Jimmy Carter’s Café
By Judi Curry
Jimmy Carter’s Café
3172 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-295-2070
It seems that this birthday has been going on forever. But this time the tables were turned, because I went out with Nancy and Stewart to celebrate MY birthday, and they found out that I was taking them out to celebrate THEIR birthday. Doesn’t matter, because we celebrated finding a great restaurant with an extensive menu and fair prices.
I remember many years ago eating at Jimmy Carter’s on Washington Street. I was unaware that they had moved to the Fifth Avenue address. It was a pleasant surprise to see that this brightly decorated restaurant was still open to the public.
There is a very extensive menu, and as a surprise the first items on the menu were the beverages. Some of the beverages are standard, but three items caught my eye: The “Café de la Olla”; the Hot and/or Iced Raspberry Tea, and Homemade Agua Fresca. I ordered the Iced Raspberry Tea and it was delicious.
Carnitas Scramble
The three of us had a difficult time making our decision, because in spite of the breakfast specials, the menu had a great deal to offer, from Omelets, Scrambles, All Around Favorites, Build Your Own Breakfast, Grilled, and Ala Carte. There is also a lunch menu and sides to choose from.
Nancy went with the Carnitas Scramble ($8.50) which consisted of Carnitas, Onions, Tomatoes and Jalapenos. Like all of the scrambles, there is a choice of toast or tortillas, hash browns or grilled potatoes or fresh fruit, rice or black beans or refried beans. She chose the grilled potatoes and corn tortillas.
Chorizo Scramble
Stewart ordered the Chorizo Scramble, ($8.50) and the side he ordered was black beans and flour tortillas. He said it was delicious.
I ordered the Machaca Scramble, ($9.00) with a side of fresh fruit – grapes, melon and pineapple, and corn tortillas.
We were served a green salsa and a red salsa, and it was so good we asked for another cup of both. This is probably the only restaurant I have been to that lists seven different sauces and a description of each. Check out their menu on-line to see what they are here. (PDF)
Machaca Scramble
Although we were there for breakfast, I couldn’t help but glance at the dessert menu, which featured Churros, Tortuga Pie and Flan. (If I remember my Spanish, I believe “Tortuga” means “turtle”, but I do not think it was “turtle pie.”
The three of us were very happy with our meal and all of us said we would go back. The total of the bill was $37, which wasn’t bad for three full meals and three beverages. Even though this is not in Ocean Beach, it is worth the short drive to try someplace new. And by the way, did I say they have a full “cantina?’ Featuring margaritas. Who wants to go with me next time?
(All photos: Judi Curry)
Judi Curry
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Judi, I haven’t eaten there in 4/5 years. That was the day my nephew and I went to dinner and they took orders from several people that came in after us and totally ignored us sitting there. It sound like the food has improved because I never found it wonderful. Since I don’t recognize the restaurant you wrote aboutit may be it time to give it another try.
Hi Maria. When we went to the restaurant there were not many people. Our service was excellent, and there was only one waitress on the floor. She said she had not been there a long time, but was very personable and very attentive.
If you do try it again, I’d be curious to know if you think things have changed for the better. I know the three of us were pleased with our experience.
Judi, I will have to check it out. Since that happen everytime I walk passed it with one of my walking partners I tell the story of nasty food nasty service
I’ll go the next time!!
I go here all the time so glad you like it. Probably one of my 5 favorite Mexi places in San Diego. Another I highly recommend you try is Cantina Mayahuel on Adams Ave in Normal Heights. A bit of warning though. It’s very small and can get pretty loud during peak hours and by virtue of it’s location it can be a bit heavy on the hipster vibe and also a bit pricey but the food is very good and tasty. http://www.yelp.com/biz/cantina-mayahuel-san-diego (They don’t yet have a proper website).
I have added Cantina Mayahuel to the places I want to try. Anytime you want company, let me know. I’d love to go with you. Judi
Sounds good.
We go there often as our daughter and family live nearby. It is definitely worth the drive from Ocean Beach/Point Loma. I have never had any dish there that I didn’t like. At dinner they have the best carrots on the table, costs extra but well worth it. My favorite sauce is Tlaquepaque (sp) sauce.
Jimmy Carter’s Cafe has been in that same Fifth Avenue location at least since the late 90s. Public Library has all the SD city directories online just for questions of this sort.
Welcome back, Judy!
THANK YOU!