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Taco Surf Taco Shop
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
4657 Mission Blvd(between Diamond St & Emerald St)
San Diego, CA 92109
Neighbourhood: Pacific Beach
(858) 272-3877
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8:30 am - 10 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
314 reviews for Taco Surf Taco Shop
Review Highlights
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"Carne asada melts in your mouth." In 70 reviews -
"Slathered in that amazing hot sauce." In 22 reviews -
"The best grilled fish Tacos in San Diego." In 11 reviews
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312 reviews in English
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Review from Kacie F.
San Diego, CA
3/8/2012
If you are looking for a caterer for your wedding GO WITH TACO SURF!!!
A step up from the taco-truck catered weddings but almost just as affordable!
We chose them and our wedding went perfectly.
Beforehand they were awesome, relaxed, and so easy to deal with.
During the wedding the food was exactly the same as the taste-test. Simple and delicious. Before I came into the reception our best man brought me out a plate of guac and told me I had to have some. I sat outside for about 5 minutes, chowing down chips and guac and loving every minute. Then someone else brought me the ceviche and again I had a little 5 min. love affair with Taco Surfs appetizers.
On to the owners and staff...they are the best! Really professional, really easy to work with. Also, we had a double food line so nobody ever had to wait and they had the option of new plates to rent which we did.
After the wedding (this admit-tingly makes me cringe but is a testament to their awesomeness) I made a little mistake and when it came time for our final payment to go through there was a bit of an issue from our side. It was cleared up quickly, but while I was trying to work it out Cindy the manager from Taco Surf was incredibly kind, patient, and professional. She definitely could have handled it negatively but represents the better side of humanity and waited for it to all get sorted out. Thank you Taco Surf for helping make our wedding great! -
Review from Maki S.
Tallahassee, FL
5/1/2012 1 photo
Cool thing about Taco Surf is the ambiance. This place feels like you're having lunch inside a surfboard museum. A very laidback, small museum.
The Food:
-Carne Asada Burrito: It was pretty big in size, not so big on taste. Don't get me wrong, it was GOOD but not as good as some other ratings led me to expect.
The Service:
-Easy. The owner took our order at the counter and he was really nice. -
Review from Meiko H.
San Diego, CA
4/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
After having fun at Belmont Park courtesy of a Groupon, I figured we'd continue the bargain fun day and use my Groupon for this place since it was only a couple miles down Mission.
Divey shop but those are really the best. My daughter and I were shocked to see Shrimp Tortilla Soup on the menu and ordered it up It was really good! Lots of shrimp, cilantro/onions, beans, cheese and tasty broth...yum!
We also order pollo asada fries and they were very tasty as well. Nothing quite compares to the pollo fries at El Nuevo Milenio on Euclid and Division, though. Dang, I miss living closer to them.
Okay, back to Taco Surf...all in all, a good experience and I'll gladly head back there when in the area, like after the beach or something. -
Review from Pearl L.
Glendale, CA
4/28/2012
Solid taco shop. Soft tacos are a good size. Two is a big meal. Carne asada and mahi mahi had excellent flavor. Carnitas a little on the bland side. Rolled tacos were decent. They are generous with the guacamole.
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Review from Jenny E.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 5/25/2012
I hate the fact that my update has to be bad :( I have been to Taco Surf about 30 times. I don't know what happened but the last like 8 times have been pretty bad to where I do not think I want to waste my money trying to see if it gets better. I will say that the carne asada is the only thing that is still amazing but other than that it has been disappointing. I have been at different times different days of the week to see maybe if I just came on bad nights but it doesn't seem that way. I ALWAYS get a carne asada cali burrito with cheese, salsa, sour cream and hash browns (or sometimes rice). The last few times I have come the cheese is the closest it could get to frozen without actually being frozen. Also there seems like they put less stuff inside and I hate when my hash browns are too soft. It was very odd that the most recent time I visited they put guacamole in my burrito and I have no idea why. I didn't ask for it and it has never come in my burrito before. I am soo sad to say that I don't think Taco Surf will be my go to burrito place anymore ! Come on taco surf! I am not sure if you changed cooks or what but its not the same anymore!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/30/2011
The best burrito I have had in so long. I had the California burrito and with that burrito you can… Read more »
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Review from Rene P.
