LB Food Review

Mariscos Güero – Online Menu
2150 E. South St. #107, Long Beach, CA 90805 (562) 634-2886
Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 9AM-5PM; Closed on Thursdays

Seeing that we are currently running our Best Mexican Food in Long Beach contest, I’ve been on a mission to try a few new places. I have my favorites across town, including the quick and dirty Taqueria La Mexicana on 4th Street, Casa Sanchez and Brite Spot in their numerous locations, and classy sit-down establishments like Enrique’s. However, when I left the comfort zone and struck out with discovery in mind, I found my way to a little gem in a North Long Beach strip mall whose specialty is not tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Mariscos Güero does an excellent job serving exactly what their name says: mariscos, the Spanish word for “seafood”.

When you open the menu you see a variety of offerings that you would generally only find in a fishing village halfway down the Baja peninsula. We knew that we had come to the right place as soon as we saw the first item in the Camarones (shrimp) section, the Camarones Costa Azul. If that name sounds familiar, it may be due to the fact that the LB Food Review crew has run across these little guys before in San Felipe, Mexico. Camarones Costa Azul are jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon and cheese, and served with rice, beans, and tortillas. While not quite as jumbo as those served in Baja, the Mariscos Güero rendition of Costa Azul Shrimp brought both fond memories and outrageous flavor. I mean, really. I already love shrimp. I already love bacon. When I first heard that I could have them at the same time I didn’t know if I should ask for two orders or ask someone to pinch me to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

We couldn’t have a meal at a restaurant specializing in shrimp and only have one shrimp dish, so we also tried the Camarones a la Diabla, butterflied shrimp served in a very spicy chipotle sauce. These diminutive delights were quite a contrast to their Costa Azul cousins, giving off quite a bit of heat that was well-balanced enough not to completely scorch my mouth. Add in a couple of Baja fish tacos, a carne asada torta, and a few Pacificos, and it made for a lunch I won’t soon forget.

Mariscos Güero has plenty to offer besides shrimp, including ceviche (not so much my thing), shrimp cocktails (or shrimp, octopus, and abalone cocktails for the more adventurous), and oysters (definitely my thing). For all of their seafood prowess, you might expect them to be priced on the high side, but you would be wrong. The prices are downright ridiculous, including big fish tacos for $1, tortas on deliciously soft bread for $3.30, and huge combination plates with shrimp, rice and beans for $8.25. The only drawback about the place, if you can call it one, is the wait. They prepare everything in an old-fashioned manner, and they warn you on the menu that it may take up to 45 minutes to prepare your plate. Believe me when I say that the wait is entirely worth it once the food hits your mouth.

If you’ve got a long lunch break, or some free time on the weekend, take a trip to Mariscos Güero on South Street just east of Cherry. From fish tacos to bacon-wrapped shrimp to any number of other seafood adventures, you’ll surely find something on the menu to enjoy at a very reasonable price.