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.
Great outdoor patio includes a fireplace and a fire pit. The outdoor bar offers heat lamps for warmth.
"The outdoor space with its fireplace and fire pits is so comfortable."
Good to know
Happy hour runs daily from 3-6 pm with half-price tacos and draft beers.
Taco Tuesday features 50% off tacos and $5 margaritas during happy hour.
Parking is limited with no street parking available.
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.
Atmosphere outside feels amazing and stands out from the busy Gaslamp District. Outdoor areas offer a relaxed vibe worth seeking out.
"The outdoor seating here is really nice and perfect for a meal."
"The carnitas tacos here are flavorful and have a perfect char."
Good to know
Parking is limited in the downtown area, so arrive early.
Expect long wait times during peak lunch hours.
The restaurant does not have a restroom available for customers.
Mexican restaurant shares space in an old house with other food and drink places, featuring a cozy atmosphere and a great patio area for outdoor seating. The vibe suits quick meals and relaxed dining, attracting those who appreciate generous portion sizes and well-seasoned meats.
Soft tacos filled with fresh carnitas offer a delicious flavor and come in a good size. The carnitas consistently taste excellent.
A convenient little patio offers a spot to eat and chill. The outdoor seating area feels nice and works well on sunny days.
"The patio is a great outdoor space to relax and eat."
"The carnitas here are fresh, delicious, and a very good size."
Good to know
Parking can be tight during peak hours, so arrive early.
Catering services are available for both small and large groups.
They offer options for dietary restrictions, making it inclusive.
Wine bar offers quaint indoor space and a lovely outdoor patio with dog-friendly seating. Atmosphere feels warm and comfy with a neighborhood vibe and moderate noise from street traffic outside. Natural wines and unique drink options stand out among the offerings.
Huge portions of carnitas appear in dishes like the breakfast sando and carnitas hash. Carnitas empanadas come with chimichurri for added flavor.
Large outdoor patio offers plenty of seating and welcomes dogs. Sidewalk patio provides a sunny spot to relax with a good wine selection and friendly staff nearby.
"The patio is lovely and perfect for catching up with friends."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended as it gets busy, especially during dinner hours.
You must be 21 or older to sit inside the venue.
Parking can be challenging; expect to find spots at least two blocks away.
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.
Outdoor seating includes busy tables and spots for those with pups. The area offers a nice setup for enjoying meals outside.
"The carnitas here are so moist, tender, and well-seasoned."
"You can enjoy their outdoor seating area, especially if you bring your pup."
Good to know
On Tuesdays, enjoy $2.50 street tacos and two for $5 specials.
Happy hour features $3 pints and $6 margaritas from 2 to 6 PM and all day on weekends.
Outdoor seating is available for dogs.
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.
Patio offers a dog friendly environment with a quiet and nice space to eat outdoors.
"The patio seating is dog friendly and quiet."
"I found the carnitas to be incredible."
Good to know
Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks.
Parking is available on-site for visitors.
The restaurant is now called MARISCOS GERMAN.
Bright, open bakery with heated patios and live local music creates a warm, inviting vibe. Small indoor space fills quickly, making it lively and social with families, dogs, and shared tables. Unique entry by buzz-in adds a speakeasy feel to the experience.
Fusion croissants stand out with the Carnitas Croissant offering a unique blend of flavors. These croissants have 96 layers of butter and deliver a taste that rivals traditional French versions.
Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio with heaters for cool mornings. Easy parking and a nearby park make it convenient for visitors with pets.
"The outdoor seating is lovely, especially with the heaters."
"The carnitas croissant is a unique and amazing fusion."
Good to know
Live music performances happen every Saturday morning.
Pre-ordering is recommended as popular items often sell out quickly.
Expect long lines on Saturday mornings, especially for croissants.
Brewpub offers outdoor patio seating with incredible bay views and an authentic feel. Atmosphere stays relaxed and lively, with dog-friendly spaces and occasional loud music from nearby pier speakers. Visitors enjoy excellent beer selections and highly praised tacos while unwinding by the water.
Breakfast chilaquiles come with fries, eggs, and carnitas. Tacos feature carnitas alongside fish and shrimp options. Carnitas quality varies from delicious to moderately bad.
Outdoor seating offers great views of the harbor and the water. The patio and courtyard areas provide a dog friendly and relaxed vibe for watching people and enjoying drinks.
"I loved sitting in the outdoor space with its beautiful water views."
Good to know
Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.
They offer a 10% discount on Taco Tuesdays.
Military discounts are available on all items.
Converted 1930s cable car offers a cozy, vintage vibe with a whimsical, cute atmosphere inside and a tropical-style garden patio outside. The space feels fresh and family-owned, attracting those who enjoy casual, authentic Mexican dining in a unique setting.
Carnitas appear in several dishes like tacos, tostadas, and a torta named Pancho Villa. They come alongside eggs in the Divorciados and Logan dishes, showing versatility across meals.
