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Taco spots with outdoor seating in La Jolla

You want your tacos served outside where you can eat without being confined to a dining room.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Eddie V's Prime Seafood image 1
Eddie V's Prime Seafood image 2
Eddie V's Prime Seafood image 3
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Seafood restaurant

Panoramic ocean views define the setting, especially from the outdoor patio with heated lamps and a fire pit for warmth. The atmosphere stays elegant and quiet, welcoming guests with attentive service and thoughtful touches like table decorations and complimentary champagne. The place draws those seeking a refined dining experience paired with stunning scenery.

Lobster tacos stand out with Maine lobster delivering rich, fresh flavor. They serve as a popular appetizer alongside other seafood options like crab fried rice.

Outdoor areas offer breathtaking ocean views with covered patios and heaters. Tables on the top floor lounge and balcony provide phenomenal vistas perfect for dinners or special occasions.

People are saying

"The ocean view here is spectacular and to die for."

"They decorated our table with rose petals for our anniversary."

"The outdoor seating has a stunning view of the water."

Good to know

1

Reservations are essential as the restaurant is often fully booked.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Valet parking is recommended due to limited street parking availability.

02
Public House La Jolla image 1
American restaurant

Cozy converted building with indoor and outdoor seating including a heated shaded patio creates a homey vibe. Numerous sports screens and live music add casual energy. The atmosphere feels low-energy and relaxed, attracting those who enjoy a quiet spot for drinks and games.

Tacos feature fresh, high-quality ingredients with standout options like fish tacos and a substantial vegan taco. Both fish and chips and tacos maintain excellent flavor and quality.

Outdoor seating includes a shaded patio that offers a cool spot to enjoy meals. Both inside and outside seating options exist, making it easy to have dinner or drinks outdoors.

People are saying

"I loved their amazing craft beer selection."

"The burgers and fries here are really good."

"I found the fish tacos to be great."

Good to know

1

Half-off burgers are available on Tuesdays.

2

Happy hour offers daily specials, including half-price sliders.

3

Parking is plentiful near the restaurant.

03
La Corriente La Jolla image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space blends French cafรฉ and beach bungalow styles with beautiful decor and terrace seating. Atmosphere stays laid back and soothing, ideal for conversation. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican flavors and warm hospitality.

Softshell crab tacos deliver a life-changing experience with unique flavor. Rib eye and Artichoke tacos stand out for their layered flavors and crispy textures.

Patio seating offers a nice spot to sit outside and chat. Tables near the sidewalk provide a great view of the outside activity along with adorable soup samples.

People are saying

"I've never had a fresher, crispier fish taco."

"I've never had a fresher, crispier fish taco."

"The clam chowder here is the most delicious bowl I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends promptly at 6pm; order before then to get the discount.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so expect a wait during peak hours.

3

Parking is not available; consider alternative transportation options.

04
Taco Time Cantina image 1

Bright colors and beautiful decor create an inviting space with both indoor and outdoor seating, including a cozy patio with heaters and cover. Atmosphere feels authentic and relaxing, suitable for casual dining with fresh air and friendly energy. A standout feature is the fantastic salsa bar offering a range of heat levels.

Tacos here burst with fresh, quality ingredients and bold flavors. Options like the carne asada, birria, and fish tacos stand out for their authentic taste and perfect preparation.

Outdoor seating includes covered tables and outdoor heaters, creating a lovely atmosphere.

People are saying

"The salsa bar is fantastic, with so many tasty options."

"These tacos are bursting with flavor and packed with fresh, high-quality ingredients."

"The tacos here are full of flavor and bursting with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Taco Time Cantina offers unique taco options not available anywhere else.

2

The chef makes everything daily from scratch with over 20 years of experience.

3

Expect a 2% credit card surcharge not listed on the menu.

05
Beeside Balcony La Jolla image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Open-air Mediterranean restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and an elevated patio that reduces street noise. Live music sets a classy beach town vibe with a vibrant atmosphere that feels both lively and welcoming.

Rockfish tacos stand out for their flavor and popularity. Shrimp tacos and Octopus ceviche also appear as tasty seafood options alongside grilled feta cheese sandwiches.

Outdoor seating offers great ocean patio views and a luxurious patio dining environment. The patio feels more open and decorated compared to indoor spaces.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots was spectacular and did not disappoint."

"The shrimp and rockfish tacos here are terrific."

"The outdoor seating offers a beautiful ocean view."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

The happy hour menu is available upon request from the staff.

3

Parking is generally easy, but can be difficult during peak hours.

06
El Charro Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating offers a laid-back beach atmosphere with a chill surfer vibe and views for people and bird watching. Music videos from the 80s add to the relaxed mood. Large portions of traditional Mexican food come at reasonable prices, with carne asada burritos and fries standing out.

Tacos come piled in a pyramid shape with a generous amount of filling including meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Options like chicken, beef, adobada, carne asada, and fish offer crispy yet not overdone shells and full meals in each taco.

Outdoor seating offers a cute patio with plenty of space. It suits both people watching and bird watching while enjoying food.

People are saying

"I found the carne asada burrito to be amazing."

"The outdoor seating here is nice and great for people watching."

"The tacos are packed with meat and cheese, a full meal."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during the summer due to high traffic.

2

The restaurant offers large portions at reasonable prices.

3

Enchiladas cost $28.00, which is on the higher side for Mexican food.

07
Don Bravo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a family atmosphere with nostalgic cantina vibes and a lively, crowded energy. Outdoor patio provides wonderful ocean views that complement the relaxed setting. A salsa bar and food truck add to the casual, authentic experience.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings and generous portions. Shredded chicken and rolled tacos also offer meat-packed options. Prices lean higher but match the quality and taste.

