And hopefully back on topic... and there’s always the risk of not being allowed back... HAHAHA!
Well when I was there for one fleeting moment I did not think that I would be allowed back! As we were returning to the US the girl in front of me had forged documents and when she presented them to the agent she instantly knew that he realized that they were fake so she started to run. Amusingly, like clockwork two very large guys approached her from behind and each placed their hands under her arm pits so she was essentially lifted off the ground and was running in mid air. It was indeed quite a sight! I was next in line... but with a genuine passport in hand there were no issues... but for one fleeting moment I did think, “What if?!”
As for eating anything there I did not feel comfortable and seeing signs in windows of restaurants stating “rated AAA1 by board of health” or some such sign did not inspire confidence. I was not in any mood to experience Montazuma’s revenge! I would feel more comfortable getting a drink in a bar as opposed to eating anything. Still, a fun afternoon of shopping. Lots of fake Rolex watches, but a bit pricey compared to what you can buy on the street in the US. Lots of souvenirs obviously. Some classier shops plus street urchins selling trinkets. Pharmacies. If back in the San Diego area I would do it again.
BTW it was easy to take the trolley from San Diego to San Ysidro. It is a short walk to the border from there. After crossing the border it’s then a bit of a walk to down town Tijuana, about 20-30 minutes total if I recall correctly depending on how leisurely you stroll.
Enjoy.