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Fidel's

4 star rating
based on 104 reviews

Category: Mexican

607 Valley Ave
(between Genevieve St & Juanita St)
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-5292
Hours:

Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Private Lot
Price Range:
$$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar

104 reviews for Fidel's

Review Highlights   

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"Fidel's in one of my favourite places to eat in San Diego." (in 18 reviews)
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"however their chicken and rice soup is to die for." (in 4 reviews)
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"The burritos are great - crab, carne asada." (in 11 reviews)
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Photo of Eating T.

 

1

37

Eating T.

Beverly Hills, CA

5 star rating
10/24/2009

This place has an upstairs bar and a restaurant downstairs. As I was eating alone I opted for the bar but found out that they only serve the full menu Mon-Thur, seeing that it was Friday I didn't have all the options...but turns out it was okay because what I came for, the fish tacos, was on the bar menu, score.

Hot tortilla chips and salsa came quickly. These were great, I actually really enjoyed the salsa, it was milder than I normally prefer but surprisingly tasty. Both seemed to be made fresh on the spot which is a must with any good Mexican food joint.

The fish tacos were amazing. As to date these were the best fish tacos I've ever had. They offer both a fried mahi mahi and a grilled mahi mahi served in your typical corn tortilla. They come with a delicious (mayonnaise-based?) sauce and fresh shredded cabbage. Both were delicious but the fried one was just that much better. The fish was extremely fresh and cooked superbly. The batter was crispy with the fish being buttery soft inside. It also was not greasy at all. I would certainly go out of my way for a few more of these.

The atmosphere here is great. It's really got that Southern California vibe but not in a pretentious way, it's mixed well with a Mexican feel. You'll find a wide array of patrons from the younger crowd at the bar to families in the restaurant. They also have a Mariachi band that plays occasionally, which I actually enjoy (I know they're not for everyone). I highly recommend Fidel's if you're in the mood for some good Mexican, seafood and ambiance.

I have photos and a more in depth review on my personal blog.

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Photo of Michael W.

 

24

36

Michael W.

San Diego, CA

3 star rating
9/11/2009

Tried Fidel's with some coworkers for lunch today and was pleased. Not sure how I would've found this place without Yelp since I had to drive through some residential to get there.

The fatty: good salsa and guacamole; enjoyed the crab burrito (~$12+tax/tip), nice atmosphere, friendly service

The skinny: limited parking, too much cheese!

Thanks, Yelpers, for helping me discover yet another yummy mexican food place in SD!

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Photo of Karla P.

 

6

10

Karla P.

Encinitas, CA

1 star rating
7/29/2009

Good friend and I decided to try something different for our weekly happy hour and since the traffic on the 5 at the merge wasn't so bad we elected to give Fidel's a try.  We're both Coastal North County locals, friends have recommended this place, it's practically an institution amongst some people, so what could go wrong, right?  Foolish mortals, should have known better than to ask such silly questions.

Parking isn't bad.  I got a spot right up front.  My friend arrived a few minutes before I did to squirrel us a spot in the bar where the chairs have backs (which we both prefer).  Unfortunately, the chairs weren't that comfortable, too upright.  This is a sign of things to come.

It was early in the happy hour, several chairs were empty at the actual bar itself, many tables still left to be occupied, too.  I saw with my very own eyes at least 2-3 wait staff standing just looking around at their patrons.  This makes me wonder why it took about 15 minutes to catch one of them so I could place my drink order.  And then when the waitress finally did show up she corrected my order when I asked for a different tequila than what was offered on the menu, scolded me practically,  that the name of the drink I wanted was one that wasn't even on the menu.  Well, duh, silly me!

We placed our drink order and also requested the bean dip.  The drinks arrived and they were the best thing about our experience.  Not light on the booze, filled to the rim and tasty.  If that's all I wanted I wouldn't hesitate to go back.  They were a bit pricey, but I prefer top shelf tequila always versus house tequila.

The chips and salsa provided for the table weren't impressive.  And it's not like they need to WOW me.  They just need to not be stale - the chips that is.  The salsa was good, maybe average.  We left our basket of chips more than 1/2 way full by the time we were done.

When you think of bean dip, doesn't the image that come to mind look something like a bowl  with beans where you would dip a chip into and remove it with the chip being at least semi-covered in beans?  Well if that's your idea of bean dip, too, wipe that image from your mind when order it at Fidel's.  

