La Taquería Tijuana

Taco restaurant · San Diego

La Taquería Tijuana

Taco restaurant · San Diego

1

406 W University Ave b, San Diego, CA 92103

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La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null
La Taquería Tijuana by null

Highlights

Dive into authentic Tijuana tacos with handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients at this upcoming Hillcrest spot, where the vibe is friendly and the flavors are bold.  

Featured in Eater
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406 W University Ave b, San Diego, CA 92103 Get directions

$10–20 · Menu

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406 W University Ave b, San Diego, CA 92103 Get directions

+1 619 310 5391

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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"La Taquería Tijuana is expanding, with the taco specialist about to open doors on its new Hillcrest restaurant. Much like its existing outposts in Imperial Beach and Little Italy, the incoming University Avenue location will continue to feature tacos and mulitas made just as they are a few miles south across the border, with your choice of meat, guacamole, salsa, and chopped cilantro and onion placed on fresh, handmade tortillas." - Mario A. Cortez

La Taqueria Tijuana Bringing Tacos to Hillcrest and Mexican Seafood to Little Italy - Eater San Diego
View Postcard for La Taquería Tijuana

Sebastian Falcon

Google
Friendly staff, and food was good. My favorite was the tripa (ask for it crispy) and the cabeza tacos! I wasn’t a big fan of the torta or carne asada fries personally. The guy there did give us some birria to try and it was so good but didn’t sell the consome yet for sale but I’ll be back for that!

Fabritzia Cruz

Google
Worse burrito ever. This looks like a dirty diaper. The meat had the nastiest texture it was supposed to be carne asada but had the texture of shredded meat that was flavorless and the salsas were nothing to run home about. Please stop making Mexican food without knowing what you are doing. This went in the trash.

Carissa Ricci

Google
First time eating here and super delicious!! We had the asada fries and carne asada tacos. They also gave us a sample of some birria and it was SO GOOD! Best birria i’ve had in a long time. Very nice vibe and super friendly staff.

Max Sanchez

Google
Been wanting to try this place, so tried out a California burrito. Nobody in the store, took almost 20 minutes to make and the burrito was barely warm, the tortilla overcooked, the salsas average, and overall just was missing something. Not a big deal, but the burrito was covered in guacamole when I opened it up, which I had to wipe off some. Maybe I’ll try some tacos next time but definitely left me disappointed.

Zoe Ye

Google
Good place for a quick and cheap taco lunch and it tastes so good that I even forgot to take pictures for them. Birria with corn tortilla tacos are the best and the soup is also very tasty!

G T

Google
Lots of meat in the burritos. Very tasty even though I was expecting to have rice beans and toppings inside. But to my pleasant surprise it was only meat. No matter, still delicious and generous portions. It needs some sauce as the meat and tortilla can get dry after a bit. Just a note that their sauces do cost extra but are quite tasty.

Jannette Lopez

Google
Today is my second day coming in and it's just as good as the first time, i work close by and always been curious of this place it's a shame every time I go or pass by it's empty the Carne azada tacos are soooooo good and the guacamole they use is delicious and I'm a big fan of their green salsa! And they got a bunch of Mexican sodas to choose from and yummy candy And palletas de tocumbo highly recommended and they come out with the tacos real quick. And to top it off very friendly staff!

Laura Hernandez

Google
The food was okay but the service was super slow!!! Took forever to give us our food and honestly felt cold when we got it. Tried their Birria cause of all the good reviews but it’s just average, you can probably try better somewhere else. Quesabirria’s are not really quesabirrias. It’s just a quesadilla de tortilla de harina with the meat. Overall in our opinion all those reviews are over rated. By the time I got my food I was already full from drinking the whole soda. We all had finish eating and my husband was still waiting on his burrito!!! No lie probably 30-45 minutes later when we were all done eating and we were still waiting. Friendly staff but food and timing was just not too good in our opinion. Especially cause they were not busy at all! We got there and were the only ones and people that started getting there after us got their food first. Only thing I liked was their chips and salsa. Prices are high for the quality. I never complain about prices, cause you pay for what you get but here was high prices for low quality.

Jane W.

