**** Tijuana JR has closed
This past weekend, I found that I had completed most of my "honey-do" list quite early. I decided to head down to CV for some tacos. I dropped by my favorite loncheras, but found that all of them were quite crowded. Driving on Broadway, I noticed a familiar name:
You might recall my post on the Mariscos Tijuana Jr truck last year. I wondered if this was the same folks? This is the old location of Don Rafa, which has since moved. So I parked and walked on in. I was greeted by a very cheerful young man and a young lady. I was asked if I'd be eating in or taking out….they also apologized for not having any English menus. Really nice folks.
I told them not to worry, I'd do fine with the menus. I asked them if this was the same Tijuana Jr that had the lonchera….he smiled and said "yes…….we sold the truck and opened this place because we want more families…" He pointed outside to the Bounce House with kids having a great time. "You see……we like that noise!"
In a moment some chips (routine) and salsas made its way to my table.
I placed my order and the young man asked me if I wanted some "soup". "You mean consommé?" "Yes…" "Of course!" The soup was on the mild side, but super scalding hot.
I'd ordered tres tacos. A Pescado (fish) – the version at the TJ Jr truck was good, so I wanted to see how it was in current state. A "marlin" smoked fish, and a Gobernador.
When the tacos arrived; the first thing I noticed was that the tortillas seemed different since my previous visit. These were much more fragrant and more hardy.
The fish taco was every bit as good as what I had at the truck. Shiny, crisp, lacquer batter….with even more fish than before. It was good with the lighter, almost thousand island dressing like salsa.
The tacos de marlin was interesting. I tasted the fish alone and it was really salty and fishy. Strangely, when I ate the taco, it just fit in nicely. Somehow the sodium had been balanced out and the fishiness had been over ruled by the pic de gallo, cabbage, and salsa.
The gobernador was better than what I had at the truck, though it's still not among my favorites. Though the tortilla held up nicely and the shrimp were cooked well; it just didn't have enough flavor or onions for me. Still, it's not bad at all.
As I got up to pay my check, and older woman came on over to me and asked me, "Please have some dessert….it's free……flan, cheesecake?" She was so sweet. Though I declined saying that I had more than enough to eat. This is a great indication of the folks here….really friendly and helpful. Now I have an option when all my favorite mariscos trucks are too busy…..or even when they're not.
Tijuana JR Tacos y Cockteles
631 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Hope they continue to do well:)
Hmmmnow that is interesting. A month ago I tried to go to Tijuana Jr Truck and it was not there. I asked the tire shop where they previously were located and they said that they are on H Street now. I drove by one day and saw a truck but didn’t notice if it said Tijuana Jr. on it. I will check it out and let you know.
I hope so too Kat!
Let me know Jeff. Thanks.
I don’t know why I always read lonchera as lawn chairs (and I know Spanish so go figure). Is the consommé usually complimentary? Scalding hot soup is always the way to go in my book 🙂
Yay, a new place to check out!
Looking at your previous truck post I saw the logo on the truck and it seems to match the logo on the new retail establishment so I guess it is the same. I will still check out that truck on H street.
Hi Faye – In any mariscos place that’s worth its salt; the consomme is always free….. Birria places on the other hand sometimes charges for consomme.
Have fun CC.
Let me know what you find Jeff.
Great find Kirk. I didn’t know that they opened up a restaurant.
Hey Jack – I hope you have a chance to check them out!