What is the secret to having a restaurant thrive for 28 years?

Good customer service, friendly staff, good food, a welcoming ambiance, plenty of parking, and a convenient location are some requirements that come to mind. Marieta’s Fine Mexican Food in La Mesa offers all of these plus excellent chips and salsa.

Manuel Lopez, originally from Jalisco, Mexico, has owned this restaurant since 1986. When he purchased it, the name was Consuelos. He changed the name to Marieta’s.

“The name comes from a famous Mexican folk song,” Lopez said. According to Google, the popular Mariachi song is based on the French Polka Mariette. His family of restaurants now includes three other locations: El Cajon, Santee, and Alpine.

Walking into the restaurant is like walking into a comfortable Mexican cantina anywhere in Mexico.

Dark wooden booths, beautiful murals on the walls, ornate wooden wall hangings and mirrors. After being greeted and seated you’re immediately served warm chips and tasty salsa.

“Our food is inspired by my Jalisco heritage,” Lopez said.

Sunday Champagne brunch served from 9 am – 2 p.m. includes a glass of champagne or a margarita. You can choose from many breakfast dishes on their menu such as Huevos Rancheros Machaca con Huevos, Huevos con Chorizo, Huevos Ahogados, Omelete de Aguacate or Omelete de Camaron. During the week, regular breakfast is served all day.

The menu for house specialties is very large, making it hard to decide. They feature old standards such as Carnitas, Chile Verde, Chile Colorado, Enchiladas Rancheras, and Pollo en Mole. You can enjoy many combinations that come with rice and beans.

If Mariscos, seafood, is your thing, try the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (Garlic Shrimp). “This shrimp is so good, it reminds me of many meals on the beaches of Mexico under a palapa with a cold beer,” said diner Marc Simpson. They also offer Camarones Tequila, Camarones Rancheros and Camarones Mazatlán.

Their full bar/cantina offers the standard Margarita or a Cadillac Margarita as well as Mexican Coffee and a Mexican Latte.

The menu is extensive. You’ll have to return many times to try all of their delights.

Marieta’s is located at 8949 La Mesa Blvd. Phone (619) 462-3500. Open daily.

You can find their full menu at: marietasmexicanfood.com/.