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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Kearny Mesa

Seafood and Salsa

Seafood that stands on its own, paired with salsa that complements the dish instead of overpowering it.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chacho's Tacos image 1
Chacho's Tacos image 2
Chacho's Tacos image 3
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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.

Shrimp dishes come with a good amount of shrimp and no fishy taste. Tacos feature pollo asado, carne asada, and shrimp, all cooked well and not oily.

Red salsa stands out for its hot but addicting flavor. Homemade salsas consistently deliver delicious taste that complements dishes like shrimp burritos and pollo asado tacos.

People are saying

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

"The shrimp tacos here are flavorful and not fishy at all."

"The burritos here are huge, messy, and delicious."

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.

02
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.

Fresh and flavorful seafood stands out with authentic Baja flavor and complex, sophisticated preparations. Fish tacos and shrimp ceviche shine with generous portions and excellent sauces.

Salsas here bring authentic and spicy flavors. The red house salsa stands out with plenty of spice and great taste.

People are saying

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The seafood tacos here are the best I've ever had."

"The seafood here is fresh and of good quality."

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.

03
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.

Shrimp tacos stand out with a lovely flavor profile and grilled shrimp that tastes great. Fish tacos also impress with freshness and solid seasoning, making them a favorite choice here.

Salsa options cover all spice levels, with a chunky habaรฑero standing out. The extra hot red salsa in closed cups offers a strong kick.

People are saying

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

"You must try the California burrito; it's excellent."

"I found the salsas to be incredibly flavorful and fresh."

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.

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.

Fish tacos come in large portions with a crispy golden brown batter and tender, juicy fish. Recent changes made the fish smaller, drier, and less flavorful, resembling frozen battered fish, and the mild salsa is now less chunky and less tasty.

Chunky mild salsa once features noticeable pieces of tomato, onion, and cilantro but now turns watery and tasteless. Spicy red salsa remains actually spicy and delicious.

People are saying

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

"The fish tacos here are huge and really good."

"I loved their tasty, chunky mild salsa with noticeable tomato and cilantro."

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
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.

Shrimp dishes stand out with a spicy shrimp cocktail and a shrimp plate option. Fish appears in the Del Mar burrito and fish tacos, both noted for good flavor and a mix of fried fish and shrimp.

Free chips come with a variety of salsa selections. The thick spicy red salsa stands out among the options.

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."

"The seafood burritos here are really flavorful."

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.

06
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.

Shrimp dishes stand out with garlic sauce, bacon-wrapped Camarones Machado, and fresh mango salsa. Fish tacos also appear frequently and come highly praised.

Chips come with spicy salsa that stands out for its flavor. Both chips and salsa are consistently described as excellent and incredible.

People are saying

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

"The chips and salsa here are really great."

"The Seafood here is amazing and the staff is so friendly."

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.

07
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.

Shrimp enchiladas stand out as a delicious option. Fish tacos sometimes come with burnt, greasy flavors.

A salsa bar offers fresh options like carrots, jalapeรฑos, and onions alongside free chips. All salsas are made in-house, paired with refreshing aguas frescas such as Jamaica and horchata.

People are saying

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

"The fresh tortillas and salsa are amazing with Outdoor Seating."

"I loved their in-house salsa bar with fresh carrots and jalapeรฑos."

Good to know

1

Brunch is available on Saturdays.

2

The restaurant opens at 6 am.

3

There is a nice-sized parking lot.

08
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.

Diablo Shrimp Burrito offers a spicy kick with flavorful shrimp and palpable heat. Seafood options like the Baja fish taco and surf and turf burrito deliver consistent, enjoyable flavors.

A fresh salsa bar offers a variety of hot and flavorful salsas including Avocado and Habanero options. Cucumbers are available to help calm the spice for those who need it.

People are saying

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

"I loved the great salsas they offered."

"The seafood here is authentic and great."

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.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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