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Tacos El Paisa
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
3096 National Ave(between 30th St & 31st St)
San Diego, CA 92113
Neighbourhood: Memorial
(619) 231-0622
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 9 am - 11 pm
Thu-Sun 9 am - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
148 reviews for Tacos El Paisa
Review Highlights
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"The carne asada was very good too." In 56 reviews -
"The al pastor was so tender and full of flavor." In 14 reviews -
"try it, get the carnitas, and die happy." In 33 reviews
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147 reviews in English
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Review from Natalie F.
San Diego, CA
2/26/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I wanted to cry when I was eating the carne asada taco. Or the carnitas burrito. Or the churro. Or the aguas frescas. It was so good.
7 people at 9:30pm demands some damn good tacos in my book. And this place delivered beyond our expectations.
I grew up with a lot of Mexican influence in my life (being raised in a bicultural area) and this place brought me back to what feels like home.
The service is EXCELLENT. Like REALLY good. We met the owner and she HOOKED us up with tips on what to drink (they make strawberry and banana milk that is SO GOOD, and the horchata is from a box). They give you this really good salsa platter thing with mild, medium, and spicy salsa as well as carrots and radishes and cucumbers. They also brought out grilled onions that are amazing on the burritos or even by themselves.
We altogether tried the: aguas frescas, both kinds of churro, adobada burrito, lengua taco and burrito, carne asada, and carnitas. ALL. FREAKING. GOOD.
I pretty much ate my body weight in deliciousness and will be dreaming about this place during the food coma. -
Review from Michelle S.
San Diego, CA
3/7/2012
Love this place! The husband and I usually head here Sundays after church for our taco fix. The tacos are authentic, and delicious. My favorite are the tacos al pastor along with a cup of agua de Jamaica.
P.S. If the radio or the tv is too loud, just ask them to turn it down. They are more than happy to oblige. -
Review from Frank R.
Imperial Beach, CA
2/29/2012
I work right down the street from this place and it ok. I have ordered the tacos that were good and the quesadilla was also ok.
I did order the Pozole once and was happy to see that they had it on a weekday since most Mexican restaurants only serve it on weekends. This Pozole was not good at all and I was really disappointed. It was mostly bones and not much hominy.
This place still gets a three because they have good tacos and I like the way they serve condiments. -
Review from Chris-tal P.
San Diego, CA
4/20/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Love it here. I've tried the carnitas torta and the tacos are really good too. The first time we tried this place we spoke to a very enthusiastic customer that had nothing but great things to say about this restaurant, and she was right... the food was fantastic! Before our actual order was ready we were served with a whole tray of different types of salsa and chips. My torta was perfect! The carnitas was flavorful and tender and the bread was toasted to perfection, and it was huge! I forced myself to eat the whole thing. Also, I believe they have taco nights when you can buy really cheap street tacos from their cart that they set up in the parking lot, we have yet to try it. Now that we live closer to this restaurant we'll definitely be returning again and again!
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Review from Jaime S.
San Diego, CA
4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is a bit of a hidden gem. By hidden I mean that the location is not in the most desirable of neighborhoods. However if you can move beyond the surroundings, you will be able to let your taste buds convince you that the food, namely the street tacos, are fantastic. The food is always hot and fresh. The staff are nothing short of friendly and kind. Parking is not ideal as the location's private lot has very few spots. If you can manage to visit when the crowds are minimal then it isn't a problem. The prices are just right also. If you live nearby and order your food to go, the staff is great at packing up a nice to go set up along with all the condiments you need on the side. This ensures that you can build your own tacos at home and without any soggy messes that a car ride might give.
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Review from David G.
Phoenix, AZ
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Don't bother
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Review from Krissy P.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 3/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
3rd time here! Love it! Carne asada burrito was the best as always! Customer service was once again outstanding the pastor burrito was seasoned to perfection! The salsa tray is my favorite thing!! Love this place!!! Oh and having a cervesa with your meal is 2 thumbs up the right touch!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/13/2011
Love this place... Location is kinda out there but they have the best customer service ever, and… Read more »
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Review from Jonny G.
San Diego, CA
Great adobabda burritos and carnitas. They give you the freshest salsas and and fresh made chips. Aldo love the fresh out of the pan beans......aguas frescas are delicious! I would recommend the strawburrry
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Review from Diego V.
