Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Harvest Taco – San Diego
Harvest Taco - San Diego
Photo from Harvest Taco
Harvest Taco at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 54 of the guests
#290 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#28 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
305
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Quick service
- Clean seating
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Rude service
- Cleaning odor
The restaurant Harvest Taco in San Diego’s Kearny Mesa neighborhood is a vibrant Mexican restaurant, perfect for when you’re craving a quick bite. You’ll find a casual and quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to enjoy delicious small plates.
Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, this spot offers a welcoming experience for you.
Overview: Introducting Harvest Taco
Harvest Taco offers a generally positive experience, particularly noted for its flavorful dishes and consistent quality. Many appreciate the fresh ingredients and the variety of options available, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
The salsa bar often receives praise, adding to the culinary appeal. However, some diners have encountered issues with the overall value, feeling that certain items are overpriced for what’s offered.
While the food shines, there are occasional concerns about portions and the perceived cost-to-size ratio, which can detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Good
7.7
out of 10
305
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
47
negative
23
neutral
235
positive
Harvest Taco generally earns a solid reception, with an overall score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 77%. This indicates a good experience for most patrons, reflecting a positive consensus across 305 customer remarks, comprising 235 positive and 47 negative observations.
The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring a strong (8), suggesting it’s a primary draw. While the Service (7.1) also receives good marks for its efficiency and friendliness, and the Ambience (6.9) is generally seen as pleasant, there’s a slight dip in perceived Value (6.1).
This suggests that while the quality of the meal is often appreciated, some guests find the pricing a bit steep for the experience, creating a point of consideration for potential diners.
What people like
- Fresh, consistent food
- Attentive, quick service
- Clean, comfortable seating
What people don't like
- Questionable value for money
- Inconsistent service issues
- Strong cleaning product odor
Harvest Taco generally delivers on its culinary promise, especially if you prioritize fresh ingredients and a well-stocked salsa bar. With a recommendation score of 8, it’s a place many find worth visiting for its core offerings.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the overall value proposition. If you’re seeking a quick, satisfying meal and are prepared for potentially higher prices or a less-than-perfect service encounter, Harvest Taco could be a good fit.
It’s a solid option for a casual meal, but managing expectations regarding cost and service consistency will enhance your experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Harvest Taco
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 8 and a strong good customer satisfaction of 81.7%, diners frequently praise the authentic Mexican food. Many of the 178 positive comments highlight delicious chilaquiles, homemade hot sauces, and excellent California burritos, often noting great flavor and generous portions.
However, not every bite is perfect, as indicated by 29 negative remarks. Some patrons found the food to be salty or greasy, while others mentioned issues with small portion sizes or a perceived decline in quality. A few experiences pointed to a lack of flavor or an imbalance of ingredients in certain dishes.
Food
218
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
29
negative
11
neutral
178
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Delicious homemade sauces
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Salty or greasy food
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Declined food quality
Often praised
- foodThe service is fast and the prices are very reasonable. The owner, Octavio, ensures that the quality is maintained and the food is always consistent. 👍
- salsa barThe salsa bar is better than anyone's
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They serve the best Mexican food north of the border. Everything is made fresh, and all their salsas are incredible.
- beefService was still very fast and friendly. The rolled tacos were good with a lot of beef. Guacamole and cheese were in the proper ratios.
- guacamoleI got a good-sized bean and cheese burrito with guacamole. It was very good, with the right bean to cheese ratio and a good amount of guacamole. It didn't need any salt and wasn't too salty.
- rolled tacosrolled tacos here for about 18 years and they’re still amazing
- Cali burritothe Cali burrito here but it is the best I've had in SD
- burritosI mostly have their tortas and burritos.
- carne asada burritocarne asada burrito and it was absolutely DELICIOUS
- chilaquilesWe originally went to get Country Waffles next door, but they were closed. We stumbled into this restaurant and had a delicious lunch of chilaquiles! The staff member working there recommended the red sauce, which was tasty.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was below average, particularly with the rolled tacos. I think I tasted something like cleaning solution in my food. Yuck.
