There is no shortage of local Mexican cuisine. Within a 10 mile radius of Thousand Oaks you could eat a burrito at a different restaurant for 30 days straight (though please for you and your family’s sake do not try this).  You may not agree with my opinions below; in fact, I hope many of you disagree and provide your own input by responding to this post or contacting me!  The following list is in no particular order.

Rubio’s

173 North Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks

805.557.9958

www.rubios.com

I enjoy bringing the kids to Rubio’s because the food is inexpensive and they enjoy the large aquarium and the toys that come with the kids meals. Otherwise, while the food generally tastes o.k., you kind of get what you pay for here. My wife hates the place but I like it every so often. Guilty pleasure…eating the kids’ quesadilla leftovers.

Baja Fresh

1015-G Broadbeck Dr., Newbury Park

805.376.0808

www.bajafresh.com

This is the granddaddy of local Mexican take out. Most of you may recall that the very first Baja Fresh location was at the corner of Wendy and Kimber in 1990, where Country Harvest Restaurant now resides. Today there are 300 locations around the county. I’ve always loved this place and I feel that I am eating healthy when I’m there. The kids meals are great…quesadilla, rice, applesauce and a drink (the only issue is that recently they stopped offering milk with the meal). There’s not too much not to like about Baja Fresh. Other local locations are in Camarillo (2), Thousand Oaks and Westlake/Agoura.

On a side note, Baja Fresh has to rank as one of the worst business deals in the history of fast food. In 2002, it was purchased by Wendy’s for $275 million. Sales went downhill (possibly due to the onslaught of competition) and in November 2006, the chain was sold to private investors for $31 million. A 90% drop in value. Ouch!

Sharky’s

1930 Newbury Rd., Newbury Park

805.376.1404

www.sharkys.com

Another healthy choice for Mexican take out. Another kids favorite in my family. We go there often. Probably too often. Also in Westlake. Sharky’s has been around since 1992 with its first store in Sherman Oaks. I put Sharky’s on a par with Baja Fresh. I definitely enjoy the food there though I do feel that something is given up in taste in order to stay organic and healthy. So at least one does not feel guilt when eating at Sharky’s!

Chipotle Grill

935 Broadbeck Dr., Newbury Park

805.499.3561

www.chipotle.com

Admittedly I have never stepped foot into Chipotle but my wife has ordered me food there two times. I did not enjoy the burritos. It sounds like a great place and their website is really cool, but I’m personally not a fan of Mexican “make it yourself” food. It just didn’t hit the spot for me. That said, you will eat very healthy here is they advertise no trans fats and no sugar. I plan to give this place another shot.

El Pollo Loco

2750 Camino Dos Rios, Newbury Park

805.480.9050

www.elpolloloco.com

Also in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo. Want really inexpensive, decent fast Mexican food? Can’t beat EPL’s $1 “Loco Value Menu.” The food is sometimes hit or miss but overall I can’t think of a better value for your dollar. But you can’t compare the food here to the “higher end” Mexican fast food chains.

The Alamo Mexican Grill & Cantina

2311 Borchard Rd., Newbury Park

805.498.3115

www.thealamobarandgrill.com

Good, traditional Mexican food. This is a comfortable, casual sit down restaurant. Reasonably priced. They have been around over 25 years. Can’t go wrong there. There is also a take out window. You can get a full blown rotisserie chicken meal for your family for around $11 here. Can’t beat it. I’m getting hungry just writing about it.

Taco Bell

2271 Michael Dr., Newbury Park

805.499.4605

www.tacobell.com

Also 3 in T.O. and 1 in Camarillo. I’ve never been a big fan. One positive is that they are open late in case you need a grease fix.

Letty’s

2454 W Hillcrest Dr. #106, Newbury Park

(805) 376-2320

Lette’s serves authentic Mexican food and I used to go there all the time. Rarely did I leave Letty’s unsatisfied. A choice off the beaten path in a little strip mall close to Smart n Final.

3 Amigos Fresh Mexican Grill

139 N. Reino Rd., Newbury Park

805.499.7200

Decent fast food Mexican. A small place with good, quick service. Right next door to Newbury Park Athletic Club, so join the gym, burn off some calories, then chow down on some fajitas. Really nice people work there so I enjoy stopping by every so often.

