From patrolling San Diego’s streets as a onetime cop to bestowing the eats that keep customers flocking back to his Hillcrest restaurant, John Haugland has had quite the career journey. And those who frequent Ortega’s, A Mexican Bistro, for the place’s singular Baja specialties are glad he made the trip. So is Haugland, who treasures the success he has enjoyed in vibrant Hillcrest, a welcoming home for the LGBTQIA+ community. Those milestones now include his restaurant’s selection last year for the San Diego Tourism Authority’s Tourism Accelerator program. As Pride Month opens, we talked with Haugland about his start in the restaurant business, his bonds with the Hillcrest community and his picks for great places to visit here.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to launch your business — as well as why you felt San Diego was the right place to do so.
A: I’m a proud member of the LQBTQ community and I grew up here in beautiful San Diego. I worked for the San Diego Police Department for 10 years as an officer, detective and sergeant, and at one point decided I wanted to be self-employed in some sort of business. I honestly thought the last thing I’d do would be to open a restaurant; however, I made friends with a neighbor Downtown who grew up in the restaurant business in Baja, Juan Carlos Ortega. He wanted to open something in San Diego, and he asked me to join him. I said yes, back in 2004, and now we are in our 20th year of business together with Ortega’s, a Mexican Bistro.
Q: What are your recommended must-try items on the menu?
A: Our Puerto Nuevo-style lobster, which is our specialty dish. It’s steamed and grilled with butter and served with fresh handmade flour tortillas, delicious refried beans, Mexican rice, a grilled lime and drawn butter. It’s so good. That and our amazing tableside guacamole and homemade coconut flan!
Q: What are a few of your local favorites within your neighborhood?
A: For Italian, I love Parma on Fifth Avenue. For Japanese, Hane Sushi is exceptional. I also love InsideOut for their quality food and stunning atmosphere.
Q: For those who visit your restaurant, what are a few surrounding things that would be interesting to do?
A: I think the Seven Bridges tour in the Uptown area is unique and a nice way to spend the afternoon. I’d also recommend visiting Balboa Park or the San Diego Zoo. The Hotel del Coronado, La Jolla Cove and Little Italy are also must-sees while in San Diego. For shopping, Fashion Valley Mall is our nicest. For a bar atmosphere, Urban MO’s is always a fun spot.
Q: What are some of your favorite LGBTQIA+-owned businesses and events in San Diego?
A: Uptown Tavern and InsideOut are two of my favorite gay-owned businesses in Hillcrest. CityFest is one of my favorite events. Just a lot of locals who come out for the day to eat, drink, dance and shop. It’s a nice, relaxing time. The Sunday Farmers Market in Hillcrest is also one of the best ones in San Diego you can attend.
Q: If someone was coming to San Diego for the first time, what would you tell them to do? (Besides visit your business, of course!)
A: Go to La Jolla Cove, walk around and check out the sea cave accessible through the Cave Store. Take the Coronado Ferry from Downtown to Coronado and rent bikes and ride them around the island. Have lunch at the Hotel del Coronado. Walk along the boardwalk at Mission Beach and if you have kids take them to Belmont Park and talk them into riding the roller coaster. Also, check out a concert at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park or a San Diego Padres game at Petco Park while you’re here (two world-class venues!)
Q: What do you think would most surprise a newcomer to San Diego?
A: How casual and laid-back we are here. For a big city, we still carry on like a relaxed beach community.
Q: Looking forward, what makes you excited about growing your business in San Diego?
A: Hillcrest is undergoing a lot of positive changes and growth and I think will once again become a premier dining district like it used to be when we first opened 20 years ago.
