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oChef » Crack Taco Shop – San Diego
Crack Taco Shop - San Diego
Photo from Crack Taco Shop
Crack Taco Shop at a glance
San Diego Grantville
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 123 of the guests
#480 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#56 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
636
Reviews
65.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Mexican food
- Attentive staff
- Clean atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service issues
- Loud music
The restaurant Crack Taco Shop in San Diego’s vibrant Grantville neighborhood is your go-to spot for an authentic Mexican restaurant experience. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite, whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner.
This popular eatery offers a delightful array of small plates, ensuring you can savor a variety of flavors. With options for outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery, you can enjoy their delicious offerings however you prefer.
Overview: Introducting Crack Taco Shop
Crack Taco Shop offers a compelling experience, often praised for its flavorful Mexican fare, particularly the tacos and burritos. Many appreciate the fresh ingredients and the overall quality of the cooking, making it a go-to for those seeking satisfying meals.
The salsas also receive frequent positive remarks. However, the dining experience isn’t without its challenges.
Some patrons have noted concerns regarding value, feeling that portions don’t always align with the price. Additionally, there have been occasional reports of inconsistent service interactions, which can detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Good
6.9
out of 10
636
Reviews
65.9%
Satisfaction
189
negative
28
neutral
419
positive
Crack Taco Shop achieves an overall score of 6.9, placing it in the higher end of the average range, almost reaching good. Customer satisfaction stands at 65.9%, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception.
These figures are drawn from 636 customer opinions, with 419 positive remarks outweighing 189 negative ones, suggesting a generally favorable view despite some areas for improvement. The Food (7.5) is clearly a highlight, consistently earning strong praise for its quality and taste.
Ambience (6.7) and Service (6) both land in the average category, with some positive experiences balanced by occasional issues. The primary area for concern appears to be Value (4), which customers frequently find to be a point of contention.
What people like
- Flavorful tacos and burritos
- Welcoming and attentive staff
- Pleasant, clean environment
What people don't like
- Overpriced for portions
- Inconsistent service quality
- Loud music, dirty restrooms
If you’re primarily seeking well-prepared Mexican food, Crack Taco Shop is worth considering. The kitchen consistently delivers on flavor, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
Just be mindful of the Value aspect, as some find the pricing a bit steep for what’s offered. With a Recommendation Score of 7.1, the restaurant generally earns a nod from patrons.
It’s a solid option for a casual meal, but managing expectations regarding service consistency and overall cost will likely lead to a more positive experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Crack Taco Shop
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.5 score, indicating a good culinary experience. Customers are quite satisfied, with 72.2% expressing positive sentiments. Many of the 288 positive comments rave about the delicious tacos, burritos, and especially the tri-tip, often highlighting the homemade tortillas and fresh ingredients.
However, not every dish is a winner. Out of 399 total comments, 88 pointed out issues like grease in burritos, bland flavors, and some finding the food overpriced or the meat too dry. It seems consistency can be a challenge for certain items.
Food
399
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
88
negative
23
neutral
288
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious tri-tip dishes
- Homemade tortillas
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland flavors
- Greasy burritos
- Overpriced items
Often praised
- foodThey have done everything right. We sampled about 9000 calories worth of food and every bite was amazing. Everything tasted really clean and fresh.
- FoodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best breakfast burrito in the area, and it was seriously so delicious and filling. The burritos are huge, perfect for a big appetite.
- salsasShe brought me all the salsas to try with my tacos. All of the salsas were good but I think I liked the "mild" green salsa the best in combination with the other flavors of the tacos. Everything is made fresh and you can tell the difference.
- tacosI love tacos and tequila, this is my favorite taco shop
- Mexican foodThe green salsa was also really tasty, with just the right amount of heat. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for great Mexican food at a quality price. I will definitely be coming back for sure.
- guacamoleI had the two tri tip tacos, flan, and churros 😋. All I can say is they were delicious and flavorful, with lots of guacamole. After you bite it, you can't stop; it's like crack!
- meatThe crack tacos and al pastor tacos were PHENOMENAL. The meat was so tender on the crack tri tip steak tacos and the meat was nice and charred on the al pastor to give it that authentic flavor. The lady working there was super friendly and helpful.
