Great place for a drink + food. The place has a large garage style large window that opens and the breeze + fresh air u get from outside is fantastic. They have a great happy hour almost daily, and the employees here are wonderful. Cassie was bartending today and she was very attentive and informative. She made a few recommendations and everything was amazing. read more

We just came for a Sunday lunch and saw they serve brunch until 2. We were seated, given menus, and told to order at the bar. There's cool Mexican art on the wall and table was clean and wiped down. There's not too big of a menu and what they have is made really well. The chips and salsa were good. I like how light the chips are. The free salsa had more and better flavor than the red, but both are good. I got El Bàsico burrito and it was like how I used to eat it growing up when my parents would make it for me. I asked for a side of the poblano salsa they use for the chilaquiles and it was so good! It became with a side of plain crema. I left full and happy! My wife got a Quesataco with a side of frijoles and papas. The taco had a lot of meat and was super tasty. They gave you a small side of consume and that didn't disappoint either. The papas didn't have too much flavor but were nice and crispy. The beans were my wife's favorite. They have a slight kick and bomb flavor. I'm glad to have this place in our neighborhood and I look forward to coming back again! read more

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I feel disappointed having to write this, but the service we received yesterday afternoon was truly off-putting. This was our second time giving this local spot a chance, but unfortunately, it will be our last due to the interaction with the bartender on duty. I have two favorite drinks--a Moscow Mule and a Mojito--and I usually ask how they are prepared since every bar uses different ingredients. I personally prefer ginger beer over syrups to avoid the extra sugar. When I mentioned this preference, the bartender responded in an extremely condescending tone, telling me "that's weird." It made the entire interaction uncomfortable immediately. As we decided to leave because the vibe had been ruined, the bartender actually called out after us, "Sorry you don't like all-natural ingredients." It was unprofessional and unnecessary. My partner is a veteran who has traveled the world, and even he noted that he has rarely encountered that level of condescension in the service industry. It's a shame because the other employees seem great, and I hate that their environment is affected by this kind of attitude. If you're looking for a welcoming atmosphere where you can ask a simple question about a menu item without being mocked, I'd suggest heading elsewhere. read more

This may be my new favorite happy hour spot! I came here last week with a friend after a long week of work. They had a decent selection of drinks, but my favorite was the food. It is served in small portions like in the cantinas I have been to in Mexico. We had the soup of the day and the falutas. Amazing food! Small portions, but filling and perfect. They serve them in those blue containers that remind me of my grandma's house growing up. Even the churros were amazing! The service was good and they were really chill. The place itself is pretty nice and basic, but welcoming. The only thing was that the music was really loud so it made it really hard to talk to my friend. I can't wait to come back and I highly recommend it. read more

La Nacional - Sopa de lentejas - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of breakfast here thinking that it is a bar. We had the Chilaquiles with 2 sauces, poblano and tomatillo with Birria and Breakfast Tacos. They were delicious and good quantity of food. We had the blueberry pancakes for dessert and wow!! They were perfectly done. Better than breakfast places that I had been. You order and pay the food ahead at the bar and the bring the food to you. The staff was friendly and still checks on you if you need anything. read more

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This place needs to be on a few must lists. The food(I've only had a litttle) taste like homemade. The cocktails are so elevated and unique and so good. The menu changes and I always want to try what new cocktail they're featuring. If you're a cocktail connoisseur, make the drive. Savor the drinks. Enjoy the music and take in the good vibes. read more

Mmmmmm mixed feelings about this place... We came for Chilaquiles! Missed the cut off of 1:30pm wha wha I asked the bartender to recommend another dish. He said "oh the flautas are good Krispy with chicken and Verde sauce"Well, maybe it's me but flautas are usually flour tortillas and rolled tacos are corn so when my rolled tacos came in a cute little cup with some Crema on them. I was like these are rolled tacos! Then I was disappointed, but it goes further than that, two of the the chicken tacos were inedible overcooked One was halfway decent the Crema and the salsa that came with them was delicious. But I have to say overall the service was not with a smile, very drab bartender, and waitress, lacking hospitality. The atmosphere here has a chill vibe and looks good esthetically but IDK ‍ So to recap... My husbands Pozole was amazing The fries were good They had great beer on tap, I mean who doesn't love a cold Pliny! read more

