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    Maganas

    4.2 (27 reviews)
    ModerateMexican, Bars

    Maganas Photos

    MAGANAS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Maganas

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    Magana's Tacos Restaurant Bar is located at KM 65, in the small town of La Mision, on the west side of FREE Mexico Highway 1.
    Eric R.

    It never ceases to amaze me when I "google" the Internet, how little specific information there is about "real" restaurants, where "real" people, not tourists, prefer to dine. Such is the case with Magana's Tacos Restaurant Bar, located along Free Mexico Highway 1, in the small town of La Mision, about a half hour south of Tijuana. Magana's Tacos Restaurant Bar is located at KM 65, in the small town of La Mision, on the west side of FREE Mexico Highway 1. Most visitors take the scenic toll road, on the fast-track to Ensenada, but I prefer the back roads. Although Mgana's caters to highway traffic, which produces many tourists, the restaurant serves delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine, which makes a stop for breakfast totally worthwhile. Yes, Magana's is not located in Tijuana, but it is located within the Tijuana Municipality. Magana's features an open kitchen that is easily photographed. Many restaurants in Mexico feature open kitchens, or if the kitchen isn't open, all you have to do is walk in, take a photo, and leave. In the 40+ years I've visited Mexico, I've only been kicked out of a kitchen only a handful of times. My breakfast was not on the menu, so I just told them what I wanted, which is the customary thing to do in Mexico. Gee, I'm glad I know something about Mexican culture! My breakfast of corn tortillas, refried beans, fried potatoes, chorizo and two eggs over easy. This is my favorite breakfast! In Mexico, as in the U.S.A., most folks like their chorizo scrambled with the eggs, but I prefer eggs over easy, and I like the chorizo separate. So, I just tell my server, and I get it, "my way!" Magana's Tacos Restaurant Bar serves a great breakfast! As I was sitting in my car, taking notes, a gentleman approached me, and in broken English, asked me why I was taking photos. He identified himself as the owner of the restaurant, and I, basically, attempted to explain to him my mission, what I do, and how it actually benefits him. He either didn't get it, or was in a bad mood, so I left with a not-so-happy impression, and I probably won't return to the restaurant, for that reason.

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    Photo of Ted S.
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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great spot in La Mision. Casual, great food, quick service and great prices. Definitely worth another trip.

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Tacos, carnitas and chilaquiles were fantastic. My kids loves their queso birrias. Café con canela was delicious

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    7 years ago

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    Photo of Silvia G.
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    9 years ago

    This road side diner is more valuable with its good than its looks, but the service is impeccable and smiley. Great first night in Mexico!

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    Photo of H M.
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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Tasty tacos, and refreshing cocktails served in a small roadside spot. Happy to find this local gem in our quest for tacos.

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Good food and great prices with a friendly staff highly recommended The chili Riano's are very good

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Great value, really good authentic Mexican. Very popular with the locals, that says a lot!

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    10 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Photo of Tom P.
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    8 years ago

    really good flavor on the meat. recommend the carnitas. the red sauce is fire.

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    Review Highlights - Maganas

    We recently moved to La Mision.

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    La Cocina de Doña Esthela

