Nico's Mexican Food

Mexican restaurant · San Diego

Nico's Mexican Food

Mexican restaurant · San Diego

1

4918 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

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Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null
Nico's Mexican Food by null

Highlights

In a casual and clean cash-only spot, Nico's serves up delicious, generously-sized burritos and tacos, perfect for a beachside bite in Ocean Beach.  

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4918 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107 Get directions

nicosmexicanfoodoceanbeach.com
@nicos_oceanbeach

$10–20 · Menu

Information

Static Map

4918 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107 Get directions

+1 619 223 0230
nicosmexicanfoodoceanbeach.com
@nicos_oceanbeach

$10–20 · Menu

Features

payment cash only
reservations
outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 27, 2025

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View Postcard for Nico's Mexican Food

jay star

Google
California burrito. Tasty. Only my second one ever. I know. I don't get out much. Tender carne, crispy ish fries and fresh fixings with even distribution of ingredients in a well wrapped tortilla. It wasn't huge, but worth $15 with a tip, in my opinion . Red, green and orange salsa all pretty damn good. Quick service. Small, clean, historic spot. Breakfast burrito with crispy bacon is my usual. I shall return.

William Morris

Google
Great little Mexican restaurant in Ocean Beach, San Diego. Food is always delicious and consistent. Friendly owner and staff. Great prices compared to most Mexican restaurants in San Diego. I love the breakfast burrito 🌯😋

Jacobo

Google
Was recommended by a local bartender for their breakfast burrito, excellent, big and tasty. Prices are good being Cali & visiting from Wisconsin, friendly cashier/owner. Went back a few more times since this posting.. cheers

Mark S

Google
Breakfast burritos still fire 10 years later. True neighborhood spot, top 2 taqueria in the area to me. Cash only, but today I forgot and was short by just under a dollar. The gentleman working let me have my food still. 5 star service and breakfast burritos.

Lilly Tesfai

Google
Great place and people, very impressed with the food and salsas. Love the old school feel. Will definitely be back next time I'm in town!

Frank Kachmar

Google
Best burrito I have ever had in my entire life! Blown away by how delicious it was. Can't way to return to SD to have another one. So incredibly cheap as well!

Christopher M

Google
Regarding the breakfast burrito I'd have to agree with other reviewers that it's a bit small, and the flavors are too bland. Ingredients are all there but it just doesn't have any seasoning.

Joel Guy

Google
This place makes great burritos. I've had a lot of forgettable burritos in my life where items were under-seasoned, too overcooked, or spread out in the tortilla so you didn't get a mixture of the different items in each bite. This place avoided all of those pitfalls and made one of the best vegetarian burritos I've had. My wife also really enjoyed her California burrito. We don't live in San Diego but want to come back next time we're in town.
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Rudy H.

Yelp
This is the best of the bunch! Wow Ocean Beach SD, talking about the embarrassment of riches! Every single day I've been having great burritos from few different places, but this place takes the cake! Incredible carne asada burrito that packed with meat from one end to the other end. It's a big sized burrito as well. The burrito comes without rice. (it seems that most if not all SD Ocean Beach burritos comes without rice) which is awesome. Perfectly seasoned meat with bits of grizzled and amazing tortilla! Simple taqueria and this is definitely my favorite. Oh, it's a cash only.
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Nicole Y.

Yelp
A cute little place! It's been open since 1982, my birth year, and is part my name so how could it not be the best! That breakfast burrito! The BEST in OB! The sausage breakfast burrito is all you need to get your morning started in the right direction! The staff was nice and had a sense of humor too! I loved it!
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Allison A.

Yelp
I am visiting San Diego and was looking for something that would be good for takeout and this place fit the bill! I decided to get the California burrito and it was really good but the most notable thing about it was its size! It was the BIGGEST burrito I have ever seen! $12 for a burrito that size is not too bad too in my opinion! I didn't know it was cash only though so be sure to bring cash! The overall vibe of the place seemed like a cute hole in the wall place almost, I would love to know more about the history of it. Seems like a lot of people just grab and go from this place.
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Kristelle B.

Yelp
We finally got to try this place after reading amazing reviews. They open pretty early as they have breakfast burritos on the menu as well. The california burrito was $11 and huge. It was just ok and we have had better burritos elsewhere but I love that they use crispy fries instead of cut-up potatoes. We also got the shrimp burrito which we unfortunately didn't like at all. It was too watery and tomato-ey for our preference. Good to try but nothing special, IMO.
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Pradeep M.

