El Chorlito serves fine Mexican food by the ocean, in San Simeon...

In the picturesque town on San Simeon, on California's Central Coast, you'll find an excellent Mexican restaurant, when you need your "fix" of Mexican food. The place is El Chorlito, which features fine Mexican cuisine by the ocean.

I believe if I died today and met St. Peter at the Pearly Gates and he asked me, "Eric, since you've arrived at Heaven with all of it's blessings, you must choose your choice of food for all of eternity." I'd answer good ol' Saint Pete in a heartbeat with just one word: "Mexican!"

Left: El Chorito's beautiful exterior. Right: You walk by these cactus plants before entering the restaurant. The cactus on the left looks like the same type of cactus that grows by the Sea of Cortez in Baja California.

So when Sharlene and I chose to vacation in San Simeon, it was natural that we paid a visit to El Chorlito, so I could get my fix of Mexican food. As their sign advertises, the official name of the restaurant is "California and New Mexico Mexican Eatery" with a small sign below that says "El Chorlito." I won't comment further...

The first thing you notice about El Chorlito is the front door, that's marked as "entra." You notice the cactus garden and the beautiful flowers; they are simply beautiful. As you enter the front door, the cashier's booth is straight ahead, and you're greeted by a friendly person. Wait a minute! A pie-counter in a Mexican restaurant? Yes indeed, and right behind it is the bar, which features many varieties of fine, California wine, and almost any brand of beer that you could want. The decor, both inside and outside, is absolutely stunning.

Left: The friendly bartender at his well-stocked bar. Note the array of glasses and the wine rack on the right side of the bar. Right: A bakery counter in a Mexican restaurant? You bet, and its stocked with delicious Mexican pastries.

The friendly girl at the cashier's station then sits you down. Before you know it, a big basket of fresh chips and a bowl of homemade salsa is rushed to your table. You could make a meal out of it, it's that good. Then, they bring you the menu and, there are sooooo many choices!

Since we were by the ocean, Sharlene and I both chose fish. I chose a fish taco, rice and beans, and Sharlene choice a dinner that featured crab enchilada, chili rellano, rice and beans. Of course, it is mandatory to wash it down with a ice-cold glass of "Pacifico" beer, in my opinion, the finest beer available on the planet.

Left: El Chorlito's dining room is light, airy, and beautifully decorated. Right: Our delicious dinner arrives. When the shade is pulled up, you have a view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

The food is good, the decor is excellent, the service is top-notch and the prices are reasonable, by Central Coast standards. We spent a total of $28.33 (plus a 15% tip) and had an excellent meal and an excellent evening. I would not hesitate to recommend El Chorlito to anyone who likes good Mexican food and plans to visit San Simeon. Besides, you can watch the sun set over the ocean while you're dining on fine Mexican food at El Chorlito.

Left: Sharlene is about ready to start on her crab enchiladas, rice and beans. Right: My dinner of a fish taco, rice and beans. Not to mention chips and a cold glass of "Pacifico" beer...

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