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Mariscos El Prieto
Categories: Restaurants Food Stands Restaurants Mexican Food Stands, Mexican [Edit]
3630 Main St(between Albany Ave & Reed Ct)
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Neighbourhood: Otay
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Mariscos El Prieto
Review Highlights
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"some of the best fish tacos I've had in SD." In 6 reviews -
"Cleanest lunch truck I've ever seen." In 5 reviews -
"The Mar y Tierra taco (Surf n Turf) is the best taco..." In 2 reviews
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Drew R.
San Diego, CA
1/1/2012
This HAS to be the best place to get fish tacos in San Diego. It's WAY better than Rubio's and TJ Oyster Bar. For just a food truck, the service and quailty of the food is exceptional. The prices are just right, too. Not too pricey. As for the wait time, it doesn't get packed busy like TJ Oyster Bar. Be sure you have cash though!
EXCELLENT SERVICE, EXCELLENT FOOD! -
Review from Giovanni V.
San Diego, CA
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Probably the best mariscos truck I have ever eating at. Everything here is pretty good: fish tacos, shrimp tacos, cocteles, ceviche, etc/ My personal Favorite is the tostada loca: atostadas that have every sea food possible! Really good stuff. Marlin tacos are not the best (I've had better), prices are ok, not cheap but not overpriced either.
Parking is tight and can get crammed up especially in lunch others! Can get crowded (busy) but it's worth it!
Enjoy -
Review from Anna-Michelle M.
San Diego, CA
3/9/2012
My mother loved this place when she visited! I was afraid of buying fish out of a lunch truck until my mother convinced me it would be worth a try...No Regrets! Their fish tocos are fresh and their Sopa de Mariscos was amazing (soup is a little spicy)!!
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Review from jeff l.
Updated - 4/21/2011
Could 25 lousy cents make a difference?
Maybe it does maybe not.
I went to the trocha today and noticed that nearly all of the signs had white tape over the old prices and new prices written in.
The fish tacos are now $1.25.
I ordered three and noticed that they seemed to be a little smaller but still very good.
So smaller and they charge 25% more?
Hmmmm.
It won't stop me from going there but somehow I don't think that their costs went up 25%.
The telling thing is if this will affect business.
It wasn't nearly as jam packed as it always is.
I think they are going to lose a little bit of business but maybe that will be offset by the increase in prices.
Quality will always rule and people have to run a business so
prices will always go up.
To me a successful restaurant or truck has to first
1. Give excellent quality/freshness
2. Fair prices/value
3. Clean
4. Smile and good service
5. Consistency
This places gives all of the above so I am sure it will continue to
be successful.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/30/2010
Actually between 4 and 5 stars but since it is a food truck I tack on a half star!
This place is now… Read more »
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Review from Marisa N.
Fremont, CA
3/22/2011
OMFG!! Best fish tostada and grilled fish tacos, ever.
Wouldn't recommend the Clamatos ($8 for a glass of clamato with ice and a few pieces of seafood), but the fish tostada at $3 and the fish tacos at $1.50/each are a steal!
Service was great. However, no where to sit, so we hung out on the curb next to the garbage can. It was well worth it, because those tostadas are BOMB!!
Come early because the tostadas go quick!
I'm only bummed that this place is 500miles away.... And it'll be months before i go back for seconds = ( -
Review from J F.
Otay, CA
7/22/2011
I had always noticed this mariscos truck parked in this mechanics business plaza, but was hesitant to give it a try until I read the reviews on yelp and my friend Sua said she eats here all the time.
Well, I recently gave it a try, and even though I only ordered fish tacos and a shrimp ceviche, I was not impressed. Sure, it was eatable and hit the spot, but compared to TJ Oyster Bar and German's Mariscos, this place isn't in the same category. Mainly because the food is subpar and the prices steep compared to my usual spots, so those are the primary reasons I won't be returning.
First off, the shrimp on the ceviche tostada were larger than usual chunk, but it was the lack of lime juice that was used to marinate and acid cook them. The onions, tomato, cilantro, and avocado were all fine and seemed as though they were trying to copy the exact preparation that German's ceviche recipe has been making for years before them. As for the fish tacos, we were told to wait on the other side of the truck and it took over 10 minutes easily for them to finally give us ours. Everyone else seemed to be served with quick urgency, but not us. I assumed the fish was catfish or swai because it was thinly cut yet heavily battered which wasn't to our liking plus they put loads of cabbage that was extremely crunchy.
