Mexican restaurant with a casual, chill atmosphere and TV showing futbol and movies. Offers a salsa bar and plenty of seating, making it suitable for groups or studying. Known for fresh ingredients and affordable prices with standout dishes like hard-shell potato tacos and carnitas.
Carne asada quesadilla and hard-shell potato taco stand out as key dishes. Carne asada fries also appear in popular combos like with shrimp burritos.
Soft tacos feature Al Pastor with a tender, flavorful profile. They serve it alongside other meats like carnitas and carne asada, offering a solid choice for taco variety.
Good to know
Street parking can be limited, so arrive early.
The restaurant has ample seating for groups.
Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
Small, charming Mexican restaurant with handmade tortillas and a varied salsa bar. Inside seating features traditional decorations like piñatas and mellow yellow lighting, creating a friendly, authentic vibe. The atmosphere feels lively and welcoming, reflecting a family-run, homely energy.
Juicy Carne Asada shines in both tacos and burritos here. Burritos come large, often lasting multiple meals, and beans can be added for extra filling.
Tender and flavorful Al Pastor tacos stand out alongside the Al Pastor burrito, which comes highly praised even without cilantro. Both options deliver a consistently phenomenal taste.
Good to know
Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.99 each.
They have dedicated gluten-free fryers to avoid cross-contamination.
Parking can be challenging near the restaurant.
Mexican restaurant with fresh, authentic flavors and a salsa bar offering various sauces. Interior feels cool and inviting despite simple seating, creating a casual atmosphere. Known for generous portions and well-prepared meats, it attracts those who value flavor and freshness.
Carne asada features perfect flavor and is well-seasoned. Tacos come perfectly cooked and deliver solid taste.
Street mini tacos come loaded with rich Al Pastor. The flavor stands out among favorites like Carnitas and cabeza.
Good to know
They offer 99¢ tacos on Tuesday and 3 for $7 all week long.
Expect a busy atmosphere on Taco Tuesdays due to the great deals.
Parking is limited, so consider street parking or arriving by rideshare.
Small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a mom and pop vibe and authentic atmosphere. Indoor seating feels cozy but congested, with a lively and loud environment during busy times. Tables arranged like a fast food spot, creating a casual, low-key dining experience.
Grilled tortilla wraps well-seasoned carne asada with crispy fries and balanced guacamole. Tacos and nachos feature packed meat with onion and cilantro for solid flavor.
Al Pastor stands out for its extreme freshness and comes in both tacos and burritos. The tacos are gluten-free and pair well with rice and beans.
Good to know
Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.50 each with a discount.
Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours, especially on Fridays.
Parking is limited with only 5-7 spots available; street parking may be necessary.
Hole-in-the-wall taco shop with a simple setup and freshly cooked meat defines the space. Atmosphere feels unassuming with a no frills vibe and long wait times due to made-to-order preparation. Prices lean toward the higher side, but the quality California burritos stand out as a signature offering.
Juicy carne asada shines in burritos with a great mix of ingredients, including perfectly cooked fries and plenty of guacamole. The meat stays lean and fresh, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Al pastor burritos stand out with their phenomenal flavor and are a consistent choice alongside carne asada. Portion sizes have become smaller but the taste remains strong.
Good to know
The burrito costs $14.00 without tip.
Expect long wait times during peak hours.
Parking is almost nonexistent at both locations.
Narrow space with rail seating and a self-serve salsa bar offers a casual, hole-in-the-wall vibe. Atmosphere feels humble and welcoming, though seating can be cramped. Outdoor tables provide a pleasant alternative when weather allows.
Carne asada features well seasoned, flavorful meat that stands out in tacos, burritos, and quesatacos. Tacos come stuffed to the brim and deliver a perfectly cooked experience.
Al pastor stands out with its full flavor and perfect grilling. It pairs well with other tacos but often steals the show on its own.
Good to know
Taco Tuesdays offer a buy 2 get 1 free deal on tacos.
The restaurant is open until 3 AM for late-night eats.
Parking can be challenging since it's located in Gaslamp.
Remodeled space with open kitchen view and standing tables only creates a clean, inviting atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes bright yellow umbrellas and a bar area, encouraging a casual, social vibe. The place draws a crowd looking for freshly grilled tacos in a trendy, friendly setting.
