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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in PB

Mexican food and salsa

Mexican food where the salsa is treated as a main event, not just an afterthought served from a plastic cup.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Diego’s Street Tacos image 1
Diego’s Street Tacos image 2
Diego’s Street Tacos image 3
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Taco restaurant

Family-run taco spot offers authentic street-style Mexican food with handmade tortillas and generous portions. Atmosphere feels homey and inviting, reflecting a neighborhood vibe rather than mass production. Flavors focus on well-seasoned meats like carne asada and adobada, paired with fresh salsas.

Fresh corn tortillas hold up tacos packed with flavorful carne asada and al pastor. Burritos come loaded with generous steak and steak fries, while green salsa offers a perfect acidity and a hint of spice.

Green salsa stands out with perfect acidity and a hint of lingering spice. It offers legitimate heat that can be added inside the burrito or on the side for control over spice level.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is the best in PB."

"The tortillas here are fresh and hand-made."

"The salsa here is legitimately spicy with a perfect acidity."

Good to know

1

The portions are generous and offer great value.

2

The price is reasonable for the quality of food.

3

Parking is a bit tight, so arrive early.

02
El Cevichero PB image 1
Taco restaurant

Food truck under a tent offers Baja style cuisine with fresh, made-to-order ceviche and generous portions. Atmosphere is sunny and peaceful during late morning, though nearby road and workshop can raise noise levels. Locally owned spot provides affordable prices and clear menu details on taco sizes.

Smoked fish tacos stand out with fresh cabbage, pico de gallo, and a delicious sauce. Baja style fish and shrimp tacos come with tasty ceviche and salsas, plus specials like Taco Tuesday offer good value.

Salsas come in green with garlic flavor and red with savory spice. Various salsas and hot sauces sit on the side for different tastes.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is savory, spicy, and has a great garlic flavor."

"The fish tacos here are super tasty and on point."

Good to know

1

Expect the food truck to get busy after 6 pm.

2

Taco Tuesday offers three Baja style fish tacos for $9.

3

No public restrooms are available at the food truck.

03
Harry's taco club image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating on a street patio creates a hole in the wall vibe with a lively atmosphere. A bar with pool tables adjoins the space, offering two-for-one margaritas and other drinks. The spot draws crowds seeking highly rated burritos and tacos in a casual setting.

The California burrito stands out for its size and flavor, often considered the best around. Tacos come in large, street style portions with options like steak and shrimp or octopus, all served quickly with friendly service.

Multiple types of salsa come with the food. These salsas are delicious and pair well with the burritos.

People are saying

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

"These burritos are the most flavorful Mexican food I've ever tried."

"I thought the California burrito was the best I'd ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Harry's Taco Club accepts only cash payments.

2

The line at Harry's Taco Club is always long.

3

There was no space inside for dine-in, and only a few tables were outside.

04
Saco's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with fresh, authentic flavors and a salsa bar offering various sauces. Interior feels cool and inviting despite simple seating, creating a casual atmosphere. Known for generous portions and well-prepared meats, it attracts those who value flavor and freshness.

Street mini tacos like Al Pastor, Carnitas, and cabeza stand out with authentic flavors. The California burrito is generously sized and highly praised. Quesadillas come large without too much cheese, and tortas feature fresh, toasted bread with a soft, sweet texture. A wide variety of salsas complements the dishes, and corn tortillas and quinoa options cater to dietary needs.

Salsas come in a wide variety and are clearly homemade with vibrant flavors. The salsa bar offers plenty of options to mix with dishes like burritos.

People are saying

"I found the California burrito to be amazing and five stars."

"I found their tacos to be authentic, fresh, and flavor-packed."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is the best I've had."

Good to know

1

They offer 99¢ tacos on Tuesday and 3 for $7 all week long.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere on Taco Tuesdays due to the great deals.

3

Parking is limited, so consider street parking or arriving by rideshare.

05
Earlybird Breakfast Burritos - Pacific Beach image 1

Outdoor seating with shaded umbrellas creates a relaxing atmosphere enhanced by great music. The space fills with people enjoying delicious breakfast burritos near the water, making it a popular spot before heading to the beach.

Breakfast burritos come mega-sized with layers of flavorful chorizo and perfectly spiced carne. Crispy tater tots and melted cheese add a great touch to these consistently amazing burritos.

