Salud, a Chicano eatery, is a place that absolutely lives up to the hype and it’s safe for me to say: go ahead, believe every word of it.
Though the buzz is hot from the Zimmern List, Salud had made a name for itself long before then, even before the doors to Salud itself opened.
It started with one taco cart operating under the name San Diego Taco Company. One cart turned into a dozen and became a highly popular San Diego catering business.
A couple of years later, in 2015, owner Ernie Becerra opened his full-service eatery in Barrio Logan on Logan Avenue and Salud was born in the midst of the Barrio Logan renaissance as a thriving art district inspired by Chicano culture.
The first expansion out of Barrio Logan is into National City. Salud is located at 2333 Highland Ave. on another iconic street. It is next to Machete and opened in time for Cinco de Mayo weekend earlier this month.
I’ve had every taco on the menu at least twice and I still cannot pick my favorite. My favorite edible detail is definitely the thick and chewy handmade tortillas. This detail alone is enough reason to come. You must try the perfectly seasoned carne asada and pollo asado; you’ll love the thick crunch of the battered fish tacos.
Don’t forget to save room for dessert. Try the Mex banana split or indulge in churros and ice cream.
With the terrific food comes the quintessential Chicano art and lowrider culture that’s vividly displayed in and on the building, and even on the tables.
One of my favorite sayings is “eat art” and that’s exactly what they’re serving up at Salud. See you there!
Contact Kris Galicia Brown via social media at:
Instagram: @krisgaliciabrown
Twitter: @krisgaliciabrwn
Facebook: /krisgaliciabrown