San Diego, CA
3/8/2012
Like many well-tended and well-used backyards, this place has a casual and improvised air. Great food, this Mexican restaurant offers more than just your regular Burrito and tacos, try the Gordita filled with a rainbow of flavors. The Mulitas are SOOO good!!! every time i come here it transports me to Mexico. They have a Great selection of Aguas Frescas made with fresh fruit. The service is EXCELLENT. The tacos are authentic, and delicious. Forget about the neighborhood and try it.
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Review from Gabriel D.
Phoenix, AZ
2/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
The tacos here were the best I've had since Mexico. They come with all the right condiments, the tortillas are tasty and the meat is great. I had a shrimp dish also (camarones al mojo de ajo) but they were OK, otherwise with place would've gotten 5 stars. The Mexican aguas fescas were very very good too.
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Review from Kia S.
San Diego, CA
2/5/2012
Best street tacos this side of the border hands down. They were once a taco truck and when the moved, I had to find them. They have a large assortment of Mexican classic drinks: strawberry, eggnog and watermelon are my favorites. Everyone that works here makes you feel right at home. Plenty of outdoor seating. You pay at the register but they bring everything to you. This is one of my happy places hands down.
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Review from Austin R.
Berkeley, CA
7/5/2011
If you have those frequent taco cravings like I do, then this is the place for you! As I'm going to school up in the bay area, everytime I come back down to San Diego I always try and make sure to stop by this place each break. My favorites is the abodaba and the carne asada tacos. You also get free sides of avacados, salsas, and chips! People here are nice and are always smiling.
I definitely recommend this place, especially if you want a taste of authentic mexican food! -
Review from Anh N.
San Diego, CA
1/31/2012
My favorite El Paisa (are they owned by the same owner?? not sure.)..the lengua tacos here are my favorite. Parking is not bad - there is plenty of street parking - and if you have a car with a low clearance - for all you rice rocketeers out there - I don't recommend attempting to park in El Paisa's lot...they have a pretty crappy driveway.
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Review from Danger D.
Cathedral City, CA
1/24/2012
It is getting pretty repetitive giving this place a 5 star review because of all the other great reviews but because of what a great experience this place was i feel obligated. The atmosphere is just as great as the food. Best taco experience in SD. They bring you out all the salsas and and grilled onions for your tacos. The lady who owns this place hooked it UP. Definitely going back.
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Review from Pancho V.
Los Angeles, CA
4/28/2011 12 photos
So coming back from a recent trip to Culiacán, Sinaloa Mexico and waiting hours in line at the boarder to cross I'm getting hungry and want me some tacos, I do a quick search and it brings me to Tacos El Paisa.
With a nice sized menu selection of Sopes, Gorditas, Mulitas, Tortas, Tacos, Burritos and Quesadilla's made with a variety of delicious meats, a nice variety of Aguas Frescas http://www.yelp.com/bi...
So we ordered inside and decided to eat outside on the patio area, while in side ordering they ask where you would like to eat and then set up your table with Chips and a wonderful salsa platter http://www.yelp.com/bi... and a cup of delicious beans http://www.yelp.com/bi... which of course I had seconds and thirds, hey they were good and FREE.
Soon my tacos arrived http://www.yelp.com/bi... Mmmmm
Adobada - http://www.yelp.com/bi... Heavily marinated and cooked on a trompo the way it should be makes for some delicious piggy.
Birria de Res - http://www.yelp.com/bi... One thing I love is some good birria, and when I see a place selling birria in a taco I always try it, they make it with beef instead of goat but done well it's all good and these tacos were full of flavor!.
Carnitas - http://www.yelp.com/bi... Wow full of flavor over here, oh how I love thy Pig.
Carne Asada - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Grilled over an open flame the meat was cooked to near perfection with loads of flavor.
Lengua - http://www.yelp.com/bi... I kissed a Cow and I liked it, I liked it. I don't usually kiss and tell but She was good!.
Tortillas - http://www.yelp.com/bi... House made and delicious flavor, slightly firm tortillas hold all the meats in with every bite til the end no need for double tortillas here.
** If you're anywhere near this place?, don't walk RUN, and enjoy some good Mexican tacos guey.Listed in: Tacos, my 4&5 Star Taco spots.
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Review from Kristi G.
