Old school great! Service is good and so is food but its been 2 years...look forward to getting over again soon. read more

$35.50 for ONE Margarita? Check Your Bill Before You Order a Large! Four of us went to Fidel's for dinner tonight. The food was good, and we were enjoying our evening until we received the bill. Two people in our group ordered skinny margaritas. The waitress asked if they wanted a small or a large. One person ordered the large. When the bill arrived, we were shocked to see that ONE large skinny margarita was $35.50. This was not a Cadillac margarita. Nothing special was added. It was simply a large skinny margarita. I went back and looked at the menu because $35.50 for one margarita seemed outrageous. The prices for the smaller margaritas were listed, but I could not find a price listed for the large. Had we been told that ordering a large meant paying $35.50 for one drink, we absolutely would not have ordered it. The food was good, but charging $35.50 for a margarita without clearly showing that price on the menu left such a bad impression that we will not be back. If you order a margarita here, ask exactly how much the large costs before saying yes. read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - $35.50 for ONE Margarita? Check Your Bill Before You Order a Large! - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

We first went to Fidel's a couple of months ago when Tony's was closed, and had an amazing lunch in their beautiful courtyard. I had a Mexican cabbage salad with chicken that was so good I literally hadn't stopped thinking about it. So, naturally, we decided to go back with a friend. Unfortunately, what a completely different experience. It was a busy Saturday night, although we arrived around 5, before the dinner rush. The jalapeño poppers were frozen in the middle and tasted like something straight from the freezer aisle. My chicken tostada was basically flavorless boiled chicken, covered in cheese and lettuce on a completely soggy tostada. The chili relleno was also soggy and flavorless. The biggest disappointment was the cabbage salad. The delicious salad I remembered was now essentially chopped cabbage with a few pieces of carrot in a cup -- nothing like what I'd had before. Our waiter was very nice and the service was good. He took the salad off our bill and offered more jalapeño poppers, but honestly, why would we want more frozen poppers? I'm giving two stars instead of one because the beans were delicious and the service was good. But if we're rating on the food alone, this visit was definitely no bueno. Maybe we caught them on an off night, but we left pretty disappointed. read more

We have been coming to Fidels for 35 plus years Today the first time our service was dreadful even had to go to the bar to get our drinks, server didn't care & said so when i told her she didn't bring our drinks after waiting half an hour! We always order the same food so know it well But today the cabbage salads dressing had no taste just smothered with oil we couldn't eat it Our main meals were ok after we got what we ordered Very disappointing Not Fidels standards! read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I can't remember the last time I was this impressed by a Mexican restaurant. This is like old school Mexican. The kind where they prob still use lard and don't skimp on the cheese and the cheese is quality! The beans and rice are always my give away to if the rest of the food will be good or not and they were perfectly cooked, great flavor! I got the cheese enchilada and shredded beef taco. I believe I used the word "phenomenal" at the table. The beans had a thick layer of cheese, not sure exactly what type but that good Mexican white cheese. Last but not least-the frozen margarita! I had to go to the bar after and compliment the bartender! I spent a lot of time in Dallas where frozen margaritas are everywhere and this was prob one of the best I've ever had. I will definitely be back and I can say this is prob one of the best Mexican joints still left. read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Cheese enchilada/shredded beef taco combo platter with frozen margarita - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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Disgusting eating with lots of flies all around. Food was horrible and way overpriced restaurant floors were dirty bathroom was gross We will never go back read more

I have been coming to this restaurant for 35 years! Consistently good. Cute ambiance. Their red enchilada sauce is very unique! You can't forget the salsa and guac on everything! Last time I was at a hotel and requested utensils and they didn't put them in when my food was delivered. Food tasted amazing though read more

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Always a family favorite for out of town guests and birthday celebrations. This local spot has served us for many celebrations. A lot of families are either fans of Tony's or Fidel's. I haven't been able to pick just one. However, we tend to go to Fidel's more as a family unless you're craving turkey tacos, and in that case go next-door. The service is always friendly and very helpful. They allowed us to bring in outside desserts to celebrate birthdays, and offered to refrigerate them if we needed it. They also brought out plates, forks, and a knife for us for serving. Favorite dishes here include fajitas, chicken burritos (their chicken is very good, white meat, shredded chicken, and plenty of it), super quesadilla, tostada salad, and chilli rellenos. The chips covered in cheese on top of my beans are always a perfect touch to compliment my meal also not to miss are the house margaritas or skinny margaritas depending on your preference. This family friendly restaurant is consistently busy and if you are there during prime hours, you can expect a wait. read more