Yelp
Nicos Mexican Seafood is super tiny place in Ocean Beach in San Diego. They serve fresh and flavorful Mexican food. It's right in the main street of OB. Their battered fish BURRITO is a must-try item on their menu. It huge and filling and plenty for the price. The restaurant has a casual and local vibe, and the cool location. Friendly staff and service too Downside: No pastor or Adobada Burritos available
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Liz A.

Yelp
If you're in the neighborhood and like Mexican food make sure to give Nico's a try. Clean place and friendly staff. Parking in the area is limited but if you want to have a delicious meal on the beach grab one of their burritos and you can walk down to the beach. They hubby had a carne asada, our son had a Cali No Pico Burrito and since we dined in I had their Beef Chimichanga Plate which was delicious! They're portions are big and generous and not skimpy like other taco shops so we will definitely be coming back whenever we're in the area again.
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Adina S.

Yelp
I'm a huge fan of Nico's Mexican Food! I stopped by for lunch and decided to go with the California burrito. I've never had anything like it! The carne asada hit the spot and the guacamole was top notch. I loved the addition of the fries as well. Yum, I can still taste the burrito if I try hard enough. They had plenty of other options, but I'd go with the California, especially if you've never tried one before. I was just a bit sad because I wanted to try the horchata, but they didn't have any available. The restaurant itself is pretty casual. You just order at the counter, but be warned, it takes more than just a few minutes, so get comfortable! I would totally come back next time I'm in the area. Don't forget to enjoy your food at the beach!
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Kelly P.

Yelp
I kinda dig this place! Inside is relatively minimal, but cute, and they take cash only. Dude at the register was very cool; I got a couple fish tacos because there weren't descriptions on the menu and I know what to expect. The slaw and other toppings were great and I added their red sauce, too. The fish was fine; it was battered and fried, though I'm not convinced that it wasn't a Gorton's fish fillet...
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Lisa My N.

Yelp
I only come in once in a while since it's far from where I live. Food is amazing, the quality always taste fresh. I aimed for the breakfast burrito. Very fulling and delicious. The sauces are amazing, I really like the green one. The front guy is always nice and funny. Quick service and the place is always clean. I wish there will be more options likes delivery.
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Ali R.

Yelp
I got a delicious bean, cheese, rice, and onion burrito . They are huge! It's cash only, just fyi...! Holy moly, their habanero sauce is super fricken hot but soo yummy! I live a block from this place. I can't wait to explore more stuff on the menu. Oh, and the service was great. The food came out very fast.
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Dru Z.

Yelp
My breakfast burrito looked nothing like the pictures. It was skimpy on the portions inside. It tasted good, but not worth $9. A couple bucks less, sure. Good tortilla and go easy on the habanero salsa, which is a flame thrower.
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Sergio D.

Yelp
Their carne asada tacos are tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The handmade tortillas are soft and delicious, and the salsa bar has the perfect amount of kick. The vibe is chill and beachy, with friendly staff and quick service.
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Ally M.

Yelp
Breakfast burrito was good, but lacking a bit of flavor. The salsa options were great but definitely missing something. 6.5/10, I won't not get it again but won't go out of my way for it.
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Nina S.

Yelp
It's been awhile since I've been back to Nico's and the few times I've been back recently, I'm impressed that they're better than I remembered many years ago. My go to items are their carne asada fries. There's very few places that have pico de gallo in their carne asada. Usually it's sour cream, guacamole, cheese and meat. Their fries are actually way better now too. Crunchy and delicious. Their rolled tacos are tasty and actually inexpensive compared to Filiberto which is almost twice the price! The guy at the cashier is super friendly and helpful. It's still cash only but they do have an ATM inside.
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Emily C.

Yelp
Stopped by on a Monday morning and there was not a wait. We got two breakfast burritos with bacon and they were ready in 5-10 minutes. The tortillas were great! The burritos themselves didn't have a ton of flavor, but were yummy and great comfort food -- definitely load up on the salsas!
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David C.

Yelp
I have been to Nico's a long time ago and felt it was a good value for the money and the food was pretty good. Today I went to Nikos and was so dissatisfied. I had a bean burrito it was tiny tiny and super watery beans. My friend ordered the 5 rolled chicken tacos and said there was barely any chicken or guacamole. He said this is the second time he has been unhappy with the direction that this place has gone. The taste of the food is good, the guy at the register was polite and I'm sure their rent is high on the Main Street ...but for the price and portion size today's food was just not good for us.