3/5/2012
My friends convinced me to go here instead of an anonymous 'Berto's. I'm glad they did. While it's often difficult to distinguish one taco shop from another in the land of Saint Diego. But this place has surf boards sticking out of the walls. True story, bro!
I ordered my usual (a carne asada burrito), asking for no guacamole. I recognize that not liking the guac is likely to get me thrown out of town, but there it is. Not having it revealed the one flaw in the burrito, namely the lack of anything else, including salsa, but meat and tortilla. What this creates is a delicious, albeit dull, burrito. That said, the deliciousness comes from the excellently grilled beef that's charred crispy on the outside but tender on the inside.
Summary: I'm not sure this place hangs ten, but it at least hangs eight.Listed in: 'Berto's, Burritos, and Beyond
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Review from Jake C.
San Diego, CA
2/16/2012
Eat a California Burrito from here.
It will change your life. -
Review from Anna B.
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA
Updated - 2/23/2012
I was given the opportunity to go back to TSTS, and I am pretty darn glad I did.
Cindy, one of the owners messaged me about my last review and for someone to make an effort like that, I knew she cared about her shop a lot. Unfortunately, I never got to meet her when I went on Friday night.
But....HOORAY!!
I didn't get a ticket this time!!
In fact, I was so smart because I ended up walking the 1.5 miles to Taco Surf Taco instead of driving. That way, I could stuff my face more and not feel so guilty about it.
PROS:
-Cozy, laid-back environment
-Free water!
-$5.24 special on Fridays for 2 taco + rice + beans
-BEEF TACO. Shredded beef was smoky and had a lot of flavor.
-Taco shells are uber crunchy after being fried to death, and delicious! I do wish they had a soft taco option, though. Last time I ordered the same dish, they were moist, soft flour taco shells with chunks of carne asada... drool
-Customers (I LOVE that everyone comes here from toddlers with their huge families to surfers to boring people like me)
-Cheap, cheap, cheap! Price-wise, it's perfect. A solid 4-star establishment!
CONS:
-A giant leaf in my turkey taco
-I REALLY miss the huge chunks of marinated beef I used to get
THANK YOU SO MUCH, CINDY! I really appreciate your business tactics; I will come again and again... as long as my arteries and wallet allow me to! :D1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/14/2012
OMFG.
&*^%$#%@$#%$
I HATE THIS. ARGJHHHHHH#$%$^$%^$@$
So, the tacos here are SO GOOD, that I drove 72… Read more »
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Review from Andy D.
2/4/2012
I think this might be the last new Mexican place I try in PB. There are still plenty of places for me to try on North Park, downtown, and the south bay, but after this, I'll probably stay with Chupa Cabras Taqueria in PB.
I wasn't sure what to try for my first time here. I usually would default with a carne asada burrito, but recently I've defaulted to adobada or carnitas burritos, or street tacos. I decided to go back with the carne asada burrito. It was good, but nothing special. The tortilla shell was okay, but not that great, and the carne asada was pretty average.
Sometimes I wonder why a lot of these Mexican places in PB get such good ratings. Are they being rated by late-night drunks? Newcomers to southern California?
The one thing I didn't understand about how this place was set up was why they had dozens of surfboards blocking the front window. You have a great spot right on Mission Blvd. Why block the view? -
Review from John M.
El Cajon, CA
5/16/2012
really cool place to stop at when you are at the beach get the carne asada burrito very good
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Review from Matt A.
4/1/2012
Best breakfast burrito I have ever had! Try it with rice and guacamole inside and you will see what I mean!!!
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Review from John M.
San Diego, CA
2/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
I USED A GROUPON HERE!
This place is so cool. Right next to the beach and the food is good to boot. If you are looking for a good Mexican food place on your smart phone right now, this is the place to come.
Good Times! -
Review from Mr K.
West Hills, CA
While on vacation, this place was recommended to me by a local. On our final day in San Diego we decided to grab a late breakfast here. The wife ordered the carnitas plate, my daughter had a bean burrito and I had a variety of tacos (asada, carnitas and fish).
First off, the portions are huge. No one finished their meal. Secondly, the meat was good. The carnitas were crispy on the outside, yet tender on the inside. My only complaint is that it could have used more salt. The carne asada was tasty, but it was not melt in your mouth as someone else described it. The fried fish had a nice crusty batter.
