
It’s always Taco Time in San Diego!
It’s no secret that San Diegans are incredibly fortunate to have some of the best Mexican food this side of the border. From the tamales you’ll find here to the burritos, and who could forget our beloved carne asada fries. However, is there a more quintessentially Mexican dish than the taco? We think not, which is why we did the grueling job of chowing down, um, we mean researching, the best taco spots in San Diego!
Provecho!
The Taco Stand
This local jewel has some of the best tacos around. They offer classic favorites like Baja tacos, Camaron, Carne Asadam Tijuana-style, plus a few veggie-friendly tacos.
Location: 4646 Convoy St #111, San Diego, CA 92111
Tuetano Taqueria, Old Town
Chef Priscilla Curiel’s Michelin-honored taqueria has moved from its original San Ysidro outpost to a swanky new space at the Old Town Urban Market. Her slow-cooked Birra, made with beef shoulder cuts simmered in rich broth seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, and guajillo chiles, is the menu’s focus. Try it with her signature touch: a topping of roasted bone marrow.
Location: 2458 Congress St, San Diego, CA 92110
Aqui Es Texcoco, Chula Vista
This spot does things its own way. Aqui es Texcoco pays tribute to the regional style of barbacoa from Morelos, Mexico. The result is incredibly tender, slow-cooked lamb (cooked in an underground pit oven!) This is a must-visit for any serious taco lover out there!.
Location: 520 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910
The Birria Truck, Chula Vista
There will always be a special place in our hearts for delicious food truck tacos. And The Birria Truck is the perfect example of why that is. You’ll be able to enjoy all the birria tacos here (as long as you line up early!) as well as some other favorites, like the crispy quesatacos.
Location: 271 Quintard St, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Carnitas Las Michoacanas, City Heights
Carnitas are some of the most comforting food around, and Michoacan, Mexico, is famous for them! Luckily, you won’t have to travel that far to get some. You can pick up either a pound or half-pound of the delectable fried pork and their freshly made tortillas at this City Heights restaurant and have yourself an epic taco party!
Location: 6513 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
Puesto, Mission Valley
If you’re craving a taco but also a lux night out, Puesto is the perfect spot for you. That’s right; this Mission Valley eatery serves up all the comfort of a good taco with the refinement of jindori chicken, fillet mignon, and lobster!
Location: 5010 Mission Center Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
Ranchos Cocina, North Park
Ranchos is the go-to spot for vegetarian and vegan taco lovers! You can enjoy a variety of amazing tacos such as nopales, tofu, veggies, shiitake mushrooms, and vegan “meats” tacos! However, if you love the traditional meat option you’ll be able to find them here as well. As Hannah would say, “You get the best of both worlds.”
Location: 3910 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
City Tacos
City Tacos is a San Diegan institution that has built an intense following for good reason. Their eight locations are Ballpark, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Village at USC, North Park, Pacific Beach, and Sorrento Valley. You’ll find your favorite tacos here as well as paleo options.
Location: 3028 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Lola 55, East Village
Lola 55 has all the tacos and cocktails you could want, making it the perfect date spot! The stylish interior sets it apart from many taco spots in town. We highly recommend their pork belly al pastor taco, which gives this traditional taco a fresh and unexpected spin. If you’re vegetarian, you can enjoy their fresh squash blossom relleno taco!
Location: 1290 F St, San Diego, CA 92101
Taquería Revolución, Otay Ranch
This taqueria does an excellent of capturing that Tijuanan flair! You can choose between taco options such as Carne Asada, Adobaba, Birria, Carnitas, Chicken, and Cactus.
Location: 2015 Birch Rd #1201, Chula Vista, CA 91915