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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Chula Vista

Salsa dancing

You know that a meal is defined by the quality of the salsa on the table.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
El Viejon Seafood image 1
El Viejon Seafood image 2
El Viejon Seafood image 3
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Seafood restaurant

Small interior with intimate seating and outdoor options creates a cozy vibe. Loud music keeps the mood lively and chill. Fresh seafood shines with Ensenada-style dishes and the salsa bar features a zesty green salsa that spices up fish tacos.

A few different salads appear at the salsa bar, with the yellow salad standing out. The green salsa adds a nice kick to the fish taco.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were amazing and fresh."

"The vegetarian options here taste amazing."

"The green salsa on the fish taco really enhanced its taste."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special pricing on tacos, making it a popular choice.

2

Prices for tacos range from $7 to $9, which some find steep.

3

Octopus tacos have recently increased in price to nearly $16 each.

02
Xolotacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food trucks serve Tijuana-style tacos with generous portions in a lively setting. A salsa bar offers a variety of flavors that pair perfectly with fresh aguas. Casual benches and self-serve drinks create a relaxed, busy vibe for taco lovers.

Salsas come with a great salsa bar offering a variety of flavors. They pair well with fresh aguas for a solid combo.

People are saying

"I had the best taco I’ve ever had, with rich, fatty birria broth."

"I had the best spicy shrimp taco I’ve ever had."

"I thought their salsa had great flavor, rivaling Tijuana's best."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during busy hours, especially for large orders.

2

The food truck is located in the parking lot of Bobar Liquors.

3

Prices are reasonable, especially considering the generous portion sizes.

03
Taqueria by El Prieto image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco spot shines with authentic adobada and homemade tortillas. Salsa bar offers a mango habanero that packs a punch. Outdoor seating with cute tables keeps the vibe chill and music lively.

A great variety fills the salsa bar with options like the mango habanero salsa standing out. Tortillas taste homemade and salsas bring just the right amount of kick.

People are saying

"These tacos are packed with flavor and always served hot."

"The tortillas here are handmade and taste amazing."

"The salsa here is so delicious, I kept adding more."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, making access convenient.

2

The restaurant uses Styrofoam containers, but paper options are available upon request.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

04
Sarai's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot serves Tijuana-style tacos with large portions in a casual setting. Salsas are very spicy, especially the green salsa. Quick service suits those craving bold flavors and generous servings.

Salsas here are very spicy and flavorful. Both green and red salsas are good, with the green salsa standing out.

People are saying

"The carne asada tacos were humongous and delicious."

"The breakfast burritos here are huge and bursting with flavor."

"The salsas here are spicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right out front.

2

The restaurant offers large portions, ideal for those seeking generous servings.

3

The restaurant opens at 6:20 AM instead of the scheduled 6:00 AM.

05
Tacos de Birria El Chinito Jr image 1

Tijuana-style birria tacos shine with authentic flavor in a loud, friendly spot. Salsas pack a perfect spice punch, ranking among the best. Expect loud music and limited parking, with cash or Zelle only.

Salsas here have a good level of spice and stand out as amazing. They rank among the best in town.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are TJ style and super good."

"I found the food here to be really delicious."

"I thought the salsa was one of the best in town."

Good to know

1

The place only accepts cash or Zelle payments; no credit or debit cards.

2

Tacos cost about $2.70 each, which is lower than average.

3

Parking is limited and can be challenging.

06
Mujer Divina Burrito & Coffee House Chula Vista image 1

Tiny coffee shop shines with vibrant Mexican decor and a long shared bar for seating. Salsa offers a nice kick that pairs perfectly with burritos. Warm, lively music creates a welcoming atmosphere for quick, authentic bites.

Salsa packs a nice kick without overwhelming heat. It tastes exceptionally good, complementing the burritos well.

People are saying

"I found their burritos to be delicious and homemade every time."

"Fernanda's recommendations for coffee were amazing."

"The machaca burrito's meat was tender and flavorful with salsa on the side."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street in the busy downtown area.

2

The burrito costs $9, and drinks can be pricey.

3

There are no restrooms available at the location.

07
Californias Taco Shop image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small space fills quickly with steady activity, creating a busy and casual vibe. Menu highlights authentic Mexican flavors with large burritos and tacos. Salsas range from tamarindo to habanero, including standout tomatillo orange and creamy green options with a spicy kick.

Salsas here range from tamarindo to habanero, offering a good mix of sweet and spicy. The tomatillo orange and creamy green salsas stand out, with some options packing a noticeable kick.

People are saying

"The salsa here is amazing, especially the creamy green one."

"I'd drive a long way for their tasty carne asada fries."

"I considered their burritos to be the best in Southern California."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers all tacos at $2, which is a great deal.