- rolled tacosThe first bite confirmed my suspicion – these were different, and in the best way possible. They were insanely delicious, truly 5 rolled pieces of heaven. I can’t get over how good they were!
- burritosThe guacamole, the churros, the burritos…top quality!
- churrosEach bite explodes with flavor. I highly recommend the Crackafornia Burrito (Cali B with WORLD FAMOUS Cardiff Crack) with some churros on the side! It's a 10/10 would recommend.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was overpriced and just unimpressive.
- burritoI've never had to use a fork and knife for a burrito before that fell apart from being overly greasy and having watery beans. It was also the most flavorless burrito I think I’ve ever had in San Diego. Apart from the food, the cashier that handed us our water cups pressed the lip of the cups against his greasy stomach to stack the cups together.
- FoodFood:1
- food qualityThe potato and egg burrito I ordered was 98% potato, and my girlfriend's was not much better. While the service and atmosphere were rated a 4, the food quality was a significant letdown with a score of 2.
- friesworst fries i ever had in my life
- ingredientsNone of the ingredients seemed fresh.
- margaritashad margaritas listed on their menu, but in store only had trulys
- meatThe meat itself was overcooked, under season
- tacosApart from the food, the cashier that handed us our water cups pressed the lip of the cups against his greasy stomach to stack the cups together. We also witnessed another table send their tacos back because they weren’t correct, and someone else came back in because they only received 2/3 of their order. I don’t know how this place even has 4 stars.
- BEANSBEANS (black from can with juice not drained even).
If you're craving flavorful Mexican food, especially their highly praised tri-tip tacos and burritos, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might lack consistency in flavor or portion, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot lands an average score of 6 with a mixed customer satisfaction of 56.2%. Many guests, accounting for 77 positive remarks out of 137 total, rave about the friendly and helpful attitude of the staff, often noting their knowledgeable about the menu insights. Youll frequently find praise for "fast" food delivery and a generally "welcoming" team.
However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing, with 59 negative comments highlighting some bumps. Common frustrations include special instructions ignored and missing items in orders, leading to order accuracy issues. Some customers also reported long wait times and occasional poor customer service, suggesting inconsistency in the overall experience.
Service
137
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
59
negative
1
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick food delivery
- Knowledgeable menu guidance
What people don't like
- Orders often incorrect
- Special instructions ignored
- Inconsistent customer service
Often praised
- serviceI enjoyed a very good meal, and the prices were great. The service was also excellent. I highly recommend this place and will definitely be returning!
- ServiceService: A+
- staffThe staff was very welcoming, attentive, and warm
- customer serviceI've been coming here since the place opened, and while the customer service has rarely been stellar, and at times even the owner wasn't the best representative, today was different. I can finally say that the customer service was stellar! Thank you to Sandy for being pleasant and providing great service.
- ownerIf you’re looking for quality Mexican food, I highly recommend them. And the owner, she’s the sweetest ever! The guacamole, the churros, the burritos…top quality!
- teamthe team will take great care of you!
- AlexAlex was so nice
- CarlosCarlos the manager on duty tonight!!!
- JoeI've already been back a few times since it opened. Joe at the front of house always has such an amazing attitude, and this team really cares about the quality of product they put out. Each bite explodes with flavor.
- SandySandy was very nice
Frequently criticized
- orderApart from the food, the cashier that handed us our water cups pressed the lip of the cups against his greasy stomach to stack the cups together. We also witnessed another table send their tacos back because they weren’t correct, and someone else came back in because they only received 2/3 of their order. I don’t know how this place even has 4 stars.
- servicetried arguing with me saying I never placed a pickup order
- cashierThe cashier looked like she she just rolled out of bed and forgot to shower......for a week
- waiting timestanding their for 15 minutes convincing her
- employeesMy experience at this shop was mixed. The food is great, but some of their employees could be very disrespectful. Today, one employee tried arguing with me, claiming I never placed a pickup order even though it was right on the counter.
- Cookthe cook told him that he wouldn’t remake the food.
- Englishdoesn't speak English well
- ServiceService:1
- attitudeHe gave me attitude when I asked
- basic, avoidable mistakeskeep running into basic, avoidable mistakes
If youre looking for a quick bite and friendly faces, youll likely be pleased, but be sure to double-check your order before you leave. While many enjoy the service, there's a chance of encountering some hiccups with accuracy or wait times.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to ambiance, this spot presents a bit of a mixed picture, with a score of 6.7 and customer satisfaction at 69.2%. Many guests (45 positive remarks) enjoyed the overall atmosphere, praising the great views, spacious interior, and cool decor. The relaxing vibe and super clean environment also frequently received positive mentions, creating a pleasant setting.