    La Cocina de Doña Esthela

    4.6(533 reviews)
    20.8 km
    $$

    For starters, this place is Michelin recognized, and was rated best breakfast in the world in 2015…read moreby FoodieHub. I told myself if I'm ever in the area again, I have to make an effort to eat at this place. Well, the opportunity arose as I was staying at a nearby winery. The biggest problem I encountered was finding a ride to get to this restaurant. Taxis are nonexistent in the area. Ubers are only in the area when someone from Ensenada requests a round trip to the area, so no they are not available to others. Therefore, I expressed my frustration with the front desk at my winery hotel and they took on the task of finding me private transportation. About 40 minutes later, they called my room to inform me that they located a driver. Unfortunately, he requested an inflated price for the to and from the restaurant. Private drivers down here know that you have few choices, therefore, they can ask inflated prices. Yes, I was in a pickle, but I really wanted to go. I did not rent a car because many of the roads hug cliffs and everyone drives fast, because they know where all of the mountain curves are. Being from Chicago, where we also drive fast but don't have mountain cliff roads decided to play it safe and let others do the driving for me. Anyhow, I debated, and in the end agreed to the expensive terms because when I going to get the opportunity again to eat at a place rated best breakfast in the world? How was the breakfast? It was absolutely delicious, everything was made from scratch. I ordered the cafe de la olla which interprets into coffee from the pot because typically it is prepared with raw sugar (piloncillo), canella (cinnamon sticks), and orange zest. How was the coffee? Delicious. I had some machaca (small bits of dried beef) with eggs which came with delicious refried beans. I also ordered the excellent chilaquiles with an egg and a side of bacon. I also needed to order the one thing most talk about on their menu which is the corn bread pancakes. They used the recipe for a typical corn bread sold down here called pan de elote to make the pancakes, and yes, they were excellent. Turning the batter from this recipe into pancakes was a brilliant idea. Also, I cannot leave out the great tasting freshly made corn tortillas that came with the food. The tortillas down here taste different from the ones back in Chicago because down here a white heirloom corn is utilized rather than the sweet yellow dent corn from the Midwest. Was it the best breakfast that I have ever had in Mexico, or anywhere else for that matter? Well, it definitely lived up to the hype the breakfast was amazing and I do highly recommend it. If you do decide to visit, my best advice is show up early because a line forms very early. I have been lucky to have also had other amazing breakfasts in Mexico and other places in my travels. The secret to this restaurant sits right behind it. On the restaurant grounds is an active ranch, which also doubles as a small zoo, where they source their milk and meats from. Yes, they raise their own animals which later become items on the menu. Does that fresh matter? Yes, it absolutely does make all of the difference. Does it sound cruel? Well, that is a whole other conversation. Let's just say the animals are treated humanely. All of the livestock looked happy as they roamed around the grounds. Unlike the way livestock is treated inhumanly in the United States in dirty overcrowded housing where some never get to see the sun or roam freely in the open air. Livestock in the US are constantly given antibiotics and growth hormones, also fed gmo feed with questionable health implications for those that consume them.

    We came here for my moms birthday with a group of 16 and I was not expecting it to be this good. I…read morecan only speak for my borrego tatemado, but everyone in our group was very happy with their food. They have a ton of staff that's taking care of your throughout. Filling chips, awesome tortillas, delicious salsas, and anything else you could want for a complete meal. This is very homey food and great for any type of occasion. 10/10 and recommend it to anyone that's in the area for wine tasting.

    Photos
    La Cocina de Doña Esthela
    La Cocina de Doña Esthela - Machaca plate

    Machaca plate

    La Cocina de Doña Esthela - Entry sign to this outstanding restaurant.

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    Entry sign to this outstanding restaurant.

    Dymtri’s Original La Fonda - Flan

    Dymtri’s Original La Fonda

    3.6(110 reviews)
    3.0 km
    $$

    Dymtris La Fonda has been one of my must-visit stops for well over 15 years, and it continues to…read moredeliver the same authentic charm that made me love it in the first place. Few places stand the test of time the way this one has--it's not just a restaurant, it's part of the rhythm of life here. Whether you're a longtime local, someone passing down the coast, or a first-time visitor looking for something real, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like you've been coming here forever. The menu highlights some of the best local seafood you'll find in the region. Everything from the shrimp and octopus cocktails to the fried fish plates and seasonal shellfish is consistently fresh, prepared simply, and packed with flavor. The seafood soups and stews are especially satisfying on cooler days--rich, hearty, and loaded with generous portions. One thing I always appreciate is that the flavors never feel overly complicated or drowned in heavy sauces. Instead, they let the ingredients speak for themselves, which tells me they're sourced with care. And of course, the homemade tortillas are an experience all on their own. Soft, warm, and hand-pressed throughout the day, they come out with the kind of taste and texture that reminds you why fresh makes all the difference. They pair perfectly with just about anything on the menu, but especially the seafood dishes and traditional breakfast plates like huevos rancheros or chilaquiles. It's clear that these aren't just an afterthought--they're a foundational part of every meal here. The drinks are always ice-cold and refreshing. Whether you're ordering a fresh-squeezed juice in the morning, a chilled soda or agua fresca at lunch, or a margarita or cold beer with dinner, everything is mixed and served the right way. On busy summer afternoons, it's the perfect place to recharge with a drink in hand and salty ocean air just steps away. Over the years, service has remained friendly and attentive, even during peak hours. The staff works quickly without making you feel rushed, and they always seem tuned into the needs of both regulars and visitors. The casual, unpretentious environment makes it easy to stop in anytime--flip-flops or motorcycle boots, family breakfast or late-night bite, doesn't matter. This is the kind of place that bends to the moment. No matter the time of day--breakfast, lunch, or dinner--Dymtris La Fonda is a reliable stop for a satisfying, authentic meal that represents the local food culture perfectly. It's consistent, it's fresh, and it has soul. If you're anywhere along this stretch of coast, do yourself a favor and pull in for a meal. You won't regret it--and chances are, you'll add it to your list of tradition the way I did. Highly recommended for anyone craving comfort food, local flavor, and honest seafood done right.

