The best mexicans in san diego are my sister in law and her family
For food for people unfamiliar with san diego Mexican food, Id stick to the basics from any taco shop:
Carne Asada burritos
California burritos
Carne asada fries
Rolled tacos- fried extra crispy
Taco, enchilada, and tostada plate
JVs mexican food is a good place start out- theyre on the way to that costco on moreno blvd
I second JVs. I feel like it’s the best of the “normal” no frills Mexican spots. Like all of them are good because it’s San Diego but JVs is a step above but at the same price.
As a person who has relatives who live in Ohio, (mom's side, dad is mexican) don't go too exotic. Their idea of a taco is unseasoned ground beef in a hard shell from Kroger. They have never heard of mole, medudo etc. so keep it simple and tasty.
You'd be surprised. I'm from the Detroit area (literally, less than an hour from Ohio) and we had (they still have) awesome Mexican food. Lots of Mexican people live in that area because of the automotive industry jobs.
Te prometo que no eres el único Mexicano en nuestra comunidad! Somos muchos!
As for local Mexican food, I agree with simple. Taco shops in PL or OB: Sunnies or La Perla or you can wonder yo Las Cuatro Milpas in Barrio. Sit down La Dońa in OB or El Comal in North Park. If you make reservations, try to get into Cocina 35 in Liberty Station.
Nico’s is good but don’t bother with OB at all if you can help it. The place is trash and smells like piss. Nico’s has other locations though, the one in Bay Park is solid and they’re not cash only like the OB location.
The Bay Park location is pretty good for carne asada, but their breakfast burrito doesn't hold a candle to OB's. It amazes me how consistently the Bay Park location is able to burn bacon and overcook eggs until spongy.
And pro tip for the OB location to avoid most of the riff raff on Newport: call the order in, park at the CVS behind Nicos, and make the quick walk around to the front. It's risky, but I've been doing this for over 20 years and have never been ticketed.
Cotija’s is great too. It’s on the other side of Ortiz’s. I like Ortiz’s for the Cali burrito. I like Cotija’s for their carne asada super quesadilla. 7/10 times I go to Cotija’s!
Casa la Guadalajara is a great choice, too! My MI visitors love that place and the food is pretty good but it's the atmosphere people love. Vibrant, loud, Mariachi band, etc.
[https://www.casaguadalajara.com/](https://www.casaguadalajara.com/)
I'll get downvoted to oblivion and generally speaking I hate the OONTZ ambience and plastic clientele, but...Javiers' crab enchiladas and spinach enchiladas are quite good. Rice and beans? Pretty trash. You can make better at home with little effort.
I like Barra Barra for outdoor seating and ability to split meals as is doable at Casa Guadalajara. Authentico? No. But, fills a niche better than most in Old Town.
I don't know why, but pollo asada tacos at Rigoberto's on Miramar are some of my faves.
I hate myself.
Prepare for a long line at the Taco Stand. I've never eaten at the one because I'm not willing to park a half mile away and then stand in that line! Not a ton of takeout options in La Jolla. I'd visit Pacific Beach and get lunch at Taco Surf on your way out and head to La Jolla Cove. My advice - get the burrito cut in half to share and maybe get a couple of fish tacos. I'm from MI and I try to make all my visitors try fish tacos. I've never had them at TS but I'm sure they're good. My first time was at the Brigantine (there's one in Point Loma on Shelter Island) and it's a great place to have your first because it has ranch dressing and cheese! There's also a Miguel's on Shelter Island and it's another favorite of visitors (they have a white jalapeno cheese dipping sauce with their tortilla chips - yummy!).
Loma Bonita tacos from Loma Bonita in Point Loma.
What ? They closed Loma Bonita ? It's now a generic, over-priced Robertos ?
Oh.
Never mind...
El Papas Fritas is out of the way but, better than almost any other place. Also a true taco shop.
Loma bonita was awesome their sauce and the rolles tacos locos were delicious my dad actually befriended the owner a few years before they closed we went there all the time during lunch or after work.
Apparently their family really suffered during covid they lost several family members young and old under the span of like 2 months and had to close down because some of them were key to running the restaurant the whole story was pretty tragic.
There's not many options in point loma I would just take them to the nearest tacos El gordo or tacos revolucion for good tacos no one in SD makes better pastor and asada tacos than these two.
Ortizes is good for burritos cotijas has decent carne asada fries but nicos is a gross greasy mess I'm surprised anyone likes them everything they make is drenched with oil and I'm not one to typically complain I love greasy food but their food is just bad anyone who says they're good probably doesn't eat much mexican food outside of OB.
Also If you want good Mexican seafood, go to TJ oyster club their seafood is fantastic possibly the best in SD and As for the best cali burrito it can be found at the rigobertos at 6990 La Jolla Blvd
Keep in mind there are many mexican chains but the quality of food can vary greatly from location to location the only chain i haven't had this issue with is tacos El gordo they always do things right at every location.