2

They offer $6 Chipotle Burritos, displayed in yellow on the wall by the register.

3

They offer inside and outside seating.

08
Otay Farms Market & Mexican Food image 1

Mexican grocery store shines with fresh handmade tortillas and a vibrant salsa bar featuring salsa verde. Wide produce selection and on-site butcher ensure quality. Outdoor seating creates a casual vibe while prices stay affordable.

Fresh tortillas and authentic salsas stand out here. The salsa verde and fresh salsa bar offer a great selection alongside other Mexican staples.

People are saying

"I found the handmade flour tortillas to be amazing."

"The meat selection at this market is outstanding and fresh."

"I loved the fresh salsas and handmade tortillas here."

Good to know

1

Ample free parking is available at the market.

2

The parking lot is handicap accessible.

3

Expect a great selection of fresh vegetables and fruits at good prices.

09
Birrieria y menuderia Guadalajara image 1

Taco shop style space offers authentic Mexican ambiance with a family-like atmosphere. Two standout salsas include a habanero and a thick red chili salsa, both spicy and perfect with homemade tortillas. Generous portions and lively vibe make it a favorite spot.

Two salsas stand out: a habanero and a thick red chili salsa. The red salsa is very spicy and flavorful, paired well with homemade tortillas and chips.

People are saying

"This Mexican food's menudo is rich, flavorful, and comforting."

"The birria tacos here are incredibly tasty and tender."

"I thought the menudo was worth a try, but it tasted mild."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45+ minute wait time during peak hours.

2

Parking is excellent on Main Street, but limited on Broadway.

3

Tacos and quesadillas are standard size, providing more value for the price.

10
Don Pedro Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdated Mexican spot offers huge portions and a quiet atmosphere with nice views. Salsas shine, especially the Salsa Verde, adding fresh flavor to meals. Vegetarian options on the board menu make it easy to find something tasty.

Salsas come in three varieties, all flavorful and balanced. Salsa Verde stands out as a favorite, pairing well with chips and drinks. Some dishes lean a bit greasy, but the salsa remains delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the burritos here were among the best I ever had."

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

"The salsa here is so delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday specials are available every Tuesday.

2

The restaurant is open until 8:30 PM.

3

A meal costs around twelve dollars, including tip.

11
La Nacional image 1
Restaurant

Bright colors and playful decor create a lively vibe with a big space for large parties. Salsas are super spicy, featuring a hot chimi salsa and a red hot salsa that pack a punch. The bar shines with a top-notch tequila and mezcal selection and handcrafted cocktails that stand out.

Salsas here are super spicy with a hot chimi salsa and a red hot salsa that packs a punch. The verde salsa complements dishes like birria perfectly, and chips come with frijoles and salsa.

People are saying

"Their craft cocktails are amazing and packed a punch."

"The chilaquiles and birria at brunch are bursting with flavor."

"The salsa here packs a punch and is super spicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 6pm with the best prices on drinks.

2

There is paid street parking along Main Street.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is recommended for street vendors.

12
De Cabeza /El Único image 1

Authentic Mexican ranch decor and live music create a fun, family-like vibe. Unique tacos like cabeza and lengua shine with fresh toppings. Spicy roja salsa adds a homemade kick that pairs perfectly with corn tortillas.

Salsa comes with a spicy roja and a homemade kick that pairs well with tacos. It complements the corn tortillas and fresh toppings like onions and cilantro.

People are saying

"You have to try the tender, flavorful cabeza tacos here."

"The lamb head tacos here are unique and incredibly tender."

"The cabeza and lengua tacos are incredibly flavorful and tender."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging to find nearby.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during peak dining hours.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups.

13
Colima's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot serves huge burritos with authentic flavors and a clean salsa bar featuring six fresh, balanced sauces like sweet Verde and mild habanero. Casual vibe includes outdoor picnic tables and a drive-thru. Prices stay low, but bring cash.

Six distinct salsas offer a range of flavors from the sweet Verde with cucumber hints to the red salsa with mole undertones. The salsa bar stays fresh and clean, with options like avocado and habanero that balance flavor without heavy spice.

People are saying

"The California burrito's steak was well-seasoned and generously filled."

"The salsas here are fresh and flavorful, tasting like true Mexico."

"The burritos from the Drive Thru are enormous and fantastic."

Good to know

1

Cash is the only accepted payment method at this restaurant.

2

The shrimp bowl costs $11, offering good value.

3

The burrito size is twice as large as those at other shops.

14
Mujer Divina Brunch Café image 1
Brunch restaurant

Small brunch café with Mexican decor offers a warm atmosphere and cozy vibe. Salsas range from spicy huevos rancheros to rich enmoladas and Morita salsa chilaquiles. Outdoor seating is available but can be unstable, perfect for casual meals.