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Went to Fidel's Little Mexico on Cinco de Mayo, which may have been my first mistake because this place was PACKED. We walked in and it was shoulder-to-shoulder everywhere, so my friends and I grabbed spots at the bar while we waited for a table. I have to give credit where it's due. Even though it felt like everyone in North County decided to celebrate there, the bartenders kept things moving. Drinks came out quickly, they were friendly, and nobody seemed stressed despite the crowd. The whole place looked and sounded like a Project X party. As for the food, it was solid. Nothing that completely blew me away, and I've definitely had more authentic Mexican food, but everything was good and I left happy. I'd absolutely come back and order it again. Honestly, I kept waiting for something to go wrong because of how crowded it was, but it never did. If a restaurant can survive Cinco de Mayo madness and still deliver good food, good drinks, and good service, they're doing something right. No complaints from me. read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Perfect Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I've been coming to Fidel's in Solana Beach since I was young, and it's never let me down. The food is always fresh and delicious, perfect for any gathering. The staff are welcoming, shout out to Facundo, who always seems to know what I need before I do. Their cabbage salad is to die for, and I love how they use chicken breast in so many dishes. It's one of those places that feels like home every time you go. In the summer they have the air conditioning on and it makes this an even better experience! read more

Fidel's is a fun Mexican spot on three levels - a lounge on top, a main dining room, and an outdoor patio. Crab Burrito: The flour tortilla is soft and coated with a delicious green tomatilla salsa. The crab is sautéed with tomatoes and onions. The burrito comes with rice and beans, sour cream, and melted cheese topped tortilla chips. Parking: There are some angled parking spots out front. There's also plenty of street parking. read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Crab burrito - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Felt really rushed and not taken care of. We were seated across next to two obnoxious guys from the bar. Server didn't check on us after serving. I put my water empty on the edge of the table and it didn't refilled. I remember the day (a few) I was served an amazing pillowy chili relleno. Days no longer. read more

Cute spot, great vibes, but service was a little slow to start. Came in on a Friday around 12:30 PM. You just walk in and wait for the hostess to seat you. I was in a bit of a rush, and after about five minutes without anyone coming over, I ended up grabbing a seat at the bar instead. Jose took care of me there and was great - super friendly and attentive. I ordered the lunch special, where you can pick from a burrito, tostada, enchilada, and one other options. I went with the chicken enchilada, which came with rice and beans, plus your choice of a 12 oz margarita or a beer for ~$20. I chose the margarita, and it was actually really good. The food came out fast, in under 10 minutes. I snacked on chips and salsa beforehand, but the salsa was pretty spicy, not really my thing. The enchilada itself was decent. I'm from the South, so I'm more used to Tex-Mex, and I didn't realize it came with olives, but they were easy enough to pick off. Overall, it's a super cute place with great energy, and the staff are friendly. The food is solid, but Tex-Mex is Tex-Mex...nothing that really stood out as a wow moment. That said, it's a fun spot, very popular, and they have a great happy hour. I'd come back for the vibes alone. read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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The food is good. The ambiance screams neighborhood dive and the service was with a smile. read more

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All around awesome with the delicious food, service, and ambiance. The beans are so good! Highly recommend, great location, a must! read more

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Had an awesome experience today with the fam after a round of golf nearby. Food, drinks, service and staff were great. I've been coming here since I was a kid and I'm thankful to say it still hits the spot, which is hard to find at the moment. We all had leftovers and enjoyed the shaded patio. If you are looking for a tasty Mexican restaurant with authentic flavor this is it. read more

We ordered takeout from Fidel's on Christmas Eve. They had our order for 11 people ready in 40 minutes, just as they estimated. Pickup was no problem and the food was yummy, from the chile colorado with beef and the chile verde with shredded pork and the chicken fajitas. We were grateful for their quick service. read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Chicken fajitas (does not come with arugula which I added). - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