If you like guacamole, you will love this place. There was an abundance on the two meat tacos I had. I'm used to typical small taqueria tacos with onions, cilantro and salsa. Nonetheless, these tacos were still very good.
For the amount of food you get, this place is cheap. We fed a family of 3 with leftovers for under $20. -
Review from Scott M.
San Diego, CA
2/1/2012 25 Check-ins Here
The absolute best. The food is great, the people are friendly, and it's by the beach. What else could you want?
I love that you get to choose what they put into the burrito instead of a just having a standard burrito. Hash browns in the Veggie Burrito: brilliant and the bomb! Love this place! -
Review from Thelma N.
Los Angeles, CA
2/8/2012
This burrito shop is a must-try if you're in the P.B. area.
It's a fairly big place with plenty of seating although it can get so packed, you might have to wait. The line is usually out the door most times I've been here (you can also call ahead for your order). There is only 3-5 parking spaces behind the shop. You'll have to find street parking but worth it. Good, friendly, fast service, too.
The california burrito is all I've ordered and I can't imagine coming here and not ordering that. I get it with fries, rice, salsa, cheese, and the occasional peppers. It usually costs me around $7 but the thing is huge! And their spicy sauce is fantastic. -
Review from Karen T.
San Diego, CA
3/12/2012 3 Check-ins Here
LOVE LOVE LOVE Taco Surf! The atmosphere is laid back and the food is great. My favorites are the chips and guac, fish tacos, and rolled tacos. Have tried other places, but none have come close to the fresh, simple, and delish dishes at Taco Surf. Quick walk from the beach and sandy surfers are welcome.
Listed in: NOM! NOM!!!
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Review from Courtney D.
San Diego, CA
2/16/2012
Very good mexican food!
Short walking distance from the beach.
A god sent after spending half the day in the water. -
Review from Mercy B.
1/18/2012
Am not the biggest Mexican food lover, but I LOVE the chocolate mole sauce here. I usually get it on a chicken enchilada and it is rich and thick. Very flavorful. I've even shared leftovers with a fellow employee who is Mexican and his wife makes mole all the time...he said it was very good. That works for me!
I haven't had anything else here, but can attest that the mole is very good. If you've never tried it AND you love chocolate, you will love this. Not incredibly sweet, and it's a subtle chocolate flavor. I also love their Horchata....yummy sweet rice drink. -
Review from Debbie M.
San Diego, CA
3/12/2012
Do not bother. The burritos are not huge, and the carne asada certainly is not the best you will find. The burrito was gutless - unseasoned meat and sorry excuse for guacamole. There was not even any salsa fresca in the burrito. The salsa had no kick. If you do not live at the beach, do no bother going out there just to eat Mexican food at Taco Surf Taco Shop. It will prove to be a waste of your time and money.
Comment from Cynthia M. of Taco Surf Taco Shop 3/12/2012
I'm sorry you did not find our food to your liking. We do… More » -
Review from Jessika P.
San Diego, CA
11/7/2011
I have no idea why this place has such a high rating on yelp. I spent about 9 bucks for a fish taco plate and it was just okay, I sincerely think Rubio's has a way better taco plate than this place.
Store bought corn tortillas that fall apart as soon as you pick them up... no thank you! -
Review from Johnny H.
San Diego, CA
3/17/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Great mahi fish tacos! You get your moneys worth, and you can not beat the location.
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Review from Flaviano B.
San Diego, CA
Good food, not the best mexican food around but definitely great prices and menu, my girl ordered the carne asada fries and they did not dissapoint. I ordered the shrimp quesadilla and it was also great. Good selection of salsas, and the decor with surfboards is good for the day time, but i thought it was a little unwelcoming at night. I will definitely come back this summer.
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Review from Lydia K.
Placentia, CA
12/14/2011
Went to visit friends in SD and this was the first spot they took my bf and me. It was walking distance from their home, but I could see how parking would be limited.
We ordered: Carne Asada burrito, Carnitas burritos, and Chicken Fajita salad plate. I wanted to order about 5 other things but my stomach and the wallet held me back.
While we were waiting for the food, we enjoyed looking at the surf boards that were hung everywhere, the atmosphere was laid back and the restaurant was clean.
