San Diego, CA, is like a taco lover’s dream come true! With so many amazing places to grab a taco, it’s hard not to get excited. I’ve tasted my way through the city, and I can’t wait to share the best taco spots with you. Trust me, you’re going to want to take notes!
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So, what are the best tacos in San Diego, CA? The best tacos in San Diego can be found at Tacos El Gordo, La Puerta, City Tacos, Mike’s Red Tacos, Lucha Libre Taco Shop, Taquería Los Chuchys, Tacos El Cabron, Tacos El Panson, Tacos El Gordo on Palm Ave, and Tacos El Paisa. Each place has its own special flavors and fun vibes that make them stand out. You really can’t go wrong with any of these choices!
Get ready for a tasty adventure! I’ll take you through each taco spot, sharing what makes them so special and why you should check them out. Whether you’re a taco newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Top 10 Tacos in San Diego, CA
- Tacos El Gordo
- La Puerta
- City Tacos
- Mike’s Red Tacos
- Lucha Libre Taco Shop
- Taquería Los Chuchys
- Tacos El Cabron
- Tacos El Panson
- TACOS EL GORDO – Palm Ave
- Tacos El Paisa
1. Tacos El Gordo
Phone: (619) 955-8220
Menu: www.fooddiscoveryapp.com
Directions: Open on Map
Tacos El Gordo is one of my favorite taco spots in San Diego! It’s right on F Street, and when you walk in, you can smell all the yummy food. The place is super casual, which makes it feel really friendly and fun. I love that you can grab your tacos to go or sit outside and enjoy the sunshine!
What makes Tacos El Gordo so special is all the tasty options. I always get the adobada tacos because they are so juicy and packed with flavor. They put fresh onions and cilantro on top, which makes every bite amazing! Oh, and don’t forget to try the mulas—they have melted cheese that just makes everything better.
If you want a real taste of Tijuana, you have to check out Tacos El Gordo. Trust me, their tacos are the best, and you’ll want to come back for more!
2. La Puerta
La Puerta is one of my favorite places to chill in San Diego! It’s on Fourth Avenue, and when you walk in, you can feel the fun vibe right away. I love sitting outside when the weather is nice, and sometimes they even have DJs playing music, which makes it even better!
What really makes La Puerta special is their yummy food and awesome drinks. I always get the tacos al pastor because they are so tasty and full of flavor. They come with fresh toppings that make every bite super delicious! And you have to try their margaritas—they are super refreshing and perfect for sipping while you enjoy your meal.
If you want a great time with tasty tacos and cool drinks, La Puerta is the place to go. You’ll have a blast and want to come back again and again!
3. City Tacos
Phone: (619) 296-2303
Menu: citytacossd.com
Directions: Open on Map
City Tacos is one of my favorite taco spots in San Diego! It’s on University Avenue, and when you walk in, it feels super cozy and friendly. I love sitting outside when it’s sunny because it makes the whole experience even better. The vibe is just right for a fun meal!
What really makes City Tacos special is how they put a cool twist on classic Mexican food. I always get the fish tacos because they are so fresh and yummy! They have this amazing sauce that makes every bite taste incredible. Plus, they have lots of unique taco choices, so there’s always something new to try!
If you want a great place to enjoy tasty tacos and a nice atmosphere, City Tacos is the spot for you. I promise you’ll want to come back again and again!
4. Mike’s Red Tacos
Phone: (858) 737-4299
Menu: mikesredtacos.com
Directions: Open on Map
Mike’s Red Tacos is one of my favorite taco spots in San Diego! It’s on Genesee Avenue, and I just love how cozy and welcoming it feels. Whether I sit inside or outside, the vibe is always chill, which makes it a perfect place to enjoy some tasty food.
What really makes Mike’s Red Tacos special is their super yummy red sauce. I always get the carne asada tacos because they are so juicy and packed with flavor. That red sauce gives it a nice little kick that makes every bite even better! They also have lots of other tasty choices, so you can always find something new to try.
If you want a fun place with delicious tacos, Mike’s Red Tacos is the spot for you. I promise you’ll want to come back for more of that amazing red sauce!
5. Lucha Libre Taco Shop
Phone: (619) 296-8226
Menu: www.luchalibretacoshop.com
Directions: Open on Map
Lucha Libre Taco Shop is one of the coolest places to eat in San Diego! It’s on Washington Street, and when you walk in, you see old wrestling matches on TV, which is super fun. I love how colorful and lively the place is—it really makes you feel excited to be there!
What makes Lucha Libre special is their yummy street-style tacos and the awesome salsa bar. I always get the surf and turf taco because it has shrimp and steak, and it tastes amazing! Plus, you can pick your favorite salsas from the bar to make it even better.
If you want a fun taco spot with great food and a lively atmosphere, Lucha Libre Taco Shop is the place to be. I promise you’ll have a great time and want to come back for more!
6. Taquería Los Chuchys
Phone: (619) 326-8385
Menu: taquizasloschuchys.com
Directions: Open on Map
Taquería Los Chuchys is one of my favorite taco places in San Diego! It’s on Fourth Avenue, and I just love how cozy and friendly it feels. Whether I sit inside or outside, the vibe is always nice, and it’s a perfect spot to enjoy some yummy food with my friends.
