Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Hillcrest

Mexican food

You know exactly what you want from a plate of Mexican food and you have no interest in settling for anything less.

Based on 579 Opinions
+576
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Crest Taco image 1
Crest Taco image 2
Crest Taco image 3
View all
Taco restaurant

Remodeled space with open kitchen view and bright yellow umbrellas creates a clean, inviting vibe. Al Pastor tacos shine with perfect seasoning and fresh tortillas. Outdoor bar area adds a casual, social vibe for enjoying authentic Mexican 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 burritos here are large and very delicious."

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
Rosemary & Thyme Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Garden patio offers a calming atmosphere with lush tropical plants and shaded seating. Mexican dishes shine with breakfast burritos with chorizo and fresh salsa served before meals. Space feels warm and quiet, perfect for relaxed breakfasts in a family-friendly setting.

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.

03
La Vecindad Neighborhood TACOS image 1

Colorful outdoor seating and kitsch Mexican decor create a lively vibe. Unique regional tacos like Costal Azul shine alongside flavorful micheladas. Specials like Taco Tuesday offer great deals and a fun, casual trip south of the border.

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."

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

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

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
AWOL image 1
Bar

Small bar offers chunky guacamole and cochinita pork tacos with balanced spice. Lively atmosphere and below-average prices make it perfect for casual drinks or gatherings. Taco Tuesday and brunch add tasty Mexican options with chips and salsa.

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."

"You've got to try the tacos on the back patio."

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.

05
R Place Bar & Eatery image 1

Gay bar shines with LGBTQ+ inclusivity and an electric atmosphere at night. Massive burritos earn praise for authentic Mexican flavor, while churros offer a simple, traditional taste. Outdoor patio and big screens add to the fun vibe and diverse crowd.

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.

06
Tijuanazo San Diego image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic street tacos with standout asada and adobada flavors in a lively, casual setting. Perfect for small groups, the place feels like a family gathering with genuine energy. Crunchy tostadas and well-prepared tripa add to the true Tijuana 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."

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

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

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 spot boasts fresh margaritas with unique popsicle garnishes and authentic mole and fish tacos. Spacious indoor and outdoor seating includes a breezy patio perfect for people watching. Stylish design and a lively bar create a high class yet welcoming vibe.

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 love their $5 margaritas during Happy Hour."

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
Tacaliente Mexican Grill image 1

Open dining space with bright murals and TVs sets a casual tone. Mexican dishes shine with bold sauces and flavorful burritos like chile relleno. Self-serve salsa bar with hot carrots adds fun and spice to meals.

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

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

09
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Quaint bistro offers authentic Mexican decor and a warm vibe with classic music. Shrimp and chicken enchiladas shine with fresh homemade tortillas and salsa. Outdoor seating and an upstairs area provide varied dining spaces perfect for meals or meetings.

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."

"I drove from LA for the Puerto Nuevo lobster and it did not disappoint."

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.

10
Palomino's Mexican & Seafood image 1

Long-established taco shop offers authentic Mexican flavors with standout Al Pastor tacos and menudo. Laid back atmosphere and salsa bar keep carryout steady. Interior is simple with some parking challenges nearby.

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 thought the carne asada here was the best I ever had."

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.

11
Jo's Diner image 1

Cozy diner offers a friendly atmosphere with cushioned banquettes and space for reactive dogs. Breakfast burritos are fresh and hot, a highlight of the Mexican menu. Walls showcase celebrity signatures and artwork, adding charm to the vibe.

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."

"This lunch spot's fries are great and not overly seasoned."

"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.

12
Huapangos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with authentic birria tacos and rich mole sauce dishes. Colorful decor and a dog-friendly patio create a lively, warm vibe. Music shifts from loud to cozy, matching the festive atmosphere perfectly.

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.

13
Roberto's Taco Shop - Hillcrest image 1

Small Mexican spot offers carne asada fries and crispy fish tacos with fresh, quick service. Clean, cool space creates a welcoming vibe during lunch. Limited parking means plan ahead for a smooth visit.

Carne asada fries and California burritos stand out with great flavor and size. Tacos, including crispy fish tacos and tacos dorados, come out fresh and tasty with quick service.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic."

"These fish tacos are large, golden, and crispy."

"Parking was hard to find and limited."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

The restaurant is open mostly 24 hours for late-night cravings.

3

The fish tacos cost $4.70 each, making them an affordable option.

14
Urban MO's Bar & Grill image 1

Open space with an outdoor bar and patio offers a bright, colorful setting. Enjoy generous chilaquiles alongside lively drag shows and burlesque performances. Friendly, safe vibe welcomes the LGBT community with modern decor and nonstop entertainment.

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.

Discover more

Hillcrest, San Diego

Area guide
Loading Map...