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Tacos El Gordo
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
689 H St(between Del Rey Blvd & Kernel Pl)
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Neighbourhood: Chula Vista
(619) 691-8848
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 10 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 10 am - 4 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
684 reviews for Tacos El Gordo
Review Highlights
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"Carne Asada Mullas are the best food I've ever had." In 164 reviews -
"Their spicy pork tacos haunt my dreams." In 66 reviews -
"don't be afraid of beef tongue or "cabeza." In 29 reviews
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682 reviews in English
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Review from Compass-Rose X.
Avalon, CA
You will not find better tacos this side of the mexican border....I haven't! Street taco paradise!!!
It's very "TJ", kind like a cafeteria: you walk in and order with the guy/lady at the meat rotisserie then pay at the register. They will likely talk to you in spanish. It's VERY fresh, authentic and delicious. I always order the carne asada tacos with everything on it. The tacos aren't very big, so it's typical to order 4-5 per person. If you are used to eating awesome tacos in Baja (Tijuana, Las Playas) this place matches that taste & quality perfectly. I also recommend the fresh horchata (rice drink), it's delicious! -
Review from jacky k c.
Fremont, CA
tip: if you like rough meat, get the asada. if not, get the adobada.
Adobada taco was awesome, the shaved meat and the sauce works well together. This is pretty much where it ends because the other meats such as the lengua and cabeza are pretty much the same everywhere. more on the pricey side, long lines but worth it. -
Review from Mary M.
4 stars. Why? Because the tacos add up quickly!!! I guess i've been spoiled and i'm used to going to TJ and eating tacos at a fraction of the cost? :P Ah well.
I LOVE the tacos here and the service!!! Shoot. I eat tacos so often I order in Spanish and always get treated well! Authentic to our neighbors to our south, everything is fresh and made to order. No frills here like in Old Town folks, just AUTHENTIC taco yumminess.
Oh, be sure to tip the carvers and cebolla lady! :) -
Review from Karla D.
San Diego, CA
I've yet to find a place that makes better tacos. If I could buy their tacos every day, I would.
They taste even better at 3 am when you're done partying and need some food in you. -
Review from Nino R.
Finally!
After nearly 3 years of sitting on my Bookmark Bookshelf, I finally made the trek to Chula Vista to visit SD's mecca of street tacos.
At first glance, the color schemes and simplicity of the menu reminded me of In N Out, but the ordering process was a bit dicier. I had to ask some Gordo vets how to order tacos. I was told to stand underneath the taco you want on the menu board and let the taco hasher know how many you want and how you want it.
In no time flat they're slanging that guac, meat, and pico like it's going out of style. At $2 a pop, it's a little more expensive than some other places I've been to for street tacos, but as far as flavor is concerned, it's in the upper echelon, upper upper echelon.
Tacos El Gordo is much deserved of all the accolades reigned upon them by rabid and avid yelpers alike. However...I've had better; in Riverside of all places.
Seriously.
Tijuana Tacos on Arlington in Riverside is my go-to spot for Tijuana-style street tacos. First, they're only $1.45 and their side bar has 3x as many offerings than at El Gordo. Plus, they have a bean soup that 's complimentary. AND they've got Vampiros. VAMPIROS!
The trek from Chula Vista to Riverside is nearly 3 hours long. And if you live in this area it isn't worth the drive. But if you have the burning desire to find out who the best really is, maybe you can make a quick stop on your way to Vegas.
But you've got a proven winner in Tacos El Gordo.
Most of us aren't so lucky... -
Review from Alex P.
New York, NY
Truly incredible tacos. The Al Pastor is stunning and the crispy tripe is the best I've ever had ever. Worth the trip. Some of the best tacos in CA hands down
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Review from Linda W.
San Diego, CA
Amazing.
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Review from James H.
Found my favorite taco joint this weekend when my friends came to visit and wanted to try the "Best mexican food" in san diego. From the outside it kinda looks like your typical hole in the wall... not too clean nothing extraordinary. After stepping inside the restaurant my worries of diarrhea and stomachache disappeared. They have an open kitchen where you can peer in to see how clean everything is and it IS clean!