What really makes Taquería Los Chuchys special is their super tasty tacos. I always get the carne asada tacos because they are so juicy and full of flavor. You can really taste the fresh ingredients, and it makes every bite so good!
If you want a fun place with delicious tacos, Taquería Los Chuchys is the spot for you. I promise you’ll have a great time and want to come back for more tasty bites!
7. Tacos El Cabron
Phone: (619) 501-7752
Menu: tacoselcabronsd.com
Directions: Open on Map
Tacos El Cabron is one of my favorite taco places in San Diego! It’s right on Fourth Avenue, and I really love how cool and casual it feels. Whether I sit inside or outside, the vibe is always fun, and it’s a great spot to hang out with friends while enjoying some tasty food.
What makes Tacos El Cabron stand out is their yummy traditional tacos and burritos. I always get the carnitas tacos because they are super tender and packed with flavor. And the salsa bar? It’s awesome! You can pick your favorite salsas and add as much as you want, which makes it even better.
If you want a fun place with delicious tacos, Tacos El Cabron is the spot for you. I promise you’ll love every bite and want to come back for more tasty treats!
8. Tacos El Panson
Phone: (619) 241-2222
Menu: ordertacoselpanson.com
Directions: Open on Map
Tacos El Panson is one of my favorite taco places in San Diego! It’s on El Cajon Boulevard, and I really love how cozy and friendly it feels. Whether I sit inside or outside, the vibe is always nice, and it’s a perfect spot to enjoy some yummy food with friends.
What makes Tacos El Panson stand out is their super tasty tacos that don’t cost a lot. I always get the al pastor tacos because they are so juicy and full of flavor. The seasoning they use is amazing, and it makes every bite so delicious!
If you want a fun place with yummy tacos, Tacos El Panson is the spot for you. I promise you’ll love every bite and want to come back for more tasty treats!
9. TACOS EL GORDO – Palm Ave
Phone: (619) 575-7280
Menu: www.tacoselgordobc.com
Directions: Open on Map
TACOS EL GORDO on Palm Avenue is one of my favorite taco places in San Diego! It’s a super casual spot, and I love how friendly it feels. Whether I sit inside or outside, the vibe is always nice, making it a perfect place to grab a quick and yummy bite.
What really makes TACOS EL GORDO special is their amazing Tijuana-style tacos. I always get the adobada tacos because they are so juicy and full of flavor. They come with fresh toppings that make every bite taste incredible! And don’t forget to try their loaded fries—they’re so fun to share!
If you want a tasty taco experience that won’t cost a lot, TACOS EL GORDO on Palm Ave is the place to be. I promise you’ll love every bite and want to come back for more!
10. Tacos El Paisa
Phone: (619) 262-5128
Menu: elpaisasd.com
Directions: Open on Map
Tacos El Paisa is one of my favorite taco places in San Diego! It’s on 47th Street, and I really love how lively and fun it feels. Whether I sit inside or outside, the atmosphere is always friendly, which makes it a great spot to enjoy some yummy food with my friends.
What makes Tacos El Paisa stand out is their super tasty menu of classic Mexican dishes. I always get the carne asada tacos because they are so juicy and full of flavor. The fresh toppings make every bite even better!
If you want a fun place with delicious tacos that won’t cost a lot, Tacos El Paisa is the spot for you. I promise you’ll love every bite and want to come back for more tasty treats!
Map of Tacos in San Diego, CA
Choosing the Right Restaurant for You
With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Restaurant | Price | Seating | Takeout | Delivery | Wheelchair | Reservation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tacos El Gordo | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
La Puerta | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | – |
City Tacos | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
Mike’s Red Tacos | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
Lucha Libre Taco Shop | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
Taquería Los Chuchys | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes |
Tacos El Cabron | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
Tacos El Panson | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
TACOS EL GORDO – Palm Ave | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | No |
Tacos El Paisa | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the best taco spots in San Diego?
Some of my favorite taco spots in San Diego are Tacos El Gordo, La Puerta, City Tacos, and Mike’s Red Tacos. Each place has its own special flavors and a fun vibe that makes them super fun to visit! -
What types of tacos can I find in San Diego?
In San Diego, you can find all kinds of tacos! There are traditional ones like carne asada and al pastor, plus some really cool and creative options that use different ingredients. There’s something for everyone! -
Are there vegetarian or vegan taco options in San Diego?
Yes, definitely! Many taco places in San Diego have yummy vegetarian and vegan options. You can find tacos with grilled veggies, beans, or even plant-based meats that taste amazing! -
What is the average price of tacos in San Diego?
The average price for tacos in San Diego is usually between $2 and $5 each. Some places even have combo deals that can save you a little money, which is awesome! -
Can I get tacos delivered in San Diego?
Absolutely! Lots of taco spots in San Diego offer delivery through apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash. It’s super easy to enjoy your favorite tacos right at home! -
What is the best time to visit taco shops in San Diego?
Taco shops can get pretty busy during lunch and dinner times. If you want to skip the lines, try going during off-peak hours, like in the afternoon or later in the evening. -
Do taco shops in San Diego have outdoor seating?
Yes, many taco shops have outdoor seating! It’s a great way to enjoy your tacos while soaking up the beautiful San Diego sunshine. I love sitting outside when the weather is nice!