Fresh meat stands out in the carne asada dishes here. The carne asada burrito and taco with fresh guacamole both deliver strong, tasty flavors.
Al Pastor tacos stand out for their rich flavor and tender meat. The Al Pastor burrito offers a satisfying, well-seasoned option with a good balance of ingredients.
Good to know
Crest Taco offers a limited menu of high-quality tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
Fish tacos are available for $1.99, making them a budget-friendly option.
The restaurant is open late on weekends, perfect for late-night cravings.
Modern taco shop with an open kitchen and handmade tortillas creates a clean, cozy atmosphere filled with lively music. The space offers ample seating and a vibe that blends authenticity with contemporary style. Known for authentic tacos and micheladas that echo Tijuana flavors.
Carne asada tacos and carne asada fries stand out with strong flavor. The menu also features carne asada quesadilla tacos and tostadas that deliver solid taste.
Tacos come with grilled pineapple on top, adding a sweet touch. Al Pastor shows up in mixed dishes like the Vampiro mixta with carne asada. The flavor stands out consistently.
Good to know
Expect long wait times during peak hours; reservations are not accepted.
Parking is challenging on 5th Avenue; consider using public transport.
Prices are high; expect to pay around $44 for four tacos and a mulita.
Walk-up window with outdoor seating creates a casual, lively vibe with authentic streetside décor. Small tables on the sidewalk invite a simple, inviting atmosphere near the beach. The place draws people looking for generous portions of highly regarded burritos and tacos.
Tender, succulent carne asada features a delicate balance of spices and a just right level of smokiness. It appears in dishes like carne asada fries, burritos, and tacos, often paired with guacamole, sour cream, and potatoes.
Tender, juicy al pastor tacos offer perfectly balanced flavors that stand out. The al pastor burrito packs even more flavor and often replaces the tacos as a preferred choice.
Good to know
The restaurant has limited seating capacity, so plan accordingly.
Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.49 each, a great deal.
Sara's Mexican Food is open late for late-night cravings.
Open, spacious dining area features bright murals and mounted TVs creating a casual, authentic vibe. A self-serve salsa bar with hot carrots adds interactive flavor options. The atmosphere suits relaxed meals with family and friends, blending modern comfort with traditional Mexican elements.
Marinated for three days, the carne asada delivers flavor-packed, tender steak wrapped in soft corn tortillas with fresh onion and cilantro. The carne asada fries feature perfectly seasoned steak and stand out as a flavorful must-try.
Al pastor tacos come with corn tortillas and offer a delicious flavor even without pineapple. The al pastor appears in tacos and burritos, both noted for being very tasty and affordable.
Good to know
Taco Tuesday offers four tacos for $7 starting at 2 PM.
Happy hour runs from 4 to 8 PM with fish tacos at $1.29 each.
They accept credit cards only; no cash payments.
Outdoor seating dominates with four and two-top tables under an open door that warms the space. A salsa bar adds a lively touch, complementing the homemade tortillas and generous portions that define the menu. The atmosphere balances casual dining with affordable prices and a steady lunch rush.
Generous portions of tender carne asada come wrapped in fresh, well-toasted tortillas with real cheese. Carne asada tacos and burritos stand out for their amazing flavor and satisfying size.
Al pastor comes in a version that is not marinated as expected. Plates with al pastor and carnitas stand out. Salads with al pastor or chicken arrive in a freshly made, light tortilla bowl.
Good to know
Watch out for long wait times during the lunch rush.
The restaurant offers generous portions for the price.
Homemade tortillas are used in all dishes.
Mini sports bar with indoor and outdoor seating offers a help-yourself salsa bar and free chips. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming with comfortable seating and lively music. Serves large portions of fresh Mexican food including all-day breakfast burritos and beer on tap.
Carne asada stands out for its tenderness and rich flavor. Dishes like the carne asada burrito and nachos come in generous portions with quality ingredients like melted cheese, beans, and guacamole.
Al pastor tacos come with fresh corn tortillas and pair well with salsa verde. The meat is flavorful and served alongside other options like carne asada and carnitas.
