Ortega's A Mexican Bistro is the second outpost of favorite Puerto Nuevo dining destination, opened in 2005 in the city's Hillcrest district. The traditional Mexican-style restaurant is known for its excellent guacamole prepared tableside and high-quality regional specialties, including delicious Baja-style lobster entrees. Beautiful rustic decor evokes a south-of-the-border spirit, showcasing handwoven baskets, Mexican pottery, and intricately-designed wood-carved doors and stained-glass windows. Diners can enjoy unique Puerto Nuevo specialties like plantain-crusted huachinango, chicken pumpkin seed pippian, and grilled Dorado Veracruz with white wine sauce and poblano chiles. At lunch, lighter fare includes epazote-cilantro chicken tacos, crab enchiladas, and hearty carnitas burritos. Happy hour drink specials include signature pomegranate or mango mint margaritas.

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro, 141 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, Phone: 619-692-4200