El Saguaro

El Saguaro is a good-looking place. First of all, it’s festooned in funky neon lights with a couple of bright green cacti standing like happy sentinels on either side. Also, there is a really cool palm tree behind it that curves like a bow into the sky above it. For aesthetics—and, as Melville said, there’s an aesthetics in everything—it gets two thumbs up.

The food is solid, too, like a thumb and a half a thumb. It’s not great and tends to be greasier than it needs to be, but it’s definitely an option. Especially good, I have found, are the breakfast burritos. The vegetarian burrito doesn’t have guacamole on it, which is disappointing. And like so many of our beloved taco shops, it’s open 24 hours. This place can be a hectic, freaky scene around 2am. It’s pretty awesome.

Another nice thing about El Saguaro is that they offer a salsa/condiment bar. The salsa in this bar should be avoided. Ask for the stuff behind the counter. It’s better: smoky and garlicky, although too often not picante enough. The salsa in the bar is really picante, salty, and watery, without much flavor. Condiments include fried serranos and jalepenos tossed in salt and pepper, hot carrots, limes, and radishes. These can all be delicious when they are fresh, which sometimes they are not.

Overall, an excellent option in North Park and well above average if you spend a few moments appreciating all the neon and the palm tree before or after you eat.

3753 30th Street
San Diego

Nice palm tree.