My favorite tacos were the lengua and spicy pork but EVERYTHING looked amazing. I will be coming back -
Review from Amy W.
Riverside, CA
Minus one star for being too pricey. 10 tacos would cost yah over $20 with a drink. Flavor is great and would be perfect if they cut back on the seasoning. Or it's just me.... I don't really like salty foods.
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Review from MooShell H.
San Diego, CA
My favorite "street tacos" restaurant! Spicy pork tacos! Carne asada and spicy beef aren't that bad either. Grilled peppers and onions are free upon request. I love their "green" sauce ---wish they had more of a sauce bar though.
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Review from Chris O.
San Diego, CA
Please no one come here, I've been coming here since when the tacos were 1.25 now all these people flooding it for the"spicy pork tacos" making the prices rise all the way up to 2 dollars makes me angry.
the tacos are called adobada tacos, so unless you can wait in line without complaining about how long the line is without ever being there don't show up.
But on a more serious note, these tacos are the best you will get this side of the border. -
Review from Mira C.
Tustin, CA
Best el pastor I've had here in the states! That gets 5 stars in my book ;0)
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Review from Mia P.
Street tacos galore! And you don't have to go across the border. We came here on a recommendation. Don't come here thinking it'll be like On the Border, think of it as an indoor street vendor. There are 4 lines you can get in that serve different things:
1) Face and tongues
2) Quesadilla and onions/peppers
3) Carne asada
4) Adobada (marinated pork)
If you want flour tortillas you have to ask because they automatically will give you corn.
I didn't try the first line but everything else was excellent! The horchata was super yummy too! -
Review from Pancho V.
Los Angeles, CA
With WELL over 600+ reviews and a 4.5 Star average there's not much else I can say......
"Ace D." Says: " I have been here numerous times and it always cracks me up leaving the parking lot. Last time I swear it was "Latino Shore" going on here. All bunch of these MXN chicks were showing off their behinds like if they were La Snookia y JWowWow "
I guess I came on the wrong day/time cuz all I saw was a bunch of Jar Heads from the local Military bases......
You know a place sells a lot of Adobada / Al Pastor when you see a TROMPO this SIZE http://www.yelp.com/bi... and that's all this guy does!
Tostada de Carne Asada - http://www.yelp.com/bi... I like the fact they grill their own tortillas and don't use premade tostada's, the carne asada was nicely flavored though I think I could have been cooked slightly longer http://www.yelp.com/bi... overall a very good tostada at $2.00 4.5-Stars
Taco de Adobada - http://www.yelp.com/bi... Very good flavor though I do have two complaints, (1) since these guys are selling a lot of Abobada it's not spinning long enough over that flame to give you any blackened crispy pieces http://www.yelp.com/bi... (2) NO Pina.... what gives? 4-Stars
Taco Suadero - http://www.yelp.com/bi... Res/Beef was moist and extremely flavorful hands down best of the three meats I had http://www.yelp.com/bi... 5-Stars
Salsa Roja is really good and they also have FREE http://www.yelp.com/bi... for those who like them!
AVG: - 4.5-StarsListed in: Tacos, my 4&5 Star Taco spots.
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Review from Angel H.
Warning: Please be prepared to be disappointed at all the other tacos establishments after visiting Tacos El Gordo. Well, maybe except for the ones you drunkenly shoved down your throat at 3am somewhere in Hollywood, thinking that you're the chosen one for being able to consume Mexican food at anytime of the day.
Where to begin? This place is purely tacos perfected. I think these 600 and counting Yelp reviews have sufficiently elaborated on the unwavering superior quality of Tacos El Gordo. Get everything. Be friendly with the people working there. And eat plentiful. Those are all the right things you should do at El Gordo. You're welcome.Listed in: Dreams Are Made Of These, I Sometimes Consume Mexican…
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Review from Benjamin F.
San Diego, CA
If you like street tacos you are in luck! I've been here a few times, and it seems like 99% of the time I'm the only white person there. Good sign! Their tacos de lengua are fantastic as is the adobada!
