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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of East Village, San Diego

Mexican food

A craving for authentic Mexican food is best satisfied by a place that knows how to do it right.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated May 2026
01
Modern Times Coffee image 1
Modern Times Coffee image 2
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Eclectic cafรฉ with colorful murals and a Dinosaur theme offers a fun vibe. Breakfast tacos pair perfectly with black coffee, making it a great spot for Mexican food lovers. Lively music and unique cocktails keep energy high from morning to night.

Tacos stand out with a breakfast taco that pairs well with black coffee. Drinks complement the food, making the tacos a solid choice.

People are saying

"The breakfast tacos and coffee here are really good."

"The food here is delicious and wonderful."

"I really liked the breakfast tacos here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not needed for coffee or breakfast.

2

The coffee shop transforms into a cocktail bar in the evening.

3

Parking can be challenging around the area.

02
Achilles Coffee Roasters @ Park 12 image 1

Coffee shop offers a relaxing atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating by a ballpark. Breakfast burritos are huge and hearty, featuring egg, cheese, potato, and bacon with a spicy salsa. Dog-friendly space provides free treats and free wifi for convenience.

Breakfast burritos stand out with their huge size, hearty fillings like egg, cheese, potato, and bacon, and a spinach wrap option. Salsa served alongside is notably spicy.

People are saying

"The coffee here is really good, especially the cappuccino."

"I loved the smooth, confident iced latte."

"Their breakfast burrito is hearty, flavorful, and seriously satisfying."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $7 for a regular-sized coffee.

2

The coffee shop is dog-friendly, making it a great stop for pet owners.

3

They do not allow outside food, so plan accordingly.

03
Azteca Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Simple taco shop near a busy trolley stop offers huge portions of authentic Mexican food like carne asada and breakfast burritos. Affordable prices and late hours make it great for quick stops, though groups loitering outside can create an uneasy atmosphere.

Tacos and burritos come huge and packed with savory carne asada or carnitas. Breakfast burritos, especially the sausage and Supreme, stand out for their rich flavors. Carne asada fries and shrimp tacos add variety, all served with quick, attentive service.

People are saying

"I found the burritos here to be huge and delicious."

"I thought the tacos were tasty and filling."

"I loved the breakfast burrito; it was so delicious and large."

Good to know

1

Azteca Taco Shop is conveniently located near the train station.

2

There is no step up or down at the shop, making it accessible for wheelchair users.

3

The prices at Azteca Taco Shop are affordable and reasonable.

04
Lucky's Lunch Counter image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Diner-style setup with small town charm offers a casual vibe and outdoor seating under shade. Breakfast burritos are large with plenty of avocados, paired with flavorful salsa. Music adds energy while the place stays warm and welcoming despite some noise.

Breakfast burritos stand out with large portions and plenty of avocados. The salsa served on the side is flavorful and complements the dishes well. Chilaquiles stay crisp without getting soggy.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's burger was seriously the best, with fresh toppings."

"I found the breakfast burrito to be delicious and yummy."

"The breakfast burrito here is delicious with fresh salsa."

Good to know

1

On its 13th anniversary, the restaurant offered 50% off food.

2

The restaurant is located just a couple blocks from the convention center.

3

Free coffee is available before 9am.

05
Vega Restaurant Mexican & Seafood image 1

Mexican eats shine with huge tortas and loaded tacos full of flavor. Padres-themed decor and baseball vibe create a lively, positive spot. High ceilings and many TVs make it perfect for drinks or meals before games.

Tortas and burritos stand out with huge portions and great flavor, especially the carne asada and carnitas varieties. Tacos come loaded and tasty, while dishes like chicken quesadillas and chilaquiles offer generous fillings and homemade salsas.

People are saying

"I loved the huge and great-tasting burritos here."

"I loved the breakfast, especially the chilaquiles with homemade salsas."

"I had one of the best California burritos here."

Good to know

1

They opened early, making it perfect for a pregame snack.

2

Their prices were better than inside the ballpark.

3

The location is great, right near Petco Park, with plenty of seating inside and outside.

06
The Invigatorium image 1
Coffee shop

Eclectic coffee shop offers a chill vibe with dinosaur decor and hi-fi music. Breakfast tacos feature fresh soyrizo and pair well with a strong Cortado. Regulars love unique cocktails and standout dishes like poached eggs and avocado toast.

