Fidel's Little Mexicosimilar businesses >
607 Valley Ave
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(22 Ratings)
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.
Categories: Restaurants-Mexican, Restaurants
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22 Ratings and Reviews
Maybe somewhere in history it was good!
cpycgerry - 10/27/2008I have lived and worked in California most of my life. I have eaten Mexican food from the south, here in San DIego, through the Salinas Valley (King City) and up to Eureka. Except for the quasi-authentic architecture, this is one of the worst I have EVER encountered. I have tried it three times to make sure I haven't hit an off night. The food has no flavor.
As far as service, the people are rude and inattentive.
I can understand those that go there for tradition. But if you are looking for good tasting mexican food with reasonable service, go elsewhere!Comments(0)|Add CommentGood Food/Poor Service
SDSPAS2 - 07/25/2008The food here is consistantly good and just love their enchilada sauce. Especially on the chicken enchiladas which are filled with chicken breast meat unlike others who have cut back and use leg and thigh meat. Their service however needs much improvement. Most have indiferent attitudes and are not friendly. Almost like they are doing you a favor to bring your food.
is your tongue missing??
Sierracoops3 - 06/11/2008tonys jacal is and always will be the best in S>D.
How can you not like it?
raymon5750 - 02/27/2007I am not kidding, this is the best Mexican food ever. I have been a regular customer for 30 years.
To keep the memory alive of good food, take home a pint of Salsa.A restaurateurs opinion...
jmsanger - 12/27/2006I've managed full service restaurants for 30 years. Mexican Restaurants for ten of those years.
This service was very poor, no attention until we needed the check, then a warmer tone to her voice (hoping for the big gratutity). Very unfriendly and unattentive.
The food was borderline o.k., food service was horrible. A nice and frendly server in the Cantina.
I can't believe the reviews i'm reading, evidently San Diego is "hard up" for Mexican restaurants..........Never again at this location, will try in Carlsbad if I'm in the area as I love Mexican food.