Michael M.
Yelp
This Highland Ave location in National City is one of a few locations in San Diego County. There were ample street parking on a Saturday for lunch, which was good. You can't miss the vibrant red awning and signage of this eatery. It was a little confusing when you enter as there isn't a host and we weren't sure if we were supposed to just sit anywhere, wait for someone to seat us, or order first. After asking a server, we were told to just sit where we'd like.
We waited for menus, but none were brought over so we looked at pictures of menus on Yelp! A server came over not long after and took our order. She spoke only in Spanish, but since I don't really speak Spanish, I just told her what we'd like in English. The authenticity of this interaction made it seem really promising, especially since we were the only nonSpanish speaking table there.
A bowl of slices radishes & lime wedges, as well as a squirt bottle of their spicy house salsa sauce were dropped off at our table. My excitement was building up in anticipation for fulfilling my recent Birria Taco craving. Our 3 birria tacos & 3 Quesabirria tacos arrived and whey looked awesome. I was ready for the flavor bomb party that was about to happen in my mouth. Unfortunately, their Birria was bland. Their spicy house salsa was also bland. There was no salt on the table, which would have helped, but never have I ever had a bland taco or birria. I asked my partner if it was just me, but glad that it was the birria and not my tastebuds. The tortillas were nice and the meat was very tender & juicy. If there was only seasoning & flavor.
While we finished the rest of the tacos, I decided to check some reviews on their Yelp! page. Turns out there are numerous reviews that also mention bland food. There were also many complaints about bad or rude service, which I have to say we didn't encounter. The service we had from beginning to paying was fine. Our server was pleasant and from what I observed, service was fine restaurant wide.
It was a disappointing birria taco experience at a place that specializes in birria. It wasn't horrible, but definitely not memorable in a good way.