The Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop in San Diego, CA

Lucha Libre, or Mexican professional wrestling, is riding a wave, specifically in the Southwestern U.S. Since the art is such an integral part of Mexican culture it seems natural it would come across the border with each Mexican immigrant. The movie Nacho Libre, starring Jack Black, further cemented the sport's rise amongst kids and young adults.

The Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop in San Diego, CA, is devoted to all things lucha libre. The sport is at its finest when it is colorful and over the top with a healthy dose of classic kitschy style. The decor is such a blast from the custom masked upholstery that adorns each seat to the special "champion" booth overloaded with gold and more gold. A place like this could get by for a little while on style, but it takes some substance to keep customers coming back.

The restaurant operates as a typical taco shop. You order a la carte. You fill your own drink and fill up your own salsa bowls. The service was passable, if a little aloof. However, the food arrived hot and fresh. The true test of a taco shop should be the quality of its carne asada. The Lucha LIbre Gourmet Taco Shop delivered with tasty, tender carne asada, in a burrito with just enough guacamole and pico de gallo. This burrito was huge, and was also a complete bargain at $4.75.

The cheese quesadilla lacked the layer of grease and grime that often coats this taco stand favorite. The tortilla was crisp and the cheese was the right amount of gooey. The complimentary chips and salsa was passable. The chips were slightly overcooked and the arrangement of about a half dozen salsas varied in heat intensity, but were otherwise bland.

The prices cannot be beat. The portions are large and the food is freshly prepared. Several of the dishes are old favorites while a few are potentially interesting takes on Mexican originals. A Surf & Turf Taco includes marinated steak, shrimp and avocado. There are also several vegetarian items, with Vegan dishes soon to be featured as well.

The shop is located about a 15 minute walk from Old Downtown, San Diego, CA. Frankly, it was a welcome respite from the overcrowded, overpriced and touristy trappings of the Old Downtown area. For fans of lucha libre, or any type of professional wrestling, the shop is a wonderland of kitschy fun. A few televisions broadcast old matches. A few items of memorabilia adorn the walls while the rest is probably just clever design. Be prepared for an overload to your senses with the colors, bright characters and massive burritos.

The Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop is located at 1810 W. Washington Street in San Diego, CA. The restaurant's menu is available at www.tacosmackdown.com. The shop's MySpace page is at www.myspace.com/luchalibretacoshop.