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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Gaslamp Quarter

Mexican food and tacos

Nothing satisfies like a proper taco from a place that specializes in Mexican food.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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01
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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.

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

Seafood tacos stand out with fresh scallop and white fish options. The birria taco offers rich flavor without excess grease. Specials bundle three tacos with fries or chips and a drink for around $20.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be amazing, especially the chipotle shrimp."

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

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
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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.

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.

Three tacos come with double tortillas and juicy meat for under eight dollars. Options include suadero, carnitas, vegan mushroom, and fish tacos, all cooked fresh in front of you with fresh salsas on the side.

People are saying

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

"The carne asada and carnitas tacos are bursting with flavor."

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.

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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.

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.

Carne asada tacos stand out with rich seasoning and savory flavor. Other options like quesabirria, al pastor, and tacos de trompo also deliver strong, authentic tastes.

People are saying

"I thought the carne asada tacos were some of the best I've ever had."

"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.

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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.

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.

Tacos feature tender octopus and vegetarian rolled options with bold Latin flavors. Appetizer tacos come with a mezcal cocktail pairing.

People are saying

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

"The octopus taco was very good with tender octopus."

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.

05
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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.

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.

Asada, Suadero, and Adobada tacos stand out for their flavor and quality. The tacos offer a distinctive taste that many find exceptional in the city.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best hands down."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is 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.

06
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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.

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.

Seafood tacos stand out with butter poached lobster, garlic shrimp, and blackened fish options. Birria and mussel tacos add variety, all praised for their amazing flavor.

People are saying

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

"I loved the lobster tacos; they were out of this world."

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.

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Mexican restaurant with vibrant atmosphere and a large dancefloor with bar inside. Music ranges from live Mariachi bands to DJ sets playing Mexican and Spanish tunes, creating a lively, dancing vibe at night. Decor includes comic-themed staff shirts and cartoon wall art, adding a unique, playful touch.

Tacos come with crispy rolled options and are packed with bold flavors. Free chips arrive with two salsas, a mild red and a spicier green, plus an extra spicy hot sauce to try.

Tacos come with crispy rolled shells loaded with guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, and lettuce. Varieties include Birria, carnitas, fish, and vegetable, with chicken tacos offering a noticeable kick.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here has super friendly and attentive staff."

"The tacos here are awesome and amazing."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers half-price tacos all day.

2

Happy hour includes discounted margaritas and appetizers.

3

Expect long wait times during weekends, especially after 8pm.

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Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

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