If you want the best Mexican food, you need to get closer and closer to Mexico. And way down near the border and native to San Diego County is Lolita's Mexican Food. Emblazoned on the wall is the phrase "PATIENCE IS THE ESSENCE OF FINE MEXICAN FOOD", and actually it doesn't take too long to get your food, but damn, the food sure is fine, and that makes it Brode's Best.
What to Order
One of the regional specialties of San Diegan Mexican food is a bit of a weird blend of California and Mexican cuisines: Carne Asada Fries. It's very hard to find a good version of this dish outside San Diego. I have actually driven to San Diego from Orange County specifically to get this dish! Get yourself a half-size, or prepare to be super full. Make sure to slather it with a lot of their red hot sauce.