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Kearny Mesa's best

Taco spots

Made for those who believe a taco is the most honest and reliable way to enjoy a meal.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mic Drop Comedy image 1
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Comedy club

Small venue with an Alice in Wonderland theme creates an intimate atmosphere where every seat feels close to the action. Professional improv keeps the crowd engaged and the energy fun without crossing lines. Full bar and kitchen offer creative cocktails and distinctive food alongside strong comedy acts.

Good food pairs with drinks and comedy in a relaxed setting. No food or drink minimum adds flexibility to dining out here.

Queso birria tacos stand out with rich flavor. Garlic fried rice complements the excellent tacos well.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and the staff is friendly."

"The nightlife here is amazing with hilarious comedians."

"The birria tacos here are delicious and legit."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available on site.

2

Mic Drop Comedy does not require a food or drink minimum.

3

Doors open at 9 PM, but seating may be delayed.

02
Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa image 1

Pizza restaurant occupies a refurbished 90s Taco Bell building with Detroit-style pizza and a drive-through. Atmosphere blends retro arcade games and board games, creating a quirky, family-friendly vibe. Space feels welcoming and encourages hanging out beyond just dining.

Food includes Detroit style pizza, smash burger, and birria tacos. Dishes like wings, Mac 'n cheese, and bar food arrive hot and fresh with many toppings.

Birria tacos come very juicy with an amazing portion size that fills you up. They arrive hot and fresh, matching the quality of other dishes like burgers and wings.

People are saying

"I thought their Detroit Style Pizza offered a taste of Detroit."

"The pizza and coney dogs here are insane."

"The birria tacos are so juicy and filling."

Good to know

1

Angry Hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with $5 draft beers.

2

Happy hour offers a slice of pizza and a beer for $11.

3

Trivia night is held weekly and is engaging for guests.

03
El Viejon Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a casual, modern, artistic space with lively tropical music that balances energy and conversation. Seating is decent but limited, creating a cozy yet spacious feel without chaos. The vibe recalls a Mexican coastal atmosphere, enhanced by fresh seafood and authentic drinks.

Food stands out for its freshness and generous portions. Packaging is handled with care, and prices stay affordable while delivering great taste.

Tacos come warm, soft, and well seasoned with standout options like the grilled octopus taco with pesto and the octopus birria taco. Seafood varieties such as Ahi and smoked fish tacos offer a fresh, flavorful experience.

People are saying

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"I thought the fish tacos here were the best around."

"I found the food here to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking at the restaurant can be a challenge, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait during peak hours due to limited seating.

3

Each taco costs around $6-8, with larger sizes available.

04
Gualberto's 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers large portions with affordable prices and fresh tortillas. Atmosphere gets crowded during lunch hours, with limited parking nearby. Known for flavorful carne asada and spicy red salsa.

Food comes fresh and in big portions at very reasonable prices. Meals offer great quality and satisfy both breakfast and lunch cravings with delicious Mexican dishes.

Fish tacos stand out with their mild salsa and fresh flavors. This spot offers superior tacos and burritos that many find unmatched in the area.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and a great value."

"I had the best breakfast burrito I've ever tasted here."

"I believed these tacos were the best in the area."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight during dinner hours; consider street parking or back lot.

2

Prices are affordable, with large portions offered at a fair price.

3

They serve breakfast all day, making it a versatile dining option.

05
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with authentic flavors and a lively, energetic design featuring hanging plants and an outdoor patio. Atmosphere is cozy with fantastic music enhancing the vibe. Popular for unique cocktails and well-balanced drinks alongside standout dishes like mojo fries and lomo saltado.

Food here matches authentic Peruvian cuisine with amazing quality and great service. The dishes deliver a taste comparable to what you'd find in Lima, Peru.

Pork tacos stand out with super fresh corn tortillas and a fatty but tasty filling. They pack actual flavor and come with plenty of meat.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, full of flavor and fresh."

"You have to try the chili wontons; they're perfectly balanced."

