Chef choice Taco Enchilado! Absolute miss compared to the Kearny Mesa location which I've had about 23 times. Hard to believe this business is affiliated with them. The tacos enchilados in Kearny Mesa El Viejon our super amazing. They have a nice crunchiness to the tortilla and it's loaded with a cabbage and sauces and fried onion crisp crunch loaded with flavor spicy cheesy creamy. This taco was nearly empty, even on what should be considered. The cheaper item crunchiness of the cabbage. There was almost none nearly empty , some sauce and a light sprinkle of the fried onion almost no spice that dark crispy chile almost not present.. My tortilla was soggy fried either low temperature oil or not long enough or both. very nice decor inside looks like a promising place. Nice tables. Nice seating,music great atmosphere great unfortunate that their specialty was such a fail. Also get the wait staff trained in customer service. There's a formula to this stuff. Get them to learn. read more

El Viejon Seafood - Tacos - Tequilla - Taco Enchilado (Shrimp) Pale comparison to Kearny Mesa this was a sad taco - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

Celebrating my son's high school graduation on the night of. Not too busy being a Wed night but we made reservations for 7:45pm and it worked out great. First time here and very happy with our choice. Fun vibe with disco balls and other decor. Service took a little longer since we had a party of 9 than but nothing too bad. The fav if the night were the Al pastor tacos and birria tacos, they were the best! Although their specialty is seafood, the shrimp dinner fell short, didn't taste fresh. But others ordered the seafood tostadas and they enjoyed them. Another fav were the Al pastor fries. Good margaritas for $10. Will come again to try more on the menu. read more

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Service ***** Vibe ***** Flavor **** Super packed house on a Sunday afternoon, and for good reason. El Viejon delivered great service, a vibrant atmosphere and delish south of the boarder seafood delights! Super fresh seafood that rivals Ensenada, Rosarito, and the finest in Tijuana. Great for groups, but make sure you make a reservation. Cocktails are unique, but they serve up standards if you ask. Every dish was a hit, but standouts were the whole deep fried red snapper and the garlic shrimp both served with salad, and rice & beans. For a special treat, go for the Viejon tower which is a stacked seafood medley ceviche that is good for four! Chicharron de pescado is an appetizer, however it can easily dual as a main...my new go to. El Vieijon please give us more chips with the Ceviche dhishes. This is not your everyday burrito/taco spot at every corner of Mira Mesa - this is where take your out of town family to impress and show off Cali-Mex gourmet!! Highest recommendation here...I can't wait to go back. read more

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YOOO..El Viejon just entered the suburbs of Scripps Ranch and came in with all the FLAVORS and all the VIBES. Now, I came on grand opening on Sunday and they had a DJ the whole place was filled. Amazing selection of different variety of Mexican cuisine giving you all the different marisicos and meat options. This place is fun, loud (at least during the grand opening) but this place would be a fun for get togethers and big groups. Hopefully they got some HH options coming down the line bc it would be a fun spot to grab beers and tacos after a long day! read more

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Yes yes yessss! Everything was packed with flavor. Tacos were pretty filling so about 2 each plus apps is all you need. Strawberry foam matcha was perfection! Cant wait to go back ! read more

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My husband and I are new to the area and decided to check this place out. 10/10! The food was amazing and fresh. We had tacos Al pastor, green ceviche, and the honey glazed shrimp app. Can't wait to be back! read more

Big serving, cocktail drinks menu are ok as well, The vibe was everything -- a live DJ kept the energy up with great music without it being too loud. Perfect for a fun and chill brunch. big parking lot! read more

So far I try more than 3 different plates and The food has a lot of flavor and it's really good all the chilaquiles, the green enchiladas, and Seafood are delicious 10/10 The service it's always good And they have a nice atmosphere any time! read more

Let's start with the service. The service was friendly and very attentive. The place has a very nice welcoming vibe and food we order was delicious. Even the kids loved it. My husband and I ordered shrimp empanadas & the shrimp ceviche bowl. We got the grill fish taco for the kids with garnish on side. We will come again. :D read more

El Viejon Seafood - Tacos - Tequilla - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

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Service fast food is good we order pastor fries burrito pastor Coffee d Ella Hoya delicious read more

El Viejon Seafood - Tacos - Tequilla - Pastor fries and pastor burrito - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

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Decent place to get some seafood tacos and not needing to drive too far from home. Sadly their fish is swai or tilapia (forgot but it wasn't a fish I wanted to eat) so I ended up not getting the fish taco. Tried their other items like their ceviche and tostadas and they were decent tasting. read more

