Joe N.
Yelp
Come for the food, stay for the food, and the ambiance is all about the food. Ok, let me qualify..
The food should be why you're even here. If you're even curious about or craving Sinaloan cuisine served in a "shacky," street-food referencing sort of way, but with a totally Californian expression, then you've totally come to the right place. Los Cuates will serve you food to die for till you actually want nothing more than to crawl into a comfortably warm, safe space and give up the ghost. The portions are hospitable, and the freshness evident...from the time you dig into the guacamole till that first morsel of aguachile hits your palate and your brain is flooded by visions of ocean surf and She of the Jade Skirt smiling benignly and knowingly down on you. This place is a total find and such a treat for all the senses!
Ok, let's talk service because I'm leaving the best for last. The crew here obviously love and respect the food and want you to love it as much as they do. They are passionate about what the place is about and go about their jobs accordingly, whether it be bussing or the front of the house. Isabella is a star and was the consummate hostess when we visited. There were issues with the payment system, and she worked around everything to make sure the food was our enduring memory of Los Cuates.
If you're in Chula Vista, drop by, and if you're not get your butt down here already?!