Del Taco

591 North Ventu Park Rd., Newbury Park

805.499.4439

www.deltaco.com

I personally don’t see much difference between Del Taco and Taco Bell but they both serve a need. Quick, cheap, fast food.

Lupe's Mexican Restaurant

1710 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks

805.495.3573

Lupe’s is a sit down place that has been around forever. Real close to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The most memorable aspect of Lupe’s to me is very large portions. This is not a place to go for “no trans fat” but if you want old style sit-down Mexican food this is a place to consider. The place is pretty small so don’t go there for a private romantic dinner. In fact, if I’m there when you’re there I might try to grab a chip or two off of your table. They serve beer and wine but hard stuff (e.g. margaritas).

El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

449 North Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks

805.497.3952

www.eltorito.com

While I want to dislike this place because they are not as “authentic” as the Alamos and the Lupes' of the world, that doesn’t stop me from stopping by every so often and enjoying a large, varied menu and good, filling food. Can’t go wrong here, especially after a margarita or three.

The Sea Casa

1014 South Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village

805.374.1921

www.theseacasa.com

When I worked in Westlake Village this place was a staple for me at least one time a week. Very tasty food with a healthy bent. Excellent service. They kick butt at lunchtime. The guy who manages the place is really on it. Boy oh boy did I always enjoy the fajita burrito there. My mouth is watering. Solid value. Really small place inside but there are also tables outside.

La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill (Thousand Oaks)

488 West Hillcrest Dr. (Oaks Mall)

805.496.1327

www.lasalsa.com

Also at The Promenade in Westlake. La Salsa has been around since 1979. To me, this place is more authentic tasting than the Baja Freshes and Sharkys of the world. My 2 year old completely cleans his plate when we eat there. I enjoy their Carnitas Guadalajara tacos when they are piping hot. I would not go too far out of my way for La Salsa but when I do go there I enjoy their food.

Mama Ritas

31139 Via Colinas, Westlake Village (818.991.6009)

and recently opened in Dos Vientos sit-down restaurant:

360 Via Las Brisas, #110, Newbury Park (805.499.9888)

www.mamaritas.com

This is hands down my wife’s favorite Mexican take out place in the area. This is mostly a take-out/catering place. We have used them for catering before and my wife and I agree that their chile relleno is TO DIE FOR! (I pretty much ate it for breakfast, lunch and dinner last time we ordered it. My wife and I fight over the last serving.) You have to order it in advance as they sell out. Great tamales too.

JULY 2008 UPDATE:  The Dos Vientos Mama Rita's restaurant at the Paraiso Town Center is now open!!  They have indoor/outdoor seating, three fireplaces, full-service bar and of course delicious food!

Los Agaves Mexican Grill

2350 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks

805.777.7532

I’m pretty sure that I dined here years ago but it was so long ago that I cannot recall the meal. Any input out there?

Taco Inn

2160 Newbury Rd, Newbury Park

805.375.7555

Vons Shopping Center

This place is really close by but I have never ever been there. The name doesn’t do much for me. Sounds like a taco hotel. Anybody eat there?

Enrique's Mexican Restaurant

159 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks

805.495.1003

Another place that I have never been to. Comments anyone?

Cisco's Mexican Restaurant

1712 E Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks

805.497.3959

Cisco’s serves reliable traditional style Mexican fare. It has been awhile since I’ve been there but as I recall the food is pretty good. Margaritas are good there too as I recall.

Chuy's Mesquite Broiler

650 N Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks

805.374.9737

Also in Agoura, Moorpark and Camarillo. The Agoura location is a lot larger than the others. The décor is really funky and fun to look at. Food is not particularly memorable for me.

Qdoba Mexican Grill

3835-82A Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village

805-497-4747

www.qdoba.com

I tried this place a handful of times but it always was just passable. This is another “make your own” place like Chipotle Grill. I guess I just prefer someone else creating my burrito to myself. Qdoba was founded in 1995 in Denver. Qdoba is now owned by Jack in the Box and has 400 locations.   Qdoba was previously called Z-TECA prior to 2000.  From one meaningless name to another.

So there you have it!  I think I have indigestion now.  Would love to hear your comments.