The Taco Stand

Get authentic Tijuana-style tacos, burritos, quesadillas and side dishes like street corn and carne asada fries at the Taco Stand, where there’s usually a line out front. Why we love it: Some of the best tacos this side of the border are at the Taco Stand, a casual counter-service restaurant where you can see the chefs hand-making tortillas and assembling tacos made to order. Popular favorites include the pork al pastor and spicy shrimp tacos, California burritos and fries loaded with carne asada and/or grilled shrimp.

The new Downtown digs of this popular spot, holding it down in La Jolla for years, offers a multitude of hunger-annihilating eats served up fast. A duo of tacos is a good way to go for lunch, especially if you want to avoid burrito bloat. We're particularly into the al pastor (tender marinated pork that's slow-cooked on a rotisserie and served with pineapple and chipotle sauce) and the classic carne asada, but there are also several seafood options, and a nopal taco for vegetarians.

Puesto put down its roots in La Jolla a number of years in the past, and has been a beloved native favourite ever since. The comfy, open air restaurant has reached nationwide popularity of its Mexico Metropolis-style tacos full with contemporary blue corn handmade tortillas, crispy melted cheese, and scratch salsas courtesy of Govt Chef/Accomplice Luisteen Gonzalez and Govt Inventive Chef Katy Smith. Puesto has been awarded because the folks’s selection for greatest taco on the notable Tacolandia competitors for the previous three years, and has been named a scrumptious taco vacation spot by USA TODAY.

Puesto put down its roots in La Jolla several years ago, and has been a beloved local favorite ever since. The cozy, open air restaurant has reached national acclaim for its Mexico City-style tacos complete with fresh blue corn handmade tortillas, crispy melted cheese, and scratch salsas courtesy of Executive Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzalez and Executive Creative Chef Katy Smith. Puesto has been awarded as the people’s choice for best taco at the notable Tacolandia competition for the past three years, and has been named a delicious taco destination by USA TODAY.

As you navigate through San Diego, there is a friendly sign that says, “Everything is made fresh when ordering.” Boasting the best Mexican style popsicles and house-made corn tortillas, the goal of the Taco Stand is to deliver a Tijuana cuisine experience north of the border. After choosing from one of the available taco choices, you can pass by the Salsa bar to find the ideal toppings for your meal. For flavor something out of this world, you can never go wrong with the Nopal (cactus) Taco or the Corn on the Cob.

If lines down the block are any indication, “best tacos in La Jolla” could arguably go to The Taco Stand at 621 Pearl St. Taco Stand has it all, from the traditional, infamous Baja taco with fish and al pastor (marinated pork with pineapple) to the veggie- based mushroom taco or nopal (cactus) taco. Spice up your day with one of their original salsas and sweeten the deal with churros for dessert. Order ahead to beat the lines, or get there early to ensure a shorter wait.

The Taco Stand is a vibrant, retro-inspired eatery serving up fast-food-style tacos, burritos, and churros with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. With its colorful decor and laid-back atmosphere, this spot delivers an authentic taste of Mexico in a fun, casual setting. Whether you're craving sizzling carne asada tacos, a loaded California burrito, or crispy, cinnamon-dusted churros, The Taco Stand brings street-style eats to life with quality and flair.

The Taco Stand is a very beloved local spot, and for good reason!. With a charming restaurant in La Jolla and a lovely outdoor patio in Encinitas, these tacos are served up in the heart of two of the most beautiful beach towns in Southern California. The homemade chips and corn tortillas, amazing salsas from scratch (go for the chipotle cream sauce) and high-quality meats make for some of the most delicious tacos on our guide.

This spot was inspired by the taco stands in Tijuana and adventures you experience along the Baja Peninsula. The Taco Stand is a small restaurant located on the south side of La Jolla and what it lacks in size or grandeur, it makes up for with a menu and flavors that will be etched in your memory for years to come. They have some of the best pollo asada and carne asada tacos you will ever try thanks to their family recipes.

There’s always a line at this taqueria because it’s where San Diegans know they can get authentic tacos with handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients. What you get: Called the Baja Taco — not to be confused with the popular Grilled Pescado — you get battered fish topped with cabbage, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and a chipotle sauce. Taste: The chipotle sauce is a nice and unique touch to this already standout taco.

These days, The Taco Stand is found in Las Vegas, Dallas, and Miami — but it all started in San Diego back in 2013. This chain is a local staple inspired by nearby Tijuana's iconic taco stands, and San Diego offers several locations spanning North Park to La Jolla. The tacos are simple and served as street food, offering classic and clean flavors of onion, cilantro, and grilled meats on handmade corn tortillas.

