Craving authentic Mexican street food with a gourmet twist in La Jolla? Look no further than Puesto Mexican Street Food La Jolla. This vibrant eatery, nestled in the heart of Downtown La Jolla, offers a fresh and exciting take on traditional Mexican flavors. Forget everything you think you know about tacos – Puesto is redefining the street food experience with its customizable options, high-quality ingredients, and innovative salsas. Recently, we had the pleasure of diving into the Puesto experience, and we’re excited to share all the delicious details with you.
Stepping into Puesto is an experience in itself. You’re greeted with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere, perfect for a casual lunch or a fun dinner. The ordering process is part of the charm. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a user-friendly laminated menu card that showcases the impressive array of choices. From selecting your preferred meats and vibrant toppings to choosing from a diverse range of house-made salsas, Puesto puts you in control of crafting your perfect meal. During our visit, Eric, one of the owners, warmly guided us through the menu, offering insightful recommendations and helping us navigate the delightful possibilities. We leaned our cards against the glass counter, signaling our personalized orders to the chefs, and watched as the culinary magic began.
One standout element that elevates Puesto’s tacos is the option to add crispy grilled cheese. This isn’t your average taco topping; it’s a game-changer. A generous layer of cheese is expertly grilled, creating a crispy, flavorful bed for your chosen ingredients. For a vegetarian option, we sampled a taco featuring huitlacoche (corn smut) and delicate zucchini flowers atop the grilled cheese. We also indulged in pork and shrimp tacos, one with and one without the cheesy addition, to explore the full spectrum of flavors.
The sheer variety of fresh toppings and fixings at Puesto is truly impressive. You’ll find a colorful assortment of ingredients, allowing for endless customization to suit your taste. Whether you’re a fan of classic cilantro and onions or prefer something more adventurous, Puesto has you covered.
Beyond tacos, Puesto caters to diverse preferences with its Guisado Bowls and vibrant Salad Bowls. The salad bar is particularly noteworthy, boasting a wide range of toppings, including unexpected additions like nuts and cranberries. This unexpected twist adds a unique dimension to the traditional taco shop salad, offering a refreshing and healthy alternative.
Puesto’s salsas are another highlight, showcasing their commitment to innovative flavors. Instead of the usual mild, medium, and hot, Puesto presents a selection of unique, handcrafted salsas. We sampled the Mango Salsa, a refreshing blend of mango, habanero, tomato, and cilantro, reminiscent of a salsa fresca. The Jamaica Salsa offered a unique twist with hibiscus flowers and chipotle, while the Pistache Salsa, a personal favorite, combined pistachio and jalapeno for a creamy, spicy kick. Sampling these salsas on the side is highly recommended to fully appreciate their individual character before pairing them with your tacos.
Our taco creations, adorned with beautiful slices of ripe avocado, were a testament to the fresh ingredients and careful preparation at Puesto. The presentation alone was enticing, setting the stage for the flavorful experience to come.
Venturing into the more unusual options, the veggie taco with huitlacoche and zucchini flowers was an adventurous choice. Huitlacoche, a corn fungus, offered a unique, earthy flavor and texture. While described as “kind of chewy” and “not the most appealing thing” visually, trying it showcased Puesto’s willingness to explore beyond the ordinary. It’s a testament to their commitment to offering diverse and interesting culinary experiences, even if some are more acquired tastes than others.
In contrast, the shrimp taco was an unequivocal success. Generous portions of plump, perfectly cooked shrimp combined with fresh, vibrant flavors created a truly excellent taco. The balance of textures and tastes highlighted the quality of Puesto’s ingredients and their skill in creating harmonious flavor combinations.
For those who embrace bold flavors, opting to have the salsas directly on top of the tacos, as Jake did, is the way to go. This allows for a more integrated and intense flavor experience, showcasing the full potential of Puesto’s unique salsa offerings.
If you’re seeking a tortilla-free option, the Guisado Bowl is a fantastic choice. Packed with similar high-quality ingredients as the tacos, these bowls offer a hearty and flavorful meal. Each bowl comes with black beans and your choice of white jasmine or brown rice, creating a customizable and satisfying experience.
The Salad Bowl at Puesto is far from an afterthought. It’s a substantial and customizable meal in itself, loaded with fresh toppings and your choice of dressing. The Puesto Vinaigrette, infused with cilantro and chile, adds a bright, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the fresh greens and toppings. These salads are generously sized, making them ideal for sharing, especially if you and your dining companion agree on toppings.
To complete the Puesto experience, don’t miss their Frozen Horchata. This delightful frozen treat captures the classic flavors of traditional horchata in a refreshing, slushie-like form. While a full-size portion might be rich, the sample size is perfect for a sweet ending or for sharing. It’s a unique and enjoyable twist on a traditional Mexican beverage.
Puesto Mexican Street Food in La Jolla is more than just a taco shop; it’s a destination for those seeking a fresh, customizable, and gourmet street food experience. While it may deviate from traditional “street food” in its elevated ingredients and unique salsa combinations, it perfectly complements the La Jolla dining scene. Puesto offers a fun, flavorful, and memorable culinary adventure that is sure to impress.
Puesto Mexican Street Food
1026 Wall Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
858.454.1260
http://www.eatpuesto.com
