Discover El Viejon Birria and Seafood: A Flavorful Gem in Bonita
Looking for your next foodie adventure in Bonita, California? Let me introduce you to El Viejon Birria and Seafood—a brand-new spot that combines the best of both worlds: mariscos and birria. Birria is known for its rich, slow-cooked meat and flavorful broth, while mariscos bring the freshness of the ocean to your plate, making this a perfect destination for diverse palates. Located in the old Jaliscos Restaurant across from Better Buzz, it’s hard to drive by without being tempted to pop in. Last weekend, I finally did, and let me tell you, it’s definitely worth the stop! Plus, I’ll be uploading a video review soon to my YouTube channel, so stay tuned!
A Match Made in Food Heaven: Birria Meets Mariscos
El Viejon Birria and Seafood serves up a mix of birria and seafood delights that cater to all food lovers. My wife isn’t huge on seafood, so she went straight for the birria—and that was a good choice! The birria broth and tacos made our list of the top five in Chula Vista, and their Birria Ramen? It’s a hearty dish that can easily serves two to three people. We’re all about those birria queso tacos, and El Viejon didn’t disappoint.
For the seafood lovers, their shrimp and octopus botana was a hit, feeding up to four people—a generous platter that delivered on both flavor and freshness. The Taco de Pulpo (octopus) enchilado was cooked to perfection, and the marlin and shrimp enchilado taco added a delicious kick.
Check out their reviews on Yelp and see what others are saying about El Viejon Birria and Seafood in Bonita California.
Smoked Tuna Tacos: A Must-Try!
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the Smoked Tuna Taco. Not every day, a taco makes you blush, but this one did just that. It’s hands-down one of the best tacos I’ve ever had, whether in San Diego or across the border in Mexico. My wife and I find ourselves craving it constantly, and we’re not alone—our whole family keeps coming back for more. Oceanos, also located in Bonita, used to have a smoked tuna taco that was really good, but sadly they removed it from their menu. So, this is now going to be my go-to spot.
What We Ordered and Loved at El Viejon Birria and Seafood
We sampled a variety of tacos, including the gobernador (shrimp and cheese), spicy octopus, breaded shrimp, and breaded fish tacos. The breaded shrimp was the favorite, with plump, flavorful shrimp and just the right crunch. Interestingly, all their tacos—not just the fried ones—come topped with plenty of cabbage, sauces, and extras, making every bite satisfying.
We also tried the Birria Ramen, which was rich and hearty, though we wish the noodles had kept more of their bite. To enhance your experience, consider asking them to package the noodles separately if you’re ordering takeout, or enjoy it fresh at the restaurant for the ideal texture. We’d recommend eating it fresh at the restaurant for the best texture for takeout. The Birria Quesadilla was another standout—no noodle issues here, just pure, delicious birria flavor in a crispy, cheesy shell.
The Vibe and What to Expect
El Viejon has a casual yet charming vibe, with artificial plant walls, neon signs, and a spacious seating area that’s perfect for a group outing. The customer service is fantastic—attentive, friendly, and fast. For example, our server went out of their way to recommend dishes based on our preferences. It even brought us extra lime wedges without us having to ask, which made our experience feel truly personalized. It’s clear they put a lot of heart into both their food and their hospitality. Plus, the restaurant is clean, well-kept, and full of Mexican flair with beautiful murals of iconic figures.
A couple of quick tips: If you’re craving birria, get there early—they can sell out by late afternoon, and the next batch might take a while. Parking is minimal in front but there’s more in the adjacent lot by the liquor store. And while they don’t have a salsa bar yet, they do provide a couple of squeeze bottles and lime wedges for that extra zing.
Why You Should Stop By
El Viejon Birria and Seafood is a welcome addition to the Bonita food scene. While their tacos are great, it’s really the birria that steals the show. If you’re used to heading straight to TJ Oyster Bar when you’re in the area, I’d say make a detour and give El Viejon a try. Who knows—you might find yourself coming back repeatedly, just like my family and I have.
Share Your Experience!
Have you tried El Viejon Birria and Seafood yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts! What was your favorite dish? Drop a comment below, and let’s talk about all things, birria and mariscos!
Also, make sure to follow them on Instagram to catch their latest dishes and special offers. You won’t want to miss out on the delicious updates!
