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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Taco spots in Hillcrest

Tacos that focus on the quality of the filling instead of the volume of the order.

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 bright yellow umbrellas creates a clean, inviting vibe. Al Pastor tacos shine with perfect seasoning and fresh ingredients. Outdoor bar area adds a casual, social vibe for a trendy, friendly crowd.

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 decor create a lively, fun vibe. Unique Costal Azul tacos with bacon-wrapped shrimp shine alongside flavorful micheladas at the salsa bar. Taco Tuesdays offer great deals in a spacious, casual 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 had the best handmade corn tortillas Iโ€™ve ever had."

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 spot serves authentic street tacos with standout adobada flavor. Atmosphere feels like a family gathering with a casual, lively vibe. Seating fits small groups, making it great for close friends or family.

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 carne asada quesadilla here is so flavorful."

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
Tacaliente Mexican Grill image 1

Open dining area with bright murals and TVs sets a casual tone. Battered fish tacos offer generous fillings and great value, especially on Taco Tuesdays. Self-serve salsa bar with hot carrots adds fun flavor options for relaxed meals.

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 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
AWOL image 1
Bar

Small bar offers intimate size and lively vibe. Tacos shine with cochinita pork and fresh sides. Cocktails are cheap and perfect for casual drinks.

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.

06
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican spot offers braised lamb birria tacos and a lively bar with fresh margaritas. Spacious indoor and outdoor seating includes a breezy patio perfect for people watching. Stylish design and generous portions create a high class yet welcoming vibe.

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 offers authentic Mexican decor and a warm atmosphere with soft lighting and classic music. Grilled fish tacos are crisply battered and seasoned perfectly, pairing well with rich mole and creamy guacamole. Outdoor seating and an upstairs area provide versatile dining and meeting spaces.

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 offers big Al Pastor tacos and a salsa bar for authentic Mexican flavors. Generous portions like menudo and cheese enchiladas shine in a laid back, mom and pop setting. Parking nearby can be tricky but carryout is steady.

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 shines with birria tacos and affordable $3 tacos. Colorful decor and a dog-friendly patio create a festive vibe. Music shifts from loud to cozy, matching the warm atmosphere perfectly.

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.

10
Tony's Fresh Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers 24/7 drive-thru and a house-made salsa bar with 4-5 varieties. Fish tacos are fresh and large, packed with flavor. Atmosphere stays chill and quiet, perfect for a relaxed meal any time.

Fish tacos stand out for being extremely fresh and consistently delicious. Tacos come very large and filling, with options like carnitas overflowing with meat and flavorful Al pastor.

People are saying

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

"I loved the variety of salsas they offered."

"I thought the fish tacos were the best I'd ever had."

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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