Mexican restaurant with open market seating and plenty of outdoor patio space creates a chill, cozy atmosphere. Shared seating in a food hall setting offers a casual vibe with some quieter indoor tables. Energy stays relaxed, making it suitable for quick, quiet meals or casual gatherings.
Freshly made tortillas stand out with homemade dough and a strong corn flavor. They appear in various forms like double-tortilla tacos, crispy chips, and soft burrito wraps, all supporting well-balanced fillings.
Covered patio offers fresh and flavorful dining with a beautiful outdoor seating area. The space sits next to other spots in Urban Market, creating a nice vibe for outside seating.
Good to know
Tacos cost $5 each, making them an affordable option.
The restaurant is located one block off Old Town Avenue.
Free public parking is available across the street.
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.
Blue corn tortillas come on the side and taste good. Flour tortillas get toasted on a hot griddle to firm up and improve texture. Fried tortillas add a crunchy element, especially in the house fried tortilla chips served with salsa.
Great outdoor patio includes a fireplace and a fire pit. The outdoor bar offers heat lamps for warmth.
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.
Fluffy and homemade tortillas come hot and crispy, adding great texture to the dishes. Guacamole spreads creamy flavor before loading meat, onions, and cilantro, making the tacos rich and satisfying.
Atmosphere outside feels amazing and stands out from the busy Gaslamp District. Outdoor areas offer a relaxed vibe worth seeking out.
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.
Bright colors and beautiful decor create an inviting space with both indoor and outdoor seating, including a cozy patio with heaters and cover. Atmosphere feels authentic and relaxing, suitable for casual dining with fresh air and friendly energy. A standout feature is the fantastic salsa bar offering a range of heat levels.
Heirloom tortillas stand out with their freshness and authentic flavor. All tortillas are homemade, soft, and made without seed oils, including options that are organic.
Outdoor seating includes covered tables and heaters, making it comfortable in various weather. The space offers a lovely atmosphere blending indoor and outdoor areas.
Good to know
Taco Time Cantina offers unique taco options not available anywhere else.
The chef makes everything daily from scratch with over 20 years of experience.
Expect a 2% credit card surcharge not listed on the menu.
Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a quiet, relaxed atmosphere and a welcoming, family-style vibe. Offers handmade corn tortillas and authentic dishes in a neat, casual setting with both indoor and puppy-friendly outdoor patio seating.
Handmade corn tortillas are light and authentic, pairing well with the succulent meat in the birria tacos. The tortillas add a traditional touch and come in generous sizes, enhancing the overall dish.
The patio offers puppy friendly and adorable outdoor seating. The space feels super cute and works well for enjoying meals outside.
Good to know
Parking can be difficult to find near the restaurant.
The portions are larger than most places for the price.
The restaurant is known for its authentic birria tacos.
Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a homey atmosphere and handmade tortillas prepared in view. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant Market Street view surrounded by beautiful plants that enhance the welcoming vibe.
Freshly made corn tortillas come straight from the cook right in front of you. These handmade tortillas add a homemade taste that stands out with every dish.
Outdoor seating offers a cute spot with a clear view of Market Street. The patio overlooks the street, providing an open-air experience.
Good to know
Parking is recommended in the 99 cent store lot due to limited space.
Prices are not posted on the menu, which may lead to confusion.
Expect high prices for small portions of food.
Small seafood spot with tight seating and a mix of indoor and outdoor counters creates a casual, lively vibe. Music plays well, adding to the fun atmosphere where people gather for unique fish tacos and creative margaritas with agave wine.
Handmade tortillas stand out with their soft texture and fresh taste. They pair well with the locally caught fish and have a flavor that complements the dishes without being doughy.
Outdoor seating offers a nice inside/outside feel with good people watching. The ambiance includes good music that complements the space.
Good to know
Expect a 30-45 minute wait for your tacos after ordering.
Seating at Fish Guts is limited, so arrive early.
They may run out of menu items, especially during peak hours.
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.
Handmade tortillas stand out with their freshness and soft texture. They taste like homemade corn tortillas and pair well with tacos and burritos.
Outside seating offers a clean and comfortable spot to enjoy meals. The area maintains a tidy and inviting atmosphere.
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.
Small Mexican restaurant with cozy indoor and outdoor seating featuring colorful murals outside. Atmosphere feels lively and upbeat with good music playing, creating a friendly and festive vibe. The spot attracts people looking for authentic birria and mariscos in a casual, unassuming setting.
Warm, soft tortillas soak up the birria perfectly. Freshness stands out in both the grilled shrimp taco and birria tortillas, with great spice and well-done texture matching the fillings.
Good to know
Ferchaladas birria & mariscos accepts only cash payments.
Expect to wait due to the busy atmosphere.
It is difficult to find parking.
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.
Handmade tortillas come out light as clouds and fresh. They have a unique style that completes tacos and work well with dishes like al pastor and birria soup.
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.
Roomy dining areas combine with inside and outside seating to create a clean, modern environment. A self-serve salsa bar offers various options, adding a unique touch to the experience. The atmosphere feels chill and cozy, enhanced by views of a green field and mountains in the background.
Homemade tortillas stand out with a perfect balance of crisp and chewy textures. They wrap fresh, well-seasoned fillings like fluffy eggs and savory meats, and also come as toasted chips paired with fresh salsas.
Lunch on the patio feels great. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs.
