Barrio Logan: Salud, Barrio Doggs, Border X and Cafe Moto (and don’t forget Chicano Park)
I love Barrio Logan. I have been for a couple of events-one to protest Trump’s Border, another at La Bodega Gallery for a celebration of the Day of the Dead. And then, I have just been there to eat. Today Elena, Ivan and I took a culinary tour to introduce Ivan to the Barrio. I had not yet eaten at Barrio Doggs so we started there. These are big, messy hot dogs that drip all over and fall apart after the first bite. That being said, I would return for the corn (Elotitos which is smoked corn with whipped creme) and the La Pueblito which mimics a chili releno. The motto of Barrio Doggs is “From the Barrio, for the Barrio”. I think the Sonoran-style bun and the complex toppings that mimic Mexican comfort food deliver on this promise. Yum.
We moved on to Border X and had street tacos in the back along with an horchata golden stout. Not been to Border X? Their motto is “Community, Culture and Mexican Craft Beer”. I think the place most certainly lives up to it’s motto. The beers are built upon Mexican staples like horchata. I love the beer garden in the back complete with street tacos, tables and muraled walls.
The line for Salud was long and we weren’t too hungry so we skipped it this time but having eaten tacos at Salud on many occasions, will speak to the fact that they reside in my five all-time favorite taco locations. More than tacos, the wall murals and funky decorations complete the experience and I LOVE communal tables. Today, having skipped their tacos, we moved to Cafe Motto.
Cafe Moto is Elena’s favorite coffee location. We had had dinner together one night at Juniper and Ivy and sat next to Cafe Moto’s owners. Elena was off to college and had purchased a keurig and the owner told her to abandon that plan and come to Cafe Moto to be introduced to real coffee. Elena bought a chemex and real coffee and the rest is history. What I enjoy about Cafe Moto is the fun little indoor and outdoor areas. It is far more than what you see when you enter.
Chicano Park completed the experience. I am a fan. We live in an amazing city.