Yelp
Delicious taco shop!! The rolled tacos were just the right crispness - extra crispy but not burnt, with loads of cool lettuce (not watery like some places), plenty of cheese, and yummy guac. The others in my group has chicken burrito (shredded and loved it), vampiros and mulitas. All of it was tasty. Hot sauce was perfect - little thick, not watery. And it was hot! So good. Staff was really nice. Definitely will be back!

Jack M.

Yelp
I stopped in this La Taqueria Tijuana for lunch and had a pair of al pastor tacos and a side of beans. The side of beans were suppose to be "frijoles de la Olla," as clearly stated on their menu, but unfortunately they gave me re-fried beans. I was not pleased with that, and when I made an inquiry about that, the gent at the counter said it was the cooks decision. I was flabbergasted! I should of been as I ordered that they not the whole pinto beans, and how can the cook just decided not to make the correct beans that are on the menu. I order the frijoles de la olla because I wanted the whole pinto beans not the re-fried. The pair of al pastor tacos were good. Unfortunately, the pork meat did not come right off the "trompo" or vertical spinner because they did not have it ready, so it was prepared meat and it showed. The al pastor did not offer that nice flame or subtle smokey flavor that you get of the trompo. The marinaded tasted good and so did the guacamole, but for traditional al pastor tacos, the guacamole should be on the creamier side. Service was friendly enough, but with regards to the food and keeping up with the standards they originally intended with, well those need improvement. Oh yes, I do recommend that they double up on the corn tortillas for their street tacos!

George S.

Yelp
We were craving some late night food and found this Mexican restaurant while visiting San Diego. We ordered Carne Asada burritos and Carne Asada Tortas. Both items were delicious and the portions were pretty generous. The burrito was filled with Carne Asada meat, cooked perfectly, with pico de gallo, guacamole, onions and cilantro. I really liked how they didn't offer rice and beans as part of their burritos (this is just my preference). The Tortas were very large and my kids loved them! Sorry no pic. They offer a variety of drinks, Aguas Frescas, soda, beer and Margaritas. The Service and employees were great and the food came out pretty fast. They did however run out of hot salsa, which was ver tasty, probably because it was closer to closing time, but lots of Verde salsa. Orders do not come with tortilla chips, nor do they offer them. The place was clean and spacious and had nice decoration inside. Lots of seating inside. Menu was nicely painted on the wall. Come try this place next time you're out late and craving some Mexican food. Happy Nom Nom!

Nijole T.

Yelp
Not as great, as I had hoped, unfortunately. The place is in a great location, park and computer hard to find so we did circle the area for a while. Service was super friendly, and the food ready quickly, but the quality of meat was not great. The Al pastor was very fatty, their salsa lacked any flavor. Such a shame, because there's definitely potential. Unfortunately not worth returning.

Priscilla A.

Yelp
Food was excellent Great service Great atmosphere Most definitely coming back asap Alex Aguilar Whittier Ca

Helen K.

Yelp
Stopped by on Tuesday night because the place looked so clean and inviting. So glad that we did. The gentleman who served us could not have been nicer or more accommodating. He patiently explained the numerous items that we had never heard of even though we have travelled to Mexico many times. Buche, Mulas, Vampiro,Costras plus all the standards : burritos, tacos, tortas, nachos plus many different meats to choose from . We are vegetarians so we had a veggie taco , a vampiro and a costra. Oh my gif! The costra was a gigantic " tortilla" made of cheese golfed over and stuffed with nopales, cheese and other goodies. It was massive. We watched another couple get an order of nachos that was huge and looked delicious. Great service and super fresh food is a winner, they also have homemade tortillas. My new go to place when I visit San Diego. Keep up the delicious food and the exceptional service.

Daryl T.

Yelp
Great fresh made food to order Had vampiros and it's Amazing The meat well seasoned Recommended

Peyton G.

Yelp
This place is fantastic! Make sure you order the consome with your Birria, or risk really good Birria that's just a bit too dry. I will say we came her at 6pm in a Wednesday with no one in the restaurant--it was a bit of a wait despite being the only patrons. The horchata was delicious and a perfect compliment to the tacos. Hoping to try it again soon!

Nicole I.

Yelp
Authentic food which makes you feel like you just crossed to TJ. Very good carnitas, tasty salsa and crunchy chips. The loud music may not exactly fit the demographics of the neighborhood but maybe it was just the night we went (although I love reggaeton). Friendly service and spacious interior. Already looking forward to our next order!

Shelton H.