What you really get is a plate covered with chips that are covered in white flavorless cheese.  I thought they brought the wrong dish to the table.  I had to dig through the multi-chip layer smothered in tasteless cheese to find a small scoop of beans that had been smeared on the plate prior to getting the chip/cheese sombrero.  The beans tasted so bland, too.  I've had better canned beans actually.  The cheese finally developed a flavor once the white mass congealed.  

Overall experience wasn't a good one.  The wait staff extremely inattentive.  I can't stress this enough.  That alone sealed my decision never to go back.  The food unimpressive, disappointing.  Perhaps I shouldn't make that judgement on only one dish, and bean dip even, but none of the other factors of a satisfying dining experience were there.  

Sorry, Fidel's.  There are too many other excellent choices for great Mexican food and tasty tequila cocktails.

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17

47

susan r.

San Diego, CA

2 star rating
10/28/2009

Dinned here last night with a large party don't plan on coming back.
The food was just ok.  The salsa was just plain strange .. it had a weird hint of pasta sauce flavor.  I had the Pollo Asado Burrito for $9+ the burrito was pretty small, the pico di gillo was not fresh. As I told my friend on our way out .. I would prefer taco bell.

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2

34

Dean V.

Santee, CA

4 star rating
11/6/2009

This is one of those places where you will give a little leeway on the service cause the food is so good!! Went there for lunch today. Shredded beef Burrito with Chile Colorado sauce was awesome, chips were warm salsa was great! Service was ok.

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13

115

brenton w.

Truckee, CA

2 star rating
10/23/2009

North County Mex: expensive and nothing particularly outstanding. Go if your friends are going and you're in the area, but I wouldn't make an out-of-the-way trip.

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3

21

Steve N.

San Jose, CA

3 star rating
9/2/2009

Bella(my fat friend) decided she needed to "hook me up" with some food before she ditched me for the night. (Or it might have been her father's idea) So I narrowed it down to mexican and she took us to this spot.

This place was crowded as hell and the only seating we found was at the bar. We both got a drink called the Cadillac. Holy shit that drink was strong. I was able to maintain my soberness but I can't say the same about my lightweight friend.

I ordered the beef nachos and jalepeno poppers. The nachos were huge but not the greatest that I've tasted. What they lack in quality, they sure made up in quantity. That try must have weighed over 5 pounds. The jalapeno poppers were pretty good though. And I got to enjoy this meal in the confines of my motel room, ALL ALONE. Thanks, Michelle!

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Elite '09

136

217

Heather W.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
6/29/2009

It was 11:30 on a thursday am...or at least it should have been, had it not been for the copious snail parade of cars on the freeway.  It's fair time, you see.  

This was Fidel's plan, I think.

Lure us in with your mexican delicacies, then push us away with your close proximity to the county fair.  Via De La Valle exit, i loathe you! But this must have been his plan: make us all extremely late then wow us with how quickly our food would arrive.

Nice play, my friend, I say over a fine cigar...oh wait, wrong Fidel.

I would really give Fidel's 3 star because the food isn't very inspired, overly delicious or otherwise different from the countless other mexican restaurants in san diego county.  but as though to predict this, Fidel served me a super quesadilla with a giant mountain of guacamole.

Ah, nice play again. Your informants must have told you about my weakness for the green devil.

By the way, highly recommend the super quesadilla.  I've never consumed that much cheese in one sitting and I thank them for it.  I am also always impressed when a mexican restaurant offers a black bean substitution for the typical refried beans.  unfortunately they were extremely too salty.  Skip those.

Other highlights include having plenty of parking, plenty of dining (that place is a giant maze!  left, right, upstairs, patio, underground...well where do you think i smoked my cigar anyway? oh right, i took that back). and again, FAST service and food.  The salsa leaves a bit to be desired but really you shouldn't be filling up on chips anyway!

So there you go. decent mex, good service, quick food and they get your order right (any place that forgets i said no sour cream goes on my s**t list).

im a fan.

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Elite '09

35

71

Jannies B.

Carlsbad, CA

4 star rating
8/24/2009

Don't know why it's taken so long--we've been eating at this restaurant since high school!  This is a yummy Mexican restaurant and a landmark of Solana Beach.  When we used to live up North, we would drive down to San Diego and make this restaurant a must!  The rumor is Janet Jackson used to frequent this restaurant when she lived at her house in Rancho Santa Fe.  

