FOLIO
Local Tex-Mex staple Hightide Burrito Co. is known for casual burritos and beers, but its other selections are worth trying, too. The San Marco space is light and bright with comfy seating that works for large groups, kids or couples. Hightide features a salsa bar with those cute, tiny cups that make it easy to try a bunch of different flavors without waste. From fresh pico de gallo to green salsa to hotter varieties, there’s something for every palate.
Cavemen wouldn’t necessarily think to go to Hightide (if they could think that well at all), but they should. If you’re on a paleo kick, do it Flintstones style; the Paleo Burrito Bowl ($8.99) is yabba-dabba-doo. No grains, but lots of lettuce, roasted onions, bell peppers, with a heapin’ helpin’ of grilled chicken, blackened shrimp and guac. The dual proteins and guac kick make it a surprisingly filling meal–even I was satisfied! (Anti-Paleo Pro Tip: Put the Paleo Burrito Bowl on top of nachos.)
If the craving for nachos ever smacks you like it does me, you know only a legit tray with every essence will do. Hightide’s house nachos are served with crisp tortilla chips, Romaine lettuce, black beans, jalapeños, sour cream and queso ($7.35); add chicken, carnitas, beef or tempeh for a couple of bucks ($9.24 total). There was plenty of meat involved, but I wanted a bit more when it came to the toppings. I was hoping I wouldn’t miss tomatoes, but even the many tiny, tiny cups of salsa I threw on didn’t quite do it for me.
I rarely say no to tacos, and the Del Mar Blackened Shrimp Tacos ($9.96) were no exception. Two tacos (on either flour or corn tortilla) and plump ’n’ juicy blackened shrimp piled with avocado slices, avocado crema and shredded cabbage for a full bite. We also ordered a side of Mexican Street Corn aka Elote ($3). It’s part of the current seasonal offerings, so get it before it changes. A whole roasted ear of corn was served traditional style, with a slathering of mayo, chile powder and cotija cheese. Elote usually has a load of mayo, but Hightide’s version had just a little too much for my tastes. Just scrape some off and you’ll be fine.
Don’t skip Hightide’s namesake burritos, though. The Saltwater Hippie Burrito has seasoned tempeh, brown rice, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and guacamole ($8.95); the C.B.G. Burrito includes chicken, bacon, guacamole, brown rice, cheese and Peruvian sauce ($8.95).
Caveman, vegan or otherwise, you should check out Hightide Burrito’s wide variety! I recommend hitting Aardwolf for a local brew before or after–or ordering goodies to-go and taking the meal over there. It’s even worth getting stuck waiting for the San Marco train to crawl by.
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If you have a recommendation or know of a new place, shoot me an email at biteclub@folioweekly.com.
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