Pat C.

Yelp
So glad I was recommended to come here after terrible service at Johnny Manana's. Wonderful food and service! Yum!!
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Nathan D.

Yelp
California burrito is life changing. Green salsa and habanero salsas are great. Massive burrito yet somehow perfectly balanced.

Cody F.

Yelp
Best ca burrito in San Diego. Add shrimp, you won't be disappointed. People there are amazing, prices are good.
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Michael M.

Yelp
Had breakfast burrito this morning. 2nd in line, ordered quickly and received burrito in 3 mins. Cashier was nice in our quick interaction. Cash only! There is an atm in the location Burrito was good! Filled me up, salsas were good on side. Green is dicey and my fav.
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Alex L.

Yelp
I knew this would be a good spot from all the positive vibes from the other customers in the store. There was a lot of options to choose from; I got the California Burrito, which had French fries in it (yum!). The food came quick and the staff were very friendly. The shop was nice and clean too! Just note - this place is cash only. But don't worry, if you forgot to bring some, there is an ATM in the store and a chase bank just a couple blocks away.
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Clythie C.

Yelp
Tell me where you can get a better breakfast burrito?! Nico's has the best. Do yourself a favor and order yours with chorizo, beans, rice and cheese. It's epic. Add a Mexican Coke and try all the hot sauces. This is a cash only restaurant but they have an ATM. The prices are higher than they were back in the day but you can easily get two meals out of each burrito. They are literally the size of an adult arm. This is a super casual beach vibe spot. The service is always friendly and orders are ready very quickly. You can eat in at a few tables or outside on the sidewalk at a few tables there.
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Nico L.

Yelp
Can't go wrong. Food is solid, good service, great atmosphere. Highly recommend this place.
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Christine S.

Yelp
Absolutely delicious!!!! Quick service! Wish I had more time during my visit to go back and try more!

Wesley C.

Yelp
Service was friendly and fast. Restaurant was clean and welcoming. I ordered the breakfast burrito my girlfriend got the machaca burrito. I really enjoyed my burrito there was bacon cheese and potatoes, in every bite. The size was perfect not too big that it weighs you down early in the morning and I loved the choices of hot sauces. If I am ever in the area I would definitely come back. My girlfriend loved her machaca burrito she liked how the eggs were huevo en torta style instead of scrambled. She enjoyed how spicy the hot sauces were. She agrees she would definitely come back.
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Amber S.

Yelp
Stopped in for a breakfast burrito and horchata before heading to the beach. There are a few tables inside and outside, plus counter seating along the perimeter of the dining area. The person working the counter was friendly. My burrito was large and stuffed with potatoes, eggs, bacon, and cheese. I added sour cream and salsa. For the price and amount of food you get, the burrito is a total win! Heads up, this place doesn't take credit cards but there's an ATM on site. Next time I'll have to try the California burrito.
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Kathryn T.

Yelp
I love this place! A friend introduced me to it because she loves their breakfast burritos. We would drive from across town just to get one. I now live locally and it is one of my go to spots. The service is quick and easy to eat on site because they have plenty of indoor seating as well as a few tables out front. I usually grab mine to go enjoy on the beach, or sometimes take a break from the sun to enjoy indoors. They use the best tortillas for their burritos, so soft like a warm blanket of deliciousness! My favorite is the breakfast burrito with cheese, eggs, potatoes, add extra bacon. It's huge and the bacon is always cripsy. The habañero salsa is a must to pair it with. I've loved everything I've tried off the menu. I also cycle between the carnitas burrito and Cali burrito with added shrimp. The carnitas is perfectly crispy and juicy without too much fat/grease like some carnitas can be. I would pair that with the salsa verde to cut through the fattiness with some citrus. The carne asada in the Cali burrito has a nice flavor and texture, while the shrimp is plump, and the fries also crispy. The only downside is they are cash only. There is an ATM on site but I like to walk a couple doors down to the Target as their ATM doesn't charge me fees. Overall 11/10 recommend as a solid local Mexican joint!

Noe M.

Yelp
This is the best place in sd for Mexican food. The price and the quality is unmatched. They don't cut any corners and it shows. I ordered a chorizo torta everyday from this place for two months and I never got tired of it. Would recommend for a good lunch.

Malia P.