Catering includes seasoned chips and BOMB salsas. Salsa verde adds great flavor and balances the heaviness of meat and cheese, while the red salsa stands out as better than the green.

People are saying

"The breakfast burritos here are amazing and delicious."

"The eggs in these burritos are fluffy as clouds."

"These breakfast burritos are flavorful and amazing."

Good to know

1

They do not accept cash, only credit cards and mobile payments.

2

They open at 7am-12pm on Sunday to Thursday and 7am-2pm on Friday and Saturday.

3

Parking can be a little confusing in the back, but there are plenty of spaces.

06
Taquería Los Ruiz image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating dominates with four and two-top tables under an open door that warms the space. A salsa bar adds a lively touch, complementing the homemade tortillas and generous portions that define the menu. The atmosphere balances casual dining with affordable prices and a steady lunch rush.

Burritos stand out with flavorful ingredients and great charred tortillas. The nopal tacos offer authentic taste, paired with fresh corn tortillas and well-spiced horchata.

A salsa bar offers a variety of options with a standout avocado salsa verde and a popular green salsa. The salsas are consistently delicious and well-crafted.

People are saying

"I had the best authentic tacos and burritos ever."

"The tortillas here are fresh and well-toasted."

"I thought the burritos here were incredible."

Good to know

1

Watch out for long wait times during the lunch rush.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions for the price.

3

Homemade tortillas are used in all dishes.

07
La Perla Cocina #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall taco shop with a simple setup and freshly cooked meat defines the space. Atmosphere feels unassuming with a no frills vibe and long wait times due to made-to-order preparation. Prices lean toward the higher side, but the quality California burritos stand out as a signature offering.

California burritos stand out with juicy carne asada, perfectly cooked fries, and plenty of guacamole. Breakfast burritos and the surf and turf burrito also offer generous portions and fresh, hot ingredients.

Salsas here stand out with green and red varieties that are excellent. The habanero salsa adds a spicy kick that warms without overpowering flavor.

People are saying

"The California burrito here is massive and amazing."

"The seafood burritos here are outstanding and juicy."

"I'd eat the California Burrito here weekly; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

The burrito costs $14.00 without tip.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours.

3

Parking is almost nonexistent at both locations.

08
El Rey Moro Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Lively taco restaurant with two TVs playing shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and a spacious dining area filled with many tables. The vibe is random but enjoyable, attracting a crowd that appreciates authentic Mexican food with generous portions and reasonable prices near Pacific Beach.

Burritos come in large portions with consistent quality, especially the carne asada and Al Pastor varieties. Soft shell chicken tacos and chilaquiles with chicken stand out for flavor and size, while the horchata balances sweetness well.

Salsa here is spicy and flavorful with a good heat level. The green salsa adds great flavor to dishes, and the habanero salsa is worth trying for extra kick.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and has great flavor."

"I loved the pineapple and jalapeno in this Carne Asada burrito."

"The Mexican food here is gigantic and tasty."

Good to know

1

The prices at El Rey Moro Taco Shop are reasonable for the Pacific Beach area.

2

Ordering through Grubhub offers the best prices as menu prices may vary.

3

There is plenty of parking available near the taco shop.

09
Bahia PB Mexican Grill And Juice Bar image 1

Small, casual Mexican eatery with a huge selection of juices and food including vegetarian options and daily specials. Atmosphere is unpretentious and clean, with a focus on quick, affordable meals like tacos and burritos. Menu is displayed above the cash register, and ordering is preferred in person rather than by phone.

Tacos stand out with lobster, nopales, and carne asada options that are both delicious and affordable. Burritos pack in meat and fries without fillers, while a salsa bar offers a spicy kick suitable for everyone.

A good salsa bar offers a variety of salsas with a spicy level suitable for everyone. Two red salsas stand out: one tastes like tomato with a marinara aftertaste, the other has a smoky chipotle flavor.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be the best Mexican food I've ever had."

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

"The salsa here is really good, especially the smoky chipotle one."

Good to know

1

Expect a $0.50 charge for credit card payments.

2

Parking is free and available nearby.

3

Tacos are priced at $7 for two, making them a budget-friendly option.

10
Santana's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with beautiful interior and a massive salsa bar offers a relaxed vibe and a drive-through service. The space suits large parties and maintains a chill atmosphere without being loud.

