Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Nolberto’s Taco Shop – San Diego
Nolberto's Taco Shop - San Diego
Photo from Nolberto’s Taco Shop
Nolberto's Taco Shop at a glance
San Diego Golden Hill
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 17 of the guests
#383 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#40 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
129
Reviews
71.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Good portions
Frequently criticized
- Poor salsas
- Sparse toppings
- Dull atmosphere
The restaurant Nolberto’s Taco Shop invites you to experience authentic Mexican flavors right in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Golden Hill neighborhood. As a beloved Mexican Restaurant, it’s the perfect spot when you’re craving a quick bite or looking to enjoy some delicious small plates.
You’ll find a casual and quiet atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed meal. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, Nolberto’s offers a welcoming experience for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Nolberto's Taco Shop
Nolberto’s Taco Shop offers a generally positive experience, particularly when it comes to the food and the people serving it. Many appreciate the quality chicken and the friendly and welcoming staff who ensure orders are out quickly.
While some found the initial payment options restrictive, it seems they’ve adapted. However, not every aspect shines equally.
A few patrons have noted the atmosphere isn’t always the most comfortable, and there have been some mixed feelings about the consistency of certain accompaniments. It’s a place that clearly prioritizes its culinary offerings and customer interaction.
Good
7.3
out of 10
129
Reviews
71.3%
Satisfaction
29
negative
8
neutral
92
positive
Overall, Nolberto’s Taco Shop earns a respectable 7.3 out of 10, with customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 71.3%. This indicates a generally positive reception, driven by strong performances in key areas.
The feedback comes from 129 customer opinions, with 92 positive remarks outweighing 29 negative ones, providing a good basis for these insights. The Food leads the way with a score of (7.7), consistently praised for its quality and portions.
Service also performs well at (7.1), reflecting the attentive and efficient staff. While Value (6.5) and Ambience (6) are more in the average range, they don’t significantly detract from the overall good impression.
What people like
- Delicious Food Quality
- Friendly, Fast Service
- Good Portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Salsas
- Limited Toppings
- Uninviting Atmosphere
If you’re seeking a straightforward meal where the focus is squarely on the food and efficient service, Nolberto’s Taco Shop is worth considering. With a 7.5 recommendation score, it suggests a reliable choice for those prioritizing taste over a lavish dining environment.
It’s a place that delivers on its core promise of good food, even if some minor details like the atmosphere or condiment generosity might not always hit the mark. Go for the flavors and the quick, friendly interaction, and you’ll likely leave satisfied.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Nolberto's Taco Shop
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid 7.7 score and a fantastic 80.8% customer satisfaction, the culinary experience here is definitely good. Many of the 63 positive remarks out of 78 total rave about the authentic Mexican food, especially the carne asada burritos and California burrito, praising their fresh and flavorful ingredients and generous portions.
However, not everything hits the mark perfectly. A few of the 14 negative comments point out some areas for improvement, particularly concerning the salsas being watered down and a noticeable lack of sour cream and guacamole on some dishes. There were also mentions of the shrimp burrito' being light on shrimp.
Food
78
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Generous portions
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients
What people don't like
- Salsas lack flavor
- Skimpy sour cream/guac
- Shrimp burrito disappointing
Often praised
- foodIn my opinion, I've been eating at this place for years, and the food is very good, and the service is very good too. Thanks!
- California burritoCalifornia burrito. Crispy crispy crispy.
- carne asada burritosThe carne asada burritos are so good
- menudosiempre está ahí comiendo menudo los fines de semana y me imagino que debe estar bueno
- portionsgood portions on the items
- quality chickenMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their cash only Mexican food. I was impressed with the nice sized portions and the quality chicken in both my burrito and taco. The burrito was generously loaded with chicken that tasted fresh and was served piping hot.
- Cali BurritoCali Burrito are my favorite
- California friesCalifornia and carne asada fries come with sour cream
- Carne Asada FriesCarne Asada Fries are my favorite
- EverythingEverything is bomb
Frequently criticized
- salsassalsas are trash, they have no flavor
- JamaicaI’m sorry but this place is terrible. It’s hard to screw up a bean and cheese burrito, fish tacos, a cup of coffee, and even the Jamaica is bad. Step it up Nolberto!
- bean and cheese burritoI’m sorry but this place is terrible. It’s hard to screw up a bean and cheese burrito, fish tacos, a cup of coffee, and even the Jamaica is bad. Step it up Nolberto!
