Cuisine:
Taqueria

ISDC Rating:

Pros:
Probably the best tacqueria in the Sunset District
Excellent refried beans
Festive atmosphere

Cons:
There are better options in the Mission District
Prawns are a big no-no
Too close to the N Judah

FogWatch Crew Members in Attendance:
Rear Admiral Phineas Fogg-Bottom
The Cabin Boy
Countess Honoria Lick-Wilmerding
Princess Bathsheeba Luxoria Masada
Prof. Dr. Emeritus Maximus
Michele "Gigi" Le Bouef

L'Avenida is an unassuming hole-in-the-wall that nevertheless serves an important need in the Sunset District, which has few decent options for Mexican food. That said, if you're looking for the best burrito in the City, you'd best go east, young man.

You'll often find a line out the door…don't be discouraged, as the cooks are efficient at churning out the food. In addition to standard taco and burrito fare, L'Avenida also offers several intriguing combination plates.

On its visit, the Irving Street Dining Club eschewed the burritos and stuck to the combo plates.

Two ISDC members ordered the Chicken Enchilada Verde, and the verdict was decidedly mixed. One member enjoyed the dish, especially the red sauce, which was well spiced and a nice variation from red enchilada sauces found at Mission District eateries. Another member found the dish to be mediocre.

The Chicken Fajitas were judged reasonably good. The marinade sauce used on the chicken was flavorful, but the fajitas were too watery and as a result had to be eaten with a fork. On the other hand, the combo plate's beans were excellent, with an authentic Old Mexico flavor (probably lard).

The Carne Asada plate was "solid," according to the Dining Club member who ordered it. The Beef Taco and Chicken Enchilada combination plate was also good, but not particularly memorable.

On the down side, L'Avenida's Prawns Combination was a culinary disaster. The Cabin Boy was first told that no prawns were available, but the staff relented after some pressure was applied. After a significant delay, the prawns were finally delivered, only to be undercooked. L'Avenida patrons are advised to stick to more traditional fare.

As for décor, L'Avenida offers a pleasant and relaxed dining experience. The restaurant's colorful Mission styling is a nice respite from the fog-shrouded Sunset. Airbrushed images of Mexican presidents and heroes of the Revolution mix with tropical scenes and fish. "I feel like I'm eating in Carmen Miranda's hat," said one ISDC member.

A major liability is the N Judah Muni train, which rolls by every 15 minutes or so. The N Judah can be an unwelcome distraction from an evening of calm dining. L'Avenida should consider a comprehensive retrofit to minimize the effect on diners of the streetcar's noise and vibration.

Parting Shots
L'Avenida Tacqueria is probably the Sunset District's best taqueria -- but that's not saying much. The food is solid but unspectacular, and diners are advised to stick to tried-and-true Mexican fare, like burritos, enchiladas, and tacos, rather than more exotic dishes.