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| - All hail the fish taco!
Outside of La Jolla (San Diego), CA this was the best plate of fish tacos I've had.
They just opened on July 11th but after a week and a half they seem to have things together. I didn't experience any of those new restaurant growing pains that you normally see within the first few weeks of opening. Everything was top notch.
Upon entering I was greeted by Amy, one of the owners, who gave me a very enthusiastic "Welcome to Combine". Because I was alone she asked if I would like to sit at the bar, which I did. Albert, the other owner, was behind the bar and quickly got me a pint of Big Wheel.
Their menu is southwest inspired with salads, burritos, burgers, tacos, and many more things to choose from. Each entree will run you approximately $12 to $20, but average at $14 or $15.
I went with the fish tacos (grilled not fried). Yes, I know what you're saying; "Chris opted for tacos over a burrito?". True story. That's because these guys do a So Cal style fish taco and I have yet to find anything like it in Toronto. Though there are two places in San Diego where I've had better fish tacos, I would come here in a second because they're such a close second place to the other two.
The server asked if I wanted hot sauce (ofcourse I did). I was pleasantly surprised when she brought out 4 different options and they were actually real hot sauces (not that Frank's redhot crap). Further to my hot sauce enjoyment was when Amy came by with a fifth option, saying it was her favourite. It WAS the best option.
Combine is clearly benefitting from the press and word of mouth they're getting. By 7:00 on a Friday night the place was full and they were having couples wait at the bar.
After my meal, while I was enjoying a pint of 416, Amy stopped by to see how everything was. We chatted about how I was just in and going back to So Cal and enjoy the fish tacos there and that hers were fantastic. She explained that she worked at a restaurant in OB (Ocean Beach for you non-So Cal travelers) for two weeks to learn how to make a good fish taco.
For the fish tacos and two pints my bill was just over $32. Great value for the quality and service you receive here.
Can't wait to go back!
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