Best Tacos in San Diego: Official Review

Going to San Diego soon? Love tacos? You’re in the right place! Here’s my official unofficial comprehensive review of the best tacos in San Diego (it’s unofficial because I couldn’t really try ALL the taco places).

With San Diego being only 20 miles away from the Mexican border and the city of Tijuana, there’s a strong influence that transpires in the city. That includes delicious tacos that come in all shapes and sizes!

 

 

 

Here’s my top 5:

1. Tacos El Cabron (532 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101)

Located in the heart of the Gas Lamp District, Tacos El Cabron offers a variety of Mexican style tacos such as Carne Asada (steak), Pollo (chicken), Adobada (marinated pork), Pulpo (octopus), Camaron (shrimp) and Birria (spicy stew). I ended up going back a couple times during my trip because of the location and fast service. Even if it’s a small restaurant with a pick-up counter, you can still sit down, either inside our outside, and enjoy a very cheap meal. My absolute favorite was the Adobada taco because of the blend of sauces and tasty marinated meat. It was my favorite mix of flavors of all the tacos I tried in SD!

2. Las Cuatro Milpas (1857 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113, USA)

Las Cuatro Milpas is an old school taco spot that opened in 1933 that’s located just outside the downtown area in the Barrio Logan district in San Diego. Following a quick Bird Scooter ride from downtown and after waiting in line for 20 minutes, you’ll be introduced to a Spanish speaking environment and a tortilla making operation in the background. Looking around the restaurant, mostly locals and a few tourists have made the journey from the downtown area. The smell of flour and meat cooking will hit you right away, meaning it’s time to feast. They have a very short menu: rolled tacos, tamales, rice & beans and burritos. I went with an order of tacos, served on their fresh, tasty and fatty tortillas, topped with pork, iceberg lettuce and cotija cheese. This is unlike any taco I’ve ever had. It tasted as if my Canadian mom had made one of her best home cooked dishes. The tortilla is rich and fresh and the meat melts in your mouth.

3. Oscars Mexican Seafood (927 J St #7205, San Diego, CA 92101, USA)

Their downtown location right by Petco Park is the perfect spot to grab a quick lunch or dinner before a Padres game. They’re rightfully known for their fish tacos: I had an order of battered fish tacos and they didn’t disappoint. Served on a corn tortilla, you could still taste the fish even though it was fried and the toppings complimented the protein very well. They also had a tasty selection of sauces available to complete the dish. For under $10 for three tacos, this is definitely a must on any taco tour!

4. La Puerta (560 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA)

Picture taken from La Puerta’s Instagram 

Located in the Gas Lamp District, close to this list’s numero uno El Cabron, La Puerta has a fun decor and atmosphere for a sit-down meal in downtown San Diego. They offer a variety of delicious options on their Mexican menu. For lunch, I obliged a satisfying Carnitas taco alongside an excellent California burrito (fries in a burrito are fantastic). The only reason La Puerta is fourth on the list is because of prices. I wouldn’t say it was overpriced because the portions were big (1 lb burrito), but I ran a $25 tab for my two items and I didn’t have any drinks. I must say that they bring chips and guac while you wait for your food, which is a nice touch.

5. Miguel’s Cocina @ Petco Park (100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA)

You didn’t have time to grab a taco at Oscars before the game? No worries, Petco Park has you covered. While one might be tempted to find the best hot dog or burger in the park, I suggest you head for the taco stands at Petco. Miguel’s Cocina offers a delicious fried fish tacos, fresh off the grill. The only downside of ballpark tacos is that they’re very expensive compared to what could be bought steps from the stadium. There’s also a good fish taco stand along the first base line on the main concourse that offers customized tacos to your liking.

To conclude, what I can say is that I don’t think you can go wrong with any taco joint in San Diego. After having tried five different spots in 4 days, I was pleased with all of them and even went back to El Cabron several times.

Buen provecho!