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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Hillcrest

Salsa spots

You want a meal that comes with a side of heat and the right spice profile.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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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.

Fresh salsa arrives before brunch, with a spicy kick that stands out. Homemade salsa pairs well with house potatoes and a vegetarian black bean option adds variety.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the homemade salsa to be 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.

Rich, decadent flavors define the salsas here. Nick's special salsa stands out as a must-add that complements the tacos and tortillas perfectly.

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
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.

A unique salsa bar offers a variety of options including creamy jalapeรฑo and avocado salsa. The salsa Verde stands out with rich flavor, and chips come alongside for dipping.

People are saying

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

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

"The Bisteces Rancheros salsa is insane and my tastebuds went wild."

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.

04
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.

Salsas here have a perfectly balanced flavor that complements dishes like pollo asada tacos and the carne asada burrito con queso.

People are saying

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

"The fish tacos here feel like family thanks to Matthew's warm welcome."

"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.

05
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.

Salsa here stands out with superb flavor and pairs well with the costillas en salsa verde. The guacamole and salsa appetizers are also terrific and complement the tacos, especially lamb or beef.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa verde here is delicious with crispy tortillas."

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.

06
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.

Fresh chips come with a great salsa bar featuring pico and red sauces. The red hot sauces range from mild with subtle heat to more intense flavors.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their salsa bar, especially the pico and red sauce."

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.

07
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.

Chips and salsa come out fresh and on the house for the first round. The salsa is delicious and pairs well with crispy chips recommended by the staff.

People are saying

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

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

"Arian recommended the best salsa, chips, and queso."

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.

08
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.

Fresh chips come warm from the fryer and pair well with super fresh salsa. The salsa is so good that extra servings are often taken home.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa and tortillas were both super fresh."

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.

09
Tony's Fresh Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a 24/7 drive-thru and a house-made salsa bar featuring 4-5 varieties. Atmosphere is chill and quiet with light traffic and some signs of wear. Known for large, filling tacos and a variety of authentic dishes.

Food comes out hot and plentiful with a delicious taste that satisfies even picky eaters. Prices stay reasonable while service remains quick and friendly.

An open salsa bar offers a variety including hot red salsa, creamy green salsa, and avocado salsa. Chips come with good salsa, even if a bit unusual, and pair well with burritos.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were always delicious and fresh."

"I loved the variety of salsas they offered."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open 24 hours, which is convenient for late-night cravings.

2

There is a surcharge if you pay with a credit card.

3

The drive-thru is available for take-out orders.

10
664 TJ Birrieria image 1

Outdoor seating offers fresh air and views of the street, creating a chill and authentic vibe with lively music and decor. The atmosphere stays relaxed and inviting, suitable for casual dining before heading out. Service is fast, accommodating quick visits in a quiet setting.

Food comes out hot and delicious with a quick turnaround. Birria is tender and full of flavor, capturing an authentic taste.

Salsa options include roasted chili peppers, oil salsa, and red salsa. A special macha salsa enhances the birria experience. They charge an extra dollar for salsa.

People are saying

"The food here is so tasty and flavorful."

"The Mexican food here is great, and the service is super friendly."

"I thought the birria here was amazing."

Good to know

1

664 TJ Birrieria closes at 9:30 PM; no food service after that time.

2

Parking is free but can get crowded; street parking is available nearby.

3

Expect to pay around $30 for four tacos and one drink.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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