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Local picks

Taco places in Hillcrest

Made for those who believe a taco is the only food worth seeking out when hunger strikes.

Based on 505 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Crest Taco image 1
Crest Taco image 2
Crest Taco image 3
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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 taco stands out with perfect seasoning and fresh ingredients. Carne asada tacos come with fresh guacamole and bold flavors. Tacos arrive hot and show clear care in preparation.

People are saying

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

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

"The carne asada taco was tender, flavorful, and buttery."

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.

02
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 here, especially the Costal Azul with bacon-wrapped shrimp and avocado. Taco Tuesdays offer great deals, and the El Pastor taco is also a solid choice.

People are saying

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

"The Bisteces Rancheros seafood is so good, my tastebuds went wild."

"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.

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.

Tacos come in cochinita pork, chicken lime, and veggie varieties. Chips, salsa, and guacamole accompany the tacos, especially popular on Taco Tuesday.

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
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 deliver authentic Tijuana street flavors with each one offering a distinct taste. The adobada tacos stand out for their quality and flavor, matching the best found in the area.

People are saying

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

"These are the best tacos I've ever had."

"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.

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.

Tacos here feature braised lamb birria and huitlacoche, both rich in flavor. Fish and vegan mushroom tacos also stand out, often paired with salsa for added zest.

People are saying

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

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

"The birria tacos here are flavorful and pretty good."

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
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.

Battered fish tacos stand out with generous meat fillings and great value. Taco Tuesdays offer affordable deals and tasty options like Caliente and Carne Asada tacos.

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.

07
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.

Big, flavorful Al Pastor tacos stand out alongside excellent roll tacos and consistently good fish tacos. The spot offers solid ground beef tacos and cheese enchiladas in a mom and pop setting.

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.

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.

Grilled fish tacos come perfectly battered thin and crisp with a baja style that stands out. Tacos feature perfect seasoning and pair well with rich mole and creamy guacamole.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the fish tacos were the best I've had."

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
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.

Birria tacos stand out with authentic Mexican flavor and consistent quality. The menu pairs them with affordable $3 tacos and $5 margaritas for a solid combo.

People are saying

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

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

"The birria tacos here taste just like in Mexico."

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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