For one of the best bargains in the Gaslamp Quarter, pop into Funky Garcia’s Mexican Eatery and Bar. Not your typical Mexican joint, Funky Garcia’s is a pleasant surprise with décor best described as rustic chic. Dark wood plank floors, high back booths in chocolate leather and cowhide prints, and a handful of cozy corner booths make this a perfect spot for grabbing a bite to eat and wetting your whistle. Tequila barrel lamp shades, wagon wheel chandeliers and other rustic fixtures suspended from ropes provide just the right lighting. Original red brick walls were restored last year when the previous restaurant closed and was converted into Funky Garcia’s. In fact, the historic building has been open for more than 125 years. Funky Garcias’ owners designed the space and made all of the seating, bar stools, booths and fixtures in the restaurant themselves. But despite its décor, Funky Garcia’s is casual and very affordable. Most of the waitresses during my visit wore sassy cowboy boots, shorts and T-shirts. The waitstaff is personable, friendly and eager to offer recommendations. According to Moe Sadighian, chef and part owner, they strive to bring the fun atmosphere and great Mexican cuisine of Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico to San Diego. The menu features tasty, authentic Mexican treats like Famous Street Tacos, house made salsas, guacamole and chips. I sampled the al pastor, shrimp and carnitas street tacos and all are excellent. The Taco Al Pastor is a perfect mix of sweet and spicy flavors. I was curious about the ingredients but this is apparently very tricky to make, and the recipe is kept on the QT. Churros topped with Mexican caramel are heavenly; leave room for them, it’s worth it. I would personally visit Funky Garcias just for one of their specialty dishes called Esquite — this delicious dish of roasted corn shaved from the cob and served in a bowl with butter, mayo, lime juice, Cotija cheese and Tamazula Salsa is amazing. If you have never tried it, you must immediately do so! All of the restaurant’s recipes have been created by Sadighian. If you have frequented Tabule, his other hip restaurant around the corner, you’ll know that only the freshest ingredients are used. “If it’s not good enough for my family, it’s not good enough for our clients,” Sadighian said. Sadighian and his business partners have a real passion for what they’re doing and it shows. Funky Garcias’ prices are well below average for eateries in the Gaslamp area. Happy hour is held from 3 to 7 p.m. every day and all day on Wednesday, which is is an excellent bargain with half off all drinks, including top shelf liquor and a good selection of tasty margaritas, tequilas, beers and a fully stocked bar. Wednesday’s happy hour also means half price appetizers. Things can really heat up on the weekends when folks come looking for some late night chow after a night on the town. People start to dance and really have a good time. Tip your sombrero to “Los Patrones” on the way out — a colorful cartoon portrait of the restaurant’s partners hangs next to the door: Alberto Macias, Miguel Marquez, Moe Sadighian and, of course, Señor Funky Garcia himself — all sporting sombreros. Cinco de Mayo promises to be a great time as Funky Garcia’s celebrates its one year anniversary.
