Best of 19 nachos in San Diego
San Diego is a vibrant city known for its delicious and diverse food scene, and nachos are no exception. From authentic Mexican-style nachos at local taquerias to gourmet varieties topped with creative ingredients, "nachos in San Diego" offer something for every palate. Foodies and tourists alike flock to the city's many eateries to sample this beloved dish, making it a must-try while visiting.
- 1. La Puerta
- 2. Baja Betty's
- 3. King and Queen Cantina
- 4. Casa de Reyes
- 5. Jimmy Carter's Mexican Cafe
- 6. Casa de Freds, Tacos y Tequila
- 7. Baja Beach Cafe
- 8. Chuy's Taco Shop
- 9. The Taco Stand
- 10. The Blind Burro
- 11. La Playa Taco Shop
- 12. Sayulitas Mexican Food
- 13. The Taco Stand
- 14. El Indio Mexican Restaurant and Catering
- 15. Lupe's Mexican Eatery
- 16. Las Hadas Bar and Grill
- 17. Crack Taco Shop
- 18. Brother's Mexican Restaurant
- 19. Lapper Kitchen + Tap
1. La Puerta
Spacious venue with a lively atmosphere, and outdoor seating
The nachos were a standout dish, featuring an impressive combination of fresh ingredients and generous portions. The quality of the ingredients was evident in every bite, contributing to the overall deliciousness of the dish. While other items were also enjoyable, the nachos were the clear favorite among the group.
Featuring a variety of fresh ingredients, the nachos offered a burst of flavor in every bite. From the crispy chips to the melty cheese and savory toppings, each component was carefully crafted to create a harmonious and delicious dish. The generous portions also ensured that everyone got their fill, making it the perfect option for sharing. Overall, the combination of freshness, generosity, and flavor made the nachos the undeniable star of the meal.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
2. Baja Betty's
Lively Mexican restaurant with a fun and festive atmosphere
The nachos at this location are delightful, with a generous portion size and fresh, tasty toppings. A few weeks ago, I went there for lunch and tried their nachos. The service was good, with quick seating and a kind waiter, even though it wasn't crowded.
The "Build Your Own Nachos" option was a great choice. We selected the toppings and ingredients to our liking, resulting in a personalized and delicious dish. The chips held up well under the weight of the toppings, and the flavors melded together perfectly. With quick and friendly service and delicious nachos, this spot is a great choice for a casual lunch or snack.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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3. King and Queen Cantina
Mexican-American fusion cuisine with a fun atmosphere
The meal began with a serving of nachos and guacamole, accompanied by an exceptional salsa. The ceviche combo, which included both fish and shrimp, was part of the order, along with stuffed oysters that were highly enjoyable. Another dish was the shrimp diablo, featuring a generous portion of shrimp in a creamy tomato sauce, although it could have been served warmer.
Dinner was relished at an outdoor sidewalk table, and the nachos stood out as a particular highlight. The service was prompt and attentive, providing a positive dining experience. This restaurant gives off a vibrant and lively atmosphere, with loud music, large drinks, and a young crowd. It is advisable to consider this energy before making a reservation.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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4. Casa de Reyes
Family-owned restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere
The nachos served in this location are a highly recommended dish, featuring a abundant amount of toppings and melted cheese. The size of the plate makes it an excellent option for sharing among friends. The nachos consist of large portions, making for a very filling meal.
The steak pieces on the nachos were a pleasant surprise, contributing to an appealing flavor and texture. Although the tortilla chips were not exceptional, they still served their purpose well. However, the distribution of beans could have been improved. Overall, the dish presented a great choice for sharing among a group of people.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
- Corporate Events
5. Jimmy Carter's Mexican Cafe
Family-owned restaurant since 1990 with a fun and festive atmosphere
Nachos were a popular choice, with one serving described as generous and overflowing with toppings. The cheese was abundant, melted to perfection and added a rich and creamy element to the dish. The salsa was fresh, adding a nice contrast to the creamy cheese and contributing to the overall satisfying taste.
