is a true jewel!
The Deets:
Battered and fried cod double-wrapped with the option of corn or flour tortillas (very nice, especially if you prefer corn, like Darren), pico sauce, shredded cabbage, guacamole, and sour cream on the side. Either a la carte or as a meal with a side of refried beans smothered in greasy cheese and their "pickled cabbage salad." The latter side is special in that it's apparently unique to Jose's - as in, it's not really sour kraut and it's not really a salad, but it's found nowhere else in SD! And for cabbage, it's surprisingly tasty to boot.
Honorable mention should be posted here for their oddly spicy salsa that, once you start eating, you cannot stop for fear of the hotness destroying your tongue! Fortunately, they're extremely fast at replenishing your supply - as well as your tortilla chips.
Our Ratings:
CHRISTOPHER: No opinion yet...need to change that...
DARREN: Jose's is all about the casual atmosphere and the prime location. The margaritas and friendly service add a lot too. The place isn't necessarily known for it's above-average or specifically traditional Mexican fair. However, the fish tacos are very tasty and a great deal for $6. I actually think the location makes the tacos (and the margaritas) taste better than they otherwise might, but who cares. Unfortunately, the fish only comes fried, which loses points from me; but they really are lightly battered. I recommend ordering two fish tacos a la carte with corn tortillas, no sour cream, and no cheese (if they offer). Oddly enough, "a la carte" apparently just means "no refried beans" in their case, but it still comes with the scrumptious cabbage, which gains a half point. I give them a 6.5.
1037 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone:(858) 454–7655
www.joses.com
www.joses.com
Overall Fish Taco Rating: 6.5
Overview:
Jose's Courtroom (locally referred to simply as Jose's), is a local favorite. Almost everyone in San Diego has been there once or a dozen... hundred times. This place is a probably the most famous margarita stop in town. It's located in one of the loveliest places in SD; the La Jolla Village on Prospect St., exactly where the street's level splits such that if you sit in one of the three coveted window tables, you get an extraordinarily pleasant view of the park and ocean below, not to mention the frequently stylish passers-by. But despite its highly posh local, it's possibly the most unpretentious and congenial restaurant in all of La Jolla. You can enter the front door in a t-shirt, boardshorts and flip-flops, or your goin' out clothes. All are welcome there. Fish tacos or not, this place is a true jewel!
The Deets:
Battered and fried cod double-wrapped with the option of corn or flour tortillas (very nice, especially if you prefer corn, like Darren), pico sauce, shredded cabbage, guacamole, and sour cream on the side. Either a la carte or as a meal with a side of refried beans smothered in greasy cheese and their "pickled cabbage salad." The latter side is special in that it's apparently unique to Jose's - as in, it's not really sour kraut and it's not really a salad, but it's found nowhere else in SD! And for cabbage, it's surprisingly tasty to boot.
Honorable mention should be posted here for their oddly spicy salsa that, once you start eating, you cannot stop for fear of the hotness destroying your tongue! Fortunately, they're extremely fast at replenishing your supply - as well as your tortilla chips.
Our Ratings:
CHRISTOPHER: No opinion yet...need to change that...
DARREN: Jose's is all about the casual atmosphere and the prime location. The margaritas and friendly service add a lot too. The place isn't necessarily known for it's above-average or specifically traditional Mexican fair. However, the fish tacos are very tasty and a great deal for $6. I actually think the location makes the tacos (and the margaritas) taste better than they otherwise might, but who cares. Unfortunately, the fish only comes fried, which loses points from me; but they really are lightly battered. I recommend ordering two fish tacos a la carte with corn tortillas, no sour cream, and no cheese (if they offer). Oddly enough, "a la carte" apparently just means "no refried beans" in their case, but it still comes with the scrumptious cabbage, which gains a half point. I give them a 6.5.
Solana Beach Fish House
Solana Beach Fish House
124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr # 209
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 481-3474
Overall Fish Taco Rating: 9
Overview:
The Solana Beach Fish House is tucked away inside a mini-mall on Lomas Santa Fe just before you hit the train station. Its a family-owned fish market serving all types of grilled and fried seafood. Their lunch specialties, however, are the fish taco and the fish burrito plates.
The Deets:
They have a couple candidates for review. They have not only the blackened mahi mahi, but they also offer albacore and swordfish as well, and a series of non-fish fish tacos, such as the Yucatan shrimp taco which features shrimp plump like Drew Barrymore's thighs, and the lobster taco, which I did not try at time of publications. Anything in a taco can be made into a burrito as well, but since the focus of this blog is both "fish" and "taco", I will keep my reviews conservative...