The chili relleno never disappoints, it's my favorite. The fluffy egg batter is fresh, the chili just right with flavor and tenderness, cheesy goodness topped with special red chili salsa sauce ....Es muy Rico ! The flavors all burst in your mouth! The service is a little slow but understandably so it's always busy . Chips and salsa are always timely and refilled.!! Our family has been going for years! We love the ambiance and look of ole Mexico. read more

Been years since I've been here, the food is really good I had cheese enchilada/ Chile rellano combo plate, huge amount of food, husband had chimichanga and a margarita, 25 dollars for a margarita, ouch! The place is getting a little run down, hope they put some renovations in, because it is a cute place. Servers were great and they also have the strolling singer, which is always fun! read more

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in San Diego! I haven't been in awhile but the uniqueness of its dining areas and its delicious food. Makes it a must go to! read more

The food, service and drinks are always amazing! Sit outside and enjoy the local beach sun shinning through onto the patio. Just beautiful. Best chips n salsa around this place is more than a little bit of Mexico...Vamos! read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Fidels Solana - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

We usually come here when all the family is in town and the majority of us order the crab enchilada which is served with rice & beans. The ambiance is so festive with colorful traditional Mexican decor. We love sitting on their patio when the weather permits. Add a house margarita with a Tajín rim and you've got a party. Service can be hit or miss. However it's a solid spot with good food. read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Crab enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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We sat at the bar, had evening happy hour. Food was good flautes and a cheese quesadilla. Plus, chips and salsa. We of course had margaritas & a shot of Don Julio with 2 new friends. It was so fun, we are locals & have loved Fidel's for years. read more

We dined Nextdoor a couple of times and decided to try this place. I wish we hadn't. The food was just average. The service was pretty good. However, he got my wife's order wrong. The atmosphere is rustic and I wish we had sat outside. We ordered the guacamole side 4.5/5, chicken torta 3/5 (massive), asada burrito 3/5. The house margarita was good for a house version 5/5. read more

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Haven't been here in a while. Chicken taco was amazing! Chicken tostada was terrific the next day (I was too full to eat both). The chicken was trendy and most. Will come back! read more

Went last night and ordered Cadillac Margaritas. $35.00 each. Ridiculous! Won't be back.. read more

Great food and great service as always incredible Mexican food has been going for over 30 years

Wow! Ordered two Cadillac Margaritas...and was asked if we wanted the small or large...we of course said let's go for large! Well didn't think LARGE meant LARGE PRICE of $35 EACH...and when you add tax and tip these turn into $44-45 price point for 1 Drink! Also, to add a single shot of Grand Marnier was $15.15! While the margarita tasted excellent....the price point is beyond ridiculous! NEVER GOING BACK...felt like we were mugged! . read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

don't bother, they charge $35 for a large margarita and they don't put the charge on the menu

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants! The enchilada sauce is amazing. I get the mixed chicken burrito with a side of rice and beans, delicious. There's some parking in the front and a lot to the side. The building has a nice home feel. Food is always warm and fresh. read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Mixed chicken burrito, so delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Fidel's reminds me of Old Town with an intriguing origin story as a barber shop and evolving into much more! Fidel's was a nice place with tons of different dining spaces to indulge in some classic Mexican food. Although they did not have anything on the menu that stood out in particular, they execute their dishes well serving the classics. Complimentary chips and a red salsa are served at the table. While the portions don't sound a whole lot, I was surprised to see what was on the plate. I had their Carne Asada Taco plate which came with rice and beans. It was one hefty taco packed with lots of carne and wrapped securely for no spillage. I had a bite of their chimichanga, and it was hefty as well. The service was a little bit spotty depending on where you are seated, but the staff are all kind and attentive. The restaurant has some nice Christmas decorations up for the holidays too and feels cozy and festive! My overall experience and rating for the food is a 3.5-4 stars. read more

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Great spot and accommodated the full squad nicely. Can't go wrong with any tacos or fajitas. Well done boys read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Fajitas (choice of beef, chicken, shrimp or mixed) - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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The service was not very good. We waited for everything waters, chips, silverware, to order they forgot two entries we ordered. The food came out at different times. I had to find the servers everytime even to get out check to pay. So sad! read more

