La Puerta

If i can say one thing, this place has a personality. Yhe atmosphere is great and just gives a vibe I haven't found elsewhere. Its and warm and homey despite the open air, youd think itd be cold but they keep the place well regulated with the fireplace and patio heaters. Each of the servers I interacted with where friendly and provided exceptional service. I tried a few things on their menu and they where absolutely delicious, these items include Carna Asada- witch made my taste buds sing. Its a safe and delicious option. Pollo Asado- witch was delicious though the meat wasn't as falvorfull the garnish balanced it well. Carnitas- was good and one of their top picks on the menu. I would say if your sensitive to grease then this one might not be for you. Otherwise dig in! Each of their taco plates comes with rice, rajas con crema (an onion and green pepper mixed with sause), and refried beans. I suggest mixing the rice and rajas con crema together. The rice on its own isn't anything to brag about and the rajas con crema is kinda off putting on their own; but together they make a nice flaver balence. Over all this place is definitely worth; and deserves, its ranking for top 10 tacos in the us!

Great place! They're rocking and rolling like a band that has it all. Salsas are flavorful and kicky and the taco/burrito fillings are hits. The agave selections are chart toppers as well.

So glad we picked this for our first night in San Diego! La Puerta had a cool ambiance and reminded me of restaurants I’ve been to in Miami. We ate outside by a little fire and even though slightly chilly outside, the fire kept it warm enough. We loved the food! We started with some of the cochinita flautitas, my husband got one of the quesadillas and loved it all so much he said he wanted to eat here every night. I got the surf & turf tacos and they were also really tasty! The sauce was so good! The churros & ice cream was a great finish. There seemed to be a slight mix-up when our server took a break and the other server didn’t visit us to bring out dessert, but a manager was super helpful and even comped the dessert, which was kind of him. Would definitely recommend stopping in! Reservations are probably recommended although we were able to be seated very quickly without one.

The picture makes no justice to the food. I love it here!! Been here a couple of times and loved everything I’ve tried. The drinks are pretty good and the chips/totopos are freshly made. The sides are so good!! Is rare to see rajas as a side (besides beans and red rice). They were super nice to my service dogs and brought him treats. 5/5 stars 5/5 paws

Good food, Awful “digital” Drinks menu. Well, What could have been a good experience was ruined by the beverages menu. First, they only have drinks menu where you have to scan a QR code, once you scan, you are greeted with messy adds (mostly about fish or drinks available elsewhere but even explocit ones if you’re lucky—mot recommended for a family), then once you navigate it successfully, drink menu is not very clear or intiutive at all (certainly not for regulars, they don’t have Margarittas written in the menu)—bad!! When the food came, it was good. Wouldnt recommend it to a family or friends. May be if you are regular and know what you like, it may work.

This place was really nice. Bar was well put and ample amounts of whiskey and bourbon. Quality was on point as food was crazy good. You must go there. The male bartender didn't get his name, but he made amazing drinks! You should go and get the 1lb socal burrito.

What a great Mexican restaurant when the waiter took a picture of us he also took a selfie of himself so we included it what a great idea. I am not kidding the food was out of this world their burritos are huge and absolutely delicious along with their tacos and guacamole and drinks

Stopped in last night while passing by because the aesthetic caught my eye—and I’m so glad it did. Wow, the food was amazing. I ordered the guacamole and chips, a margarita, and a quesadilla, and everything was absolutely delicious. The guacamole especially stood out—fresh, flavorful, and easily one of the best I’ve had. Our service was also excellent. Taylor was fantastic—friendly, attentive, and made great recommendations. Just an all-around great waiter. I was really impressed and will definitely be back!

So impressed with this restau' :D told my friends I was dining with, if I lived in SD this would be my Friday night hang out. Not only was the food SABOR but the service exceptional and the fact that they are dog friendly was the cherry on top for me and my fur baby. I had carne asada salad AND carnitas on the side. For all my carnivore mates this is an easy spot for all it's meat options. Beloved had a giant bowl of tortilla soup (more on the broth side just how he likes it) and friend, T, had a taco trio (gotta love the option to sample their greatest hits). And you gotta check out there atrium wall. I couldn't believe how huge and alive it is. So perty!!!

