Antojitos Mexicanos #3

This place will charge you for water without your consent and they do not speak English. Sometimes, they play very loud music from a single speaker. Food so so. On salsa???

Walking into Antojitos Mexicanos #3 can be a creepy experience. In fact, I couldn’t help but have the feeling of being on the low in a Tijuana slum.
The first thing you note upon approaching the front door are two big signs, stating «No Weapons» in English with descriptive pictures of a gun and a knife. However some nit-​wit ignoramus in a display of stupidity posted them facing the inside, which even though in the reverse when entering, are clearly visible. Of course my first thought is that they have weapons problem in the place, and my second thought being that those who bring lethal weapons into a bar/​restaurant aren’t they type who will give much of a rat about signs prohibiting it.
Things don’t improve much when inside. The interior though clearly run down has been even made even worse in appearance by some of the most half assed examples what must be Mexican workmanship in making repairs that I’ve ever seen. But on the good side, it does make you feel like you really are in Mexico.
I went for a late lunch and when there, was the only patron. The cook, a very pleasant and polite elderly lady spoke with me along with the waitress who I think may have been her daughter or at least some relative. Though they tried to seat me at the bar, I took a booth and was given a menu which was my first surprise as the menu was impressively extensive. However, most of it was in Mexican (I say Mexican rather than Spanish, as the words for Mexican foods are more Mexican than Spanish), most without English explanations, though several pages have colored pictures of various dishes.
I ordered their tostados de camaron (tostados with shrimp) which when served in what was an eye appealing presentation with plenty of fresh clean to the taste shrimp, lettuce, mayo and tomato. I was amazed not only how good it was but how in every way Mexican authentic. Indeed it was not only the equal but in fact better in taste and flavor than I’ve had at most restaurants in Mexico with the salad being totally crisp and the cheese with a sharp quality of flavor.
Though it certainly lacks in décor, the food I had here, though nothing fancy, made up for that.

Authentic! Great food! The atmosphere is not pretty but it’s where the locals eat so just move past that and deal with the language it is worth it. The made from scratch tortillas are awesome! Loved it all!

So, I was in the mood for Mexican and Unilocaled to see what was near me. This place was the first one to pop up with 4.5 to 5 stars. Only 3 reviews and each about a year apart. The amount of reviews does it no justice. I got there on a Friday evening about 5 pm, two kids (5 & 7 yr olds) in tow. The jukebox was blaring loudly, and there were no other customers around. I guess we were the first to arrive for an early dinner. Violeta was the server who waited on us. She turned down the music. I don’t really have much experience with authentic Mexican food other than the few times I’ve had it I like it. I like all kinds of food. So, I rely on reviews, friends and server recommendations. When we sat down we were immediately served with some tortillas and a spicy sauce/​dip. They have bottled water, Pepsi products and beers for beverages. We ordered water and a Corona. Both were nice a cold, very cold. We ordered Tostadas de Camarones, and Al Pastor tacos. My son was still hungry and I ordered a small soup… Violeta was very accommodating and went out of her way to let us have a small sampling to ensure the kids liked the soup. Total order: 2 entrees, 2 beers and a bottle of water with tip and credit card surcharge was $ 36.00. My entire time there i spoke Spanish to Violeta. Other patrons came in and the place started to get busy as we were leaving. Important note: there is a sign going in that kids are not allowed in after 9pm. The place converts to a bar/​lounge/​club. They have a DJ. So, don’t plan on eating here after 9pm with your kids.

The kid was right. Been here twice … Can’t go wrong. Do not let the looks fool you. Staff is very helpful even if limited English! We traveled from Quebec for this!

This place was discovered by a random search on Unilocal and boy does it deserve some mentioning. Like previous posters have mentioned, this place is very Mexican. I mean when I walked in the Vicente Fernandez was actually playing on the jukebox. Wasn’t exceptionally busy on Sunday, but had patrons there nonetheless. I ordered some Menudo and the Antojito combo consisting of a Sope, burrito, and fried taco. Everything I had this time was on par with what I call good Mexican food. Still looking for a place that has good Al Pastor tacos.

A solid Mexican joint.
I’ve been here half a dozen times so it’s time to give this place it’s long overdue review. This is a solid authentic Mexican food restaurant. It’s not flashy or fancy or trendy, it’s just good food. The patrons are all Mexican, which is a great sign for authenticity, and because of this, the servers will try to get the order from you en Espanol. Awesome.
I usually order the Horchata, which is a cinnamon milk type drink that is very tasty and refreshing, and they serve it to you in giant 32-​ounce jug, which I’m sure is awesome for the person on a diet.
This Mexican restaurant’s seafood offerings are on par with those you find in California, so I recommend trying a seafood dish. I always order the Tostadas de Camaron (you get 3 of them), which is a crispy tortilla topped with a huge mound of shrimp and pico de gallo.
Everything I’ve had here is good from the Carne Asada to the Tacos. My current favorite is the Bistek con Pico de Gallo.
Don’t expect this dinner to bust your budget. My last trip here which consisted of an appetizer, two entrees, and 4 coronas came to $ 43 after tip.