Good to know
Robert's Jalapenos serves breakfast burritos all day.
Taco Tuesday offers great deals on food.
The establishment is clean and well-maintained.
Small space with stainless steel tables and a flame grill creates a lively, inviting atmosphere. Patrons enjoy authentic Mexican tacos with fresh handmade tortillas and a self-serve salsa bar. The vibe feels like home despite limited parking and simple surroundings.
Fresh and full of flavor, the carne asada shines in various dishes like burritos, tacos, and fries. The fries come cut a bit thicker, and the tortilla in the California burrito is just right.
Al pastor tacos come with mixed reviews here. Some find them excellent and traditional, while others feel they lack strong flavor compared to other tacos.
Good to know
Street parking is extremely tough during peak hours.
Parking can get tricky when the restaurant gets busier.
There is a surcharge for card use, so I recommend bringing cash.
Small taqueria with an open kitchen offers authentic TJ-style tacos and a comfortable, well-decorated interior. Atmosphere feels like a traditional taco shop in Tijuana, with top-quality cheese and toppings enhancing the experience.
Carne asada features a subtle smoky flavor and comes in fantastic tacos. The combination with nopal adds a nice touch.
Thin shaved al pastor cooks the right way, delivering authentic flavor. Tacos come out perfect and stand out compared to other spots.
Good to know
Expect to pay around $4 per taco.
Prices can reach $20 for a meal with tacos and a drink.
Limited seating is available, but many order to-go.
Open air design with huge windows creates a spacious feel. Live mariachi band and large bar add lively energy, though music can be loud. Crowd varies from easy-going to rowdy, especially near entrance at dinner.
Carne asada here melts in your mouth with tender, juicy flavor. The carne asada fries come in generous portions and taste amazing, making them a standout dish.
Al Pastor tacos offer solid flavor and good quality. The al pastor burrito stands out with excellent taste and a satisfying blend of ingredients.
Good to know
Parking is limited and tight.
You must order tacos in sets of three, similar to Tijuana style.
Expect higher prices than advertised.
Small hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with canteen-style seating and outdoor tables offers a lively, authentic atmosphere reminiscent of old 70s establishments. Noise levels rise at night, creating an inviting, energetic vibe. Known for excellent tacos and burritos with freshly made tortillas and standout lengua tacos.
Simple but flavorful Carne Asada tacos stand out here. The meat has a solid, consistent taste that pairs well with other items like al pastor sopes and horchata.
Al pastor tacos deliver rich, savory flavor in every bite. They pair well with delicious tortillas and stand out alongside shrimp and Pollo options.
Good to know
They only accept cash payments; Zelle and Venmo are also options.
The establishment closes at 3:00 am, catering to late-night visitors.
Parking is available, but the lot is very small.
Space is extremely narrow with limited seating, mostly standing room and a small counter. Atmosphere feels crowded and lively, with Mexican music playing and customers often brushing shoulders. Guests can watch homemade tortillas being prepared and enjoy a serve-yourself salsa bar.
Carne asada comes perfectly seasoned and grilled to smoky perfection. Options include carne asada fries and tacos with juicy, flavorful meat.
Rich and slightly sweet al pastor comes topped with a slice of pineapple. Tacos and burritos offer exceptional flavor and pair well with the sauce bar for added taste.
Good to know
The Taco Stand operates as an order-and-go type place with no seating available.
Parking can be challenging at The Taco Stand.
I recommend ordering ahead because they get busy.
Small Mexican restaurant with open kitchen and fresh tortilla making visible from inside. Atmosphere shifts from warm and inviting to loud music on busy days, with an outdoor patio offering a quieter option. Extensive salsa bar provides a wide variety of sauces to complement the food.
Carne asada stands out with generous steak portions and full flavor. The carne asada fries come with a green avocado sauce that adds a unique touch.
Tacos feature very flavorful Al Pastor with a different texture than typical pork versions. The Al Pastor comes with piña and works well in both tacos and bowls.
Good to know
Happy hour offers $5 beers on Taco Tuesdays from 6 PM.
Taco specials are available on Tuesdays and game days.
Expect the restaurant to be busy on Taco Tuesdays, around 75% full.