Open Thread: What are the best tacos in San Diego?
by Dex on Jan 12, 2012 8:49 AM PST
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PrintWhen Yelp was first really hitting popular strides a few years back, Arthur Frommer, the founder of the famous travel guides, critiqued the "critics" both in an editorial and in several interviews on Rick Steves' travel show on NPR.
The basic premise is this... While everybody is entitled to their opinion, somebody who offers a truly expert opinion will always run circles around a social media site.On the one hand, you have a critic who's done research to the tune of tasting and trying every restaurant in a given area and is able to compare that to restaurants in surrounding areas or even other parts of the world while educating and infusing his or her culinary knowledge combined with insights into the true value of what it is you are about to eat. On the other hand, you have your next door neighbor who's been to Phoenix twice and managed to find the VERY BEST BARBECUE IN THE SOUTHWEST and is insistent upon the fact based on the fact that he had one meal at Phil's and he discovered that he doesn't like BBQ sauce, but watch out, because at $15 a plate it be WAY more expensive than what BBQ is worth, but hey they serve High Life.
So, I agree with Arthur Frommer and I take every piece of advice on Yelp with a grain of salt.
And yet... That does not stop me from asking you what Mentor has asked of us... To help him find the "best" foods in San Diego.
Today's topic.... What is the best taco in San Diego?
To be sure, it is just about impossible to find a bad taco in San Diego. You have to try really hard. Like you have to be going to Del Taco and then letting their #1 meal sit and go stale before you find a bad taco and even then, it's better than what you'll find at a taco shop in Missouri.
On my personal short list:
- El Indio's Morditos and/or rolled tacos
- Lucha Libre Surf & Turf
- Rubio's Fish Taco Especial (Please don't pitch Wahoo's, Orange County lover)
- La Posta tacos, any flavor
- Whatever is going into a taco shell at El Take It Easy's (Jay will likely be super pissed at the company he's keeping in this list)
- Taco Bell's Chalupa
- Dos Amigos Grille street tacos
- ???-berto's
Like seriously, as long as it's shredded beef or deep fried fish or sufficiently fatty carnitas, how far off could you possibly be from a great taco in San Diego? San Diego is a place where you could have 4 taco shops on a single block and all of them have a line out the door at lunch time with every single person talking about how this one is their favorite taco shop ever.
IT SHOULD NOT BE HARD TO SERVE A FANTASTIC TACO AT PETCO PARK.
So let's help Mentor figure out what he should be emulating.
I also will also take a moment of silence to remember El Asadero Market, formerly on El Cajon Blvd in the college area. The best tacos in San Diego and for no good reason, they just poof vanished while I wasn't looking. Seriously, you don't even know. Don't mess around. Five street tacos there and you're in heaven. Also mighty fine carne asada burritos.
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Rudy's on Stephens in Solana
hands down the best carne asada TJ street tacos I’ve ever had.
"...and never forget that until the day when God shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is summed up in these two words,-Wait and hope."
Rudy's is good
and Bongiorno’s pizza is there too – which makes this a little corner of food heaven
On the other hand, you have different fingers.
I used to live down the street from Rudy's
It was way too tempting.
25 years as a baseball fan and I'm still confused by the infield fly rule
How could you not add...
Tacos El gordo to the list?! An institution to the greater San Diego area.
Mentioned this is hamburger thread. Tacos el gordo is bomb dizzle.
by soulSD on Jan 12, 2012 8:58 AM PST via Android app up reply actions
Lolita's at the ballpark
I’m never disappointed when I leave there. Carne Asada tacos or burritos. Carne Asada chips. California burrito. Always fantastic.
Try the...
Two in One. See my post below for whats inside.
Mama Testa
Potato Tacos are tops for me. El Indio rolled tacos close second.
by Frozen_Pizza on Jan 12, 2012 8:55 AM PST reply actions 2 recs
Hell yes.
Mama Testa is the best. I love the fish tacos and the carnitas and the steamed tacos and… well, the whole damn menu. And the salsa bar!