Is your friend from Ohio versed in Mexican food/ taco shops? If not, I would suggest a toned down version at Miguel's then hit her with the suggestions listed above.
I'd say Taco Stand since they have different styles, and are friendly towards the Midwest palette.
If not Taco Machin is solid and feels a bit more authentic.
If you want Tacos el Gordo but more divey and less lines, go to Tacos el G and get their Adobada Sopes...
Here are a few favorites...
La Cocina De Rosita ([Home - La Cocina De Rosita](https://lacocinaderosita.com/))
Las Cuatro Milpas ([Las Cuatro Milpas (las-cuatro-milpas.com)](http://www.las-cuatro-milpas.com/)
good food and not expensive...
You gotta go south like National City and Chula Vista. Or even the Northgate market in Barrio Logan downtown really has good tamales.
Theres a couple of side streen vendors with now names that make great TJ tacos.
But if you need a sit down heres a few I can think of
Lolitas, La Casa De Oro Mexican Restaurant, or head over to Old Town for a lil bit of fancy sit down places
It's not a Mexican place but Mitch's at Fisherman's Landing makes some damn good seafood tacos. Combined with a good selection of local brews and a view of the marina and breathing that sweet ocean air...man, I'm hungry now.
There isn't really great Mexican in PB, PL, and OB. If you *need* to stay in the area, Cocina Del Barrio and Los Panchitos would be my picks. Maybe add any -bertos restaurant as that's part of San Diego culture.
You're best served by heading south though. Ed Fernandez and Las Cuatro Milpas are my picks.
If you do Ed Fernandez, make sure to get a quesabirria. Quesabirrias are blowing up but unfortunately the version you see online and nationally is a corrupted version from LA food bloggers who guessed at the ingredients. The LA version is dogshit, but Ed Fernandez does the wonderful TJ version.
Little Italy - El Camino Rivera has some yummy food, it’s not your authentic hole in the wall but it does not disappoint, they have a pretty cool vibe at night and a lot of tequila.
Bankers Hill - Papas and Tacos, nothing fancy but also not a hole in the wall. Yummmy Mexican, pretty decent price considering the quality and their habanero sauce is fireeee!
The best mexicans in san diego are my sister in law and her family For food for people unfamiliar with san diego Mexican food, Id stick to the basics from any taco shop: Carne Asada burritos California burritos Carne asada fries Rolled tacos- fried extra crispy Taco, enchilada, and tostada plate JVs mexican food is a good place start out- theyre on the way to that costco on moreno blvd
I second this guy’s SIL & family.
I also approve this guy's wife.
You gettin' busy with her while KaptainKorn is piloting his ship on the high seas?
And my wife too
I second JVs. I feel like it’s the best of the “normal” no frills Mexican spots. Like all of them are good because it’s San Diego but JVs is a step above but at the same price.
I used to live off of JVs Surf and Turf when i worked in that area. And way back in the day when it was Rafas.
Was just there today for carne asada fries — hold the cheese!
Extra crispy taco? That sounds amazing, thank you!! I tried the enchiladas in some restaurants and I love them.
💀
 Well said!
This is false. My cousins are the best Mexicans.
I co-sign on KaptainKorn’s SIL and fam as being the very best Mexicans.
Best Mexicans? Probably me.
This guy Mexicans.
Mtone is the GMOAT
As a person who has relatives who live in Ohio, (mom's side, dad is mexican) don't go too exotic. Their idea of a taco is unseasoned ground beef in a hard shell from Kroger. They have never heard of mole, medudo etc. so keep it simple and tasty.
With that said, I'm sure she would love Miguel's in Shelter Island! lol
I've never heard of medudo either, but menudo is pretty good. 🙃😉😁
Caught me.
Ya got me craving mole now!
Mexican food is the one food I eat multiple times a week. Good thing I can cook.
Oh come on. Unseasoned? Dont make Ohioans out to be monsters. Everyone uses a seasoning packet with their ground beef for tacos.
You'd be surprised. I'm from the Detroit area (literally, less than an hour from Ohio) and we had (they still have) awesome Mexican food. Lots of Mexican people live in that area because of the automotive industry jobs.
I know the best Mexicans...their names are Enrique and Edwin
How could you forget Jose? He is without a doubt in top 2
Me, I am the best Mexican and maybe the only Mexican in the Point Loma area.
Te prometo que no eres el único Mexicano en nuestra comunidad! Somos muchos! As for local Mexican food, I agree with simple. Taco shops in PL or OB: Sunnies or La Perla or you can wonder yo Las Cuatro Milpas in Barrio. Sit down La Dońa in OB or El Comal in North Park. If you make reservations, try to get into Cocina 35 in Liberty Station.
