Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Areli’s – San Diego
Areli's - San Diego
Photo from Areli’s
Areli's at a glance
San Diego Pacific Beach
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#359 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#37 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
298
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Good value
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Pricing issues
- Poor seating
- Food inconsistency
The restaurant, Areli’s, is a popular Mexican restaurant located in San Diego’s vibrant Pacific Beach neighborhood. You can enjoy a casual dining experience here, perfect for a quick bite or even late-night food.
This spot offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can savor authentic flavors. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll find delicious options to satisfy your cravings.
Overview: Introducting Areli's
Areli’s offers a taste of what many describe as authentic tacos, often praised for being both delicious and on the cheaper side. You’ll likely find the friendly service stands out, with many appreciating the warm approach from the staff and owners.
It’s a spot where the food often hits the mark, making it a reliable choice for a quick meal. However, some experiences suggest that while the food is generally good, certain dishes might miss the mark.
A few visitors have noted concerns about steep prices for specific items or found the seating arrangements less than ideal. Despite these points, the overall sentiment leans positive for this family-owned establishment.
Good
7.4
out of 10
298
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
66
negative
16
neutral
216
positive
Looking at the numbers, Areli’s holds a solid 7.4 overall score, indicating a generally positive experience for many. This is supported by a 72.5% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting most diners leave content.
With 216 positive remarks against 66 negative out of 298 total comments, there’s a clear lean towards favorable impressions. Digging deeper, the Food (7.6) is a definite strong suit, frequently praised for its quality.
Ambience (7.4) also contributes positively, offering a comfortable setting. While Value (7.2) and Service (7.0) are rated slightly lower, they still fall within the ‘good’ range, meaning they generally meet expectations without being standout issues.
What people like
- Authentic, delicious food
- Affordable, good value
- Friendly, quick service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pricing
- Unimpressive seating
- Food inconsistency
With a solid 7.7 recommendation score, Areli’s generally delivers on its promise of good, authentic Mexican fare. If you’re seeking a casual spot with tasty food and friendly faces, particularly for a quick and affordable meal, it’s certainly worth considering.
While you might encounter some minor inconsistencies with pricing or the dining environment, the core experience of satisfying food and warm service often shines through. It’s a place that many find themselves returning to, especially for its core offerings.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Areli's
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.6 score and a solid 74.3% customer satisfaction. Many of the 142 positive comments rave about delicious items like the California Burrito and Birria tacos, often highlighting the authentic Mexican food and ample portions. Guests consistently praise the great flavor, quality, and consistency of the dishes, finding them both delicious and filling.
However, not every bite is perfect, with 39 negative remarks pointing out some areas for improvement. Concerns include the guac not being great and a general lack of flavor in some dishes. Specific items like the fish burrito were criticized for thick breading and not being fresh, with some finding the overall taste bland.
Other issues mentioned cold sides and processed-tasting meat.
Food
191
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
39
negative
10
neutral
142
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious burritos, tacos
What people don't like
- Some dishes bland
- Inconsistent quality
- Specific item issues
Often praised
- foodI've been waiting years for another good carne asada, and this place delivered. The prices are cheap and the food is delicious. Don't let the location deter you; it's definitely worth a stop!
- fish tacosWe tried the fish tacos and Pastor Tacos which we enjoyed.
- tacosChilaquiles, quesadillas, burritos, tacos, combination plates, soup of the day … I have now made my way though their all menu and the quality and taste never disappoints!
- FoodEnded up eating there every day. Best Tacos and QuesoBirria
- authentic Mexican foodIf you want real, authentic Mexican food, this is the place
- carne asadacarne asada has a very good seasoning
- California burritoPerfect go-to California burrito
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of the best Mexican restaurants in town, serving delicious authentic Mexican food. I tried their tacos, burritos, chimichangas, and quesadillas.
- TacosTacos, burritos, chimichangas, quesadilla
- burritosChilaquiles, quesadillas, burritos, tacos, combination plates, soup of the day … I have now made my way though their all menu and the quality and taste never disappoints!
Frequently criticized
- foodWas not the best food
- tartar sauceThere was a lot of tartar sauce or something similar inside.
- tortillaI tried the al pastor mini tacos and they were pretty bomb. I recommend using just one tortilla, as the second can get a little chewy. The staff were great and friendly.
- Cali burritosno sour cream or guacamole on your Cali burritos
- Chicken Enchilada plateWaited 15mins for Chicken Enchilada plate....with cold beans and rice
- amount of foodLow amount of food is given
- asada tacosasada and carnitas tacos. Zero marinate
- bad mealnever experienced a bad meal here
- beans and riceMy first and last experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I waited 15 minutes for my Chicken Enchilada plate, only to find it served with cold beans and rice. Wow.
