Top 14 Tacos restaurants in Gaslamp Quarter
Tacos restaurants in Gaslamp Quarter are a must-visit for any food lover. This vibrant neighborhood in San Diego is home to an array of mouth-watering taco spots, each offering unique and delicious twists on this classic Mexican dish. From traditional street-style tacos to gourmet fusion creations, the Tacos restaurants in Gaslamp Quarter truly have something for everyone. Whether you're a local or a tourist, be sure to explore the many taquerias and taco joints in this lively district.
- 1. Tacos El Gordo
- 2. Taquería Los Chuchys
- 3. El Chingon in Gaslamp Quarter
- 4. TACO CENTRO in Gaslamp Quarter
- 5. The Waves Taco Club
- 6. Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp
- 7. Ghost Heist Taco's
- 8. Señor Taquero
- 9. Karina's Cantina Gaslamp
- 10. Juan Tequila Bar & Restaurant
- 11. Mr Tempo Gaslamp San Diego
- 12. La Fiesta Restaurant
- 13. La Conde Cantina in Gaslamp Quarter
- 14. Baja Rick's Cantina
1. Tacos El Gordo
Family-owned business since 1972, Featured on food shows

Some of the best tacos I’ve ever had can be found in a remarkable restaurant in downtown San Diego, an area known for its vibrant Gaslamp district. The restaurant stands out for its wide variety of tacos, with my personal favorites being the succulent steak and the spicy pork tacos. These delectable treats easily surpass any taco I’ve had in my travels through Southern California, Arizona, and Texas.
Located in the heart of the city, this taco heaven attracts both locals and tourists alike. The combination of mouthwatering flavors, perfectly seasoned meats, and fresh ingredients make it the go-to spot for taco enthusiasts in downtown San Diego. If you ever find yourself in this area, I highly recommend treating your taste buds to the unforgettable culinary experience that this restaurant has to offer.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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2. Taquería Los Chuchys
Family-owned taqueria with homemade salsas

Tacos are a popular food choice due to their quick preparation time and delicious taste. It typically takes around 10 minutes or less to wait for your tacos, making them a great option for those who are short on time. In addition to the quick service, the tacos themselves are also highly enjoyable. The meat is well-seasoned and tender, adding great flavor and texture to each bite.
Aside from the tasty tacos, the customer service at this establishment is another highlight. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring that each customer has a positive experience. Whether you are a regular or a first-time visitor, you can expect to be treated with kindness and respect. Overall, the quick service, delicious tacos, and excellent customer service make for a satisfying dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
3. El Chingon in Gaslamp Quarter
Huge murals, lively atmosphere, rooftop bar

The Al Pastor Taco is a dish that should not be missed. Its delicious and perfectly seasoned meat makes it a standout. The taco is highly recommended for anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
In addition to the Al Pastor Taco, the Taco Plate is another must-try dish. This plate offers authentic flavors that will transport you to the streets of Mexico. The generous portion size ensures that you will leave satisfied and full. Whether you are a fan of tacos or just looking to try something new, the Taco Plate is a great choice.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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4. TACO CENTRO in Gaslamp Quarter
Housemade tortillas, wide variety of salsas, friendly service

Oscar's Mexican Seafood is a small, casual restaurant in the Gaslamp area, perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer fresh, made-to-order tacos with corn tortillas pressed on the spot. The prices are reasonable for the neighborhood, and the portions are generous. The al pastor, carne asada, and pollo asado tacos were all flavorful, with ample meat and fresh toppings.
Watching the staff prepare the food is part of the experience. They make the tortillas, batter and fry the fish, and construct the tacos right in front of you. The ingredients are fresh, and the flavors are vibrant. The nachos al pastor are a must-try. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a satisfying meal, Oscar's Mexican Seafood is an excellent choice for delicious tacos at a fair price.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
5. The Waves Taco Club
Located in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, features a rooftop bar

The Waves Taco Club is a popular spot in San Diego known for its outstanding burritos and nachos, with a particular emphasis on their excellent seafood options such as shrimp, scallops, calamari, and octopus. The restaurant offers a unique and festive atmosphere, inviting customers to savor a blend of traditional and innovative flavors.
At The Waves Taco Club, diners can enjoy a lively and inviting environment while sampling fresh, high-quality ingredients. The combination of authentic recipes and creative twists results in a memorable dining experience, where patrons can immerse themselves in a celebration of freshness and sense of community.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours
6. Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp
Offers both dining in and take out options

The fried lobster taco is a standout dish, with a crispy and golden fried lobster nestled in a warm corn tortilla. The accompanying angel hair cabbage provides a satisfying crunch and a fresh contrast to the richness of the fried lobster. It's a perfectly executed dish that delivers on flavor and texture.
If seafood is your thing, the grilled Mahi Mahi tacos are not to be missed. The Mahi Mahi is grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy fish that is complemented by the sweet mango salsa. The cabbage adds a refreshing crunch, making each bite a delight. This is a highly recommended dish for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful seafood.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Corporate Events
- Budget-Friendly Eats
7. Ghost Heist Taco's
Inventive twists on classic taco recipes, late-night dining options, locally sourced ingredients

