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Guide to San Diego

Chips and salsa

A salsa selection that offers real variety instead of just different shades of the same mild tomato base.

Based on 665 Opinions
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01
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Mexican restaurant with open market seating and plenty of outdoor patio space creates a chill, cozy atmosphere. Shared seating in a food hall setting offers a casual vibe with some quieter indoor tables. Energy stays relaxed, making it suitable for quick, quiet meals or casual gatherings.

Chips come with a homemade tamarind-chili inspired hibiscus rim that adds a unique twist. The salsa pairs well with the chips and is consistently delicious across different orders.

Salsas here are homemade and pack a spicy, flavorful punch. Everything tastes fresh and hits the mark perfectly.

People are saying

"The salsa here is delicious and perfectly spiced."

"The chips and salsa here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $5 each, making them an affordable option.

2

The restaurant is located one block off Old Town Avenue.

3

Free public parking is available across the street.

02
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Warm interior with beautiful decor creates a welcoming atmosphere. Food arrives after a wait, reflecting authentic Mexican flavors served on fresh homemade tortillas. Seating is ample, and complimentary chips and salsa start the meal without alcohol service.

Free chips and salsa come with every order. The salsa is delicious and the chips are highly recommended not to fill up on because they are very flavorful.

Free chips come with flavorful salsa that is tasty but not spicy. The salsa options lack a very spicy choice.

People are saying

"You have to try the chips and salsa; they're delicious."

"The mahi mahi taco's salsa had mango and chipotle."

Good to know

1

Good food takes time, and customers should expect a wait, similar to other sit-down restaurants.

2

Their tacos now come on freshly made corn tortillas at this location.

3

The prices at TODO PA' LA CRUDA weren’t bad.

03
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Restaurant offers airport runway views with planes taking off and landing visible from inside. Atmosphere blends Mexican culture with airplane decor, creating a unique and lively vibe. Separate bar area features big screens for sports, attracting groups and company gatherings.

Chips come fresh and crispy with excellent salsa that stands out. Hot carrots accompany the chips, adding a delicious twist to the usual combo.

Chips come with spicy salsa that stands out for its flavor. Both chips and salsa are consistently described as excellent and incredible.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa here are really great."

"The chips and salsa here were plentiful and excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 9 pm with various drink specials.

2

Daily specials are available throughout the week, offering great value.

3

The restaurant is located on the second floor of Montgomery Airport.

04
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Mexican restaurant offers a quiet atmosphere with clean dining room and varied burrito options. A salsa bar and free chips and salsa add to the experience. The place rarely gets crowded and serves large portions like ginormous quesadillas and carne asada fries.

Free self-serve chips and salsa are available while waiting for food. This nice touch adds to the dining experience.

Hot salsa stands out as a top choice here. A self-serve salsa bar with free chips adds a nice touch to the meal.

People are saying

"I liked their free chips and salsa."

"I loved the self-serve chips and salsa, it's a nice touch."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers carnitas and carne asada tacos at a decent price.

2

Expect a wait time of around 20 minutes if arriving after 10:30 AM.

3

Prices for burritos have increased, with Jr. burritos starting at $12.

05
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Mexican restaurant with a cozy bar and relaxed, friendly atmosphere plays classic rock music, creating a Southern California vibe. The space is dark and loud, attracting a lively crowd. Pets are welcome, adding to the casual, inviting feel.

Free table chips and salsa arrive right when seated. The salsa is consistently fantastic and pairs well with the crispy chips.

Hand-made tortilla chips come with excellent salsa that stands out for its flavor. The salsa matches well with the basic northern Mexico style food and enchiladas.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa were as good as it gets."

"I enjoyed the free chips and salsa they provided."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are not required, but the restaurant gets busy quickly.

3

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating available.

06
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Mexican restaurant with a sports bar atmosphere featuring loud TVs and live music that keeps energy high. Offers a self-serve salsa bar and a full margarita menu, with seating options including a pleasant outdoor patio. The space fills up and gets noisy when busy, making it lively rather than quiet.

Complimentary chips and salsa come with every order. The chips are delicious and the salsa bar offers excellent variety.

A large self-serve salsa bar offers a variety of salsas from sweet to spicy, including a notable pineapple salsa. Chips and salsa come complimentary, enhancing the overall experience.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed the chips and salsa here."

"I thought the chips and salsa were delicious."