"The pork tacos are so tasty and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

06
Adrian's Surf n' Turf Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, family-owned seafood grill with hand-crafted furnishings and a fast casual setup where orders go at the counter. Atmosphere stays relaxing and friendly with a fun music selection and quiet pace. The place draws steady crowds despite its unassuming, modern storefront.

Food features excellent quality and perfect preparation with fine dining presentation. Meals are delicious and reasonably priced.

Fish tacos stand out with ahi sashimi, swordfish, and blackened salmon options. Calamari strips and tuna tacos also feature on the menu.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here are awesome and the chips are crispy."

"The food here was delicious and everyone agreed."

"I loved the ahi tacos; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not have a bathroom, so plan accordingly before visiting.

2

Expect higher prices on the menu, with items averaging at least $4 more than expected.

3

Parking is ample and available near the restaurant.

07
Chacho's Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Food truck setup offers fresh Mexican tacos with homemade salsas and vegetarian options. Atmosphere feels homey and pairs well with the adjacent brewery, creating a casual spot for eating and drinking. Ordering involves a self-service kiosk, though it can be inefficient at times.

Tacos stand out with authentic street flavors and fresh ingredients. Food truck offers great quality Mexican dishes with consistent good service.

Tacos come with super juicy carnitas and flavorful chicken options. Street tacos pair well with beer and offer delicious salsas and burritos that satisfy cravings.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada tacos here are really good and flavorful."

"I still dream about the delicious tacos I had here."

"I loved the delicious, flavorful tacos and loaded fries."

Good to know

1

Most tacos cost about $3.99, making it an affordable option.

2

The food truck has shaded outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying your meal.

3

Catering services are available for events, providing a convenient option for large groups.

08
Cali's & Fries image 1
Mexican restaurant

Minimalist taco shop style sets a clean, comfy, and quiet atmosphere with cafeteria-style seating. A self-serve salsa bar and free hot carrots add to the casual vibe. Known for authentic California burritos and consistent quality, it stays open late when others close.

Food here is freshly made with big portions that offer solid value. The dishes are consistently tasty and the service is quick, usually around six minutes from order to plate.

Tacos here come in varied styles like adobada, quesabirria, and rolled tacos. The spot offers more options than average taco shops and delivers a real San Diego taco shop atmosphere.

People are saying

"The salsa bar has awesome, tasty salsas and spicy carrots and jalapenos."

"I found the food here to be really good and fresh."

"The rolled tacos are excellent with good guacamole and cheese."

Good to know

1

$2 taco Tuesdays offer a budget-friendly option for visitors.

2

Cali's & Fries has plenty of parking available in front.

3

The restaurant is known for its clean bathrooms.

09
The Taco Stand image 1
Taco restaurant

Space is extremely narrow with limited seating, mostly standing room and a small counter. Atmosphere feels crowded and lively, with Mexican music playing and customers often brushing shoulders. Guests can watch homemade tortillas being prepared and enjoy a serve-yourself salsa bar.

Food stands out for its freshness and authentic Mexican flavors. Tacos are especially popular, with many ordering more due to the delicious taste.

Shrimp and Al Pastor tacos stand out with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Beans come without lard, and mushroom tacos satisfy those seeking a unique option.

People are saying

"These tacos are worth the wait; they're the best in San Diego."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"I thought the tacos here were amazing and worth trying."

Good to know

1

The Taco Stand operates as an order-and-go type place with no seating available.

2

Parking can be challenging at The Taco Stand.

3

I recommend ordering ahead because they get busy.

10
Brotherโ€™s Mexican Food 3 image 1

Mexican restaurant offers free chips and salsa bar with wide menu options including dishes not usually found nearby. Seating is limited and no-frills, with a casual atmosphere. Food features large portions and fresh salsas, attracting those seeking hearty, flavorful meals.

Authentic Mexican food stands out with consistently good taste and quality. Taco Wednesday deal offers very good tacos at good prices.