However, not everyone had the same experience, with 17 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Issues like sticky tables, overly loud background music, or less-than-spotless restrooms occasionally came up. Some even found the atmosphere unwelcoming or the space hot and stuffy, indicating a need for more consistent comfort.
Ambience
65
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Great views
- Clean interior
What people don't like
- Sticky tables
- Loud music
- Dirty restrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was excellent, and the service was great, with no wait time. The atmosphere was also very pleasant.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- locationThe staff is friendly, and you can tell they genuinely care about the food served. If you're headed to SnapDragon, I highly recommend making a CrackTaco stop on the way at their convenient location! 👏🏻💯
- placeMy experience at Crack Taco was always great, especially with their to-go orders. The team is friendly, the place is clean, and the food is consistently delicious. I also appreciate their rewards program for discounts.
- tableOn the positive side, the staff was nice and friendly, and the decor was cool. It wasn't too busy, and we found a table right away. I'm unsure if I'll give it another try or just go somewhere else.
- AmbianceAmbiance: A+
- clean placeGreat Food In a Clean Place.
- decorThe decor was cool.
- dine inBest to dine in
- environmentGreat environment
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was unfriendly and unwelcoming.
- BathroomBathroom was also filthy!
- background musicThe BACKROUND MUSIC was way too loud
- better nameId suggest a Better Name
- cleanlinesscleaningness of the restaurant
- hot and stuffyit was hot and stuffy
- musicMusic was uncomfortably loud the 2nd visit
- outside tableEvery single outside table was dirty
- restroomas well as restroom, despite no customers being in the store.
If youre looking for a place with generally pleasant vibes, nice views, and a clean space, its worth a visit. Just be prepared that some minor inconsistencies, like loud music or sticky tables, might occasionally pop up. It's a mixed bag, but often leans positive for a casual outing.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag. While some diners found the price reasonable, appreciating the Happy Hour deals and even a rewards program, others felt quite differently. Based on 9 positive remarks, some customers felt it was definitely worth the price for the quality and size.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a poor customer satisfaction of just 25.7% and an average score of 4. Out of 35 total comments, a significant 25 expressed frustration, frequently mentioning items were overpriced or a waste of money. Many felt the quality didn't match the menu prices, leading to a less-than-stellar perception of value.
Value
35
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
25
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable cost
- Happy Hour deals
- Rewards program
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Poor quality for price
- Waste of money
Often praised
- Happy HourHappy Hour is 3-5pm with only $3 tacos!
- PriceWorth every cent
- costThe cost was reasonable for the size and quality
- priceworth the price ❤️
- price per personWe experienced no wait and found plenty of parking in the free lot. It's a walk-in only establishment with a price range of $10–20 per person.
- pricesMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed a very good meal, and the prices were great. The service was also excellent.
- quality priceThe green salsa was also really tasty, with just the right amount of heat. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for great Mexican food at a quality price. I will definitely be coming back for sure.
- rewards programlove that they have a rewards program for discounts
- valueAs a regular here, I can confidently say the food is amazing. The service is great, and it also offers good value. Plus, it's a place where you can eat healthy!
Frequently criticized
- priceThe key to having people come back is quality and understanding what your customers want. I'm not saying give away stuff, but $5 for probably a piece of bacon and little sauce? Come on.
- overpricedThe food was overpriced and just unimpressive.
- $15 burritoThis was my third visit, and unfortunately, the $15 burrito still falls apart due to the excessive grease. As a San Diego native, I've only encountered three burritos that fell apart in 40 years.
- 3 tacos and a drinkI’m pretty sure the meat was cooked with no seasoning, it was so bland. This was very disappointing considering it was $20 for 3 tacos and a drink. The Service was rated 5 and Atmosphere was rated 4.
- amountvery little amount for what you paid for
- kids menuthey loose 2 stars for their kids menu
- menu pricesThe prices displayed on the menu are not the actual prices charged
- qualitythe quality matched the price
- spendingWhat makes it worse is that I always tip 10–15% for takeout, and I regularly spend between $60 and $120 on my orders. For that level of spending, the very least I expect is for my order to be correct. Instead, I keep running into basic, avoidable mistakes.