    Word on the street is that Dymtri has passed away, which would explain the sudden downfall of…read moreDymtri's La Fonda. We stopped in on a Friday night and it was pretty much dead. One waiter working the whole restaurant. There was a sign out front that said "cash only" which was odd. We followed up and they said we could still pay with a card. We started with drinks which were watered down. Then a Mexican combo plate and fish tacos. The fish tacos was fried halibut, not grilled, topped with just lettuce and a spoonful of guacamole. The Mexican combo was a taco chili relleno and a cheese enchilada. Both came with rice and beans which were bland. The side salad was equally disappointing with a romaine leaf, cucumber tomato and papaya. The blue cheese dressing was from Smart & Final. The only good thing was the Mexican coffee that came with the meal. It's sad to see what La Fonda has become with its history and was once considered the best restaurants in the area.

    Photos
    Dymtri’s Original La Fonda - View

    View

    Dymtri’s Original La Fonda - Flan

    Flan

    Dymtri’s Original La Fonda - The service is nice and friendly as soon as you walk in. Their Langosta was fire, 1st time I trying Indio beer.

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    The service is nice and friendly as soon as you walk in. Their Langosta was fire, 1st time I trying Indio beer.

    La Salina Marina Cantina

    La Salina Marina Cantina

    4.0(20 reviews)
    4.7 km
    $

    Beware of This Bar!…read more Initially, I liked this bar and had fun the several times I visited and stayed at a VRBO close to the bar. Until I didn't....... Someone who worked there as a bartender stole my phone. I tracked my phone which was inside the bar, and it rang from behind the bar. When I confronted the employee/son of the owner, he threw me out and slammed the door in my face. The bar caters to an older crowd, with an average age of 50-75. Despite the crowd, no one helped me even when they heard my phone ping. I went to the gate guard for assistance, but he also refused to help. I even asked him in fluent Spanish to call the police, but he declined. Watch your belongings here! Also, when confronted, they just throw customers out. They also charge a 5% tax on the bill without informing you. The food is microwaved and basic, definitely not worth it. I suspect the booze is watered down too. The DJ, who seemed to be around 80 years old, was trying his best to keep up. Later that night, after contacting the property manager of the house I rented, I heard a thud in the backyard of my rental and found my phone there. Very suspicious, but at least I got it back. You'd think they'd cater to guests and younger crowds, but they only price gouge tourists. I won't be spending my money here again, and I suggest others steer clear of this establishment.

    The food is good. The service is great. The views are spectacular! They have specials everyday and…read morehappy hour drink specials. Live music Thursday - Sunday. Closed Wednesdays. Stopped in many times for taco Tuesday never a disappointment with the tacos.

    Photos
    La Salina Marina Cantina
    La Salina Marina Cantina - Page 3 menu

    Page 3 menu

    La Salina Marina Cantina - Didn't take any photos inside (*cough*5-tequila-flaming-Birthday-shot*cough*) but here's the beautiful beach it sits on.

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    Didn't take any photos inside (*cough*5-tequila-flaming-Birthday-shot*cough*) but here's the beautiful beach it sits on.

    Encanto - Hot molcajete

    Encanto

    3.9(325 reviews)
    10.0 km
    $$$

    Encanto somehow just keeps getting better. The views alone are worth the drive, but they've really…read morebuilt up the patio area and it is gorgeous now. There's so much seating, so it feels open and relaxed even when it's busy. It's one of those places where you immediately want to grab your phone and take a few photos. The food is still just as delicious as I remember, and the service is unmatched. Everyone is attentive without hovering and you feel really taken care of. Honestly, it's worth stopping in even if you just go for a drink and soak in the scenery. Great cocktails, stunning backdrop, and such a good overall vibe. I'll definitely keep coming back.

    I recently visited Encanto in Ensenada and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience…read more When the bill arrived, I noticed that one of my dishes was priced incorrectly. I politely pointed it out to our server, Daniel, expecting it to be corrected. Instead, he casually dismissed it and said, "It's only 100 pesos more," which I found unprofessional and disrespectful. It's not about the amount it's about accuracy and customer service. Because of this interaction, I decided to remove the $20 tip I had initially left. When I did, he took the receipt to his manager and claimed that I hadn't tipped at all. I explained the situation, but he responded with a smirk, which felt mocking and made the situation even more uncomfortable. Additionally, the service overall was slow. We asked for water multiple times before ordering, during the meal, and even after finishing and it still took a long time for it to arrive. Unfortunately, this experience left a very negative impression, despite the setting. I hope management takes this kind of behavior seriously and works on improving both service quality and professionalism.

    Photos
    Encanto - Second story seating- the views are beautiful

    Second story seating- the views are beautiful

    Encanto
    Encanto

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    Maganas - mexican - Updated June 2026

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