Atly Logo
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
+502
User
User
User
Updated
01
Crest Taco image 1
Crest Taco image 2
Crest Taco image 3
View all

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 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
Tacaliente Mexican Grill image 1
Tacaliente Mexican Grill image 2
Tacaliente Mexican Grill image 3
View all

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."

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.

03
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Cocina De Barrio image 2
Cocina De Barrio image 3
View all

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

"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.

04
Tijuanazo San Diego image 1
Tijuanazo San Diego image 2
Tijuanazo San Diego image 3
View all

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."

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
Huapangos image 1
Huapangos image 2
Huapangos image 3
View all

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 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.

06
664 TJ Birrieria image 1
664 TJ Birrieria image 2
664 TJ Birrieria image 3
View all

Outdoor seating offers fresh air and street views with lively music. Birria tacos feature tender beef in soft flour shells with a spicy kick. Service is fast, making it perfect for quick, casual dining in a relaxed setting.

Birria tacos stand out with extremely tender beef and a soft flour taco shell. The flavor hits an 11/10, often paired with habanero onions for extra kick.

People are saying

"The tacos here are served by the friendliest people."

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.

07
Tony's Fresh Mexican Food image 1
Tony's Fresh Mexican Food image 2
Tony's Fresh Mexican Food image 3
View all

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 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.

08
Palomino's Mexican & Seafood image 1
Palomino's Mexican & Seafood image 2
Palomino's Mexican & Seafood image 3
View all

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

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

09
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 1
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 2
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 3
View all

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

"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.

10
Roberto's Taco Shop - Hillcrest image 1
Roberto's Taco Shop - Hillcrest image 2
Roberto's Taco Shop - Hillcrest image 3
View all

Small Mexican spot offers large crispy tacos with huge fish portions at great prices. Clean, cool vibe with good music makes lunch feel friendly. Limited parking means plan ahead.

Tacos come large and crispy, especially the fish tacos with huge portions of fish. Prices are reasonable, around $4.70 each, and the flavors are consistently excellent and delicious.

People are saying

"I found Roberto's to be the best taco shop in town."

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.

Discover more

Hillcrest, San Diego

Area guide