When the food came, the burritos and fajitas salad were huge and didn't think we would finish it. As soon we started eating though, the talking ceased and all we could say was how good the burritos were. The carnitas in the burrito was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, and before I knew it, I had eaten half of it already. My boyfriend's carne asada was so good! We traded burritos halfway and polished it off. My friend's fajita salad was good too, I didn't try it but my bf took a few bites and said it was really good.
I can't wait to go back and try the California burrito and the fish tacos and pretty much everything else on the menu. -
Review from david w.
Los Angeles, CA
1/19/2012
Led astray. Cheap doesn't equate to good. No bueno for this gringo.
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Review from Nia F.
San Diego, CA
2/29/2012 1 photo
Quick, fast service I liked the fries it come with guacamole, sour cream, and beans. The shrimp quesadilla is good as well the Grilled bell peppers and onions go and a distinct flavor.
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Review from Devin D.
Arlington, VA
12/30/2011
I came here looking for a grilled fish taco, so that's all I tried. I was very excited to try Taco Surf based on Yelp reviews, but felt like the food didn't live up to the reputation.
Overall, my taco was just a bit boring. There wasn't a lot of flavor to it, and the dry tortilla completely fell apart while I was eating my taco. The fish was very tender and grilled nicely, and the salsa hit some of the right notes. Unfortunately, the fish and salsa weren't enough without support from the rest of the taco.
Considering all of the other Mexican options in San Diego, I wouldn't hurry back. I didn't think Surf Taco was that bad. It just wasn't that good, either. -
Review from Brad O.
Yorba Linda, CA
12/12/2011
Cool surf shack feel with surf boards overhead and on the walls, but hey, you're not there for the boards, you're there for the food.
We only had breakfast burritos and they were great. You definitely need to know how to order them so you get the tastiest meal, but they can help with that when you place the order.
It seems to have a lot of locals that know the lay of the place and it's a bit of a dive but that's a surf taco shop. -
Review from Hieu P.
Philadelphia, PA
11/23/2011
Niki L. is full of shit, either that or she hasn't ever had Carne Asada/California burritos anywhere else in San Diego ;p
Taco Surf is delicious though, but wrought with fanboys/girls who swear by it like a religion. The breakfast burritos are spot-on and just about everything else on the menu is well prepared and tastes great. The seafood items are a mystery to me, though, so I can't vouch for their fish and shrimp items, but I can't imagine the latter being too difficult for them to muster up something yummy. -
Review from Gabrielle N.
San Diego, CA
8/21/2011
Taco Surf = Amazeballs
It may not look like much but everyone knows the hole in the wall places have the best food. The people that run the place are always nice and it's sooo cheap. They have awesome daily specials and everything tastes soo good!! I love the beef tacos and the carne asada chips should be outlawed b/c they are THAT FREAKING AWESOME. The guac is so fresh and they also have the BEST salsa in the entire universe (I consider myself an expert).. with a ton of chips...for a buck!
Before I moved out here from Chicago, I would make a point of going here every trip I took to SD. Now I live down the street!! It's heavenly.
Best Mexican food in SD. PERIOD. -
Review from Neil E.
Snohomish, WA
11/7/2011
We came here on a Sunday inght because it was within walking distance of our hotel and had so many top reviews. Of the three taco places we've eaten at in the last two days it was the least impressive.
We had five carne asada tacos. They are BIG, so you are getting your money's worth if you're worried the tacos are kinda expensive at $2.69 a piece. But the steak wasn't "melt in your mouth" as other reviewers have stated, and hoenstly had no flavour. The guac on top was nice though.
Service seemed rather indifferent, and, well. I dunno, the whole thing was just ok. Nothing special. Maybe the reason this has so many top star reviews is because locals grew up on it? -
Review from Caleb B.
San Diego, CA
1/3/2012 31 Check-ins Here
I have been coming here at least once a week since moving to PB and have become the Duke of Taco Surf Shop, so I figure it is about time a write a review about the establishment.
The first thing you will notice about the shop is the unique surfer theme. The front door is full of surf/ skate stickers and inside there are surf boards hung all around. The staff is friendly and the establishment if family owned. The food overall is great, the burritos are good and reasonably priced. My personal favorite thing to get is their fried fish tacos. They are very tasty and filling. The best time to order them is on Tuesday and Thursday when they are only $1.50 each. They have specials running every, but overall everything is priced well for anyone on a budget. They also have a breakfast and California burrito that you can mix and match exactly what you want in it. Which comes to my only complaint about Taco Surf. I am disappointed that french fries or even potatoes is not a choice ingredient for the california burrito. They have hash browns, but to me it is not the same. However, other than that the food is good. Overall, Taco Surf Shop is a great option for anyone looking for quick, good and economical mexican food. -
Review from Mark H.
