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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Hillcrest

Mexican food and tacos

Mexican food that respects the tradition of the taco instead of reinventing it for the sake of novelty.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Crest Taco image 1
Crest Taco image 2
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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.

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.

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."

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

"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.

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.

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 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.

03
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.

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.

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."

"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.

04
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 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.

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."

"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
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 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.

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 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.

06
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.

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.

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."

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

"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.

07
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.

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.

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 tableside guacamole with homemade chips shows extra effort."

"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.

08
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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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."

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

"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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