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oChef » Lucys Taco Shop – San Diego
Lucys Taco Shop - San Diego
Photo from Lucys Taco Shop
Lucys Taco Shop at a glance
San Diego Core-Columbia
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 66 of the guests
#445 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#53 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
281
Reviews
66.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Mexican
- Friendly Service
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Food
- Limited Hours
- No Restrooms
The restaurant Lucys Taco Shop invites you to experience authentic Mexican flavors right in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Core-Columbia neighborhood. This casual Mexican restaurant is your go-to spot when you’re looking for a quick, satisfying bite.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re dining solo or with friends.
Overview: Introducting Lucys Taco Shop
Lucys Taco Shop offers a mixed experience, often praised for its delicious Mexican food and friendly staff who ensure quick service. Many appreciate the affordably-priced food, making it a convenient spot for a casual bite.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding value, finding it a bit pricey for what you get when considering portion sizes or extra charges. The atmosphere also receives varied feedback, with some wishing for better amenities like a proper restroom.
Good
7
out of 10
281
Reviews
66.5%
Satisfaction
70
negative
24
neutral
187
positive
Lucys Taco Shop achieves a solid Restaurant Score of 7, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by 187 positive remarks out of 281 total customer comments.
However, Customer Satisfaction sits at 66.5%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception where some aspects could still see improvement. Looking closer, Food stands out with a strong (7.5), often described as delicious and authentic.
Service also performs well (7.4), with many appreciating the friendly and efficient staff. Conversely, Ambience (5.5) and Value (5) are areas where customers have expressed more reservations, indicating room for enhancement in these aspects.
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Friendly, quick service
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Limited operating hours
- Lack of basic amenities
With a Recommendation Score of 7.4, Lucys Taco Shop is generally worth considering if you’re seeking authentic Mexican flavors and appreciate quick, friendly service. It’s a solid choice for a casual meal, especially if you prioritize taste and efficiency.
However, be mindful of its limited operating hours and potential inconsistencies in food quality or amenities. If these factors are crucial for your dining experience, you might find it less suitable.
It’s a place with clear strengths, but also some practical drawbacks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lucys Taco Shop
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.5 and a solid customer satisfaction of 73.1%. Many diners rave about the authentic flavors, especially praising the homemade tortillas, fresh salsas, and generous portions. With 136 positive remarks out of 186 total, the big tacos and burritos are clearly a crowd-pleaser.
However, not every dish is a culinary triumph. Some customers have noted issues like bland flavor, chewy meat, or soggy fries in certain items. While 35 opinions out of 186 point to these concerns, there are also mentions of occasional burnt food and limited menu options.
Food
186
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
35
negative
15
neutral
136
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade tortillas
- Authentic flavors
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland flavor
- Chewy meat
- Burnt food
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its convenient location if you're downtown. The food was pretty good. However, I wish the portions were larger for the price.
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive over the past four years. I visit about once a week and always enjoy their delicious Mexican food. My go-to order includes the bean tostada and the bean and cheese burrito.
- breakfast burritoordered the breakfast burrito, which includes, eggs, bacon, cheese, potatoes and refried beans
- rolled tacosThe rolled tacos were perfectly crisp with delicious shredded beef
- FoodWe were ready for some good California style Mexican food. We were not disappointed!
- breakfast burritosI've been picking up burritos here for years. They offer good, huge breakfast burritos for a cheap price. You can now call in or use their app to have your takeout order ready when you get there.
- salsaI had an amazing experience at this authentic Mexican taco shop! It was a real treat to find such genuine Mexican food, including delicious carne asada, fresh salsa, and creamy guac, right downtown. What made it even better was the reasonable price for such a high-quality meal.
- tacosTacos that remind of what my Mom used to make
- Carne Asada burritoIt truly reminded me of how Abuela used to make it. I enjoyed the Carne Asada burrito with rice and beans, along with a Horchata. I highly recommend this place!
- Horchatareally like their Horchata
Frequently criticized
- tacosthe tacos were not the ones I ordered
- baconI ordered the breakfast burrito, which was mid at best. It was so bland and lacking any bacon, making it flavorless. While it was a big-sized burrito, I'd rather have a flavorful and tasty small burrito.
- burritoPaid $16 bucks for a burrito and a can of soda
- foodFood wasn't great like it used to be
- food qualityI work downtown and have been here twice for lunch. My experience was very negative due to the food quality. I ordered the beef taco and the cantinas burrito, and both meals were literally charcoal burnt to a crisp.