- cali burritosso little sour cream and guacamole on both, the 2 burritos
- carne asada friesso little sour cream and guacamole on both, the 2 burritos and the carne asada fries
- cup of coffeeeven the cup of coffee is bad
- fish tacosI’m sorry but this place is terrible. It’s hard to screw up a bean and cheese burrito, fish tacos, a cup of coffee, and even the Jamaica is bad. Step it up Nolberto!
- guacMy experience at the restaurant was centered around their California burrito. It was great, but it needed guac because it didn’t come with any 😛. The reviewer rated the food a 4, service a 5, and atmosphere a 5.
- guacamoleMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the lack of sour cream and guacamole. I ordered carne asada fries and two cali burritos, but found that they put so little sour cream and guacamole on both the burritos and the fries. : (
- shrimpCounted 5 small shrimp in there.
Overall, if you're craving authentic Mexican flavors and generous portions, especially for carne asada or California burritos, this spot is a strong contender. Just be aware that some of the salsas might disappoint, and you might need to ask for extra sour cream or guacamole.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
The service here generally hits a good note, with a solid 7.1 score indicating a positive experience for many. Customers frequently praise the excellent attention to detail and fast service, often noting a friendly staff and excellent customer service. With 12 positive remarks out of 18 total, it seems the crew often gets orders out in a flash, making for a pleasant visit.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.7%. There are some concerns, particularly around poor customer service and reports of a supervisor lacking ethics or having a bad character. ' These 5 negative comments suggest that while many have great interactions, there are definite areas needing improvement.
Service
18
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive service
- Fast service
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Rude supervisor
Often praised
- serviceThe service is the best
- staffthe staff was friendly and welcoming
- CashiersCashiers are always nice
- attentionvery good attention
- attention to detailExcellent attention to detail
- crewa two or three person crew that gets orders out in a flash
- customer serviceExcellent customer service
- fastFast and delicious
Frequently criticized
- customer servicepoor customer service
- ethicsno tiene nada de etica para tratar al los clientes
- followingbuilding a following
- growthDoesn't seem like they plan on growing
- supervisorsupervisora me atendio de muy mal caracter
Overall, if youre looking for quick and friendly service, youll likely be pleased here. While most experiences are positive, be aware that there are occasional reports of less-than-stellar customer interactions, especially concerning management. It's probably worth a try for the generally good service.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Youll find a lot to like about the vibe here, with many guests praising the old school taco shop feel and the warm and friendly atmosphere. Folks also appreciate the fun arcade games and practical wheelchair accessibility. These positive points, making up 8 out of 14 total comments, contribute to an ambience score of 6, which is pretty average, and a customer satisfaction of 57.1%, a somewhat mixed result.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 5 negative remarks pointing out that the inside is not comfy at all and some find the overall atmosphere lacking. A few also mentioned a stairway that can be an inconvenience, and issues with a visible sign, suggesting theres room for improvement in these areas.
Ambience
14
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Old school vibe
- Warm atmosphere
- Arcade games
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable interior
- Inconvenient stairway
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere of the restaurant was fantastic
- arcade gamesThere are a few classic arcade games
- décorthe décor gave off a cozy and authentic vibe
- old school taco shopold school taco shop but I love it
- parking lotFree parking lot
- warm and friendly atmosphereOverall, I highly recommend Nolberto Tacos to anyone looking for authentic and delicious Mexican food. The quality of the ingredients, the skill of the chefs, and the warm and friendly atmosphere make it the perfect place for a satisfying meal. Five stars all around!
- wheelchair accessibilityThere's a ramp
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereverry bad atmosphere
- insideThe inside is not comfy at all
- signnowhere visible and I haven't seen one
- stairwayyou have to walk up a short stairway to get in and out of it
If youre after a casual, old-school taco spot with some fun arcade games and dont mind a less-than-comfy interior, this place could be worth a try. But if comfort and easy access are high on your list, you might find the ambience a bit of a mixed bag.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
Looking at the value, theres a decent amount to like! Out of 19 total comments, 9 positive remarks frequently praise the affordable prices and the convenience of free parking. Many customers are happy to find the food inexpensive, offering good value for money, especially since they now accept credit cards – a welcome change from being cash only.
This contributes to a 6.5 score, which is pretty average. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as 5 negative comments point out some sticking points. Historically, the cash only policy was a major inconvenience for many, with some wishing for a debit or credit option.
While some find the prices affordable, others feel its getting a bit too expensive for their budget, ' leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 47.4%.
