By TR Robertson
Downtown Historic vista welcomes the newest restaurant to open, Mexico Viejo Mexican Food. Located at 226 Main St., the restaurant takes over the El Ranchero location, next to The Village Pub. This is the second Mexico Viejo to open in Vista, the other location at 3265 Business Park Dr. It is also the fifth Mexico Viejo to open in North County. The other locations are at 1465 Encinitas Blvd. in Encinitas, 2408 El Camino Real in Carlsbad and 815 Birmingham Dr. in Cardiff.
This family operated business began in a rented Alberto’s in Oceanside in 1988, started by Jose Dominguez. When Alberto’s decided to open again, the family would open their first location in Encinitas, renaming the restaurant to Mexico Viejo in 1996. In 2002, they were forced to relocate to the current 1465 Encinitas Blvd. Since then the family operated business has grown to 5 locations, all run by uncles, cousins, nephews and other family members.
Mexico Viejo specializes in fresh daily, authentic, and delicious flavors and food choices. The Main St. location is run by brothers Alfonso and Saul Morales. Alfonso said some of their most popular dishes are carne asada fries and nachos and California burritos. The large menu offers a variety of Hard and Soft Tacos, Tostadas, Tortas and Enchilada dishes as well as 20 different combinations that come with rice and beans. The restaurant offers 15 different burrito combinations. Saul said they have added shrimp, tortilla, and menudo soups to the menu. A large breakfast menu is served all day which includes 8 different breakfast burrito choices and several different breakfast plates including Huevos Rancheros with 3 eggs. Alfonso and Saul said they are also willing to design whatever combination a customer may order.
Alfonso and Saul have added a newly painted interior and a large big screen T.V. to the inside and will soon be offering a selection of beers and margaritas as well as adding a series of seafood selections to the menu. They said they are very happy to be in Downtown Vista and want people to stop in an enjoy the food they offer.
Speaking with Ann and Heather, two ladies sitting outside enjoying a half order of Carne Asada Super Nachos, they said they loved the food and the service.
The restaurant is currently open from 10 am – 10 pm every day, but Alfonso said they are planning to open earlier for the breakfast crowd on the weekends. “We are a family business who understands the concept of the industry during these hard times because of the pandemic and strive to serve quality food within a budget that everyone can enjoy!”
Stop by the new Downtown Historic Vista Mexico Viejo location when you get a chance and enjoy authentic Mexican food served in a great restaurant. There are outdoor tables available as well as plenty of room inside. Call 760-536-3505 for more information.
