No really, we actually found a Mexican this time

We were on the hunt for a good bit of Mexican food and planned to head up to Nijo Jo for the Tanabata festivities. Thankfully for us, there happened to be a small Mexican place called “La Jolla” about a block north, down a small alley. Thankfully they have a website, are located on Omiya Street (Omiya Dori), and you can find them on Google maps (a rarity in Kyoto).  

Three amazing veggie tacos! A bit abnosome, but that's ok! 

(and yes, that is real shredded cheese)

Although we found their website after finding their restaurant, the story behind the shop is really interesting. The owner, who is full-fledge Japanese, lived in La Jolla a few years ago, and came back to Japan with a plan to replicate some of his favorite La Jolla memories: surfing and Mexican food.

When we arrived at the tiny restaurant, we found little bike parking. Thankfully, on a side alley anything goes in regards to bike parking, so we posted our bikes up as close to the buildings as we could and went inside. The interior is a bit of an eclectic mix, a little Japan, a little California, a whole lot of South West and Mexican.

Despite the classic Americana décor, the food was to die for by Kyoto standards and the actual Mexican waiter was a nice touch. A young guy studying to get his MBA at Kyoto University, the waiter was actually from Mexico!

At prices similar to what you see in the states ($3.50 for a taco) we really couldn’t complain. The nachos were amazing, and even had a dollop of real sour cream!

*abnosome, abnormal in a cool way