Lola 55 Tacos & Cocktails

"There may be plenty of taquerias around town, but this East Village gem is of a slightly different breed. The airy space, with its high ceilings, concrete floors and a full bar with lounge, reads über-cool. However, it’s more than just about good looks—their tacos are what draw the crowds. The variations on offer here lean more sophisticated with creative combinations such as baby carrot adobada and squash blossom relleno. Ribeye carne asada cooked to order on the mesquite wood-burning grill or achiote-rubbed pork belly with grilled pineapple are just some of the winners. Posole verde is comfort in a bowl, while fried masa disks are plain delectable.Remember to save room for the Mexican mole-chocolate ice cream and addictively crunchy churros." - Michelin Inspector

The Best Tacos in San Diego, According to a Local Food Expert | Eater San Diego

"The only Michelin Bib Gourmand taqueria in the East Village, Lola 55 stands out from the rest with its elevated street tacos. Founded by Tijuana-born Frank Vizcarra, who has visited more than 150 taquerias stateside and in Mexico, the restaurant’s top sellers include the achiote-rubbed pork belly taco with grilled pineapple, a vegan mushroom taco with beet soyrizo, and its citrus-forward cocktails. The steak taco, a regulars’ favorite, is served with a tender flank steak that gets marinated in a blend of dried chiles and spices for 24 hours. The taqueria has another outpost in Carlsbad, at the Rady Shell, and a spinoff dubbed L55 Tacos at Westfield UTC." - Roxana Becerril

Best Mexican Restaurants in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"The only Michelin Bib Gourmand taqueria in the East Village, Lola 55 stands out from the rest with its elevated street tacos. Founded by Tijuana-born Frank Vizcarra, who has visited more than 150 taquerias stateside and in Mexico, the restaurant’s top sellers include the achiote-rubbed pork belly taco with grilled pineapple, a vegan mushroom taco with beet soyrizo, and its citrus-forward cocktails. The steak taco, a regulars’ favorite, is served with a tender flank steak that gets marinated in a blend of dried chiles and spices for 24 hours. The taqueria has another outpost in Carlsbad, at the Rady Shell, and a spinoff dubbed L55 Tacos at Westfield UTC." - Roxana Becerril

Where to Eat Tacos in San Diego

"Lola55 in the East Village impresses with a combination of tasty tacos and cocktails served inside a stylish, urban dining space. The pork belly al pastor taco is a winner any day of the week, but don’t sleep on the Baja fish taco and the vegetarian-friendly squash blossom relleno taco. Look out for an incoming location, slated to arrive at the Beacon in Carlsbad." - Mario A. Cortez, Candice Woo

"With so many Mexican food options, it may seem like the last thing San Diego needed was another taqueria. Then LOLA 55 opened in the East Village and locals realized something had been missing; a place that paired elevated Mexican cuisine with top-notch cocktails. Chef Andrew Bent participated in Noma’s pop-up in Tulum, when the famous Copenhagen restaurant took its show on the road.Bent's menu here has more in common with molecular gastronomy then street eats. Tacos served on homemade corn tortillas include mesquite-grilled ribeye carne asada with avocado mousse and crispy leeks, and the vegetarian-friendly baby carrot adobada is topped with guacamole and a cilantro-pistachio salsa. Light and seasonally inspired cocktails might include a Tequila Sling with pineapple, lime, and cava or a Harvest Mule with serrano pepper-infused tequila, apple brandy, and ginger. The soaring space designed by LA-based Bells & Whistles is as refined as the food with a white terrazzo bar top and jewel-toned couches."