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San Diego › Hillcrest › Palomino's Mexican & Seafood
Palomino's Mexican & SeafoodC+Worth Trying
110 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103
· Mexican restaurant, Latin American restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (661 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Reliable, budget-friendly Mexican plates with big portions and counter service, but quality has become inconsistent since ownership/name change.
Why it gets a C+ for overall quality
Palomino's Mexican & Seafood delivers hearty portions at fair prices with friendly counter service and standout items like carne asada and menudo that earn loyal repeat customers. However, inconsistent execution—cold enchiladas, uneven meat quality, and occasional missing ingredients—combined with isolated food safety concerns and a noticeable quality decline since the ownership transition prevent a higher grade. Best suited for diners seeking casual, affordable Mexican fare who can tolerate occasional quality variation.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels casual and bustling with a big menu board and quick counter ordering. Portions draw cheers, and one diner raved that the carne asada was "worth a detour when back in town." However, there are some review authenticity concerns only in the sense of a few outlier posts; overall voices feel genuine. Cooking leans classic, no-frills Mexican with mariscos, breakfast burritos, and a solid salsa bar rather than flashy twists. Fans praise juicy carne asada, menudo, and fish tacos, while detractors report cold enchiladas, bland rolled tacos, or chewy cuts. It suits diners who want hearty portions at fair prices and can accept occasional inconsistency. Families should do well: the menu offers kid-friendly staples like bean and cheese burritos, quesadillas, fries, and churros. Vegetarian and even vegan-friendly sides (beans, rice, guacamole, potato tacos) help parents mix and match. Expect around $20-28 per person for a full meal in USD.
At a Glance
- Big portions and broadly affordable pricing
- Convenient counter service with salsa bar
- Quality inconsistency since ownership/name change
- Isolated pricing mismatch between register and posted menu
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- hearty_portions_at_low_prices
- broad_breakfast_and_seafood_range
- salsa_bar_customization
What People Love
- Hearty burritos that fill you up
- Friendly, fast counter staff
- Salsa bar customization
- Breakfast burritos for office orders
- Seafood plates under $17
Points of Concern
- Quality swings: reports of cold items, bland rolled tacos, and chewy meats appear alongside praise
- Pricing is generally fair but one review cites register prices above posted menu; ask for receipt
- Post-El Cuervo transition sentiment: some regulars feel standards declined
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (a few outlier 5-star and marketing-style lines) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$18-28 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For value: mains ~$12-14 with a shared side under $5
- Seafood fans: several shrimp dishes at $16.50 balance cost and portion
Perfect For
- Quick lunch near Hillcrest/Bankers Hill
- Post-hospital bite from UCSD/Scripps visitors
- Casual family dinners on a budget
- Solo grab-and-go with seating
Location Insights
Area: Urban, near Hillcrest/Bankers Hill with mixed residential and small businesses; daytime foot traffic and casual dining.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked main streets; typical urban nuisances possible at night.
Nearby: Near Scripps/UCSD medical facilities, apartments, and retail; draws hospital visitors and neighborhood diners.
Little ItalyLittle Italy is known for its lively dining scene with a strong emphasis on Italian cuisine alongside diverse eateries. The neighborhood has a bustling social atmosphere with outdoor patios, farmers markets, and a mix of casual and upscale dining options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–21:00
Tuesday08:00–21:00
Wednesday08:00–21:00
Thursday08:00–21:00
Friday08:00–21:00
Saturday08:00–21:00
Sunday08:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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