Just had to do a revisit here, bad times call for good food and drinks. Thanks to TIM, the bartender here, he was rad and I pretty much just told him to bring me random tacos he recommended to fill me up. I was extremely happy with all that were provided. I HIGHLY recommend this spot to any & all looking for Mexican food, good vibes and an amazing service experience. Cheers!

My friend & I thoroughly enjoyed superb service from Conner and excellent food & drinks! We dined early evening last Friday without knowing about the happy hour till 6pm. Conner made sure we got our happy hour food & drinks order in before cutoff time, diligently checking back -- even right as my friend arrived 1 minute to go! I mentioned it was my friend's birthday at some point while our drinks arrived & after finishing our delicious dinner, Conner brought a complimentary dessert, cinnamon churros with vanilla ice cream, without any request from me! Completely unexpected, what a classy & delightful surprise, above & beyond exceptional service. We both definitely felt very well taken care of the entire time. All the food was fantastic: chips & guacamole, I was surprised they were *flour* tortilla chips & not *corn* chips, but nonetheless they were absolutely delicious, fresh-made, super hot, thin & crispy; the guac was the real deal, chunky & delicious. We also had the carne asada quesadilla-- WOW, chalk full of tender, juicy, flavorful meat, very large quesadilla cut into 4 generous portions. Filled us up a-plenty! We both got a few of the Top Shelf Margaritas, YUM! Perfectly sour & sweet. Lastly, there was a glitch viewing the online drink menu, only showing beer & wine, from which Conner quickly listed the margarita options, making it easy to choose. Such a wonderful experience all around, with the lively crowd & ambiance as well; I'll be back soon!

I finally got to check out this restaurant. I love the vibes and the brunch menu. I tried their signature dish Carnitas n Pancakes and they were scrumptious I can't wait to go back for HH

I have been a La Puerta fan for years but this was my first time at this location. Compared to the downtown one, this one is much calmer, open, and relaxed. Came on a Friday night and there was no wait for a booth inside. I loved the living plant wall, so beautiful! The menu is the same and I got my usual, Mix n match tacos (shrimp, carnitas, veggie) and the purple haze which were both amazing as usual! The carnitas taco was especially flavorful this time. Both locations have the same amazing street tacos and drinks but if you're looking for more sit down conversation filled dinner, I recommend this one in Mission Hills :)

Happy hour 3-5p daily off entire bar, apps and quesadillas is a great deal! Service was excellent when we went for happy hour. Food came out quickly and drinks were good. Taco Tuesday street tacos are $3 each, special tacos not included in this deal. 4 instead of 5 because the queso fundido was clumped together and not melty as I expected. Carne asada quesadilla meat was hit or miss, some overcooked pieces. Luckily happy hour deal made it better. Favorites: Al pastor taco was delicious, highly recommend. The frozen slushy sangria drink was good - get it! Indoor and outdoor seating, cool bar and street parking was easy in the neighborhood on a weekday.

The Tostaditas app was festive in appearance but ate very flat - salsa was needed, and even more badly needed was a pop of flavorful richness like maybe a chipotle or cilantro crema. The grilled veggie burrito was lovely to behold, it truly was, but the filling was of bizarre texture, lacked much in the way of flavor, and was desperately dry. I travel frequently for business and often dine out alone. To request a table rather than the always first-offered bar seat, and then be treated like some unreasonable pariah, is gravely unacceptable. Service was disinterested, a bit condescending and in the end, disappointing. The ambiance was fun, lively and conjured up an edgy Mexico City taqueria. The soundtrack was excellent; strong marks here.

I loved everything about this place! The decor with a rock theme, the interesting selection of tacos and burritos and salads, delicious margaritas, and one of the best veggie burritos I've ever ever had. Love the guacamole and chips and I thought the green salsa was absolutely the best. Can't wait to go back.

