Fernández Restaurant

The year is nearly coming to an end, and with that usually brings cooler temperatures. We had a bit of a heat wave here in San Diego over Thanksgiving, but I believe that it has started to cool down again. The holiday season is in full effect, which brings along with it copious amounts of both home cooked and meals out with close friends and family. I know a lot of people state it, but it is honestly my favorite time of year. The smell of fresh cut Christmas trees, and food together, really should become a candle scent.

Speaking of intoxicating aromas, let's talk about Fernández Restaurant in San Diego. The restaurant has been in its current location for a bit over 5 years, and is owned and operated by a family that hails from Tijuana. Their mission was to create a small place with a close knit atmosphere, and most importantly mouth watering birria. That is exactly what they did. You walk up to this little spot, where the exterior is labeled with an arrow pointing down towards the door that says "Tijuana style Birria tacos here." They open up at 8am Wed- Sun, and close by 2pm, so that explains the fact that there was a line out the door, and everyone was inhaling the amazing smells floating outside through the screen door from the kitchen. My stomach was already creating it's own symphony, and was more than ready to dive into some birria. Suddenly the door swung open, and our name could have not sounded more beautiful being called to come in and sit down at a table.

People are constantly coming and going, and often so ordering take out, just as much as they decide to come in and have the meal. The waitresses ask you for your order as soon as you sit down, which keeps the flow at a nice pace. You can order your birria in both tacos, or its original stew form. If you order the tacos, as we did, make sure to order the consome de birria (broth) along side. The piping hot broth with bites of the meat in between is just heavenly.

We ordered their regular birria tacos which come with crispy corn fortillas, as well as their Quesataco. The quesataco consists of a thick house made corn tortilla filled with melted cheese, the stewed meat, salsa, cilantro, and onion. This is hearty food folks, so do make sure to come hungry.

Antonio also ordered a bowl of one of his all time favorites, menudo. He was more than content with the menudo, and I noticed that it disappeared awfully quick.

For both birria lovers, and newbies alike. Fernández Restaurant is one to add to your list. They offer take out, and catering as well. I was already trying to plan a holiday party, just so we could spread the birria love to our family and friends. Okay, now that my mouth is watering and stomach is growling, I think it's time to end this. Go and enjoy some outstanding birria on this side of the border.

Fernández Restaurant 2265 Flower Ave. Suite D San Diego, CA 92154 (619) 628-8235

Wed - Sun 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM