I live in UTC, and yeah the basic answer is No. Primo's is about the best you can do but it's a very far cry from most of the Mexican restaurants you can find in SD.

I’ve been surprised in the past that nobody has mentioned Yesenia’s (I’m referring to the Clairemont Mesa location – I haven’t been to the Caramel Mtn. location).

The carne asada has just the right amount of fat:lean ratio, and just the right amount of pico de gallo and guac to meat ratio… most other places I’ve been to have too much fat in the meat or too little (Super Sergio’s leans towards too much for me). The one problem is that they sometimes skimp a little on the meat, which means too much tortilla, but it entirely depends on who’s cooking that day.

I haven't had it, but I *think* Local Habit makes their own? I know their kombucha is made in-house.

Oh wow didn't expect it to be open already. Yes yes yes! Finally a bright spot on the blight that is affordable UTC dining.

“Is it better to order off the menu then to get the items they have in the buffet?”

Yes. My go-to is the 2 meat combo. I agree though that they have consistency problems – I find that sometimes the naan and the chicken are overcooked. Lamb is usually done nicely though.

Local Habit has a ton of vegan and GF options – they even denote it on their online menu, which is handy.

I actually work about a block or two from Residence Inn. If your kids are fine with asian food, you're very near the asian food mecca of San Diego: Convoy street. Lots of great korean and japanese food along that street (way too many to name). Also some good Mexican food, like Lolita's, Yesenia's, Rigoberto's, and Gualberto's.

I’ve no idea about authenticity, but my favorite is Convoy Tofu House (the one south of Balboa, not the one next to O’brien’s). I’ve had sundubu at most of the Korean places in Convoy and I find their broth to be notably richer than anyone else’s. And pretty much every Korean place around here will give you banchan.

If you’re going to go to one of the Tofu Houses, I recommend Convoy Tofu House, which is the one just south of Balboa – I think in particular their soondubu broth is amazing.

Having said that though, word on the street is that Chon Ju Jip is where all the real Koreans actually go to (it’s in the same plaza as Convoy Tofu House). In particular, their Galbijim is a bit hit – it’s galbi (short ribs) braised for many many hours until the stew condenses into a luscious salt-ridden stew. Do try it.

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Convoy Tofu House
4229 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111

Tofu House
4646 Convoy St Ste 116, San Diego, CA 92111

Karl Strauss, but the Sorrento Valley location. Absolutely gorgeous, with a koi pond and beautiful lighting at night. I really think it’s exactly what you’re looking for. And if you order before 6:30, drinks are only $4.

Wow. California burrito with tater tots. That sounds amazing. Does anybody still do that?