Yelp
Friendly service and a clean atmosphere. Also think the food is visually appealing. But as far as flavor I've got 0 stars for that birria. The tacos were full of giant chunks of fat/silver skin and overall fairly bland. The consume as well. Everything just needed more flavor. Might try again but not anytime soon.

Adrian G.

Yelp
I had the carnitas tacos and adobada mulitas, both were very delicious. They have a few Mexican beer options, a few cocktail options, bottled and canned soft drinks, and aguas frescas. The tables and chairs and the music make you feel like you're eating tacos in Mexico somewhere. Overall great food and great experience. Will be coming back

Lydia G.

Yelp
Honestly food was just meh I have had bettter Mexican food. Maybe the problem was I didn't try the birria tacos? I only had a chicken burrito but it had no flavor. Service was friendly so i give a few stars for that. But living in San Diego with soooo many Mexican spots to choose from I definitely won't be back.

Cortney M.

Yelp
Please make sure your trash is not left in the alley. Community members are cracking down on businesses who are illegally dumping in our Hillcrest alleyways. We need a nice neighborhood and we want you to do your part in ensuring cleanliness. Business Community standards must improve.

Daniel D.

Yelp
Great Place!!!! Excellent Service! From SF To SD! Birria Quesadillas are Fire!! Dont miss out!!

Jazzi K.

Yelp
I'm not sure if it's a norther California "thing". When I'd order burritos before moving to San Diego , regular burritos would come with rice, beans , salsa , choice of meat... if it was a super burrito guacamole,sour cream would be the extras. Anyways, I ordered their "burrito" and added sour cream, Ngl, the flavor is there but the burrito was super skimpy to the point every other bite was just tortilla and guacamole ... I also got a medium drink but they have NO ice machine ... for $20, eh I've had way better for less. This neighborhood spot has potential but it needs to adjust a few things. Flavor good .

Benjamin N.

Yelp
Hey La Taqueria... I experienced these issues myself and took the pictures myself. This is a real review. You guys are trashing Hillcrest by illegally dumping in the alleyway around from your business? Most mornings your team leaves a disgusting mess in the alleyway. If this is how you treat your neighborhood, I can't imagine how disgusting your kitchen must be. You have the raimbow in your logo, but you have no neighborhood pride... Also, isn't this illegal? You're supposed to have a recycling dumpster, food waste dumpster, and trash dumpster... Instead you just want to turn our neighborhood into a dumpster!

Jenifer J.

Yelp
We stopped in at 9:45pm on a Sunday evening with a huge to go order (15 hungry people waiting at the hotel after ucsd graduation). The orders were filled exactly right and the food was wonderful. Would definitely go back again!

Ivanna O.

Yelp
This place is great! They have really good adobada and their tortillas are fresh. I also love getting the mulitas. The mulitas are probably my favorite item on the menu. The cheese just makes it so mouth watering good.

Charlie O.

Yelp
Taqueria Tijuana is on the come up don't be fooled. I went here a few times in the restaurants early days and felt like although the staff were awesome the food could've been more flavor packed. I just went at 1:30 am and can report the al pastor is kicking, and they kept a loaded condiment section full of fresh limes which is a huge plus. I can see what some people are saying about the vibe being off with the bright lights but it's always nice and clean inside and the people working are just super nice. Definitely worth a try if you're out and about in hillcrest.

Lovepreet K.

Yelp
Food and service was awful. We look through tik tok and it comes up with this restaurant in San diego .we have very high hope for this but it was not worth trying .Never trust tik tok recommendations again !!

Sabrina T.

Yelp
Tacos were good. Nice little spot. The tortillas were the bomb.com, tasted homemade. I'm pretty sure they were. Can't wait to try something else on the menu when I get back!

Joe I.

Yelp
I walked in no one was at the front, I looked in the back someone waved. I started waking out and the gentleman laughed, didn't get up, waved, and sorry forgot to mention was making comments to me as i was walking out. Making it very obvious I wasn't wanted. I had no problem waiting

Irene R.

Yelp
Worst food we have ever had. We ordered rolled taquitos, taco de buche and birria. Vampiro de adobada, y carne asada burrito. The Buche looked like carne de tripa, super dry and hard. The birria they put cinnamon in their recipe, like WTF?! CINNAMON?! Rolled taqiutos were off and could not finish one taquito. The burrito was aight. Don't have anything negative or positive to say about the burrito. Vampiro was the only decent item, however the meat had an after taste that is unexplainable. Salsas watered down and tasted off. And they gave us ice in a separate cup, one cup of ice for 4 people. We spent 60bucks and probably had a bite or two of each item.

