Fidel's Little Mexico

"When we first moved to North County San Diego from NY in 1980 we asked our newly found painter where was their most favorite restaurant. Without hesitation they recommended Fidel's Mexican restaurant in Solana Beach and it quickly became our go to stop especially when friends visit. While we left Carlsbad in 1985 we returned each year making sure we went there several times. In 1997 we moved back and quickly found this was the only place for Mexican food. We have tried dozens of Mexican restaurants around San Diego but always return. Fidel's located at 607 Valley Av Solana Beach CA 92075 constant wins Top Restaurant of the year and there is good reason. While from the street it looks small but built on a hill the downstairs has numerous rooms including two outside patios and two bars. The sign says it will hold 380 and I believe it. The smaller rooms allows a better setting than one big room and it feels more private. As the history goes it was an original barber shop in early 1960 and the owner Fidel Montanez added tacos to serve his thriving hair cutting business and those waiting. It was a quick success and seeing it had a future he converted his two story home adding patios and two bars. Looking inside you can see the internal set up of a home only to imagine him and his family living there. It is decorated with wonderful pictures and makes you think of many places in Mexico An interesting story when we left for 12 years and moved to Florida I was introduced to a family who also relocated to Florida. When we learned the actually came from the same town in CA I asked "what is your favorite Mexican restaurant and they quickly said "Fidel's" Now back in San Diego it is still our go to place and if you have never been there it is a must."

"It's a beautiful spot with great ambience. But a bit too authentic for us as everything almost was cooked in lard even the chips! Luckily we asked and it turns out majority of the food is cooked in lard. So left us with very little options. Could not even have the chips and salsa. But the server was very helpful and gave us the options that avoided lard (even lot of the sauces had lard)."

"Great atmosphere… music isn’t blaring. I picked a good time and day to go. I’ve been here before and it can get super busy. All I can say is the portions are big and for my taste perfectly seasoned and cooked. Service was good and the food came out quick."

"Food was amazing. I got the lunch special beef burrito which was really good. The atmosphere was very authentic and it was a cool dining experience. The only negative was the service wasn't the greatest. Had to wait a while to order and they rarely came to the table to refill drinks and things."

"Festive, upbeat spot for the type of Mexican food you crave whenever you're away from San Diego for any length of time. Portions are large and margaritas are strong. The restaurant is big and rambling with multiple dining areas on different floors. The atmosphere is upbeat and makes you feel like you're on vacation. Sometimes they have mariachis. Love this place."