Those Mama Testa radio commercials really turned me off on that place
They always have some actor playing the really ignorant gringo, it was almost racist. Like you’re going to insult me and then ask for my business?
Never heard those
but they can’t be much worse than the Sombrero’s “we cater too” speedy gonzales voice.
by Frozen_Pizza on Jan 12, 2012 9:19 AM PST up reply actions
Im going to put on my hipster glasses and say “overrated”.
by soulSD on Jan 12, 2012 9:05 AM PST via Android app up reply actions
perhaps
after bobby flay makes a visit, a place can become overrated pretty quickly.
by Frozen_Pizza on Jan 12, 2012 9:18 AM PST up reply actions
I am a native San Diegan
Mama Testa Fish Tacos are the best things I have ever eaten. Along with some of their chipotle hot sauce.
Padres Fan.
Blue Water Seafood Grill
Not quite authentic but some of the freshest fish tacos in San Diego and not fried
Understanding is a three edged sword; your side, their side and the truth.
Bolttalk Podcast - the Best Chargers show on the Web!
If it's not fried, it's not the best fish taco.
But Blue Water is really good. Their crab and artichoke dip is heaven in a bread bowl.
Used to love that place til it gave me food poisioning
Sad part is I still miss it despite them giving me the heaves.
I'm calling user error.
Bolts from the Blue // "At least when Wade is spewing vitriol he does so with an intellectual flair." - insanebolt21
Bloody Elbow // "I think we're poking fun at Leland's 'boner.'" - Michael Fagan
by Richard Wade on Jan 12, 2012 1:59 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
How about best taco/burrito combination?
Hands down goes to the Lolitas two in one burrito. If you have never tried it, do so. Its a Carne Asada, Guac, 2x Cheese burrito with two rolled tacos stuffed inside. Heavenly.
Mexican Fiesta in financial block downtown. Only problem is the shack is so small and always takes 30 mins to get food.
by soulSD on Jan 12, 2012 9:17 AM PST via Android app up reply actions
damnit not meant to be reply. SBN app is not fresh.
by soulSD on Jan 12, 2012 9:20 AM PST via Android app up reply actions
jesu cristo
"Chris (Denorfia) is the scrappiest player I've seen since Shoeless Joe Jackson." -Lee 'Hacksaw' Hamilton
by The Kipper on Jan 12, 2012 7:25 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
As another reference
Ducksnorts had their Unofficial Guide to San Diego Taco shops. It may be a bit out of date though.
Yesenia's in Carmel Mountain
Their carne asada burritos are delish as well as their tacos. I think I might make them today’s lunch.
by bcline760 on Jan 12, 2012 9:11 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
On Carmel Mountain Rd.
It’s in the same complex as Home Depot, Pat & Oscars, and Wings & Things. In fact, it’s right next to W&T.
I've been there plenty of times
but never knew that’s what it’s called.
Oh internet, what a wicked web you weave.
by Mad_Villain on Jan 12, 2012 10:19 AM PST via Android app up reply actions
Jalapeños
How would you compare Ysenia’s to Jalapeños (down by Rite Aid and SuperCuts)?
by glyonax on Jan 12, 2012 10:57 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
That's a bingo.
Yesenia’s is one of the best.
Yakety Sax: Making divisional matchups hilarious since 1963.
Gaslamp Ball: SMELLS LIKE PROSPECTS IN HERE
Please, call me StrangeBro.
by StrangeBroP25 on Jan 12, 2012 9:31 PM PST up reply actions
Rubios Fish Tacos are tops IMO
Since the brought back the Alaskan polluck. But for regular tacos Im fond of either El Indio, or Miguels (specifically the one in Pt Loma).
by athletics68 on Jan 12, 2012 9:22 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
It always feels weird to praise a big chain
but yeah, rubio’s does have some good fish tacos
by kevintheoman on Jan 12, 2012 10:20 AM PST up reply actions
When I read yelp
I always read the lowest rated scores first. The low rating scores are the most telling as to if the score is BS or not. I’ve seen people rate burger places 1 star for not offering chicken sandwiches. I’ve seen someone give 1 star to a tiny taco shop for not accepting debit/credit cards.
tacos are for wimps...