The Good: yummy chips and salsa, great Chicken salad (dressing on the side for those who are health conscious), and the vegetable casserole is great (add chicken for extra protein).

The Evil: can get crowded.  Parking lot is a bit small.  Also, the chicken tortilla soup, although tasty, is a bit salty (dilute w/hot water and you'll be fine).

The $: Fair pricing.  Dinner for 2 around $30 w/out alcohol.

The insider tip: Happy Hour Margarita is only $6, and if they like you they'll make it extra strong!

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3

57

JustPeach E.

San Diego, CA

1 star rating
6/18/2009

I dont know why people like this place so much. Maybe i didnt try their margaritas or ordered the wrong things?

First of all, the servers are A-holes! We had some drinks at the bar while waiting for a table. My friend gave his credit card to the server so we can close out. 15 - 20 minutes later we get called. As we get up our server runs up to us and asks us with the BIGGEST attitude "are you going to pay?" and then our dining room server was pretty much a snob.

As for the food it was very unimpressive. The corn quesadillas were good but i can make the same thing at home. I had their pollo asada burrito and the chicken tasted very bland and i swear to god it was boiled! I didnt try my freinds food but they said it wasnt that good.

Oh ya, and the water tasted like they pumped it in from the Tijuana River! Seriously!!! i had to order a soda b/c it was so disgusting.

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2

24

Tim E.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
10/12/2009

Possibly the best sit-down traditional Mexican spot in North County San Diego. The nopales are fantastic!!

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Elite '09

62

210

Matt S.

Queen Creek, AZ

5 star rating
7/5/2009 8 photos

Salsa is addicting. 5 stars for the salsa alone.  I came to this place off of a friends (that grew up here) recommendation and it is jam packed to the gills so it must be loved.

This place is flat out one of the best places I have ever eaten Mexican food at.  I will come back to this place as often as I can.

I had the Carne Asada and it defeated me ... so much food!  If you love Mexican food, you will LOVE this place.

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Elite '09

199

129

Cynthia C.

La Mesa, CA

4 star rating
6/19/2009

This place has some good Mexican food. It can definitely compete with my top pickens.

From the outside this place doesn't seem very impressive. Walk in and your in the bar area. If you go downstairs you'll find the formal dining room as well as some outdoor seating areas. Every time I've dined here the wait has been a good 20 minutes or longer which I'm not too crazy about.

During those 20 minutes or more I spend people watching, mostly the serves running around like crazy, mostly all young.  

Finally we're called and it's time to dig in. Start with your chips and salsa. Thank God for that other wise I would be dying of hunger by now after waiting so long to be seated.

I stuff my face with chips and salsa, forgetting that my large order of fuel will be coming soon.

Once it does I'm engulfed by the crunchy goodness of my flautas with sour cream and guac. Love the rice and the beans. What I also love is my cola in a large glass with lots of ice. Something about the ice makes me want to down a ton of coke.

I would say an hour later I've totally regretted eating a whole basket of chips by myself, but I've really enjoyed a good meal with some good people.

Fidels rocks, try it!

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1

24

Weston W.

Hilmar, CA

3 star rating
8/15/2009 1 photo

Stopped into Fidel's for dinner with the girlfriend. Surprisingly the standard margarita 'on the rocks' was excellent. The food was good, especially the rice and beans. The salsa was kind of a strange tangy overly-tomato'y mixture and milder than a winter in Phoenix. I Was forced to give them three stars because for what it is 'simple Mexican food' it's over priced. Two entrees and two margs ran us about $60 with tip... That's just a bit too pricey if you ask me. The service on the other hand was excellent! Never have I had my water filled so often at a Mexican food place. Our drinks were also delivered quickly.

Really wish I could give them 4 stars but the food flavor needs to improve or the price shrink about $2 a plate before I'll be back. It's Mexican food not Swedish food... GIVE ME SOME SPICE! :D

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7

103

brent n.

San Diego, CA

3 star rating
5/11/2009

James C hit this right on the head. I honestly feel like I shoulda went to Old Town rather than driving to Solana Beach for the comida.

Service was great and the atmosphere was party like but the food was meh. We showed up 26 deep in a limo pretty liquored up and the servers were super  cool and handled all out shot and beer request with ease.