Came here on a Tuesday at 5pm and was seated immediately in a booth. This location is definitely more spacious and cushy than the Convoy location, but I'm disappointed that it doesn't offer the seafood tower like the Convoy location. It's what I usually get, so I opted for the El Viejon's Catch which is similar but honestly not as good. It comes with ahi tuna, cooked shrimp, aguachile shrimp, octopus, scallops, cucumbers, avocado, mango. The aguachile shrimp was not cured through enough with lime/lemon, the shrimp came still gray and raw and mushy. Definitely unappetizing, took the leftovers home and I microwaved those pieces. Also ordered the Campechana Cocktail which is the shrimp and octopus cocktail. Honestly the liquid base of this and the El Viejon's Catch was similar except the El Viejon's Catch had a sweeter taste due to the mangos. I had to ask for my own Ketchup and Tapateo to add more flavor to the Cocktail (which is how you're supposed to enjoy these seafood cocktails). The server didn't offer these condiments upfront so if I didn't already know to ask, I wouldn't have been able to season it to taste. After adding the ketchup, Tapateo, and a house spicy hot sauce, the Campechana Cocktail was definitely way better than the El Viejon's Catch but I still like Tulum Seafood's Camaron y Pulpo Cocktail better. Moving forward I will probably continue to make the further drive to Convoy which is unfortunate since I was really excited that they opened this Mira Mesa location. Total came out to be around $65 for both read more

El Viejon Seafood - Tacos - Tequilla - El Viejon's Catch (ahi tuna, shrimp, aguachile shrimp, octopus, scallops) - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

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Food was great, as was the service! My friend & I were seated right away in a comfy booth -no need for reservation at noon on a Sunday. I had a Hangover Breakfast Burrito & my friend, an Ensenada Fish Taco. We also had a generous Guacamole & chips dish, beautifully presented. My dish had house-made potato chips which were tasty, but too crunchy for my taste. A salad was included, though not mentioned on the menu-light dressing-very tasty. The burrito was excellent! My friend's taco was quite the sight & large, making it tricky to bite. The waitstaff checked on us several times. I had a wine-based tequila house margarita, I wasn't fond of, so I'll order a non-alcoholic drink next time. The background noise was loud, making me feel I was yelling at my friend throughout. That was the only drawback. We will return! read more

El Viejon Seafood - Tacos - Tequilla - Hangover Breakfast Burrito - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

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Service was fine. Servers were kind although our visit did require us to request things a lot. Things like straws and spoons for soup. Food was ...ok ...enough. But for the price, food must be much better. Low value place with better options nearby and wayyyyy better value and options available further south. read more

This place is always great. My favorite is the octopus taco but on this trip my friend and I shared the whole fish. it was amazing. Highly recommend to share with someone. read more

El Viejon Seafood - Tacos - Tequilla - Whole fish - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

Walked in for happy hour and stayed for a while. The only reason they don't have 5 stars is that the margs needed a little more tequila and everything would have been perfect! The HH deals were really good but having seen the quality of the food and the amazing service, I would go there anytime. The first thing I noticed was that the interior was done very tastefully and the seating comfortable unlike many other places these days. The food came out fairly quickly, the flavors were spot on and the plating was done with care. Not sure why it took us so long to find this place but if you want some good well flavored sea food tacos, tostadas, aguachile.....this is the spot. And get your grocery shopping done at the Trader Joe's! Win win. read more

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Came here for Mother's Day lunch. There was a little wait since we didn't have reservations. Was excited to see what they did with the place. We've been to the Convoy location so we were familiar with the tacos on the menu. But my Mom really wanted to try their fried whole red snapper and it was scrumptious! I'll still give them the 5 stars even though they were out of a lot of items (birria, several of the lattes)... but the flavors of what did come out made up for the misses fortunately. Loved the DJ, too. Gave the place a nice upbeat vibe. read more

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Had excellent service. Lucas our server explained all the dishes clearly. Presentation of ceviche, all our sides, and main entrees were beautiful showcasing the fresh seafood they serve. None of the seafood was overcooked. The shrimp, fish, octopus, and shellfish were succulent and fresh! I highly recommend this restaurant, especially if you like fresh seafood that cooked just right! We are definitely coming back to try their seafood brunch specials and inviting coffee drinks. read more

El Viejon - Mira Mesa Hands down one of the best brunch spots we've hit lately! The red chilaquiles were packed with flavor and cooked to perfection, and the tres leches pancakes? Absolutely insane -- soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth good. The vibe was everything -- a live DJ kept the energy up with great music without it being too loud. Perfect for a fun and chill brunch. Service was on point too -- super friendly and fast. And don't miss their café de olla -- so good, and you can choose between almond, oat, or regular milk. Already planning our next visit! read more