San Diego, CA
8/7/2011
This family run business has been a local gathering spot for many years. Just as the plants at the zoo are said to be worth more money than the animals, the surfboards on display in the restaurant are probably worth more than the building itself! ;-)
This is a fun place to go with your friends to have some tasty Mexican food with a surf slant. There is even a "Grommit Special" (A "grom" is a young-eager-beaver surfer).
After a surf session I always make it a habit to go here for a Fish Burrito or a Combo Plate. I bring out-of-town guests here for a unique "slice" of Southern California and it's always fun to chat with the cook, workers and t Cindy and Sam, the owners.
Good surf videos are always playing and they even cater private events.
A great place for the entire family. I haven't been disappointed yet. -
Review from Brandon W.
San Diego, CA
3/5/2012
By far our favorite authentic mexican fast food. Best Breakfast Burrito in SD, maybe the world. Seriously this is a great local favorite. Gotta try the breakfast burrito guys.
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Review from Jon F.
Marina del Rey, CA
11/21/2011
Wow....Yelpers you have let me down. Being a native Diegan and knowing there is a lot of exceptional Mexican food in this great city, I am greatly surprised this place has such high reviews. I ate the carne asada burrito and by no means did it melt in my mouth. It left a funny aftertaste as I cannot stand the cheese they use. After removing that, the burrito improved but it was still lackluster at best. In addition it was not very substantial and I was not a satiate guest as I prefer to be after a good burrito. By no means do I overindulge every meal, but burritos are one of those items that you like to feel a little stretch in the stomach when you're done and that was definitely missing here.
I highly recommend trying someplace else. -
Review from Brandy C.
6/30/2011 6 photos
My friends and I kept looking for the parking spot! We parked many blocks away from the taco shop. When we walked to the store, it said "PARKING LOT!" They have private parking lot! Just FYI! Don't waste your time to find a parking spot!
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be honest, the turkey taco is dry, but they have really great burrito that gains hella stars back!
Don't order:
-turkey taco
-fish taco
Order:
-burrito!!!!! (like)
REMEMBER: They have parking lot! -
Review from Haley H.
San Diego, CA
9/2/2011
So pissed I just discovered this place.
Cali burrito - you choose your fixings.
Plus I want to steal all the surfboards inside. -
Review from Shirley F.
San Francisco, CA
7/1/2011
ok. I think they have a parking lot. So try going to that little tiny street before you get frustrated from looking for parking on a Tuesday night at PB.
I HEART their California burrito! That thing was so juicy, moist, and amazing. The tacos were ok...I guess they were below average tacos.
I thought the place was kind of dirty and they were in such a big hurry when I was ordering.
Get the burrito to go to avoid the dirty environment :) -
Review from Erin W.
San Diego, CA
4/14/2012
Love this place but the "crispy" tacos are way too greasy and the shells are not crispy at all. Every once in a while you will actually get a crispy taco. Mostly thought, they are soggy from all the oil put on the meat and veggies. They fall apart before they can be eaten and there is usually a pool of oil on the plate under them. If the cooks would lighten up on the grease, especially all over the vegetables maybe they would not fall apart. There is no reason to have veggies covered in oil. Otherwise good place, nice people and great location.
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Review from Kelly B.
7/18/2011
Unbelievable burritos! Basically lived on them for the 4 days over 4th of July! Made fresh to order and serve breakfast ones ALL DAY!
Fish tacos were fantastic, pulled chicken burrito with GUAC is the way to go! -
Review from Ann B.
San Diego, CA
10/17/2011
This was a staple many years ago, back when I lived in PB. Went here after surfing recently and let me tell you, they still got it. Brought my two little grommets back and me and my family of four enjoyed some good grub! Definitely not fine dining.... But definitely 4-5 stars! It is essentially a hole in the wall, but they cook in the open and it's all good. I'm a native San Diegan, so I know Mexican! Go! Yum
P.S. Breakfast Burritto all day long. Get some enchilada sauce on the side... so good.
Read more reviews for this business:
French (1),
Spanish (1)