If you know, you know; if you don’t, consider this your official invitation. The Taco Stand is San Diego’s go-to for Tijuana-style street tacos, and their fish tacos are absolute essentials. You can go grilled or crispy, but either way, you’re getting fresh fish on a housemade tortilla topped with shredded cabbage, creamy chipotle sauce, and the kind of salsa that makes your eyes light up.

San Diego is known for its vibrant taco scene, and The Taco Stand is a must-visit for any taco lover. Inspired by the taco stands of Tijuana, this fast-casual restaurant offers authentic, street-style tacos that are full of flavor. The menu features classics like carne asada and al pastor, but also includes unique veggie and seafood options like nopal (grilled cactus) and camaron (shrimp).

🍽️ Mexican | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 858 551 6666. As soon as the La Jolla location opened, The Taco Stand took the town by storm and consistently draws lines that wrap around the block. The small, humble Mexican Joint and taco shop has some of the best street tacos that San Diego has to offer, which is saying a lot in a city that prides itself on its Mexican cuisine.

This area favorite’s five locations are notable for modern surroundings, and daily scratch-made salsas. Here you’ll find classic favorites like carne asada and al pastor sharing space with spicy shrimp, mahi mahi, and even cactus. Don’t miss out on diving into the rest of the menu during your visit, as the quesadillas, burritos, and even breakfast offerings are all top-notch.

If you’re new to San Diego’s neighborhoods, you should know that there are very few places you see consistently queued up. At The Taco Stand, hardly a day goes by without lines of customers waiting to get a bite out of the deliciously crispy taco shells. Handmade corn tortillas, quality meats, and the best seafood tacos money can buy—all of these are found at The Taco Stand.

The Taco Stand is another favorite for locals and tourists alike. With locations in downtown San Diego and La Jolla, this beloved spot serves up some of the best tacos in the city. Their menu features a variety of fillings, including grilled fish tacos made with fresh white fish and topped with crispy cabbage, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.

If you’re looking for the ultimate taqueria experience, look no further than The Taco Stand, which is basically what “taqueria” means in English. The Taco Stand is a fast-casual American take on the world’s favorite Mexican street food. They started in La Jolla and have expanded to locations in downtown San Diego, Encinitas, and North Park.

I’m not joking with you when I say this place may have changed my life. They have a classic fried fish taco that’s one of the best. Part of the reason was that I didn’t expect it to — they have multiple locations all over the city, and of course grilled shrimp on fresh corn tortillas and carne asada on fries is going to be amazing (right?)

Walking into The Taco Stand, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the tantalizing aroma of freshly grilled pineapple. As a self-proclaimed taco connoisseur, I had high expectations for this place, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. From the moment I stepped foot in the door, I was greeted with a warm smile and exceptional service.

Although the food served at The Taco Stand is as simple as the place’s namesake, it remains one of the top spots for Mexican food in San Diego. Sure, the menu isn’t super extravagant, but the quality of each dish is excellent. The tortillas and guac here are both made fresh daily, and there are plenty of choices to suit every palate.

The Taco Stand in San Diego is well known as one of the best Mexican restaurants in California. The Taco Stand La Jolla was just blocks away from our house and, we found ourselves wandering over there at least once (or twice) a week. The al pastor at Taco Stand is our favorite, but they have seafood, carne, and even cactus to try!

The nachos offered at The Taco Stand are truly delicious, featuring fresh ingredients and generously portioned toppings. If you're looking for a delicious snack or appetizer, this is a top recommendation. The Taco Stand's nachos are a standout option, with crispy chips and flavorful toppings that offer a great balance of textures.

Founded in La Jolla, The Taco Stand was inspired by the taco stands of Tijuana. Savor an authentic taco experience with handmade corn tortillas, high-quality meats and made-from-scratch daily guacamole and salsa. Offerings beyond tacos include burritos, quesadillas, Rosarito-style churros and Mexican-style popsicles.

Handmade tortillas elevate every bite at this Baja-style original. The Pescado features grilled mahi that showcases the fish’s natural flavors, while the traditional Baja version delivers satisfying crunch through perfect battering technique. Pearl Street’s location puts you in the heart of La Jolla’s village charm.

The Taco Stand opened its first location in the upscale La Jolla neighborhood in 2013 and the Tijuana-style tacos quickly took San Diego by storm. Now you can visit any of their 8 locations around San Diego. Do your tastebuds a favor and try the Carne Asada Taco with a Rosarito style churro for dessert.

Corn tortillas, guacamole, and salsas are also made daily in-house. Walk in, order at the register, gather your salsas from the salsa bar, sit at one of the handful of tables or take it to-go. Pictured above is the camaron spicy shrimp taco (highly recommend) and the grilled pescado taco (fish).

A San Diego staple, The Taco Stand offers unique to the region cuisine via tacos. They also have burritos, quesadillas, fries and churros on the menu. This is a great option when you are looking for something a little quicker so you can continue exploring, but don’t want to sacrifice quality.