I had some nachos and the carnitas plate and liked it but nothing special and like I said, I was pretty buzzed. All the homies felt the same. One even asked why we didnt just take the limo down to tacos el gordo?

Another note, when I called to move the reservation back 15 mins from 815 to 830 the gentleman who I was talking to gave me major attitude. He said, " if your not here by 8:35 we will not serve you'? I was like whoa, excuse me. If you dont want my business Ill go elsewhere. He back tracked a little and but damage done. Bad manager/host guy, mediocre food, no mas para mi. Shout out to our server though, he was dope.

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Elite '09

464

256

James C.

San Diego, CA

3 star rating
3/24/2009

Hmmmm. Really? Five or four stars? I don't think so. I can think of some places in Old Town that can give Fidel's a run for its money. Fidel's has been building its reputation as one of the top Mexican eateries in San Diego, north side, but that is debatable.

I tried their Torta and it was so, so. My girlfriend ordered a dish which escapes me, but it looked like mole sauce on top of it and beef. That was okay too. I ate half my combo plate and was done; nothing to incredible to report here.

I'm not gonna bash the place, some people's palates are different and may think Fidel's is the bomb-digity, but the food is not really that profound on the taste buds...unless you had six cervezas before chowing down.

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8

105

Susanne M.

San Diego, CA

5 star rating
6/8/2009

Fidel's in one of my favourite places to eat in San Diego. Tucked around the corner from mattress store on a relatively empty street, you can see tons of cars filling the parking lot around the restaurant.

Everything I have ever ordered (and everything that I've stolen off of my friends' and family's plates) has been fresh and delicious. I think a lot of people don't realize that even though the ingredients of Mexican food are fairly simple when compared to other food genres, it's harder than it looks to do it right. When the ingredients are of good quality and taste fresh, the flavours of the dish really stand out. Nothing here tastes greasy.

I love ordering an "a la carte" chicken enchilada and splitting a side of refried beans and guacamole with my mom. The portion is just right, and while I'm often tempted to order something else, I'm always happy that I didn't, because if I ate anymore I would get sick. Plus -- the meal comes out to be about $7-8 a person when you order a single item off the a la carte menu.

They have a nicely stocked menu, and their margaritas never disappoint. Friendly staff too. Have fun!

And don't forget -- $4.95 STRONG margaritas during happy hour. yummy!

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3

13

Lauren P.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
5/27/2009

Only place I know of that has an amazingly good real crab burrito that is insanely huge! I usually order that or some tacos...I couldn't tell you about a lot of other items on the menu because I'm pretty stuck on the crab burrito, but I doubt you could go wrong with any of their choices.

I love the layout of this place! I'm pretty sure it used to be someone's house because of all the different rooms and staircases and I think someone told me that once. I don't know if I've ever sat in the same place twice and I've been there quite a few times!

Service is decent, they usually have quite a few servers, which is pretty important with a place this large. The only time I've had a problem was when I was with some friends who ordered for margaritas and when the server came back, they asked if they could have them blended and he totally gave them the stink eye...I know it's a little bit of a hassle, but when you're a customer, you should be able to ask for anything and be treated like a guest.

There are definitely comparable mexican restaurants in San Diego, but I really think this is one with really excellent, quality ingredients.

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Elite '09

9

138

Michael C.

Minneapolis, MN

5 star rating
2/20/2009

I've been going to this place for years...and after all these years, it's still a great place to grab dinner.

My most recent visit was a little more troublesome than usual because it was raining and the outside patio was closed.  Therefore we had to wait over an hour for dinner.  Obviously, that was not the restaurant's fault, but on the upside, there was some great people watching and by the time our wait for over, I was famished.

This was a good thing considering the generous portions Fidel's serves its patrons.

For this dinner, I went out on a limb and tried something new.  I suggested we get the appetizer sampler called "La Pachanga".  When we got this thing, I wondered to myself "why hadn't I been getting this thing for the past 20 years???".  It comes with a sampling of chimichangas, quesadillas, mini tacos, and flautas served on a bed of beans with guac, sour cream, salsa, and cheese.  Como se dice YUM.

For my main entree, I got a carne asada taco which was prepared like you'd expect it.  My other favorites from Fidel's, carnitas, machaca, milanesa.  I am sure their burritos are pretty good too, but when I'm sitting down, I usually go with an entree and save my burrito cravings for Robertos.

