La Posta #8

La Posta, La Posta, La Posta. Number 8.

This place is an institution and I’ve probably eaten more burritos from here than anywhere else in the world, for the simple reason that I grew up nearby and when I was a teenager I ate a lot, so after dinner, before dinner, whenever, I was at La Posta. All kinds of stories revolve around La Posta. What can be said about such a place?

The scene at La Posta changes as Hillcrest changes, and, if you think about it, Hillcrest has changed a lot over the past 15 years or so. Whoever’s in Hillcrest is at La Posta. La Posta doesn’t die.

I’ve seen fights, puking, drug deals, heavy petting—all kinds of stuff going on. One time while I waited in line a very drunk guy came up to me and asked me if he could borrow my shoes because the liquor store clerk wouldn’t let him in without shoes on. And this little shack on a liquor store and Laundromat parking lot, amid everything, survives.

What do you say about La Posta? It can be bad. Really bad. I’ve had my order forgotten a few times. The food can be awful or really skimpy. It can also be really, really good. The salsa, which they are stingy in doling out, is often not picante enough. What’s cool about the salsa is that it smells like fresh-cut grass.

The menu is the same as it’s always been, only the prices have changed. They put lettuce on the carne asada, which I’m not too sure about. It’s a nice crunchy freshness, but it’s kind of like Thai food or something. My brother loves it. Their chile relleno burrito used to be awesome. It was the only I’ve ever had with enchilada sauce and lettuce, but I haven’t had a good one in a while.

The lines get really long when all the bars in Hillcrest get out or when the hospital workers are on lunch. It’s usually a pretty convivial atmosphere, although it can be too convivial. In a nutshell, if you’re lucky, you’ll get pretty decent food and a hell of a lot going on around you.

Remember: You will die; La Posta, and the little men inside of it, will still be there.
3980 Third Ave, San Diego