Outdoor seating offers wonderful views of the ocean and the Pacific coastline. The patio provides a nice sunset view near the coastal bluffs.

People are saying

"The patio has a nice ocean view, especially at sunset."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they're amazing."

"The outdoor seating has wonderful ocean views."

Good to know

1

Street tacos cost $3 each.

2

A regular breakfast burrito costs $11.99, with extra charges for substitutions.

3

The two fish tacos and a drink cost under $10.

08
The Spot La Jolla image 1

Bar and grill with ocean views and an indoor-outdoor second story creates a lively, cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating is dog friendly and popular, while multiple sports TVs show several games simultaneously. The place fills up and gets loud, especially later in the evening.

Fish tacos stand out with fried Mahi Mahi and blackened preparations that deliver strong flavor. Both the fish tacos and chicken fingers offer exceptional taste and freshness.

Outdoor seating offers a dog friendly patio with warm flames for comfort. It stays available and suits the upbeat vibe well.

People are saying

"The bar food here is some of the best I've ever had."

"I enjoyed catching drinks on the patio with great bar food."

"I highly recommend the fried fish tacos."

Good to know

1

Parking at The Spot can be challenging.

2

They have Trivia Night on Tuesdays.

3

Happy Hour gives $3 off appetizers.

09
El Pescador Fish Market image 1

Fish market and restaurant combine with fresh seafood display behind a glass counter. Outdoor patio lined with cacti offers a relaxed coastal vibe and spacious seating options. The atmosphere feels buzzy and inviting, drawing people who appreciate fresh fish and casual dining.

Fresh seafood shines in the fish tacos, which come in varieties like snapper and tuna. Kids enjoy the fish tacos and the kids catch, while the grilled octopus sandwich adds another flavorful option.

A patio lined with cacti and plants creates a unique outdoor vibe. Seating options include high top and regular tables with some spots for takeaway and dining outside with pets.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish tacos here are huge and delicious."

"You can find a seat inside or outside, and your food is delivered personally to your table."

Good to know

1

El Pescador Fish Market operates on a first come, first serve basis; no reservations accepted.

2

Expect long lines on Saturday afternoons, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

10
Jose's CourtRoom image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating offers ocean views with heaters and umbrellas for comfort. The atmosphere is lively and noisy with live guitar music and football highlights playing. Large, dog-friendly bar and fun, colorful vibe attract a diverse crowd.

Shrimp tacos stand out with rich flavor and freshness. Chicken and fish tacos also deliver authentic taste alongside well-prepared salsa for chips.

Outdoor seating offers patio deck views of the ocean with counter height tables and regular tables. Seating is available immediately and remains pleasant even on rainy days.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and perfectly cooked."

"The outdoor seating has a great view of the sea."

"The shrimp tacos here had so much flavor and were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with discounted drinks and snacks.

2

Discounted tacos are available until 7:00 PM.

3

A surcharge fee applies when paying with a credit card.

11
Don Carlos Taco Shopึ‰ image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and laid-back atmosphere. Offers fast, affordable food with outdoor patio seating where people watch happens. Known for flavorful burritos and tacos that stand out in quality and taste.

Fish tacos stand out with their huge size and tasty flavor. Other tacos like steak, ground beef, and grilled chicken come with rich, satisfying flavor and generous portions.

A small covered patio offers a spot to watch people and vehicles go by. Seating is limited both inside and outside, making the outdoor area cozy but minimal.

People are saying

"I thought this burrito was the best I had ever tasted."

"I found the tacos here to be delicious and huge."

"The food here is delicious, especially with Outdoor Seating."

Good to know

1

The wait at Don Carlos Taco Shop is usually short, even during rush hours.

2

There is limited seating available at Don Carlos Taco Shop.

3

Don Carlos Taco Shop offers a variety of menu options, including vegan choices.

12
Nautilus Tavern image 1
American restaurant

Small American restaurant with outdoor seating and a friendly, relaxed vibe. Live music and a DJ create a lively atmosphere in the evenings, while multiple TVs show sports. The place is dog friendly and offers free video games for kids.

Fish tacos feature fried mahi mahi with fresh ingredients. Specials include taco/trivia night and happy hour with live music from Thursday to Sunday.

Backyard and street seating create a relaxed vibe outside. The back patio hosts events like reunions, offering both inside and outside seating options.

People are saying

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

"The outdoor seating is perfect for hosting large events."

"I thought the tacos were fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day with half-price appetizers.

2

Trivia night occurs every Thursday with a $5 entry fee.

3

Free parking is available in the garage downstairs.

13
The Shack Bar & Grill image 1

Beach bar with tiki-style deck and covered outdoor terrace offers a casual, friendly vibe and pool tables inside and out. Dim lighting and lively noise levels create a fun, social atmosphere near the ocean. Dog-friendly setting includes humorous patio decor and a fire pit for gathering.

Shrimp tacos come loaded with lots of shrimp and an awesome sauce. Fish tacos feature huge pieces of fried fish and a lot of cabbage.

Outdoor seating offers a front patio with a downtown urban beach view and a fun vibe. The area suits events and includes quirky decor and a pool table nearby.

People are saying

"The bar has great drinks and reasonably priced food."

"It's a chill spot with a fun patio and quirky decor."

"The fish tacos here have huge pieces of fried fish."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options.

2

Parking is generally easy to find near the restaurant.

3

Happy hour specials include a $13 chicken corn dog and margarita deal.

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La Jolla, San Diego

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