I had the chance to dig into the story of Ralph Rubio, the mind behind Rubio's Coastal Plates. This inventive gentleman, with a fascination for fish tacos, started it all back in 1983 in the scenic landscapes of Baja, California. Ralph was instrumental in spreading the love for his savory fish tacos, sharing them with anyone who'd appreciate their unique blend of flavor.
Establishing his dream fish taco stand, Ralph combined his passion for fresh fish and desire to intersperse coastal Mexican flavors throughout America. His Baja-inspired taco stand started selling these little beauties featuring battered fish fillets, a sprinkle of freshly-cut cabbage, tangy salsa, and tortillas made from scratch much to the delight of his customers.
Rubio's menu is a culinary delight, drawing inspirations from the sea, including fish tacos, ceviche, shrimp fajitas. But it's not just about the seafood options. They even offer dishes with their signature tortillas - a super secret recipe known only to insiders. One of their crowd favorites is the Baja Fish Taco, a grilled fish dish smothered with fresh cabbage slaw and served in a soft corn tortilla shell - simple, yet supremely satisfying.
What's the Deal with Their Cheese Selection?
Perhaps something I noticed about Rubio's was their detailed attention to the cheese used in their dishes. They have curated a variety of cheeses to complement the overall flavor profiles of their creations. Monterey jack cheese is usually expected in their milder sandwiches, Mozzarella, with a more neutral flavor, goes well with most of their toppings, and White cheddar serves as a perfect fit for their hot sandwiches with a shot of tangy kick to them.
What about the California Bowl?
Now, if you're a fan of Rubio's like me, their California Bowl is a must. And the best part? You could grab one without breaking a $10 bill! With the myriad options available to custom-make your bowl, it's an easy pick for anyone, anytime. With everything from fish to shrimp and black beans to white rice, it's a meal worth savoring.
Any Other Bowls That Deserve a Shout Out?
If you're someone who likes a little extra heat in their meal, the Spicy Baja Bowl is tailor-made for you. With jalapenos and chipotle peppers adding that extra zing to the deliciousness of the California Bowl, it's hard to resist. And if you're health-conscious like me, their Fresh Salads, paired with grilled chicken or shrimp, are sure to cater to your preferences.
What Kind of Fish does Rubio's Use in Their Tacos?
Each time I bite into a Rubio's taco, I appreciate the variety of fish options they offer - shrimp, Alaskan Pollock, and Alaska Salmon. The crispiness of their Alaskan Pollock taco grabs a special place in my food-loving heart.
What about the Famous Impossible Meat?
The Impossible Meat at Rubio's stands true to its name. It's a plant-based taco that wouldn't spare any meat lover with its beef-like texture and rich flavors. With ingredients like wheat, coconut oil, potatoes, soy protein isolate, and heme iron teamed up, it's hard to believe that you're not biting into actual meat. And it comes with a healthy dose of Omega-3s! Low on fat, high on proteins, it's truly a game-changer in the plant-based realm.
What Does Rubio Mean?
Funny but true, Rubio in Spanish translates to blond. A pretty common surname in the States, it carries the aura of its Spanish origins.
Are their Beans Lard-Free?
Rubio's commitment to quality and customer health is blatantly visible in their use of vegan beans, which remarkably don't use any lard. The result is a pricier product, but Rubio's doesn't mind the extra expense in offering their customers better quality. A pleasant surprise awaits you when you order a burrito – unlike the usual pinto or refried beans laden with lard, Rubio's uses black beans instead. Their commitment to a lard-free menu makes it an easy choice for conscious eaters like me.
Can Keto Lovers Have a Feast Here?
Even if Keto isn't their standard approach, you can always order a Keto-friendly meal at Rubio's. I usually start with their classic fish taco, replace the corn tortilla with a low-carb one, and skip the cheese and sour cream. Their bowls, with no beans or rice or side salads, make a good Keto-choice. You can also ask for chili as a side instead of the standard coleslaw.
And what about Their Atlantic Salmon Burrito?
Tasting their Atlantic Salmon Burrito and fish taco gives a splendid idea of the rich, coastal flavors Rubio's champions. The Atlantic Salmon Burrito, featuring grilled salmon, black beans, corn salsa, shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips, all complemented by creamy Chipotle Mexican Dressing, is an experience in itself. Their fish taco isn’t far behind, encasing lightly fried Pacific Haddock in a soft white corn tortilla topped with salsa and an avocado-lime sauce.
Sweet Finale at Rubio's
After your main course, Rubio's offers a range of sweet treats to finish off your meal right. For die-hard dessert lovers, I suggest their Toffee Crunch Brownie or their Chocolate Chunk Cookie. If you're leaning towards the healthier side, go for their Cinnamon Churros paired with chocolate dipping sauce. Additionally, they also serve Salted Caramel Cookies and Chocolate Brownies - the sweet-tooth's haven!
Of course, like any dining experience, there were highs and lows. Here are some of the circumstantial pros and cons I experienced at Rubio's:
Pros:
- Extensive menu that goes beyond the usual Mexican fare.
- Robust vegan options for the health-conscious.
- The decidedly different and delightful cheese selection.
- Efficient and warm service staff.
Cons:
- The waiting time for food can sometimes be a tad long during peak hours.
- Despite the expansive menu, the vegetarian options can feel a bit limited.