- guacamoleel guacamole es lo mas feo que e probado en mi vida, pura agua con aguacate
- meatThe meat was chewy like dog food.
- adjustments/substitutionswouldn’t make any adjustments/substitutions
- beef tacobeef taco... charcoal burnt to a crisp meet
- breakfast burritoThe breakfast burrito was mid at best
If youre seeking authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients and hearty portions, this place is worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might occasionally disappoint in terms of flavor or quality. Overall, its a good option for a satisfying meal.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 75.7%, its clear most folks have a good experience. Many rave about the friendly staff, fast service, and awesome customer service, often highlighting accommodating owners.
Out of 37 remarks, 28 were positive, praising quick food delivery and helpful counter service. However, not everyone leaves completely thrilled. There were 9 negative comments, with some pointing to issues with customer service and staff friendliness.
A few also mentioned a bad experience, including missing order items. While not widespread, these instances suggest theres still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
37
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Accommodating owner
What people don't like
- Unfriendly staff
- Poor customer service
- Missing orders
Often praised
- serviceservice and atmosphere were also top-notch
- ServiceService:4
- staffThe staff is super nice
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- big smileGreeted with a big smile
- cashier/serverThe cashier/server is nice and adequate
- counter serviceThe counter service was friendly and quick
- customer serviceawesome customer service
- food served fastthe food was served fast
- friendly staffVery friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceService:2
- bad experienceA bad experience
- customer servicereally need to work on customer service
- later into the eveningMy experience at this restaurant was positive regarding the food quality. I wish they were open on weekends and later into the evening. However, the food is really good.
- open hoursI love this place! My only qualm is that they are only open from 8 am to 3 pm.
- ordersome of my order was missing from the bag
- staffThe cost of two simple meat tacos was a steep $12. The music was obnoxious, and the staff were not friendly. It was a bad experience, and I'm currently sick to my stomach.
- weekendsWish the were open on weekends
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience here, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. It's definitely worth a visit if you value quick and pleasant interactions, but be aware that a few customers have noted inconsistencies in customer service.
Ambience (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot has its bright sides! Many customers loved the colorfully decorated space and described it as a cozy store with a clean sitting area. The convenient location also earned praise, making it a charming hole in the wall for some.
Out of 33 customer remarks, 14 highlighted these positive aspects. However, the overall vibe is a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction at a mixed 42.4%. A significant number of the 13 negative observations pointed to frustrating parking issues and the complete lack of bathroom or sink availability.
Some also found the music obnoxious and the outdoor seating quite cramped.
Ambience
33
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
13
negative
6
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Colorfully decorated
- Cozy atmosphere
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- No bathroom/sink
- Parking issues
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereservice and atmosphere were also top-notch
- locationGreat location, for the convenience of people at Civic Center
- colorfully decoratedIt’s a colorfully decorated business
- cozy storeLovely little cozy store
- hole in the wallDefinitely a hole in the wall to check out!
- parkingit's worth parking and walking to
- patio seatingbut there is a little patio seating.
- placedon’t let the looks fool you
- restaurantThe restaurant was clean
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe place was dirty and grimy....
- parkingThere isn't really any parking nearby
- placePlace does not look appealing either inside or out
- bathroom availabilityabsolutely no bathroom or sink availability
- hand washingabsolutely no bathroom or sink availability for hand washing
- indoor seatingno indoor seating besides high chairs
- musicMusic was also obnoxious
- outdoor seatingoutdoor seating is very cramped
- sink availabilityabsolutely no bathroom or sink availability
So, should you go? If you appreciate a uniquely colorfully decorated and cozy spot with a great downtown location, it could be a charming find. Just be aware of the challenging parking and the absence of bathroom facilities, which might be a dealbreaker depending on your needs.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Diving into the value here, youll find some folks praising the "great price" and "inexpensive" options, with several opinions highlighting "affordably-priced food" and items being "well priced. " Out of 25 total comments, 9 positive remarks suggest there are indeed some good deals to be found, contributing to an overall score of 5. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy.
A notable 13 negative comments point to issues like things being pricey for what you get, concerns about add-ons, and even a charge for using card. This leads to a rather low customer satisfaction of just 36%, indicating that many feel the cost doesn't quite align with the experience.
Value
25
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable food options
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Pricey for value
- Unexpected extra charges
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceaffordably-priced food
- PricesPrices are reasonable
- great priceGreat price too.
- inexpensiveit’s still inexpensive
- itemssome items are well priced
- pricesPrices are great!!
- reasonable pricefor a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food was pretty good. However, I wish the portions were larger for the price.
- pricesvendan calidad con esos precios
- add onsneed to learn to do little add ons for free, or for a decent, reasonable fee
- charge for using cardget charged for using it
- lettucewanted to charge $1.50
- pickled jalapeñostried to charge me $3 for pickled jalapeños
- pricey for what you getLittle pricey for what you get
- toppingpay $1 extra for each topping
- two simple meat tacostwo simple meat tacos cost $12
If you're seeking a bargain, you might find a few inexpensive options, but many customers felt the overall experience was pricey for what you get. Be prepared for potential extra charges, as value here is a bit of a gamble.
How are the prices at Lucys Taco Shop?
You’re looking at roughly $15 per person – reported by 66 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 folks spend right in this sweet spot, with a few going a bit cheaper or splurging a little more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 66 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Mexican restaurant, especially considering the mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lucys Taco Shop
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious California Style Mexican Food!
Arriving in San Diego just after lunchtime, we were looking for a quick bite. Lucy's, with its good rating and a closing time of 2 PM, seemed like the perfect spot. As someone who grew up in San Diego but has lived in Texas for years, I was eager for authentic California-style Mexican food, and Lucy's did not disappoint!
The rolled tacos were perfectly crisp, filled with delicious shredded beef, and topped with lettuce, a mild Pico de Gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese. They also came with a side of hot carrots. It was a delicious welcome back to San Diego!
I'm sorry I didn't get pictures, but it was truly delicious!
- rolled tacos10
- hot carrots8
- Food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Cali Burrito and Great Portions!
My experience at the restaurant was great! I stopped for lunch after jury duty and ordered the Cali Burrito with Guac. The flavors were great and the portion size was really good.
I'm already thinking about ordering the carne asada fries tomorrow for lunch! 😁😁😁
- Cali Burrito with Guac9
- flavors9
- portion8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best California Burrito Downtown!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the Best California Burrito in the downtown area. The French fries were always cooked well, providing a nice crispy feeling with every bite.
The women behind the counter were incredibly friendly and helpful with the menu. The clean sitting area inside added to the pleasant atmosphere. Overall, this is one of my favorite spots for lunch in the area.
I absolutely love this place!
- California Burrito10
- French fries9
- crispy feeling9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Overcharged and Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was not good. I was charged extra for a plain burrito, which was unexpected. Additionally, they did not have change, forcing me to use my card and incur an additional charge for using it.
The overall experience was quite negative due to these issues.
- plain burrito2
- charge for using card1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Massive and Delicious Breakfast Burrito
My experience at the restaurant was centered around their massive breakfast burrito, which featured great made from scratch components. I tried the Rancho burrito, and the combination of chorizo, eggs, potatoes, and salsa, with extra salsa roja, was delicious. The food quality was rated a 5 out of 5, while service received a 4.
The atmosphere was rated a 3, and the price per person was between $10–20. There was no wait time.
- breakfast burrito9
- made from scratch components9
- Rancho burrito9
What Lucys Taco Shop offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Lucys Taco Shop?
At Lucys Taco Shop, you can look forward to a casual and friendly atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. You have the option to dine-in, enjoy the outdoor seating, or even get your food delivered right to you.
Is Lucys Taco Shop suitable for families and what meals do they serve?
Absolutely! Lucys Taco Shop is known for being good for kids, making it a great choice for families. You can enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine for breakfast and lunch, with comfortable seating available for your convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment and score for Lucys Taco Shop?
Lucys Taco Shop has a Restaurant Score of 7 and a Customer Satisfaction of 66.5%. Customers generally praise the Food (7.5) and Service (7.4), though Ambience (5.5) and Value (5) receive lower marks.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Lucys Taco Shop?
Many customers appreciate the authentic Mexican food, friendly and quick service, and the generally reasonable prices for their meals.
Are there any common complaints or drawbacks at Lucys Taco Shop?
Some common concerns include occasional inconsistencies in food quality, limited operating hours (not open weekends or later evenings), and a lack of basic amenities like restrooms.