Palominos #2-yet another (good) Mexican and Seafood Shop

mmm-yoso is a blog.  Today Cathy is doing the talking, because this is where she ate. Kirk and Ed are taking a break.

Hello again.  The Mister and I  have been sick, yet still eating, just not taking photos and therefore nothing to blog about.  However, the camera went with us today when we met up at one of our easy dinner meeting places- Palominos #2 -located across Ruffin Road from the Registrar of Voters Office.

A simple menu with some outstanding food (click to enlarge).

You order, pay and then can load up at the Chips and Salsa Bar.

I kind of like all of the salsas for one use or another, either just to eat with the chips while waiting, or as a compliment to the various meats or seafood.

No real preference. All are outstanding. Fresh made daily.

We started out with an Al Pastor taco ($2.40)- one of the best al pastors I have had.

The pork has been in  a deep rich marinade that has  a little heat from the red chiles and I detect oregano and cumin in the moist with crispy edged pieces of meat and sweetness from pineapple.  It is an excellent example of Al Pastor.

Since it was Tuesday, we got the Special for the day- chile relleños (or cheese tamales), rice and beans ($4.75-reg $5.99).

The chiles are fresh, not canned,  the cheese is a very fresh tangy jack and the sauce has a subtle bite to it.  They are made in house, fried to order and the batter part that is not covered with sauce is oh so crispy and fresh. 

Sometimes I am in a mood for a crispy chilled taco and the shredded beef ones are what I choose($2.05 each).  There is something about the shredded beef- must be the grease- that I so crave.  Inside the freshly fried shell with some lettuce and cheese and some hot sauce...oh I sometimes *have* to have that crunch.

What I *always* get here, no matter what else we order, is the ceviche tostada ($2.99).  Made fresh daily with more tasty fresh rock shrimp (rather than small unflavorful shrimp), fresh tomatoes, cilantro and onions (barely any jalapeño as some other taco shops use)...it is perfect.  Almost always I am not the only one ordering this treat no matter the day of the week or the time of day. It is served with a bottle of Tapatio Hot Sauce on the side and a sliver of avocado...just wonderfully refreshing. Quality Food. Plenty of indoor seating and three outdoor tables.

Palominos #2 Mexican and Seafood Restaurant 9353 Clairmont Mesa Blvd Suite I San Diego 92123 (858) 292-8470 (Behind the Carl's Jr.) Mon-Fri 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., Saturday 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Sunday 6:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Comments

[Trent]

That shot of the salsa bar almost gave me vertigo! Seriously though, that ceviche tostada looks fantastic. Thanks for the tip, Cathy!

[Cathy]

Thanks for noticing, Trent! I wanted to get the entire Salsa Bar in the photo and could not stand in front of it to get it all in and ...oh,anyhow... There is also a tub of fresh made chips next to the Bar, along with containers and paper and plastic bags, in case you are getting food to go. It has some great food and satisfies my ceviche craving when I am in that area of town.

[Denver]

Oooooooooooooooo!! If they are associated with the Palamino's on Convoy Street (right across the Burger King), which I think they are, I can attest that they have awesome food. I'll think I'll try #2 one of these days and see if their Green Sauce Pork is as good as the one on Convoy. yum!

[Cathy]

I would think it is, Denver, but no other location is listed on the paper menu/flyer...except it is "#2" everywhere, so there must be a "#1" someplace. Try it here. It is excellent food and better parking.

[Cathy]

Hey, Denver- Just went there and that is indeed "Palominos #3"...the menu is the same (but different daily specials) and it looks good and a little easier for my Mexican fix. We had been Sakura for lunch and were walking to Nijiya for a snack and ended up at Red Berry for a snack instead. You'll see...

[Denver]

Hey Cathy, thanks for checking! Actually, when I read this review Friday afternoon, it gave me the craving for Mexican, so I went there to get my usual Green Sauce Pork and also verify if it was the same chain, heheh. Yeah, that's a cozy strip mall there. Try the French Cake bakery over there. ALMOST as good as the pastries in France :)

[Cathy]

Oooh-tomatillo sauce on pork. I crave tomatillo sauce-even at Del Taco, I will get a bean burrito with green sauce, Denver...ooh. Something to try next time.
I do look at that French Cake place often and have never walked in. One of my *very* first jobs was working in a bakery in my neighborhood, so I kind of know fresh and quality pastries. Next time my sweet tooth hits, I think I will just walk in, with camera in the back pocket, of course. Thanks for the tip.

[Sandy]

Finding a parking space in this strip mall during weekday lunch hours can be a nightmare - lots of cars, few spaces and some spaces are marked "15 minutes only." Thanks for the tip about #3 on Convoy - will have to try it AND the bakery! I have an older menu for #2 that says #1 is on 5149 Waring Road.

[Cathy]

I didn't even think of the parking situation, Sandy. We always go there on weekends or after work. The one on Convoy may be a similar parking situation, though. Maybe I'll see you at the bakery soon. Thanks for taking the time to comment and mention the #1 location. I will check out Waring Road soon.

[Emily]

Palominos is my favorite mexican food restaurant. I like all the food, but my favorite is the Wed. special, the milanesa torta.

[cathy]

Hello and welcome to our blog, Emily. I read your comment and got up and drove to Palomino's just now and got a torta for lunch...I knew I was craving both bread and something Mexican. Then again, I had to get a ceviche tostada, too. I love Sundays at Palomino's- easy parking during the day.