Our Ratings:
CHRISTOPHER: One of my favorite places in San Diego for fish tacos. They are an art form. Delicious blackened mahi mahi, with a little seasoning and spice, fresh chopped cabbage, shredded cheddar cheese and a delicious ranch dressing. When served with the rice and beans, it truly makes for a delicious and filling lunch that is both fresh and affordably priced under $8. This is definitely a solid 9, and my favorite place for grilled fish tacos.
DARREN:
124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr # 209
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 481-3474
Overall Fish Taco Rating: 9
Overview:
The Solana Beach Fish House is tucked away inside a mini-mall on Lomas Santa Fe just before you hit the train station. Its a family-owned fish market serving all types of grilled and fried seafood. Their lunch specialties, however, are the fish taco and the fish burrito plates.
The Deets:
They have a couple candidates for review. They have not only the blackened mahi mahi, but they also offer albacore and swordfish as well, and a series of non-fish fish tacos, such as the Yucatan shrimp taco which features shrimp plump like Drew Barrymore's thighs, and the lobster taco, which I did not try at time of publications. Anything in a taco can be made into a burrito as well, but since the focus of this blog is both "fish" and "taco", I will keep my reviews conservative...
Our Ratings:
CHRISTOPHER: One of my favorite places in San Diego for fish tacos. They are an art form. Delicious blackened mahi mahi, with a little seasoning and spice, fresh chopped cabbage, shredded cheddar cheese and a delicious ranch dressing. When served with the rice and beans, it truly makes for a delicious and filling lunch that is both fresh and affordably priced under $8. This is definitely a solid 9, and my favorite place for grilled fish tacos.
DARREN:
Shakespeare's Pub & Grill
Shakespeare's Pub & Grill
3701 India St
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 299-0230
www.shakespearepub.com
Overall Fish Taco Rating: 7
Overview:
Shakespeare's isn't generally known for it's fish tacos. Even for San Diegans, it's a little surprising. We do not for an instant suspect that good old Bill wrote sonnets romanticizing the wonders of a succulent morsel of fried cod laid loving betwixt the caressing arms of a tortilla. It's just not in the English cookbooks. Cask ales, bangers 'n mash, fish 'n chips, shepherd's pie, and ploughman's plate, sure... but fish tacos? Not so much. So, it's a little odd that their menu lists, "World Famous Fish Tacos" as an item. Then again, this is San Diego. And if we had it our way, even the Italian restaurants would be required to serve fish tacos.
The Deets:
The actual piece-o-fish a smaller version of what you'd get with their fish 'n chips, except wrapped in a tortilla and sans the 'n chips. We think the fish is sole or cod or some other local whitefish. Not sure there. Depending on day, the flour tortilla (only option, no corn) can be stale. The red cabbage and tartar sauce is a pretty yummy combination. For about $5, it's a good deal and goes great with a Boddington's, Harp, Stella Artois, or whatever you prefer. Serve it with a Guinness and you've got yourself a hearty traditional Irish meal... uh... Mexican meal... um... never mind.
Our Ratings:
DARREN: I liked it. Very fish taco-licious. Little too much batter, and I recommend getting it without cheese. But over all good. I'll give it a 7.
CHRISTOPHER: Very good representation from an English bar, but I wish the size of the fish was a little bigger, otherwise you need at least two fish tacos to get filled up. Or more beer. I'd give it at 7 as well.
3701 India St
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 299-0230
www.shakespearepub.com
Overall Fish Taco Rating: 7
Overview:
Shakespeare's isn't generally known for it's fish tacos. Even for San Diegans, it's a little surprising. We do not for an instant suspect that good old Bill wrote sonnets romanticizing the wonders of a succulent morsel of fried cod laid loving betwixt the caressing arms of a tortilla. It's just not in the English cookbooks. Cask ales, bangers 'n mash, fish 'n chips, shepherd's pie, and ploughman's plate, sure... but fish tacos? Not so much. So, it's a little odd that their menu lists, "World Famous Fish Tacos" as an item. Then again, this is San Diego. And if we had it our way, even the Italian restaurants would be required to serve fish tacos.
The Deets:
The actual piece-o-fish a smaller version of what you'd get with their fish 'n chips, except wrapped in a tortilla and sans the 'n chips. We think the fish is sole or cod or some other local whitefish. Not sure there. Depending on day, the flour tortilla (only option, no corn) can be stale. The red cabbage and tartar sauce is a pretty yummy combination. For about $5, it's a good deal and goes great with a Boddington's, Harp, Stella Artois, or whatever you prefer. Serve it with a Guinness and you've got yourself a hearty traditional Irish meal... uh... Mexican meal... um... never mind.
Our Ratings:
DARREN: I liked it. Very fish taco-licious. Little too much batter, and I recommend getting it without cheese. But over all good. I'll give it a 7.
CHRISTOPHER: Very good representation from an English bar, but I wish the size of the fish was a little bigger, otherwise you need at least two fish tacos to get filled up. Or more beer. I'd give it at 7 as well.
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