During the late 1940s, San Diego’s prominent Scripps family sold a prime piece of real estate in La Jolla to the affluent Black family. They turned this almost ten-acre piece of land into an equestrian estate and training space for young thoroughbred horses. In 2004, the 10 acres was transformed into the beautiful Estancia Hotel and Spa, featuring 210 luxury rooms, a world class spa, and two restaurants – one of which is the rustic Mustangs & Burros. This supper club is one of La Jolla’s premier restaurants for intimate indoor dining, or relaxing outdoor dining. Mustangs & Burros maintains the rich history of the property utilizing many of the original bricks from when it was an Equestrian estate. The architecture, landscape, and cuisine are reflective of its roots – California rancho merged with Spanish hacienda. It is a great restaurant for sharing a quiet and intimate meal with family, friends, or your significant other.
Mustangs & Burros Ambiance
Mustangs & Burros has two very distinct vibes from the indoor dining area to the spacious outdoor patio. The interior is rancho-style in honor of the property’s Equestrian roots. This intimate and cozy space easily intersperses brick and wood paneled finishes with the crisp white walls. The seating area is beautifully done, featuring dark wood tables accompanied by either oversized wooden chairs or deluxe lavish chocolate leather chairs. Rustic reds, and bold blues elevate the space to a warm and comforting dining room. The large full-length bar with brick inlay coupled with the warm glow of the brick fireplace make Mustangs & Burros the very picture of rustic elegance.
The décor of the interior blends effortlessly with the spacious Spanish Hacienda-style outdoor patio. A large brick fireplace is the main focus; cushioned booths and small wooden tables with chairs create a warm and inviting space to relax under the starry sky. Rust-red, burnt-orange, and dark brown throw pillows, lush potted plants, and smaller fire pits emitting a gentle glow make you feel like you’ve been transported to the old Southwest. For an extra special treat guests can enjoy the musical stylings of Latin guitarist Israel Maldonado most Sunday evenings. Mustangs & Burros is one of the most sought after restaurants for those who want to dine outside, and after one look at their patio it’s no wonder why.
Mustangs & Burros Food
The cuisine at Mustangs & Burros perfectly complements the ambiance with their unique and innovative dishes created by Executive Chef Kimberley Kramer. She utilizes locally grown and sustainable ingredients to design seasonal fare which is carefully paired with selections chosen by the Sommelier, and listed below each dish on the menu. Guests can enjoy the flavorful regional cuisine California is known for in a straightforward way with selections of soups, salads, starters, and entrees. Chef Kimberley elegantly fuses the flavors and styles of California and Mexico to create her dishes. The Red, White, and Blue Salad is a perfect example of Cali-style cuisine with baby arugula, frisée, goat cheese, strawberries, blueberries, and Marcona almonds, with a champagne vinaigrette.
Starters like the Soyrizo and Sweet Corn Empanadas, Shrimp & Scallop Ceviche, and Fish Tacos – seasonal fish with cabbage, Cotija cheese, and salsa verde – showcase the restaurant’s Mexican influences. For dinner, try the Cumin Crusted Skirt Steak served with a side of fingerling skins with cheese, jalapeno, and guanciale, bringing two worlds together in one delicious dish. Mustangs & Burros has a little bit of everything for diners to enjoy from seafood, poultry, and meat, to vegetarian options; each dish is uniquely created to tantalize the taste buds.
Mustangs & Burros Details
Mustangs & Burros is known to have one of the best Happy Hours in San Diego with an ever changing specials menu, and unbeatable prices on signature cocktails, craft beers, and wines. Happy Hour is only available during the weekdays. The restaurant is only open in the evenings with the exception of weekends when it opens at noon. They offer free valet parking for those who dine at the restaurant, and guests can order take-out. They do not deliver, and they do not offer space for bicycle parking at the restaurant. This is a wheelchair accessible establishment, they offer free Wi-Fi, and have televisions in the indoor dining area. This is a non-smoking facility that welcomes dogs, it is not ideal for children as it caters to the 21 and up crowd.
Mustangs & Burros Neighborhood
Estancia Hotel & Spa in trendy La Jolla is home to Mustangs & Burros. The eclectic neighborhood is ideal for any type of traveler. Birch Aquarium is a great place to take the children for an afternoon of educational and fun interaction with some of San Diego’s native sea creatures. Thrill seekers will love nearby Torrey Pines Glider Port, an excellent place to do a little tandem hang-gliding with a professional pilot off the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. If a quieter, calmer vibe is more up your alley, play 18 or 36 holes at Torrey Pines Golf Course, home to the PGA Farmers Insurance Open. Culture and the arts more your style? Head to the La Jolla Playhouse on the UCSD campus, which hosts several world premier shows. Make your visit even more convenient by staying at Estancia Hotel & Spa right next door to the Playhouse, and conveniently where Mustangs & Burros resides.