You walk in, go to the counter, let 'em know what you want they cook it up right there on the spot throw it in a corn tortilla and you're off to pay. That's it. No bullshit. It's quick, easy and delicious! What more could you ask for? -
Review from Sarah G.
I NEED THIS IN BOSTON NOW. PLEASE TACOS EL GORDO, OPEN UP A LOCATION IN BOSTON!
I know it is far away from California and Mexico, but coming to San Diego and eating some of your beef tongue and carnitas tacos and those quesadillas made in that traditional way made me miss all things on California so much more than I normally do on the east coast! How do you manage to make such amazingly delicious tacos and still sell everything for $2 a piece??? You are incredible. Amazing. My hero.
There are separate lines depending on what type of meat or item you want to order, which helps speed along the ordering process and everyone here speaks Spanish which means that you know it is authentic. They are so friendly and help you order, and that carnitas quesadilla I got was simply perfect. The little pork tostada was also mouth watering, but that beef tongue taco was something I had never had before and I can see why they love it so much there!!! Everything here is made fresh to order down to the tortillas even which you can see the woman pressing one by one right at the front of the line when you are ordering.
Like I said, this place is heaven for anyone who loves real Mexican food. I really really need something like this in Boston and until then will dream of my return to San Diego and Tacos el Gordo. -
Review from Kathryn B.
University City, San Diego, CA
It's a bit of a shame that I've lived in San Diego for most of my life and just tried this place in the last few days...I've missed out on so much deliciousness!
It looks like any cheap Mexican food place, but the food is infinitely better. Get the spicy pork tacos with everything. You will not be disappointed. Seriously, some of the best I've ever had. I will definitely be going back soon. -
Review from Ruby M.
San Diego, CA
So I was a little nervous going here for the first time because I read a ton of reviews and I wanted to look like I knew what I was doing. I walked in, got in line, pointed, and indicated that I wanted 2. I don't remember what I ordered, but they were tasty and filling.
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Review from Mark C.
San Francisco, CA
My favorite authentic TJ style tacos! It tastes just like it does across the border. In fact probably better!
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Review from P E.
San Diego, CA
Ok so I came in here the other day because of the high reviews and thought great a taco place 4+ stars, I ordered one of my favorite tacos...tripas (intestines), yes I know what your thinking. I ordered 3 tripas tacos and 2 asada, well I bit into the tripas taco and started to chew, the meat was sandy!!! I'm like WTF!!! These tripas weren't cleaned!!! You can tell when tripas aren't cleaned when you you're chewing on the meat and you can hear when you are chewing on sand, that's from the pig or the cattle eating and picking up dirt with there food. I actually bit into a damn pebble that chipped one of my teeth!!!
So I got up to tell the lady at the register that the tripas tacos had crap in them and there was a guy next to me that said "I worked here for 6 years and we never washed the tripas! We get them from the butcher and cook them that way! I told him, really? Yo get tripas with crap on them and cook them that way? Would you do that if you took tripas home to your family? He said no.
If you really think about it, they are cooking the other meat in the same griddle they do the tripas, so that means that the other meat is getting tainted with the grease that the tripas with poop is releasing!
I've gone to a lot of taco restaurants and taco trucks to know about tripas, since they are my favorite tacos.
At $2.00 a taco they could at least clean the crap out of the tripas!!! No crees? -
Review from Micaela R.
San Diego, CA
If you live in San Diego, you must, MUST get tacos from here. It is beyond delicious! I highly recommend it. You'd be silly not to go!
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Review from Cristina G.
San Diego, CA
THEY HAVEE THEE BESSSSSSSSST TACOS! the adobada & carne asda is reallly good the best tj style tacos in san diego there is really no difference! except the price here for one taco or tostada is 2.16 with tax instead of a dollar down by the border but still the best tacos its tottaly worth it.
PS try coming on the week day if possible there not as busy and i got more meat than i did when i came on a busy sat afternoon. -
Review from Mei W.
Now THIS is what I call real Mexican food!