Good to know

1

The happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

2

Expect a wait outside during peak hours.

3

There is a 5% surcharge added to each bill.

07
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Mexican restaurant with an open floor plan and large windows creates a bright, airy feel. Outdoor patio seating with heaters offers a comfortable spot even in cooler weather. The vibe suits a younger crowd, blending stylish decor with a lively atmosphere.

Free chips and salsa arrive quickly at the table. The salsa is amazing, and the chips are good enough to ask for seconds.

Fresh chips come with salsa that has just the right amount of spice. Adding hot house salsa to rice boosts flavor and handles heat well.

People are saying

"The service here is so friendly and attentive."

"I loved the chips and salsa they provided."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-4pm on weekdays and all day on Tuesdays.

2

The bar area offers a special happy hour menu with great options.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

08
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Mini sports bar with indoor and outdoor seating offers a help-yourself salsa bar and free chips. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming with comfortable seating and lively music. Serves large portions of fresh Mexican food including all-day breakfast burritos and beer on tap.

Chips come with a free salsa bar featuring options like salsa macha, salsa diabla, and salsa verde. The salsas pair well with dishes like chilaquiles, al pastor, and carne asada.

People are saying

"The salsa verde here is great, and the staff is super friendly."

Good to know

1

Robert's Jalapenos serves breakfast burritos all day.

2

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on food.

3

The establishment is clean and well-maintained.

09
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Upbeat restaurant with a horseshoe-shaped bar and many TVs for watching sports. Atmosphere is lively and enjoyable, suitable for football games and family dining. Electronic games add to the kid-friendly environment while seating remains clean and comfortable.

Unlimited chips and salsa come with orders, offering a generous amount that pairs well with meals. The salsa is consistently tasty, making it a reliable starter or side.

Endless chips and salsa come with orders, often as an unlimited option. The salsa pairs well with other menu items like burgers and triple dippers, making it a consistent and tasty starter.

People are saying

"I loved the endless chips and salsa."

"I loved the endless chips and salsa, it was amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available all day on weekends in the bar section only.

2

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

3

Expect a 15-20 minute wait for tables on busy Friday nights.

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Dining spaces include a covered terrace and a greenery-filled back patio overlooking a golf course. Atmosphere stays lively and comfortable, with delightful music enhancing the experience. The setting suits casual meetups and relaxed meals with a welcoming vibe.

Complimentary endless chips and salsa come with the meal. Salsa includes carrots, onions, and jalapeños for extra flavor. Chips and salsa stand out as extraordinary and fresh.

Chips come with complimentary endless salsa that stands out for its excellent red flavor. The salsa pairs well with the chips, making it a delicious starter.

People are saying

"The salsa here is excellent and really fresh."

"The chips and salsa here are extraordinary and endless."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available most days, especially on Mondays.

2

Margaritas are offered at reduced prices during happy hour.

3

Parking can be inconvenient and difficult to navigate.

11
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Outdoor seating offers ocean views with heaters and umbrellas for comfort. The atmosphere is lively and noisy with live guitar music and football highlights playing. Large, dog-friendly bar and fun, colorful vibe attract a diverse crowd.

Chips come out fresh and likely homemade with a tasty salsa that complements them well. They serve these as a complimentary starter that sets a good tone for the meal.

Chips come crispy and pair with salsa that is delightfully spicy. Salsa serves as a flavorful starter alongside queso and complements tacos and nachos well.

People are saying

"The salsa here is fresh, flavorful, and has a nice spice."

"The chips and salsa here are top notch."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with discounted drinks and snacks.

2

Discounted tacos are available until 7:00 PM.

3

A surcharge fee applies when paying with a credit card.

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Mexican restaurant offers a spacious outdoor area with space heaters and a well-stocked bar inside. The atmosphere combines good music with a lively vibe, especially in the upstairs speakeasy bar where dancing happens. Tables are often close together, creating a crowded but energetic setting.

Chips come with a variety of salsas that stand out for their flavor. The combination of crispy chips and delicious salsa makes them a highlight of the meal.

Four salsas come with house-made chips, featuring two mild-medium and two hot varieties. A red salsa likely made with Arbol chile and a creamy Jalapeño salsa stand out for their unique flavors.

People are saying

"Maile's bright personality brought the salsa and made the night memorable."

"Maile's bright personality made the chips and salsa feel special."