California burritos stand out with fresh ingredients and a perfect green salsa. The menu offers a massive salsa bar and dishes like shrimp tacos, menudo, and quesadillas with mushrooms and adobada meat.

A massive selection of salsas fills the salsa bar, including three types offered by the host. The salsas range from a nice kick in the green and medium-colored varieties to a red salsa that is very flavorful.

People are saying

"I loved their red salsa; I could drink it by the gallon."

"I thought Santana's Mexican Food served the best burrito I had in San Diego."

"I loved the burritos; they were so hot and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $1.60 each.

2

The drive-thru service is quick and easy.

3

Parking is ample and convenient.

11
Rubio's Coastal Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a Baja California feel and outdoor seating that includes heaters for cool evenings. Atmosphere is charming and old school, though the indoor space is tiny and cramped. Self-serve setup features a condiments bar with many salsa options.

Fish tacos stand out with phenomenal flavor and require no extra toppings. The extensive salsa bar offers a variety of flavors like tomatillo and smoky options that pair well with dishes. Tortilla Soup and shrimp tacos also deliver strong, memorable tastes.

An extensive salsa bar offers many scratch-made salsas with flavors like roasted chipotle and tomatillo. The salsas range from smokey to spicy and pair well with the dishes.

People are saying

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

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

"The fish tacos here have a perfect crunch and fresh flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos, making it a popular choice.

2

Expect long lines during Taco Tuesday, especially at peak hours.

3

The restaurant has outdoor seating only, which may limit options in bad weather.

12
Valerie's Taco Shop - Pacific Beach image 1

Mexican restaurant operates primarily as a 24-hour drive-thru with limited seating and a constant flow of cars. The atmosphere is hot inside but the place stays very clean. Known for affordable, satisfying burritos and tacos, it attracts locals looking for quick, reliable meals any time of day.

Breakfast burritos stand out with their fattest size and consistent quality. Tacos like carnitas street and crispy chicken offer satisfying flavors and quick service supports late-night cravings.

Salsas come in multiple varieties and are great in flavor. Staff provide extra servings when asked, noting some may already be included in the order.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and tasty."

"I thought the breakfast burritos were delicious."

"The salsa here was really great."

Good to know

1

Valerie's Taco Shop is open 24 hours for late-night cravings.

2

The taco shop offers affordable prices for quick meals.

3

Cleanliness is a priority, with an A rating from health inspectors.

13
Vallarta Express Mexican Eatery image 1

Mexican eatery with 24/7 service and a drive-thru option offers large burritos and clean kitchen and dining areas. Atmosphere is basic and convenient for quick meals. Popular for breakfast burritos and fish tacos with a neighborhood taco shop vibe.

Burritos here have exceptional flavour and come in hefty portions that are about 1.5 times larger than other spots. Fish tacos and surf & turf burritos stand out as delicious and filling options, with the breakfast and vegetarian burritos also highly regarded.

Meals come with a good-sized side of salsa and guacamole. The salsa is big and chunky, but the salsa bar is gone, so you have to ask for it and sometimes wait about five minutes to get it.

People are saying

"I loved the massive burritos and loaded fries here."

"I always asked for the big, chunky salsa with my meal."

"I got the carnitas plate through the Drive Thru; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

Vallarta Express is open 24/7 for convenient dining.

2

The restaurant offers a drive-thru option for quick service.

3

Parking is very limited at Vallarta Express.

14
Baja Beach Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Beachfront setting offers magnificent ocean views and a laid-back vibe with outdoor heaters and dog-friendly patio. Music spans from 80's to early 2000's, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The spot draws people who enjoy sitting by the sea while sipping margaritas and enjoying casual Mexican fare.

Carne asada nachos feature impressive layering. Chilaquiles come with scratch-made salsa daily. The 32 oz margaritas offer over 20 flavors, mostly on the rocks, including a notable Diablo spicy option.

Salsa here features fresh, scratch-made flavor with a hot salsa that has great taste but mild heat. It pairs well with chips and guacamole, enhancing dishes like chilaquiles and beef tacos.

People are saying

"The outdoor patio is awesome, right on the beach."

"The Mexican food here has a great atmosphere and ocean view."

"The salsa here is so good, I could bathe in it."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7 PM on weekdays with 2 for 1 drink specials.

2

Enjoy buy one get one free cocktails until 7 PM during happy hour.

3

Expect a service fee of 3.9% on your bill.

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Pacific Beach, San Diego

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