Carne Asada fries from Roberto’s…
I ALWAYS make sure I get this at least once when I come into town (living outside of CA has its disadvantages).
I'm not that into tacos
so I have no real opinions on that.
Rodrigo’s in PQ is my favorite for carne asada fries/chips. It’s probably mostly high school nostalgia though.
another thing, +1 to fish tacos needing to be deep fried
I don’t even know how wahoo’s is able to advertise themselves as a fish taco place.
by kevintheoman on Jan 12, 2012 9:54 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
And in corn tortillas!
Don’t get me wrong, I love the salmon taco at Tin Fish, but it’s a salmon filet with a side of tortilla.
by Darklighter on Jan 12, 2012 9:57 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
agree
Although it doesn’t bother me as much as the grilled fish does.
I get quite condescending, arrogant, and combatitive when someone tells me they ate a fish taco with grilled fish. It’s okay to like grilled fish placed in a tortilla; just don’t call it a “fish taco”.
by kevintheoman on Jan 12, 2012 10:06 AM PST up reply actions
Y'know, you can even call it a taco.
But it’s not a fish taco. It’s a mahi mahi taco, or whatever. I mean, you wouldn’t say you had fish and chips if the fish wasn’t fried, right?
by Darklighter on Jan 12, 2012 10:08 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
grody
"Chris (Denorfia) is the scrappiest player I've seen since Shoeless Joe Jackson." -Lee 'Hacksaw' Hamilton
by The Kipper on Jan 12, 2012 7:27 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
grody
"Chris (Denorfia) is the scrappiest player I've seen since Shoeless Joe Jackson." -Lee 'Hacksaw' Hamilton
by The Kipper on Jan 12, 2012 7:27 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Carnitas Uruapan
http://twitter.com/matthewverygood
by matthewverygood on Jan 12, 2012 10:12 AM PST reply actions
Jose’s Taco Depot
Rudy’s is good, too.
Jorge’s Mexicatessen – is chicken soup a good ballpark food?
Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play
El Azteca over in La Mesa.
Awesome tacos, and even more amazing burritos, not to mention massive. Seriously, their breakfast burrito is almost a meal for 2.
"I don't think about the things I say. You guys are the ones who think about it."
by surferfromSD619 on Jan 12, 2012 10:42 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Azteca is my spot
Been going there for over 10 years. I get a burrito everytime I’m back in town.
http://twitter.com/matthewverygood
by matthewverygood on Jan 12, 2012 12:57 PM PST up reply actions
Cotixan by the DMV in Clairemont.
"I suggest more bike" ~KSK
"The Red Sox and Yankees are playing as I type but I don't know who's winning because I don't watch Arena League baseball." - the genius TTG
Destroying your facts with opinions
There's another in Poway. Big-ass portions.
Yakety Sax: Making divisional matchups hilarious since 1963.
Gaslamp Ball: SMELLS LIKE PROSPECTS IN HERE
Please, call me StrangeBro.
by StrangeBroP25 on Jan 12, 2012 9:32 PM PST up reply actions
or Los Dos in La Jolla
"I suggest more bike" ~KSK
"The Red Sox and Yankees are playing as I type but I don't know who's winning because I don't watch Arena League baseball." - the genius TTG
Destroying your facts with opinions
los dos
carne asada torta. delicious.
"...and never forget that until the day when God shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is summed up in these two words,-Wait and hope."
or Taco Surf on Mission in PB
"I suggest more bike" ~KSK
"The Red Sox and Yankees are playing as I type but I don't know who's winning because I don't watch Arena League baseball." - the genius TTG
Destroying your facts with opinions
Market International 2000 3rd Ave Chula Vista
2nd choice is any Cotixan
by glyonax on Jan 12, 2012 10:52 AM PST via iPhone app reply actions
tacos
My list
JV mexican food bay park
las brasas mission hills
el cuervo hillcrest
El zarape (both locations)university heights and north park
senor panchos San marcos These are possibly the best street/mini tacos I’ve had. with real guac and three grilled green onions and a deep fried serrano pepper on the side. I knew they where the best when I finished them and just sat there going wow
These are all traditional Mexican food restaurants with good, fresh, well prepared food at a decent price.