Kevin B.

Yelp
Was greeted by Daniela the cashier who took our order. They made a mistake on my buddies order and gave him the wrong tacos and then we waited . His came out in 8 mins and mine Took 45 minutes to get 2 tacos when I came in today. The funny thing is there was only one other customer besides me in the restaurant. Prices are too high, for the quality of the food. If you are looking for a good place to eat do go here. They lack in customer service and cleanliness. Ordered the pollo asado taco and was over cooked and had an ungodly amount of guacamole to cover up the dryness of the chicken. The carne asada taco was under seasoned and poorly made. If you are looking for a good taco place go to Oscars up a few blocks.

Fatima V.

Yelp
I came here with my mother after seeing the place many times before and seeing that it had overall good reviews. The minute we walked in there was a lady behind the bar, she didn't even look up or greet us because she was too busy texting on her phone. She was also wearing sandals, which seems very unsafe and unprofessional. We started to order and she started to bite her nails then proceeded to hand us our drinks, Very unhygienic. After waiting a couple minutes we got our tacos, this lady was talking on her phone while bringing us our food. Again very unhygienic and unprofessional to be grabbing your personal phone and handing us food. She had a very unfriendly demeanor. The tacos were a 2/5... the tortillas were cold and cracked from how cold they were, the meat was bland and the guacamole looked and tasted old. We had asked for no guacamole on the tacos but they came with it. My mom went and asked the lady if she can get another carne asada taco without the guacamole. The lady just looked at her, my mom also let her know if they can warm up the tortilla a bit more since the ones we got were cold. She said "the tortillas can't be cold because they literally make them at the moment." Overall it was an unpleasant experience. The customer service is terrible and the food is not great. We will not be coming back, trust me you can find better tacos anywhere else.

Kevin V.

Yelp
We waited 1 hour for our food. I don't care how good it is. This is unacceptable. "The cook just quit" we ordered 2 nachos and a quesadilla. The first order of nachos and quesadilla came out at 45 minutes. "You ordered 2?" Yes dear. I'll never comeback. La Fiente and their bootssie food is better.

Sonia C.

Yelp
This place is hidden but definitely worth it. The ambiance was pretty quiet. Service was great. I had a Muleta de Carne Asada. The meat was soft and enough flavor. Tortillas were hand made, simply delicious. Definitely recommend this place.

Myra S.

Yelp
Tacos, birria, carnitas, and the burrito were delicious.. the customer service was off the chain.. I highly recommend this place.. the guacamole was delicious.. stop by people

Michael M.

Yelp
I work in the center of Hillcrest for years and am exposed to many different food options since I eat out every day. This is honestly some of the BEST Mexican I've had in the area- The quality, price, and service truly deserves 5 stars. I'm literally typing this review while eating (my 2nd time) - Accommodating and friendly service. While ordering I was unsure about the buche so the cashier insisted on giving me a generous sample to try. It was my first time having it and ended up being phenomenal. I ordered it again today and it was just as good. - The prices are very fair, I've gone twice and haven't spent more than $12 after tax and tip -The food is fresh and vibrant and the consume dip is top tier. I got the Buche Mulitas and Birria tacos and this is now a go-to Mexican spot I eat out a lot and am fairly critical of food. They're newer in the area I recommend supporting them as they've definitely deserved it.

Michael W.

Yelp
Ordered delivery of 4 items (nachos, burrito, taco, and mulas) on 06-24-22. Took an hour despite being 10 min away, no mulas, and didn't get the extras on the burrito that I was charged for. The food was cold and the tortilla on the burrito was like cardboard. The carne on the nachos had a lot of hard pieces that we had to spit out.

Donald G.

Yelp
We waited and never got our full order. I did get a tostada with dry chicken and a very hard shell. The staff was standing around chatting. I will not be returning.

Ferny T.

