When I visit my family in California (parents and sisters live in San Diego), I have a few things I need to eat before I return to NYC. But the most desired is an authentic taco. But the week got away from me and I found myself having not eaten one taco and only a few hours left before my red-eye flight back to NYC!
So my trip commenced with an afternoon day drinking with my sister and her boyfriend and lunch at Puesto, where my sister said great tacos could be found.
*Carne Asada & Pork Taco w/ crispy melted cheese, white onion and avocado*
Puesto offers upscale mexican street food eats in the heart of downtown La Jolla. The menu focuses on guisados (grilled foods) like fish, shrimp, chicken, and pork and vegetarian items like zucchini flower and corn truffle to then be mixed and matched and served in tacos or in bowls.
I went with a pork and a carne asada taco and an ice-cold beer. First off, to say that these tacos are delicious is an understatement. They are unlike any taco I have ever tasted and I’ve eaten my fair share of tacos in my life. Secondly, do yourself a favor and get melted cheese on the taco… you will not be disappointed. I was very intrigued when I saw the cook place a heaping pile of cheese on the flattop and then topped with my desired meats and salsas. Confusion turned into crazed hunger when I saw it bubble up, melt and be folded into a freshly made corn tortilla. But I eschewed my eating norm and savored each bite instead of devouring it….and immediately after my final bite wanted more! Two gourmet tacos for $7 may be a little steep in the land of cheap tacos but these are not your average tacos!
Puesto offers a unique approach to fresh Mexican street food with an extensive list of options (vegetarians and gluten-free diners will find a lot of choice), creative ingredients (like cactus and hibiscus), wine and beer, and really chill and open atmosphere!
I would honestly eat at Puesto every day if I could (open up in NYC please!). Look out Chipotle ….Puesto is coming for you! But first they need to sort out their menu. I have honestly never seen a menu so confusing. It needs to be simplified, they try to make it easier for us with the step progression but it still fails. Don’t instruct your employees to ask patrons if they need help in ordering, make the menu easier to read and digest! Of everyone I spoke to who had dined there (family and friends included) two things came up… 1) Puesto is absolutely delicious and 2) the menu is difficult to decipher!
You’re almost there Puesto…. if this is the only thing wrong with your place than the sky is the limit for you! Viva la crispy melted cheese taco domination!
1026 Wall Street (La Jolla, California)
had such a fun time with you in town – looking forward to christmas. and of course, i love puesto!
great post, and you’re right about the menu… after a few times eating there, im still confused – but haven’t found a bad combination yet.