The tacos in San Diego are a must-try, featuring fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. The restaurant staff is generally attentive, fast, and friendly, providing excellent service to customers. However, there have been occasional reports of slow service.
This San Diego eatery is known for its delicious tacos, made with the freshest ingredients and bursting with authentic flavors. The service at this establishment is typically described as efficient and pleasant, with staff who are attentive and friendly. Despite this, there have been a few isolated instances of slower service.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
8. Señor Taquero
Friendly service in a vibrant atmosphere

Food at this establishment is widely recognized for its delicious taste, authenticity, and high quality. The fish tacos are a standout menu item, satisfying guests with their delicious flavor. However, there are some comments about the salsas lacking flavor and certain burritos being small or lacking taste.
Despite the popularity of the fish tacos, burritos are another favored item on the menu. The California burrito, in particular, is a hit among guests. Unfortunately, there are still some issues with the salsas and inconsistencies in the taste and size of the burritos. Overall, while there are some areas for improvement, the food is generally well-regarded for its taste and quality.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
9. Karina's Cantina Gaslamp
Located in downtown San Diego, spacious patio, live music on weekends

Upon entering the establishment, I was struck by the generous portion sizes and high-quality food offerings. I opted to sit at the bar and had enjoyable conversations with the bartender and manager. However, I may have gotten a bit carried away with my ordering, and the prices were a tad high, but the celebratory atmosphere made it worthwhile. I look forward to returning.
Unfortunately, my recent dining experience was not as positive. The service was subpar and the food was merely adequate, falling short of my expectations. The waitstaff lacked knowledge of the menu, resulting in some disappointing dishes. To make matters worse, the volume of the rap music was turned up so loud that it became difficult to carry on a conversation with my dining companions. While it wasn't a terrible meal, there is certainly room for improvement.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Dinner
10. Juan Tequila Bar & Restaurant
Live Music on Weekends, Expansive Tequila Selection, and Street Taco Stand

The host of the restaurant was extremely friendly and welcoming, enticing us with an affordable happy hour offer of $2.50 tacos (on Thursdays). Although we do not consume alcohol, we found the restaurant to be enjoyable. The atmosphere and decor were charming, and the staff was super friendly.
During our visit, we tried the carne asada tacos, potato tacos, and Cali fries, all of which were delicious. Our group's 7-year-old vegetarian member particularly appreciated the potato tacos, claiming they were the best he had ever had.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
11. Mr Tempo Gaslamp San Diego
Lively atmosphere, late-night dining option, full bar

The restaurant offers a creative and unique menu that features popular dishes such as crispy avocado tacos. Desserts are also a highlight, with churros being a standout choice, served in an eye-catching car display. The atmosphere is lively and upbeat, but on the downside, it can get extremely noisy due to multiple sources of sound, such as bands or music, which can be overwhelming and unpleasant for some.
Moving on to the service, the restaurant excels in this area, with friendly and attentive staff who ensure that guests have a great dining experience. The food is also delicious, with a range of options to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. However, the noise level is a significant drawback, as it can make it difficult to enjoy the meal and conversation with companions.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Dinner
- Late Night
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12. La Fiesta Restaurant
Family-owned and operated, street taco cart on-site.

This location is a fantastic place to enjoy tacos, offering a delicious shrimp taco option. The service at this establishment is top-notch, making for an enjoyable dining experience. If you're looking for a taco recommendation, the shrimp tacos are a great choice.
This same taco spot also offers amazing fish tacos. These tacos are particularly fresh and full of flavor, making them a must-try for any taco lover in the area. The quality of the tacos and the overall dining experience make this an excellent choice for a taco destination.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
13. La Conde Cantina in Gaslamp Quarter
Huge portions, great happy hour specials, and a fun atmosphere

La Conde is a popular restaurant known for its trendy decor and lively atmosphere. I recently celebrated my daughter's birthday there and it was an amazing experience. The restaurant's modern and stylish ambiance made for a memorable celebration.
While the food and drinks at La Conde are decent, it's the overall experience that keeps customers coming back. If you're looking for a place to have a good time with friends or family, La Conde is a great choice. The restaurant's lively vibe and trendy decor make it an ideal spot to enjoy a night out. I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a fun and unique dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
14. Baja Rick's Cantina
Tequila bar with a wide selection, Spacious patio seating, Open until late

I ordered the blackened salmon tacos and was disappointed to only receive two corn tortillas with a generous helping of Baja sauce and a small amount of what was probably salmon. The sauce overpowered any other flavors, leaving me unsure if the salmon was even properly blackened.
My dining experience included the 'tres amigos' taco selection, which featured three tacos with beef, lobster, and shrimp. These options were tasty and well-spiced, although it is important to note that fries and drinks are not included with the tacos and must be ordered separately.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner