Nati's Mexican Restaurant in Ocean Beach, California

Since Nati's is one of those establishments popular with the OB locals, as well as residents of Pt. Loma and outlying areas, it seems to be at full capacity every time I walk by. I tend to avoid crowded restaurants, even though I know it's usually one of the major signs of a good restaurant and a successful business. I also like to sit on the patio, when possible, and Nati's is quite inviting, thus usually full.

A few weeks ago, I decided to have a late lunch there, and was pleasantly greeted with a "You may sit wherever you like", when I walked in. Of course I went to the patio, where only a few patrons were seated. It was a nice day with a bit of afternoon sun and a slight breeze, so I was happy to sit under the shade of a colorful cloth umbrella bearing an ad for Pacifico beer. The patio floor is brick, and there are a variety of plants and palm trees which provide a garden patio aesthetic. There are green plastic tables and chairs with canvas umbrellas bearing Coca-cola, Modelo cervesa, and Clara Pacifico logos, that are well-distributed about the large multi-sectioned dining area.

After a few minutes, a server appeared bearing free chips and salsa, which was nice, as many local establishments have begun charging for this. Even though I don't eat them very often, I admit to loving the old-fashioned style of chips which are a bit on the greasy side with a generous portion of salt. Alas, theirs were of the "heart-and-cholestrol-conscious style and a bit bland. The salsa was more like hot sauce, and while it had a nice kick, after a few bites, I pushed it to the other side of the table.

A few minutes later, another server brought a menu, which I scanned. While I usually like to engage servers in a discussion of menu highlights, specials, and recommendations, I already knew what I wanted: a Chile Relleno and a Mango Margarita! When the server returned, I ordered both. Then I settled into my chair, selected The Gypsy Kings' Best of album on my i-pod, and pulled out my writing journal.

The Mango margarita arrived, and I was a bit surprised, as it was decorated with an orange chunk and a marchino cherry in what looked like a small desert parfait glass. It had a pleasant taste, but I wondered if the bartender had forgotten the alcohol, as I didn't even get a slight buzz. At $5.50, I would expect more.

Then my lunch arrived and I forgot all about the so-so Margarita. At $3.50, it was better than most of the Chile Rellenos I've had at twice or more the price. While it consisted of an average-sized Poblano chile, it was quite plump. it was also covered in the traditional sauce with a side of shredded lettuce. I had hoped for a bit of Cotija cheese or a bit of sauce on the lettuce, but it was quite tasty without it.

I will definitely eat at Nati's again. Their prices are commensurate with other restaurants in the neighborhood, even a bit less than some. While their menu isn't extensive, it's varied and features a "Healthy Choices" section as well as a "Para Los Ninos" section for the kids. Another nice feature of Nati's is that most of their menu is available to-go without an additional charge.

Nati's Mexican Restaurant is located at 1852 Bacon St. in Ocean Beach, California. They can be reached by phone at: 619-224-3369.