Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Azteca – San Diego
Azteca - San Diego
Photo from Azteca
Azteca at a glance
San Diego East Village
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$
Price per Person $1–$10
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#192 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#10 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
326
Reviews
81.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Food
- Friendly Service
Frequently criticized
- Sketchy Area
- Online Menu
The restaurant Azteca is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant nestled in the heart of San Diego’s East Village, offering you a perfect spot for a casual dining experience. You’ll find it’s an ideal destination whether you’re looking for a quick bite or delicious small plates.
This welcoming eatery provides a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Azteca
Azteca offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly noted for its flavorful dishes and efficient service. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the overall quality of the food, making it a popular spot for many.
However, some experiences highlight concerns regarding the immediate area and occasional issues with service consistency, suggesting a mixed bag for the overall setting. It’s a place with clear strengths and a few practical considerations.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
326
Reviews
81.9%
Satisfaction
45
negative
14
neutral
267
positive
Azteca earns a solid overall score of 8.1, indicating a generally positive reception, with customer satisfaction standing at a strong 81.9%. This positive sentiment is built on 267 favorable remarks against 45 less favorable ones, out of 326 total customer comments.
The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring well (8.1). Service also performs admirably (8.6), often praised for its attentiveness.
While Value is considered good (7.9), the Ambience (6.9) presents a more moderate picture, suggesting it’s an area with room for improvement.
What people like
- Flavorful, good food
- Friendly, fast service
- Good, fair prices
What people don't like
- Questionable surrounding area
- Inconsistent service issues
- No accurate online menu
Azteca presents a compelling option for those prioritizing tasty Mexican fare and attentive service. With a strong 8.2 recommendation score, it’s generally a place worth considering for a satisfying meal.
However, be mindful of the immediate surroundings and potential for minor service hiccups. If you’re seeking a quick, flavorful bite and don’t mind a less polished setting, Azteca could be a good fit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Azteca
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at 82.3%, it's clear many diners are happy. Out of 203 comments, a whopping 167 rave about the authentic Mexican cuisine, great flavor, and generous portions, often highlighting the fresh ingredients.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied, with 25 remarks pointing to some areas for improvement. Some found dishes bland or greasy, while others noted issues like undercooked tortillas or general quality concerns, suggesting a bit of inconsistency.
Food
203
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
25
negative
11
neutral
167
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican cuisine
- Generous portions
- Great flavor
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Bland flavors
- Greasy food
Often praised
- foodThe prices are great, and the staff is fast, really friendly, and patient. The food is good; I often get the roll tacos or the Cali burrito, and they never disappoint.
- FoodFood:5
- California burritoIt's remarkable that something so solid and affordable is within walking distance of the stadium and convention center. I was so impressed that I also got the California burrito to go.
- carne asada friesmost delicious carne asada fries (fresh meat and crunchy flavorful fries)
- guacamoleburrito with guacamole and pico!
- tacosThese tacos never fail to put me in a good mood. I’ve had them since I moved to Downtown, San Diego in 2022.
- California BurritoI ordered a California Burrito for my friend and a Surf and Turf burrito for myself. My friend said hers was very good. Mine, on the other hand, was a party for my taste buds!
- birria soupThe birria soup is to die for
- cabezaorder 3 mini tacos - cabeza, adobado, carnitas. Each one was so tasty.
- carne asadaCarne asada was moist and feeling
Frequently criticized
- bean and cheese burritono chorizo in my BEAN AND CHEESE BURRITO
- beansNot even the beans. Nothing had flavor.
- birria tacosbirria tacos, however, were basically the opposite and pretty disappointing
- blandBland, and burrito was swimming in a very runny sour cream
- breakfast burritoordered a breakfast burrito and didn’t find it tasty at all
- bug in foodthere was a bug in my food
- cheesethe cheese is nacho cheese
- chickenthe so called chicken tasted like gum
- chorizo wrapit was chorrizo rap there was no chorrizo
- dripping fatit was dripping fat when served
Overall, if you're craving authentic Mexican food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while most experiences are great, there might be occasional inconsistencies in dish quality.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the service here! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction hitting an impressive 89.4%, its clear this spot knows how to treat its guests. Many of the 59 positive comments highlight the friendly staff, amazing service, and how gracious the owners are, making you feel truly valued from the moment you walk in.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks. A handful of the 7 negative remarks mention concerns like early closing times, occasional issues with staff attitude, and some hiccups with order accuracy, particularly involving a male cashier. These are minor points, but worth noting for a completely smooth experience.
Service
66
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Gracious owners
What people don't like
- Inaccurate orders
- Early closing
- Poor cashier attitude
Often praised
- serviceThe food, service, and atmosphere are all rated a 5 out of 5.