La Mesa, CA
3/21/2012
Have been here twice now and both times have been happy with the food and service. The cashiers are friendly and I love the tray of various salsas (green, red, habanero), chips, and condiments (radishes, cucumbers, carrots) that the bussers put at your table when you sit down - everything looks and tastes fresh and delicious. And I've had the homemade piña twice now - SO good! It's not overly sweet and actually has pineapple chunks in it. I've had the rolled tacos twice, and the ingredients are fresh and tasty. I will say there's a particular flavor of rolled taco that is my absolute favorite (probably has something to do with lard ...) that for me wasn't as present in the meat itself, so this place wouldn't be at the very top of my list for rolled tacos. But that wouldn't count it out by a long shot as it's still very tasty. I'm always on the lookout for best rolled tacos in San Diego so it's hard for any one place to be number one in that dept for me, anyway. The guac and fixings on top of the tacos are copious, fresh and very good.
This is one of those places where you stand and order and then sit down, but I'd say it's a step above some taco shops, because even though it's small and unassuming they do attempt to make the ambiance a bit restaurant-like and even decorated for St. Pat's recently. Make no mistake that it is still a taco shop, and you can hear the grill and the chefs talking loudly preparing the food right behind the saloon doors to the kitchen. I liked it and thought it added to the experience, but some might not be prepared for the volume on top of the piped-in music that's also playing.
All in all, a great place and I will go again. -
Review from Terin B.
San Diego, CA
Loved this place! So authentic.
Street parking is easy, walked up to the smell of a smoky grill and Tejano music playing, a cute older couple dancing and laughing. Gorgeous Mexican tile work, huge patio with umbrellas, decked out in paper streamers for the Fourth of July, saints and Mexican flag decor, quarter machine for the kids.
Got 3 carnitas street tacos in little corn tortillas served with onion and cilantro. No frills presentation on a tray. Comes with a platter of salsas and pickled carrots, radish and tortilla chips. Filling meal under $10! -
Review from Chad B.
Annapolis, MD
8/16/2011
They actually grill their meat here! I had the grilled chicken burrito with guac and salsa. Fantastic! Excellent tortilla! Perfect texture. A real bargain.I was impressed with the full array of choices on the salsa tray provided to each customer. The only reason I did not give it five stars is that I did not think the salsas were quite as rich in flavor or unique as Lucha Libre.
I came after reading positive Yelp reviews. I cannot believe I worked so close to this place for two years and never tried it. It is the best place in the Logan neighborhood that I have tried so far. -
Review from Andy D.
11/28/2011 2 photos
I just discovered this place a few weeks ago on Yelp. I work in the area, so I've been trying to find new places. One of the things I love about this place is the huge trays of veggies and salsa they serve you with every meal. I just dip the veggies in the salsa. Their tortilla and taco shells are delicious. I love their quesadilla's, fish taco's, fish burritos, carne asada burrito's and fries. The only complaint I have so far is that their last two carne asada burrito's didn't have much guacamole on them.
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Review from dominic s.
San Diego, CA
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
The cashier is easy on the eyes...and the food is even better!
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Review from Chad S.
Richmond, VA
5/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sick-ass (in a good way) tacos man... and dirt cheap! How do the mexicans in VA get away with calling their tacos tacos?
I will say if you get scared entering the "hood" this may not be the place to go... the scene surrounding this taco stand is pretty much boarded up & barred windows.
Also, speaking spanish would help but there seems to be someone there who can at least take you order regardless of how bad you butcher their language trying to order. -
Review from Liz M.
3/19/2011
This place set the tone for all my other eating excursions in SD.
It was a good and bad thing.
Bad because nothing came close to it and I ended up rushing over to another El Paisa before my flight to SF to get another round of fish, pig head, al pastor fish tacos with jalapenos and that strawberry drink (fresca)...
On the first night I got the fish tacos, beef and carnitas. So So So legit. I love how they give radish (such a great palate cleanser) and plenty of salsas.
El Paisa how can I get you over by the Atlantic Ocean?? Don't subject my tummy to Qdoba. Chipotle also won't be able to hold me over.
OH OH OH AND GET THE HOT CARROTS. OH HAWT HAWT HAWT! -
Review from Mellow F.