- blandEverything was extremely bland
If you're seeking hearty, authentic Mexican food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for their burritos and birria tacos. While some dishes might lack flavor or have specific issues, the overall positive feedback suggests a satisfying experience for most.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
It seems the service here is a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive! Many folks rave about the kind and friendly staff, often highlighting the nice workers and the family owned aspect, with owners who truly take pride in what they do. With 43 positive remarks out of 62 total, its clear that many appreciate the quick and fast serving experience, contributing to a generally good vibe.
However, not everyone has had a smooth ride. There are 19 negative comments, with some mentioning frustrating waiting times and instances of bad customer service or minimal attention. While the overall score for service is a respectable 7 (good), customer satisfaction sits at 69.4% (mixed), indicating theres still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
62
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
19
negative
0
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Caring family owners
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Inattentive customer service
- Delivery service issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had great tacos and burritos, and the service was friendly. They are impressively quick, even during the busy lunch rush.
- customer servicetheir customer service is amazing
- staffstaff were great and friendly
- ServiceService:5
- ownerFriends with the owner, such a kind man.
- ownersThe mini tacos and nachos were incredibly delicious, bursting with flavor in every bite. Not only were the dishes superb, but the owners also exuded warmth and generosity, providing ample portions that left me completely satisfied. I highly recommend Areli’s Taco Shop for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine served with a side of hospitality.
- AshleyAshley, she was so helpful
- Julio and LuluJulio and Lulu are the Best.
- cookthe cook seems to really enjoy his work and he fixes it up real nice
- family ownedFamily owned and they are so kind and friendly
Frequently criticized
- cookthe cook had rolled up tissue in his nose
- serviceneither is their service
- 3rd party deliveryI love Areli’s! However, please be aware that they no longer do 3rd party delivery. Companies like DoorDash have not taken them off their sites, so it is not Areli’s fault if your food does not come.
- attentionattention minimal
- availabilityOrtiz isn't open latenight during the week (yet)
- credit card companycan't dispute the charge either with the credit card company
- customer servicethe girl has bad customer service
- deliveryJust wish they delivered
- delivery companiesCompanies like DoorDash have not taken them off the site
- orderles atiende primero la orden
If youre looking for a spot with genuinely friendly, often quick service from a caring, family-run team, its definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that occasionally you might encounter longer waits or less attentive moments, so manage your expectations, especially during busy times.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.4, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 69.6%. Many of the 16 positive remarks out of 23 total praise the overall cleanliness, welcoming vibe, and ample parking. Guests often find it an intimate place perfect for dining.
However, there are a few areas for improvement, noted in 3 negative opinions. Some guests found the seating arrangements unimpressive, and a few felt the atmosphere was poor in design. There was even a specific mention about the restroom being inaccessible to customers, which is definitely something to consider.
Ambience
23
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
3
negative
4
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean and welcoming
- Ample free parking
- Intimate dining spot
What people don't like
- Limited restroom access
- Basic seating
- Poor design atmosphere
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Plenty of parkingThe meat had a very good seasoning. The restaurant offers free parking in a lot with plenty of spaces. The price per person is very affordable, ranging from $1–$10.
- air-conditioningair-conditioning was just perfect
- atmosphereatmosphere was rated a 5 out of 5
- cleanlinessIts clean
- diningdining and takeout is perfect
- establishmentIf you are reading this, this spot is a must try. The menu is typical of a taco shop, with great service and a clean establishment. The Cali burrito was flavorful.
- family-owned restaurantIt’s a family owned restaurant.
- free parking lotoffers free parking in a lot
- intimate placeThis was our first time visiting. We found the owner to be very friendly, and the place itself is a nice intimate place. The restaurant offers a great range of menu items, and we were pleased to discover that breakfast menu items are available at lunchtime.
Frequently criticized
- Seating arrangementsThe seating arrangements will not impress you
- atmosphereI lived in Mexico for over a year and was super happy. The place's atmosphere is poor in design and attention is minimal, but the food is good! IG @insecto
- restroomtold us that the restroom is only for them to use
If a clean, welcoming, and intimate spot with good parking is your priority, youll likely enjoy the vibe here. Just be prepared for potentially basic seating and dont expect a lavishly designed atmosphere, especially if you need to use the restroom.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place generally offers a good bang for your buck, earning a good score of 7.2. Many customers, accounting for 15 positive remarks out of 22 total, rave about the prices being cheap and on the cheaper side, especially highlighting Taco Tuesday deal as unbeatable. Youll often find opinions praising good prices and affordable meals that dont sacrifice quality.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 68.2%, with 5 negative comments indicating some concerns. A few patrons felt the price was steep or that they were overcharged, with some even mentioning issues with money spent not matching the value received. It seems consistency in pricing or portion size can sometimes be an issue.
