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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of San Diego

Carnitas and fish tacos

A menu that treats carnitas and fish tacos with equal respect, rather than making one of them feel like a compromise.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Contodo Fresh Mexican Eats image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers clean interior and spacious patio seating with a pleasant outdoor vibe. Atmosphere stays cool and relaxed with good music and a comfortable setting. It attracts those looking for a casual spot to enjoy fresh, well-regarded tacos and burritos.

Juicy and crispy textures define the carnitas here, delivering authentic and flavorful bites. Options include tacos, burritos, and plates, all noted for their rich flavor and satisfying quality.

Fish tacos come fresh and super flavorful with a spicy kick. They cost $2.99 and pair well with fries or a California burrito.

People are saying

"The carnitas burrito was excellent and very flavorful."

"The carnitas here are juicy and crispy."

"I thought the fish tacos were among the best I had."

Good to know

1

$1.99 fish taco special is available, making it a great deal.

2

The taco shop has a drive-thru for convenient ordering.

3

Expect reasonable prices and good portion sizes.

02
Mission Baja Tacos image 1

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.

Meat comes fresh and tender, roasted to perfection. Tacos are generous in size and packed with incredible flavor.

Crunchy, generous portions of fried fish come with perfect toppings. Grilled fish and shrimp tacos offer exceptional flavor in a Baja style.

People are saying

"The tacos here are delicious and brimming with meat and toppings."

"I thought the fish tacos were so delicious."

"The carnitas tacos were stuffed with tender roasted pork."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.99 each.

2

They have dedicated gluten-free fryers to avoid cross-contamination.

3

Parking can be challenging near the restaurant.

03
Roxy’s Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with heated outdoor seating and picnic tables creates a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. Upbeat music adds to the chill vibe while friendly staff contribute to a comfortable experience. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant spot despite the surrounding urban grunge.

Carnitas stand out for their rich flavor and generous portions. Tacos and burritos packed with carnitas taste great on their own without needing extra salsa.

Fried fish tacos stand out with perfect crispiness and rich flavor. Shrimp and other taco options like carne asada and carnitas also deliver delicious variety.

People are saying

"I had the best burrito I’ve ever had."

"The fried fish tacos here are jammin' and perfect."

"The carnitas tacos here are flavorful and have a perfect char."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in the downtown area, so arrive early.

2

Expect long wait times during peak lunch hours.

3

The restaurant does not have a restroom available for customers.

04
Ortiz's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-owned Mexican restaurant with a simple, no-frills setup. Atmosphere feels casual and efficient, with quick service despite limited space. Known for authentic tacos and best California burritos, it draws a steady crowd seeking affordable, high-quality Mexican food.

Perfectly cooked carnitas appear in tacos and California burritos, offering a flavorful alternative to carne asada. The carnitas tacos stand out alongside other options like buche and al pastor.

Fish tacos stand out as a delicious and personal highlight here. They come in combo plates and pair well with other items like the California burrito.

People are saying

"This Cali burrito is excellent, truly the best I've tasted."

"I found the fish tacos to be delicious and awesome."

"I thought the carnitas were perfect."

Good to know

1

Parking is tough due to the limited lot size, which has barely 12 spaces.

2

If the parking lot is full, consider parking at the Plaza next door.

3

To save time, call in your order at least 15 minutes prior for fast pickup.

05
Johnny Mañanas Ocean Beach image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers colorful storefront and outdoor seating with views of the pier. Atmosphere shifts from quiet early afternoons to a lively vibe later, enhanced by Mexican music and a self-serve salsa bar. Affordable drinks include $5 margaritas and draft beers, complementing well-regarded tacos and burritos.

Shredded carnitas meat comes well seasoned, juicy, and tender. Large portions appear in tacos and plates, with options to customize burritos loaded with fatty carnitas.

Crispy fish tacos cost $3.50 and stay consistently delicious. The breaded texture and affordable price make them stand out, with both grilled and crispy versions available.

People are saying

"The staff here are super friendly and attentive."

"These fish tacos are super tasty and crispy."

"The carnitas here are so moist, tender, and well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, enjoy $2.50 street tacos and two for $5 specials.

2

Happy hour features $3 pints and $6 margaritas from 2 to 6 PM and all day on weekends.

3

Outdoor seating is available for dogs.

06
Karina's Ceviche Bar 'N Tacos image 1

Small, intimate space with large front patio and picnic tables inside. Atmosphere feels laid-back and welcoming, with a market selling seafood on site. Patio offers a quiet spot to relax while enjoying fresh seafood dishes.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. The Carnitas Burrito offers a satisfying, hearty option alongside the birria.

Fish tacos come in large portions and taste fresh with a Baja style twist. Shrimp tacos also stand out alongside the fish options.

People are saying

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

"The fish tacos here are delicious and packed with flavor."

"I found the carnitas to be incredible."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks.

2

Parking is available on-site for visitors.

3

The restaurant is now called MARISCOS GERMAN.

07
Smoky Habanero Mexican Cuisine image 1

Spacious seating and ample space create a comfortable dining environment with a clean, bright atmosphere. Music plays at a volume that supports conversation, and friendly staff contribute to a welcoming vibe. Regularly showing NFL and NBA games adds a casual, community feel to the experience.

Shredded pieces stand out in the carnitas, offering a mix of cubes and shreds. The carnitas appear in burritos, tacos, and meat plates, paired with items like guacamole and spicy carrots.