- taco Tuesday plate dealthey are no longer doing the taco Tuesday plate deal
If youre looking for a great deal, especially during Happy Hour, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared that many customers found the regular menu prices to be on the higher side for the quality and portion sizes received, so it might disappoint if youre expecting excellent value across the board.
How are the prices at Crack Taco Shop?
You’re looking at roughly $22 per person – reported by 123 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is $22, a good chunk of diners actually spend a bit less, often in the $11–$20 range, showing a nice mix of options around the mid-point.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 123 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 restaurant, especially considering the variety of price points available. It’s a solid choice for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Crack Taco Shop
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Mexican Food Gem!
As someone who is very picky with Mexican food, due to my mom's cooking, I have to say this place serves authentic Mexican food with high quality ingredients. This is hard to find. Do not look further; Crack Taco Shop is the spot.
I had their Tacos and was amazed. The birria Taco specifically was mouth-watering. I look forward to trying more of their menu.
Recommended 1000%.
- Mexican food10
- high quality ingredients10
- Tacos9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Absolutely Amazing Food and Service!
This is the easiest 5-star rating I’ve given in awhile. The Service was A+, the Menu was A+, the Food was A+, and the Ambiance was A+. It's good to know that they use NO seed oils and everything is fried in Beef Tallow, which is an A++++++++++++.
They have done everything right. We sampled about 9000 calories worth of food and every bite was amazing. Everything tasted really clean and fresh.
The Surf and Turf burrito was absolutely amazing, don’t miss out on this one. The Crack Nachos, fish taco, and pollo asado were all divine. We lucked out and got to meet one of the owners who was working tonight; he's a really nice guy, and you can tell how much he cares about the product he puts out.
Looking forward to trying the rest of their menu and being a regular here!
- Service10
- Menu10
- Food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Tacos and Service!
My experience at Crack Taco Shop was fantastic! I was hungry and the team there took great care of me. It's the best food to get at any time of day.
I've already been back a few times since it opened. Joe at the front of house always has such an amazing attitude, and this team really cares about the quality of product they put out. Each bite explodes with flavor.
I highly recommend the Crackafornia Burrito (Cali B with WORLD FAMOUS Cardiff Crack) with some churros on the side! It's a 10/10 would recommend. Go support this amazing locally owned taco shop!
- Crackafornia Burrito10
- churros9
- team10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Crack Nachos!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with the Crack Nachos. They are an excellent choice for sharing or enjoying on your own. They are delicious and satisfying, with the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The food was rated a 5, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5. Service was also excellent with a rating of 5, and there was no wait time.
- Crack Nachos10
- balance of flavors9
- balance of textures9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Delivery
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Wrong Order, Big Disappointment
I ordered the regular tri tip burrito to go. It was hot, so I didn't open it until I got home, which is a half-hour away. Unfortunately, it was NOT what I ordered.
I'm so disappointed because I'm not a breakfast burrito person, and that's what I received even though I specifically ordered the regular tri tip burrito. Make sure to check your order before you leave!
- regular tri tip burrito2
- breakfast burrito2
- order2
What Crack Taco Shop offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options and accessibility features does Crack Taco Shop offer?
At Crack Taco Shop, you can enjoy your meal with outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, or delivery. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
Is Crack Taco Shop a good place for families, and what dining times are available?
Yes, Crack Taco Shop is very family-friendly, offering a dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs, and is generally good for kids. You can visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with comfortable seating available for your meal.
What are the standout dishes at Crack Taco Shop?
Customers frequently praise the tacos, burritos, and guacamole for their flavor and quality, with many highlighting the tender meat and tasty salsas.
How is the overall dining experience at Crack Taco Shop rated?
Crack Taco Shop holds a 6.9 overall score, reflecting a mixed experience. While Food (7.5) is a strong point, Service (6) and Ambience (6.7) are average, and Value (4) is a notable concern.
Is Crack Taco Shop a good value for money?
Opinions on Value (4) are mixed, with some finding prices reasonable, especially during Happy Hour, and appreciating the rewards program. However, others feel portions are small for the price, describing some items as overpriced.