San Diego, CA
12/15/2010
It's authentic and yummy. Anybody into Mexican food will be surprised. Yes yes, Tacos el Gordo may have better abodabo/al pastor, what have you, but seriously, it's still awesome here. Plus they have the real drinks here...none of that machine dispensor overfoamed ish...but the real stuff in a jug!!! and who wouldn't want a drink from a jug?...foreal.
I bet you it is an honor inside the cow, pig and fish world to be cut up, sold and cooked up at a taco shop like this. I know i would, I would actually consider my life a success if that were so. Then I'd hope i would be reincarnated into something cooler, like a unicorn. Cause if I did, I would visit those who gave a bad review on this place and shove my horn up your A$$. Wait... why is a horse with a horn called a unicorn? Is it cause the horn looks like a single stock of corn? Can someone please explain this to me?!? -
Review from Brian K.
8/6/2010 2 Check-ins Here
What happened to this place?
After two wonderful visits, I recommended Tacos El Paisa to my friend so on 7/4/10, we had dinner here and we both loved the food.
Fast forward a few weeks: I came here with two different friends for my fourth visit and something had gone horribly wrong somewhere in between. Adobada tacos with adobada stored in a warming tray. You could clearly taste the inferiority of the adobada; something you'd expect at Roberto's. It was drier than it was before. The mulita was satisfactory.
The lengua taco was disgusting and dry. This was not the heavenly lengua taco that I had on my second visit.
The carne asada continues to be dry; after trying it again on my third visit, I didn't order any the next time. I watched the "chef" grill the carne asada and toss it into a warming bin. If ever I am back here (unlikely), I will not get carne asada tacos. I've tried it here too many times and they can't get it right. Again, like the adobada, it's better than your typical taco joint but still dry.
I am truly embarrassed to have billed Tacos El Paisa as serving really, damn good tacos to my friends.
While TEP is better than your standard taco joint, I am no longer willing to drive here for tacos. I live 5 minutes away from the nearest Cotixan's and I rather go there for a shorter drive and a taste that is similar.
Regardless, I want to point out that it is still a decent taco shop but for it to be billed as a GREAT taco shop is uncalled for and without merit.
Hmmm, a restaurant that serves its patrons what it probably wouldn't serve to family or friends - meat stored in a warming bin. Yes, with certain foods, warming platters (stored for a limited time) are fine as food should settle (e.g. lasagna, Shepherd's pie) but not for street tacos. It's not that I just saw the inferiority, I tasted it. -
Review from Jim Y.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 3/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Alas, the truck on the side is no longer there. But, the food and service is still great.
It's also called "Los Paisas" now.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/2/2010
I'll be careful as to not over-hype this place...jk....this place is freakin awesome! I tell myself… Read more »
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Review from Josh M.
8/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
I think I was the first customer, shortly after opening, so I had a little extra time to sip on the freshly-made horchata while my breakfast of choice was assembled.
El Paisa delivered another excellent rendition of traditional chilaquiles verde. The tortillas were properly soft-crisp, the sauce pleasantly medium, with enough oaxaca cheese and sour cream to keep the heat in check. The sides were very good beans, and while rather untraditional, I had no complaint with french fries taking the place of the expected rice.
I was only a couple of bites into my chilaquiles when the salsa tray arrived: two red, a verde, and an avocado (all of which were very nice in the limited sampling space I could give), plus small bowls of lime wedges, radish slices, and pickled carrots. Overkill for just me, but likely indispensable for groups.Listed in: The Chilaquiles Hunter
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Review from Jon S.
San Diego, CA
3/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
For me this remains the best place to get street tacos in San Diego. Simple as that. Service is friendly, meat is just right, prices are low.
Also, there are two othwer locations in San Diego, but this one is the best. -
Review from Diana T.
Los Angeles, CA
9/24/2010
One of my favorite Mexican food spots ever from SD, LA and Mexico!
Location/parking: Street parking. Looks like a giant taco truck inside a gated area right next to a restaurant (which is exactly what it is). The truck, and restaurant is the same place but everyone sits outside and orders from the outside.
Seating/wait: Seats inside and outdoors.
Service: Order/pick-up from the cashier but they bring you a whole tray of salsas, cilantro, and the whole shebang of the salsa cart.
Food:
1. Adobada (marinated meat), lengua (tongue), tripa (tripe), asada (roasted meat) are my favorite meats. I usually get tacos because I get a wide range of meats I like. I can't remember how the torta taste but I guess I liked the tacos more.
