San Diegans love their seafood and Mexican food. We wanted to share some great seafood, sushi and Mexican food deals in San Diego. What’s not to love when you’re situated in the perfect spot for amazing choices in both categories. Naturally, sushi is a mainstay in this oceanside city as well, and we have some great places to eat all three on a budget.
Great deals on Mexican food
El Callejon on Highway 101 in Encinitas has several things going for it besides great Mexican food. Home to one of the largest collections of tequila in the world, it’s definitely worth the stop for the ocean views and this unique museum of classic Mexican magic in a bottle. You can get a great street taco for $2.50 or fish for $3.75 with special prices on Tuesdays at $1.50 and $2.50. Spend a perfect Thursday evening enjoying happy hour specials and live music on the upper level and stay for the spectacular sunset.
El Indio Mexican Restaurant is celebrating 75 years of serving up fantastic Mexican fare near the San Diego airport. Famous for their taquitos and flautas, you can also watch their homemade tortillas in production while you order. They have a great selection of all things Mexican and offer coupons in the local circular for BOGO deals, so be on the lookout for those. There are several menu choices for under $11 and their servings are very generous.
JV’s Mexican Food was featured on the Travel Channel for its giant surf and turf burrito. They serve up breakfast burritos, the famous surf and turf (which I’ve heard is as big as your arm), and dozens of other great items for under $10. In fact, their daily specials are all under $8.00 and combinations plates which include rice and beans are all under $8.50.
Mariscos German Beyer is the best food truck experience you’ll ever have. With outstanding fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and ceviche, it’s worth the search for this tucked-away mobile Mexican fare. This humble place received outstanding praise in the Huffington Post in one guy’s search for the best fish taco in San Diego (it won his vote). You can find it near Howard Lane Park at Dairy Mart Road and Beyer Blvd.
Oscars Mexican Seafood, located in north Pacific Beach, is a little street shack of a place with the freshest seafood you can get in your tacos. As if that weren’t enough, Monday-Thursday from 2:30 pm-5:30 pm they have the famous $1 fish taco deal. Oscars is so much more than their famous tacos, though. Yellowfin tuna ceviche in a wonderful house dressing is phenomenal, as is the fish stew. Seating is limited to a small outside bar area, but the nearby beach is a great spot to enjoy a perfect fish taco.
Roberto’s Taco Shop, where would San Diego be without this Mexican classic that’s been serving more than a dozen San Diego locations for 50 years? Their prices are stellar, and so are the carne asada breakfast burritos. Come for the variety of stuffed burritos, enchiladas, and combination plates from $4.50 and up. You won’t be disappointed.
Great deals on seafood
This isn’t your typical high-end, fine dining seafood category. The following places are casual and fresh with good portions at great prices.
Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill near Old Town is a no-frills, just fresh seafood kind of place. Their food was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and one Yelp reviewer said the ahi poke “will change your life.” With over a dozen fresh fish and seafood choices on the menu, you choose the sandwich, salad, plate, or taco variation and one of eight marinades. The tacos start at under $5.00 and their homemade clam chowder is just $5.00 a bowl. I’d call that a steal.
Dini’s by the Sea is located in Carlsbad in north county. While it’s not the cheapest seafood place, the food is fresh, there’s a phenomenal beachfront view, and it is home to $8.00 Meal Wednesdays. Between 11:30 am-7:00 pm you can choose one of five different meal options from fish and chips to sandwiches or Mexican fare. There is also an extended happy hour from 11:30 am-7:00 pm with various deals on food and drinks and half-off pizzas.
Sportsmen’s Seafood is right on the water in Mission Bay with an awesome outdoor patio. This is a third-generation establishment that still serves up the freshest seafood and many of their original founding recipes. They are a seafood market as well as a restaurant, and their claim to fame is the tuna jerky which is shipped out nationwide. Known for their wonderful fish and chips (under $12), Sportsmen’s Seafood also offers fish tacos starting at $3.95 and calamari or clams and chips for $9.00.
Walking on Water Cafe (otherwise known as Ocean Beach Pier Cafe) is a small place right on Ocean Beach Pier. Most menu items are under $10.00 and they offer great Mahi Mahi fish tacos, amazing breakfast burritos, and all-you-can-eat pancakes for $7.00. Of course all of this is made complete with the 180-degree views of the Pacific.
Wonderland Ocean Pub is located right on Ocean Beach. With a second-story location on the Pacific, the views are beyond words. Prices are mid-range, but the food is outstanding and Wednesday is taco night with $4 tacos (except the lobster). They have a great Sunday brunch with an extensive menu and a $10 bottle of champagne special. Try the ahi poke with one of the dozens of beer choices and enjoy one of the best sunsets you’ll ever see.
Fresh Sushi at great prices
FishPit Sushi is on College Avenue in San Diego and they offer some of the freshest sushi in the city. They adhere to a strict policy of sustainable practices including purchasing local and only using biodegradable packaging. From oysters to fresh crab pops and some of the best poke around, you won’t be disappointed. And the sushi, starting at $5-$8, is a true culinary delight for the taste buds.
Niban Japanese Restaurant is a no-frills staple in the Kearny Mesa area east of San Diego. Almost every menu item is under $10.00 and it offers a great selection of Japanese delights. They have a wide array of seafood rolls starting at under $6.00 for 10 pieces. The menu also has some nice sushi and sashimi combos as well as curry entrees and noodle bowls.
Sabuku Sushi ,in the University Heights area of San Diego, offers an extensive menu of sushi that is bought and made fresh daily. Local favorites include the tuna and salmon sashimi. They have a happy hour/lunch special every day from 12:00 noon-6:30 pm with plenty of offerings starting at $5.00.
Sushi Deli 3 in Kearny Mesa is a sushi-loving college student’s dream. With an upbeat atmosphere and great prices, even budget-minded students can have their sushi and eat it too. With over 25 sushi roll choices starting at $3.50 to under $10.00, there is something for every taste. They also have udon noodle bowls, fantastic miso soup, and a variety box (bento box) which includes five items for only $7.99. See the website for their monthly deals.
Well folks, that’s a wrap for now. Let us know what your favorite deals are for great Mexican, seafood, and sushi in the area. Comment below or email us at news@sandiegoonthecheap.com
