Fidel's Little Mexicosimilar businesses >

858-755-5292
Picture for Fidel's Little Mexico
City's Best

607 Valley Ave
Solana Beach, CA 92075

Average Rating 4 (22 Ratings)

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Find this business under: Restaurants-Mexican, Restaurants

  • Business Hours: Mon. 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Tues. 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Wed. 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Thu. 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Fri. 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sat. 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sun. 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
  • Credit Cards Accepted: American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Travelers Check, Visa

To understand the appeal of Fidel's you have to be willing to step back in time to Zacatecas, Mexico, before a very young Martha Montanez came north to the States. It was in Mexico that she learned the recipes that would some day serve as the cornerstone for a string of family-owned restaurants that are revered on the Pacific Coast for their authenticity and flavor. It was there she learned the importance of preparing simple ingredients with attention to spice and quality (and frugality). Years would pass and Martha came to settle in Solana Beach, the young bride of hard-working barber Fidel Montanez; he would cut hair and she would cook food to serve to the day's customers. Soon, the Montanez home on Valley Avenue, in the heart of Eden Gardens, would be a dedicated restaurant.

Generations have passed and additional Montanez eateries have opened (in San Diego, Fidel's Norte in Carlsbad), but little has changed. Guests are still welcomed into the Montanez homestead with warmth, the food is still impeccably prepared and lavishly portioned -- the rellenos and enchiladas have their own cult followings among locals -- and the bar serves one of the finest hand-shaken margaritas in North County. No pretension to be found, with little attention paid to trends in Mexican dining, just wonderful traditional food.

22 Ratings and Reviews

  • MMMMMM, that good!

    Review rating : 4out of 5   ltnsdwoman - 07/05/2004

    The title says it all, I will go back!

  • Peve419's Review

    Review rating : 5out of 5   peve419 - 08/18/2003

    Flawless! Fresh tortilla chips with a smooth delicious salsa segued to a mouth-watering queso fundido. Cherry cokes to drink that were refilled the minute the last drop was reached, and main courses that rivaled Mexico City! Perfect service, delicious food, and fun surroundings. Go there!

  • Linnett14's Review

    Review rating : 5out of 5   linnett14 - 03/28/2003

    the sevice is so good food was good to so i give it an A+ for the food and drinks

  • Ted Knight2's Review

    Review rating : 5out of 5   tedknight2 - 02/10/2003

    The best in a city known for it's great mexican food. Worth waiting in race track and fair traffic to get to.

  • MrgnLSlv's Review

    Review rating : 5out of 5   mrgnlslv - 01/20/2003

    I'm Speechless...

  • My3hondas's Review

    Review rating : 5out of 5   my3hondas - 07/05/2002

    best restaurant in s.d. for me

  • Narliann's Review

    Review rating : 4out of 5   narliann - 07/01/2002

    I too have been a loyal consumer@fFidels for 30 some years.I wouldn't return if it was bad.But during the track season,head north to thier Carlsbad location.It is not as crowded as the Eden Gardens store.

  • DFB12's Review

    Review rating : 5out of 5   dfb12 - 06/29/2002

    My husband & I have
    been going to Fidel's
    for nearly 30 years.
    The menu and food
    preparation hasn't
    changed at all ----the
    quality of the food is
    excellent! Prices
    are reasonable and the
    staff is friendly
    and professional.

  • Mdcallard's Review

    Review rating : 4out of 5   mdcallard - 05/02/2002

    I have been going to Fidels for almost 30 years, and the food is consistent, to say the least. The chips and salsa are always fresh and tasty, as are the entrees. The place is full of character (until recently, Fidel's original barber's chair was still the center piece), but I do have one complaint: it seems like EVERY time we go there, we are seated near a bussing station and are constantly bombarded by the sounds of plates crashing into the bussing tray. It seems that Fidels is trying to make things easier on their busboys at the expense of a peaceful dining experience for the patrons!

  • SanDiegoNation's Review

    Review rating : 4out of 5   sandiegonation - 04/28/2002

    I love this place. It's funky multi-level seating with the bar, outdoor patio and indoor tables and booths is charming. The food is some of the best "Mexican" food around. They have mariachis on the weekends. It's in the Eden Garden area of Solana Beach so don't invision a crashing surf or sunset.

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