I was satisfied to be offered a tiny sopita of fish caldo, but despite it was perfectly seasonsed, tasty and spicy, it didn't have a single chunk of fish or shrimp in it. Pure veggies and must have had about 8 thinly slices of celery which I did eat all of it. I didn't feel comfortable at this truck since it seemed most of the clientele were tijuaneros, and perhaps the fact that I'm a gringo didn't sit well with them and their attitudes showed it. -
Review from Andy M.
San Diego, CA
4/6/2011
Really amazing food cart. All of the seafood is good, but try the octopus.
I've been here twice with a coworker while down in Chula Vista to do some auditing and we keep making excuses to come back just so we can stand in a parking lot devouring these amazing tacos. Also, they do have beef, but it will take longer since they will need to cook it separately. -
Review from P E.
San Diego, CA
10/24/2011
This is one of the best mariscos/seafood places I've been to!!! I came here because I was visiting my brother in San Diego and he said it was kick A$$!! and it is...
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Review from J G.
San Diego, CA
10/29/2010
It's true: this is the best fish taco in San Diego.
The taco truck stands in the parking lot of a grungy strip mall/car repair/car audio place. There are no tables and chairs for customers, only a garbage can for your trash, but don't let that stop you. I eat inside my car with the radio on and bring a big tray from home to put my food on. The quality of the food is outstanding, and infinitely better than Baja Fresh.
They are generous with the fish portions and trimmings like cabbage, onion, and cream sauce. Included is a generous spread of condiments sitting on the fold-out counter on the side of the truck. This includes lime, hot sauces, more cream sauce, and marinated red onions to name a few.
The red-based soup they give you while you wait for your order is served in a small Styrofoam coffee cup. It tastes just like minestrone soup or the red soup base for Manhattan clam chowder with little bits of celery.
Be aware that the menu is written all in Spanish, but the waitstaff speaks both English and Spanish. I do not speak Spanish, so I went to the English-Spanish translator on-line and learned words like "fish taco," "shrimp taco" so I could read their menu better and order in Spanish.
Service is very friendly. I am going back for more of their flavorful, decadent tacos today :-D -
Review from Hilda G.
Chula Vista, CA
10/7/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Okay so I found this place one evening while playing around with a new phone application (Aloqua). I saw the overwhelming good reviews and 5 stars for a lunch truck... yes a coach roach!!! I never in my life thought I would be eating seafood out of a lunch truck because of obvious reasons BUT let me tell you, I'm glad I did.
BEST $1 fish tacos ever!!! You can even ask for the fish to be grilled instead of fried. Okay, my mouth is watering already just thinking about this place. Everything is delish!!! All you need is 3 bucks, or 3 tacos, and you've got a full and happy belly. Everything I've tried is mouthwatering.
This place is in a parking lot of a small business center (across the strawberry fields on Main) and offers parking. You walk right up to the lunch truck and order your food at the window. You can pay after you order or after your done eating. CASH ONLY!!! Only problem is that you stand while eating which is typical of a lunch truck so I always order to go. Make sure to ask for cups and baggies for your to go salsas & lime. You can even call it in in advance. The lady at the window is the sweetest. Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m (I think). Good for the cruda, lunch, snack, or dinner... no late night eating though. This would be BOMB for 4th meal :P
CAUTION: I read a review about how delicious the "orange bottle salsa" was and first fish taco I had I drowned in said salsa. First bite, I realized it was abanero. YIKES!!! I almost cried from the burn in my mouth but managed to finish my 2 tacos. Delicious? YES!!! ...but be careful and use only a few drops.
BROWNIE POINTS: This place gets brownie points for offering consume (seafood broth) while you wait for your food. It's a little perfect sized cup and it's FREE!!! Sometimes you have to ask for it and sometimes they just place it by the window... GO AHEAD, TAKE ONE :D
TO KILL YOUR DOUBTS: This place is ALWAYS BUSY. I seriously don't know how they don't run out of food. Being that we're talking seafood, this place being so busy is a good thing. Food doean't sit there very long. Cleanest lunch truck I've ever seen. I wish wish the people eating there didn't throw their trash on the floor somtimes.