Tacos come larger than typical street tacos with all the toppings needed. Options like al pastor and carne asada arrive warm, juicy, and packed with flavor, especially during Taco Wednesday specials.

People are saying

"I found the California burrito to be outstanding and perfect."

"I found the food here to be delicious and bursting with flavor."

"I would recommend this place's tacos to others."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes not typically found in local Mexican restaurants.

2

The portion sizes of the dishes are generous.

3

The pricing is considered good for the quality of food offered.

11
Rubio's Coastal Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an open, comfortable layout and beachy motifs creates a casual, relaxed vibe. The atmosphere stays active and welcoming, making it suitable for quick, affordable meals. Fish tacos stand out as a signature dish enjoyed by many.

Food comes out fresh and made-to-order with great quality and good value. Meals arrive hot and ready quickly, matching the quality found at many Mexican spots.

Fish tacos stand out with a fresh, unmatched flavor and keto-friendly options. Beer battered shrimp tacos and chicken bacon jalapeรฑo tacos add variety with bold, satisfying tastes.

People are saying

"This Diablo sauce for the tacos is so hot and flavorful."

"The staff here are super friendly and solved my order problem quickly."

"I found the food here to be great and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 original fish tacos all day.

2

Parking is ample and free at this location.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean dining area and restrooms.

12
Bopomofo Cafe image 1

Cafe blends Japanese and Taiwanese culture with a modern, clean design and plenty of sunlight. Atmosphere feels relaxed and family-friendly, welcoming for chill hangouts. Popular spot offers creative drink flavors and snacks with a focus on quality and detail.

Food features fusion flavors inspired by Taiwan with many creative drink and food options. Vegan choices include vegetarian popcorn chicken made well and served in a clean setting.

Hainan chicken tacos stand out with a unique twist, paired often with a watermelon oat milk drink. The tacos come alongside a chicken salad that also draws attention.

People are saying

"The blueberry matcha here is incredible and balanced."

"The food here is really good and made with fresh ingredients."

"The nori fish tacos are delicious with crispy fried fish."

Good to know

1

The food is available only during limited hours at the moment.

2

Weekends in the evening can get crowded, so arrive early to avoid the crowd.

3

There are few tables outside, and limited seating inside.

13
Casa Machado Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Restaurant offers airport runway views with planes taking off and landing visible from inside. Atmosphere blends Mexican culture with airplane decor, creating a unique and lively vibe. Separate bar area features big screens for sports, attracting groups and company gatherings.

Food features great flavor and seasonings with a focus on local Mexican dishes. The meals consistently deliver tasty and satisfying experiences.

Shrimp, pork, and carne asada tacos come with fresh flavors and solid preparation. Fish and ground beef tacos stand out for their excellent taste and quality.

People are saying

"I love the Mexican food here; the view of planes is amazing."

"I thought the food here was great."

"I found the ground beef tacos here to be the best."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 9 pm with various drink specials.

2

Daily specials are available throughout the week, offering great value.

3

The restaurant is located on the second floor of Montgomery Airport.

14
Bonchon Convoy image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious dining area with many big TVs showing sports creates a chill, low-key vibe. Music plays softly in the background, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. The place draws people looking for Korean fried chicken and casual meals with beer or soju.

Food features consistent texture especially in chicken, with delicious options that stay true to flavor. Meals come out spectacular and satisfying every time.

Bulgogi Tacos offer rich, flavorful Korean-style fillings. Korean Chicken Tacos stand out with their unique seasoning and taste.

People are saying

"You have to try the Korean fried chicken; it's so juicy and crispy."

"I thought the fried chicken here was the best I had."

"The food here is really good and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Thursdays with discounted drinks.

2

Enjoy $1 wings on Mondays and Tuesdays during happy hour.

3

A $22 gratuity is automatically added for parties of six or more.

15
Rolbertos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an extensive menu offers authentic dishes like carne asada burritos and fresh salsa. Atmosphere feels clean and casual but could benefit from updates. Popular during lunch hour, it draws those seeking reasonably priced meals with generous portions.

