I know many who read and follow this blog don’t live in San Diego. Please pardon me while I rave about a recent dining experience.

I have great sisters-in-law. One, Gloria, we see nearly every weekend. Almost every weekend, we go somewhere great to have breakfast, or lunch, or dinner. While we intended to go out to breakfast today, we wound up having lunch/brunch. More lunch than anything.

Tres Catrinas is in the Chula Vista mall where Uno pizzeria used to be. It’s only been there for a couple of months, and being that we live in El Cajon, we hadn’t been there or seen it yet. Gloria recommended we give it a try.

It was early afternoon on a Sunday so it wasn’t busy and we got a seat right away. Given the time, this wasn’t a concern. We were too taken in by the artistry of the place to stop and think about anything other than, “Wow! This place is beautiful!”

The menu isn’t cluttered with 1000 different options. It’s simple enough that you can pick one thing and go for it. Being that I’m mostly vegan, I chose sopes and the vegan empanadas. Oh my did I choose wisely.

Being that these both were appetizers, I figured it’d be enough for a meal and even some to share with my wife and Gloria. Boy, was I wrong! There were far bigger than I expected, but that didn’t slow me down. Each came with freshly prepared sauces. Yummy! Don’t ask for hot sauce because you won’t need it. These sauces were spicy, fresh, and delicious!

My wife ordered the breakfast burger with chipotle tots. Oh! Oh my. NOM NOM NOM! Those tots were amazing!

The portion was enough that she had some to bring home for later.

Even the drink menu is great with plenty of different cocktails to choose from. I forget what my wife and Gloria ordered, but they looked wonderful.

I didn’t get a picture, but Gloria for the Chilaquies. There’ve been times we’ve gone to places and you get a plate of soggy chips in sauce. Not here. The chips were still crispy and the plate steamy! The food came fast and all of it was hot and ready to eat. Such service!

Our server told us they had live music many days during the week and asked if we’d like to see that area. I thought, oh? There’s more to this place? We must see! Certainly we must!

We finished eating and were introduced to the owner who pointed out the first Catrina (see picture above) and the second Catrina in the main dining room. But where was the third? This was a mystery that must be solved! Where could she be!

She was in the section of the restaurant where the live music happens! An area that’ll soon be expanded to accommodate additional capacity and perhaps a dancing floor. We will be going back. yes we will.

From the friendly staff, the great food, and the lure of live music, this place was fantastic on every level. And they have vegan options! What more could you ask for? You simply must give this place a try.