Puesto at The Headquarters in San Diego
We were looking for a Mexican restaurant on Opentable, when we stumbled upon Puesto at The Headquarters. Little did I know that the Headquarters referred to The San Diego Police Headquarters (some of the cells are still there), that has been transformed to a shopping and restaurant area.
Cells at The Headquarters in San Diego
Cells at The Headquarters in San Diego
The place was quite busy and I was glad that they sat us upstairs, more quiet and with a nice view of the bar and open kitchen where I could see the magic happen, especially the way they were making tortillas, endlessly.
Bar area at Puesto at The Headquarters
Open kitchen at Puesto at The Headquarters
Open kitchen at Puesto at The Headquarters
Open kitchen at Puesto at The Headquarters
As a cocktail, I tried their avocado margarita that was quite unheard of, but I admit that I could not taste the avocado…
Avocado margarita at Puesto at The Headquarters
Avocado margarita at Puesto at The Headquarters
Then, of course, our appetizer was guacamole and I admit that theirs was quite good. We wanted it mild and the waiter explained to us that they do not make it a la minute and therefore it was already made, but assured us that it would not be spicy. He was right and the guacamole tasted fresh as I believe they make quantities as the evening goes considering that lots of people order it. No, for sure it was well seasoned and had nice chunks of avocado.
Guacamole at Puesto at The Headquarters in San Diego
Chips and salsa at Puesto at The Headquarters in San Diego
Then, we got tacos. They proposed on their menu a choice of 3 for $17; as Jodi wanted only 2 vegetarian tacos and knew that I wanted to try their fish tacos that was not available in that sampler, she Kindly proposed to pick 1 of their choices for me. So she ordered:
The grilled portobello taco made with Cilantro chimichurri, papas fritas and avocado. She ordered it naked, meaning that the tortilla was replaced by some lettuce.
The verduras that had crispy melted cheese, rajas, papas, tatume squash, corn & tomato, nopales, avocado, and zucchini blossom. She also ordered this one naked.
The grilled pulpo or octopus made with potato, cilantro chimichurri, avocado whip, pickled red onion.
They must have understood because they brought the octopus tacos in a separate place. Jodi’s tacos were good, although spicy for her. The octopus one was very good: well cooked, not rubbery, it was delicious and very flavorful.
Grilled portobello taco at Puesto at The Headquarters in San Diego
Octopus taco at Puesto at The Headquarters in San Diego
Verduras taco at Puesto at The Headquarters in San Diego
Octopus taco at Puesto at The Headquarters in San Diego
Then I got the Baja fish tacos that are made with beer battered wild cod, shredded cabbage, avocado, crema and salsa quemada. These 3 tacos were very good: crispy, not greasy with a perfectly cooked flakey fish. I just wished there was more crema and salsa on it.
Baja fish tacos at Puesto at The Headquarters in San Diego
For dessert, we were really excited to get their tres leches but they told us that they did not have it anymore, weird considering that it was 7pm…So I ended up with the Rompope Paleta, a Mexican eggnog made with brandy that was served like an ice cream. This was quite good in fact and I loved the peanut dust it was sitting on.\
Rompope Paleta dessert at Puesto at The Headquarters in San Diego
So it was a nice meal: I liked Puesto. This is a good place if you want a little more upscale place for Mexican cuisine. I would definitely go back.
Enjoy (I did)!
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Puesto at The Headquarters - 789 West. Harbor Drive., Suite 155, San Diego CA 92101