2. Agua frescas: Great juices. The pina is pulpy! Horchata is great too. No disappointments from any fruit drinks or beers I've had so far.
3. Carne asada fries: My favorite. Get ready for a whole take out box filled with crispy fat fries topped with a mound of meat, guacamole, sour cream, cheese and I can't even count how many things they have on top of it.
Décor/ Ambience: Cart food feel but with actual tables!
Restrooms:
Dogs: Yay dogs allowed!!! -
Review from David G.
6/23/2010 4 photos
According to http://urbandictionary..., a paisa is "a Mexican living in the United States that wears cowboy hats, belts, and boots made of ostrich skin." I hoped that a weekend outing to the taco trucks of South San Diego would lead me to some sexy paisas. While I can't say I saw any of 'em at Tacos El Paisa, I did find the following...
1) An adorable fusion of a Mexican-style casita and taco truck, tucked into a cozy corner of Logan Heights. (Please ignore the high-maintenance San Diegans who think this is a "bad part of town." Try spending a few hours in Compton or South Philly at 2am. Logan Heights is frickin' Beverly Hills in comparison.)
2) Superb service. When I saw the taco truck, I thought my lunch-buddies and I would be eating our tacos on the curb. It turns out that there's speedy and efficient table service -- which includes a complimentary platter of salsas and other condiments waiting for you at the table!
3) Some of the best horchata in town. I thought the Mexican juice stand at the Hillcrest Farmer's Market was the winner in the race to make the best horchata in San Diego, but the horchata at Tacos El Paisa might give them a run for their money. It's $2 for a giant styroform cup of bliss, and $1 for refills.
4) Solid street tacos. I had 2 chicken tacos and 1 carne asada taco for $1.78 a pop, and these tacos were tasty and filling, albeit too dry for my liking. 'Twas nothing that a generous spoonful of salsa verde couldn't fix, though. The tortillas was warm and fresh. Loved those tortillas. I should've asked for a stack to take home with me.
In sum: You will NOT find a paisa at Tacos El Paisa, which is a damn shame. But you will find a delicious and friendly local biz that serves some of the finest and most authentic Mexican food and drink in San Diego.
If only the servers were wearing ostrich skin boots....
If only.Listed in: Two axles + a stove
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Review from Heather W.
San Diego, CA
6/23/2010 12 photos
ill never forget the day Tacos El Paisa was on the home page for rotd back in jan. i browsed through the photos of this place, and became mesmerized by the street tacos i saw. HELLO BOOKMARK BUTTON. i luv luv luuuuuuv street tacos.
...and though it took me a while to make it down (i.e. may) for my proclaimed "taco truck adventure" day (i know, how silly i had turned a lunch into a whole journey), any delay in visiting here is better than never experiencing at all. but man....i have been missing out!
i have been missing out on some of the greatest attributes of living in san diego. hands down, this ranks on the top.
ok ive been twice now and this is what ive decided:
though at $1.78 each, its tempting to sample various types....GET THE POLLO ASADO. Each time I went with pollo, carnitas, and carne asada and my opinion remains the same: the chicken is quite possibly the best, most flavorful, smokey fresh-of-the-grill white meat chicken ive ever consumed. the carnitas is a wee bit salty and fatty for my taste, and the carne asada is a bit dry and unmemorable. this was my opinions after both visits.
and don't get me wrong, ive absolutely loved everything ive gotten here but i can't rave enough about the chicken.
chicken chicken chicken.
people might think im crazy but i feel the true test of a good food establishment is how well they prepare chicken...the afterthought, typically "boring" meat choice, right? hells no. GOOD chicken can really blow your socks off.
horchata? damn good. get. refills are $1 and i couldn't resist getting seconds on my last visit. i have to quote my friend who said "i could have ordered 28 horchatas."
the complimentary condiment trays, grilled onions and peppers are like nothing ive seen before. fresh and of generous portions...yum. the first time i visited, we stepped away for a moment only to find a brand new platter awaiting us. seriously guys? what an outstanding business. i could eat this food every week.
