Ponce's Celebrates 50th Anniversary With B-Side Players Show

The B-Side Players help Ponce's Mexican Restaurant celebrate its 50th anniversary in September

Few things top San Diego's Mexican food. Believe me: I've interviewed a lot of touring artists and nearly all of them simply cannot wait to get back into town for that reason alone. And while every local has their own favorite spot (of course), Ponce's Mexican Restaurant almost always ranks near the top of any list dedicated to the best dine-in Mexican joints in America's Finest City.

With its 50th anniversary on the horizon, the Kensington restaurant -- owned and operated by the Meza family since 1969 -- is commemorating it in a big way on Sunday, Sept. 15, by taking over its adjoining parking lot and pocket park and converting it all into an all-day outdoor celebration featuring mariachi music and a 4-6 p.m. headlining set by local legends the B-Side Players.

The nine-member-group's eclectic, award-winning mix of cumbia, reggae, rock, jazz, hip-hop, boogaloo, Latin soul and funk couldn't fit the occasion better. They're actually fresh off celebrating their own big anniversary -- 25 years of being a band -- just last month with a huge Belly Up show. Are they the best outdoor festival/party band in San Diego? Signs point to yes.

During the event, in addition to all the great music, Ponce's will be serving up three different kinds of tacos, "the margaritas you've come to know and love" (why am I thirsty all of a sudden?) -- and a limited-edition beer by Fall Brewing, brewed special for the anniversary, in a 21-and-up beer garden.

Of course, it's a family-friendly affair and includes fun activites for young ones too like face painting, a bounce castle, cornhole and balloon animals.

In-person tickets are currently on sale for $50 at the always-busy restaurant's Kensington and Del Sur locations. The event has a 300-person capacity so they're sure to sell out rather quickly. Ticketholders will enjoy unlimited food, raffles, beer garden access and a whole lot more -- so get on it.

Congratulations on 50 years, Ponce's!

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