La Nacional - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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My first impression is this place definitely has some good potential. I wanted pozole soup for breakfast, but unfortunately is was not available until lunch, so I had to settle for a breakfast burrito, that came with bacon, eggs, cheese, and house potatoes for $11. On the menu it is called "El Basico." The burrito took a little longer than it should of to come out on a non busy morning. When It arrived, it looked promising but when I got into it, I quickly discovered that it came with a lot of potatoes, and very very few pieces of bacon. Refer to the picture. As a result, I pointed it out the the bar keep and he agreed and asked if I wanted a side of bacon to add to burrito, and I agreed. In the end they ended up re-firing the breakfast burrito, with better results, but in my opinion, still needing a little more bacon. Don't get me wrong it certainly came with more bacon, when comparing it to the first burrito. The burrito has good flavor and texture. The burrito was average to small in size to most, but definitely tasty. The bar was cool and apologetic. They should offer the pozole for breakfast. Like menudo, it's a great breakfast item and help with hang overs and such. read more

La Nacional - Bacon and Eggs Breakfast Burrito - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

A friend told me about this place and we came here for their happy hour. Everything was good, there was only one server/bartender working but she somehow managed to make all the drinks and take all our orders in a very timely manner and was super helpful and kind. They have a decent sized happy hour menu with plenty of options (beer, wine and make your own margaritas). Very casual spot but good value and authentic. read more

La Nacional - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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One of Chula Vista's locals favorite spots. Located in the heart of third avenue in Chula Vista and walking distance from many other great bars and restaurants. First things first, I love that they have a multitude of drinks and alcohol you can try. Not just a brewery. Very open forum with cool air breeze. The staff are all very friendly and attentive. Quick to provide advice or offer you another drink. The place appears clean and the food is good. Big portions too so enough to share for sure. Bathroom line can be busy if there's many people. Parking isn't always the greatest either and mostly metered parking so arrive early or go on a non-busy day. Other than that, I'd recommend the spot and come back again. read more

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It's been a while and there's been some new updates to the menu and new events as well as upgrades throughout the facility so definitely time for a new review. I will start by saying the staff is an absolute gem from being in here regularly at least once maybe twice a week some weeks we have gotten to know the whole team and are very blessed to even call some of them friends. Our daughter specifically asks to come here because of how welcome she has made to feel her entire day is made seeing Kassee and Omar. Kassee just has that genuine sweet soul and you can't help but be drawn to her. You can tell by how some of the kids bond with her. As a mom it's very comforting and so relaxing my daughter won't fight me on a meal cause she wants to go too. You should check out the sweet artwork a little friend has displayed Being that I have a severe food allergy as well I am always confident that they take it seriously and look out for us with new specials on the menus. Everything is very upfront, check their insta for constant updates. The food is cooked to order for each person so it does not always come out together, but that is appreciated. You are not waiting and get to enjoy your meals at their freshest, You wanna chill and just enjoy the Chula Vista sunshine. This is your spot you wanna come for a DJ and a party this is your spot on certain nights you want to be educated on different tequilas they have a schedule for that too. This is easily a Chula Vista staple for a reason and their staff will always take care of you. They are all professionals who bring their own flare and excellence read more

Excellent chilaquiles!! Very close to my absolute favorite restaurant in Palm Desert. I love chilaquiles which don't try to behave like an elevated version of themselves - make good nachos that don't sog up quickly, a delicious sauce that lives up to its name, whether creamy, mild or spicy, give me some delicious creamy sour cream and a good side of beans. That is a good chilaquiles. This place had exactly this. We ordered the combination plates where you can mix and match - a Rojas and verde and a creamy poblano and verde. Both were excellent and I don't think you'll go wrong with choosing any of their chilaquiles options! We went at opening time on Sat, so the place was empty and we ordered at the bar. I don't know if that is how it works when it gets busier. It is an open space so I think it will have the tendency to get loud. There is paid street parking all along main street. I will definitely come back here for Chilaquiles. This is it! read more

La Nacional - Creamy poblano and verde - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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I'm so bummed I didn't take a picture of my taco didn't take a picture of my drink. They were both excellent. I got the Carnitas tacos that actually they put so much meat on them that they made four tacos so I shared it with a friend and then my Whiskey was delicious. It was like a mix of whiskey and tequila put together. We're having the Mexico Honduras game so that was a lot of fun in arthritis. They have music love this place in the bartenders super awesome cool vibes. read more

