Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Gaslamp Quarter

Mexican food spots

A craving for authentic Mexican food is hard to ignore once it sets in. Nothing else will satisfy that specific hunger.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
User
User
User
Updated
01
The Waves Taco Club image 1
The Waves Taco Club image 2
The Waves Taco Club image 3
View all

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.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and authentic Mexican flavors. Dishes are never greasy or cheap tasting, and portions leave no leftovers.

Seafood tacos stand out, especially the fish and scallop options. Burritos and chips with guacamole also impress with consistent quality and friendly service.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be amazing, especially the seafood ones."

"The food here is delicious and has great flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available around the corner from the restaurant.

2

The restaurant does not have public restrooms for customers.

3

Expect no wait to order on Sunday nights.

02
Casa Frida image 1
Casa Frida image 2
Casa Frida image 3
View all

Large, modern space offers a relaxed atmosphere with chic decor and a beautifully decorated back room. The vibe is welcoming and calm, with good music enhancing the experience. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican breakfast and coffee in a clean, well-organized setting.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with large portions and cafe de olla stands out. Dishes come with rich flavor and the coffee complements the meals well.

Breakfast offers a mix of chilaquiles, machaca, and tamales. Torta options include asada and hamon varieties. Poblano enchiladas and chipotle chilaquiles add to the authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be absolutely amazing."

"The chilaquiles here are amazing, especially with carne asada."

Good to know

1

Parking is available about two blocks away for around $14.

2

Expect a large party fee for groups, which may be added to the bill.

3

Extra charges may apply for standard portion sizes of certain dishes.

03
Taquería Los Chuchys image 1
Taquería Los Chuchys image 2
Taquería Los Chuchys image 3
View all

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.

Authentic Mexican food shines with fresh ingredients and great portions. The taste is consistently excellent and the dishes feel perfectly balanced.

Tacos de trompo and carne asada tacos stand out with fresh, made-to-order tortillas. Burritos, especially the California and Tijuana styles, come in great portions with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and definitely good."

"I had the best carne asada of my life; it's the best Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer a buy 2 get 1 free deal on tacos.

2

The restaurant is open until 3 AM for late-night eats.

3

Parking can be challenging since it's located in Gaslamp.

04
Tacos El Franc – Gaslamp Quarter image 1
Tacos El Franc – Gaslamp Quarter image 2
Tacos El Franc – Gaslamp Quarter image 3
View all

Modern taco shop with an open kitchen and handmade tortillas creates a clean, cozy atmosphere filled with lively music. The space offers ample seating and a vibe that blends authenticity with contemporary style. Known for authentic tacos and micheladas that echo Tijuana flavors.

Food features authentic Tijuana-style tacos with meat grilled over a mesquite open flame for great flavor. Dishes come out fresh and quickly even during busy times, maintaining consistent quality and taste.

Tacos here feature authentic Tijuana-style flavors with soft tortillas that hold up well. The asada, suadero, adobada, and cabeza tacos stand out for their rich, well-seasoned fillings.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is the best I've ever had."

"I thought the food, especially the tacos, was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours; reservations are not accepted.

2

Parking is challenging on 5th Avenue; consider using public transport.

3

Prices are high; expect to pay around $44 for four tacos and a mulita.

05
Señor Taquero image 1
Señor Taquero image 2
Señor Taquero image 3
View all

Small interior with limited seating creates a cozy but cramped atmosphere. Fresh salsa bar adds a lively touch to the space. Known for affordable, flavorful tacos cooked in front of diners, it draws those seeking quick, tasty Mexican food.

Food here is authentic Mexican, matching what you'd find in Mexico. Options include all-day breakfast and dishes that stand out in the downtown scene.

Tacos come with juicy meat and double tortillas, cooked fresh in front of you. Options include adobado, carne asada, suadero, and a vegan mushroom taco, all offering authentic Mexican flavors at good prices.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be fantastic and a good deal."

"I found the food here to be awesome and really good."

Good to know

1

Señor Taquero is a tiny spot with limited seating, accommodating about 8 people.

2

Three tacos for $8 is a popular daily special.

3

The place is primarily takeout, with limited indoor seating available.

06
Kaluú Upscale Mexican & Lounge image 1
Kaluú Upscale Mexican & Lounge image 2
Kaluú Upscale Mexican & Lounge image 3
View all

Upscale Mexican restaurant transforms into a nightclub with a vibrant atmosphere and rooftop dancing. Elegant interior features a 1970s-style light show and expertly mixed craft cocktails. The space fills with lively crowds, especially during girls' night events.

Unbelievable food quality pairs with cheap drinks to create a unique dining experience. Happy hour offers exceptional food and drinks in a great atmosphere.

Rockfish tostadas and ribeye steak stand out with strong flavors. Tacos include unique options like tacos de nada and octopus, alongside excellent vegetarian rolled tacos.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The Mexican food, especially the rockfish tostadas, is packed with bold, vibrant flavors."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers exceptional drinks and food from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

The venue transforms into a nightclub on weekends, starting at 9pm.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with live music on Saturday nights.

07
Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp image 1
Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp image 2
Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp image 3
View all

Mexican restaurant with a sports bar atmosphere featuring loud TVs and live music that keeps energy high. Offers a self-serve salsa bar and a full margarita menu, with seating options including a pleasant outdoor patio. The space fills up and gets noisy when busy, making it lively rather than quiet.

Food features great flavors with blackened fish tacos and mussels standing out. Service stays outstanding even when busy.

Seafood tacos stand out with options like butter poached lobster and garlic shrimp. The menu also features blackened fish tacos, a salsa bar, and carne asada fries.

People are saying

"The food here is really good, with great flavors and fresh ingredients."

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, was delicious."

Good to know

1

The happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

2

Expect a wait outside during peak hours.

3

There is a 5% surcharge added to each bill.

Discover more

Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

Area guide