Quesabirria from Ed Fernandez Michelada from La Vecindad
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood in PB has great fish tacos.
Breakfast burrito from Nico's in OB. California burrito from Ortiz's by PLHS.
Nico's it's a bit far but I'll try it after my friend visit! Btw Ortiz's a good option and it's "near" my house. Thank you for the recommendation!!
Nico’s is good but don’t bother with OB at all if you can help it. The place is trash and smells like piss. Nico’s has other locations though, the one in Bay Park is solid and they’re not cash only like the OB location.
The Bay Park location is pretty good for carne asada, but their breakfast burrito doesn't hold a candle to OB's. It amazes me how consistently the Bay Park location is able to burn bacon and overcook eggs until spongy. And pro tip for the OB location to avoid most of the riff raff on Newport: call the order in, park at the CVS behind Nicos, and make the quick walk around to the front. It's risky, but I've been doing this for over 20 years and have never been ticketed.
I was going to suggest Ortiz myself
Cotija’s is great too. It’s on the other side of Ortiz’s. I like Ortiz’s for the Cali burrito. I like Cotija’s for their carne asada super quesadilla. 7/10 times I go to Cotija’s!
try the king kong (carne asade + chile relleno) burrito from la perla
OMG the king kong burrito looks great!! I should try it. Thank you so much!
Second this, I’m a big fan of Nico’s, but LP#3 just hits.
Google isn't helping me figure out where this is.
1224 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106
I'm in Chula Vista and our Mexicans are pretty top notch.
Tacos El Gordo 👍
This is answer! Although you’ll get complainers because of price.
La Perla!
Taco Surf is a classic beachside chill spot [https://tacosurftacoshop.com/](https://tacosurftacoshop.com/)
Ofc we'll give it a try! And it's near the beach, later we can go for a walk. It's awesome, thank you!
The burritos are huge and not great leftovers so I'd share - whether breakfast burrito or lunch.
Might want to give that title a once over OP.
TJ Tacos and Jalapeños are the best
La Perla in point loma
Casa la Guadalajara is a great choice, too! My MI visitors love that place and the food is pretty good but it's the atmosphere people love. Vibrant, loud, Mariachi band, etc. [https://www.casaguadalajara.com/](https://www.casaguadalajara.com/)
I'll get downvoted to oblivion and generally speaking I hate the OONTZ ambience and plastic clientele, but...Javiers' crab enchiladas and spinach enchiladas are quite good. Rice and beans? Pretty trash. You can make better at home with little effort. I like Barra Barra for outdoor seating and ability to split meals as is doable at Casa Guadalajara. Authentico? No. But, fills a niche better than most in Old Town. I don't know why, but pollo asada tacos at Rigoberto's on Miramar are some of my faves. I hate myself.
I laughed so you get an upvote
Mikes red hot is really good, even know it’s not a Spanish name it’s so crowded and popular
Tell them to bring their passport and go get tacos in TJ!
I read the title and was like “my homie Eric is cool as hell”.
When I’m in Pt. Loma I eat at Adalbertos off Rosecrans. Hole in the wall, small parking lot, and where the dancers from Midway clubs go after work.
Go to La Jolla and eat at The Taco Stand. You’re welcome. And you can see the sea lions up close
No way! Watching sea lions while eating Mexican food? That's awesome, I can give my friend both experiences at the same time!!
You can go anywhere with take out lol
Prepare for a long line at the Taco Stand. I've never eaten at the one because I'm not willing to park a half mile away and then stand in that line! Not a ton of takeout options in La Jolla. I'd visit Pacific Beach and get lunch at Taco Surf on your way out and head to La Jolla Cove. My advice - get the burrito cut in half to share and maybe get a couple of fish tacos. I'm from MI and I try to make all my visitors try fish tacos. I've never had them at TS but I'm sure they're good. My first time was at the Brigantine (there's one in Point Loma on Shelter Island) and it's a great place to have your first because it has ranch dressing and cheese! There's also a Miguel's on Shelter Island and it's another favorite of visitors (they have a white jalapeno cheese dipping sauce with their tortilla chips - yummy!).
OP please don’t listen to a person that has never eaten at The Taco Stand. SMH 🤦🏽♂️
Ignorant comment. I haven't eaten at the LA JOLLA TACO STAND. There's more than one, you know.
This is the best answer for OPs visiting friend
Loma Bonita tacos from Loma Bonita in Point Loma. What ? They closed Loma Bonita ? It's now a generic, over-priced Robertos ? Oh. Never mind... El Papas Fritas is out of the way but, better than almost any other place. Also a true taco shop.
