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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Hillcrest's best

Mexican food

The specific comfort of authentic Mexican food is what the palate demands right now.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated May 2026
01
Rosemary & Thyme Cafe image 1
Rosemary & Thyme Cafe image 2
Rosemary & Thyme Cafe image 3
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Breakfast restaurant

Garden patio tucked away behind the building creates a calming atmosphere with lush tropical plants and shaded outdoor seating. The space feels warm and quiet, inviting relaxed breakfasts and brunches in a family-friendly setting.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and great selection. Enjoy meals like a delicious Benny in a quiet, shady patio that welcomes dogs.

Breakfast burritos with chorizo stand out alongside handmade chilaquiles sauce and fresh salsa served before meals. Dishes like chilaquiles, tres leches French toast, and roasted potatoes complement the Mexican flavors well.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the chilaquiles."

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

"The Mexican food here is absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

The cafe is only open on weekends.

2

Puppers are welcome in the patio.

3

Breakfast prices are very affordable.

02
Crest Taco image 1
Taco restaurant

Remodeled space with open kitchen view and standing tables only creates a clean, inviting atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes bright yellow umbrellas and a bar area, encouraging a casual, social vibe. The place draws a crowd looking for freshly grilled tacos in a trendy, friendly setting.

Mexican food here is insanely fresh with outstanding breakfast burritos. The spot works well for quick meals and catering, delivering consistently great flavors.

Al Pastor tacos stand out with perfect seasoning and fresh tortillas. Burritos and tacos come hot and packed with house-made Mexican flavors that match authentic quality from Mexico City.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is made with genuine care and warmth."

"I loved the rich flavors of their fantastic salsas."

"The food here is tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Crest Taco offers a limited menu of high-quality tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

2

Fish tacos are available for $1.99, making them a budget-friendly option.

3

The restaurant is open late on weekends, perfect for late-night cravings.

03
AWOL image 1
Bar

Small bar with intimate size and lively atmosphere creates a relaxed, inviting vibe. Cocktails and Mexican food come with below-average prices and a welcoming ambiance that suits gatherings or casual drinks.

Small bar serves tasty Mexican food alongside cocktails. Dishes come out delicious and well made.

Small bar serves chunky guacamole with balanced spice and offers cochinita pork, chicken lime, and veggie tacos. Taco Tuesday and brunch feature tasty Mexican dishes with chips and salsa.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is chef's kiss delicious."

"The bartender Nick is awesome; I'd come back just to see him."

"I thought the food here was the best and great."

Good to know

1

Bingo night occurs every third Thursday of the month with various game formats.

2

Brunch and Taco Tuesday are popular events at AWOL, attracting many visitors.

3

Prices at AWOL are below average compared to other venues in the area.

04
R Place Bar & Eatery image 1

Gay bar combines multiple festive spaces with an outdoor patio and big screens for sports viewing. Atmosphere shifts from laid-back and casual during the day to electric and energetic at night, welcoming a diverse crowd. Known for its fun vibe, party energy, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, it offers private back areas and a rich, fabulous design.

Bacon cheeseburger and Hillcrest Nachos come with generous portions and strong flavors. Wings stand out as a solid choice, with food and drinks arriving promptly even when busy.

Massive burritos stand out, with a strong recommendation from security. Churros come plain, without fillings, and remind of traditional flavors from Rio Verde.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is so friendly and attentive."

"I loved watching the game and having dinner here."

"The Mexican food here is awesome, with great drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available every day from 3-7 pm.

2

Bingo nights are organized weekly with the Queens.

3

Drag shows occur regularly, providing vibrant entertainment.

05
La Vecindad Neighborhood TACOS image 1

Colorful outdoor seating and kitsch Mexican vecindad decor create a lively, fun atmosphere with cool vibes. Unique salsa bar and flavorful micheladas add to the experience. The place feels like a casual trip south of the border with inviting, spacious surroundings.

Food features authentic Mexican flavor and arrives quickly. Tacos and other dishes taste exceptionally good and very tasty in a welcoming setting.

Unique regional tacos stand out with options like the Costal Azul featuring bacon-wrapped shrimp and avocado. The birria and fish tacos also draw attention, paired with chips and salsa. Specials include Taco Tuesday deals with tacos and house margaritas.

People are saying

"I ate the best tacos I have ever eaten here."

"I ate the best tacos I have ever eaten."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 2 tacos for $8 and $9 house margaritas.

2

Happy hour runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3 to 6 pm.

3

Each canned or bottled soda is priced at $4.

06
Tijuanazo San Diego image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic street tacos with standout asada and adobada flavors. Atmosphere feels like a family gathering with a comfortable, casual vibe. Seating suits small groups, and the place maintains a lively, genuine energy.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with many variations crafted for each main ingredient. The dishes deliver excellent flavor and a truly great taste experience.

Tacos here capture authentic Tijuana street flavors with each having a distinct taste. The adobada tacos stand out as phenomenal, and the tostada offers a perfect crunch with well-prepared tripa.

People are saying

"The carne asada tacos here are authentic, just like in Tijuana."

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, tasted so authentic."

"You have to try the adobada tacos; they're phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Parking at Tijuanazo San Diego can be a challenge; plan accordingly.

2

They charge 75 cents for salsa, so budget for extras.

3

The prices at Tijuanazo San Diego are generally reasonable for the area.

07
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Mexican food comes out quickly and is consistently delicious with good flavor. Drinks, including mezcal, complement the meals well, and service stays attentive throughout.