P.S. I discovered this place before going on a diet and now I'll order the fish or shrimp ceviche tostadas to-go... hold the tostada! -
Review from Jon S.
San Diego, CA
Really great Mexican seafood truck. Fantastic prices for huge portions. The fish tacos for a dollar are just too good to be true.
The location shown on the map here at Yelp is way off. The truck is at the corner of Main and 4th. -
Review from Tim S.
San Diego, CA
2/28/2012
What can I say. The best. Thank you Jorge for taking car of me on my wedding day. The food was a hit with our guests. You and your staff went above and beyond what we expected. As far as the review just read El Chinito Chingon's review and say dito. I'm the friend that eats there with him. More reviews to come.
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Review from Mike B.
Santee, CA
11/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Shrimp Ceviche is the best I had anywhere besides home made. Lol. The Mar y Tierra taco (Surf n Turf) is the best taco anywhere. The Shrimp a La Diablo taco is also wonderful. Its also very very clean and very fresh. Its crowded but well worth the wait my friends!
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Review from Eddica L.
San Diego, CA
10/29/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Ok so i used to go to germans mariscos lunch truck on beyer but decided to try this one and im extremely glad i did. The shrimp ceviche is the best i had anywhere besides home made. Lol. The mar y tierra taco (surf n turf) is the best taco from anywhere. The shrimp a la diabla taco is also wonderful. Its also very very clean and very fresh. Its crowded though but worth the wait.
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Review from Dominick F.
San Diego, CA
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
some of the best fish tacos I've had in SD...and only a dollar each! They also give you some free soup thing..spicy, but good. Another plus is that its close to home. Doesnt beat the fish tacos from cabo..but for san diego, theyre top notch
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Review from Nate M.
San Diego, CA
7/24/2009
For months I wondered about this place, as it is on my way home from work, and everyday there would be a crowd outside their lunch truck. I'm a firm believer in eating where there's a huge line so I tried it. For lack of a better term, this place is the $#it!
The aqua chile is to die for and the fish tacos are superb. I like getting the fish tacos a la plancha which is cooked without the oil and batter. The soups are out of this world. While you wait they give you a cup of consomme (broth) that is packed with so much flavor I can't describe it. Me and the boys often frequent this place just as we're passing by, but with the free broth and aqua chile it makes for a great cure for a hangover!
This place has moved since the other posts I believe. It's now on the corner of 4th Ave and Main Street; right where Audio Xperts is.Listed in: Favorites
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Review from Vivian Y.
San Diego, CA
4/10/2011
What can I say, this was the first taco truck I've eaten at and I LOVED IT!. We tried: (Breaded) fish taco, (grilled) fish taco, and the mariscada taco. The first fish taco was great for its price. Generous size of fish and it only cost one dollar! Did not have much have a fried taste, the taste of lettuce+mayo+tomato covered it up. But the grilled fish taco was amazing....I think a bit less of the lettuce mixture on top would've made it better. There was a bitter aftertaste, but when the grilled fish was eaten by itself, it tasted really fresh. However, if you drench either of the tacos in their side sauces, the bitterness is pretty much masked. That is, if you're up for the challenge - their orange hot sauce was freaking hot. TSSS~
Onto the main act: MARISCADAAAAAA didn't even know what that meant until today. Well, still not sure but the workers said it contained octopus, merlin, shrimp, and possibly some other seafood that we couldn't make out. It was jam packed into a poor little taco, there was just SO MUCH MEAT AND FLAVORFUL GOODNESS! Well worth the 5 dollars. It was so big that we had to eat the middle with a spoon before we can pick up the tortilla w/o dropping the filling. Each ingredient in there is well cooked, has their own distinguishable taste, and just leaves your mouth begging for the next bite.