Good to know
On Tuesdays, a free taco is offered with meal combo orders.
Expect a lively atmosphere on Taco Tuesdays with many locals attending.
Parking is available nearby, but can fill up quickly during peak hours.
Rustic, hip Mexican restaurant with tiny indoor seating and pet-friendly outdoor patio offering a beach view. Atmosphere is laidback and authentic with lively music that can make conversation challenging. Popular for its highly regarded burritos and tacos.
Soft, flavorful tortillas taste homemade and authentic. The flaky texture and melts in your mouth quality stand out, especially in the Cali burrito and stuffed tortillas.
Outdoor seating offers a view of the sunset and nearby beach activities. The area is pet friendly with expanded seating, though it lacks shade and sits close to the sidewalk.
Good to know
They close at 10 pm.
On weekdays, there is no wait to be seated.
Parking can be hard to find, but street parking is available nearby.
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.
Flour tortillas come out authentic and perfect with great salsas. Crispy corn tortillas have just enough thickness and are nicely fried, though some can be tough when paired with fried fish.
Sunny patio offers nice little tables for outdoor seating. Staff set up umbrellas to enhance comfort during warm days.
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.
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.
Tortillas come handmade and freshly made to order, tasting like they were prepared just minutes before serving. They have a homemade quality that pairs well with flavorful fillings.
Outdoor seating includes several tables outside that fill up on sunny days. The space feels authentic and small, fitting the vibe of the restaurant.
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.
Quaint bistro with authentic Mexican decor and soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Classic Mexican music plays, adding to the vibrant yet cozy vibe. Outdoor seating and a separate upstairs area offer varied spaces for dining and meetings.
Homemade tortillas and tortilla chips stand out for their freshness and delicious flavor. The tortilla soup is notable and often described as very good.
Outdoor seating features a romantic ambiance with intimate tables and soft lighting. Planters line the parking lot, adding a finely decorated touch to the patio area.
Good to know
Brunch includes unlimited mimosas at a great price.
Happy hour specials are available from 6pm.
Parking can be a challenge in the area.
Modern Mexican restaurant offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating with a breezy patio elevated for people watching. Atmosphere feels high class yet welcoming, with artistic plating and a lively bar featuring fresh margaritas and unique cocktails. Crowd enjoys a comfortable, friendly vibe with generous portions and stylish design.
Hand-pressed corn tortillas form the base for dishes like Tlayuda and Enmoladas, paired with earthy Mole. Blue corn tortillas stand out in tacos such as birria and al pastor, adding a unique touch.
Covered patio offers dog friendly outdoor seating with chill vibes. Staff keeps drinks and plates topped off even when the patio is crowded.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm most days with affordable prices.
Expect a busy crowd on weekends; arrive early to avoid long waits.
Parking can be limited with only street parking available.
Small Mexican restaurant offers a family atmosphere with nostalgic cantina vibes and a lively, crowded energy. Outdoor patio provides wonderful ocean views that complement the relaxed setting. A salsa bar and food truck add to the casual, authentic experience.
Fresh corn tortillas come thick and crunchy, holding up well for tacos with pico de gallo and Mexican cojita cheese. Chips and tostadas also feature the same consistently fresh tortillas.
Outdoor seating sits near the coastal bluffs with wonderful ocean views. The patio offers a nice sunset view over the Pacific.
Good to know
Street tacos cost $3 each.
A regular breakfast burrito costs $11.99, with extra charges for substitutions.
The two fish tacos and a drink cost under $10.
Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and laid-back atmosphere. Offers fast, affordable food with outdoor patio seating where people watch happens. Known for flavorful burritos and tacos that stand out in quality and taste.
Corn tortillas come out amazingly fresh and soft. Burritos and tacos use these tortillas to wrap fillings like bite-sized beef, cheese, pollo asada, and shrimp.
A small covered patio offers a spot to watch people and vehicles go by. Seating is limited both inside and outside, making the outdoor space cozy but tight.
Good to know
The wait at Don Carlos Taco Shop is usually short, even during rush hours.
There is limited seating available at Don Carlos Taco Shop.
Don Carlos Taco Shop offers a variety of menu options, including vegan choices.
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.
Fresh, homemade tortillas soak up juices for extra flavor. They also make homemade tortilla chips from scratch that are quite addictive, along with their own salsa.
Covered patio fills the air with rich aromas of spices and beef. Outdoor seating accommodates guests with service animals at outside tables.
Good to know
Brunch is available on Saturdays.
The restaurant opens at 6 am.
There is a nice-sized parking lot.
Outdoor seating under heat lamps creates a casual, festive vibe with loud music and lively energy. Small space features pop-up style canopies and benches styled like Tijuana. Shuttle service via golf cart or ATV helps navigate limited parking.
Handmade tortillas stand out with their soft texture and flavorful corn taste. Watching the cooks make them fresh adds to the experience.
Outdoor dining features casual table seating under heat lamps. The setup creates a relaxed vibe for evening meals.
Good to know
Parking is very limited, so consider carpooling or visiting during off-peak hours.
The wait time for tacos can be around 35 minutes during busy times.
Chula Tacos does not accept card payments; cash is required.
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.
Handmade tortillas stand out with a pillowy texture and crispy edges. They pair well with juicy beef and crispy fries, especially when dipped in rich broth. Tacos and sopes use real, homemade tortillas throughout.
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.
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.