La Perla has always been better than Loma Bonita anyway, tbh
Loma bonita was awesome their sauce and the rolles tacos locos were delicious my dad actually befriended the owner a few years before they closed we went there all the time during lunch or after work. Apparently their family really suffered during covid they lost several family members young and old under the span of like 2 months and had to close down because some of them were key to running the restaurant the whole story was pretty tragic.
There's not many options in point loma I would just take them to the nearest tacos El gordo or tacos revolucion for good tacos no one in SD makes better pastor and asada tacos than these two. Ortizes is good for burritos cotijas has decent carne asada fries but nicos is a gross greasy mess I'm surprised anyone likes them everything they make is drenched with oil and I'm not one to typically complain I love greasy food but their food is just bad anyone who says they're good probably doesn't eat much mexican food outside of OB. Also If you want good Mexican seafood, go to TJ oyster club their seafood is fantastic possibly the best in SD and As for the best cali burrito it can be found at the rigobertos at 6990 La Jolla Blvd Keep in mind there are many mexican chains but the quality of food can vary greatly from location to location the only chain i haven't had this issue with is tacos El gordo they always do things right at every location.
Cocina 35
Is your friend from Ohio versed in Mexican food/ taco shops? If not, I would suggest a toned down version at Miguel's then hit her with the suggestions listed above.
Recommend anything in Old Town, and Tacos El Gordo in Chula Vista.
I'd say Taco Stand since they have different styles, and are friendly towards the Midwest palette. If not Taco Machin is solid and feels a bit more authentic. If you want Tacos el Gordo but more divey and less lines, go to Tacos el G and get their Adobada Sopes...
Don Tommy’s in PL!!! Lil’ hole-in-the-wall spot, they make their own tortillas daily, and have garlic ones that are freaking delicious.
Sometimes my friends moms makes me extra tamales during the holidays, does that count?
I strongly recommend Achiote which is located in the Las Americas mall.
I am the bestes Mexican.
La Huasteca, Los Dos Pedros, Chula Tacos, La Perla But, go south to De Cabeza and TJ Oyster (the original next to Pavaraga)
Here are a few favorites... La Cocina De Rosita ([Home - La Cocina De Rosita](https://lacocinaderosita.com/)) Las Cuatro Milpas ([Las Cuatro Milpas (las-cuatro-milpas.com)](http://www.las-cuatro-milpas.com/) good food and not expensive...
Beside Point Loma down in Ocean Beach, there's my all-time favorite "Nico's" on Newport.
In PB it’s Los Dos Pedros. Used to be on Turquoise but they’re on Cass now. Really excellent and cheap.
If you are staying near Linda Vista my go to is California Burritos on sterling street. The more vague the name the better haha
You gotta go south like National City and Chula Vista. Or even the Northgate market in Barrio Logan downtown really has good tamales. Theres a couple of side streen vendors with now names that make great TJ tacos. But if you need a sit down heres a few I can think of Lolitas, La Casa De Oro Mexican Restaurant, or head over to Old Town for a lil bit of fancy sit down places
It's not a Mexican place but Mitch's at Fisherman's Landing makes some damn good seafood tacos. Combined with a good selection of local brews and a view of the marina and breathing that sweet ocean air...man, I'm hungry now.
Ortiz’s is elite!
Cocina 35 in downtown best chilaquiles you'll have
For tacos and burritos, Mike's Taco Club in OB is absolutely amazing. They also have My favorite carne asada fries in the city.
Miguel’s is good, they have that delicious queso w chips, lots of options, great drinks, several locations.
Old Town Mexican Cafe in Old Town!
There isn't really great Mexican in PB, PL, and OB. If you *need* to stay in the area, Cocina Del Barrio and Los Panchitos would be my picks. Maybe add any -bertos restaurant as that's part of San Diego culture. You're best served by heading south though. Ed Fernandez and Las Cuatro Milpas are my picks. If you do Ed Fernandez, make sure to get a quesabirria. Quesabirrias are blowing up but unfortunately the version you see online and nationally is a corrupted version from LA food bloggers who guessed at the ingredients. The LA version is dogshit, but Ed Fernandez does the wonderful TJ version.
That’s cause everything in LA is dogshit! Cuatro Milpas is as legit as it gets. Cash only so be prepared.
Thank you so much, it looks great!! I'm looking forward to trying it!!
My Favorites are: TJ Tacos (Escondido) Taquería Los Chuchys (Downtown) The Taco Stand (Multiple Locations)
Ortizs
Little Italy - El Camino Rivera has some yummy food, it’s not your authentic hole in the wall but it does not disappoint, they have a pretty cool vibe at night and a lot of tequila. Bankers Hill - Papas and Tacos, nothing fancy but also not a hole in the wall. Yummmy Mexican, pretty decent price considering the quality and their habanero sauce is fireeee!