La Hoguera

Ahead of our brief time in Ensanada, we made it point to create an itinerary that let us explore…read morephysically, but also through food and drink, so we made sure a local coffee shop and Birrieria we're on the list, and I am so glad that birrieria turned out to be this spot in Zona Centro of Ensanada! Authentic, in every sense of the word, is how to describe Birrieria La Guadalajara. From the food, drinks, service, atmosphere and overall experience from entry to exit. Even though we were sweating the whole time, some from the sauces and some from the heat, we absolutely loved it! Before you even get to ordering, they bring out an egg assortment of toppings including limes, radishes, onions, cilantro and a trio of dips along with fresh tortilla chips. Each table has a standing bowl of red sauce that is authentic and spicy! But it is perfection on any taco along with the other toppings. So, just do it! The menu is straightforward and features a variety of birria including the classic beef, pork, lamb, cabeza, goat and tongue. If birria isn't your thing, they also have steak in a few varieties. Once you decide on protein, you then choose how it's served. Regular tacos, Quesotaco, or as a plate. With these you get to choose from flour or corn tortillas. Each plate and/or taco comes with refried beans and guacamole. Most of us decided on the sampler method, getting a variety of meats and birria. I personally went with the beef, lamb and pork quesotacos all served in fresh flour tortillas. The tacos were phenomenal! I had been on vacation for close to 8 days by the time we ate here and these tacos were the best bite of my trip! Overall, an absolute must try when in Ensanada!

Everything! I didn't even get a picture of my food because I was starving! Definitely coming back…read morewhen I visit again!!!

Orden de Cabeza $215 (Aug 2023)

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Aeropuerto internacional de Tijuana

La Guadalajara

5.0(11 reviews)

0.8 km

Spacious restaurant with AC! They have larger tables that can accommodate groups. The chips and…read moresalsa are great and the salsa has a kick to it. The beef birria tacos come with so many accompaniments -- a full bowl of chopped onions, fresh cilantro, limes, and radishes. The amount of meat and tortillas was generous and we had trouble finishing it all. The consomme was SO delcious. Service was friendly and fast. Our server didn't speak much English so be ready to use google translate if you don't know much Spanish, but we had no issues communicating and ordering. There are restrooms available as well. They accept cash and card.

La Guadalajara specializes in birria, or Mexican stewed meats, and their food really hit the spot!…read moreSince they offered a variety of meats, ordering the tacos was a great way to sample a variety, and I got the Birria de Borrego (lamb) and the Birria de Chivo (goat), both of which were served in a corn tortilla along with chopped onions, cilantro, lime, radishes, a mild salsa of chopped tomatoes/onions/herbs, a spicy red salsa, and tortilla chips. Both of the meats were tender and delicious, though I slightly preferred the chivo (goat), which was meatier, leaner, and more flavorful. I also especially liked the mild salsa, which had a nice refreshing flavor, and the ability to customize the condiments on each taco. Everything was delicious and came at a good value, and the service was super friendly and attentive too!

Excellent Arrachera platter, great salsa, guacamole and the margaritas!!

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La Cocina de Lupita

4.5(39 reviews)

1.6 km

BEST YELP FIND on my trip to Ensenada. Def worth the drive into the more residential area (about 10…read moreminutes from downtown Ensenada). It looked like there was some of a wait time, but it turned out they did have a table for 2 available. The wait time is mostly for large parties. If you do come with a large party they have seating in the back just note it will take awhile. By large I mean 11 people (2 parties of 11 people showed up when I was there). The food. So many yummy options I had a hard time picking. I ended up ordering the combination plate as it included a little bit of everything: your choice of either green or red chilaquiles, machaca (shredded beef not the dry one), egg, beans and some fries. I also ordered fresh orange juice as I can't say no to fresh juices. I ATE EVERYTHING! It was so good I couldn't stop eating even when I knew I was full LOL. Side note def get the coffee as it is really good. We actually ended up buying the coffee they bought with us called La Negrita and is a couple of minutes away from the restaurant. Plus a local coffee vendor. Staff is super friendly and service is fast (for smaller parties). Place is clean and does have parking in the back. Definitely recommend this place for breakfast. If I am ever back in the area I am definitely coming back!

Comida muy casera y sabrosa con huevos al gusto y tortillas hechas a mano. Un ambiente bonito para…read morefamilias. Regresaremos a probar el Chamorro.

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Doña Gordita

4.8(4 reviews)

1.2 km

Omgggg amazing food, amazing ensenada experience, amazing service!!! I'm a born Mexican girl…read morebrought up on my mom's homemade food and let me just say that this has become an instant favorite spot in Baja California! TRY THE WHITE SAUCE! Can't wait to come back!