*btw 3 tacos is a pretty satisfying amount - my eyes-bigger- than-my -stomach kept ordering 4 (plus 1 to 2 horchatas) and i was a fat cow. happy fat cow, mind you, but kept wishing i had just done 3!Listed in: Get yer mex fix, The Chicken List, Street Taco Deliciousness
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Review from Chris S.
San Diego, CA
9/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I honestly LOVE this place! This is the best mexican place I have been too in San Diego. The prices are cheap and the food is great! I love how they bring you 5 salsa's,chips,fresh cumber and spicy carrots what other place does that? The bf decided to go here one night and I guess we came on mexican fight night because the place was full of people watching some mexican boxing but I totally got into it. But I digress, I got the rolled tacos the bf got a carne asada torta and two chicken tacos. He never had a torta before but he said he loved it. The service is great and the food is plenty. I plan to cum here again and you soo too :)
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Review from Marisol C.
San Diego, CA
3/29/2009
After dropping by 32nd Naval Base, my brother and I drove past a bright yellow and blue building...
Me- "OMG. Alex, pull over! ! !"
I've been meaning to check out Tacos El Paisa, and even though I was full from all the sushi I ate at Arigato, a good adobada taco is worth the tummyache :D
I ordered 6 adobada tacos and a horchata to go, and as soon as I got home unwrapped the goods and took a bite.
It was AIGHT (sorry Mikey)
Yes, the adobada was fresh, but I just didn't feel wowed like I do after taking a bite of an adobada taco at Tacos El Gordo. I think it's because they don't put that special sauce and it's just not as spicy, IMO...and the horchata I had was TOO sweet *eek*
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Sidenote:
It's cash only, so I had to run across the street and risk life and limb to get cash from the liquor store ATM. Nice :D -
Review from Mikey P.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 10/13/2008 11 photos
*****UPDATE 4-2009 UNDER NEW MANGEMENT*****
I was long overdue for a stop at one of my favorite taquerias so I recently decided to check things out.
The truck was in full affect! The smell from the asada on coals, and looking at a pile of Masa was killing me. The Masa Queen still forming perfect disc of tortillas de maiz.
http://img.photobucket...
It was great to see the same taquero grilling up the asada
http://img.photobucket...
I didn't have Asada in mind but after smelling it I ordered a trifecta of Asada, Birria, and Adobada.
From left to right Adobada, Birria, Asada
http://img.photobucket...
I was pleased to notice the adobada is even better then the last time I tried it. They kicked up the spice on the paste a notch and it was perfectly cooked on the spit. I had to order an extra one before I left.
http://img.photobucket...
Nothings changed on the amazing array of accompaniments.
http://img.photobucket...
Grilled onions and chilies
http://img.photobucket...
Complimentary Frijoles de la Olla
http://img.photobucket...
All still free of course!
Tacos are now 1.67
My only issue? No more Rompope Agua Fresca :(
If you have never tried El Paisa make sure you order off the truck and not inside just like La Fachada. The truck is not open mornings.
http://img.photobucket...
I love this place and it has not only moved up to 5 stars but moves to the top of my rotation.Listed in: San Diegos Real Tacos !
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/20/2008 First to Review
I drive all the way down here just for the Agua Fresca made from scratch. They usually have at least… Read more »
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Review from Genevieve A.
Spring Valley, CA
Updated - 9/14/2011
No more truck :(
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/24/2010
If you're looking for TJ tacos, look no further because this is it!
Their adobada is delicious! So… Read more »
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Review from Flor D.
11/10/2008 3 photos
Holy little Jesus! I found the door to Taco heaven through El Paisa.
My fearless taco hunting leader Mikey P-http://masaassassin.yelp.com-
raves about this joint. Naturally, I bookmarked his #1 venue and was stoked for some BOMB tacos on my recent trip to SD.
Get this...I had my pal pick me up at the airport, drive me to the hotel, and then drive me to tacos. Now this is what you call door to door service.
Sketchy area of SD, complete with pipes breaking through the pavement, and one legged dogs crossing the street. Okay, no dog, but you get my drift. We passed it a couple of times, but were guided by the light of taco heaven and the smell of carne asada.
Taco trucks rule. Taco trucks that are grounded and have been converted to restaurants, well now those ROCK! Seriously, the smell was amazing. We walked up, ordered some tacos and sopes, got some onions, a glass of tamarindo, and were ready for some serious chomping!
When they called my number, I smiled, grabbed my plates, and told the man at the counter I loved him.
