Ensenada Restaurant Recommendation

We are stopping in Ensenada and we are looking for a Mexican restaurant that we can walk to... we don't mind walking.

Any recommendations?

Here are a few I would recommend. Here are 3 sit down restaurants:

The 2 closest ones to the pier are La Guadalajara on Macheros between Av. Lopez Mateos & Segundo. They are known for Birria (stew) and very few tourists; and El Meson de Don Fernando on Av. Lopez Mateos between Alvarado & Blancarte. We get a molcajete-it is enough to feed 2 people. El Charro on Av. Lopez Mateos just before Ruiz(big white building) is another good option. Just look for the rotisserie chickens in the window. We get a 1/2 chicken and split it.

If you want to get quick food, then I would go to Taqueria Mexico Lindo on Ruiz, just before Hussongs. Known for tacos ($1.35). Only 3 tables and about 12 seats at the counter. Closer to the pier is Potero Viejo on Segundo between Riveroll & Alvarado (closer to Riveroll in a strip mall). Mainly gorditas and has a very good Pozole. Very local.

Do a google search for Ensenada to see exactly where these restaurants are located.

Depending on how we feel we go to several places in Ensenada---

Taqueria Lindo for tacos. It's next to Hussong's on Ave Ruiz. They speak English well enough and take American. $15 for the two of us, tacos, beer and tips.) http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150770-d1651490-Reviews-Taqueria_Mexico_Lindo-Ensenada_Baja_California.html

Afterwards we'll get paletas at La Michoacana. ($1) I'll get pina, Sis will get a key lime ice cream. Barely any English spoken. Prefer pesos but will take American.

Portrero Viejo for Gorditas. $15 for the two of us with drinks and tips.

http://es-es.facebook.com/pages/Potrero-Viejo-Gorditas/208159229206036

It's a block or two off the tourist path. No English spoken. Will take American. On Second between Riveroll and Alvarado.

Birria La Guadalajara on Macheros between Ave Primera (Ave Lopez) and Segundo (2nd). About $20 for two with beer and tips. We share a bowl of Birria. Be careful of the sidewalk off of Ave Primera (Lopez)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150770-d3544806-Reviews-Birrieria_La_Guadalajara-Ensenada_Baja_California.html

We are going to get the Birria Plancha-style next time. Highly recommend the lamb! Some English and American taken.

El Meson de Don Fernando $$-$$$ on Ave Lopez (Primera) between Alvarado and Blancarte for Molcajete. It's enough for 2 to 3 to share. The Molcajete runs about $21 depending on the ingredients. Last time the four of us spent $40-$50. One Molcajete, one dinner, four beers and tips.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150770-d4071276-Reviews-El_Meson_de_Don_Fernando-Ensenada_Baja_California.html

English spoken, American taken.

Hacienda El Charro has THE BEST rotisserrie chicken, cooked over mesquite in the window. A half chicken is served with soggy french fries (yuck) and handmade tortillas. ($20, shared chicken, beer and tips) on Calle Primera. Between Ave Ruiz and Gastellum. The Mole' is also very good. English spoken, American accepted

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g150770-d2665906-r212328170-El_Charro-Ensenada_Baja_California.html

Map of Ensenada. The ship docks at 'The New Cruise Ship Terminal' on the map.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/north-america/mexico/ensenada/

Be very careful walking around Ensenada. The sidewalks off the tourist path are holey and uneven.

Forgot to add-

La Michoacana is a few store fronts up the street towards Segundo.

wow thanks everyone, i can't wait. We will be there three times this fall on three different trips so will try a few of these.

I am in complete agreement with Rosefloater and SadieN. Since I have tried nearly all of those places (mostly at their recommendations), I have to say you will NOT go wrong.

My favorite sit down has been El Meson. The very best molcajete I have ever had. My wife and I shared a fabulous meat molcajete and it was plenty of food for the 2 of us. A bit more expensive than other places, but great food.

My favorite taco shop has been Taqueria Lindo. I especially like the fish tacos and the carne asada tacos, but my wife loves the pastor. The tacos come plain (tortilla and meat) but you can ask them to add cheese (it will be cotija cheese). You also get a plate of onions, cilantro, limes, radish, avocado sauce, and about 5 different salsas. I have made sure to come here for lunch at least 8 times now. Can't wait to go back. :)

Bob