**** Embargo Grill has closed
I was shopping at Baron's in Point Loma a few weeks ago and noticed this shop across the street.
I thought the name to be kind of strange until I looked over the menu.
From looking over the menu and the interior, it became quite clear that this was a "fast-casual" concept with a strong Cuban-Puerto Rican - Latin American slant....thus the reference to El Bloquero, which I did find somewhat strange in a way.
The prices are pretty much in line with Chipotle and other similar places; but of course the menu seemed a hundred times more interesting.
Service was kind of lax, but the woman who took my order and brought my food out to me was very nice and friendly. I went with the Cubano ($5.95), which wasn't actually a Cubano, but really a Medianoche, literally "midnight sandwich", obviously a reference to post bar/nightclub calorie bomb, late night eats.
The big difference between Cubano's that I've had and this sandwich is the use of pulled pork, in this case quite dry, served ice cold, and bland. I did love the bread, which was crisp, light, somewhat yeasty and nicely pressed. The ham and Swiss cheese really tasted good....like well, ham and cheese! The sandwich wasn't very large, though I did save half for the Missus who enjoyed it much more than I did. What I realy found amusing was that lump of pork piled on the side like a...well, not to mock it, but it really looked like a turd garnish.
The reason I was so full was due to the side dish I ordered; the Yuca Frita ($2.75).
As you know, I just can't resist this stuff. This one however, I will resist in the future. I love the crisp, yet light as air texture of well fried yucca....this one was kind of dense and not very crisp. I think it was fried at too low a temperature. The mojo criollo lacked balance, more oil than anything, lacking the citrus acid component making this seem greasy. There was enough garlic, but this seemed very appropriate for a "medianoche meal"......totally a grease bomb.
I thought my previous meal was worth another visit, so a couple of days later I returned. Same really friendly woman at the counter. I looked over the menu a bit more and noticed the variations of salads and create your own bowls. Still, I really enjoyed the bread the last time, so I decided on one of the most expensive items on the menu; the Churrasco Steak Sandwich, on a pan medianoche ($8.95).
This was a pretty decent sandwich. The steak, which appears to be flank had obviously been prepared ahead and was on the tough side. The flavoring was decent; I personally enjoy stronger flavors, but the combination of the chimichurri and the creamy aioli was satisfying if created "not to offend". I really like the rolls here for some reason. The portion of protein was not large, but this was fine by me.
While the portion sizes aren't for big eaters, I thought this was right for me. The service, though a bit slow, was very nice and friendly. It's not a place I'd go out of my way for; but if I worked or lived in the area I'd drop by every now and then. I'll probably visit again in the future if I'm nearby....give it a shot, it's a nice change of pace from Chipotle, Baja Fresh, etc, etc, etc.....
Embargo Grill
3960 W Point Loma Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110
Hours:
Mon-Thurs11am - 9pm
Fri-Sat 11am - 10pm
Sunday 11am - 9pm
yikes cold & bland...
Posted by: kat | Sunday, 05 January 2014 at 08:02 PM
Hi Kat - Yeah, but I do like that bread.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 06 January 2014 at 06:17 AM
The second sandwich actually looks pretty tasty from your pictures! Although, based on your review, I don't think we'd make it out here since there are closer options. I'm thinking tender greens for a yummy flank steak sandwich...
Posted by: Lynn | Monday, 06 January 2014 at 10:52 AM
Hi Lynn - Tender Greens in definitely superior IMO.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 07 January 2014 at 06:17 AM
Woa. I just came across this: http://www.10news.com/news/local-restaurant-owner-is-latest-victim-in-sdge-scam-01062014
Posted by: janfrederick | Tuesday, 07 January 2014 at 10:16 AM
Man, that's terrible Jan.....though how would someone fall for that?
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 07 January 2014 at 07:58 PM
Lots of small business have been prey to this scam. Channel 10 news has been reporting on it for over a year. The scammers are quite clever. They know account numbers and amounts owed.
Posted by: NicksMom | Thursday, 06 February 2014 at 07:51 PM
Ps I love the yucca frita at Embargo Grill!
Posted by: NicksMom | Thursday, 06 February 2014 at 07:54 PM