Fish tacos feature perfectly cooked fish with a light crunch. They come with fresh slaw, zesty lime, and a sauce that ties all the flavors together.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best in town."

"The chips and salsa here are served warm and taste freshly made."

"I found the carnitas burrito to be one of the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options.

2

Most menu items are made in-house, ensuring freshness.

3

Parking might be difficult to find in the area.

08
Tacaliente Mexican Grill image 1

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.

Carnitas show up in tacos and nachos with a delicious, tasty flavor. They come alongside other meats like al pastor and carne asada, often priced at 99 cents each for tacos.

Massive, battered fish tacos come at a very affordable price, around $1.70 each. Happy hour offers draft beer and fish tacos for $2.50, with options like chipotle sauce adding flavor.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be fantastic and packed with flavor."

"The fish tacos here feel like family thanks to Matthew's warm welcome."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers four tacos for $7 starting at 2 PM.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 8 PM with fish tacos at $1.29 each.

3

They accept credit cards only; no cash payments.

09
La Vecindad Neighborhood TACOS image 1

Colorful outdoor seating and kitsch Mexican vecindad decor create a lively, fun atmosphere with cool vibes. Unique salsa bar and flavorful micheladas add to the experience. The place feels like a casual trip south of the border with inviting, spacious surroundings.

Tacos feature crispy, flavorful carnitas that stand out. Options include classic carnitas and combinations with other fillings like cochinita and shrimp.

Grilled fish tacos stand out with their blackened seasoning and fresh preparation. The fish tacos pair well with other items like carne asada fries and offer a consistently delicious flavor worth trying any day.

People are saying

"I ate the best tacos I have ever eaten here."

"I found the fish tacos to be outstanding."

"The carnitas tacos tasted like they were just pulled out of the pot."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 2 tacos for $8 and $9 house margaritas.

2

Happy hour runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3 to 6 pm.

3

Each canned or bottled soda is priced at $4.

10
La Perla #3 image 1
Restaurant

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.

Carnitas here come in a big, filling California burrito and a fresh, flavorful torta. The meat can be a little dry but still holds up well in tacos and other dishes.

Fish tacos stand out for their freshness and bold flavor. They come quickly and offer great taste at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"I had the best California burrito I’ve ever had."

"I thought the carnitas torta was fresh and flavorful."

"These fish tacos are fantastic and really great."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.50 each with a discount.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours, especially on Fridays.

3

Parking is limited with only 5-7 spots available; street parking may be necessary.

11
Mr. Ruribertos Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with outdoor seating and a rustic, bright atmosphere near the beach creates a casual vibe. Country music plays softly while a salsa bar adds a lively touch. The place draws a mix of locals and late-night diners seeking authentic Mexican flavors.

Carnitas tacos come in generous portions and pair well with other items like burritos al pastor and carne asada. Plates are large enough that finishing the carnitas plate can be a challenge.

Large and filling fish tacos stand out here. They deliver a consistently awesome flavor that many find memorable.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best Mexican food in Mission/PB."

"These fish tacos are the best I have ever had."

"These carnitas are some of the best tacos I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens at 7 am, but check for any delays.

2

There is no restroom available for customers on the premises.

3

Sufficient seating is available both indoors and outdoors.

12
El Indio Mexican Restaurant and Catering image 1

Classic Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating including a garden patio. Atmosphere mixes a 1940s vibe with occasional loud order announcements, creating a unique but sometimes startling environment. Features a salsa bar and homemade tortillas, adding to its traditional appeal.

Carnitas Burrito stands out with rich flavor and satisfying portions. The carnitas chimichanga also delivers a solid taste, while the carnitas tacos show promise for even better flavor.

Fried fish tacos stand out with a crispy texture. Super fish tacos come with beans and rice for a fuller meal. The fish tacos offer a tasty and satisfying option.

People are saying

"I thought the shredded beef tacos were the best."

"I thought the fish tacos here were incredible."

"I couldn't stop eating the flavor-filled carnitas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu includes $3.50 for two street tacos and $5 margaritas.

2

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

3

Parking is available across the street in a dedicated lot.

13
TACO CENTRO image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Tacos feature tender carnitas with a rich flavor. Burritos also include well-seasoned carnitas alongside other options like mushrooms.

Fried fish tacos come with a spicy avocado dip and a fresh salsa made from tomatoes and onions. They include a generous amount of cabbage and are served on fresh homemade corn tortillas.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be spectacular."

"I thought the fish tacos were the best I had ever eaten."

"The carnitas tacos here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 beers on Taco Tuesdays from 6 PM.

2

Taco specials are available on Tuesdays and game days.

3

Expect the restaurant to be busy on Taco Tuesdays, around 75% full.

14
MATADOR Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cozy indoor seating and clean, well-decorated interior creates a vibey atmosphere. The place offers an excellent salsa bar and a large menu featuring flavorful tacos and birria. Portions tend to be affordable and satisfying, making it a solid spot for authentic Mexican food.

Carnitas here are flavorful and tender with a good mix of ingredients in the chips. The carnitas burrito tends to be on the smaller side.

Fish tacos come with a lot of cabbage, which can overpower the taste of the fish. They offer a good deal and match the quality of popular food trucks.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and the price is good."

"These fish tacos were bomb, seriously flavorful."

"I thought the carnitas here were very delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has no public restrooms available.

2

Parking can be tight, so arrive early.

3

Dine-in is not allowed; takeout only.

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