Top 12 Mexican restaurants in Hillcrest
Mexican restaurants in Hillcrest are a foodie's dream come true. With a variety of options to choose from, these restaurants offer authentic Mexican cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds. From mouth-watering tacos and burritos to spicy salsas and refreshing margaritas, Mexican restaurants in Hillcrest are a must-visit for anyone seeking delicious Mexican food in a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
- 1. Cocina De Barrio in Hillcrest
- 2. Baja Betty's
- 3. La Vecindad Neighborhood TACOS in Hillcrest
- 4. Oscars Mexican Seafood
- 5. Tacaliente Mexican Grill
- 6. Huapangos
- 7. La Fuente Mexican Food
- 8. Roberto's Taco Shop Hillcrest
- 9. Tony's Fresh Mexican Food
- 10. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
- 11. La Posta De Acapulco's 8
- 12. La Taquería Tijuana
1. Cocina De Barrio in Hillcrest
Friendly service, cozy atmosphere, popular local spot

Welcome to Cocina de Barrio, a modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Hillcrest, San Diego. This restaurant, led by Chef Jose J. Flores, showcases the rich flavors of Oaxaca and other Mexican regions. With a focus on traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients, Cocina de Barrio offers a unique dining experience that celebrates the diversity of Mexican cuisine.
The restaurant has received 18 reviews and is ranked #885 out of 4,377 restaurants in San Diego. It is categorized as a mid-priced establishment, serving Mexican and Latin cuisine in a bar-like atmosphere. Cocina de Barrio is located at 3707 5th Ave in San Diego, CA. For more information or to view their menu, visit their website or call (619) 677-2770. The restaurant is currently open for business from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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2. Baja Betty's
Huge patio, nightly drink specials, and a popular happy hour

The drink selection at this establishment is varied, allowing customers to choose a beverage that suits their taste. The bartenders are not only friendly but also provide excellent service, with some going the extra mile to create unique and personalized drinks for their patrons.
As for the food, it has been described as delicious and plentiful, with a range of options to choose from including Mexican dishes, healthy choices, and appetizers. Although the meat for the tacos was a bit dry, it was still flavorful. The hot salsa was a hit among customers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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3. La Vecindad Neighborhood TACOS in Hillcrest
Cozy atmosphere with local street art

Taco Tuesday specials offer excellent value, with vegetarian options being a particular highlight. The guacamole is a must-try, known for its rich and creamy texture. The restaurant's staff is welcoming and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The tacos are undoubtedly delicious and live up to their reputation. With high-quality and fresh ingredients, each bite is bursting with flavor. The portion sizes are generous, making it a satisfying meal. The variety of tacos on the menu ensures that there is something for everyone, providing a strong incentive to return and try the other options.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
4. Oscars Mexican Seafood
Award-winning restaurant, fresh seafood delivery daily

Seafood tacos are a culinary delight at this establishment, thanks to the addition of delicious homemade sauces. Among the various locations, La Jolla is particularly popular among customers for its superior tasting food, including these tacos.
The service staff is known for being friendly, attentive, and quick, providing a positive dining experience. Notably, they can confirm that the vegetarian menu can be adapted for vegan preferences, catering to a wider range of dietary needs.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
5. Tacaliente Mexican Grill
Tacos, burritos, and fries with a twist of authentic Mexican flavor

The Mexican food I recently had was truly exceptional. It offered a wonderful combination of flavors compacted into a perfectly sized burrito that left me impressed. The restaurant's service stood out just as much as its food. The staff were not only friendly and welcoming but also highly professional and efficient.
I was pleased to find that the restaurant had a clean and comfortable atmosphere, which added to the overall dining experience. The service was quick, ensuring I had my delicious burrito in no time. The staff's efficiency meant I could enjoy my meal without any unnecessary waiting, making it a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
6. Huapangos
Handmade tortillas, delicious aguas frescas, mariachi music on weekends

Huapangos restaurant is known for providing great food, with large portions that customers enjoy. The breakfast quesadilla is a standout menu item. However, the restaurant's customer service has received mixed reviews. Some customers report that the staff is friendly and attentive, while others have experienced slow and inconsistent service. The family-owned restaurant has a charming decor, but it can get quite noisy due to its popularity.
In summary, while Huapangos offers delicious food and a charming atmosphere, there have been inconsistencies in their service. Some customers have reported slow or poor service, while others have praised the staff for being friendly and attentive. Despite this, the restaurant is family-owned and has an enjoyable atmosphere, making it a popular choice for many customers.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
7. La Fuente Mexican Food
Family-owned and operated, wide selection of vegetarian options

