El Puerto Taco Shop

I’m a SD native who moved away, but anytime I’m home, I visit El Puerto every single day! Make sure you try them, the rolled tacos are the best in the area!

Woke up this morning felt like having menudo. A friend pointed me in the direction of this place. The menudo was tasty. I could have used more broth. Because there was big chunks of menudo in it. Portion was decent. Prices were fair and the service was friendly. I noticed that a lot of people like this place because people kept walking in for it to go orders. I also tried to roll tacos that were awesome.

Ordered: Shrimp Burrito, Beef Taco's, side of beans and they were Excellent (The shrimp burrito, I've never gotten a better one) The red chili salsa they serve with their food, also excellent. Service was friendly and efficient on a called in order. Atmosphere... It's all about the tacos and the tacos were mighty good. Everything was packaged very well. It's easy to serve at home and still quite delicious. If there's a better small Mexican restaurant in area, I don't know what it would be... So I'm saying this one is the best one. This restaurant is Cash Only fyi.

They was professional, respectful, patient and just making sure I got the best out of my order. They are happy to be at work they love they're work and you can tell by the taste of their food. Best Taco Shop In San Diego. 💪🏿🙏🏿💚

I was very disappointed in the quesadilla i got. I ordered a supreme and got a build your own quesadilla. Ive never had to put my own stuff inside after its been cooked. That wasn't what i was expecting after not trying this place for 15 years because i lived out of state.

I have been coming here for years and years! But the only thing i ever order are 2 Carne Asada sopes! and they are beyond DELICIOUS 😋😋😋 The downside is if i dont have cash on me i dont go which happens to be about an 80% chance of me not going! Another thing, the women workers arent very compassionate about helping someone with a cane/disability, now the men do offer to take my food to the table! So women, step up on your customer service, its not hard to show compassion for others ❤️

The best Carne Asada burritos I've ever had, I had at least one each week for 7 years, I never got a bad burrito.... I remember the place with nothing but good memories

Burritos had a good grill taste but the meat itself was tasteless and gritty. The added tomatoes put a bit too much acidity and the raw onions took away as well. The wait for these burritos was probably 10 minutes with only 1 other person waiting too so they are probably fresh? I'd go elsewhere sorry Puerto Taco Shop maybe try something else.

i've been coming here my whole entire life. I vividly remember coming every friday with my dad after practice back in 98-99. I still come by every now and then. it's thee ONLY place I get shrimp burritos from. It's always been cash only so just be aware of that if u decide to stop by. Cash only is a little inconvenience that's very much worth it!

I tend to gravitate towards the rolled tacos with everything on them ... it's not guacamole that they put on it it's more so "American Guacamole" which is a mixture of a lot of sour cream with some guacamole to give a slight flavor of guacamole. I love it as I'm more so a sour cream fan. The rolled tacos or taquitos whatever it is that you want to call them, to me, they are always seasoned with beef and I love the thin tortilla rolled around it. On Tuesday you can get a combination plate for at a discount rate served with beans and rice. The California burrito is made with hash browns, meat, cheese and pico and I believe it's supposed to come with sour cream. This burrito, to me, is better than the ones within my immediate area which is why I'll make the short drive to this joint!!! Their regular Carna Asada burrito has guacamole & it's delicious. They don't except credit cards so bring cash. They have an ATM machine inside but of course you're gonna have surcharge fees from your banks. If you need something else, like cash then go to 7-Eleven they also have ATMs. They don't offer restrooms for customers but they do have a station where you can wash your hands.

Been coming here for over 20 years now. Favorite spot for shrimp burritos. Now I take my whole family here whenever we are in town

Best menudo in the valley . Service is awesome and ambiance is homey feeling . Spring valley has a lot of taco shops but this one is the spot for menudo

I ordered menu and taquitos.They were both delicious crunchy savory.Well seasoned well priced friendly staff.I will go back.

The BEST California Burrito in town. Love that they give you the option of fries or hash browns in your burrito. Perfectly balanced if you go with the hash browns. Their Carne Asada fries are stacked. They also have these spicy/pickled onions that are a must with your food every time. Service is always friendly and the wait never seems too long even when they're busy. If you find yourself in or around the area and need some good Mexican food, this is the place to go.