The Taco Stand’s popularity has led to establishing of locations in Downtown La Jolla, North Park, and even out of the state. Stop by the original shop to see why these are the best tacos in San Diego for an authentic south-of-the-border flavor. The Taco Stand specializes in Baja-style tacos.

Different cities in California have their own burrito versions. California burritos are the ones which were created and crowned in San Diego and you can find these almost anywhere. There’s a plethora of bars, high-end restaurants and 24 hour taco shops serving this classic native dish.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (127 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Mexican- Address: 645 B St, San Diego, CA 92101-4306- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated restaurants in San Diego by diners

If you’re prepared for a bit of a trek away from central San Diego, the original location of The Taco Stand is the move. Despite the name, the food isn’t limited to its titular menu item. They also serve other Mexican cuisine staples like burritos and quesadillas.

Are you even writing a piece on the best tacos in La Jolla if you don’t mention The Taco Stand?. There’s a lot of hype around this retro counter-serve taco joint. Expect a line that extends down the block, a crowded interior, and tables that turnover quickly.

If you didn’t eat el pastor at Taco Stand, did you really visit La Jolla?. The taqueria brings Tijuana-style bites to this side of the border. Accompany your tacos with the eatery’s incredible elote (corn on the cob), sprinkled with parmesan and chili powder.

Location: La Jolla, Encinitas, North Park, Downtown San DiegoTry This: Al pastor taco. Why It Makes This “Best Tacos in San Diego” List. The Taco Stand opened its thirteenth location in 2024, so you can now devour its Tijuana-style tacos all over the county.

I’ve dined before at The Taco Stand, but haven’t been blown away until this most recent meal. I decided to go for both the fried and the grilled fish tacos and, wow!. Maybe it was because the kitchen wasn’t super slammed, as I came in before the lunch rush.

🌮 "My favorite thing to order is their beef head tacos, and an adobada mulita which is a flat saucer-like taco that's filled with melted cheese and toppings. You may need a knife and fork for the mulita but I promise, you have never had anything like it!

The Taco Stand is hands down my favorite street taco spot in San Diego. Located in beautiful La Jolla, you will rarely find this place without a line. I’ve literally tried just about everything on the menu, and trust me, you really can’t go wrong.

The Taco Stand, a food stand and Mexican spot in the La Jolla, is another much-loved, cheap go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 2,754 Yelp reviews. Head over to 621 Pearl St. (between Cuvier Street and Draper Avenue) to see for yourself.

Another La Jolla favorite, the taco stand has been serving up street tacos and burritos since 2013. This place does counter service, so it’s quick and delicious. Choose a bunch of different tacos, or go all in on a huge burrito.

Not often do you find La Jolla imitating Tijuana, but the Taco Stand is just such a place. And it’s popular, with an often-crowded patio. Since 2013, it has made street-style food, drawing from the style of Tijuana’s taquerias.

A local favorite located right on Coast Highway; if you miss it, just look for the line down the sidewalk. Handmade corn tortillas hold together either the grilled or battered version topped with their signature chipotle sauce.

I discovered The Taco Stand by accident while driving in La Jolla. I saw long lines outside the door and immediately searched for it on yelp. To my surprise, I found out that it is a really popular place with best tacos.

A post shared by Nicole (@nikolzara) on Jun 25, 2017 at 3:32pm PDT. For a funky taco shop experience head to The Taco Stand in La Jolla. There are a few other California locations, including San Diego and Encinitas.

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by The Taco Stand (@letstaco_). Next on our list of Mexican restaurants in La Jolla, we present The Taco Stand.

Visit The Taco Stand for mouthwatering tacos, including options for vegetarians. The vibrant flavors won't disappoint. My personal favorites are the carne asada and the battered fish options.

The ocean here is part of the protected La Jolla Ecological Reserve and marine park, and it’s busy with beautiful animals, from sea lions, to leopard sharks (don’t worry, they’re harmless!).

Of course, the favorites at The Taco Stand are tacos made with handmade tortillas, great quality of meat and fresh ingredients. Guacamole and salsas are made from scratch on the daily basis.

The Taco Stand – this casual taco spot is about a 10-minute walk from the center of town, but it’s worth a visit!. Their guacamole is great, and I’m a big fan of their mushroom tacos.

With handmade corn tortillas and food inspired by Tijuana and the Baja Peninsula, students can dine deliciously for less than $4.00 a taco, even for Mahi Mahi!

But Taco Stand, across from El Pescador, also gets a shout-out here: it’s possibly the best Mission/California burrito destination in the state these days.

If you love an epic taco, then look no further than the Taco Stand. Although they specialize in tacos, they also have burritos and quesadillas.

If you’re craving for Mexican delicacies, you are in for a treat!. Experience authentic Mexican food at The Taco Stand.