Monica E.
Yelp
It is wonderful to see businesses either showing up or getting a refresh in the Third Avenue Village. One of my favorites in San Diego is right down the street. El Cruce+241 is a wonderful addition to the block, but before we get into the eats, a little bit on the history on the spot:
Story is that El Cruce+241 is a Baja tap-room with a wine bar and a small-ish kitchen. The owners market the spot as providing authentic Baja flavors and eats. So, El Cruce+241 is also about the coast and the beer.
The menu is fairly skinny overall. You will find a few taco and ceviche options, birria, a ribeye and tortas, among a few other options. Unfortunately, COVID-19 means everything is to go, which is too, too bad. I did not try the ceviche or the fresh oysters as desired because I prefer to enjoy these eats at the restaurant, not to go.
The tacos: The fish taco lacks in flavor, and sadly so. The tortillas are thick and homemade with lots of flavor, and served with fresh onions and delicious salsa. I doubt I'll ever order it again, which is a bust because Baja is all about the fish tacos. But the birria taco is an absolute must. Again and again. Made with lamb, the birria is juicy, bursting with flavor and slightly gamey. I much prefer this option to beef or pork. The flavor is also perfectly rounded and fresh. You actually feel good while eating it.
Another must try is the lamb burger with the sweet potato chips -- and I do not even like sweet potato chips! But they are made to perfection here.
El Cruce+241 has dozens of beer on tap, including those from Baja-based craft breweries. There is a small wine list as well, with options from Valle de Guadalupe, which is a treat. They also sell beer crowlers and wines by the bottle and have kombucha (not hard) by the bottle. The peach kombucha is my favorite.
During COVID-19, the team offers its outdoor dining as a complement. You order your food out front, and then take a seat. I did see the team wiping down tables multiple times, so it appears they are working to keep up with the cleanliness despite the restriction on on-site dining.
I would love to try this place after restrictions lift. With its open floor plan, which opens out to the street, it seems like it would be a fun evening. Give them a go in the interim.