So my hubby was craving tacos and we found this place through the help of Yelp! Heard this place is established in Mexico and they decided to open up a restaurant across the border. We ordered a number of tacos - carne asada, pork, beef tongue and chicken. Definitely a deal for $2 each! I was hesitant to try their beef tongue tacos only because the name of it just doesn't sound too appealing. Sure enough, I ate one by accident and it turned out to be THE BEST tacos I've ever had in my life. That tongue was super tender and juicy; I even ordered seconds! If you want something real and authentic this place is THE SPOT! Nobody can seriously beat this place!!
This place was packed during our visit and there were constantly customers coming in. They have an easy-to-read menu that's big enough to see from the back of the restaurant; so you can decide what you want while waiting in line. The condiment bar is fully stocked. The staff is friendly and efficient when it comes to serving your tacos, cleaning the tables and ringing you up!
I highly recommend this place to those that are in the So-Cal area. This place will not disappoint! -
Review from Yong L.
San Diego, CA
Not much to it, basically the best authentic Mexican tacos in the United States. It's not far off the border, so you know the people making the tacos are authentic and know their tacos. The only thing is that the tacos are $2 each, so you can't gorge yourself like you can across the border unless you wanna break your bank. But the tacos are great. My friends also greatly enjoyed their sopes, but those are $3.95 each. What really impressed me was the service. The lady that was cleaning up and clearing our table was so friendly, so we left her a nice tip.
Don't leave without getting some Mexican ice cream! I think it's called helado or something, but the best flavors are: coffee, cookies and cream, and strawberry. I also heard bubble gum is pretty good, but that might be a gamble. -
Review from Cat L.
San Ysidro, San Diego, CA
I came here to grab a bit to eat because I wasn't in the mood for for your typical fast food joint.However,I have a bone to with yelper who whine about paying $2 for a taco
a.You're not in Tijuana-quit expecting tj prices
b.It costs a lot of money to run a business up here.The owner of this shop has at least 15 employee's that I saw inside.These people are NOT paid a daily wage like they do in tj.He has to pay them by each hour they work and let's not forget the health dept,city license ,etc.Do the math and then let's see you do a better job and manage to stay in business for more than a few months.
If you can't afford $2 a taco do you really think you belong eating out to begin with?? Get over yourselves people!
I ordered 3 tacos de abobado and they were fantastic! They have several different windows to order your tacos and then you walk to the cashier to pay for your meal.Although, I would have liked my meat to be a bit spicier,but it's not the end of the world. -
Review from Erin's M.
San Diego, CA
Spicey pork and beef tacos are a must try! By far, the best "street tacos" in San Diego. If it wasn't for my friend, I didn't look like a dummy as I ordered. It's not your typical "order at the counter" fast food restaurant. You go to the line that serves the particular food you want to order. Once you get your food, you proceed to the cashier. If you want the tacos to go, be sure to tell the preparers so that they can pack your tacos appropriately. People not know this would be lost in ordering.
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Review from Thomas W.
San Diego, CA
A la, this place is bomb!!! I have been known to drive to Tijuana for a meal
Many times and thus place is competition for the random taco carts on the calle. I had an adovada tostada, taco Azteca and asado taco. All were killer and they have orange bang which is a plus! This won't keep me in the US but at least I know when I don't have time to deal with border patrol I can have a little piece of TJ in chula, although I think chula has a lot of TJ;). Highly recommended if u know what's up! -
Review from Max G.
Camarillo, CA
So good! And even better because you don't have to go across the border! We had the pork and Carne asada. I wasn't brave enough for some of the other meats.
The bad- not enough seating because they are so busy. And, I really wanted a margarita or Mexican beer, but they don't serve alcohol.
Come here for the tacos! Even though they are $2(street size tacos), it adds fast because I couldn't stop! -
Review from Jessica L.
Cupertino, CA
OhmygoshOhmygosh this is place is SO GOOD! If you're a noob like me, there are different lines for the different types of tacos. You get in line for that specific taco because they are hella good at making that specific one. They also have a little tip box on the counter in front of their station so you can tip them.