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What a lively venue! This place almost feels like it's a club with the DJ bumping music. The atmosphere was great and the staff were attentive despite all of the commotion going on. The food was phenomenal and they have such a different variety of items compared to their other location in Convoy. Their crispy shrimp was definitely a favorite along with their tacos in which they gave a unique noodle dish as a side. Would recommend if you're looking for good Mexican food in the Mira Mesa area. read more

El Viejon Seafood - Tacos - Tequilla - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

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The food was AMAZING! Had a few different items, fish tacos, quesabirria, aguachiles and taco el viejon. The inside is cute and small. The service, however is lacking. It was overly busy. We had to track down our server several times and even had to go to the counter to ask for napkins bc we were left none, with mariscos, napkins are a must. read more

Stopped by El Viejon Seafood and Brunch and had an awesome experience. I ordered the Birria Tacos with broth, plus a side of rice and beans. The tacos were packed with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and the broth was out of this world--rich, savory, and honestly so good you could just drink it straight. The rice and beans were the perfect complement. My girlfriend went with the Al Pastor Nachos, loaded with Al Pastor, pineapple, cheese, cilantro aioli, onions, cilantro, and pickled onions. Every bite was a mix of sweet, smoky, tangy, and creamy--really well-balanced and absolutely delicious. The vibe of the place is fun and welcoming, and the service was friendly and quick. The only downside for me was that they don't serve iced tea (yet!), which would have been a great match for the meal. Overall, fantastic food and a spot I'll definitely come back to. Highly recommend trying the Birria Tacos and the Al Pastor Nachosi read more

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I never do reviews, but on this one I'll try to be honest. the food at this place is spectacular. the only thing I don't like about el Viejon is that they fry their food in peanut oil. they would get more clientele if they advertised that they are seed oil free. change peanut oil for Lard or tallow even if they have to increase their prices, it's worth it. if they make that switch they'll have a client for ever. read more

I've been meaning to try this spot because I frequent Kura over towards Convoy a lot and was shocked that I saw this spot in Mira Mesa open up so I was like, hey why not, and I'm glad I popped in. I love a good taco shop, especially seafood. We tried a few things and all I can say is the smoked fish taco has become one of my fast new favorite things to eat! I wish calories didn't matter, seriously!! If I eat this every day it'll go straight to my hips and rear and I've worked super hard to lose weight so sad that I cannot eat this everyday. But I would if I could and didn't have to worry about it. Well we tried la coqueta as a tostada, a smoked fish taco (highly recommend, don't deny yourself this, unless you have an allergy, then invite me and I can eat it for you), and a creamy spicy shrimp plate. Everything was freshly made (I don't know about the tortillas I'm a Tejana, our tortillas are different, but I still loved these), served well, presented beautifully, and most importantly seasoned well!! Their salsas were top notch and full of flavor and a little bite to their red which is necessary for me. My only suggestion for this establishment is probably this, if something is out, have the servers let the patrons know right away, it'll help with deciding factors. And also have the servers remember to ask if patrons would like salsa it took it's a little bit to get it to us. I don't know how long this specific location has been open but I'm truly ecstatic that this one is closer to me than your other location. You guys made my heart so happy that your food was like my many trips to Ensenada to visit family, the sazon was and is on point. I'll be back, you guys truly nailed that smoked fish taco, it's God level in my book! Happy eats people read more

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Super good food bomb! & drinks Quick service clean& good hospitality Good vibe happy with my service today and drinks read more

Man... I was so excited for this place. I know my mariscos and know what to expect from an authentic, good mariscos place and El Viejon sadly just isn't it. We ordered one red agua chile tostada, one black aguachile tostada. Black one was meh. Red one was holy spicy gods save me. It is agua CHILE so it's expected to be spicy but at least make it edible enough to enjoy. We placed our order to go so both tostadas were each in a plastic to-go cup. However, it was about 1/4 of the cup filled, hardly any juice, and 5 little shrimpies. That's all! We also ordered El Viejon fries. They were subpar. I mean it's just fries; right? But $28 for subar fries? Lastly, our order of queso fundido. I mean, it was literally a solid chunk of cheese with chorizo sprinkled on top. Best part of our meal was out iced water. For subpar mariscos, paying $98 is just not worth it for me. read more

