This is way, way off the beaten path. Located in the heart of El Cajon’s Bostonia neighborhood, Rodeos Market is a gem in a gem-field of great places to eat along Broadway.
Inside you’ll find all the normal stuff you’d expect in a Mexican meat market. Lots of meat, lots of vegetables, lots of fruits, and a few grocery items you don’t typically find in communities which don’t border Mexico.
But Rodeo’s also has an excellent taco counter. Don’t be shy, step up to the counter and ask the lovely staff what they have cooking. On a normal day you’ll find carne asada, carnitas, and pollo asada. But on some days you’ll find several other options, including my favorite guilty pleasure… lengua. (Beef tongue) This perfectly cooked meat is tender and full of flavor. It’s similar in texture to pot roast but with even more flavor.
I typically order three street tacos (pretty small) and then walk to the back of the shop to score a Jarritos. (They also sell Coca-Cola made with real sugar!) Then I head to the produce area and grab a fresh avacado. After I pick up my little bundle of taste from the counter, I head to the cash register and take my pick of wonderful Mexican candies. My favorite candy at Rodeos is the coconut bars colored like the Mexican flag.
After paying, head outside and grab a stool by the counter. You can enjoy a little taste of East County culture while you indulge in the best street tacos in East County.
Rodeos Market
927 Broadway
El Cajon, CA
Map
Family-friendly
Under $10 per person
Here’s a quick, fun, cheap, family activity we did today. Even though San Diego has something like 300 days of sunshine, sometimes the grey sets in and you get a little stir crazy.
Let each member of the family buy their own lunch with their $10. (all change goes back to dad)
Have a picnic at Balboa Park.
I can’t speak for all the vendors, but the ones we talked to who asked what we were doing– they loved it!Our kids certainly loved discovering what they could get for $10 at a Farmers Market.
And even though it wasn’t super sunny at the park our kids had a blast!
On top of that, us parents were pleased that the kids found something they each liked, everything they picked out was locally grown or produced, and they got to blow off some steam at a great San Diego gem.
With the Pacific Ocean as it’s backdrop, the Little Italy Mercato is a picture perfect representation of the 40 plus certified farmers markets operating in San Diego County. This is one of the many free gems which make San Diego such a wonderful place to live and visit.
On a recent Saturday morning our family of four piled into the car for a downtown culinary adventure. My husband and I were on a mission to buy farm fresh ingredients for dinner. The kids grudgingly accepted the task. You’d think we were taking them to the dentist.
The Little Italy Mercato is hard to miss because it runs across three blocks. We had no problem locating free street parking right around the corner. I also noticed paid parking for $7. The atmosphere was festive as we approached to market – live music and the mingled scent of food, flowers, and herbs filled the air.
Not just a food market, the Mercato offers something for everyone. I was initially side-tracked by a display of locally made jewelry. With a little help from my family I refocused and let my nose guide me to the heart of the market, the food. Never able to turn a blind eye to food, our kids loosened up when offered samples of juicy softball-sized peaches. It should be noted that the Little Italy Mercato is a great location for selecting locally caught seafood, as well. One unusual sample my husband could not resist was live sea urchin. He’s still alive after trying this spiny wonder! He said it was tasty with the texture of an overripe peach with a hint of brine flavor.
About an hour later our mission was accomplished. We walked away with dinner and several new experiences.
The Little Italy Mercato offers a feel-good feast for the senses. Next time I’ll brave the long line for crepes made on the spot from Le Creperie. My mouth is already watering.
The Little Italy Mercato
Date Street, from Kettner to Union
Every Saturday, year round, 9:00 am to 1:30 pm
Map
Family Friendly
Free
But Rodeo’s also has an excellent taco counter. Don’t be shy, step up to the counter and ask the lovely staff what they have cooking. On a normal day you’ll find carne asada, carnitas, and pollo asada. But on some days you’ll find several other options, including my favorite guilty pleasure… lengua. (Beef tongue) This perfectly cooked meat is tender and full of flavor. It’s similar in texture to pot roast but with even more flavor.
Not just a food market, the Mercato offers something for everyone. I was initially side-tracked by a display of locally made jewelry. With a little help from my family I refocused and let my nose guide me to the heart of the market, the food. Never able to turn a blind eye to food, our kids loosened up when offered samples of juicy softball-sized peaches. It should be noted that the Little Italy Mercato is a great location for selecting locally caught seafood, as well. One unusual sample my husband could not resist was live sea urchin. He’s still alive after trying this spiny wonder! He said it was tasty with the texture of an overripe peach with a hint of brine flavor.