Salsas here range from spicy and soup-like with huevos rancheros to rich and flavorful on enmoladas and Morita salsa chilaquiles.

People are saying

"The chilaquiles here are savory and hit the spot."

"I thought the pancakes were amazing and delicious."

"The poblano and morita salsas were delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The café is small, so arrive early to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait time during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The tables are designed for two, but staff can accommodate larger groups.

15
El Patio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, colorful decor sets a casual Mexican vibe with a welcoming atmosphere. Chips are crispy and tangy, paired with homemade salsa that bursts with authentic flavor. Music adds to the lively energy, making the space feel fresh and clean.

Chips come crispy and tangy alongside salsa that tastes just like homemade. The salsa offers an authentic and flavorful start to the meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the shredded beef burrito with cheese sauce, is a must-try."

"I had the best Mexican breakfast, it was so filling."

"The chips and salsa here are really good."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunch hours, especially on holidays.

2

Parking is limited; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for some vendors.

16
Aqui Es Texcoco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot serves authentic barbacoa with slow-roasted lamb and rich bone broth. Salsas bring a spicy kick that lifts tacos and tortillas. Casual vibe with baseball games on TV keeps energy relaxed and seating is quick.

Salsas come with layers of flavor and a spicy kick that pairs well with the rich bone broth. They complement the tortillas and dishes like veg mushroom tacos, adding depth to the meal.

People are saying

"The lamb barbacoa here is phenomenal Mexican food."

"The salsa here is fresh and flavorful with the lamb barbacoa."

"I ate some of the best halal Mexican food I’ve had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges an 18% service fee on all bills.

2

Halal options are available, including goat and some meats.

3

Parking is easy to find around 3 pm on Fridays.

17
Tacos El Mayo image 1
Restaurant

Small space offers a friendly vibe with authentic birria tacos and grilled chicken known for great char and flavor. Fresh salsa is mild and inviting, enhancing the meal without heat. High-quality, tender meat shines in tacos and burritos, making it a must-try spot.

Fresh salsa stands out with a mild flavor and no spice. It keeps people coming back for more.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and always fresh."

"I found the birria tacos here to be excellent."

"I really enjoyed the fresh salsa here."

Good to know

1

Tacos El Mayo is located in a large parking lot facing Main Street.

2

Expect reasonable prices for quality food at Tacos El Mayo.

3

Articulate your order clearly to avoid misunderstandings due to language barriers.

18
El Ranchero Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Traditional Mexican spot serves authentic flavors with a family-friendly atmosphere. Street tacos shine on the patio, paired well with salsas that have a nice kick but mild heat. Quick lunch vibe keeps it casual, though staff can be rude when asked for more salsa.

Salsas have a nice kick without being wild spicy and bring out great flavors. The house red salsa enhances tacos and burritos, but staff can get rude when asked for more.

People are saying

"The breakfast tacos and burritos are delicious with flavorful salsa."

"The Mexican food, especially the burrito, is delicious and a good value."

"The house red salsa made the tacos and burrito even better."

Good to know

1

Street tacos are available on the patio at night.

2

They close at 7:30 pm, so arrive early to avoid missing out.

3

Limited parking is available, so plan accordingly.

19
Hermanos Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with homemade tortillas and perfectly seasoned meat. Fresh tacos and burritos come with two salsas, including a spicy red salsa and a guacamole salsa fresca mix. Cash-only and simple setup keep it authentic and cozy.

Salsas come in two types here, including a red salsa with perfect spice and a guacamole and salsa Fresca mixture served generously. Two salsas are provided, complementing the homemade tortillas and well-seasoned meat.

People are saying

"I thought the carne asada fries here did not disappoint."

"I loved their breakfast burritos; I hope to be back for another."

"The salsa here has just the right kick."

Good to know

1

The shop is cash only, so bring cash for your meal.

2

The portions are generous for just over $12.

3

Guacamole and sour cream come at no extra charge.

20
La Quinta Grill Restaurante image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large, modern space offers complimentary chips with spicy salsa that keeps coming. Live mariachi music adds a lively atmosphere that can be loud but fun. Family-friendly vibe and affordable prices make it a great spot for all ages.

Complimentary chips come with flavorful salsa that has a nice spicy kick. An endless supply of chips and salsa keeps the table stocked.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, especially the spicy salsa."

"The food here is beyond good, with big portions of authentic Mexican favorites."

"The complimentary salsa here is flavorful and has a nice spicy kick."

Good to know

1

Mariachi music is offered on Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm.

2

Parking is available, but spaces are limited and small.

3

Expect small portion sizes; some dishes may not be filling for two people.