Good to know

1

For Taco Tuesday, all appetizers and select tacos are 50% off.

2

The grilled fish tacos cost only $4 during happy hour.

3

Happy hour at El Sueño offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

13
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Mexican restaurant with vibrant atmosphere and a large dancefloor with bar inside. Music ranges from live Mariachi bands to DJ sets playing Mexican and Spanish tunes, creating a lively, dancing vibe at night. Decor includes comic-themed staff shirts and cartoon wall art, adding a unique, playful touch.

Chips and salsa come out quickly without needing to ask. They have good flavor and the chips are consistently fresh and crispy.

Free chips come with two kinds of salsa, a mild red and a spicier green. An extra spicy salsa is available and stands out for its heat. Both salsas are made in house, with the red offering a roasted heat and the green a fresh, bright kick.

People are saying

"The house-made salsas had a great kick and fresh, bright flavor."

"The chips and salsa here are really good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers half-price tacos all day.

2

Happy hour includes discounted margaritas and appetizers.

3

Expect long wait times during weekends, especially after 8pm.

14
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Fish market and restaurant combine with fresh seafood display behind a glass counter. Outdoor patio lined with cacti offers a relaxed coastal vibe and spacious seating options. The atmosphere feels buzzy and inviting, drawing people who appreciate fresh fish and casual dining.

Tortilla chips come with salsa fresca that tastes fresh and bright. Chips and salsa serve as a solid starter, sometimes described as good or okay.

Chips and salsa come with a fresh avocado addition that complements the meal well. The salsa pairs nicely with the crispy chips, making it a solid starter or side.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa were a great addition to my meal."

"The chips and salsa were good, a great addition to the meal."

Good to know

1

El Pescador Fish Market operates on a first come, first serve basis; no reservations accepted.

2

Expect long lines on Saturday afternoons, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

15
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Modern, hip décor with a bright white chandelier creates an elegant but cozy atmosphere. The space stays quiet even on busy nights, making it good for conversation. Authentic Mexican flavors pair well with excellent tequila and mezcal cocktails.

Chips and salsa come with excellent flavor and a satisfying crunch. The price is $10, which some find high for this starter.

A large bowl of spicy salsa comes with the chips for $10. The salsa is flavorful and pairs well with the crispy chips. A side of extra spicy salsa is available to add more kick.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa were on point."

"The chips and salsa here were excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great drink deals and tasty plates from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Parking can be difficult on weekends, especially in North Park.

3

There is a policy regarding gift card redemption that may cause issues.

16
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Small, intimate space with large front patio and picnic tables inside. Atmosphere feels laid-back and welcoming, with a market selling seafood on site. Patio offers a quiet spot to relax while enjoying fresh seafood dishes.

Chips and salsa come with great flavor and are delicious. Free chips and salsa are no longer offered due to a new management policy.

Salsa has a kick with distinct flavors that complement the tacos well. Chips and salsa come together as a delicious and great touch to the meal.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa here are delicious."

"The chips and salsa here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks.

2

Parking is available on-site for visitors.

3

The restaurant is now called MARISCOS GERMAN.

17
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Quaint bistro with authentic Mexican decor and soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Classic Mexican music plays, adding to the vibrant yet cozy vibe. Outdoor seating and a separate upstairs area offer varied spaces for dining and meetings.

Fresh chips come warm from the fryer and pair well with super fresh salsa. The salsa is so good that extra servings are often taken home.

People are saying

"The salsa and tortillas were both super fresh."

Good to know

1

Brunch includes unlimited mimosas at a great price.

2

Happy hour specials are available from 6pm.

3

Parking can be a challenge in the area.

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Charming patio dining offers a quiet, pleasant atmosphere with live music featuring flutes and saxophone enhancing the experience. Outdoor seating creates a cozy, open-air vibe where guests enjoy delicious tacos and margaritas.

Chips and salsa arrive immediately upon seating, with a mild salsa that tastes good. Staff keep the chips and salsa coming without delay.

Chips and salsa arrive immediately and come in copious amounts. The salsa stands out as mild and tasty, often considered the best among local Mexican spots.

People are saying

"Joel made the evening special and was amazing."

"They kept our chips and salsa coming immediately."

Good to know

1

Expect high prices; a meal can cost around $160 for five tacos and four cocktails.

2

There is a 4% surcharge for additional charges on the bill.

3

Live music occurs on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday.

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