arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

Seven Killer Taco Joints

Savor the ultimate expression of San Diego's cross-border cuisine

New Orleans has its po'boys, Chicago loves its pizza, Philly takes pride in its cheesesteaks. And San Diego? It's all about tacos — a nod to the city's beach lifestyle and Baja neighbors.

Tacos are the ultimate expression of San Diego's cross-border cuisine — born of our proximity to Mexico, along with an abundance of fresh fish, local produce, wood-smoked meats and zesty salsas and sauces. There's a taco here for everyone — whether it's served up at a sleek, chic downtown eatery or a no-frills beachside outpost. Here are seven of our favorite spots for the tastiest.

PUESTO

This growing mini-chain's menu shifts about as quickly as its tacos get gobbled up — a popular pastime at Puesto's locations in downtown, Mission Valley and La Jolla. The company also runs two stands in the Padres' Petco Park, serving up Puesto's signature Cadillac margs along with tacos and more.

Don't Miss

The tamarindo shrimp, filet mignon and veggie-centric verduras, with its mélange of tatume squash, nopales, zucchini blossom and more.

Haggo's Organic Taco

A relative newcomer to the Leucadia neighborhood of Encinitas, Haggo's earned some national buzz after Guy Fieri featured the restaurant on the popular TV show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives," calling its tacos "bordering on gourmet." The fish and shrimp tacos here are bound to be among the best you've tasted, but Haggo's also boasts creative vegan and meat options, all centered on local ingredients.

Don't Miss

The Cousteau fish taco, stuffed with wild catch and served with fresh cabbage slaw, mango and more. (You can even nosh on it below a big portrait of Jacques himself.)

The Taco Stand

The perennially long lines at The Taco Stand's locations in downtown, North Park, La Jolla and Encinitas tell you all you need to know about taco lovers' passion for this place. But if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat. Even the generous salsa bar is worth a celebration. (Do try the habanero.)

Don't Miss

The spicy camaron, the grilled pescado or the oozing-with-flavor nopal (cactus) taco.

LOLA 55

This go-to spot in downtown's East Village, just a few blocks north of Petco Park, has its share of tried-and-true taco varieties, from carnitas to Baja-style fish. But the place's veggie specialties are something else.

Don't Miss

Check out the squash-blossom relleno taco with housemade beet soyrizo, almond "cream cheese," poblano salsa and potato chicharrones; or the cauliflower taco with eggplant “bacon” and avocado mousse.

Tacos el Panson

This no-frills place, where adobada (seasoned pork) carousels in the window, is about savory and smoky meats cooked to perfection. That approach makes El Panson's authentic street tacos a City Heights highlight.

Don't Miss

Grilled carne asada cradled in made-to-order warm tortillas or the adobada carved off the spit. Lengua (beef tongue), cabeza (roasted cow head) and suadero (a side cut of beef) are served with cilantro and onions so you can experience the flavors of the meat.

City Tacos

This eight-location taqueria, with a flagship restaurant in North Park, is a haven for innovative culinary creations, offering unconventional ingredients like portobello mushrooms and smoked tuna. Taco purists can enjoy traditional favorites, such as carnitas, pollo asado and the ever-popular surf and turf taco.

Don't Miss

The mahi a la Veracruzana taco, featuring a grilled mahi filet topped with sauteed tomatoes, olives, garlic, capers, chives and more in a white wine herb sauce.

Las Cuatro Milpas

Nearly a century after it first opened its doors, Las Cuatro Milpas — the second-oldest restaurant in San Diego — continues to draw daily lines to its modest Barrio Logan digs with some of San Diego's best tacos and other traditional Mexican specialties. Founded in 1933, the restaurant (whose name translates as “The Four Cornfields”) built its legend on its homemade tortillas and fresh ingredients. It’s one of Barrio Logan’s must-stops, but bring some green (Las Cuatro Milpas is cash-only) and be ready to wait — the place doesn’t take reservations.

Don't Miss

The rolled tacos get great reviews, and anything that includes the restaurant's famed homemade tortillas should be a taste treat.

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert
Book Now

Related Articles and Features

View All Articles
Restaurants

Cross-Border Cuisine

Cali-Baja dishes delight

San Diego sits at the intersection of California and Baja, Mexico and when these two regions known for exquisite cuisine collaborate, great things happen. 

Discover
Restaurants

Chef Brian Malarkey Interview

One of San Diego's star chefs

July 2010 Q&A with Brian Malarkey, executive chef of Searsucker, and as seen on TV as a contestant on Bravo’s Emmy-nominated series, Top Chef 3 Miami or hosting TLC’s Mega Bites and Kick Off Cook Off.

Discover
Restaurants

North County's Best Eateries

From fish tacos to fine dining!

The North County coastline is home to sleepy beach towns, artsy enclaves, quaint villages and a thriving scene along Coast Highway where you’ll find everything from fish tacos to fine dining.

Discover
Casinos

Best Bets for Shopping and Dining

Treat yourself at these San Diego casino shopping destinations
Discover

Deals just for you

Restaurants

Couple's Night

The Butcher's Cut
Valid: Apr 19, 2024 - ongoing

Experience culinary bliss at Couples Night at The Butcher's Cut! For $75 per couple, revel in shared moments over Lobster Bisque for 2. Indulge in the Trio Special featuring a 6oz New York, Lobster...

View this Deal
Accommodation

Stay longer and Save 15%

Western Inn
Valid: May 9 - ongoing

Stay 3 nights and save 15% off on your next stay at the Old Town Western Inn.

View this Deal
Accommodation

Suite Celebrations at Andaz

Andaz San Diego
Valid: Feb 21 - ongoing

Promotional concessions available for weddings occurring between November 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024.

View this Deal
View More Deals

Events to check out

Event

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025

Where the cars are the stars! The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof.

View this Event
Event

Holiday Lights Spectator Cruise

Flagship Cruises & Events
Dec 8 - Dec 15, 2024

Join us aboard a Flagship yacht for an up-close view of the 54th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights on December 8 & 15, 2024! Watch 80 beautifully decorated boats, themed "Christmas Traditions...

View this Event
Event

Brothels, Bites and Booze - Gaslamp Food Tour

So Diego
Oct 22, 2024 - ongoing

Brothels, Bites, and Booze is a fun and innovative tour that lets you explore the Gaslamp Quarter, the heart of America’s finest city. Experience what makes this city one of the top destinations...

View this Event
View More Events

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish
, Photo By