Value
22
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Unbeatable deals
- Affordable meals
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Incorrect billing
Often praised
- pricesThe fish tacos are absolutely delicious 😋, and they offer good pescatarian and veggie options. Everything we've tried has been delicious, and the prices are unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We always take visiting friends here at least once.
- price1.99! 🤤🤤 Taco Tuesday best deal ever! 🤑1.65!!!
- Price per personThe restaurant offers free parking in a lot with plenty of spaces. The price per person is very affordable, ranging from $1–$10. The atmosphere was rated a 5 out of 5, and the service also received a perfect 5.
- PriceAbout $5-7/meal
- Taco Tuesday dealTaco Tuesday best deal ever! 🤑1.65!!!
- cheapCheap and delicious
- cheap and quickif you want something cheap and quick, this is the place to go
- cheaper sideMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed authentic tacos that were also on the cheaper side. The workers were very nice, and I especially loved the great salsa verde.
Frequently criticized
- moneyMoney is better spent other paces
- overchargedthey overcharged me by $4 to my credit card account
- paying for my foodtambién estoy pagando mi comida
- priceI often buy their food, but this time it was mostly broth with very little meat. It cost me $11 something, which I felt was too much for what I received. I'm giving it a 1-star rating.
- pricesthe price$ were kinda steep
If youre looking for genuinely affordable meals and great deals like Taco Tuesday, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of what youre getting, as a few experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies in value for money.
How are the prices at Areli's?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 41 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 guests are finding their sweet spot in the $11–$20 range, with a good number also enjoying the more budget-friendly $1–$10 options. It seems diners here definitely lean towards great value!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value for money compare to similar spots in San Diego?
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican Restaurant, especially with so many options in the mid-range. It looks like a solid choice for a delicious meal that won’t empty your wallet.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Areli's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Food and Friendly Service
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was great, and the service was very friendly. I particularly enjoyed the mini tacos, which were done perfectly.
My wife had the caldo de res, which she found tasty and filling. It was well worth the stop.
- food9
- service9
- mini tacos10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
High-Quality Carnitas, Mixed Experience
My experience at the restaurant featured high quality carnitas, which were excellent. While the other food items were decent, the guacamole seemed not super fresh, though I initially suspected it might be fake. The fries could have been crispier.
Despite these minor points, I finished the entire plate and enjoyed my meal nonetheless.
- carnitas10
- guacamole5
- fries4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Taco Shop in PB & SD!
Having tried every taco shop in Pacific Beach and many others across San Diego, I can confidently say this place is amazing. The carnesada meat is freshly cooked and perfect. It's a family-owned restaurant where they clearly take pride in their work.
The staff are very nice and genuinely care about their customers, treating everyone like family. I always observe how they interact with first-time visitors. This is the best taco shop in Pacific Beach and San Diego.
If you're looking for authentic Mexican food and cuisine, this is your destination. Julio and Lulu are the best!
- carnesada meat10
- family-owned restaurant9
- take pride10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Areli's Carne Asada Burrito is the Best!
My experience at Areli's was fantastic! I had the carne asada burrito, and it's hands down the best in San Diego. The flavor, portions, and consistency were outstanding, surpassing even the most hyped-up places.
The staff was friendly, the service was quick, and the prices were reasonable. I've tried other restaurants, but nothing compares to Areli's!
- carne asada burrito10
- flavor10
- portions10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Good Food, Steep Prices
This was our first time here, and the food was pretty good. We gave it four stars because the prices were kind of steep. If you come and check this place out, you've got to try the green and red sauce because those are bomb.
Cheers!
- food8
- green and red sauce10
- prices4
What Areli's offers
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available at Areli's Taco Shop Pacific Beach?
You’ll find convenient parking options when visiting Areli’s Taco Shop Pacific Beach. There is free street parking available, along with a free parking lot. Typically, you can expect to find plenty of parking, making your visit hassle-free.
Can you dine in or get food to go from Areli's Taco Shop Pacific Beach?
Yes, Areli’s Taco Shop Pacific Beach offers flexible service options to suit your needs. You can choose to dine-in and enjoy the casual atmosphere, or if you’re on the go, takeout and delivery services are also available for your convenience.
How does Areli's generally rate among customers?
Areli’s holds a good overall score of 7.4, with customer satisfaction at 72.5%. Its strengths lie in Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.4), while Value (7.2) and Service (7.0) also receive good marks.
What kind of food can I expect at Areli's?
You can expect authentic Mexican food, with many praising dishes like carne asada and California burritos . While generally delicious, some experiences mention occasional blandness or cold sides.
Is Areli's considered a good value, and what about the dining environment?
Many find Areli’s to offer good value, especially with deals like Taco Tuesday . The establishment is often noted for its cleanliness and plenty of parking , though some find the seating arrangements to be unimpressive.