Came in last night on a Saturday evening around 7ish with a group of 5, no reservations (not sure if they take them tbh). We got seated within about 15-20 minutes for a weekend night I wouldn't say that was too bad. Once seated we were greeted by our server within a few minutes. Such a fun little spot, can't believe it was my first time here. Definitely gotta go back for happy hour 3pm-5pm everyday? CANT BEAT THAT! Food was delicious and drinks were tasty as well. Loved my spicy margarita, I can handle spice and usually I'm disappointed but this one had me shook they don't play with the spice and I love that. Also, prices are extremely fair for the quality, taste and portion size you get. Nothing beats a good restaurant with great service, food and ambiance. I'll definitely be back sooner than later. Keep up the good work!

Best happy hour in San Diego!!! Happy hour every day 3-5 and even late night happy hours (though only frozen drinks during late night.) Appetizers are half off during HH. Drinks are half off as well during HH. They have delicious cocktails, lots of margaritas. The patio is dog friendly. There were lots of very well behaved dogs in the patio when we went!

I need to Happy hour more often because La Puerta has the best happy hour in SD! Half off drinks and appetizers is so good! We had amazing mezcal cocktails, the ceviche was super fresh and carnitas quesadilla was perfect. I love the space and vibes of La Puerta as well. Perfect for a nice relaxing afternoon in the best city in the world.

Excellent food and a good happy hour. Casual and nice interior/exterior dining. Service was good even though it was busy.

I had to try La Puerta's location in Mission Hills since I love the downtown location! Situated on Goldfinch street is this trendy Mexican restaurant with notable art featuring iconic music legends. Opened since 2021, this space is way bigger than the downtown location (also easier to park). Bark at the Moon: Touted on the menu for being the best marg on Travel & Leisure and Pop Sugar's Best Margarita in the Country. Is it that good? YASSSS! The fresh lime juice and spicy Jalapeño coupled with the spirit forwardness of this drink is a must try! Chip and guacamole: Piled high with guacamole, chips, salsa, and cubes of panela cheese. This was delicious and hearty. Mix and Match Street tacos: I had the Carne asada, shrimp, and Pollo asado. This was filling, and I enjoyed the rajas con crema side dish! Food came out super quick, and customer service is on point.

The Surf & turf tacos are not that good. The chipotle sauce was a bit sour it overpowered and the meat felt dry, I enjoyed the beans and poblano peppers, the drinks were good too.

Y'all must try the Chopped Salad and add chicken! I devoured the salad. Who goes to a Mexican restaurant to get a salad - ME. The most delicious pollo chopped salad! It was so good I didn't get a chance for the picture

This place is phenomenal. Food was excellent, service on point and attentive, and the happy hour is the best I've ever seen. Half off apps (including quesadillas which are massive) and drinks from 3-5. We didn't even have room for a meal once we finished our appetizers. Ceviche was fresh and very good, Al pastor quesadilla was sweet and a little spicy which was awesome, pork rolled tacos were awesome, and the guac platter is a must get. I would skip the queso it's a very thick cheese and not your typical dip your chip and go kind. You truly won't find a better place for Happy Hour. Dog and kid friendly. My friend even had her diamond tennis bracelet snap off without her noticing and when we called hours later they had it safely stored to pick up. Definitely a top recommendation

We had a delicious brunch! I had the carne asada and eggs with potatoes, which were super tasty (but small portion of meat) and the potatoes had a good seasoning. My boyfriend had the huevos rancheros, with beans and potatoes. Both dishes were hearty and full of flavor. Definitely a great spot for good ambiance and satisfying brunch!

