10 Outstanding Tacos in San Diego
By Darlene Horn | April 29, 2014
Mexican food is the lifeblood of San Diego. We appreciate the heft of a burrito and the ease of tortilla chips. But tacos reign supreme for their sheer variety and a handheld size that allows you to eat several in one sitting. In honor of #ZagatTacoTuesday, we tasted through some of San Diego’s best to bring you these 10 truly outstanding specimens.
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Credit: Aqui es Texcoco
Lamb Taco at Aqui es Texcoco
Why We Love It: Andrew Zimmern made a special visit for a taste of their lamb tacos and it’s with good reason. All lamb dishes are barbecued the traditional way at Texcoco, resulting in tender and flavorful meat wrapped up in a soft, pliable tortilla.
Cost: $1.25 each
Insider Tip: No drinks from mixes here. All agua frescas like horchata, Jamaica and tamarido are housemade.
1043 Broadway, Chula Vista; 619-427-4045
Credit: Darlene Horn
Fish Taco at Mariscos German
Why We Love It: Before food trucks were even a fad, the Mariscos German truck was serving Mexican seafood specialties from select locations around the county. We love its take on fish tacos, built on generous slabs of mahi mahi, simply hand-battered and fried.
Cost: $1.50 on a corn tortilla or $1.75 on flour
Insider Tip: Although the food is cooked in a truck, these vehicles never move, so the locations are as solid as brick-and-mortar.
3030 Grape St.; 619-279-0010
658 Hollister St.; 619-575-9395
Credit: Puesto
Zucchini and Cactus at Puesto
Why We Love It: These tacos take a gourmet spin by using sustainable and local ingredients, and festive street art makes the dining room sing. But it’s the crispy melted cheese surrounding the vegetable fillings that keep us coming back to Puesto.
Cost: 3 for $11
Insider Tip: Order up their frozen horchata for a sweet dessert.
1026 Wall St., La Jolla; 858-454-1260
789 W. Harbor Dr.; 619-233-8880
Credit: Darlene Horn
TKO Taco at Pacific Beach Fish Shop
Why We Love It: Voted the best fish taco at the 2011 Fish Taco TKO Competition, this version uses grilled mahi mahi with the restaurant’s secret seasoning. But what sets it apart is their refreshing tropical salsa with papaya and mango.
Cost: $5
Insider Tip: Request Hawaiian hot sauce at the counter. The condiment has been so popular, bottles have been removed from tables due to some reports of theft(!).
1775 Garnet Ave.; 858-483-4746
Credit: Tacos El Gordo
Tacos de Abobada at Tacos El Gordo
Why We Love It: It’s the closest thing to Tijuana-style tacos without crossing the border, and their taco de abodada (roasted pork) is their standout. The marinated meat is cooked on a spit and hand-sliced before your eyes.
Cost: $2
Insider Tip: Make sure you’re in the correct line; there are different lines for different tacos.
689 H St., Chula Vista; 619-691-8848
Credit: Darlene Horn
Beer-Battered Fish Taco at Oscars Mexican Seafood
Why We Love It: At only three years old, it’s a relative newcomer to the fish-taco world, but that doesn’t mean its crowds are any less hungry. The restaurant switches between mahi mahi and yellowtail that is beer-battered and fried until golden. A corn tortilla envelops the fish fillet, which is garnished with shredded cabbage and a spicy pico de gallo.
Cost: $1.99; Monday-Thursday 2:30-5:30 PM they are just 99¢
Insider Tip: Expect a long wait – up to 45 minutes – at the North Pacific Beach stand that only accepts cash.
703 Turquoise St.; 858-488-6392
746 Emerald St.; 858-886-7367
646 University Ave.
Shrimp, Bacon & Chorizo Taco at Bull Taco
Why We Love It: From the onset, this happening taco stand claims to serve “inauthentic Mexican” but that doesn’t mean we love it any less. Our favorite is one that combines shrimp, bacon and chorizo on a corn tortilla.
Price: $4
Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for special taco fillings like elk, but their fish taco (pictured) is just as delicious.
2050 S. Coast Highway 101, Cardiff; 760-635-3595
1815 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside; 760-453-2103
Credit: El Poblano
Carne Asada Tacos at El Poblano
Why We Love It: They’re smaller than the standard-sized taco but they’re stuffed with tender cuts of perfectly seared meat on a double stack corn tortilla. With a price so low, you’ll order them by the half dozen.
Price: $1.89
Insider Tip: The restaurant works with the honor system; pay for tacos after you eat.
885 E. H St. Ste. C, Chula Vista; 619-216-0155
Credit: Las Cuatros Milpas
Rolled Tacos at Las Cuatros Milpas
Why We Love It: Don’t expect fancy decor or great ambiance but what they do have at this Barrio Logan eatery are fresh-made, crisp rolled tacos. They have the satisfying crunch of a chip but are filled with delicious shredded beef hidden under a mountain of lettuce, sour cream and cheese.
Price: $5 for five rolled tacos
Insider Tip: Accepts cash only.
1875 Logan Ave.; 619-234-4460
Credit: Life & Food Blog
Birria Taco at Fernandez Restaurant
Why We Love It: You know you’ve come to the right place when you see a sign pointing down from an upstairs window advertising their Tijuana-style tacos de birria and lines of hungry people waiting to step inside. Lightly fried corn tortillas are filled with tender beef, lamb and mutton that have been stewing for hours and topped with cheese, salsa, cilantro and onion.
Price: $1.90
Insider Tip: Only open Wednesday to Sunday from 8 AM-2 PM
2265 Flower Ave. Ste D; 619-628-8235