21
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot offers a family-friendly atmosphere with quick service. Fresh salads and authentic salsas shine, especially the avocado salsa. Soft background music keeps the vibe relaxed and clean.

Avocado salsa stands out as delicious and consistent, often requested in larger portions. Mexican salsas offer an authentic taste, but the salsa bar is closed, so all salsa must be asked for at the counter.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and generously portioned."

"The Mexican food here is fresh and delicious, especially the chicken."

"The avocado salsa is just delicious."

Good to know

1

The establishment is consistently clean and organized.

2

Expect minimal wait times for food during off-peak hours.

3

The salsa bar is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

22
El Pollo Grill - Bonita image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with a help-yourself salsa bar featuring a green salsa with a perfect kick. Cozy space feels welcoming and slightly crowded. Grilled chicken is fresh and flavorful, making meals satisfying and vibrant.

A salsa bar offers many flavorful, homecooked options with a green salsa that has a perfect kick. The salsas complement dishes like burritos and go well with chips for a hearty snack.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is amazing; the burritos are huge and flavorful."

"The seafood bowls here are delicious and packed with shrimp."

"The salsa here is fresh and perfectly complements the burrito."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited with narrow spaces, so arrive early.

2

The restaurant offers a military discount for service members.

3

Portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

23
La India Bonita image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with flavorful burritos and excellent rolled tacos. Salsa packs a strong heat, especially the red one that tastes like hot tomato sauce. Quick service suits takeout lovers, with generous portions at great prices.

Hottest salsa delivers strong heat that requires a drink to cool down. The red salsa tastes more like hot tomato sauce than traditional salsa.

People are saying

"The carne asada burritos here are top notch and perfectly seasoned."

"The rolled tacos with toppings were excellent."

"I loved their hottest salsa; it was excellent."

Good to know

1

They don't have dine-in options available.

2

Phone orders are convenient and typically ready in under 10 minutes.

3

The portion sizes are generous for takeout orders.

24
Taquería Revolución image 1
Taco restaurant

Tight seating creates a lively vibe while keeping it cozy. Authentic Mexican tacos shine with mesquite wood-cooked meat and handmade tortillas. A fresh salsa bar offers rich, spicy flavors, especially the green salsa with a nice kick.

A fresh salsa bar offers a variety of salsas with rich, spicy flavors. The green salsa delivers a nice spicy kick and all salsas taste very good.

People are saying

"I loved the adobada tacos; they were phenomenal."

"You have to try the freshly made tortillas here; they're amazing."

"The salsa here is fresh and has a nice spicy kick."

Good to know

1

They do not accept cash; only card payments are accepted.

2

A California burrito costs $21, and extra charges apply for sides.

3

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on September 26, 2023.

25
Mariscos Negro Durazo image 1
Seafood restaurant

Enjoy authentic Sinaloa-style seafood with bold flavors like birria and fish tacos. Crisp, spicy salsa fresca pairs perfectly with fresh aguas frescas. Live Norteño music creates a lively atmosphere that’s fun but noisy, making conversation a challenge.

Chips come with crisp and fresh salsa fresca that is both spicy and flavorful. The salsa quickly whets the appetite and pairs well with aguas frescas.

People are saying

"I found the seafood here to be delicious and authentic."

"The birria and fish tacos here are traditional and full of flavor."

"The salsa here is spicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The fish tacos cost $1.65 each.

2

They accept cash, cards, or mobile pay.

3

It took about 10 minutes for my order to be ready.

26
El Pollo Grill - Otay Ranch image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious dining areas with San Diego sports decor create a lively vibe. Enjoy unlimited salsa bar options, especially the spicy hot sauce and salsa Verde. Generous portions of authentic grilled chicken and carne asada tacos offer great value.

Salsas here come with a salsa bar offering plenty of options. The hot sauce and salsa Verde stand out for their good, spicy flavors.

People are saying

"This burrito is huge and stuffed with delicious meat."

"The salsa here is really good and spicy."

"I thought the carne asada fries were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free on Wednesdays, making it a great family option.

2

Expect larger portion sizes, perfect for sharing or leftovers.

3

Prices are generally reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.

27
Los Panchos Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Lively taco spot offers varied salsa bar with unique green and white salsas. Seating is plentiful but feels outdated and built for speed. Great music adds to the quick, flavorful vibe perfect for casual Mexican food lovers.

A variety of salsas fills a clean salsa bar, including tasty red salsa and unique green and white options. Staff keep salsa packages well stocked and provide plenty of utensils with each order.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and plentiful."

"Cyndy made sure our Mexican food order had plenty of salsas and utensils."

"I thought the salsa here was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in front but there is plenty in the back.

2

You need to be hungry to finish the birria because of its large portion.

3

The price is great, making it affordable for families.

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Chula Vista, California

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