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11

33

Kelli P.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
6/3/2009

I could never manage to force myself into Fidel's with Tony's right next door but last night as I attempted to take my date to a fun bday dinner at Tony's the unthinkable happened...it was CLOSED!  Thank god for the conveniency of another reputable Mexican restaurant in the middle of nowhere merely feet away.  And I was finally able to force myself to try Fidel's!  

I'm not gonna say it was better than Tony's...that would be blasphemy, but it was pretty bomb.  Good service, yummy steak and shrimp fajitas (LOVED the little mini nachos included) and decent chips.  We made the mistake of ordering a liter of strawberry margarita which was actually quite disappointing.  Not nearly enough body or flavor (although it did manage to make my date a little tips in the club).  I would highly recommend the Ultimate Margarita which we ordered after the liter was finished and that was http://bomb.com.  Nevermind that we had just polished off a liter of margarita before it by ourselves...this was much stronger, much more flavorful and REAL.  

All in all, I very much enjoyed my experience here...with the exception of the lame strawberry margaritas.  But don't worry Tony's...my heart still belogns to you!

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15

20

Cheese H.

San Diego, CA

1 star rating
7/31/2009

Drink here only, eat elsewhere. I quote from another review on this page  "it's practically an institution", well they are right, this food definitely belongs in an institution and so do the people who eat here! Seriously, is anything they make here not from Sysco or US Foods? The salsa truly tastes industrial and everything else has been scraped right out of #10 can.  There are too many other places around here that serve better mediocre Mexican food.

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Photo of Cheryl B.

 

0

89

Cheryl B.

Carlsbad, CA

4 star rating
Updated - 7/8/2009

Great guacamole!  Great Enchiladas!  Great salsa and chips. Really yummy machaca.   Not so great margaritas.  Get a Pacifico instead!  I love sitting out on the patio.  Cool atmosphere.  I've been here about 100 times and never had a bad meal here.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    2/23/2009

    Fun atmosphere.  Nice to sit outside on a warm evening or for lunch.  They have really good… Read more »

Photo of Kristy H.

Elite '09

35

113

Kristy H.

Solana Beach, CA

3 star rating
1/12/2009

It's more like a 3.75 stars but I'm not gonna round up.

Their salsa is spicy and I love it, no weaksauce here.
Margaritas are decent but over-priced.

Whats good? ohh well their Chimichangas, carnitas-anything, enchiladas, tostadas, quesidillas, the list goes on.  It's pretty darn good!

Why aren't rounding up then?  Well, I just think its overpriced.  Yeah, it IS delicious but I have been had Mexican food just as delicious for way cheaper.  No, not in Mexico, in SD.

If you got the extra cash, try it out, you will not be disappointed.  Prepare for a long wait on weekends and even some week nights during peak hours.

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Photo of Andrew F.

 

3

53

Andrew F.

Cardiff by the Sea, CA

4 star rating
4/7/2009

I got a a la carte carne asada burrito and it was good. Margaritas were also pretty decent. I will be back for a full meal eventually.

Until then... tentative 4 :)

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Photo of Wendy S.

Elite '09

16

94

Wendy S.

Long Beach, CA

3 star rating
1/5/2009

After hearing from a co-worker how awesome this place is, I had to check it out myself.  
The atmosphere consisted of the typical mariachi band wondering about the restaurant trying to make a buck, making it difficult for my friends and I to have a conversation, but that was tolerable - when in Rome and all that...
The chips and salsa are addicting, the margaritas are very good as well, and we happened to be there when the Charger's game was on, so the upstairs bar was plugged - fun times!
The entrees were respectible, but honestly, I feel Fidel's falls short.  The dinners are a little pricey, but they do serve quite a large portion.  The pork tamales are good - a bit too much masa, as well as the machaca plate and the shredded chicken something with Spanish sauce on top.
Overall, the food was tasty, but I would rather go to Tony Jacal's, that's just my preference.

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Elite '09

275

457

Andy C.

Carlsbad, CA

4 star rating
10/19/2008

I came here last night to celebrate my pre-birthday dinner with my friends.

I came here and we ordered a pitch or pint or something like that of margarita and then like we had nice chips and hot hot salsa ready for us.

I felt a little bad since we got there at around 9:20pm and they close at 10:00. They still sat us and took our order!

I ordered the enchilada and tamales!! So delicious!!!

This place is totally better that El Norte (The old Fidel's in carlsbad)

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11

14

Kristine F.

