Juanitas Taco Shop

Since Ralph Rubio introduced fish tacos to San Diego from the Baja peninsula back in the early 1980s, they have been embraced by eateries of every stripe, from the trendiest of gourmet seafood restaurants to the most casual of roadside shacks. Juanita's Taco Shop represents the latter.  This unassuming restaurant, located a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean along scenic Route 101 in the northern San Diego suburbs, offers standard California Mexican fare; however, their Baja-style fish taco is certainly a standout. Freshly fried white fish enveloped in a corn tortilla with zesty white sauce, chunky salsa, and lime wedges served on the side: the taco is basic and served without fanfare.  After placing and receiving your order at the counter, you can sit inside or at one of the few outdoor tables in front of the restaurant. Squeeze some juice from the lime wedges onto your fish taco if you wish and enjoy your meal against the backdrop of ocean breezes.  Like many concepts introduced to California, the standard fish taco has morphed over the last couple of decades into various diversions and offshoots. Enjoy one at Juanita's Taco Shop and it will be evident that, sometimes, basic is better.