The nachos were a hit, with a large portion size that made them ideal for sharing. The flavors were well-balanced and on point, making for a delicious and enjoyable eating experience. The combination of cheese and fresh salsa was particularly praised, with the two components working together to create a standout dish.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
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6. Casa de Freds, Tacos y Tequila
Cozy atmosphere with a lively bar scene
The restaurant receives high praise for its food, service, and atmosphere, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 450 reviews. The carnitas, nachos, carne asada fries, chips and salsa, and bean cheese and rice burrito are all recommended dishes.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
7. Baja Beach Cafe
Beachfront cafe with live music and happy hour specials
The nachos were a generous size, providing a satisfying portion for one person or even several to share. The chips were crispy and held up well to the toppings, which included a generous helping of gooey cheese, seasoned ground beef, and flavorful beans. Overall, the nachos were a tasty and indulgent snack.
In addition to the savory toppings, the nachos also featured fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, and a dollop of sour cream. These added a refreshing and tangy contrast to the rich and hearty components. The combination of flavors and textures made for a highly enjoyable eating experience. Whether as a main course or a side dish, the nachos were sure to please.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Dinner
8. Chuy's Taco Shop
Family-owned business with a fun, eclectic atmosphere
Chuy's serves delicious and generously portioned Carne Asada Nachos and fries, making it a great value for money. The restaurant is known for providing a substantial amount of meat in their dishes, unlike other places. As a satisfied customer, the individual plans to continue supporting Chuy's.
High-quality food and excellent portion size make Chuy's the go-to restaurant for Carne Asada Nachos and fries. The restaurant stands out for its above-average meat portions, which are lacking in other establishments. The individual's positive experience and appreciation for the value received have solidified their loyalty to Chuy's.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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9. The Taco Stand
Fresh, house-made tortillas and salsas daily
The nachos offered at The Taco Stand are truly delicious, featuring fresh ingredients and generously portioned toppings. If you're looking for a delicious snack or appetizer, this is a top recommendation.
The Taco Stand's nachos are a standout option, with crispy chips and flavorful toppings that offer a great balance of textures. For those seeking high-quality nachos in San Diego, The Taco Stand should be at the top of your list.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
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10. The Blind Burro
Locally sourced ingredients, Vibrant atmosphere, Creative presentation
The nachos served were delicious and satisfying in size, making them a great option for sharing. The large portion came at a higher price, but many would agree that the exquisite flavors and fresh ingredients made it worth the cost.
If you're in the mood for nachos, this option is highly recommended. The portion is generous, and the combination of flavors and fresh ingredients is sure to impress. However, be prepared to pay a bit more than you might for other dishes. Despite the higher price, the delicious taste and freshness of the ingredients make it a worthwhile indulgence.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
11. La Playa Taco Shop
Family-owned and operated since 1986, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients
La Playa is a restaurant known for its excellent food, reasonable prices, and quick service. The menu features a variety of Mexican dishes, but it's the asada tacos that really steal the show. During a recent 2 1/2 week trip to California, the reviewer visited La Playa twice and enjoyed a range of items, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and nachos. Every dish was delicious, making La Playa one of the best Mexican dining experiences of the trip.
In a state known for its tacos and burritos, La Playa stands out for its exceptional quality. The flavors are bold and the ingredients are clearly fresh. The quick service makes it an ideal spot for a casual meal. Whether you're in the mood for tacos, burritos, or something else, La Playa is sure to impress. The restaurant's combination of great food, reasonable prices, and quick service make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious Mexican meal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
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12. Sayulitas Mexican Food
Family-owned restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere
The nachos were a tasty dish with delightful flavors. The cheese was perfectly melted, and the toppings were fresh, adding a nice touch to the dish. However, there was an issue with the texture of the nachos, as they were a bit soggy. This made it challenging to enjoy them to the fullest, and it is recommended to consume them quickly to avoid this problem.
In summary, the nachos were delicious with fresh toppings and perfectly melted cheese. However, the texture was less than ideal due to sogginess. It is suggested to consume them promptly to reduce the sogginess and fully enjoy the flavorful toppings.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
13. The Taco Stand
Authentic Baja-style Mexican food, fresh ingredients, made-to-order
The nachos at The Taco Stand are a standout dish. They come loaded with a variety of tasty toppings and the cheese is perfectly melted, providing a great flavor and texture contrast. The generous portion makes them a great option for sharing with friends.