The workers there don't really understand English and even the menu is all in Spanish. However, they were still patient about explaining each item to us, and the other customers were also friendly and helpful in recommendations . Their service was nothing less of wonderful. They even posed for a picture when I didn't even ask them to be in it. Warning: if you can't handle hotness, don't drink the free soup they offer you, because it might just be their spiciest thing. Side effects may include not being able to fully taste your food. -
Review from Joann C.
San Diego, CA
My family and friends refer to Mariscos el Prieto as "roach coach" because the restaurant is a lunch truck. The truck stays at one location. I heard about this place from a friend who claimed that they have the best fish tacos, and I have to agree. The fish is fresh and the batter is crisp. They also have other selections that are equally good. I recommend the camaron la diabla taco. It has just enough spice and the carmelized oinions are so tasty.
Revised review 8/4/2009
I took relatives from LA to this place. My cousin claimed that Rubios has the best fish tacos, so I took her to El Prieto. I ordered a regular fish taco and a grilled fish tack (planchado) for her. The cabbage and special white sauce gives the taco an excellent kick. I like to add the onions pickled in habanero....mmmm I'm craving it just thinking about it. The price is inexpensive $1 for a taco, plus every customer gets a free cup of a tomato based soup while you wait.
This is where all the Mexicans go for Mexican food, so you know it's good! -
Review from B W.
Chula Vista, CA
7/16/2009
El Troche is absolutely awesome. This is the best fish taco and mariscos experience in SD and very very cheap. You just have to be prepared to eat standing up or sitting on an abandoned shopping cart. For food this good and authentic, I don't mind at all. I am happy with that as it seems to keep the faint hearted at bay. I have had nearly everything on the menu and it is all good. I am not sure if they do carne, but don't go there for that. Seafood all the way. If you have out of towners that want the Mariscos or fish taco experience take them here. This food is so much better than Rubios or one of the other chains. For the healthy crowd, the pesce in the tacos is breaded and fried rather than grilled, but you only live once.
It does not get much better than this in terms of quality versus price and in terms of getting down with the salt of the earth and breaking bread with everyone from mechanics to rich social kids from TJ. This is an experience that should not be missed.
VIVA EL TROCHE!!!!!!!!! -
Review from Kevin L.
Berkeley, CA
4/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
The gods of Mexican food have taken mortal form as this short glasses wearing middle age lady that dishes out divine, UTTERLY ORGASMIC Mexican food. Also, $1 for fish tacos???? Even homeless people can afford prices like this. The fish tacos were huge! The spicy onions on the side of the condiments bar go soooo well with the tacos. The shrimp tacos are like heaven in my mouth. I just cant say enough about how delish this place is!! SO WORTH THE VISIT FROM SAN DIEGO! It's kind of in the ghetto part of Chula Vista, but it's safe cause it's in a parking lot of some businesses, and not just in the middle of the road. The service is fast, the menu is in Spanish (absolutely no English words), the prices are unthinkably cheap, and the food is upscale restaurant good!
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Review from Sergio L.
Chula Vista, CA
3/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
these tacos are pretty good. I think i can say these are the best in SD for me. I always order fish tacos and shrimp coctails at the sit-down mexican seafood restaurants nearby-and they dont impress me..my parents eat here at least two times a week, so i tagged along to see what their deal was..lol
i donno, somethings missing about the shrimp coctail, but it could have been my fault for putting waay too much ketchup and lemon in there, but i didnt hate it, it is what it is, just shrimp, tomato, veggies.... it had alot of shrimp in there and i only ordered a medium cup..i felt like i was eating a large cup and i wouldnt have enough space for the two tacos i ordered!
moving on to the tacos...i just ordered the standard fish tacos, threw on some extra sauce and chile on there with lemon...it was pretty good, above expectations.. i forgot i was almost full from the coctel de camaron and those two tacos were killed within minutes..i even got an extra consome from the guy without asking... good deal...i need to try that marlin taco though..definately next time!! -
Review from Sylvia B.
Clovis, CA
6/23/2011
The fish tacos are to die for. You can be full of top shelf sea food for under $5.
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Review from Neil P.
San Diego, CA
4/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Best fish tacos I have had thus far! Plus at 99 cents, you cannot complain!! Shrimp tacos and ceviche is good as well! They get very busy on weekends and parking is an issue, especially when everyone is standing around waiting for the food in the parking lot. IF you do not mind the walk, park along the street and walk over there.
