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Top picks in San Diego

Carnitas and guacamole

Made for those who believe a rich, fatty pork dish is incomplete without a generous side of fresh, house-made avocado dip.

Based on 665 Opinions
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01
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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.

Guacamole comes with a perfect balance in the burrito and pairs well with crispy rolled tacos. It complements the solid meat in regular-sized tacos and enhances the flavor of tasty salsas.

People are saying

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

"The guacamole here is delicious and seasoned well."

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.

02
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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.

Fresh, cold guacamole comes in generous portions and tastes homemade. It pairs well with crispy tacos and charred Carne Asada, adding a delicious, fresh touch to the dishes.

People are saying

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

"The guacamole here is so fresh and generously portioned."

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
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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.

Chicken mini tacos come with generous guacamole, onions, and scallions. Guacamole appears in a good amount alongside sour cream. The California burrito includes guacamole as a standard topping now.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas were perfect."

"I enjoyed the guacamole on the burrito."

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.

04
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Outdoor patio with fire pits and heat lamps creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Mostly outdoor seating blends with a full bar and fun music for a lively, comfortable vibe. Organic, fresh ingredients complement the modern, pleasant setting.

Carnitas quesadilla stands out with rich flavor and great texture. The carnitas taco also offers a satisfying, well-seasoned bite among other taco options.

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3-6 pm with half-price tacos and draft beers.

2

Taco Tuesday features 50% off tacos and $5 margaritas during happy hour.

3

Parking is limited with no street parking available.

05
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Small Mexican restaurant offers a bright, cozy atmosphere with self-serve chips and salsa that stand out. Food features authentic tacos and burritos with fresh ingredients and generous portions. Space tends to be hot and humid, but prices remain affordable.

Carnitas tacos come in a lunch special with three tacos. The daily special often includes these tacos, making them a frequent choice. They pair well with other plates like carne asada and pollo asado.

Freshness stands out with the guacamole and salsa tasting very fresh and tasty. Some burritos include guacamole and cheese, which adds flavor, though not all orders have these consistently.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas tacos were the best little tacos I had in years."

"The guacamole and salsa were so fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

The prices at Señor Taquero 2 are affordable for Mexican cuisine.

2

The serving sizes at Señor Taquero 2 are generous.

3

There is sanitizer available on every table for cleanliness.

06
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Simple, authentic Mexican restaurant with homemade tortillas and a clean salsa bar. Atmosphere feels welcoming and lively with mom and pop energy and music adding to the vibe. Known for generous portions and tender carne asada tacos, it stays open late when few others do.

Tender and flavorful meat defines the carnitas here, served in generous portions. Options include tacos and burritos, with some preferring the tacos plain to highlight the meat's taste.

Guacamole comes in a surprisingly large portion and sometimes includes tomatillos. It can be mixed with mayonnaise or a similar ingredient, which affects the taste.

People are saying

"These carnitas were so tender and flavorful."

"The carne asada here is smoky and flavorful."

Good to know

1

El Charro Taco Shop is open 24/7, making it a late-night food option.

2

Each taco costs $6.50, providing a budget-friendly meal choice.

3

The burrito is under $15, offering good value for a filling meal.

07
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Mexican restaurant with an open floor plan and large windows creates a bright, airy feel. Outdoor patio seating with heaters offers a comfortable spot even in cooler weather. The vibe suits a younger crowd, blending stylish decor with a lively atmosphere.

Carnitas tacos feature tender meat with a warm, satisfying flavor. Portions lean slightly small but pair well with sides like queso and flan.

Creamy guacamole features a balance of flavors with roasted poblanos and caramelized onions. It comes with top-notch chips and salsa and often arrives in generous portions.

People are saying

"The guacamole here is creamy, fresh, and perfectly balanced."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-4pm on weekdays and all day on Tuesdays.

2

The bar area offers a special happy hour menu with great options.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

08
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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.

Carnitas appear in tacos, burritos, and plates with good flavor but sometimes need a bit more salt. Options include carnitas tacos and carnitas burritos alongside other meats.

Generous portions of guacamole come with tacos and carne asada chips. Free guacamole is provided, often paired with extra meat and fresh toppings like lettuce and sour cream.

People are saying

"They were generous with the guacamole."

"I thought the carnitas tacos needed a bit more salt."

Good to know

1

Robert's Jalapenos serves breakfast burritos all day.

2

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on food.

3

The establishment is clean and well-maintained.

09
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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.

Cubed carnitas come well seasoned with a mix of moist tender meat and crispy roasted pieces. Fatty bits add rich flavor, and salsa helps balance dryness when needed.

Generous portions of guacamole serve up to four people. The guacamole tastes fresh and well-made.

People are saying

"The carnitas are moist, flavorful, and have crispy parts."

"I found the guacamole to be traditional and unique."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer a buy 2 get 1 free deal on tacos.

2

The restaurant is open until 3 AM for late-night eats.

3

Parking can be challenging since it's located in Gaslamp.

10
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Small Mexican restaurant with limited indoor seating and a sunny outdoor patio featuring tables under umbrellas. Atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with a clean and modern design. A standout feature is the self-serve salsa bar offering a wide variety of options to customize meals.

Carnitas burritos come with rice, beans, lettuce, and chipotle. Some dishes mix carnitas with other meats, but the Chile Verde burrito has mostly refried beans, a bit of carnitas-style pork, and is very oily.

Plenty of fresh guacamole appears on dishes like carne asada fries, Adobada tacos, and burritos. Guacamole adds a creamy, rich layer to crispy rolled tacos and chicken tacos with extra cheese.

People are saying

"The crispy chicken tacos with guacamole made me exclaim in delight."

Good to know

1

There are only 6-7 parking spots on site, and street parking is often full.

2

The price for a large California burrito is $11, which is reasonable.

3

They offer a large selection of Mexican dishes beyond just tacos.

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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.

Fresh guacamole appears inside dishes like quesadillas and potato flautas, often paired with sour cream and pico de gallo. It balances well with crispy textures and sometimes dominates the filling, making it a key flavor component.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas tacos to be delicious."

"The guacamole and sour cream were packed inside my quesadilla."

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.

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