Tried aguachile negro & ensenada tacos. 10/10 The aguachile was super good & fresh, really spicy which I loved ! The tacos are also really good and came with these two house salsas on the side. Green salsa was like a cilantro cream salsa and the red was all chile, bomb ! I couldn't stop eating the juice on the aguachile although really spicy. Food also came out really quickly which was nice. Will be coming back here again, it's pretty hard to find good authentic mariscos and this is definitely it ! read more

Discovered this place a few months ago even though I lived in the area for 16 years. It's my new favorite restaurant. The whole fried fish is so big and cooked to perfection. Their ceviche is perfection. Their drinks are top tier. We usually get the same server and she's so sweet and personable. I love this place. We've been there like 10 times already and there hasn't been a single bad item we ordered. read more

My rating is based more on service than food. The food is good but the service is not that great, there's a girl with braids that sits you and serves that does not give you everything you need like napkins, utensils extra plates etc. she pays no attention to what you need as in obvious things servers are suppose to offer and give you. she also stays and stares to see how much of a tip you're leaving. We really like that place but probably won't go back if she's tending to customers. Forgot to mention that she has tended to us 3 times(it was just our luck she was there those 3 times we went) read more

Mixed feelings about this place. The vibe and atmosphere were great, and the portion sizes were generous for the price definitely a plus. However, the service left a lot to be desired. Our waitress didn't check in with us for over 20 minutes, and we needed refills and extra sauce, but she was nowhere to be found. I eventually had to get up and look for someone to help us. Overall, I'd give the food 4 stars, but the service only 2 read more

El Viejon Seafood - Tacos - Tequilla - El Viejon tower - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

We have been big fans of El Viejon since they first opened up in convoy! We love the expanded menus here at the Mira mesa location and how friendly the wait staff are! We often get the aguachile in both green and black sauce and the manolarga taco! read more

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Second time having a lovely dinner at this establishment. Lucas was our server again, and was on point with attentiveness and service. Sooo friendly and obviously loves his job. We started with the oysters. FRESH!!! I'm not really a fan of oysters and i loved them! We continued with some of the happy hour items including the tuna tostada, and pork belly tacos.. my favorite again was the "gobernader" taco.. (least favorite was the fried fish taco.. a little mushy.). Will definitely return soon! read more

El Viejon Seafood - Tacos - Tequilla - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

My favorite was huevos con chorizo. It was so tasteful and filling. Tres enchilada was very good too, which was my husband's favorite. Horchata was really good too. Tuna tartar was very juicy and mango/jalapeño went very well with tuna. Portion sizes were BIG! Staffs were friendly and responsive as well. The atmosphere was casual and inviting. We recommend! read more

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Having been opened pretty recently, we decided to try this place out for lunch. There's loud music, ocean themed decor, and the service is great! The menu was pretty big with so many options to choose from, and with the help of our server, we decided on the Pork Belly Taco, 2 Birria Tacos, Grilled Fish Taco, and Ceviche Triple, plus the Chai-Nana and an Iced Chai Latte. The presentation of everything was absolutely beautiful and everything tasted amazing. The ceviche had just the right amount of acidity, the tacos were flavorful, and we had a wonderful experience here. I'm excited to come back and try more! read more

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First time here and what a great experience. Parking was easy to find, no wait time to be seated and amazing staff. I would definitely go back for the food, very delicious. read more

El Viejon Seafood - Tacos - Tequilla - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

Please wait while I check for a table, 80% empty. Seated and then sat for 10 minutes without ever having anyone stop by. Thank you for nothing, literally. read more

I like their happy hour and their lunch specials. Good price and quality intersection.

Pretty easy review to write. When a restaurant completely forgets one of your parties food and drink, even after serving the other people at the table, you have to wonder how they are still in business. Long story short, we arrived and were seated. After ordering food drinks, drinks showed up, but mine was completely missing. No problem...it took 5 minutes to get our servers attention, but they went to get it. Food started coming out, and again, mine was missing. No one bothered to stop by to check on us, nor noticed that 2/3 of the party had food, but not me. After waiting 10 minutes, I made sure everyone else ate. Another 10 minutes passed, no contact from a server, and I got up to tell them to cancel my order. Such an embarrassment for them. Their solution...20% off my check. Basically it paid for my very late drink. As we started walking out, they tried to say they were making my plate for me to take on the house. As if I'd want to wait around any longer for them. We won't be going back, and I'd recommend everyone avoid them to prevent your own frustration. read more

Food is so good. They're still working on the service. It's improved. I love coming here ambiance is on point. Music is great. read more

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Place is beautiful, we wen't during brunch time, food has good presentation, but the food taste does not make up for the cost. read more

El Viejon Seafood - Tacos - Tequilla - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California