First visit was a early Saturday morning a couple years back around 800am, and once I knew my surroundings I was torn between getting a morning Bloody Mary at Cali Comfort or, having breakfast at the nearby taco shop. I chose the healthier? option by getting a breakfast burrito here at this taco shop. One of the few places that includes hash browns in these. I'm sure I saved some dough too since I was already shelling out $175 for work on my clunker of a truck at La Mesa Tire. Seemed like a smart call. Yes I was definitely hungry while waiting for my front end work and alignment and... what do you know, Yelp came in handy to try a new spot! Very good! Quality and taste here were above average. I've heard about this place from a guy at work 'cuz his cousin lives a block away. He gets the Carnitas burrito and says it's glorious. I have been back to try a California burrito and a tostada and it's been consistently tasty. One of the better taco shops I've been to in the Spring Valley area for sure. I haven't ordered anything with guacamole, but some say it's that glowing green sour cream version. Maybe just avoid those types of items. We have a great problem here don't we? So many taco shops, so little time..

Waited 1/2 hour for 3 burritos ! Ridiculous just hope the guys enjoyed the food! Too long for a taco shop

Machaca breakfast burrito made gist the way I like it, shredded beef mixed with egg, onions, and peppers. Delicious! Red salsa has thicker consistency and cooked tomato flavor stands out. Green salsa has tartness from tomatillos that blends well. Both not overly spicy.

I ordered their surf n turf burrito for my first try at this spot. I've read plenty of positive reviews of the place so I decided to try it instead of going for my usual spot. The burrito had a decent amount of meat and shrimp. It also came with rice which was flavorful. However, the burrito was loosely wrapped. For a burrito that holds shrimp and rice, it needs to be wrapped tightly so that it doesn't fall apart 1/3 of the way in. They also use too much of the white sauce in the burrito which made my burrito slide apart. It was hard to really enjoy it. The dining area leaves much to be desired and the fact that they only take cash can also be a deterrent if you don't typically carry cash with you. They do have an ATM onsite, if you're willing to use it. Overall, the food was okay but there's nothing much that will draw me back here for my Mexican food fix anytime soon.

Love the roll tacos extra crispy I just get upset they close so dam early lol. One time I got there right before they close they were nice enough to accept my order however the lady with the black hair cleaning was maybe cleaning passive aggressive bc the chemicals were so dam strong it was hard to breath.

Bring cash!!! I wish I could have tasted the food, but unfortunately, I did not bring cash, as I did not realize they were cash only. They do have an ATM, but I didn't have my ATM card, just cc. I should've checked the Yelp page first, but I called in my order (no one informed me when I called it in they were cash only). I'm not able to leave a proper review and you have to rate experience. So since I drove pretty out of the way to get here and left without food, I ll be fair and give 3.

Today, we ordered 3 extra crispy beef roll tacos with Mexican guacamole, and 5 roll tacos with American guacamole. Both were excellent. This place never disappoints. Remember it's cash only!

Ordered two fish tacos, first time from here. Absolutely AWESOME!! Was definitely worth the price. I'll be back!!

So, I've heard many people hype up this place for a while, so I decided to give it a try, because I already have my go-to places and wanted to see how it compared. I gotta say some people have very different standards to what is considered "great", or haven't ventured out much on San Diego County... El Puerto is just "ok", average, I wasn't wowed and it didn't live up to the hype I was hearing. I went last weekend and first off, it's a cash-only establishment, so I got my hopes high (most cash-only places are usually awesome). I ordered a Combination #3, which is a Carne Asada Burro, with "Guacamole Mexicano", and a side of rice and beans, which had the basics for me to review. This is my honest take: - Tortilla: They seem to use the same "Santa Fe" brand that most SD taco shops use, no complaint there - Carne asada: A little underseasoned and not as charred as in other places - "Guacamole Mexicano": Comes pre-mixed with onions and tomato. There is no option for "pure" guacamole paste. Their only other option is the creamy "guacamole" they use on rolled tacos, but that would taste weird in a burro...This is bad for those that don't rock with onions/tomato or pico de gallo for that matter - Beans: The star of the combo. Incredible refried beans, second only to those from Señor Pancho in southwest Chula Vista. Only knock is they sprinkle shredded cheddar on top instead of some cotija, minor knit pick on my part - Rice: Very disappointed. Tastes like pre-cooked store-bought boiled rice that is colored orange. Zero flavor, just filler - Red salsa: Very strong tomato and oregano flavors, off-putting and almost no spice at all. Maybe a good sauce for "flautas", not a burro or carne asada fries/nachos. I was expecting a hotter sauce with more chile de arbol like El Pollo Grill's or Senor Pancho's Service was fast and good, but judging just on the food, which is what matters, 3 stars. I really wanted to like this place more...

