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Mesquite Restaurant is on Mercy Road just west of Interstate 15 in a strip mall dominated by a vast gas station. Not a glamorous spot, maybe, but a great location for drawing chain-restaurant-weary foodies who live in the surrounding suburbs.

Once you're inside, the strip-mall setting fades from consciousness. The interior, including duct work on the ceiling, is painted midnight blue, and silvery fish swim across one wall. The music is subdued electronica. Lights are low but not so low that you have trouble making out what's on your plate. Translucent window coverings simulate Japanese screens, shutting out the gas-station view. The underwater effect is soothing, and black-clad servers are attentive but unobtrusive.

The fish in the sushi offerings and grilled plates we tried was fresh-tasting. Special House rolls were beautifully presented and vibrantly flavored; a standout was the Spyder Roll, topped with crisp fried soft-shell crab and fantasy sauce. Guerrero Negro Sea Scallops were sweet and perfectly cooked. And thin slices of crimson seared Hawaiian Ahi Tuna had a silken texture.

The price tag at Mesquite can escalate quickly if you order appetizers, drinks and entrees off the regular menu. But the happy hour menu, served all night Sunday and Monday and from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, offers many tasty ways to stick to your dining budget – sushi rolls for $4 to $7; a variety of well-priced appetizers, including shrimp and veggie tempura ($6) or a zingy salad of greens and crunchy fried calamari ($7); and house white or red wine for $4 a glass.

Read full review in the the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Fish and meat entrees come with a choice of side dish and two sauces. One night a wholesome but bland rice bowl with crisp-tender veggies and chunks of filet mignon was made memorable by a bold green chile garlic sauce. Other sauce choices include siracha, peanut and teriyaki.

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1 Reader Review

Wow
By janice on 11/4/2007

A trendy, great service restaurant in north county...what are you waiting for!
GO!!! enjoy the food, wine and great service....

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