I was extremely impressed with the nachos I had at The Taco Stand. Their fresh ingredients and expert preparation resulted in a flavorful and satisfying dish. The nachos had just the right amount of crunch, making each bite a delight.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. El Indio Mexican Restaurant and Catering
Family-owned and operated Mexican restaurant since 1940, using traditional recipes and techniques
The nachos in question received mixed reviews. One evaluation described them as merely "okay," suggesting that they lacked sufficient flavor and seasoning to make a lasting impression. However, a contrasting perspective exists, with the nachos being hailed as "amazing." This rave review highlights the freshness of the ingredients and the generosity of the portion sizes as reasons for the high praise.
To summarize, the nachos have been evaluated as having both positive and negative qualities. Some critics have pointed to the need for improved flavor and seasoning, while others have praised the dishes' fresh ingredients and ample servings. It appears that the nachos have inspired a range of opinions, leaving potential diners to form their own conclusions.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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15. Lupe's Mexican Eatery
Family-owned Mexican restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere
The nachos were a satisfying portion, though the level of salt was somewhat excessive in one instance. On the other hand, the other serving of nachos featured fresh toppings and crispy chips that made for a delicious and enjoyable experience.
Both servings of nachos had a generous portion size. However, one had too much salt, while the other had a perfect balance of flavor with fresh toppings and crispy chips. The difference in quality between the two servings was significant, with one being merely okay and the other being the best nachos experienced in a while.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
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16. Las Hadas Bar and Grill
Features a lively atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating
Reviewers rave about the high-quality food offered, with particular standouts being the nachos and quesadillas. The happy hour appetizers have also received praise, especially the crispy calamari, camachos nachos, breakwater buffalo strips, and adobo chicken wings, all of which are priced at an affordable $6 during happy hour. The chicken wings were a favorite among these options.
The food at this establishment is highly regarded, with reviewers using terms such as "top-notch," "delicious and fresh," and "amazing" to describe it. The happy hour appetizers are a popular choice, and standout items include crispy calamari, camachos nachos, breakwater buffalo strips, and adobo chicken wings, all of which are offered at a budget-friendly price. The chicken wings were a notable highlight among these options.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Social Gatherings
17. Crack Taco Shop
Creative twists on classic nachos, extensive menu, friendly service
The crack nachos that I ordered were disappointing. I was inspired to try them because of the popularity of the crack taco. While the flavors were acceptable, the overall experience was ruined by the use of fake, processed cheese. In fact, I would have preferred the nachos without any cheese at all.
Unfortunately, the presentation of the dish was also lackluster. The nachos themselves were soggy, and all the items I had ordered on the side were simply dumped on top. Additionally, the tri tip that was included was overcooked, which further detracted from the overall quality of the meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Dinner
- Late Night
18. Brother's Mexican Restaurant
Family-owned Mexican restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere
Brother's Mexican Restaurant is known for its delicious nachos. The restaurant serves nachos that are crispy and generously topped with a variety of ingredients. These nachos come loaded with cheese, guacamole, and jalapeños, providing a perfect balance of flavors.
If you're looking for a must-try dish at Brother's Mexican Restaurant, the nachos are an excellent choice. They feature crispy chips loaded with melted cheese, creamy guacamole, and spicy jalapeños. The combination of flavors and textures makes these nachos a standout dish that is sure to satisfy.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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19. Lapper Kitchen + Tap
Spacious outdoor patio, friendly service, and a unique sports bar atmosphere
The fish tacos served at the establishment were a highlight of the meal, but the overall experience was disappointing. The nachos stood out for being overly messy, with a higher liquid-to-solid ratio than expected. My son found the hamburger to be fair in quality. The drinks were enjoyable, but came at a premium price that was harder to justify.
Regrettably, the meal was marred by a sense of disappointment. While the fish tacos provided a moment of satisfaction, the poorly constructed nachos and mediocre hamburger did not meet expectations. The only consistent bright spot appeared to be the drinks, although their steep cost made them less appealing.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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