I was down in the area on a little surf trip and ran into some locals where I asked them for a good…read morefood spot off the touristy path. Someone led me to this area and I stuffed myself full of phenomenal gorditas after surfing for a few hours. The place was amazing.

Torta menu

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Madre

4.3(32 reviews)

1.0 km

Delicious seafood in a super small cozy restaurant that really felt like we were eating in…read moresomeone's living room. Our server Jonathan was excellent, and gave us great recommendations! We had the ceviche, octopus, grilled oysters, and the catch of the day. Everything was excellent. The ceviche was a generous portion, and the octopus skewers were incredible. They have a small wine list of local wines from Baja. Would recommend for anyone looking for an upscale seafood spot in Ensenada!!

Food was excellent and creative Service was good…read moreAmbiance was ok, music is too loud Ensenada location, easy reserved parking in front

Grilled oysters

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El Corralito

3.8(143 reviews)

0.6 km

We didn't have any food only three chips and salsa they gave us. Ordered Micheladas with Modelo…read morenegro and they were quite tasty. Cool spot to stop by and have drinks. Inside was pretty cool and fun and had good music.

Really dope spot in Ensenada to drop into and have a drink or food and catch a vibe. Make sure u…read morehave a dollar bill cuz the whole place is filled with them and it really adds to the ambience. The servers are all super cool and the drinks are top tier. We only went for drinks when we went but the chips and salsa was really good so I can imagine the food is good too. They even have their own beer that's brewed specifically for them which is really good.Definitely will b going back here when I'm back out that way.

Inside. Dollar bills line the walls and ceiling.

Dry meat and stale tortilla

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Strawberry frozen margarita

Boules

4.2(140 reviews)

1.1 km

•$$$

Esta muy rico la comida! This is the first time we came here and we loved it. It is al fresco…read moredinning and it's great for groups as well as couples. They have a good selection of wines, which I believe wine from Valle De Guadalupe is the best. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. The food of course is delicious. We ordered Tuna Tartare and Fish of the Day with salad.

Service - 5 stars !! Ambience - 5 stars…read moreAlfresco dining They offer blankets and heaters if it gets chilly. Cushions available for your seat. A nice size plate of fresh jicama with tajin and 3 sauces with different heat levels are served. Great cocktails Appetizer- Brie quesadilla Remember, looks aren't everything. When the quesadilla arrived it looked plain and basic. But boy when you add the accompanied grilled onions, fresh chopped poblano's & one of the sauces it is absolutely amazing. Entree- Pulpo Taquero The octopus was tender and the seasoning was delicious. This was plenty of food for the 2 of us. But wait! Now that I've tasted it I don't want to share anymore!!! It was so good, we fought over every last piece. We recommend and we can't wait to go back.

View from our table. mostly outdoor seating

Octopus

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Patio dining area

La Comadre Taquería

4.7(56 reviews)

0.8 km

I wanted somewhere local - a real mom and pop, hole in the wall authentic deliciousness!! THIS IS…read moreIT!!!! The people were wonderful, kind and cared about us enjoying our food! The food was delicious! So much flavor in everything! The place is small - with about 4 tables of 4 and one bigger table for a group of 6-7. It was still very warm outside and with their stoves on it gets very hot inside, they have a couple fans that help - but only a bit! Easy to walk to from the port. Very affordable, no alcohol (that's what the drink package on board is for anyways!) but they do have a variety of sodas; bottled and cans as well as water bottles, horchata and jamaica. They take cash and card and can convert in dollars. I hope you give La Comadre a try! You'll love it!!

Be sure to ask how much everything costs before ordering. The guy standing outside who seats you…read moremay try to overcharge. He tried getting me to order me guacamole and chips, I asked how much, he said $14 USD, I declined yet he still tried to bring it to my table which I declined a second time. Payment is cash only (USD accepted). That said, the tacos were delicious. The meats were marinated so well and were addicting. The tortillas were handmade and had an excellent texture. Prices might not be the cheapest but it's worth it for a great meal.

Authentic ceramic

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Carne asada with rice and beans

El Güero Mariscos

4.7(48 reviews)

0.3 km

Omg I love Mariscos and this spot did not disappoint. It's a small vendor posted outside on the…read morestreet with a bunch of guys, basically in an assembly line, slanging seafood. The long lines meant - it was so good and worth the wait. Honestly, it wasn't too long. My friend and I ordered 1 tostada each. She got the aguachiles and I the Guera. Great portions packed with flavor. I went back for oysters, which they shuck right in front of you. There were so many chile bottles to choose from. They also had some dark "crack" sauce that I chose to put on. I'm no sabo so I no sabo what the salsa was but it was delicious. Spicy, tangy, umami. Muyyyy ricooooo

Fresh seafood clams. Hopefully my stomach agree with the raw clams! The seafood stand is crowded as…read morealways.

