# Carne asada and al pastor in San Diego > Made for those who refuse to pick a favorite between the smoky char of al pastor and the savory depth of marinated carne asada. Source: https://www.atly.com/united-states/california/san-diego/best-al-pastor-carne-asada ## Places (17) ### 1. Mission Baja Tacos 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. - Address: 3819 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/MissionBajaTacos ### 2. Saco's Tacos 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. - Address: 2015 Garnet Ave Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92109, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Saco's-Tacos ### 3. La Perla #3 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. - Address: 1224 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/La-Perla-3 ### 4. La Perla Cocina #2 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. - Address: 1880 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/La-Perla-Cocina-2 ### 5. Taquería Los Chuchys 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. - Address: 543 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Taquería-Los-Chuchys ### 6. Crest Taco 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. - Address: 3980 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/CrestTaco ### 7. Tacos El Franc – Gaslamp Quarter 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. - Address: 524 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Tacos-El-Franc-–-Gaslamp-Quarter ### 8. Sara's Mexican Food 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. - Address: 2907 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Sara's-Mexican-Food ### 9. Tacaliente Mexican Grill 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. - Address: 1266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TacalienteMexicanGrill ### 10. Taquería Los Ruiz 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. - Address: 5010 Cass St suite k, San Diego, CA 92109, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Taquería-Los-Ruiz ### 11. Robert's Jalapenos 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. - Address: 2169 Fenton Pkwy UNIT 102, San Diego, CA 92108, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Robert's-Jalapenos ### 12. Tacos El Panson 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. - Address: 4433 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TacosElPanson ### 13. Tacos Asadero 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. - Address: 15721 Bernardo Heights Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92128, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TacosAsadero ### 14. El Paisa Fresh Mexican Grill 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. - Address: 2494 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92102, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/ElPaisaFreshMexicanGrill ### 15. La Fachada 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. - Address: 20 25th St, San Diego, CA 92102, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/LaFachada ### 16. The Taco Stand 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. - Address: 4646 Convoy St Suite 111, San Diego, CA 92111, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheTacoStand2 ### 17. TACO CENTRO 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. - Address: 539 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TACOCENTRO1 ## Get this data directly This page comes from the Atly Places API, which scores close to 2 million places against more than 1,400 intents — "nice view", "work friendly", "gluten free", "dog friendly" — from what real reviewers say, with the statements behind every score. - **MCP server:** `https://agentic-api.atly.com/mcp` — connect it in ChatGPT or Claude. Nothing to install. - **Guide for agents:** - **OpenAPI contract:** - **No key needed to start.** `POST https://agentic-api.atly.com/v0/keys` with an email raises the quota. Coverage is densest in the United States, with pockets in Mexico, Israel and Thailand.