San Diego, CA

3 star rating
12/21/2008

I went there last night and thought the food was very, very good.  No complaints about that at all.  Some of the best Mexican food I've had in a long time.  I love the unique atmosphere and the Mariachi's, although some would find annoying, I found to be very entertaining.
The only problem with this place is the service.  HORRIBLE!  We waited at our table over 20 minutes just for the waiter to take our order, (someone else served us our food) and then he came back to our table one more time the whole night...to give us the check (which we had to wait a super long time for as well).  Great food/BADSERVICE!

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0

6

Scott G.

Carlsbad, CA

5 star rating
2/25/2009

Honestly...how anyone could give this place less than four stars is nuts!

It's by far the best value in Mexican food in all of San Diego county. The atmosphere is unbeatable and the food excellent. Portions are HUGE and CHEAP!

Don't miss it when you are in the area!

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1

17

rose j.

San Diego, CA

1 star rating
9/13/2009

Aunt  mom and I went out to dinner for aunties bday on sat night, boy were we all disappointed. The worst experience ever. 20 min wait to be seated and then fed the saltiest  Soups. Aunts Fish in her burrito had gone bad (she couldnt eat it)  Poor thing stopped eating after one bite. My tostada was just cheese and yucky hard refried beans w salty chicken. SO much salt and no flavor. SAD i cant believe who crowded this place gets. They dont take American express and our waiter was not friendly ;( was aunts bday and they did nothing...Regretful i was starved i ate mine but got the worst stomache ache,;( PLEASE BEWARE!!

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Elite '09

24

121

Joseph Y.

San Diego, CA

3 star rating
9/4/2008

I went to Fidel's for the first time last night. I don't know if it's associated with the FIdel's in Carlsbad/Oceanside, but that's not influential on the review.

Atmosphere was very nice. It had a good look to it. But from there it goes downhill. There are so many stairs and walkways I swear the place was designed by a 5 year old. It was difficult just to find the main seating area with the restaurant being multilevel.

The food was average and not anything better than a taco shop. I order the guacamole, which turned out to be two scoops of pre-made guacamole over some lettuce with Cotija cheese sprinkled on top.

I got the Torta for my entre and was surprise by the little amount of carne asada inside. It was mostly lettuce and beans that dominated the taste. The bread was delicious and fresh though, so that made up for part of it. Also, their fries were well done, though I don't know if that's a plus or minus for a Mexican restaurant.

Finally, the chips and salsa. The chips were above average, probably a B. But the salsa wasn't very good. I like my salsa chunky, a la Chevy's/Sombrero's/Los Primos/etc. Their salsa did have a little kick, but was too sweet and watery.

My friend's food were a bit better. The enchilada was good, and they actually had fresh avocado (upon request), and the Carnitas plate was also pretty tasty.

I'd give it another go, but for now, I'd rather save the cash and go to a taco shop.

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2

11

Mike G.

San Diego, CA

5 star rating
6/2/2008

Fidel's.  Go now.  Best.  Mexican.  Food.  Ever.

I must have been here 30-40 times at this point.  The carne asada burrito makes you want to go home and slap your parents for not taking you here every day growing up.  Then to the gas station to fill up your tank to drive back and eat more carne asada burritos.

Seriously, this is one of my top restaurants ever.  I will take a rickshaw here if I have to.  Though I hope I don't because that would really be a pain.  Probably save some serious gas money though.  And then you know I....CARNE ASADA BURRITO, people!  I mean seriously.  Wow.  Good.

Fidel, if you truly exist, thank you for opening your wonderful restaurant.  I love you like a dad I have never seen who is strangely not my ethnicity and would really have some explaining to do to my real Dad.  Ok, as you can tell I kind of like this place.  Just go now and quit reading this drivel.  Honestly, you should be ashamed you are not there right now ordering a CARNE ASADA BURRITO!  Wasn't sure if I mentioned them or not.

Oh and I'm sure other things on the menu are great too.  Like the Chicken Enchilada plate.  Best I've ever eaten...

...when I am not eating the CARNE ASADA BURRITO!  The kind that could end wars and seduce ladies.  And by ladies I mean my tummy.  Because it has.  Fidel, you sly dog, you have seduced my tummy.  There.  I said it.

So yes I like this place and recommend it :)

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6

109

Grace E.