Yelp
Found this place last minute on Yelp. We were driving in from Palm Springs with 2 kids in tow and ready to get to our hotel room at a nearby Marriott. All of us were hangry and tired. This place did not disappoint. I was glad to see they were still open at 11:30pm and very willing to whip up a to-go order of fresh tacos for us. We ordered carne asada, pollo, carnitas, and bírria. All were very good I liked that they came with toppings and we even got a free small consomé with our order which was yummy great food, decent prices, accommodating staff, will definitely be coming back soon! Thank you!

Paul L.

Yelp
Very good food and drinks. Food kinda spicy but loved it. Good vibes ambiance but outdoors with shade so may be hot in summer

Vishaal B.

Yelp
Excellent service, owner is super chill, and the food is really good. Vibes here are great, would highly recommend!

Kenneth W.

Yelp
Best tacos in The Escondido/San Marcos area. Definitely the go to destination around North County.

Ruth H.

Yelp
Since moving to San Diego from the San Jose area, I have tried a half dozen taquerias and none came close to my favorite taco track near San Jose. Thank you to La Taqueria Tijuana for saving me! I was dying without good street tacos. I am not a fan of red meat so I always get chicken tacos. Chicken tacos are hard to get right. La Taqueria Tijuana gets them right. The chicken is moist, super flavorful (love their seasoning), and perfectly seared. OMG, they are so good. The tortillas are thick, tender, and moist too. Ok, now I want a taco!

Paulina T F.

Yelp
We were in Hillcrest looking for something to eat before we headed back to our Airbnb and we came across this gem. Victor was amazing right from the start! I felt like I was right at home visiting a frequent spot. I had a quesadilla de harina with asada and adobada, I already miss it. Can't wait to come back on my next trip. Victor you were awesome and we can't thank him enough.

Mayra R.

Yelp
Tacos were okay, nothing was available at their lime/salsa station. They use plastic bags like it's nothing as "plate covers" to substitute washing dishes. Not a place I would recommend. There's better tacos elsewhere.

Lisa G.

Yelp
Was waking in Hillcrest and decided to try this place. I ordered carnita tacos and my boyfriend had the pollo tostada. Food was very tasty, good amount of meat and flavor. Place is cute and very clean. Staff is friendly as well.

Joshua B.

Yelp
Came in randomly and haven't been here before. The food is great. Loved the Birria soup. Great flavors Also have to give props to the employees, especially Victor. He was great and helped educate me about foods I wasn't familiar with. I will be back and can't wait to eat there again. Service was amazing. Thank you.

Mayrema N.

Yelp
Service was great !! The food was delicious. The guy that took our order was passionate about his craft. As a result the food was phenomenal!!!!!

Ricardo R.

Yelp
Authentic Mexican tacos in little Italy! My new favorite taco spot in San Diego. Try the Vampiro al Pastor!

Natalia S.

Yelp
this place was great! the man at the front counter made it feel like home. the aguas frescas were very fresh, not too sweet and didn't taste fake. the tacos were DELICIOUS, i had the carne asada and the carnitas tacos. would definitely go again!

Daniel U.

Yelp
Excellent and friendly service. Excellent flavors. Best hours. Would come back everytime in town.

Thuy An D.

Yelp
super friendly owners- came out to greet and chat with me and my friends tonight! very hospitable and welcoming, and gave us free birria in consomme as a promotion since they've not been open for even a month yet. jesus, the chef who makes the birria, even introduced himself to us. ordered horchata, great tacos, and a huge serving of fries. definitely check this place out!

Jesus C.

Yelp
Do yourself a favor and don't waste your money there , tacos are not good meat is flavorless so is the hot sauce Torrez the buche tacos , tipas and adobada. Habiscus water was good thoe !

Nick J.

Yelp
Best late night place to eat after drinking in Hillcrest. Authentic street style tacos. Mmm

Paul Y.

Yelp
My friends and I stopped by on July 4th and absolutely LOVED this place. The margaritas were excellent and the food was SO GOOD! We will be back for sure!! Thank you!

Erika C.

Yelp
The closest you'll get to Mexico tacos!!!! This place is amazing. The atmosphere felt like you were in Mexico. Very clean establishment and employees were super friendly and welcoming. Tacos are super authentic, I literally felt like I was on the streets of tj eating some delicious tacos. Adobada and asada tacos were delicious, good size, and tortillas soft and felt like someone's grandma was back there making them fresh. Would definitely recommend, especially if staying in little Italy area and need a break from all the yummy Italian food. This place will not disappoint.