Riggaberto’s, Bird Rock, CA (6 of 10)

It seems that a number of Roberto’s restaurants are being replaced in San Diego by the new Riggaberto’s chain.  I’m not sure if this is a name change, a franchise change, or something else that is random, but in any event…it’s a pretty good thing.  For one, the food is better than Roberto’s (at least the “far” Miramar location), always a good sign.  I was staying at a friend’s house when I no longer had a home in SD and this place was arround the corner.  I ate there multiple times throughout the week and tried everything from the California burrito to quesadillas to breakfast items, to the chile relleno burrito.  It’s all decent, but nothing to brag about.  Earning a respectible 6 out of 10 on the Mexiscale, Riggaberto’s is worth an eat if you happen accross it, but otherwise you can probably do better.

Burrito Loco, Dinkytown, MN (3 of 10)

Like the place in Spain, this place only scores as high as it does because the food is tasty; not because it’s good Mexican food.  It’s sort of funny that you move a little ways away from Mexico and suddenly everyone associates Mexican food with Texas.  This place had major Texas flair.  It reminded me of Incahoots, a line dancing bar in San Diego.  With the country music blaring, the bar upstairs roaring, and a menu with items like “steak” NOT “carne asada,” it seemed obvious the way this meal would go from the get go.  I tried to order a steak quesadilla, but they didn’t have any steak at the moment and weren’t expecting any for awhile.  I went with a more odd, less Mexican, and surprisingly delicious choice: the buffalo chicken quesadilla.  I know what you’re thinking: “Buffalo chicken?”  I had the same thought.  And yes, buffalo chicken.  All being said, the quesadilla was quite good.  It came with salsa (kinda) and sour cream, to which you could choose between flavoured sour cream and normal sour cream.  I stuck with the normal stuff.  The guy also asked which salsa I wanted, to which I replied, “Medium.”  In a moment of second-thought, however, I remembered that Minnesota definitions of hot were probably different from my own, and asked to try the hot salsa.  This made me choose hot, in the end…  You were also about to put whatever you wanted in the quesadilla from their buffet-style serving system (they put it in, not you), which was kind of cool.  All in all, it was pretty tasty and a fun place for Minnesota.  As long as you don’t expect too much in terms of authentic Mexican cuisine, this place will do just fun.  3 of 10 for a fair attempt.

Cafe Coyote, Old Town San Diego, CA (7 of 10)

This restaurant in Old Town, San Diego is a sit down restaurant that caters to everyone in many different ways.  When you pass by it on the main strip in Old Town, you’ll see a huge line…don’t be discouraged.  The line moves very quickly, and while it looks like people are just queuing up to put their name in and wait some more for a table, this is not the case.  The place is vastly expansive, and the queue outside is just for the hostess to come by and take you to your seats.  Expect to wait maybe 5 – 20 minutes, depending, but nothing terrible.  As for the food, it’s really good.  If you sit on the patio, you can watch them make their fresh tortillas right in front of you.  And the menu?  Well, I think all I need to say is that it’s the first “sit down” place I’ve ever been to with a California Burrito on it…and that is exactly what I ordered.  A little more gourmet, but still really good, the burrito came with all the usual fixin’s: potatoes, carne asada, guacamole, etc.  Though it felt kind of wrong to eat the burrito with a knife and fork, the restaurant’s atmosphere kind of facilitated it (though I could have eaten it with my hands if I really wanted to).  Another nice thing about this restaurant is that eating on the patio gives a great view of the main street of Old Town, which is awesome for all you people watchers out there.  7 of 10 on the Mexiscale.  I guess I expect a little more from a place that is going for gourmet, though I definitely appreciated the availability of the California burrito and carne asada fries on the menu.