- staffMy experience at this taco shop was positive. The prices are great, and the staff is fast, really friendly, and patient. The food is good; I often get the roll tacos or the Cali burrito, and they never disappoint.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerEvery dish I've tried here has been delightful, and the service is impressively swift. The owner, who is exceptionally kind, guided me through the vegetarian options. For those with wheelchair accessibility concerns, it's worth noting that the shop is conveniently located near the train station, with no step up or down.
- ownersgreat owners
- customer servicecustomer service was excellent
- La atencion de la cajeraLa atencion de la cajera se merece un 100! muy atenta y respetuosa
- Norma and her staffWe always get a side of rice and beans with some chiles toreados, and some great tasting horchata, and we’re set! Norma and her staff are always so friendly too!
- cajeraLa atencion de la cajera se merece un 100! muy atenta y respetuosa
- cashier and cookCashier and Cook are Super Cool
Frequently criticized
- serviceme an negado el servicio del baño
- closing timesupposed to close at 9 ND it was closed at 840
- male cashiermale cashier that works in the evening take advantage of people's money
- menu (to go)qsked for a menu (to go) with prices & wqs tokd it didnt exist
- order accuracyit was chorrizo rap there was no chorrizo
- staff attitudethe lady starts screaming at me saying she can close whenever
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and served with a smile, this is definitely worth a visit. While there might be a rare minor snag, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests you'll leave feeling happy and well-cared for.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.9, placing it firmly in the good range, though customer satisfaction sits at a more moderate 62.1%. Many patrons, based on 18 positive remarks, absolutely adore the amazing vibe, finding it a nice place with a simple charm and a quiet, easy to talk atmosphere. Its good location near the blue line and walking distance convenience also earn high praise.
However, the external environment presents some challenges, as noted in 8 negative comments. Concerns frequently arise about homeless people and transients outside who can be disruptive, sometimes even blocking the door. The area is described by some as a little questionable, with issues like smoking near the door contributing to a less-than-ideal first impression.
Ambience
29
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing vibe
- Quiet, easy talk
- Quaint shop
What people don't like
- Homeless people present
- Smoking near door
- Sketchy area
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was great, and the customer service was excellent. The atmosphere was also very pleasant, being quiet and easy to talk.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- blue line stopRight by the blue line stop.
- charmsimple charm little taqueria
- community attitudeTruly a community based attitude
- family businessI love family businesses
- favorite placeMy favorite place to eat
- locationThe staff was very friendly, and the prices were fair. The location is also good. I definitely recommend this place; I loved it and hope to visit again and try more things from the menu.
- nice placeIt's a nice place
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
Frequently criticized
- areaThe area is a little questionable
- bathroomel bañó no está disponible para los clientes
- homeless peopleHomeless people laying down, arguing blocking the door, not just one or two but many
- locationLocation is a sketch for sure
- rift raftThe rift raft that hang out in front makes it a little scary to enter
- smoking near the doorSmoking near the door
- too many people hanging out in fronttoo many people hanging out in front. Disruptive.
- transients outsideDon’t mind the transients outside by the trolley station
If youre looking for a charming, quiet spot with a great internal vibe and dont mind a potentially bustling or less-than-pristine exterior, this place could be a good fit. However, if a perfectly serene and upscale surrounding is crucial for your dining experience, you might want to consider other options.
Value (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.9 and a solid 82.1% customer satisfaction. Many patrons rave about the prices being great price and finding meals that are solid and affordable. With 23 positive remarks out of 28 total, its clear that many feel they get a lot of bang for their buck, often highlighting the "price per person" as a major plus.
However, there are a few areas where the value proposition could be clearer, as indicated by 5 negative remarks. Some customers have raised concerns about "prices online" and the lack of "accurate online menua, " leading to confusion. Theres also a specific mention of issues with money handling by a cashier, which directly impacts the perceived fairness of pricing for some.
Value
28
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great, fair prices
- Generous portions
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Inaccurate online prices
- Some items expensive
- Cashier pricing concerns
Often praised
- priceThis local secret spot has been a downtown staple for a while, and it continues to offer the best carnitas burrito on the planet. What's even better is that it's still under $10. The food quality is excellent, earning a perfect 5/5, and the service was also top-notch with a 5/5 rating.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was delicious, the service was great, and the prices were just right. I felt like I couldn't go wrong with any choice on the menu.
- $10My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the birria soup. It was absolutely delicious and a very generous portion, making it well worth the $10. The soup was so huge, it was incredible!
- Price per person$1–10
- great pricealways on point at a great price
- price per personwith a price per person of $10–20.