This is a really good Mexican restaurant! I have been to both locations and the food is great at both! The Hillcrest location is a bit newer and has a really cool vibe inside. The place is very well put together, spacious, with a beautiful bar! The drinks are awesome and they have lots to choose from! Service is on point and everyone is really nice. Only bad part is parking.. both locations suck when it comes to parking but thats just San Diego! I have tried lots of options from the menu. Everything is delicious! This is a great place to take a date, just hanging out with friends, or even if you are solo. Definitely a hidden gem in SD! If you have not been here yet you should go!

A great spot to grab dinner and drinks with friends! The ambiance was 10/10. The place felt very open and the overall aesthetic of the restaurant was a vibe. There was plenty of street parking within a few blocks of the restaurant for a Friday night. For starters we ordered the Guacamole and Queso Fundido. Both were great and felt upscale along with the house-made tortilla chips. I ordered the Surf N' Turf Tacos (3 steak and shrimp tacos served with refried beans, rajas con crema, and rice). These tacos were both flavorful and super filling! The steak and shrimp were juicy and were paired nicely with a hefty amount of toppings. I especially enjoyed the rajas con crema that came on the side.

This place was a decent experience as the staff was very polite and attentive. The food was average and didn't really think much of it. Ordered the mix and match taco plate for two carne asada tacos and one Adobada taco. Both average and nothing stood out. - Tacos 3/5 The chorizo cheese dip was actually really good and my favorite dish. - Chorizo dip 5/5 Our best value was the Carne Asada Salad because it had plenty of meat! - Salad 4/5 They have plenty of seating the environment is really nice for a date night. Overall I give this a 4/5 for the dip and great service.

Had been wanting to try La Puerta for the longest but hadn't been able to. Finally had the chance to do so and I definitely wasn't disappointed. Food was amazing but what was just as great as the food was the staff. Every member of the staff I crossed paths with was awesome, extremely eager to help, happy, and just fun to be around. I wasn't able to drink this visit but I could only imagine how my experience would be after a couple drinks lol. The ambiance is top notch as well and I can't wait to go back.

The last time I came here, I was very disappointed in their vegetarian options (all the dishes essentially had the same components and tasted very similar). I chose this place to take my friend for her birthday (she is vegetarian). They had a good tequila selection and the drinks were pretty good, but I was looking forward to more creative vegetarian dishes that I've seen on the menu in the past.

One of the best Happy hours! 1/2 off all drinks and apps! And the 1/2 off applies to every item on the spirits list so great place to sample tequila or mezcals before buying a whole bottle if you're into mezcal and tequila like me! For apps I ordered the guacamole and chips and they are awesome! Chips are light and crispy and the guacamole is made a little different from other places as they have some chunks of Mexican cheese. Carne asada quesadilla was good and also the potato flautitas were good as well. The drinks are where they shine! Hell fire is soo good! Mezcal gin carrot juice and some other stuff in it and it's dangerously delicious! Service is great and the open ambience is very nice and not stuffy. Also dog friendly!

We tried one of the menu items: the rolled tacos and they are a 10/10. The margaritas are super good, quickly made and you can tell the juice is fresh. Very fun atmosphere, open concept, lots of real plants and good music. Service was quick and relatively friendly. Our primary server was a tad dismissive and unenthused, enough that it took away from our experience a bit. But overall it was really lovely and I would absolutely recommend!

The manager Bobby from LA Puerta SD discriminated against me so I'm never coming back and will be filing a lawsuit because discrimination is illegal. I was respectful and polite and made room for other customer by giving up my seat even tho I'm a wealthy paying regular (I'm a software engineer....) anyway. Bobby copped an attitude super rude and cut me off from drinks when I was sober. I documented everything with photos, video, messages and witnesses. *sigh* illegal activities here. Stay away from Bobby at this place

Their veggie burrito is the truuuuth. Also really like the chips and guacamole. Service is always friendly and attentive. Great vibe and really enjoy coming here again and again.

Two words-happy hour! I've been meaning to try their happy hour for quite some time and finally made it, and it didn't disappoint. The value, the taste, and portions all can't be beat. Quesadilla was big and filled with flavor! The flautita was crunchy and filled with delicious cochinita. All washed down with refreshing margaritas. The service was also fantastic. This will definitely be on a regular rotation in the future!