Sorry I don’t eat tacos at trendy places
i want to superimpose these over that this post
"I suggest more bike" ~KSK
"The Red Sox and Yankees are playing as I type but I don't know who's winning because I don't watch Arena League baseball." - the genius TTG
Destroying your facts with opinions
by justdave on Jan 12, 2012 11:06 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
El Zarape
That place is excellent. I couldn’t think of the name. Kept googling El Zapato and finding mexican shoes.
I'll third El Zarape
I love their rolled tacos. Real meat inside with now rice. Great guac and white cheese. The only thing better would be to use cotija cheese as well. Their House (Chicken Mole) burrito is fantastic.
Yes.
Another vote for El Zarape. This place is my favorite. Great rolled tacos and their House Burrito (Chicken Mole) always hits the spot.
El Zarape is pretty good...
not to complain but their menu is TOO BIG. Make it simple stupid…ya know?
"The Transplant" (So. Cal boy stuck in NYC)
by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Jan 14, 2012 9:14 AM PST up reply actions
Senor Panchos is the train one, right? I haven’t been since it changed names, but I’ve had the tacos. Vote seconded for street tacos.
Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play
I used to live by the Senor Pancho's near SDSU.
It was our go-to simply because it was in walking distance and open late and we were usually too lazy to cross the street to go to Trujillo’s.
Don’t order the California burrito or carne asada chips.
No pants. No problem.
Grossest. Taco Shop. Evar.
Fire Bud Black.
Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser. -- Vince Lombardi
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Jan 15, 2012 11:47 AM PST up reply actions
Shame on all of you for talking about tacos when the ownership of the Padres is in doubt!!!
Besides, it’s pretty hard to fcuk up a taco, so any corner mexican joint works.
"The Internet?! Is that thing still around?"
by Jsn L on Jan 12, 2012 10:54 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Fidel's in Solana Beach and Carlsbad
Bomb. One of the best hot sauces I’ve had.
And a chalupa? Really?
Someone's a local!
Because you still call it “Fidel’s” despite it’s now called “Norté”. Don’t worry, I still say “Tom Giblin’s”.
i didn't either
"I suggest more bike" ~KSK
"The Red Sox and Yankees are playing as I type but I don't know who's winning because I don't watch Arena League baseball." - the genius TTG
Destroying your facts with opinions
me either
I will always call it Fidel’s. Eden Gardens, Holmes! Anyone remember Bluebird cafe down there? It was my first meal after I lost my virginity.
"Chris (Denorfia) is the scrappiest player I've seen since Shoeless Joe Jackson." -Lee 'Hacksaw' Hamilton
by The Kipper on Jan 12, 2012 7:31 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
South Beach
South Beach Bar and Grill for fish tacos. Easily the best in town. PB Fish shop a close second.
yes!
fish tacos here are the best
"...and never forget that until the day when God shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is summed up in these two words,-Wait and hope."
is it still good?
i thought it was delicious like 12 years ago when I lived round there. all these posts are making me hungry. and envious.
Said it in the Burger thread
but Nicos in OB is the best. Can’t go wrong with the breakfast buritto or carnitas plate.
Mat Latos is the real deal...Go Lakers, Pads, and Bolts
by mrbarneydangles on Jan 12, 2012 12:30 PM PST reply actions
Los Panchos TJ Tacos
Jack in the Box Tacos
Tio Leo’s Tacos
Del Taco 39 cent tacos
This is a terrible thing for the Padres. - Jerry Coleman
JITP tacos
are not real tacos….maybe not even real food
but they are yummy
On the other hand, you have different fingers.
Everyone always raves about Rosaritos #7 in lemon grove
Where in the world is Khalil?
by TheVinylCrocodile on Jan 12, 2012 1:11 PM PST reply actions
Fins?
