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Carnitas and shrimp tacos in San Diego

The contrast between crispy carnitas and fresh shrimp tacos makes for a balanced meal.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
Mission Baja Tacos image 1
Mission Baja Tacos image 2
Mission Baja Tacos image 3
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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.

Shrimp tacos come battered or grilled with fresh pico and green salsa. They offer great value and pair well with other tacos like Al pastor and carne asada.

People are saying

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

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

"I experienced the best shrimp taco I have ever had."

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.

02
Contodo Fresh Mexican Eats image 1
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.

Shrimp tacos come with grilled shrimp and a spicy kick. They pair well with poblano flavors and stand out alongside other favorites like fish tacos and carne asada mulitas.

People are saying

"The carnitas burrito was excellent and very flavorful."

"The carnitas here are juicy and crispy."

"The shrimp tacos here are amazing and the flavor is on point."

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.

03
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.

Bacon wrapped shrimp tacos stand out with their unique flavor. Baja style fish and shrimp tacos offer a classic taste that pairs well with other dishes like the fish burrito.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the bacon wrapped shrimp tacos."

"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.

04
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.

Shrimp tacos feature perfectly cooked shrimp with a solid balance of flavors. They pair well with other tacos like carne asada and carnitas for a varied meal.

People are saying

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

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

"These Shrimp Tacos are outstanding; I've never had better."

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.

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.

Shrimp tacos deliver fresh, flavorful bites that stand out. They pair well with steak for a naughty treat and keep people coming back for more.

People are saying

"The staff here are super friendly and attentive."

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

"I can't stop ordering these phenomenal shrimp tacos."

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
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.

Perfectly cooked shrimp fill the tacos with fresh flavor. The shrimp tacos pair well with crispy churros on the side.

People are saying

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

"I thought the shrimp tacos were the best I 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.

07
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.

Shrimp tacos stand out with very flavorful fillings and excellent sauce choices that pair well with all tacos. They rank as a favorite dish and receive consistent praise for taste.

People are saying

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

"The shrimp tacos here are really flavorful and tasty."

"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.

08
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.

Shrimp tacos come in a good size, usually two per order, enough to fill you up. They include a lot of cabbage, which can overpower the shrimp flavor. Fridays offer a deal of two shrimp tacos for $5.

People are saying

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

"The shrimp tacos here are a good size and reasonably priced."

"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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