La Nacional - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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Thank you for not holding back on spice and flavor. Pica pero sabe!!! Not sure if they're gonna like this but we took our kids (3 and 8yrs old) around 6pm on a Tuesday and it was a good spot for the entire fam. There was an option on the menu for everyone. Service was prompt and friendly. We had the quesadilla, tacos de papa, flautas, pozole, sopa de tortilla, and enchiladas. EVERYTHING WAS SO GOOD. Including the drinks (chinga la gorra roja and a margarita). read more

La Nacional - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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The cocktails are fantastic and happy hour is well worth it with great food bar menu They decorated really festive for the holiday Love La Nacuob read more

La Nacional - Hot buttered Rum seasonal drink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Came here for dinner last night and had high hopes. This place was on the taste of 3rd and I remembered it being so good. Well last night the service was not so good. We sat down at our table were a menu was already placed. We waited not know there are no waitresses. No one told us by the way. Finally we go up to the bar and the rude worker let me know to go down to the left as if its so apparent. The vibe was just so bad no help no good service. We didnt even get salsa with our meal. Took over 15 min to get anyone's attention. I won't be back. read more

There is finally a place I can recommend to my friends and family that has craft cocktails with Spirits from our Motherland! It's locally owned and has everything anyone could want who has any taste at all. I'll be there with my honey by my side, sipping on either a Machete Paloma or an Oaxacan Old Fashioned! read more

Let me first start off by saying I do not go to Chula Vista very often, maybe a handful of times out of the year, so whenever I do go down to for stroll on 3rd I always see something new and this time it was La Nacional. I walked by and loved the look of the inside it kinda reminded me of an old western saloon which I loved I took a seat at the bar where I was greeted by the the amazing bartender Kass, I wasn't too sure what to order and she guided me and my palette to some delicious and refreshing cocktails that I'm thinking about as I wrote this review... After my second cocktail I decided to grab something to nibble on and wow... I ordered the carnitas tacos and they were an easy 10/10 flavor, presentation, and price were in perfect alignment. Great staff, lovely laid back atmosphere, amazing food options, what more can you ask for. Definitely coming back and bringing friends! read more

Bartender was great definitely a good spot for locals drinks were amazing shout out to Vasni read more

La Nacional - Vasni - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

One of Chula Vista's hidden gems. Feels like you walk into an old Mexican Classic Cantina. Greeted with an open smile every time from the one of the best bartenders in San Diego Omar, he always makes us feel at home makes the best margaritas in San Diego. Thank you La Nacional for bringing a little of Mexico to Chula Vista. read more

La Nacional - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Definitely would recommend for Happy Hour. I had the flautas and a quesadilla. The flautas reminded me of ones I've had in Mexico City; very flavorful and crispy. The bartender was very friendly. I had a refreshing beer that was on draft but I can't remember which one it was! I went on a weekday: like a Wednesday or Tuesday and it wasn't too packed which was also nice. read more

La Nacional - Flautas - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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What a lovely venue on a lovely San Diego day. Large open front windows with plenty of chairs to enjoys the breeze under the pretty yellow umbrellas. Good music setting a great vibe. The street tacos were perfect. The drinks were cold . They had a good selection of draft beers. Clean and spacious. The bartender was friendly and attentive and happily shook my class with ice to ensure the coldest drink possible.I am so happy I chose to stop in and will be back read more

La Nacional - Name of the place :) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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This place has become one of my favorites for meeting with friends, enjoying crisp and deliciously distinct cocktails with a plethora of artisnal Mezcal (tequilas as well). They have an awesome happy hour and the food is authentic, flavorful and fresh. If you've never tried a pickle beer michelada, do it. Their staff is always sweet and attentive to everybody, you feel like an old friend or at least you want to be an old friend cuz the vibe's hella cool in there. Cassie has helped me on numerous occasions and she is always sweet and attentive with genuine recommendations. See you at La Nacional... read more

Came here to watch a game so mostly had drinks and a few snacks. Cocktails were very sweet, tasted more like juice in my opinion but they have a good draft beer selection. Vibes were overall good expect the not so friendly service. Chips and guac were quite good. Would recommend for watching a game and having a beer and snack. read more

Looking for a great brunch spot, happy hour, late night snack and drinks and overall good vibrations you can find that all here. read more

