Por Dr. Ink

“Papi” is a curious word in Spanish slang. It can mean a lot of things, from “Daddy” to a good-looking Latin boyfriend to something akin to what Meg Ryan performed at Katz’s Deli in “When Harry Met Sally.”

But at Baja Betty’s in Hillcrest, it just means cheap drinks and eats from 2-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. During “Papi Hour” any item from the appetizer or quesadilla sections of the menu (except seafood), margaritas, sangria, well drinks and bottled beer are all $3 each. And fish tacos are just a buck! No wonder this place always seems to be packed when I drive by.

My cousin and I, fresh (or maybe not) from a few hours at the beach, were offered a friendly greeting at Baja Betty’s door even though we probably looked like we’d been dipped in sand. We were offered bar service or table service – we chose table and even scored one of the little sidewalk tables.

A server met us immediately and dropped off chips and salsa (why do Mexican restaurants give away this deliciousness for free?). It was 3:00 and we were going for dinner with friends later so we had to temper ourselves as we perused the menu. My cousin went for the mini tacos (regularly $7.25) while I chose the flautas ($5.95) and we decided to share some warm cheese dip ($5.95). A couple of really cold bottled beers washed it all down. Actually, not all of it – the servings were so generous we left with a doggy bag.

Inexpensive Mexican food and drinks might not be unique in San Diego, but there are a few things I noticed during my first visit to Baja Betty’s that set it apart and made me want to return. First, the servers are great to look at and even better to talk to. Our server put a light hand on either my or my cousin’s shoulder each time he came to the table. That kind of closeness might seem creepy from some people, but this guy (I failed to get his name and it wasn’t on the receipt) was so genial I found myself looking forward to his table visits.

The other outstanding thing about Betty’s is the range and quality of the food. In addition to what we ordered, our $3 options included nine types of quesadillas, or taquitos, jalapeno slices, crispy cheese tortillas, fresh guacamole, salads or fries. My flautas (chicken, beef or potato) were hand-rolled and included cheese, sour cream and guacamole. My cousin’s mini tacos (shredded beef, chicken, ground sirloin or carne asada) were a misnomer because they were nearly the size of regular tacos and also were served with all the fixings. The no-no-for-my-diet cheese dip had salsa and jalapenos mixed in it – and while we did bring home a taco and a flauta, we ate every bite of the dip. I would have no problem paying full-price for these yummy, sinful plates.

Since we were looking forward to a night of drinks later, we passed on the margaritas and cocktails (Betty’s has a long, interesting list of both), but I can’t wait to go back and give those a slurp. When I do, you might notice me – I’ll be the one on the patio bellowing “Ay, Papi” as I indulge in a cool margi, warm queso and the loving affection of one of those gorgeous servers. Eat your heart out, Sally.

Baja Betty’s

www.bajabettyssd.com

1421 University Ave.

San Diego, 92103

(619) 269-8510

Happy Hour: Daily 2-6 p.m.

Ratings:

Bebidas: 5

It’s probably not fair for me to judge since I only had a beer but the margaritas looked enticing (not bright green!) and I like the variety.

Comida: 5

All stuff you recognize but taken up a notch. And four kinds of house-made salsa.

Valor: 5

Two beers, cheese dip, mini tacos, flautas, chips and salsa for $16. Plus some to take home.

Servicio: 5

Love those guys (and gals).

Duration: 5

A good place to get your drink on since Happy Hour starts at 2 p.m. Work? What work?

Note about the ratings: Each category is based on 1-5 glasses, with 5 being best. Drinks and food are rated as to quantity and quality, while duration is based on the number of days and hours Happy Hour is offered. Value and service are self-explanatory.

Want to make me happy? E-mail Dr. Ink about your favorite Happy Hour and I’ll drop by with my stethoscope: [email protected].