Fresh margaritas stand out with a popsicle garnish and no mix used. The mole and fish tacos deliver authentic flavors, while chicken tinga quesadillas and creme brulee offer tasty variety.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here delicious and full of flavor."

"The French toast and birria tacos are amazing for brunch."

"I found the food here delicious and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm most days with affordable prices.

2

Expect a busy crowd on weekends; arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

Parking can be limited with only street parking available.

08
Jo's Diner image 1

Cozy diner with a friendly atmosphere and soft music creating a comfortable vibe. Seating includes cushioned banquettes and a back area accommodating reactive dogs. Walls feature artwork and celebrity signatures, adding a unique touch to the space.

Food features fresh ingredients and dishes like the Salmon Benedict, a signature from Food Network. Meals include vegetable and cheese-filled omelets and oven-roasted potatoes, all prepared with care and flavor.

Breakfast burritos come out fresh and hot every time and stand out as a solid choice. Churros have overcooked texture and sauces like caramel and chocolate separate with an oily layer.

People are saying

"The American Food here is great, and the service is fantastic."

"The food here is great and delicious."

"I loved the breakfast burrito; it came out fresh and hot."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the building.

2

There is metered parking on the street and a small lot behind the restaurant.

3

They serve breakfast all day.

09
Palomino's Mexican & Seafood image 1

Long-established taco shop with a laid back atmosphere and salsa bar draws steady carryout traffic. Menu offers authentic Mexican flavors with generous portions and standout items like menudo and Al Pastor tacos. Interior is functional but average, with some parking challenges nearby.

Mexican food stands out with its delicious and well served dishes. The flavors are consistently amazing and appeal even to picky eaters.

Tacos stand out with Al Pastor and carne asada options that are big and flavorful. Menudo tastes authentic and the salsa bar offers a variety of good choices. Breakfast burritos and chilaquiles also feature as solid picks.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so good, I made two trips."

"You have to try the Al Pastor tacos; they're big and really good."

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

Good to know

1

The menu has a great variety of meat, fish, and meatless options.

2

There are a few free parking spaces on the side of the restaurant.

3

Parking could be challenging at times since they no longer had the lot immediately adjacent to the restaurant.

10
Tacaliente Mexican Grill image 1

Open, spacious dining area features bright murals and mounted TVs creating a casual, authentic vibe. A self-serve salsa bar with hot carrots adds interactive flavor options. The atmosphere suits relaxed meals with family and friends, blending modern comfort with traditional Mexican elements.

Tacos stand out with spicy flavors that meet high standards. Food offers good value and consistent quality for the price.

Tacos come loaded with meat-filled goodness and bold sauces. Burritos, especially the chile relleno and California styles, stand out for their flavor and value. Battered fish tacos are affordable and highly praised for taste.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be fantastic and packed with flavor."

"The tacos here are loaded with yummy, not fatty, meat."

"The tacos here are packed with flavor and loaded with meat."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers four tacos for $7 starting at 2 PM.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 8 PM with fish tacos at $1.29 each.

3

They accept credit cards only; no cash payments.

11
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Quaint bistro with authentic Mexican decor and soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Classic Mexican music plays, adding to the vibrant yet cozy vibe. Outdoor seating and a separate upstairs area offer varied spaces for dining and meetings.

Mexican dishes come with lots of flavor and generous portions. Food quality stays consistently excellent alongside attentive service.

Shrimp enchiladas and chicken enchiladas stand out with fresh, homemade tortillas and salsa. The queso fundido and steak burrito also deliver strong flavors, complemented by homemade tortilla chips and guacamole.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the fresh tortillas and flavorful tacos."

"The tableside guacamole with homemade chips shows extra effort."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Brunch includes unlimited mimosas at a great price.

2

Happy hour specials are available from 6pm.

3

Parking can be a challenge in the area.

12
Urban MO's Bar & Grill image 1

Open space with an outdoor bar and patio creates a bright, colorful setting. Energetic vibe features top-notch drag shows and burlesque performances that entertain throughout the day. The atmosphere feels friendly and safe, welcoming the LGBT community with modern, next-level decor.

Food here is consistently excellent with a solid reputation for being awesome and great.

Chilaquiles stand out with generous portions and tasty flavors. The menu pairs well with other dishes like French toast, offering a satisfying Mexican food experience.

People are saying

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

"I had a blast at the drag show with amazing queens."

"The performers were fabulous and very entertaining."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great drink specials.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30pm during the week.

3

Free street parking is available after 6PM.

13
Huapangos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful decor and a dog-friendly patio creates a warm, festive atmosphere. Music ranges from loud and lively to cozy when lights dim and authentic tunes play. Outdoor seating offers an inviting space to enjoy the weather and vibrant surroundings.

Mexican food stands out with excellent quality and authentic flavors. Owners focus on food quality and guest experience, creating a great atmosphere alongside tasty dishes.

Mole sauce stands out as especially memorable and flavorful, featured in dishes like chicken mole. The birria tacos taste authentic, matching those found in Mexico, and the menu includes large portions like chicken fajitas and various chilaquiles with red or green sauce.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the mole."

"I plan to be back soon for the great outdoor seating."

"The Mexican food here, especially the enchiladas, is outstanding."

Good to know

1

Huapangos offers bottomless mimosas for $18 with a meal on weekends.

2

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers every weekday.

3

Expect long wait times during peak brunch hours on weekends.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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