Fidel's seems to have gone majorly downhill. It's unfortunate and I don't like leaving a bad review, but just being honest. We had dinner here recently and we were really disappointed. The guacamole was not fresh. It tasted and looked like a pre-packaged guacamole you'd buy at Costco. The shrimp in our shrimp tacos were also not fresh. They should grill them fresh. They were frozen and flavorless. Fidel's is usually very crowded so it's surprising that they wouldn't serve higher quality and fresh food. Added a star for the service and ambiance. It's decorated cutely. I would not go back again, unfortunately. read more

The food was good ,service was friendly and great , and the whole vibe was very nice .Would definitely return for round 2 ! read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Chimichanga dinner was delicious and flavorful . - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

This used to be a great place and the food is still good but tonight we waited 1 hour and 20 minutes without even someone coming by to ask if we wanted. refills. They didn't even apologize, just claimed they were full but half the restaurant was empty. Very disappointed with the service. read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - the "very full" restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Haven't been here in a long time and it was a nice dinner! Our server was friendly and attentive. I ordered the pollo asado burrito, which was good - definitely not a small portion, I think I got at least two meals out of it with leftovers. The burrito was dry on the inside (no salsa/fillings other than chicken), but the toppings on the plate made for a yummy bite when combined. read more

It has been years since I have eaten here . Was in the mood for Mexican food. So my partner I decided to eat locally . The restaurant still has that lovely casita ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating . We were seated inside. We both ordered the carne asada platter with rice and beans, salad and guacamole . No alcoholic drinks . Water only . We were there for lunch . Sadly disappointed in the quality of the food, and how tasteless it was . The plates were hot like they just came out of a microwave ; the food cooled quickly and the cheese coagulated . Beef chunks, not shredded, were not seasoned and encased in this immense flour tortilla. There was nothing in our entrees that stood out differently from other Mexican restaurants to want to bring us back here . read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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Bias review coming in warning, warning this review is incredibly nostalgic and incredibly leaning towards a place I've eaten since my childhood. Any, and all things said here might be seen through rose tinted glasses. First off I'm gonna say that 9 out of 10 orders here I get nothing of food. This place is my FLAN go to. I HAVE BEEN GETTING A BIRTHDAY FLAN HERE, MY ENTIRE LIFE!! So naturally when I moved away, I was not happy about it I have tried so many flans in the years since I've lived in San Diego. I have never found one that even come close. This place has hands-down the best way they create it cannot be described. If you've ever had flan and not liked it, you need to come here and try again. As long as I can remember, this place is always look the same. It is a maze of cute little seating areas that seem like they were built entirely separately. You really don't find restaurants like this anymore. I remember as a kid just getting lost trying to find my table or the bathroom. It has the cutest atmosphere you need to see it to believe it just come in. Try to tell us they're good people. They're doing good things and they need to be around for the long run because when I visit I need my flan. read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - OG decor - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Full disclosure I went to high school at Santa Fe Christian down the street and I'm in my 30s now so have been here I don't even remember how many times. I would say since Su Casa in La Jolla closed this is my favorite Mexican restaurant in all of San Diego. It's very authentic and consistently great and always crowded because everyone around knows how good it is. It's in a very sleepy part of Solana Beach set around neighborhood homes so it's extra quiet surrounding the restaurant. They can host many different sized groups and service is always consistently fast and polite. They also have a giant menu filled with tons of classic dishes as well as variances on new dishes. They have plenty of parking attached to the restaurant otherwise it's extremely easy to find spaces on the street. Honestly, everything I have had here has been incredibly great and every single time I come back I am never disappointed. They have some of the best salsa too, I dream about their chips and salsa anytime I think of this place. For this visit I chose the Albondigas but forgot to snap a picture because I was so excited to eat it. They are well known for how great their soups are. For my entrée, I chose the Carne Asada and it too was delicious and had a ton of meat . They are very large sized portions here and the pricing is also fair. I would honestly highly suggest to any fan of Mexican cuisine and even if you are not a fan of Mexican cuisine, this is the sort of place that would change your mind. read more

Fidel's Little Mexico - Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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