Breakfast tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings like soyrizo and classic options. The menu pairs well with a smooth, strong Cortado to start the day.

People are saying

"The interior and ambience here are so quirky and fun."

"The hash browns here are crispy and come with two delicious sauces."

"The breakfast tacos here are fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 2 PM, so the full food menu isn't available after that.

2

At 3PM, the place transforms into a full bar until 10PM under the name J & Tonyโ€™s.

3

The ordering process involves ordering at the counter and receiving a metal stand with a number for table delivery.

07
Fairweather Rooftop Bar image 1

Rooftop bar offers amazing Padres view and a lively game day vibe. Enjoy excellent tacos and rich carne asada fries with fresh ceviche. Sip on solid margaritas while soaking in the fun atmosphere through a hidden alley entrance.

Carne asada fries stand out with rich flavor. The bar serves excellent tacos and fresh ceviche. Margaritas get special attention from the bartender.

People are saying

"The staff here is amazing, especially with the Mexican Food."

"The view from the rooftop is priceless."

"The staff kept it up during the busy live sports game days."

Good to know

1

The happy hour at the bar runs from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

There is a $10 cover charge for the concert next door.

3

The bar gets crowded until the concert starts.

08
Villains Brewing Company image 1

Multi-story black wood and brick building offers indoor and outdoor seating with a balcony view. English pub vibes mix with villain-themed decor for a unique atmosphere. Brisket tacos and lamb birria shine with perfect seasoning and pair well with red wine.

Brisket tacos and tri-tip stand out with perfect seasoning. Lamb birria pairs well with red wine, and smoked BBQ brisket burger and grilled ribeye tacos add variety.

People are saying

"The brisket dishes here are so tender and flavorful."

"The beer here is good and made on-site."

"The fish tacos here are huge and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers 50% off drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for special events to ensure seating.

3

All menu items are confirmed halal, catering to dietary preferences.

09
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter image 1

Spacious rooms with beach decor offer comfort amid lively rooftop vibes. Enjoy elote dip and chicharrรณn for authentic Mexican flavors. Rooftop pool and bar serve perfect margaritas with city views and live music.

Elote dip and chicharrรณn stand out as amazing must-have items. Nacho taco serves as a huge appetizer with fresh ingredients, while margaritas by the pool hit the spot perfectly.

People are saying

"The rooftop bar had fabulous service and delicious margaritas."

"The rooms and beds are so comfortable and clean."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the elote dip."

Good to know

1

The hotel charges a hidden $35 resort fee plus tax per day of stay.

2

Valet parking is the only option available; plan accordingly.

3

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 p.m. at the rooftop bar.

10
Doggos Gus image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Large outdoor patio with dog-friendly sandy floor offers a chill vibe. Enjoy bacon-wrapped Mexican-style hot dogs like carnitas and gourmet tj dogs. Sweet churros and unique elote add tasty Mexican twists. Perfect spot for beer lovers and casual dining.

Carnitas dog and gourmet tj dog stand out with rich flavors. The churros are very yummy and the elote offers a nice twist, even if made with canned corn.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the bacon-wrapped hot dogs, is flavorful."

"The outdoor seating area is dog friendly and spacious."

"You have to try the birria hot dog; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Ordering is done through a kiosk; no reservations are required.

2

The outdoor seating area is dog friendly and located in Downtown.

3

There is no parking lot; street parking or rideshare is necessary.

11
Quartyard image 1
Event venue

Outdoor venue with central stage hosts live jazz, salsa, and DJ sets that get people dancing. Mexican food shines with cochinita pibil tacos and mole verde nachos, all served from vibrant food trucks. Local graffiti adds an artistic touch to the cozy, welcoming vibe.

Tacos feature cochinita pibil with rich flavors. Burritos, nachos, and quesadillas come with sides like guac and chips, priced around $20. Mole Verde nachos offer a twist but lack traditional mole.

People are saying

"I loved the colorful atmosphere and the variety of fun events they hosted."

"It's a great outdoor space with beer, food, and live music."

"I loved the Mexican food and the great atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday with drink deals available.

2

Expect long lines for drinks and bathrooms during busy events.

3

Parking can be challenging in downtown San Diego, especially on weekends.

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