Fresh raw clams!

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The kitchen

Bronco's Steakhouse

4.3(32 reviews)

0.6 km

Great location, casual western rustic atmosphere and decor, excellent food and service…read more I arrived with a friend for lunch a bit early before the crowd so we our choice of seating. I loved the decor with antiques, and the western theme. There was background music (ballads and love songs) but it was light enough we could converse without a struggle. The menu has Mexican antojitos, steaks (cuts like ribeye, filet mignon, ribs, etc.) as well as chicken, and salads. The prices were reasonable. They offered a full bar as well as iced tea, sodas and aguas frescas. They have a breakfast menu, and their lunch-dinner menu. On Wednesdays they offer a buffet that sounds great. They had a private parking lot. It would be appropriate for meeting friends, family, business lunches and small groups. Everything looked clean and orderly. I'd definitely return.

Food was good and service was excellent! T-bone steak was…read moreperfect. Pecan salad has sweet caramelized pecan and cranberry and pear good combination of salad.

Dining room

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View from outside

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6 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Alan N.

Elite 23

113

3 years ago

Absolutely amazing! A mere 20-minute stroll from the cruise port, this gem offers an authentic experience amid the vibrant sights and sounds of a developing nation, don't be deterred, it's worth the adventure. Slightly off the beaten path, the absence of other cruise patrons and the presence of locals only added to the charm. Now, let's talk about the food--it's a delight! Freshly made chips and salsa, with the salsa made right before your eyes, hands down the best salsa I've ever had. The highlight? Their meats, grilled to perfection on a real wood fire. When your cruise makes a stop in Ensenada, be sure to seek out this spot. read more

Andy M.

6 years ago

This review is based on "good" food, but horrible customer consideration. We paid over $100 USD for a meal, after parking our car in front of the restaurant. We went for a brief walk around downtown. Upon our return, the restaurant called the local police and ordered a tow truck to remove the vehicle. I asked the manager to help with the situation, but she refused. In total the court, tow, and police fees/commissions totaled another $100. This may be a continuing scam. Best advice, don't go here to eat a nice meal and park. Avoid this scam joint. read more

Jack S.

261

7 years ago

Tasty, authentic Mexican food...that's what La Hoguera DOES. In Mexican culture, the word "Hoguera" roughly translates to "home", and let me tell you I thought I was gonna see mi abuelita in the cocina. Tortillas = Delicious Guac = Fantastic Queso Fundido = to die for ...and don't get me started on those beef guts Overall 9.5/10 one of the best experiences in my lifetime read more

Luis E.

1 year ago

Cambiaron de locación y tengo que ver si la vibra es igual o si a cambiado. Visite este verano y no me gustó. Espero tratar otra vez más el próximo año. read more

Ceaser M.

2 months ago

My wife and I were searching for this place but it no longer exists. Its been demolished. It's just an empty lot now.

Peter P.

4 years ago

Popular family restaurant. Food is decent, not over-the-top.

La Hoguera - mexican - Updated October 2026

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Bronco's Steakhouse

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Food was good and service was excellent! T-bone steak was…read moreperfect. Pecan salad has sweet caramelized pecan and cranberry and pear good combination of salad.

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A Michelin rated restaurant boasting a beautiful and elegant dining space with a deep trove of…read moreexcellent wines. Located just down the road from the El Cielo resort, Latitud 32 hosts a tremendous tasting menu alongside a deep wine pairing menu meticulously crafted to elevating your dining experience. For larger parties, you may need to make a reservation but once you've arrived, the staff will greet you and seat you appropriately. Their silverware is extensive and covers every portion of the meal from the light starter bites to the more hearty mains. And should you be participating in the wine pairing, you'll be enamored with the many wine glasses encompassing your space. The staff were exceptionally knowledgeable in the wines that were curated for this meal and the head chef was fantastic in describing each dish, the ingredients that went into making it, and the significance of them with respect to the local community and culture. They communicated in English for us non-Spanish speaking folks and it was greatly appreciated for us to understand what we were eating and the effort put into crafting it. All the dishes were presented beautifully and consisted of a lot of fresh produce and locally sourced items. Each bite gave you a taste of Mexico, specifically, the Yucatán. I especially liked the seafood, representing its proximity to the ocean. The wines were exquisite; the whites were crisp and refreshing, rosés were exuberant, the reds were rich and bold, and the bubblies were popping with gas and flavor. They all paired nicely to add deeper undertones to the flavors captured in their complementary dishes. The meal ended with a fantastic crescendo of flavors from their "not so poor knight", a play on the moniker used by the Norwegian for their delicious French toast dish. The edam cheese added some savory notes and the cream settled it all with the fresh fruit atop. The soft center yet crispy exterior was a splendid blend of textures. With all the liquids, it was inevitable to visit the restroom which is located in the gift shop next door. Here you'll find ground local roasted coffee and other souvenirs to consider bringing back home. Overall, Latitud 32 lives up to the expectations of a Michelin rated eatery with its bold flavors and creatively designed dishes. The presentation was fantastic and the wines are an exceptional, and dare I say required, part of the dining experience. The price tag is obviously high, but expect quality and care here. Each tasting menu should have enough food to fill you up but for those simply looking to stuff up, this may not be suitable for you. Attracting those with expansive palates and adventurous senses, Latitud 32 will ensure your dining experience is one that you'll enjoy, reminisce, and share.