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Review from Ben G.
Chula Vista, CA
2/19/2010
If you wan the best fish tacos in SD, you have to go to El Prieto mariscos truck. Tj oyster bar and rubios can't even compare to what this truck has to offer. I always go here on Sundays with my wife who was raised eating rubios fish tacos and she loves el Prieto. Everything on the menu is so cheap.
You'll love the fish tacos, but also try the shrimp quesadillas al la plancha, ceviche and tostada loca -
Review from Rosie H.
Alhambra, CA
9/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Went here based on the yelp high ratings. Very easy to find and lots of parking. Since we didn't know what we would like, we ordered a fish taco, shrimp taco, fish tostada, and shrimp cocktail. Once you know what you want, you order at the window. As your food is ready they call you to pick up at the window. While you wait you get a small cup of complimentary broth that is very good. Unless you placed a small order expect to get your food in batches. To make your food extra delicious there are squeeze bottles with different salsas and sauces and pickled red onions. After trying both the fish and shrimp tacos I preferred the shrimp. The fish were good, but I like the firmer texture of the shrimp. They do not skimp on the shrimp for you cocktail and it's topped with a slice of avocado. A little chopped up cucumber would have made it perfect. The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars is that there is no place to sit down (don't know if that is typical or it just happened this way on my visit) and it's cash only. This place is definitely a keeper.
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Review from Peter G.
National City, CA
8/14/2009
I love this place so much I go there every day when I'm in San Diego. I'm not the only one, when you pass by they are always packed. Parking is hard to find even with the spaces provided by Audio Xperts. I once circled the block 3 times before I found a spot. All this was worth it considering they have the best fish tacos in San Diego.
My order is always the same, 2 fish tacos and a shrimp ceviche tostada. The tostada is hooked up so fat I swear you could make 2 tostadas out of 1. If you go make sure you try the habanero salsa. It's the orange salsa in the squeeze bottle. I also recommend the oyster cocktail. It is jam packed with fresh oysters. The consome that you get when you order is to die for.
As for the staff that works there they are the coolest people you could ever meet. I go there so much my girlfriend tells me to buy a motorhome and park it behind their truck so I won't have to travel far for my fish taco fix. This place is so good Mariscos El Cacho across the street looks like an abandoned building. For the best seafood in all of San Diego go to Mariscos El Prieto. -
Review from Margarita B.
San Diego, CA
1/26/2011
This place the tthree b Bueno, Bonito ,Barato and the food is amazing. I love this place i had it for lunch when I used to work in Chula Vista. Is very bussy during lunch hour so order ahead,
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Review from Freckle N.
Kent, WA
3/1/2011
Hoping I am writing a review on the right taco truck near the border LOL I LOVE the shrimp tacos... oh how I miss thee.
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Review from Keith H.
San Diego, CA
3/25/2010
Best lunch truck In San Diego. Love the fish tacos and the tostadas.
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Review from Kate P.
San Diego, CA
4/3/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Best fish tacos in town! FYI-always crowded prepare to wait to be served.
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Review from Teddy Z.
San Diego, CA
6/14/2011
Second time here. Ordered a mariscada taco and a shrimp taco. The mariscada simply does not disappoint, it's simply delicious. Shrimp taco was okay, a bit on the bland side for my taste, but you can always add your own hot sauce and they have plenty of those. Very friendly, quick, and cheap.
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Review from Corrie S.
Kalispell, MT
4/14/2011
Yes! Just what I was hoping to find while visiting San Diego! We drove down here twice in one week of staying in Ocean Beach. Thank goodness for the review that re-directed us to the ACTUAL location of the taco truck (4th and Main). Fish tacos (delish, but can be a bit salty) were $1 on our first visit, but had gone up to $1.25 for our second visit, three days later. Still an incredible deal. Strangely, I'm pretty sure the price of the Octopus tostada went DOWN $1, from $6 to $5 (huge portion, and so tasty and fresh). Other things we tried, and devoured: shrimp quesadilla and shrimp taco. Marlin taco was the least favorite, that's just our taste, though. The marlin is smoked.