Raul’s Taco Shop, Encinitas, CA (5 of 10)

Overrated.  That’s what I would say about Raul’s.  I rode my bike out to Encintas from Del Mar (only about 6 miles each way) hoping to enjoy the beautifal coastal afternoon and get some good exercise biking along historic Highway 101, as well as some delicious tacos in Encinitas.  I got most of my wish, and the tacos I encountered weren’t half bad…but NOT what I was expecting.  The UCSD Guardian (UC San Diego’s most widely read campus newspaper) recommended Raul’s as the best place for tacos in San Diego.  Being a “taco connoisseur”…I was, needless to say, intrigued.  After biking out there, I enjoyed some tasty tacos, but far from “the best.”  Raul’s is a neat little shack, offering homemade Mexican food at a good price.  It is not, however, something worth going out of your way for.  5 of 10 on the Mexiscale.

Alfonso’s, La Jolla, CA (4 of 10)

The truth is, this place isn’t half bad…it’s just not very…what’s the word…”Mexican?”  It was definitely made with the Downtown La Jolla crowd in mind.  They have some cool table cloths at the place, but they sort of look more Italian than Mexican.  Our waitress was DEFINITELY not Mexican, though she did feel the need to throw in words like “Señior” and “Hola” into the conversation (my favourite was after we paid and she thanked us by saying “Gratzie,” which last I checked is definitely Italian…).  Anyways, despite these oddities and disappointments, the food was pretty good.  I had the carne asada quesadilla, which was predominantly tortilla, but the parts with meat and cheese were yummy.  Don’t go here if you’re looking for a good, traditional or semi-traditional experience, with cheap food in large quantities…but you might consider stopping by if you’re looking to sip margaritas near the beach and enjoy the La Jolla sunset; particularly if it’s a Tuesday.  4 of 10 on the Mexiscale.

Mr. Taco, La Jolla, CA (4 of 10)

I guess the first thought I have when thinking about this place is “meh.”  The tacos were alrgiht, we went because they were advertising T.J. tacos for $1 each with a coupon we had.  Unforunately the tacos were very dry and not at all like Tijauna (man, I wish we’d gone there).  This place would be okay if you’re around, want something cheap, and are too lazy to find better food…but I won’t go out of my way to eat here again…I mean, seriously, the name is “Mr.” Taco…not even “Sr.” Taco…you could at least TRY to sound Spanishy…  Mexiscale == 4 of 10.

Mucho Gusto, Del Mar, CA (4 of 10)

Mucho Gusto?  El gusto no fue mio.  The food here is not really Mexican, though it does hint at it.  All I remember tasting in this food was beans.  The portions were small and the price high.  I actually had nachos and my friend had the burrito.  Neither was particularly memorable or good.  It wasn’t horrible, but I won’t be back.  Hasta la vista, “Mucho Gusto.”  4 of 10.

Super Sergio’s, San Diego, CA (6 of 10)

This is one of the first places I ever went for a burrito at 3 AM.  Before Roberto’s even!  It holds a found place in my heart.  Unfortunately, the food is only average.  It’s a good burrito, but nothing special.  If I recall correctly (it’s been awhile) they use potatoe wedges (kind of like “home fries”) rather than French Fries.  No matter, it’s worth a try if you’re on Convoy.  6 of 10 on the Mexiscale.

Papa Chito’s, University City, CA (2 of 10)

Gross.  DO NOT go here.  The food actually tastes BAD.  This, in my opinion, is pretty hard to do with Mexican food.  It actually tastes a bit like barf, literally.  No joke.  The only place I have ever experienced worse food is in Australia.  2 out of 10.  I am going to lie down for a minute…I am nauseous just thinking about it…

[Inferior] Cotixan Mexican & Seafood, San Diego, CA (6 of 10)

The debate continues as to which Cotixan’s (between the only 2 that I go to, there are, in actuality, many) is the “superior” and which is the “inferior.”  Some would say that this one is superior because it has a drive thru, while the other does not.  I, however, am a firm believer that good food conquers lazy convenience.  As such, this Cotixan’s has been deemed the “inferior” for it’s lack of hash brown substitutions.  No matter, the food is about the same anyways.  The orange salsa is still the best thing you’ll ever have in your life (okay, not really, but it’s damn good.) and the meats and ingredients are exactly the same as the other location.  No hash browns?  For shame… 6 out of 10 on the Mexiscale.

*Note: “Inferior” Cotixan’s is the one located on Clairemont Mesa Blvd near Smart & Final.