July 17, 2007
Cuisine: Seafood

9350 Fuerte Dr
La Mesa, CA 91941

Phone: 619-465-1935
Website: www.brigantine.com

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Calamari Strips ($5.50)

Spinach Salad ($4)

The Brig’s Famous Fish Taco with Cheese ($2.75)

Bowl of Clam Chowder ($3.50)

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Just above I-8 on the foothills of Mt. Helix, lies a hidden gem in the Jewel of the Hills. The Brigantine has been a family favorite for quite some time because of their awesome fish tacos and killer happy hour. It’s hard to believe that fish tacos were priced at 99¢ when my brother first discovered this place back in high school!

In a generous mood, my mother invited my grandparents, Aunt Phoung, Uncle Thanh, Cousin Michael, and me to The Brig for dinner. There’s nothing quite like attending happy hour with family. Trust me.

We started the evening with an order of calamari strips for the table. The calamari were served with catsup and a watery tartar sauce. I didn’t care much for the dipping choices, but the calamari was tender and curiously French fry-like in shape. I find that most battered calamari are either served as rings or shriveled up strips so these were totally novel.

To supplement the calamari, my mom and I shared a spinach salad topped with bacon, hard boiled eggs, and tomatoes dressed in a light vinaigrette. The salad certainly wasn’t cutting edge, but definitely a solid plate of greens.

A round of fish tacos followed our appetizers. In a sea of competitors, namely Wahoo’s and Rubio’s, many San Diegans believe that The Brig serves up the city’s best fish tacos. While fast food fish tacos have their merits, The Brig’s use of top notch ingredients simply puts them over the top.

The Brig’s fish tacos consist of two large hunks of flaky white fish, battered, deep fried and wrapped in a corn tortilla. The taco is adorned with a red cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, and topped with mild cheddar cheese. Add a little hot sauce and this baby is unstoppable. 99.9% of the time my grandparents shun non-Vietnamese food, but they surprisingly love these fish tacos. Score one for assimilation!

Winding down our happy hour feast, everyone (minus me) enjoyed some clam chowder. Creamy soups just aren’t my cup of tea.