Bright walls showcase hand-painted murals and vibrant artwork that draw attention throughout the space. A self-serve salsa bar offers a variety of sauces and toppings, adding flavor options to meals. The atmosphere combines lively music with a casual, downtown vibe.
Tortillas come warm and freshly made, mostly corn, with a satisfying chewiness. Some tacos feature tortillas wrapped in grilled cheese or topped with crispy cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Quesadillas come in large portions that are good for sharing. Options like Pollo Adobo and xtra-cheesy giant stand out for flavor and size.
Good to know
Parking is available around the corner from the restaurant.
The restaurant does not have public restrooms for customers.
Expect no wait to order on Sunday nights.
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.
Fresh, hand-made corn tortillas cook right in front of you, made on the premises with exceptional quality. They serve homemade tortillas that stand out for their freshness and taste.
Quesadillas come in large portions with options like carne asada, chicken, and gobernador shrimp. The cheese quesadilla stands out as especially flavorful and well-loved by all ages.
Good to know
Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.99 each.
They have dedicated gluten-free fryers to avoid cross-contamination.
Parking can be challenging near the restaurant.
Mexican restaurant with a family atmosphere and community vibe feels like entering a relative's home. The space is casual and relaxed but often packed and lively, creating a warm and welcoming environment.
Fresh, handmade tortillas bring authentic flavor, resembling those from Mexico. Corn tortillas stand out as perfectly made, especially when dipped in consomé alongside crispy meat.
Complimentary quesadillas showcase the kitchen's confidence in their quality. Tortas and quesadillas both stand out as amazing options here.
Good to know
Parking is limited at La Central Birria and it can get busy.
They turned away more than 10 people while I was there.
They were out of birria at 1:15 and 1:30 PM, even though they closed at 2 PM.
Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic tacos and tortas with handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients. Atmosphere stays casual and quiet, fitting for quick meals in a clean, family-friendly setting. Prices remain reasonable, making it a popular spot for flavorful, traditional dishes.
Handmade tortillas stand out here, crafted fresh for each order. They bring a fresh, authentic touch to every dish.
Carnitas quesadilla stands out with its juicy filling and delicious flavor. Quesadillas here consistently deliver satisfying taste.
Good to know
The prices at Tj Tortas & Tacos are reasonable for the quality of food.
The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.
Tj Tortas & Tacos offers a variety of tortas and tacos.
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.
Chicken quesadillas stand out with rich flavor and great appeal. The birria quesadilla offers a delicious twist, and the kids' quesadillas are popular choices.
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.
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.
Red quesadillas stand out with beef birria, cheese, cilantro, and onions. They taste rich and are made to perfection.
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.
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.
Carne asada quesadillas stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Chicken quesadillas also offer a great taste. Both options come highly recommended.
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.
Quesadillas come big and cheesy, often made with white cheese. The birria quesadilla stands out as a flavorful choice. Mushroom quesadillas also appear on the menu when available.
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.
Stylish interior combines with live music and a small bar to create a fun, relaxed vibe. The atmosphere feels like a family gathering with authentic Mexican flavors filling the air. Known for pork and cochito tacos, the place offers a casual, authentic dining experience.
Fresh tortillas fill the air with a warm, inviting scent. They taste delicious and pair well with grilled meats and spicy salsas. The double tortilla option offers great value with generous portions.
Quesadillas come with cochito tatemado and asada options. The asada quesadilla stands out as a solid choice.
Good to know
The restaurant offers a Tuesday 3x1 deal on mini cochino tacos.
Expect a 10-minute wait for taco orders during busy hours.
The menu features a limited selection of authentic Mexican dishes.
Mexican restaurant with fresh, authentic flavors and a salsa bar offering various sauces. Interior feels cool and inviting despite simple seating, creating a casual atmosphere. Known for generous portions and well-prepared meats, it attracts those who value flavor and freshness.
Corn tortillas taste very fresh and are made minutes before grilling. Flour tortillas work well in cheese quesadillas. Quinoa replaces bulgur in Tabouli for those avoiding wheat.
Huge quesadillas come with a good flour tortilla and a balanced amount of cheese. Both chicken and cheese quesadillas stand out as excellent and well-portioned options.
Good to know
They offer 99¢ tacos on Tuesday and 3 for $7 all week long.
Expect a busy atmosphere on Taco Tuesdays due to the great deals.
Parking is limited, so consider street parking or arriving by rideshare.
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.
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.
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.
Quesadillas come with tender carne and a buttery, cheesy filling. Options include carne asada with avocado and birria quesadilla tacos, often served with salsa and guacamole.
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.
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.
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.
Outdoor seating dominates with four and two-top tables under an open door that warms the space. A salsa bar adds a lively touch, complementing the homemade tortillas and generous portions that define the menu. The atmosphere balances casual dining with affordable prices and a steady lunch rush.
Handmade tortillas stand out with a great char and fresh, authentic corn flavor. Some tortillas are almost crepe-like, adding unique texture to burritos with generous portions and tender fillings.
Good to know
Watch out for long wait times during the lunch rush.
The restaurant offers generous portions for the price.
Homemade tortillas are used in all dishes.
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.
Huge quesadillas come with soft, juicy carne asada that can be greasy but tasty. Chicken and cheese quesadillas include peppers and onions, which might surprise some.
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.
Colorful interior with bright decorations and big screens showing sports creates a lively yet laid-back vibe. The space feels authentic and welcoming, offering plenty of seating without any pretension. Regulars enjoy huge, flavorful burritos and house-made salsa in a clean, casual setting.
Corn tortillas come grilled with the salmon tacos, offering a health-conscious option. Tortillas also serve well for dipping into the flavorful juice of the steak rancheros.
Quesadillas come in large portions with options like the Carne Asada and Sonora, which includes chicken, cheese, guacamole, bacon, and Ortega chiles. The menu also offers adventurous choices like the tuna quesadilla.
Good to know
Taco Tuesday offers 3 tacos and a drink for $6.
Expect large portions, often enough for two or three meals.
Credit cards accepted, but there's a $0.30 fee for using them.
Spacious interior with Dia Los Muertos themed décor creates a relaxed confidence and a bright, clean atmosphere. Music varies from chill to loud, influencing the vibe from calm to lively. Seating offers comfort and space, welcoming solo diners and lunch breaks without pressure.
Authentic handmade corn tortillas stand out with their thick yet airy and fluffy texture. Freshly made on site, they pair perfectly with the tacos and birria, enhancing the overall flavor.
Tri Tip stands out in the quesadillas, especially the crack (tri-tip) version. They come with guacamole and sour cream, though sometimes these extras are missing.
Good to know
Happy Hour offers $3 tacos from 3 to 5 pm.
Ask about food if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
The restaurant has a rewards program for discounts on future visits.
Walk-up window with outdoor seating creates a casual, lively vibe with authentic streetside décor. Small tables on the sidewalk invite a simple, inviting atmosphere near the beach. The place draws people looking for generous portions of highly regarded burritos and tacos.
Homemade corn tortillas stand out with their fresh and flavorful taste. They blend perfectly with fillings like carne, cheese, beans, and vegan cheese.
Offers a variety of quesadillas including birria, soyrizo, and mushroom options. Al pastor meat pairs well with cheese in their quesadillas, delivering satisfying flavor combinations.
Good to know
The restaurant has limited seating capacity, so plan accordingly.
Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.49 each, a great deal.
Sara's Mexican Food is open late for late-night cravings.
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.
Quesadillas come with mushroom tinga or chicken tinga fillings, served alongside beans and rice. The quesadillas de huitlacoche and pinga quesadillas stand out as flavorful options.
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.