I would suggest the beef and pork Adobada, but honestly they are all super super good. (It's not THAT spicy, for those that are scared of spice) Just go there, and try all the tacos... It is definitely worth the drive!! The tortilla is nice and soft, the meat is tender and juicy, and the sauces are really flavorful. It all comes together in your mouth, and it is SO GOOD! -
Review from Miguel B.
La Jolla, CA
They have a tacos El Gordo in TJ and when my friend told me that there is one is Chula Vista I freaked out! They were favorite place to eat when my family would travel to TJ. These tacos are the best in TJ and these taste exactly the same. They are melt in your mouth good. The meat whether it is carne asada or adobada are will melt in your mouth good. Their guacamole is very tasty and they have a special one for the adobada ones.
If you ask for grilled onions and chiles they give you a little plate full of them. The only problem is that they are not priced the same as the TJ ones so they are a little more expensive at 1.80 a taco. However for the best tacos I have tasted I would pay it and drive the 25 minutes it takes to get there from my school. -
Review from Vikkie H.
San Diego, CA
Maybe it's because this was the first Tacos El Gordo I've been to, but this one is my favorite.
Don't expect much on the ambiance or any of that. You already know when you're going here it's for the food. Straight from Tijuana, I can confidently say best tacos place in San Diego (maybe even socal) hands down. Their tacos are by far the best I have ever had. It's gotten to the point where I don't even want to order tacos anywhere else because I already KNOW they'll be a disappointment to me.
This place is so good that whenever I make a new friend I ask them if they've been to Tacos El Gordo. No? I'll drive, my treat. Everyone I've brought to here has gotten hooked on this stuff. Like, in your dreams and makes you salivate at the thought of it. True story.
Like everyone else raves about, ADOBADA TACOS. 2$ each and super delicious. Definitely the best tacos there, which explains why that station (far right. the one with the rotating meat with juices oozing out) is always the busy one. They don't have asada fries here like in National City or Palm, but the reason this place is my favorite is because I honestly think their meat portions are a little more plentiful and they taste a little more tender and juicy. Oh, the sopes are pretty good too. Make sure you grab some limes to squeeze over your tacos/food.
Horchata and the other drinks are not home-made, theyre like the store bought or premade mixes or something, but I still like them (some of my friends only like homemade horchata).
Loving how they open late; they close at 2AM toward the end of the week. There's always people there, every minute of the day. I've never entered this place empty.
And yes, like many others, I make the 20 or so minute drive for these tacos.
The drive-thru has been closed for god knows how long. but you can always go inside and order to-go, they'll wrap it in foil for you. I always prefer eating there though.
I guess it can be pretty intimidating if it's like your first time or something and it may feel like they're snickering at you for not knowing spanish or not knowing how things work in there. (Like, how you're supposed to get in line at the specified station for the type of meat you want) . But overall the staff is nice. Some of the employees walk around occasionally and ask if they could take away your trays or plates when you're done. But I promise you even if you had bad experience with their staff, the food is so good that you'll end up rating 4-5 stars anyway. ;)
&Sometimes when it gets pretty packed or late at night, there will be a guy in the parking lot waving around one of those orange stick thingies to help you find parking or go around corners without hitting anyone. Which I think is a very nice extra service 'cause their parking lot can be a lil tricky for me. (asian female driver and all... ./stereotype) -
Review from Kayla K.
La Jolla, CA
MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PLACE TO GET TACOS, HANDS DOWN. I'm sorry for the full on caps, but I can't express my love for this place online. Always get their adobado (spicy pork and beef). Make sure to ask for pineapples on your tacos (it's a must). If you are a cheesy person, get their mulas cause it includes layers and layers of oozy cheesy goodness. Their meat is juicy, fresh, and marinated perfectly.They raised their prices to $2 and it is really far, even if you live in SD but it's totally worth the drive. You won't regret coming.
P.S: I recommend coming here at the wee hours of the night because mexican food always tastes better at night. -
Review from Dat B.
San Diego, CA
Tacos de adobada are the best here!
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Review from David T.