- solid and affordablesomething so solid and affordable
- surrounding locationsThere are ZERO accurate online menus with prices beyond the pics you see after searching for Azteca, etc. Having said that, it's great in a hurry Mexican food, less than surrounding locations in downtown San Diego, and tastes better.
Frequently criticized
- accurate online menuaThere is ZERO accurate online menua with prices
- moneyI should probably take it back, but you guys know as well as I do that I'm not going to get my money back, and it's going to be an argument that will just piss me off, and I'll still walk away with nothing. I have watched the male cashier that works in the evening take advantage of people's money. This place used to be really good, and after seeing that guy take advantage of someone who's disadvantaged in math and keep the money, I'm super bummed.
- online menu(s)where the on-line menu(s) showed getting the aode if beans & sude of rice being cheaper
- priceI'm giving this place 5 friggin stars, most definitely. It's kind of expensive, so be ready to shell out some dollars, but the portions are huge. I got a breakfast burrito yesterday with sausage, and I ate half and saved the other half for later, which I don't normally do as my appetite can be pretty big.
- prices onlineasked if the prices online heod uo accuracy for validity
If youre looking for a place where your dollar stretches far, this restaurant is generally a great bet, offering generous portions at fair prices. Just be aware that online menus might not always reflect current pricing, and its wise to confirm costs, especially for specific items.
How are the prices at Azteca?
On average, you’ll spend around $10 per person – based on what 58 guests reported. That places this Mexican Restaurant in the $1–$10 category, which is quite budget-friendly for San Diego! Looking at the details, we see prices are actually split between the $1–$10 and $11–$20 ranges, so you’ll find a good mix of super affordable and slightly more substantial options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 58 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego. You get good value, whether you’re looking for a quick, cheap bite or something a little more filling.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Azteca
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Huge Portions, Worth the Price
I'm giving this place 5 friggin stars, most definitely. It's kind of expensive, so be ready to shell out some dollars, but the portions are huge. I got a breakfast burrito yesterday with sausage, and I ate half and saved the other half for later, which I don't normally do as my appetite can be pretty big.
That sucker was huge. I didn't get any salsa with it; I usually do but, meh, skipped it. No big deal.
Next time. I'm a green salsa kind of guy 😁. The other thing is that I used to go to other burrito places that were trolley accessible but more in downtown.
One specifically isn't open very late, while Azteca more or less has normal hours. So, as they say, 85-90% of success is showing up. This is another big reason why Azteca gets my vote.
They'll be seeing a lot more of me when I'm in downtown.
- portions10
- breakfast burrito10
- salsa6
- price4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Decent Tacos, Sketchy Location
My experience at this taco shop was decent. The location is a bit sketchy, but the food is alright. I particularly enjoyed the carne asada burritos, which were pretty good.
The carne asada fries were just alright. Overall, it's a solid spot.
- food6
- carne asada burritos8
- carne asada fries6
- location3
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Taco Shop with Must-Try Menudo!
My experience at this taco shop was fantastic! The owners and cooks are great, and the staff is wonderful. I highly recommend trying the menudo – it's a must-try.
Overall, a great place!
- owners9
- cooks9
- staff9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Delicious Steak Burrito and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the Steak breakfast burrito with added beans, and it was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend this place.
Adding to the positive experience, there was a sweetheart of a woman working the front, which is always a plus.
- Steak breakfast burrito9
- added beans8
- sweetheart of a woman10
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Terrible Service, No Bathroom Access
My experience at this restaurant was very bad. The service was terrible, and the bathroom was not available for customers. I used to be a regular customer, but recently they have denied me access to the bathroom.
- service1
- bathroom1
What Azteca offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Azteca Taco Shop accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Azteca Taco Shop offers wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms for your convenience. While finding a space can sometimes be difficult, you can typically find free street parking or paid street parking nearby.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Azteca Taco Shop, and is it suitable for families?
You can enjoy a casual dining experience at Azteca Taco Shop, with options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It’s also good for kids, providing high chairs to ensure a comfortable visit for your whole family.
What are the main strengths of Azteca?
Azteca is highly regarded for its flavorful food, with many praising dishes like the California burrito and carne asada fries. The service is also consistently noted for being friendly and efficient.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Azteca?
Some customers have noted concerns about the immediate surrounding area, mentioning issues with transients. There have also been occasional reports of service inconsistencies and a lack of accurate online menus.
How does Azteca score overall and across different aspects?
Azteca holds an overall score of 8.1. Its strongest areas are Service (8.6) and Food (8.1), both receiving good marks. Value also scores well (7.9), while Ambience (6.9) is considered good but is the lowest-scoring aspect.