It’s been over a decade since I lived in San Diego but I thought that all the Fins closed a while back.
McGregor's
I don’t know why McGregor’s in Mission Valley has such great fish tacos but they are absolutely amazing. And they’re only $1.50 too during happy hour.
Trujillos
Fire Bud Black.
Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser. -- Vince Lombardi
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Jan 12, 2012 8:02 PM PST reply actions
God, I need to get downtown for a Mexican food tour
Poway is pretty barren unless you get into the surrounding areas, or the south end of town… friggin’ suburbanites.
Tio Leo’s— their happy-hour street tacos are the best. Don’t know if they’re still on the menu, I haven’t been in a while, but I used to order them with every meal.
The two major ‘Bertos joints in my neck of the woods are Aibertos and Albertos (now called El Armando’s, but the menu is the same)— aka the Brick and the Barn. Best bet at both places are probably burritos (they’re huge at Aibertos), though the rolled tacos deserve praise as well.
El Ranchito is extremely popular, though I’ve never been able to see why. Nothing there is especially outstanding— I suppose because it’s close to the high school.
Lienzo Charro and El Comal are also worth mentioning, but as they’re sit-down restaurants it’s unlikely they’ll end up at the ballpark.
Yakety Sax: Making divisional matchups hilarious since 1963.
Gaslamp Ball: SMELLS LIKE PROSPECTS IN HERE
Please, call me StrangeBro.
Forget everyone else's brand
They need to sell Friar Tacos, Friar burritos and bowls of Friar verde. They need to brand it and own it.
by field39 on Jan 12, 2012 10:40 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Las Olas in Carlsbad too.
I like it, but I never go there because I always just go to Fidel’s.
No pants. No problem.
I heard a story
That someone ordered a taco in France and the waiter came back with a piece of toast and two sardines on it.
Props to will61589
for mentioning Tacos al Gordo….
Al Gordo and Tacos el Paisa in Logan Heights are my favorite joints for authentic tacos; hell, they have the word “taco” in their name….
YES to El Gordo and El Paisa
Tacos El Gordo is the best true “street taco”, and I love the mysterious giant vat of simmering beef parts….. if you are at the Palm Ave location get the crazy loaded fires with Al Pastor and Carne Asada piled on top… mmmmmm……
For those of you by the ballpark, venture a wee bit east to 25th and Imperial and GO TO Tacos El Paisa. You whiteys who are scared of the barrio be comforted, the police station is across the street. Excellent everything but the breakfast burritos and pollo asada are standouts.
Also props to La Posta in Hillcrest, maybe the best “generic taco shop” style place I know of. They have the best rolled tacos in town, perfectly crispy with tons of guacamole and the crumbly white cotija cheese.
Bahia Don Bravo in La Jolla.
Beer-battered fish tacos. 99-cent street tacos. So good.
No pants. No problem.
OMG YES
First time I ever went there I got the Don Bravo Burrito since I figured ‘Well, it’s named after the place, so it has to be good right?"
Wasn’t just great, it was AWESOME.
"I don't think about the things I say. You guys are the ones who think about it."
by surferfromSD619 on Jan 13, 2012 8:49 PM PST up reply actions
Don't live in SD but visit often...
I always head to El Zarape with my buddies. Also, some joint in the University Heights district called Rigoberto’s serves some greasy late night goodness if you’ve finished a six-pack on your own and think Mexican is a good idea.
"The Transplant" (So. Cal boy stuck in NYC)
by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Jan 14, 2012 9:16 AM PST reply actions
Great recomendations, but here's one for ya
Liticker’s on Voltaire St in OB. Go there now. If it’s closed, just sit there and wait for it to open. You will not be disappointed.
Anyplace that sells a California burrito.
Official prediction: The Angels will win the AL west this season.
So, anywhere but Jack in the Box
Why ask a failed romance to come watch your successful one? You know, that's like inviting the Seattle Mariners to a World Series game. It's just weird for everyone.
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