Value
19
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
5
negative
5
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Free parking available
- Accepts credit cards
What people don't like
- Prices getting higher
Often praised
- priceBeyond the texture, the guacamole was abundant and fresh, even right before closing. The restaurant demonstrated excellent attention to detail and was really inexpensive.
- pricesnot to expensive on the prices
- cash onlynot a “cash only” taco shop
- credit cardsThey take credit cards now!!
- free parking lotThe atmosphere is also a 5-star experience. It's a perfect spot for lunch with plenty of free parking available.
- parking spacePlenty of parking
- value for moneywhen othe locations charge extra for it
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyMy experience at this restaurant was primarily defined by a significant inconvenience: they only accept cash. I'm not sure if they ever put up a sign, but if they did, it was nowhere visible and I certainly haven't seen one.
- budgetI love their food, but they are getting a little too expensive for my budget 😔. Once in a while, it wouldn't hurt.
- debit or credit optionno debit or credit option
- pricea little bit more expensive than I would have liked
If youre looking for a spot with generally affordable prices and convenient parking, its worth checking out, especially since they now accept credit cards. However, be mindful that some recent feedback suggests prices might be creeping up, so it might not be the absolute cheapest option for every budget.
How are the prices at Nolberto's Taco Shop?
You’re looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 17 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners seem to agree, with the vast majority of prices clustering right in this sweet spot, indicating a pretty consistent experience rather than a mix of super cheap and premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 17 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican spot in San Diego. It offers a consistent mid-range experience without breaking the bank, which is always a good sign!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nolberto's Taco Shop
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Affordable Tacos, Uncomfortable Seating
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The service was better than most taco shops, and the prices were affordable, with no nickel-and-diming. However, the inside was not comfy at all.
The kid-friendliness aspect with old video games was noted, but their functionality was uncertain. On the positive side, there was free parking in a plenty of parking lot, and a ramp for wheelchair accessibility. The wait time was up to 10 minutes, and the atmosphere was rated 1, suggesting a less than ideal environment.
The food received a rating of 4, indicating good quality.
- service8
- prices9
- food8
- inside2
- atmosphere1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Bomb Food, Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Everything about it was bomb. I love that they are always open, and their fresh horchata is consistently amazing.
The cashiers are always nice, no matter the time of day. I find myself coming here at least once a week!
- Everything10
- horchata10
- Cashiers10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Authentic Mexican Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the authentic Mexican food, and the portions were great too. The service was great and the staff were friendly.
I highly recommend trying the carne asada tacos; they are my favorite!
- authentic Mexican food10
- portions9
- service9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Good food, terrible salsas
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, earning a 4 out of 5 stars. However, the salsas were a major disappointment, described as 'trash' with no flavor and tasting watered down.
Despite this, the overall experience was positive enough to rate the food and atmosphere highly.
- food8
- salsas2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Tacos, Cash is King!
My experience at Nolberto's Taco Shop was largely positive, with their food being the standout. I particularly enjoyed their carne asada burritos and rolled tacos. The service was incredibly fast, with a small crew getting orders out in a flash.
The atmosphere was enhanced by classic arcade games, adding a fun element. My only significant gripe was the lack of a drive-thru and the short stairway access, which could be a minor inconvenience. When it comes to hot sauce, you'll have to choose between red or green.
Overall, it's a place where cash is king, and I'll definitely be back soon.
- food9
- carne asada burritos9
- rolled tacos9
- stairway3
What Nolberto's Taco Shop offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
Is Nolberto's Taco Shop accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Nolberto’s Taco Shop is fully accessible. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. The restaurant prioritizes ease of access for everyone.
What dining options and atmosphere can I expect at Nolberto's Taco Shop?
At Nolberto’s Taco Shop, you can enjoy a casual and quiet atmosphere perfect for any meal. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a great spot for a quick bite or small plates. It’s also good for kids, ensuring a family-friendly dining experience.
How does Nolberto's Taco Shop generally perform?
Nolberto’s Taco Shop holds an overall score of 7.3 out of 10, with Food scoring (7.7) and Service at (7.1) being its strongest aspects. Value is (6.5) and Ambience is (6).
Does Nolberto's Taco Shop accept credit cards?
Yes, Nolberto’s Taco Shop now accepts credit cards, addressing previous customer feedback about being a “cash only” establishment.
What is the atmosphere like at Nolberto's Taco Shop?
The atmosphere at Nolberto’s Taco Shop is described as an “old school taco shop” with some classic arcade games, but some customers have found the interior to be “not comfy” or to have a “verry bad atmosphere.”