Excellent service excellent food we try shrimp tostadas appetizer wow Queso fundido, pozole beef taquitos omg excellent flavor MALEIA was wonderful server love her attitude and very friendly and professional. Fast service and excellent food delicious we will recommend this restaurant and coming back too and ask for Maleia ( and also following la Puerta restaurant on instagram...100000000 stars for this restaurant and service and hospitality

HH 4-5 half off alll drinks Love the sangria and the frozen marg mix. I think it's called Purple Dream or something-- was a bit sweet but was so yummy Steak quesadilla: not a lot of meat in it but it was still really good Steak salad: standard and predictable with decent amount of protein

Excellent service Jake S he's the best love the ambience and decorations food is delicious and perfect for a family dinner we went after 9pm for happy hour. Love the shrimp tostaditas and queso fundido with chorizo delicious we also chicken rolls taquitos yummy for the end a delicious flan we also order strawberry margaritas half off wow .but the best if was the service by JAKE S very welcoming and friendly and professional we feel like home. We will recommend this restaurant . Thank you

Never got the chance to actually eat at the downtown location but after visiting this place that's completely fine. This mission hills location is such a great open, greeny vibe. There's plenty of seating and natural lighting which I absolutely LOVE. Service was great, the waiters came around at the perfect time and the food came out hella quick! I stopped here for taco Tuesday AND during happy hour and the deals were great! : 1/2 off all appetizers and cocktails for happy hour and $3 a la carte street tacos for taco Tuesday. Everything was bomb I like to try multiple tacos and out of the carnitas, carne asada, pollo asado, and grilled veggie... I'd say the carnitas was the best. *Pro tip: put that queso fundido in your taco ;)

- Food: There are probably a bit more authentic Mexican places around, especially considering SD's proximity to Mexico, but for what it is, the food was good. We ordered the potato flautitas and a side of guacamole. The potatoes in the flautitas could have used a bit more seasoning but the toppings were good, and the guac was flavorful. The salsas that were served along side the food were also pretty good. The green one def won in the flavor competition. - Service: I regret not getting our server's name because she was excellent. Attentive but not overwhelming. Our order came out exactly as we requested. She was knowledgable, friendly, and kind. We never felt rushed, despite taking our time with our meal. - Ambiance: They did a great job with the overall vibe and aesthetics of this restaurant. There is outdoor sidewalk seating, as well as semi-outdoor seating in the front of the restaurant as there are very large open windows and an open ceiling.

The happy hour is unbeatable and I haven't had anything I don't like from here. Super yummy food and drinks

I ordered take out for the surf and turf fries! I enjoyed it a lot but think that they can be more generous with their shrimp when you are charged $23 for fries. They can also improve by using better beef instead of using ground that is dry and tasteless. I would have given a 4 under normal circumstances, but id like to address my concerns! Cheers to this very vibrant restaurant!

The food was great! Very flavorful. But the best thing is the demure ambience. The entrance especially is welcoming in a grand way.

Found this place on a whim via Yelp actually looking for some quality Mexican food to introduce my UK friends to. I'm unfamiliar with SD but made the attempt and it paid off! It's a little loud for my tastes in there, so be sure you don't mind elevated noise levels. I didn't fully realize this was more tapas-style and very heavily favored tacos and burritos. Which isn't a bad thing, but for my dietary needs this made it challenging to find something that would work. I did but it was severely limiting. I did try the guacamole as I'm often wont to do. Always curious how each restaurant and regions do their own spin on it. It was really good, not gonna lie. I don't know if it was $16 good (the portion size did not match the asking price) but it was delicious. The service was on point, I really do appreciate how attentive our server was and helped out with some drink decisions. I'd definitely recommend the place, just being aware of noise, tapas-style, and it's not cheap (three people with drinks+tip was over $200).

