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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Gaslamp Quarter

Taco spots

Tacos that prioritize the craft of the tortilla over the convenience of the location.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
The Waves Taco Club image 1
The Waves Taco Club image 2
The Waves Taco Club image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Bright walls feature hand-painted murals that energize the space. Seafood tacos shine with fresh scallop and white fish options. A self-serve salsa bar lets you customize flavors while lively music keeps the casual downtown vibe alive.

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 had the best burrito I ever had here."

"The wall art and decor here are really cool."

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
Kaluú Upscale Mexican & Lounge image 1

Upscale Mexican spot offers tender octopus tacos with bold Latin flavors and mezcal pairings. Elegant interior shines with a 1970s-style light show. Rooftop turns into a vibrant nightclub with lively crowds and rooftop dancing.

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

People are saying

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

"This place is so energetic, it transforms into a club as the night progresses."

"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.

03
Bronze Bird image 1
Restaurant

Hotel restaurant blends modern design with artful decor for an upscale vibe. Tacos shine with tender short rib and bold flavors. Dog-friendly patio offers comfort, though noise rises during events.

Tacos here feature tender short rib and marinated tofu with strong flavors. Options like the Asian Street Tacos and rib tacos stand out for their taste and texture.

People are saying

"The beet salad with goat cheese and steak was a great choice."

"The dinner here was excellent and surprisingly affordable."

"These short rib tacos are delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Show your Broadway show tickets for a 20% discount on your meal.

3

Valet parking is available for $10 when dining and attending a theater.

04
Señor Taquero image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot with fresh salsa bar and limited seating offers quick, tasty Mexican food. Tacos feature double tortillas and juicy meat, including suadero and vegan mushroom, all cooked fresh before you. Affordable prices make it a favorite for flavorful bites.

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 fresh salsas here are juicy, delicious, and have a great kick."

"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.

05
Taquería Los Chuchys image 1
Taco restaurant

Narrow space with rail seating and a self-serve salsa bar creates a casual vibe. Carne asada tacos shine with rich seasoning and savory flavor. Outdoor tables offer a pleasant spot when weather allows.

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."

"The carne asada burrito here is humongous and fully satisfying."

"This place is a great late night spot for 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.

06
Tacos El Franc – Gaslamp Quarter image 1

Modern taco shop shines with handmade tortillas and an open kitchen. Asada tacos deliver bold, authentic flavors. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with lively music and Tijuana-style micheladas for a true taste experience.

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 tacos here are authentic Tijuana-style with handmade tortillas."

"The staff here really make our Date Spots feel special and welcoming."

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.

07
TACO CENTRO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with fresh tortilla making and a lively vibe. Al Pastor tacos deliver bold, fresh flavors every time. Extensive salsa bar adds zest, while the outdoor patio offers a calm escape from the buzz.

Tacos here stand out for their Al Pastor variety and consistent quality. Every taco ordered delivers bold flavors and fresh ingredients that impress repeatedly.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be spectacular."

"The salsa bar offered a great variety of phenomenal, fresh salsas."

"I found the tacos to be spectacular."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 beers on Taco Tuesdays from 6 PM.

2

Taco specials are available on Tuesdays and game days.

3

Expect the restaurant to be busy on Taco Tuesdays, around 75% full.

08
Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp image 1

Mexican restaurant buzzes with live music and loud TVs, creating a lively sports bar vibe. Seafood tacos like butter poached lobster and garlic shrimp shine alongside a self-serve salsa bar. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant spot to enjoy a full margarita menu.

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

"The seafood buckets here are scrumptious and seasoned with a whisper of Mexican spice."

"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.

09
Baja Rick's Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating offers stunning harbor views with a lively vibe from live music and DJs. Baja-style fish tacos shine with crispy texture and tangy slaw, while carne asada and grilled shrimp provide tasty alternatives. Nautical decor adds a playful, colorful touch to the bright indoor space.

Crispy, Baja-style fish tacos come with tangy slaw and creamy sauce in warm tortillas. Carne asada and grilled shrimp tacos offer solid alternatives for land and sea options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top-notch."

"The outdoor seating is perfect for catching a tasty meal before a Padres game."

"The lobster tacos tasted very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with 32-ounce Coors for $12.

2

Expect longer wait times during conventions or special events.

3

The kitchen closes early, so check before arriving.

10
El Chingon image 1
Mexican restaurant

Vibrant Mexican spot with a large dancefloor and lively music from Mariachi bands to DJs. Tacos feature crispy rolled shells filled with guacamole and pico de gallo, including spicy chicken and Birria options. Playful decor with comic-themed shirts and cartoon walls adds charm.

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

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"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.

11
Hasta Mañana Cantina image 1

Lively spot with colorful decor and upbeat Latino music sets a high-energy vibe. Tacos feature slightly crisped shells with juicy skirt steak and pastor options. Spacious bar offers a wide drink selection, while outdoor seating provides a shaded area for relaxation.

Tacos come with slightly crisped shells for added texture. Options include skirt steak carne asada, fried fish Baja style, and chicken verde crispy tacos. Steak and pastor tacos are juicy and flavorful.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"The Carne Asada, especially wagyu skirt steak, was amazing and flavorful."

"I loved the skirt steak carne asada taco and the margaritas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on drinks runs from 3-6pm daily.

2

Expect a $6 charge to add meat to quesadillas.

3

Generous portions are served, so come hungry or plan to share.

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Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

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