Solana Beach, CA

4 star rating
4/29/2009

Fidel's is four blocks from my (old) house, makes for a quick trek to enjoy some fine mexican food when one has some serious monster hunger vibes a calling. It's a very cool place to bring a date, enjoy some margaritas, nachos (I do, every time!), burritos, tacos, carne food, whatever. We go through so many baskets of chips and bowls of salsa, cuz it tastes sooooo good. I love it here!  Always will!

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Elite '09

77

125

Geraldine C.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
7/16/2008

Im surpised a place like this exists in Solana Beach.

Its not ur usual hole in the wall mexican food joint.  Its a restaurant with waiters and free iced water.  The decor is entertaining - a little cheesy, borderline touristy, but I like it.  Going in there is like going into fiesta in an underground cave.  

Ive been here for lunch about 4 times and I always order the large chicken and rice soup with avocados.  Add some lemon in there and that shit is the bomb!   They have some really good lunch specials that come with margaritas but I can't seem to NOT order the chicken and rice soup.  Its just sooo good. You should read someone elses review on the authenticity of the mexican food here but that chicken and rice soup is authentic enough to me!

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12

53

Tessa R.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
9/15/2008

My boyfriend would give Fidel's a 5 star-- this is his favorite place in SD.  It is only a 4-star in my book, because their fish tacos are not to die for and that, in my book, is a MUST for a San Diego Mexican restaurant.

I love the little bar up top, great to eat casually at while enjoying a few margaritas.  

The ambiance is great and it's so big there's always seating, but since all the rooms are segmented it still feels cozy.

Parking can be tight, but it's always reasonably close.

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Elite '09

273

108

GAIL W.

Del Mar, CA

3 star rating
2/12/2009

Like the crazy mixed up levels and staircases in this long time Mexican eatery.  Hostess is friendly and waitstaff is also when they are not missing in action.  No stars for the food.  It is flavorless no zing Mexican fare that the kitchen sends out like a herd of turtles.  I think the reason that people like to come here is for the margarita /beer.  I think all the 5 star reviews are based on a diner with a buzz from waiting in the bar a little too long.  We all know anything taste good with a little too much booze.

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10

34

Justin T.

La Jolla, CA

3 star rating
9/30/2008

This is probably the 80th or so review of the place but I'm still a little buzzed from the margaritas and figured what the hell.

I'm 30 and felt like a kid surrounded by adults during happy hour.  Nothing wrong with that, but the median age was probably 55 with the high topping out at 75.  No joke.

The service was good and the happy hour options and prices were fair.  I had a couple tacos (mahi mahi and carne asada) for $2.70 each and I shared the guac nacho plate with my friend.  We also polished off a couple bowls of chips 'n salsa.

I'm curious what brand of tequila they use, as the margaritas had a bit of a "rusty" taste to them.  Hmmm....that's a first.

Would I go back?  I wouldn't be against it, but there's a el torito about 5 minutes from me and the happy hour drinks/prices/food are about the same IMHO.

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1

49

Cheryl B.

Carlsbad, CA

5 star rating
9/9/2008

Crave their Enchiladas
This is the best pretty Mexican restaurant I've been to in San Diego period.  It's fun to go here.  Pretty atmosphere.  Good chips, great salsa, great enchiladas, really great real guacamole.  Never had a bad meal here.  Consistant.  Good service.  Great family atmosphere.  I highly recommend it.  The food is better than Tony Jacal around the corner.

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0

6

Michelle W.

Solana Beach, CA

5 star rating
8/18/2009

Best Mexican food ever. I won't go anywhere else.

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3

47

Deb R.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
7/11/2008

Muy Delicioso!

Uh....yeah....that's about the extent of my spanish.

This is one of my favorite mexican food restaurants. Located in Solana Beach, its a little far from my "hood" in Normal Heights to be on my list of regular restaurants visited, but luckily I work closer to Solana Beach and have on ocassion been known to take a "long" lunch here.

I cant say that I've tried very many items on the menu, basically cuz I'm one of those people who sticks with something once I find it. Their crab enchilada and crab burrito are amazing though!

Kick it up a notch by adding a 'touch' of Diablo Sauce, and you'll be sweating through your entire meal. This stuff is Hot and Spicy and I love it!

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0

9

Golden B.

Solana Beach, CA

2 star rating
8/10/2009

Fidel's used to be a 5 star establishment, but recently the quality of their food has declined.  It's a true loss.

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