Amazing food and service! The only thing I don't love are the prices - it was $16 for the 3 street tacos and $17 for a caesar salad with protein on it. The cochinita pibil tacos were so good! The guac is also so good, could literally not stop eating the chips. They are served in a bowl with cheese blocks, guac and pico on top. 10/10! The bar area is so nice too, great selection of tequila!

Ok im late with this review... Went here for the first time a couple of weeks ago. The restaurant is really cute. I loved the decorum. Food was good and good happy hour prices. Our waiter was excellent! Sorry I forgot his name(nice asian guy)He turned me on to a new tequila so thank you!! I would recommend this place. However.. dont order the queso because that was not good. But the other food was decent.

Food was excellent! Went on a Monday night to meet up with a friend and the place was packed so plan ahead on every day of the week to be sure there's a place to sit. The expansive margarita list was unique although they can be quite pricey. Portions were huge and was very happy to have leftovers!

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in SD! They have a great happy hour and the food and margaritas are great. Doesn't disappoint!

Great spot! Food was terrific, drinks were fantastic. The alcohol selection is second to none! The atmosphere was open and lovely. The bartenders were really nice and helpful. One of my go to spots when I'm back home in SD. Highly recommended.

Amazing ambience and staff for sure! Excellent crafted cocktails with knowledgeable drink slingers. Chips salsa 9/10 Tried 3 tacos, chicken, arrachera, and pebil. Steak was the least favorite. Pebil was a home run as was the pollo. Amazing whiskey wall to accompany the mezcal and tequila superstars. Art work and all made this place a solid AF 9.8. Will return, will also tell others to visit.

Love their happy hour. Half off drinks, apps and quesadillas everyday from 3-5. I used to frequent the downtown location but now prefer the Mission Hills location because it's larger, less crowded and easier to park.

Lea the bartender is a rockstar. I came here during happy hour, and the vibes were on the entire restaurant is packed, our bartenders still managed to take great care of us. Also, the host did a great job, helping us with our seating, and I would definitely be back. This place is amazing. Melody

Delicious!!! Cochinita pibil quesadilla was BOMB. So gooooddd!! Honestly we could come back just for that. The margaritas are good and the tacos were pretty good as well.. the shrimp was just okay flavor wise but the carne asada and Al pastor were very good!! I would come back and try anything with the Cochinita pibil because it was so good!!

The food is 10/10 and the ambiance is one of the nicest I have ever been too. Our service / server was lovely and kind and food came out fast. I visited both La Puerta locations and the food was excellent at both but I recommend this one for a quiet date night as the original location is more of a dive bar vibe and darker. I also went for happy hour and the 50% off quesadillas and apps and alcohol is a deal that cannot be beat. A must visit if u r in San Diego.

We came here last Saturday. Parking was out of this world horrendous. We spent almost 40 mins doing loops. Right when we were going to give up we found a spot fairly close to the restaurant as well. We got seated right away. Our server was extremely inattentive to us, but to the couple next to us very attentive and extremely polite. He didnt fill our waters up on time, and when we would finish our water he would say "damn you thirsty?" Well yah.... you barely come by bro. ANYWAYS, the food and drinks were delicious. I got a strawberry mojito, extremely refreshing. My partner ordered their sangria and frozen marg drink. Also very good. We ordered some tacos. The cochinita tacos were hands down are the best. Carnita tacos were good well, but uff. Please do yourself a favor and get the cochinita tacos. Both of them had soooo much flavor. My partners tacos were also very delicious and filled with a lot of veggie goodness.

Service is great, ambiance is nice, food is wonderful, safe place, guests are nice quiet.

Service was fine. Food was fine. Ambiance was excellent so I assume that is what you are paying for.

My husband and I have come to this location twice and sat at the bar. We were helped both times by Diane, and she's amazing! Super friendly with everyone she was helping. Everyone else that works there that we've encountered has been nice too. It has a nice relaxing vibe and the music is great. We really enjoy coming here and having drinks and a snack or something on the side! Definitely recommend.