Comic-Con International: San Diego
Comic-Con International is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related...
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
The rolled tacos get great reviews, and anything that includes the restaurant's famed homemade tortillas should be a taste treat.
Show your badge and receive $2 off admission and 10% off in the gift shop at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Offer must be redeemed in person. Spanning over 27,000 square feet of trains,...
Members save 10% on our Best Available Rate. If you aren't currently enrolled in Wyndham Rewards, by selecting this rate, you will automatically be enrolled. Wyndham Rewards is a FREE program that...
SHOW YOUR BADGE and receive 10% off San Diego's Favorite Winery Tour! Indulge on the Chauffeured Vineyard Adventure as we discover San Diego's finest wineries! ...
Comic-Con International is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related...
San Diego's finest annual cycling event across the Coronado Bridge and around the bay! Ride the bridge, Bike the Bay for the 17th annual ride on Sunday, August 25, 2024! Cruise around San Diego Bay...
The Julian StarFest will once again grace the dark skies of the Menghini Winery in Julian. The JSF Committee is working hard to ensure the festival includes many of the same activities as in the...
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.