We had a mixed experience....the views and setting are beautiful, and we really liked the El Cielo…read morewines. The ceviche was honestly pretty bland and just didn't have much flavor. The filet was also tough. We talked to the chef and found out they use Black Angus, but it's not a top-grade cut, which might explain why it wasn't as tender as we expected. The seasoned veggies were really good though, and the Caballero No Tan Pobre dessert was AMAZING! Definitely the highlight of the meal. Overall, beautiful place, good wine, and an amazing dessert, but for us the food was a little hit or miss.

Restaurante Sabina

4.2

(100 reviews)

Ensenada, Mexico - Yes it could be overpriced compared to the food stands, but I personally think…read morefood tastes better when I can sit down in the shade and relax while I eat, not having to worry about food spilling on my shirt or dropping my tostada. I'm willing to pay for the table! That said, if you're going for the famous sea urchin (erizo) tostada, I think you'll have to eat in the restaurant because they simply just make it better than the stand. I tried from both places, only the restaurant would have the famous peanut sauce on it. The half shell platter also seemed to have fresher seafood than the stand, maybe coz it's chilled better? Service was great! Our server gave us recommendations and checked on us periodically. We came around 10:30am and was able to get a table outside. (Interesting note: the table was way too high for the chairs lol) Overall wonderful experience and definitely a must-stop for me now whenever I'm in Ensenada again!

This place has gone way downhill. My wife and I have come here so many times and it was always a…read morewonderful experience. Now, the portions are smaller, the prices are higher, and the food and mixed drinks taste less good. I think the overreliance on tourists has let these people get lazy with quality and portions. Very, very sad to say after having gone here endless times that we've closed the chapter on going to what used to be our favorite restaurant in Ensenada

Mahi-Mahi

4.0

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First time here! Excellent service!…read more Ordered the grilled tacos, Marisol's tacos, crab claws and chips and salsa, and shrimp. Margaritas were the bomb! Very friendly and attentive service. Everything was delicious and fresh! We will be back when we come back to Ensenada!

I first tried this place 5 years ago. I came back today and wanted to get more crab claws. They are…read morestill delicious. The service is good. The ambiance is quiet and 70s music playing in the background. I definitely recommend if you want seafood.

Madre

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Food was excellent and creative Service was good…read moreAmbiance was ok, music is too loud Ensenada location, easy reserved parking in front

El Mesón de Ensenada

4.0

(60 reviews)

Located conveniently in the corner of when you enter the popular tourist street in the city center…read more This place was excellent. The margaritas were SO good and the pescado (fish) tacos I got were amazing. They also put double fish in per taco compared to most other places so they were pretty filling. My wife also said her meal was one of the best lunches she's had in a while - I think it was the combinacion plate. People working there are friendly so the service was great as well. Additionally, when we went it was a Sunday and there was a woman singing outdoor on the patio and she was great. Really good voice and people (locals) kept going up to her / saying hi which I thought was neat because it made Ensenada feel like a small town. Also worth noting, unlike the shops around us that charged us at unfavorable rates, our server (proactively) charged us in MXN Pesos which saved us a few bucks and was super appreciated. When we return to Ensenada, it's safe to say we will be back.

First off it was a beautiful day in Mexico. So of course sitting outside was key. The service…read morewonderful and took good care of us. The food if you have never been to Mexico and had the fresh corn tortillas you are missing out the flavor you will Crave when you leave. I got the beef enchiladas omg so delicious so. Much flavor and such pretty plates. My husband got the trio with taco enchilada and burrito he liked all of them so much flavor.their salsa delicious also . Thank you for an excellent lunch .

Casa Magnolia

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Muy buen servicio de todo el personal desde que entramos y la comida ni se diga, estuvo fenomenal,…read morey las bebidas muy buenas, definitivamente recomiendo este lugar al 100

The price is absolutely outrageous. The food is average Mexican cuisine. We waited more than 1.5…read morehours before the food made it to the table and cold! The service is average! The restaurant has a nice view to the beach and the modern deco is very nice but do NOT come here if you expect quality of food!

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