CULINARY
Be sure to try
the smoked
tuna tacos at
North Park’s
favorite
taqueria,
City Tacos.
Mexican Eats
Whether you’re noshing in San Diego
or taking a trip across the border,
welcome to our wonderful world of
Mexican cuisine.
PANCHITAS BAKERY
Explore the sweet side of Mexican
cuisine at this local bakery that stocks a
wide variety of fresh-baked treats, including
tres leches cake, cookies, turnovers, doughnuts
and traditional pan dulce.
2519 C St., Golden Hill
CITY TACOS
Some of the most exciting tacos in the city
emerge from the tiny kitchen at the back of
this taco shop in North Park. Don’t miss the
camaron taco (sautéed shrimp in a serrano
chile egg batter).
3028 University Ave., North Park
DON CHIDO
Authentic Mexican flavors (and serious
spice) are dished up here. Sit on the
buzzy sidewalk patio and enjoy primo
people watching while you dig into a
street taco sampler.
527 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp
BIRRIA CHIVOS & CHEVES
Take the trek to National City for the tastes
of Jalisco and enjoy the signature birria
dish—spiced goat or beef stew cradled in
house-made tortillas—along with spicy
fresh salsas and a friendly crew.
2401 Highland Ave., National City
COMÚN
LA ESPECIAL NORTE
This family-owned, low-key café is famous for its homemade soups,
especially their Mexican-style chicken soup loaded with tender shredded
chicken, cilantro rice and chunks of avocado. Many claim their
tortilla soup is the best in town. Plenty of fine traditional fare as well.
644 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Leucadia
ORTEGA’S
This Hillcrest gem celebrates Puerto Nuevo-style dining and
serves regional specialties like grilled Baja-style lobster and fresh
guacamole prepared tableside in a cute cantina setting. Try the
plantain-crusted snapper and pomegranate margarita as well.
141 University Ave., Hillcrest
ROMESCO MEXITERRANEAN BISTRO
At this Javier Plascencia outpost, try several of his greatest hits,
including the famous Caesar salad, beef cheek tacos and goat
caramel crêpes.
4346 Bonita Road, Bonita
City Tacos
Sleek, semi-industrial décor, an exhibition-style kitchen
and evocative artwork by Mexicali artist Gloria Muriel set
the stage for Chad White’s inventive menu of light (and
relatively healthy) contemporary Mexican fare. Visit on
“Tostada Tuesday” and you can score seven different
spins on the restaurant’s signature dish, topped with
everything from tilapia ceviche to steak tartare, for $3 a
pop. Given the top-notch list of craft cocktails, it would
be a crime not to imbibe, so drink up.
935 J St., East Village
Común
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