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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Hillcrest

Salsa dancing

Made for those who measure the quality of a meal by the complexity and heat of the salsa served alongside it.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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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

Open kitchen and standing tables create a clean, inviting atmosphere. Bright yellow umbrellas and a bar add a casual, social vibe. Rich, decadent flavors shine in Nick's special salsa, perfect with freshly grilled tacos.

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 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. Fresh salsa with a spicy kick complements house potatoes and vegetarian black beans. Perfect for relaxed, family-friendly breakfasts and brunches.

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.

03
La Vecindad Neighborhood TACOS image 1

Colorful outdoor seating and kitsch Mexican decor create a lively, fun atmosphere with cool vibes. Unique salsa bar features creamy jalapeรฑo and avocado salsa, with standout salsa Verde and chips for dipping. Flavorful micheladas add to the casual trip south of the border feel.

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."

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

"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 dining space with bright murals and TVs sets a casual tone. Self-serve salsa bar offers balanced salsas that enhance pollo asada tacos and carne asada burrito con queso. Perfect for relaxed meals with family and friends, blending modern comfort with tradition.

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 salsas here are rich, delicious, and perfectly balanced."

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
Palomino's Mexican & Seafood image 1

Long-established taco shop offers authentic Mexican flavors with generous portions like Al Pastor tacos and menudo. Laid back vibe suits quick carryout visits. Fresh chips come with a great salsa bar featuring mild to intense red sauces.

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."

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

06
Huapangos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with colorful decor and a dog-friendly patio for outdoor fun. Fresh, complimentary chips and salsa kick off every meal. Music shifts from lively beats to cozy tunes as lights dim, creating a festive vibe.

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.

07
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican spot offers spacious seating with a breezy patio perfect for people watching. Enjoy superb salsa that pairs well with costillas en salsa verde and tacos. The lively bar serves fresh margaritas in a stylish, welcoming atmosphere.

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."

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

"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.

08
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Quaint bistro offers authentic Mexican decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere with soft lighting and classic music. Fresh chips come warm from the fryer, paired with super fresh salsa that guests love to take home. Outdoor seating and an upstairs area provide flexible spaces for dining and meetings.

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 tableside guacamole with homemade chips shows extra effort."

"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
664 TJ Birrieria image 1

Outdoor seating offers a chill vibe with lively music and street views. Salsa choices like macha salsa add bold flavor, enhancing dishes. Fast service suits quick visits in a relaxed, authentic setting.

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.

10
Tony's Fresh Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot with a 24/7 drive-thru and a chill vibe. House-made salsa bar shines with hot red and creamy green salsas. Large, filling tacos and authentic dishes make it a solid choice for quick, tasty meals.

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 couldn't believe how huge this breakfast burrito was!"

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.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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