When I was a child I looked forward to the drive south to Chula Vista. My brother worked at Hom’s Teapot Inn. A few times he took me to visit and the owner would have his chef make something delicious for me. I miss Wendel Hom and his Teapot Inn.
It’s been years since I’ve been in this part of Chula Vista. Sears across the street was the only location that had sandals I was looking for. I didn’t know there was a Tacos y Gordo’s on this block.
Birrieria Don Rafa was fairly busy for lunch. My friend Omar invited me here to try the birria. I ordered a birria taco. Corn tortilla had a mild corn flavor while the birria had a hint of sweetness and a rich savory flavor. Birria was extremely tender and juicy.
I also ordered a carne asada taco. Same mild flavored corn tortilla with delicious tender beef. I liked the char and the seasoning on the carne asada.
Place has some very lovely artwork. Our server was very nice and efficient. This was my first time eating birria and I really enjoyed my tacos. 4 made for a very filling lunch. I look forward to driving south to Chula Vista again.
Kirk from mmm-yoso!!! visited too.
560 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 934-5135
Nice artwork! Glad you enjoyed your lunch!
Thanks!
Oh the birria looks nicely fatty too! Could you get that on flour tortilla as well?
They didn’t give an option on the tortilla. You could request a flour tortilla and they should give it to you if they have them.
Thanks for the link Soo. I haven’t been back to Don Rafa since they moved a couple years ago…need to make it back.
You are welcome Kirk! They make some great tacos.
My first date with my first love was at The Teapot Inn in March 1984. It was so charming. I miss authentic Chinese restaurants that aren’t trying to appeal to western design and food fads. It was magical.
Dee,
Thanks for the awesome story! There are lots of places you can eat at but none with the mystique the Teapot Inn had. It was the Golden Age of dining in town.
I was just telling my wife about going to the Teapot Inn with my family when I was a kid in the early to mid 70’s. I loved that place and the food! Great memories!
Rob,
That’s great you had a chance to visit. None of my friends have gone.
Soo
What is your brother’s name? Mr. Hom was my grandpa’s best friend and my grandpa went to the teapot every day until it closed. Mr. Hom always gave me and my sister M & M’s when we left. I remember Lou and Bobby. I have kept in touch with his kids.
Hello,
My brother’s name is Jing. He was one of the cooks at Teapot Inn.
I just came upon your comment when looking up the Tea Pot Inn. Someone was asking about good Chinese food in San Diego and I looked to see if they were by chance still around. My grandmother used to take me as a little girl in the late 60’s/early 70’s. I still remember them as being the best. I miss those times
Thanks for your story. Nice grandmother! Give Golden Chopsticks https://www.hungryones.com/2022/09/golden-chopsticks-3/ and Noble Chef https://www.hungryones.com/2019/03/noble-chef/ a try. They are pretty good.