My friend raved about the shrimp quesadillas at La Fuente in Hillcrest, leading me to try them despite the long drive from Coronado. The dish was so delicious that we ended up visiting the restaurant three times in two days. I developed a strong addiction to the shrimp quesadillas, which were cooked to perfection.
Aside from the shrimp quesadillas, La Fuente Mexican Food offers an array of options such as chips and salsa, chimichangas, soft tacos, and margaritas. However, some customers have pointed out issues concerning seating arrangements and carryout orders. Despite these concerns, the restaurant's tasty and authentic Mexican cuisine continues to attract food enthusiasts like myself.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Late Night
8. Roberto's Taco Shop Hillcrest
Local favorite with vegetarian and vegan options

Roberto's Taco Shop in Hillcrest is famous for its delicious food, which highlights the San Diego and Tijuana style of Mexican cuisine. Their menu offers a wide variety of dishes that showcase the rich and bold flavors of Mexican food. The Carne asada burrito with Pico de gallo is a customer favorite, with its perfectly seasoned and grilled steak, fresh Pico de gallo salsa, and large portions that leave customers satisfied.
The popularity of Roberto's Taco Shop can be attributed to their commitment to serving authentic and delicious Mexican food. The San Diego and Tijuana style of Mexican cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, which are carefully balanced to create mouth-watering dishes. The carne asada burrito with Pico de gallo is a prime example of this, as the tender and juicy steak is complemented by the fresh and tangy salsa. Whether you're a fan of Mexican food or just looking to try something new, Roberto's Taco Shop is definitely worth a visit.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
9. Tony's Fresh Mexican Food
Family-owned and operated since 1996 with a commitment to fresh ingredients

Tony's Fresh Mexican Food, located at 719 W Washington St in San Diego, has received positive reviews for its offerings. Customers have rated the carne asada burrito and beef tacos highly. The restaurant has also been commended for its friendly service. It is worth noting the menu, hours, phone number, address, and map are available for viewers' convenience.
The reviewer personally enjoyed the carne asada burrito, and their wife was satisfied with her beef tacos. The quality of the food has prompted the reviewer to express their intention to visit Tony's Fresh Mexican Food again. The friendly service and tasty dishes contribute to the overall positive dining experience. The review does not provide specific details about the service or the ambiance of the restaurant, but it does express a high level of satisfaction with the food and service.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
10. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
Live mariachi music on weekends

The Baja-style lobster dish at this establishment is a standout, offering authentic flavors that transport you to Mexico. The meal is enhanced by the comfortable and inviting atmosphere, making it a must-try for any diner.
This establishment is not only known for its delicious Baja-style lobster, but also for its creative cocktails and authentic Mexican dishes. The table-side guacamole is a particularly popular menu item, showcasing the freshness of the ingredients and the expertise of the chefs. Diners are sure to enjoy the unique and flavorful offerings at this restaurant.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
11. La Posta De Acapulco's 8
Family-owned restaurant with homemade recipes

The best carne asada burrito can be found at this unnamed location, a must-try for any burrito lover. This burrito is a customer favorite, always ordered with extra cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. The carne asada burrito is renowned for its tender beef and delicious citrus flavor.
This popular and satisfying dish is a standout among burritos. The carne asada burrito is made with high-quality beef, slow-cooked to perfection and infused with a tangy citrus marinade. The burrito is then stuffed with fluffy rice, beans, and wrapped in a warm tortilla. The extra toppings of cheese, sour cream, and guacamole add a rich and creamy finish to this unforgettable meal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
12. La Taquería Tijuana
Voted Best Burrito in San Diego, Vibrant atmosphere, Fast and efficient service

La Taquería Tijuana is a Mexican restaurant in San Diego, known for its delicious and generously portioned dishes. The Carne Asada burritos and Carne Asada Tortas are particularly popular, featuring perfectly cooked meat and fresh toppings. The restaurant is located at 406 W University Ave Unit B, Hillcrest, and has received an average rating of 4.2 stars from 12 reviews.
Located in San Diego, La Taquería Tijuana is a Taco restaurant that has received positive reviews for its food and service. With 12 reviews rating an average of 4.2 stars, customers have praised the restaurant for its standout Carne Asada burritos and Carne Asada Tortas. The meat is perfectly cooked, and each dish comes with fresh toppings and generous portions. The restaurant can be found at 406 W University Ave Unit B, Hillcrest, and is a must-visit for Mexican food lovers in the area.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats