Great Mexican Food in Linda Vista

A super trio of food venues

Los Panchos at Via Las Cumbres/Friars Rd

Do not be discouraged, my fellow Linda Vista residents.  Yes, we live in a period of great turmoil. The Coronavirus is running rampant. Nearby Mission Valley appears headed toward even greater population, building, and traffic density. No one is doing anything about global climate change.  And the San Diego Padres are probably doomed to have another losing (but mercifully shortened) season. Nevertheless, I contend we are in the midst of experiencing a local phenomenon worthy of praise and gratitude. 

If you are in the habit of patronizing local eating establishments, you may already have come to the realization that Linda Vista residents are lucky enough to be living in a Golden Age of Mexican food, for we are now residing within easy driving distance of three great Mexican food establishments. You can catch all three by driving up or down Linda Vista Road and Via Las Cumbres Street.       

Merriam Webster dictionary defines a “Golden Age” as “a period when a specified art, skill, or activity is at its peak.” With the recent opening of Los Panchos Taco Shop on Friars Road, we now find ourselves with “peak” access to good Mexican food. I can’t recall a time in recent Linda Vista history when we had this much choice regarding South of the Border cuisine. And what’s notable is that all three eating establishments offer great prices on their food.  

Super Bronco on Linda Vista Road

Most long-time residents of Linda Vista are already aware of Super Bronco Mexican food, located up the hill on Linda Vista road, close to Francis Parker school and the 7-11 convenience store. Super Bronco’s exterior appearance may appear ordinary, but it offers great food at great prices. I especially like their choice of combo plates (i.e. burrito and taco, with rice and beans), which range from $6.59 to $9.09.  There is no doubt you will get your money’s worth if you order one of these combo plates. And if you want to splurge in terms of calorie count, you can’t beat their carne asada fries ($7.55). This dish makes for the most delicious form of “comfort food.”      

Kiko’s Place: The Seafood King

The second great local Mexican eating establishment is Kiko’s Place: The Seafood King food truck, located in the parking lot at the corner of Via las Cumbres and Friars Road.  The grilled fish tacos, as well as the grilled shrimp tacos are great, and only cost $4.00 and $5.00 respectively. Their Seven Seas seafood soup is a favorite, full of shrimp, mussels, scallops, and fish in a tomato based soup.  And it’s only $14.50 for an order that serves two. 

And then there’s Los Panchos Taco Shop, which happens to be located across the street from Kiko’s Place food truck. I’ve tried their delicious mini-street fish tacos ($1.75), which, if you order two or three, can serve as an appetizer or lunch. 

Despite the current COVID-19 restrictions pertaining to restaurant dining, all three of these food venues have “pick-up/food-to-go” services. 

So cheer up, Linda Vista residents. We may still be without an NFL team, we’ll soon be forced to watch the next monotonous wave of TV election-related commercials, and poor Harry and Meagan are no longer part of the royal family, but there is no need to feel sorry for ourselves or the rest of mankind. After all, we happen to be living in a Golden Age of Mexican food. 

If you’re feeling down, or if you’re just feeling hungry, hop in the car, or get on that bike and jump in those new bike lanes, and head on down (or up) to one of these three nearby Mexican food establishments and give your palate a tasty experience. You’ll be glad you did.   

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