+1 619-798-3342
Nestled in the heart of National City, Menuderia Don Vicente is a delightful Mexican and Latin American restaurant that truly embodies the spirit of home-cooked comfort food. This charming spot on Highland Avenue is a must-visit destination for anyone craving authentic, flavorful Mexican cuisine, especially classic breakfast and pozole dishes that capture the rich culinary traditions of the region.
From the moment you step inside this cozy, family-friendly eatery, you are greeted not only by the warmth of the staff but by an enticing aroma of freshly made dishes simmering with love and care. Menuderia Don Vicente shines brightest with specialties like the Desayuno Don Vicente and an array of pozoles—the Pozole Verde with Pork & Beef Meat, Green Chicken Pozole, and their signature Garners for You Pozole all draw praise for their deep, satisfying flavors and traditional preparation.
Food lovers will appreciate the vibrant and hearty layers of taste in dishes such as the Machaca Con Huevos and Chilaquiles Verdes, perfectly complemented by extras like creamy avocado, freshly made tortillas, and flavorful beans or rice for a full, balanced meal. The experience is enhanced by a self-service salsa bar stocked with crisp onions, shredded lettuce, and a variety of zesty condiments, allowing you to customize each bite to your liking.
Guests often rave about the generous portions here—ideal for enjoying a satisfying meal or saving some for a delicious midnight snack. Many return for the freshest red pozole, aromatic Menudo Blanco, and tender short ribs, all rooted in recipes that evoke a comforting sense of home. And for coffee aficionados, the traditional Café de la Olla is a standout, offering a fragrant blend brewed with cane sugar in a Mexican pot, an authentic touch celebrated by locals and newcomers alike.
The intimate dining area, though on the smaller side, adds a cozy charm and fosters a welcoming, familial atmosphere. Despite its modest size, Menuderia Don Vicente expertly balances a steady flow of customers without making anyone feel rushed, ensuring attentive and friendly service throughout.
While some diners have noticed slight variations in seasoning on occasion, the overall consensus is clear: this is a genuine, delicious destination for anyone looking for hearty, flavorful Mexican fare prepared with passion. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip to savor the Flan or freshly baked Empanadas for dessert, Menuderia Don Vicente offers a culinary experience that feels both familiar and exciting.
For those yearning for authentic Mexican home-style cooking, made with care and served with warmth, Menuderia Don Vicente awaits to welcome you with open arms and satisfy your palate with time-honored flavors.
The food here is really good but this last time we went something was missing in flavor. I ordered pozole de pollo and it was missing something. However, my boyfriend ordered birria and it was sooo good. Maybe it just needed a bit of salt? But the other times we have ordered from here have been yummy.
The red pozole was great. The green pozole was OK. I enjoyed serving myself from the salsa/condiment bar for the onion, lettuce and various flavorful additions. The service was the best part of the experience. Great attention was given to our comfort, order accuracy and well being. The portions are big, so we will have some for a snack later.
Pozole was great! Very tasty. My husband liked his Menudo but has had better. We waited about 20 minutes to be called to a table. The place was very busy. The location is on the small side, but I think it's part of the charm. Very family friendly. Staff was welcoming and helpful. They have a serve yourself area with condiments, salsas, and limes for your food. Would definitely go back if I'm in the area.
My first time here I came for the pozole, I had the red with pork. It was flavorful and filled me up. The server was very attentive and patient in helping me order and they all work together well as a team. Small dining area. They keep the pace going so there's not a long wait but they don't rush you. I will be back to try other items. They had a sample of their corn tamale which was very good. I told the owner how good my server was and that I'll be back.
Food is delicious and authentic. I recommend this place if you crave Mexican home made styled food. If you're a coffee lover, you'll love their cafe de la olla. Which is a traditional Mexican coffee brewed in a Mexican pot mixed with cane sugar. It gives it such great taste! Another special insight is it does get crowded on the weekends. I came on a Thursday and there was no wait. Come check it out, you won't regret it.