My absolute favorite taco shop. A little hole in the wall. Worst part is the are cash only. But at the same time it's a good habit. I go Here all the time I can't review this place enough. So good. Favorite thing is hashbrowns in their breakfast burritos

Best taco shop in my area, everything else is metiocre... Only thing is it's cash only, they need to do card... :)

Amazing! In my hometown on vacation, I've been here 7 times in 4 days! I will be back soon..

This place has the best prices and best red hot sauce in San Diego. Rolled tacos, carnesada fries, and carnesada burrito are fantastic here.

Maybe I just came in a bad day . This is there birria de chivo 1 big bone & 3 "meat" chunks . Tasteless & mediocre ... Cash only.. and it took a while to get my food even thoe i was the only one inside

Food was awesome. The shrimp ceviche was as it's supposed taste like limón. The beef tacos hit the spot and the salsa was perfectly spicy. My son had the pollo asado burrito and he devoured it. The two downsides are that the parking was limited and they only accept cash. The guy at the register was friendly and attentive with our order. The atmosphere was as expected some music from the radio station no remark about it. Overall my experience was a solid 4

Great customer service, quick turn around. Food is amazing! My new favorite spot whenever I'm hungry and in the area!

My 2nd visit here and both times have been pretty good! The 1st visit was well over 2-3 years ago but I definitely need to make more stops here instead of settling for the ones nearby my place. I've read many reviews about their burritos and infamous rolled tacos and they are the truth! I had their carne asada burrito which was just ok to me it was actually kinda too salty for me, but not bad. Now the rolled tacos! Those are the star of the show! Believe all the reviews you've read about them because they're true! I'm not sure if they were chicken or beef but I've never had rolled tacos that good! They were fried to perfection with the perfect crunch! It was not oily, not salty, not too crispy and LET ME TELL YOU! It did not get soggy not once with all the condiments on top! I've eaten a lot of rolled tacos in my life to tell you there were bomb! They do use American guac which I know is controversial to a lot of people but I'm not complaining since I love sour cream. They do only accept cash so be prepared, but there also is a 711 right next door. I would only hope they can extend their hours because most taco shops in the Valley close at 9-10pm when I'm used to 24/7 in City Heights and SE.

Very disappointed on food that was order that I came to placed after work!!! What I had order as a walk in cost me $37 something!!!! Picked up and arrived at homes to eat my dinner with family. We all weren't not content with the order side beans were very dried topped with cheese and the taco street tacos were just very plain and tortilla were just hard and semi soggy and not very tasteful with a $1 off on taco Tuesday But the services was great, very customer service oriented. I am just not happy with the food that's was served....

Got a Carne Asada burrito today. Meat was flavored great. Unfortunately only 1 tbsp of guacamole in the burrito. So sad, I remember the days when the guacamole was running through the whole burrito. Still a 4 star. That hot sauce is great. Just sad about the guac. Satisfied, but disappointed this time.

This place has the Best California burritos in Spring Valley! People come from far and wide to get a burrito here. If you know you know..!!! The only down side is that they are cash only :( But they have an ATM inside.

Best spot in San Diego try there roller tacos you will not regret it is is covered in homemade sour cream and cheese I drive 30 minutes just for this place

I drove 20 min and it was absolutely worth it! California Burrito was phenomenal (with their special ingredient of hashbrowns instead of fries!!!) AMEN. No salsa needed.

I'm sorry, I don't get it. You see I ordered the flautas, and what do flautas normally come with like their cousins the rolled tacos? Yes, you guessed guacamole or chopped avocado, but no this place figures putting a glob of sour cream a top calls for success. So yes, this is what happen to me, I ordered them, they came, and I told the lady that I do not like sour cream, and not especially with the amount they put on them. She simple stated, well that's they way we make them, and I stated again, but I don't want nor like sour cream. You know, thinking that she was offer to re-fire the me a new order. She just repeated and said they only put guacamole on their rolled tacos. I was like, these are rolled and have beef inside them, you know like rolled tacos. She was not going for it, so I asked for a heaping pile of napkins and a plastic knife so I could scrap off all that freaking sour cream, just look at the pictures and see for yourself, how much they put on them. Even if I liked sour cream, it still would of been way to much. In the end, I scraped off the most I could and even wiped them firmly with paper towels to get the most of the cream off. You think just making me a new order with out the sour cream would of been easier, but noooo. Anyways, to my dissatisfaction they were not as good as I thought they were going to be. The beef was tender but was under seasoned and did not provide much flavor. Also, as the story goes, they were missing the guacamole, perhaps some shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes as well. They need to rethink the way they prepares. I've been around long enough to know that a heaping pile of sour cream does not make things better.. By the way, what ever happen to making your customers happy. I mean I paid for the meal and the three flautas were not cheap at $8.95. Let's do better!