La Nacional - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

A Must Stop for Budget-Friendly Upscale Mexican Food and Drinks! We stumbled upon La Nacional by chance, as my family and I were just on a leisurely Mother's Day weekend stroll, and I'm so glad we did! The atmosphere is clean, well-organized, and very family-friendly. One of the best things was that they had several TVs, with one playing cartoons, which really helped keep our kids entertained while the adults could enjoy the meal in peace. The staff was warm and welcoming, and to my delight, they surprised me with complimentary champagne, complete with a lovely flower topper, to celebrate Mother's Day. It was such a thoughtful touch! The food? Wow. It wasn't just typical Mexican food--it was refined and incredibly fresh. Every dish was on point, and for how upscale the restaurant felt, the price point was very fair. A few months later, I returned for a night out with friends, and the vibe was completely different but equally amazing. The evening crowd was lively, the music was popping, and the drinks were top-notch. I'll definitely be back soon for another meal, maybe for my birthday! La Nacional is a must-visit whether you're with family or looking for a fun night out. Highly recommend! read more

La Nacional - Chips and Guac on hit! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Love this place. Some of the best cocktails on 3rd. Kinda slow service , only because its 1 order spot at counter and the cocktails are very craft poured! Sometimes the bartenders feel a little cold shoulder. But its great! read more

Great atmosphere....Good Vibes Good food .Awesome Bartenders Omar's the best HANDs DOWN ..favorite news hidden gem in ChulaVista..SALUTE read more

If you're looking for a fun hang out spot with great drinks and yummy food, La nacional is it. On weekend nights there's a dj, people dancing and having a good time all around. Vasni was amazing, her service was fast and attentive, and her drinks were delicious read more

Sorry but tonight was the 2nd night I've come in here and exited out. Way too loud! I even came with friends who were younger and they were the ones who didn't want to stay. Management should think of decreasing the noise level read more

Food on point, we got there early. Definitely enjoyed it before the crowds came in, watching the baseball game. Birria tacos where bomb with the consome, definitely seen this place popping but we chose the morning to avoid the loud environment. Will come back again, bar host was cool with good customer service. read more

La Nacional - Tacos de papa con chorizo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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Food is delicious. Drinks are yummy. Bartender Vasni is the best!! Will be back for sure!!

La Nacional is the spot--chill vibes, great food, and cocktails that slap. Vasni is the friendliest badass behind the bar, and Jules deserves a trophy for creating the Tejate Querer (aka liquid happiness) read more

La Nacional - Tejate Querer - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Love the atmosphere and service at this place. Whenever I'm downtown Chula I only come here or Silver Dollar. Great sports bar with some amazing drinks and food! Shoutout to Julio for his tequila recommendations. Definitely will be back! read more

Couldn't have had the best night without this Amazing staff , craft cocktails and delicious food that had me itching for more! Julio suggested his personal drink and the description of how in detail of knowing the product is to the T The Restaurant has plenty of parking and no excuse to enjoy a beautiful day with considerable hospitality! Highly recommended Thanks again La National! read more

If you like tequila then you'll love this bar...a large majority of cocktails start with a tequila, there are some beers in tap and the one hard cider selection available. I came for happy hour and our table ordered a variety of items but I ordered the flautas for myself thinking they would be traditional style flautas but they are not, to me it was like eating frozen rolled taquitos. The music was kind of loud especially being there wasn't many ppl in the place yet as it was around 5PM. Overall it's a nice spot, service for food was in the slower side, my friends who had the beers from tap had no complaints. read more

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Shout out to all the Bartenders that work at La National. It is amazing how they put glue it all together in the most busiest times. The food is delicious and it comes from a very comfortable place of the heart. Music is always mood setting, feeling a certain way? Bartender knows what to play. read more

Had the pleasure of having dinner here. I had the chicken flautas, street tacos, and green pozole. First of all is the first time I've ever had green posole. It was delicious I mean the flavor profile had me feeling like I was at Nana's house. The street tacos were equally delicious and they get points for having tapatio. My only critique is that the chicken flautas could have been more flavorful. I would definitely recommend this place and would eat here again. read more

You HAVE to get their carnitas tacos! I found my place for it. Chips and guac are yummy. Clean open space. Great attentive service. Friendly staff. Pozole was delicious. Churros were a bit hard and overfried, making it hard to bite through. But I'd come back again. read more

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If I could give 1,000 stars and the moon, I would... and it still wouldn't be enough. Vasni doesn't just pour drinks; she bends the laws of gravity. Every time she's behind the bar at La Nacional, it feels like we've been launched into orbit around her energy. Honestly, NASA should study her. read more