This is what good tacos do to you. OH yah...and not to mention the array of salsas, limes, and cucumbers waiting at my table.
El Paisa...we are paisa's forever!
Taco Heaven picture: http://www.yelp.com/bi...Listed in: Your TACO is not my TACO
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Review from Chris B.
1/26/2009
I don't know how Mikey P. aka the "Taco hunter" finds these places, but I'm glad it is on Yelp.com's top restaurant list right now. I'm also glad I have a car equipped with GPS so I could find the place.
There really isn't much else I can say about these tacos that the five star reviews haven't said. So I will make this quick.
Yes, the free beans, grilled onions, and tray full of condiments is awesome. I was not the only gringo. I saw some Asians eating there too. I heard the music bumping from three blocks away. I passed Tacos El Paisa first, so I parked three blocks away. I never went inside and only ordered from the register next to the truck. I only got tacos. I only wanted tacos. When I wake up in the middle of the night and piss in the dark, I usually go in the trash can next to the toilet. I wear my wife's deodorant when I run out of mine. I wear her socks too when mine are dirty.
Oh wait! I completely forgot what I was talking about. Ah yes. Go here, bring cash, and your shades so you can sit outside. -
Review from Bill P.
1/2/2009
I informed the "Taco Hunter" that I saw a place on the news that burnt down and it looked like Tacos El Paisa!!!
So a few weeks later were driving in the hood and decide to check it out. Sure enough they had a brand new truck on site and the tacos were as good as ever. The cook explained that they had a grease fire and the old truck was totalled.
I cant say anything about this place that hasn't already been said. This is a solid 5 star taco shop. Do yourself a favor and order from the truck, not inside the restaurant. You will be instantly transported across the boarder after your first bite, these tacos are the real deal.
ohhhh yeah, it's CASH ONLY so bring your lettuce !Listed in: TACOS
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Review from Brent c.
Oakland, CA
8/12/2008
The lady-friend and I ate here last week. She had two carne asada tacos and refused to share them with me. To put this in perspective, she is not above sharing tooth brushes with me. So the fact that she wouldn't give me a bite of her food is saying something. Exactly what, I am not sure.
As for MY food, I had a birria taco, abodabo taco and a carnitas taco. While all of them were fantastic, I think the birria was the best. They came with a side of beans that you could tell had been simmering in a giant pot for several hours. The beans were not too salty and you could taste their earthy goodness, simply delicious. Our tacos were accompanied by a tray limes, salsas, grilled onions and peppers and other goodies.
I never thought $9 could go so far.
The only negative was the blaring music. While Nelly has his merits, I don't find him particularly appropriate for dinner music. You may disagree. Come for the food, people and experience...bring earplugs.
Also, the logistics of ordering and receiving food is strange. Here is how it is done. Order from the cashier under the awning who will hand you a ticket once you have paid. Take the ticket to the Mexican food magician in the trailer who concocts your magic tacos. Have a seat and await your impending bliss. -
Review from Tim S.
Updated - 2/28/2009
I am bringing this up to 5 stars after trying it again.
I got a boatload of food today. I got a carne asada mulita, a carne asada taco, a lengua taco and 4 adobada tacos. The mulita was amazing. First time that I have had one. Its like a corn quesadilla kind of. Its stuffed to the brim with cheese and carne asada. Really really good! The lengua taco was meh. I have never had a lengua taco so I ordered one. The flavor was alright but it was the meat was too soft and I got weirded out about 3/4 of the way through it and threw it away. The carne asada taco was excellent. This time they had the taquero grilling up the meat. Much better than last time I was here. And finally.....the adobada tacos=best adobada in San Diego. Awesome tacos! Washed everything down with a grande Horchata.Listed in: Taco Shops/Mexican Food I love
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/14/2009
This was my second stop of the day on my taco mission. My first stop was so great, this would have… Read more »
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Review from Susie Q.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2011
This is the place to go to when you have a craving for Mexican street tacos. I had the carnitas, carne asada, adobo (?), and the fish taco. All of them were in the range of $1.50 to $2.50. If you eat in, you also get a tray of salsas with chips. The horchata was also very good.
Service was quick and friendly. They also cleared our plates when we were done eating and just chatting. I didn't expect that at a little taco stand!
I would definitely come back.
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