Amazing Mexican food offers excellent taste and quality. Prices stay reasonable, making it a great value for authentic dishes.

Carne asada tacos and burritos stand out with very tasty flavors. Fish tacos come with red salsa but sometimes the taco shells are half empty.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and fresh."

"The Carne Asada burritos are stacked with meat and taste awesome."

"I really enjoyed the carne asada taco."

Good to know

1

Prices for meals are generally around $12.

2

The restaurant is easily accessible off Highway 15.

3

Parking can be tricky due to unusual traffic flow.

16
Burros & Fries - Kearny Mesa image 1

Mexican restaurant offers inventive menu with wide variety and notable burritos praised for flavor. Atmosphere includes loud kitchen noise and presence of tiny fruit flies, with no air conditioning but an open door for airflow. Salsa bar stands out as clean and fresh feature.

Mexican food here is delicious and not greasy. Portions come in big amounts and the dishes stay fresh and tasty.

Tacos here offer a San Diego-style twist with authentic Mexican flavors. Options include Xolo tacos, potato tacos, birria, and beef rolled tacos, plus unique fries and rolled taco combos.

People are saying

"I thought the burritos here were the best I ate all year."

"I loved the house salsa for its onion and garlic kick."

"I thought the Mexican food was delicious and not greasy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant maintains a clean and neat environment for diners.

2

Expect a variety of inventive menu items that cater to different tastes.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with some dishes exceeding $20.

17
Societe Brewing Company image 1

Large brewery offers open indoor and outdoor seating with views of brewing tanks. Atmosphere is laid-back and lively, often loud with prevalent brewing smells and occasional jet noise. On-site Mexican food truck and dog-friendly patio enhance the social vibe.

Food trucks, especially Mexican tacos, often park outside. Chacho's Tacos is a common vendor. Opening outside food or drinks inside is not allowed by law.

Taco truck serves very tasty tacos with great vegan options. It adds a strong Southern California vibe and pairs well with a frosty beer.

People are saying

"I tried several well-made beers with good balance and flavor."

"I thought the tacos here were the best in the world."

"I loved the brew here; it was really good."

Good to know

1

Trivia night starts at 6 pm on Thursdays at Societe Brewing.

2

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The brewery offers both indoor and outdoor seating for guests.

18
Sombrero Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a gas station offers both inside and outside seating with a clean atmosphere. The salsa bar stands out with flavorful options, and the food includes crispy tacos and quality flour tortillas for burritos. The place closes early, creating a quieter pace later in the day.

Food here is consistently delicious and of excellent quality. Service is fast and friendly, making the dining experience smooth and enjoyable.

Rolled tacos come out crispy and fast, often served with guacamole and sour cream. Breakfast tacos with bacon offer a filling portion at a reasonable price, while carnitas tacos tend to be small and pricey.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was awesome and delicious."

"I found the Mexican food inside this gas station awesome."

"I was surprised by how delicious the rolled tacos were."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 3 p.m. on weekends.

2

The breakfast taco costs $4.25 and is filling.

3

Prices at Sombrero Mexican Food are reasonable.

19
Soto's Mexican Food #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers quick service with huge portions and a varied salsa bar featuring about six options. Atmosphere is laid back and quiet, suitable for a casual, fast meal. Food quality stands out, especially in dishes like carne asada and Albondigas soup.

Food here is consistently high quality and served quickly. Free chips come with meals, and the service stays excellent every time.

Beef tacos come with a price of $19 for three, which feels a bit high. Al Pastor and fish tacos stand out with really good flavor, while chicken tacos use day-old rotisserie chicken that looks grey.

People are saying

"I loved the huge burritos and carne asada plate."

"I found the food here to be quick, excellent, and of high quality."

"I found the beef tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect quick service, with some orders ready in under five minutes.

2

Prices are not displayed on the menu, so be prepared for surprises.

3

The restaurant offers a self-serve chips and salsa bar with six salsa options.

