This location of Nico's, tucked away on Morena Place is sort of the forgotten "third wheel" of taco shops in the area. When I think of Taco Shops in the area, usually JV's or Santana's that comes to mind, and poor little Nico's is forgotten. But not on this day......
The shop itself is pretty small, and fronts a group of apartments out back. When I mentioned Nico's to several folks, I got wrinkled noses, and comments about dirt and grime, but I've never encountered that at Nico's. The woman who works the front counter is also quite nice as well.
There are bascially only 2 items I get from Nico's, the CAB(Carne Asada Burrito), and Rolled Tacos. And it had been years since I've eaten here, so I thought I'd give Nico's a go.
Now I had thought that after attending the "Battle of the 'Berto's" that I'd be laying off the Carne Asada Burrito's for a while...but I guess I was wrong. The interesting thing was....that I really couldn't recall whether I enjoyed the burrito or not...I've had CABs from Nico's several times, but for some reason I just didn't remember them.
The Carne Asada Burrito at Nico's is priced right at $3.50, and it is not the huge monstrousity of a burrito that's served elsewhere, but I find it to be a perfect size for my usual appetite. The Carne Asada in this burrito was moist, and fairly tender, if a bit short on the flavor end. It was very "generic" in flavor....maybe that's why it had never registered in my memory banks. The Pico de Gallo had too much under-ripe tomato, and I'm not a fan of the very bland Guacamole, nor the Hot Sauce, which is slightly "picante", but nothing else.
I do remember the other item I usually get at Nico's....the Rolled Tacos($2.50):
After I had placed my order I remembered how I usually get them...without the cheese and guac, and as I recall, I would take them home and use some other bottled hot sauce. Oh well, these are still much better than those from a very popular, but a bit over-hyped restaurant. The rolled tacos are crunchy, and you can actually taste the filling, chicken in this case, and the proportion of meat to fried tortilla is good. And the meat isn't the mini-me minced stuff. As a whole, I'm not the biggest fan of rolled tacos, but I don't mind Nico's version at all.
On the rolled taco visit, I noticed something written on the greaseboard called a "Conga" Burrito...so I inquired, and was told Carne Asada, Rice, and Enchilada Sauce. Hmmm, I don't recall seeing that anywhere before. So on a follow-up visit, I decided to order the Conga Burrito($3.75):
I cut the burrito in half, and noticed that there was also beans in this. As I ate it, eight letters came to mind T-A-C-O B-E-L-L.....it did taste like something you'd get from Taco Smell Bell. You could put any type of meat in this, and it would taste the same. Not my cup of tea I guess.......
I've heard that the Newport Avenue location of Nico's is good, but I've never been. The prices are quite reasonable, the food arrives fast, and the woman behind the counter is nice and friendly. Note to self...stick with the rolled tacos.
Nico's Taco Shop
5151 Morena Pl
San Diego, CA 92110
You have found my favorite mexican food spot! It's so nice to finally see someplace I know on this blog! I recommend the Carne Asada Burrito special, a CAB with a side of rice and beans.
Posted by: Andrew | Thursday, 13 March 2008 at 09:42 PM
Hi Andrew - So you haven't seen any other places you know? I think I need to work a bit harder! ;o) Thanks for commenting!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 13 March 2008 at 09:45 PM
drooling over your pics there....
Posted by: kat | Thursday, 13 March 2008 at 09:55 PM
I got too get me some good mexican grub in NoHo this weekend. I must!
Posted by: nhbilly | Friday, 14 March 2008 at 07:53 AM
I'm a relatively new reader and haven't gone over the archives, I'm sure if I look I'll find places I know. It's why I read this blog, to find places I don't know.
Posted by: Andrew | Friday, 14 March 2008 at 08:14 AM
Boo, now I want me some rolled tacos...
Posted by: Carol | Friday, 14 March 2008 at 09:07 AM
Hmmm...I wonder if this Nico's is a relative of the ancient Nico's (now defunct) that used to be on Palm Ave. in National City.
That one had been there for at least 30 years up until the time it was consumed by a 'bertos (Hilbertos I think).
That Nico's too was small grimy and yet inviting. I think it was also the first Taco Shop with a Drive Thru in National City.
Good to see at least a couple of Nicoses survived the Coming of the 'Bertos.
Posted by: Bri | Friday, 14 March 2008 at 09:11 AM
All the Nico's are known for the carnitas. Better go back.
Posted by: George | Friday, 14 March 2008 at 03:28 PM
Hi Kat - I'm glad you rnjoyed the photos!
Hi Billy - I hope you enjoy your meal!
Hi Andrew - I hope we'ew able to be of some use.
Hi Carol - I think you need to get some soon, then....
Hi Bri - It could be, I think there are a few Nico's in Arizona as well.
Hi George - Thanks for the rec....funny thing, no one I've ever spoken to about Nico's has ever mentioned the carnitas....so I'll check it out next time.
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 16 March 2008 at 01:28 PM
Hi, Kirk!
I'll second George's recommendation of the carnitas at Nico's. I've never been to the one on Morena, but I've liked the carnitas in the Carmel Valley and Sorrento Valley locations.
Posted by: howie | Wednesday, 19 March 2008 at 09:47 AM
Hi Howie - Ok....I've got to check it out then!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 19 March 2008 at 01:15 PM
We have those rolled tacos here in Texas. But they are called flautas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taquito
Posted by: Will | Tuesday, 07 October 2008 at 09:02 PM