Yelp
Such good food and amazing workers and service. They always get the mouth watering orders right. 10/10

Caroline L.

Yelp
Delicious, authentic Mexican food with a vibrant atmosphere and friendly service. Highly recommend! First time at nicos and I am definitely coming back!

Emily R.

Yelp
This place is so damn good. Quick, kind employees and just incredible food. I love their carnitas and they have great rice and beans, and salsa. Love these guys! Cash only!
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Dominic V.

Yelp
I've been eating here since the late 80's . It is one of my favorite taco shops . The food is great along with great service . I like the ambiance it's that old school taco shop vibe . So if you want to try a great taco shop try this place out
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Michele B.

Yelp
Taco Tuesday has never been better!! A Mexican Coca Cola with real sugar cane. Fantastic fish and carnita tacos near the beach. What more can you ask for? Bring cash...that's all they took when we were visiting. Excellent flavors! We even took some rolled beef tacos (taquitos?) to go and they were great a few hours later!! Definitely stop by this gem EVERY day not just taco Tuesday to get some delicious tacos in your tummy!

Beth L.

Yelp
Best chicken rolled tacos anywhere. Tons of guacamole. I dream about them. Do yourself a favor and get em and add both the red and green hot sauce. Don't forget it's cash only!
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Sam S.

Yelp
When I asked my friend where to get Mexican food in OB, he recommended Nico's so I decided to give it a try. Note: they are cash only, but they do have an ATM inside. The cashier was super friendly and helpful, and definitely brought a smile to our faces. The food was a good price, especially since the portions were so large. The flavors were good, although not quite on the level as some that I had when in Mexico. I'd come back if I were in the area and craving Mexican.
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Lena S.

Yelp
Highly recommend the carnitas burrito--add rice and beans! Great prices, friendly service, and quality meat! A must when in ocean beach and craving a burrito. :)
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Paula S.

Yelp
Great beans!!! I had the bean and cheese burrito and the bean tostada. The green sauce topped it off! They were amazing! The service was impeccable. Friendly and efficient. Lots of choices for Mexican food in Ocean Beach. But I kept going back to Nico's because good refried beans are one of my favorites. I generally ask the locals where to get good Mexican food when I'm in a new town. The locals told me to go to Nico's! So glad I did. Have cash though as that's all they take!

E B.

Yelp
Do not get the huevos rancheros if you want actual huevos rancheros (over easy eggs with a nice tomato salsa on a bed of corn tortillas). That is not what you're going to get.
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Nik B.

Yelp
Excellent food at an affordable price! The beef and carnitas are some of the best in San Diego.
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L A.

Yelp
San Diego has many Mexican spots to choose from however this is the real deal. The prices and quality are on point. I always grab the brekki burrito - best time to order is the morning. Service is super friendly + cool where you can walk down the street + watch the waves roll in. Southern California cuisine at its finest. Nicos OB
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Twistd S.

Yelp
Was just passing through Ocean beach and I came across this hidden gem. I had the carne asada burrito and it was like I remembered growing up. The end of the burrito filled with juicy meat, definitely coming back again!! The service was nice and respectful would recommend if you're in the area!!!
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Summerelli S.

Yelp
Fantastic breakfast burrito's! Glad to see GarethEats mention as well! We also get ours to go and sit on the beach and enjoy!

Matthew B.

Yelp
This place is the best. Great staff, amazing food. Breakfast lunch or dinner. If you have a self induced headache, their California burrito will cure you.
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Peter P.

Yelp
best breakfast burrito on the point. always quick and consistent. delicious hot sauce that you can put on anything. two blocks from the beach. cash only
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Cindy M.

Yelp
Cleanest Taqueria I've ever seen! There food is DELICIOUS!!!! Service was super Friendly and fast!

Sandy S.

Yelp
One of the best taco shops in San Diego! Amazing service & quality every single time. Been coming here for years and it's always been the same great ocean beach staple!
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Brandon H.

Yelp
OMG!! Was recommended by my good friend to go to Nico's. He talks about it all the time. Says the California Burrito is the best... Well I went there... and i got the California Burrito... and it was so good... I may have jizzed myself. Yep! That good!

Shayna D.

Yelp
Families favorite breakfast burritos in San Diego for decades. Nicest people who run and own the restaurant. Always fast and always delicious.

Ramona M.

Yelp
Food was full of flavor! Very good must try! Service is awesome family owned business. I will be back :)