20
Yesenia's Mexican and Seafood image 1

Covered patio and interior blend earth tones with tropical vibes creating a calm, inviting atmosphere. Salsa bar offers homemade sauces and chips made from scratch. Food features authentic Mexican dishes with generous portions and fresh tortillas soaking up rich flavors.

Food arrives quickly, within 5-10 minutes, and tastes consistently fresh and flavorful. The menu offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican and seafood dishes, paired with hot sauce that stands out.

Tacos come fully loaded with meat and are really big. Fish and shrimp tacos arrive with free chips, rice, and beans. The spot offers a tropical vibe unlike typical taco shops.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas were some of the best Mexican food I've had."

"I thought the Mexican food here was legit and delicious."

"I thought the tacos here were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Brunch is available on Saturdays.

2

The restaurant opens at 6 am.

3

There is a nice-sized parking lot.

21
Mauricio's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic tacos and generous burritos offers a straightforward, no-frills dining experience. The atmosphere is casual and reminiscent of East County taco shops, with a back room for larger groups. It operates with simple, honest food rather than gimmicks.

Food here is consistently good with a solid reputation for great taste. Meals come with excellent service and a pleasant atmosphere.

Rolled tacos come out hot and crispy with great flavor. Beef, carnitas, and cabeza tacos stand out, along with mini Pastor tacos and a bean tostada on the side.

People are saying

"I found the carne asada burrito to be big and delicious."

"I enjoyed the great food here."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were the best ever."

Good to know

1

Check Mauricio's status before driving there to avoid disappointment.

2

They have a back room suitable for large parties of up to 13 people.

3

Mauricio's may have recently closed; verify before visiting.

22
La Fuente Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with an open layout and fresh salsa bar. Atmosphere stays clean and lively without being too loud. Offers a great burrito selection and a comfortable place to dine with friends or family.

Food stays fresh any time of day with a great menu selection featuring a standout cali burrito. Prices stay reasonable and the place keeps clean, making the food consistently good.

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos with solid flavors like the Baja fish taco special and birria tacos. Tacos deliver great taste and value that appeal to families and taco lovers alike.

People are saying

"The Cali burrito here is super flavorful and perfectly filling."

"I found the food here to be really good and fresh."

"You have to try their Taco Tuesday; the tortillas are freshly made."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos and $3.50 mulitas.

2

Expect a reasonable wait time for food during busy hours.

3

Parking is usually available near the restaurant.

23
El Gordo Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful interior featuring cactus-themed wallpaper and cowboy hat decorations offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Seating includes covered outdoor patio and ample indoor space, complemented by a self-serve salsa bar. Drive-thru service adds convenience to the experience.

Authentic Mexican cuisine shines with homemade tortillas and massive portions. The menu offers an extensive selection of dishes including standout items like Surf N Turf Fries.

Tacos come crispy with flavorful meat and plenty of toppings on reusable plates. Birria tacos stand out, offered at a fantastic price and served with a small bowl of beef consommรฉ.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has amazing flavors and perfect meat."

"I thought the food here was really good."

"The tacos are crispy with flavorful meat."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $7 for each taco, which is on the higher side.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions, especially for tacos.

3

Combo prices range from $10 to $20, which is reasonable for the area.

24
Super Sergio's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enclosed space with covered outdoor seating and no climate control creates a warm atmosphere. Two drive-thrus serve mostly authentic Mexican food with affordable prices. Limited or no parking emphasizes its role as a quick stop rather than a sit-down spot.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with consistently great taste. It stands out as a classic drive-thru spot known for solid, satisfying meals.

Fish tacos stand out with breaded texture and solid flavor. Beef crispy tacos and tacos de cabeza offer distinctive taste. Rolled tacos have a good texture and flavor.

People are saying

"The Drive Thru food here is delicious and tasty."

"I thought the beef crispy tacos were unmatched."

"This food, the carne asada burrito, is the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Super Sergio's charges a high fee for card transactions; cash is recommended.

2

There is no parking available at Super Sergio's.

3

Each side of the building has a drive-thru for convenience.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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