I think I might have been here once before but I don't remember. This is cash only. They have an ATM machine though. It's a little cramped feeling, with a crowded line and tables that seem too close together. Burrito is very good, above average. The rolled taco is very good as well.

Been coming here for years! Specifically for the shrimp burrito! Seriously the best!!!

Best rolled tacos I've ever had hands down. (Get American guacamole) Service is great people are always nice, they make you feel like they care. It's in the middle of a neighborhood so the vibe is homey, you can tell everybody picking up are locals. No restroom but they have a sink for you to clean up. Make sure you get the horchata! It's a must. Every time I come to San Diego I can't miss El Puerto it's a tradition for life now.

Fiesta taco salad was so delicious, it came with vic, shredded chicken, guacamole, sour cream cheese

Parking is a bit challenging when they get busy. There are quick to get your order ready when you call it in. Be warned you might get a busy signal but keep calling. The best menudo I have had in the Spring Valley area.

Great food. Authentic. Best part is the friendly staff. They always have a smile and superior service.

Been going to El Puerto for over 26 years now and although I'm in Chula Vista I make the drive out there for my monthly indulgence in the best beans in San Diego! Can't beat their flavor!

First off let me say this was so delicious! Every bit from the meat to the salsa verde. I will say the salsa verde was a little more watery than I'm used to but that aside it was gooood. The burrito was so yummy and delicious. The cashier was very accommodating with my request for cheese on my burrito. You know how sometimes you get a burrito that seems to be more tortilla than the goodies inside? Well this one was the perfect ratio of everything. The tortilla was good by itself. Needless to say, I'll be back.

Hands down the best flautas in town. I have yet to find flautas better than these. The perfect amount of crunch on the outside and the moistnesss in the inside gives it such a perfect balance. Very generous on the cheese and Americanized guac sauce. The customer service here isn't so great, but I could look past that given how much I love these flautas. Haven't tried anything else here.. but I promise you these flautas will be the best you'll ever have!

If I could give half stars - I would rate this place 3.5. The food here is good, however there are some inconveniences that are involved with eating here. The parking is incredibly limited and the parking lot is shared with a 7-11. There are multiple signs indicating that the spots are for "7-11 customers only", however the spots for El Puerto are all taken since the wait can be very long. They also only take cash which can be challenging (there is an ATM). The burritos are decent size for the price and the flavors were good - it was my first California burrito and didn't disappoint! So the food I would give 4 stars, however the difficulties with parking and only taking cash 3 stars.

Wow... really... WOW. We heard about the California Burrito with hash browns, and had to try it. We got one Cali with carne and the other pollo... Ssssssooooo ggggooooooooddddd! Told the guys it was our first time there and suggested the Shrimp burrito. Omg... that was yummy. The sauces (green, red, chipotle) were tasty and had good heat. Guys there were super friendly. I'm kicking myself for not coming here sooner.

I've been living in spring valley for about two years now and this is the best Mexican food by far. Always consistent and delicious. Great quality and service. Cash only, so don't forget!

The food is tasty,the service is ok and ambiance is small I'm not a big fan of that. After 12:00 p.m. good luck it gets crowded in there everyday ! My advice have patience.

my fav taco shop! been coming here since I was a toddler lol never had a bad experience

Went in to order their daily special. Took over 30 minutes. They accept cash only and no bathroom. Why is the daily special taking 30 minutes?!!?!?. Good beans though...

Really good California burrito. I like that they give you 2 options on the potatoes for the California. Hashbrowns or regular french fries. I chose the hashbrown option. Potatoes came out crispy inside, asada had good flavor, tortillas were not overcooked soft and chewy, and love the pico de gallo in my burrito. Overall, in one of my top 10 best Cali burritos. Keep up the good work and consistency! My 5 star is based just on the Cali burrito as I have not tried any of their other food.

I have been eating here for at least 10 years, their shrimp burrito is amazing, they are a cash only business, so bring money with you when you visit this restaurant I do recommend this place

So worth stopping by. I had the rolled tacos and they were delicious. Ill be going back for sure.

Chefs kiss!!! Hot and delicious every single time. The Food, the service and of course the salsa are ALL SO GREAT!!! The restaurant has a place to wash hands as well. I have brought any kids here for years- they love it as well. I'll keep coming back for many years to come. Gracias El Puerto!!!!

I have been going here for 24 years and they never fail me. Delicious fresh and customer service is great. The brothers have always been so friendly when you catch them in the building they always speak. Traveling abroad but when in town always Spring valley for the best rolled tacos and creamy guacamole