A beautiful patio with plants creates an airy outdoor garden space that feels larger than the inside. Seating on the back patio offers a nice spot for people watching and enjoying neighborhood events.
"The back patio is a beautiful outdoor space with plants."
"I enjoyed the carnitas torta at El Carrito."
Good to know
You order at the counter and then choose a table.
The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Parking can be hard to find near the restaurant.
Large outdoor patio with sandy flooring and shade from trees creates a relaxed, dog-friendly setting. Atmosphere feels chill and cool but can be awkwardly quiet without background music. Popular spot for enjoying bacon-wrapped Mexican-style hot dogs alongside beer from the neighboring brewery.
The carnitas dog features charred quality meat and comes at a price under 10 dollars. It stands out for its delicious flavor and well-cooked texture.
Outdoor seating offers a dog-friendly environment with sandy flooring and several tables shaded by umbrellas or young olive trees. The space feels spacious and clean with a nice breeze, perfect for enjoying the weather.
"The outdoor space here is really spacious and clean."
"I thought the carnitas dog was top notch and charred just right."
Good to know
Ordering is done through a kiosk; no reservations are required.
The outdoor seating area is dog friendly and located in Downtown.
There is no parking lot; street parking or rideshare is necessary.
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.
Outside seating offers a clean and comfortable spot to enjoy meals. The area maintains a tidy and inviting atmosphere.
"The fresh tortillas here make the burritos and tacos fantastic."
"The carnitas here are juicy and crispy."
Good to know
$1.99 fish taco special is available, making it a great deal.
The taco shop has a drive-thru for convenient ordering.
Expect reasonable prices and good portion sizes.
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.
A great outdoor sitting area offers a nice spot to enjoy meals while feeling connected to the weather. Large windows and an open floor plan create a vibe like dining on the patio even indoors.
"The outdoor space here is fantastic and great for enjoying the weather."
"I thought the carnitas tacos were the best I've ever had."
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 2-4pm on weekdays and all day on Tuesdays.
The bar area offers a special happy hour menu with great options.
Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.
Covered patio and interior blend earth tones with tropical vibes creating a calm, inviting atmosphere. Salsa bar offers homemade sauces and chips made from scratch. Food features authentic Mexican dishes with generous portions and fresh tortillas soaking up rich flavors.
Carnitas come in a huge portion that can last for dinner later. They are mildly seasoned to perfection and rank among the best Mexican food around.
Covered patio fills the air with rich aromas of spices and beef. Outdoor seating accommodates guests with service animals at outside tables.
"The carnitas here are some of the best I've ever had."
"You can sit at an outside table here."
Good to know
Brunch is available on Saturdays.
The restaurant opens at 6 am.
There is a nice-sized parking lot.
Modern, hip interior blends with outdoor seating and bar swings to create a lively atmosphere. Music plays loudly, energizing the space with a vibrant vibe. Patrons enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine alongside well-made margaritas and unique cocktails in a setting that balances warmth and trendiness.
Tacos feature tender carnitas with a rich flavor. Carnitas stand out alongside other options like pork belly and Baja fish.
Outdoor seating includes a quiet outside deck with a relaxed atmosphere. Service tends to be attentive when few people are present.
"The carnitas tacos were really good."
"The carnitas tacos here are really good."
Good to know
URBANA offers happy hour deals daily from 2 to 4 pm, including weekends.
Taco Tuesday features $5 tacos, making it a popular choice.
Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure good service.
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.
Carnitas tacos come cooked to perfection with onions, cilantro, and hot sauce. The mulitas de carnitas feature crunchy tortillas filled with carnitas and melted cheese.
"The carnitas tacos and mulitas are still delicious."
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.
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.
Outdoor seating includes several tables outside that fill up on sunny days. The space feels authentic and small, fitting the vibe of the restaurant.
"You can eat outside on the patio when the weather is nice."
"The carnitas are moist, flavorful, and have crispy parts."
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.
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.
Sunny patio offers nice little tables for outdoor seating. Staff set up umbrellas to enhance comfort during warm days.
"You can enjoy the sunny patio with tables under umbrellas."
Good to know
There are only 6-7 parking spots on site, and street parking is often full.
The price for a large California burrito is $11, which is reasonable.
They offer a large selection of Mexican dishes beyond just tacos.
Mexican restaurant with colorful interior featuring cactus-themed wallpaper and cowboy hat decorations offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Seating includes covered outdoor patio and ample indoor space, complemented by a self-serve salsa bar. Drive-thru service adds convenience to the experience.
Smoky flavor defines the carnitas here, making it rich and distinct. Served in burritos and tacos, the portions lean toward moderate size.
A covered patio offers a bright, sealed space with lots of light. Outdoor seating includes a variety of options with some tables under cover and a cute patio area.
"The outdoor space has papel picado banners fluttering."
"I had a solid carnitas burrito here."
Good to know
Expect to pay around $7 for each taco, which is on the higher side.
The restaurant offers generous portions, especially for tacos.
Combo prices range from $10 to $20, which is reasonable for the area.