Picante Martin's Mexican Restaurant

Nice little place on Balboa Island.  Walk the island and then a little breakfast... Unfortunately, they do not open early so I can't visit as often as I like.  The other negative is it is hard to find parking on the weekend.  

No to all the benefits of Picante Martin's...
Wifey had the Chicken Tostada which is more like a Chicken Salad with some chips.  VERY tasty, lots of chicken.  Very flavorful

I had the Chicken Machaco.  This was good, not great...  Needed a little more seasoning.  The rice and beans were excellent.

Very good value... The staff is friendly and looking to please.  

We'll be back.

Great food, excellent customer service, affordable

Fantastic Mexican restaurant on Balboa Island for lunch.  The sandwich/fries/drink combo is really good and really filling.  This restaurant is really small though, so you're better off taking out.

A couple tips:

1) They're finally taking credit cards thanks to Square and an iPhone.
2) Parking is atrocious on Balboa.  Either carpool or park on the peninsula and take the ferry over.
3) Wear some USC gear if you want some extra brownie points with the locals.  There was one street where I saw 8 (yes eight) USC flags flying from different houses.  They might as well put a replica of Tommy Trojan in the middle of the island.