San Diego, CA
If you're a hardcore fan of this place, let me explain why I gave it 3 instead of anything higher.
FIRST OF ALL, I live about a 3 minute walk from the TEG off Palm.
SECONDLY, the one off Palm has Asada/Adobada/Campechana Fries. Check. Your move H St.
THIRD...okay look, I know the Mexican population is rather high in Chula Vista but I'm doing my best to learn Spanish, okay? The least y'all could do is laugh a little when my Spanish is bad - don't give me dirty looks for not understanding. I condone your lack of English, do the same for me.
On the bright side, this TEG is big. The parking lot wraps around the shop itself and I find it to be busy during the times of Now & Always. On another bright side, it IS delicious. -
Review from Jess M.
San Diego, CA
It's fucking amazing. It's $2/taco and they have all different kinds and different topping for each kind of meat you get. All of the tacos are amazing! Every time I get to go I feel as though Xmas has come early, that's how good this place is.
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Review from Ace D.
Yeah, you already know that Tacos El Gordo are pretty damn good. But which one is the best one to visit after your alcoholic infused evening after hours? Actually I prefer this one because just about anything can happen here.
It's all the rage when women come in here all fancy and looking like they work for the cartel and shit. I mean, you are wearing your $150 outfit and you are going cheap eating $1.50 tacos? Well maybe they are $2.50 each here, but you get my drift right? After you over, just take a seat and let the madness begin from 2-2:59am.
I have been here numerous times and it always cracks me up leaving the parking lot. Last time I swear it was "Latino Shore" going on here. All bunch of these MXN chicks were showing off their behinds like if they were La Snookia y JWowWow. Don't ask me why I remember this rather than the fine tacos inside, but this always cracks me up.
The fat: TJ is approximately 6.8 miles from this location.
The skinny: Make sure you tip your taco guy respectively. -
Review from Martin L.
San Diego, CA
After reading all the yelps reviews and looking at all the photos, I made up my mind to what i wanted to try. However, many of these people's suggestions couldn't have been more wrong.
I ordered 2 of each of the beef n pork adobada, 2 carne asada taco, and 2 of each of the quesadilla and sopes with a varitey of meats that included tripe, beef head, and tongue.
Lets clear a couple of things up. The ADOBADA that everyone is raving about, is good, real good
BUT the best thing on the menu by far is the Lengua or Beef Tongue on a quesadilla or sopes..
For the people who just said "eww" how dare you call yourself "food people"
In conclusion, adobada good, carne asada better, Lengua Best! -
Review from Sam V.
Long Beach, CA
Angels are working behind that counter and gods the manager of this place. WTF DID I JUST EAT HEAVENS TACOO BRO!!! soo good... I'm soo nubed, I came here thinking oh snap tacos and shit right? WRONG MOTHERFUCKER!
The lady behind the counter had a dough shaped like a snowman and she was picking it up and throwing it on a flat contraption that later became a tortilla... oh lord sooo good. Order the carne asada mulita.. its un real!
If I had 5 thumbs I'd give it 4 and the other thumb to the angels behind the counter for a job well freakuckin done. -
Review from Cathy V.
San Diego, CA
The best and most authentic street tacos I have found in San Diego. The meat is quality, seasoned perfectly and the sauces they put on them are sooo good. I get the spicy beef and spicy pork with everything. I recommend those two if you're not sure what to get. Also, don't be afraid of the sauces they put on them. They are not spicy at all. If you're looking for something really spicy these aren't. I usually only like Mexican food if my mouth is on fire after eating it but surprisingly I didn't miss the hot. The tacos are $2 each and are pretty small. I've heard others complain about the cost but it doesn't bother me. Maybe because I'm a small girl and only need two to fill me up but I would think that 4 tacos would work for a normal size guy which is still only $8. In my opinion they are totally worth the cost. The restaurant itself is very clean and has plenty of seating. They have different stations and lines for the different meats. The first time you go you feel like a newbie if you walk up to just any counter and ask for a different meat so I thought I'd help someone avoid the embarrassment. I highly recommend this place!!!