- salsaI visited early, expecting exceptional service and fire food based on the ratings, but it was merely average. I felt I paid $12 for a $5 burrito with watered down salsa. The service was not bad, just average.
- California burritoThe California burrito is so small
- Cuban Tortadon't recommend is the "Cuban Torta"
- balance of ingredientsThe balance of ingredients was slightly off as some bites were mostly sour cream or shredded lettuce.
- burritosthe burritos for some reason lack something
- carne asada burritocarne asada burrito was short compared to before
- chile rellenochille relleno So small
- diet sodaout of diet soda when we were there
- drink selectionLimited selection on drink
If you're craving authentic Mexican food with great flavor and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention saltiness or smaller portions, so manage your expectations for consistency.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at a healthy 72%, its clear many folks are happy. Based on 36 positive remarks out of 50 total comments, guests frequently praise the super friendly and quick service from the staff and people working there, often noting theres no wait to order.
However, its not always perfect, as 11 negative comments highlight some areas for improvement. Some guests have experienced terrible service or slower service, with issues like a rude cashier or long waiting time for orders. The lack of table service' was also a point of contention for a few.
Service
50
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Welcoming people
What people don't like
- Rude cashier
- Long waits
- No table service
Often praised
- serviceAs someone new to the area and a big fan of tacos, I'm glad this restaurant was a convenient success. They always take care of me.
- staffThe staff was very friendly
- ServiceEDIT: I came back and ordered 5 rolled tacos with guacamole and cheese. Service was still very fast and friendly. The rolled tacos were good with a lot of beef.
- quick serviceI love this place for its great food and quick service. However, my last two visits were disappointing as we arrived after their posted open hours and found them closed.
- Friendly staffFriendly staff as well
- chefsthe chefs are generous
- customer servicenice customer service too
- daughtersExcuses about abuse, waste, and costs are not my concern; I just want enough to go with my meal, and that shouldn't be a problem. The daughters are far more friendly and generous with the salsa. The sooner they take over, the better!
- ladiesThe ladies are welcoming
- peopleNice people work here
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service is slower than other mex spots
- cashierCashier was extremely rude
- cashiering setupThe cashiering setup appears to be a middle aged mother and daughter team.
- motherThe mother always seems rushed and seems to give different service when addressed in Spanish versus English
- orderTHEY NEVER RECIEVED THE ORDER
- posted open hoursarrived after their posted open hours and they've been closed
- table serviceWe wondered if we just came on a bad day. They're charging restaurant prices for fast food with no table service. I don't get it.
- treatmenttreat your poorly
- waiting time2 HOURS OF WAITING FOR A DRIVER
Overall, if youre looking for generally friendly and quick service, youll likely be pleased here. Just be aware that a few experiences mention slower service or issues with the cashier, so manage your expectations during peak times.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Many folks appreciate the ambience here, with 14 positive remarks out of 23 total observations. Youll often find ample parking options and parking space, making your arrival stress-free. The atmosphere is frequently described as pleasant, offering plenty of indoor seating and booth seating, giving it a comfortable Mom and Pop shop feel.
Plus, the shop cleanliness gets a nod, contributing to a generally good vibe, reflected in a score of 6.9. While customer satisfaction for the ambience is a mixed 60.9%, theres definitely a lot to like. However, it's not all sunshine and roses, as 2 observations point to a significant issue.
A strong cleaning product odor has been noted, which unfortunately takes away from the overall ambience. This chemical smell can be quite off-putting, preventing guests from fully enjoying the dining experience and even masking the delicious food aromas, suggesting a clear area for improvement.
Ambience
23
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
2
negative
7
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Plenty of parking
- Good seating options
- Shop cleanliness
What people don't like
- Chemical odor
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the nice quiet atmosphere and the good prices. I tried a variety of food, including Birria Tacos, Carne Asada Quesadilla, rolled tacos, and French fries.
- Mom and Pop shopMy experience at this Mom and Pop shop was centered around their Authentic Mexican Food. The food was excellent, earning a perfect 5/5.
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- booth seatingMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the best kind of Mexican food, complemented by great booth seating. The salsa bar is popping and the flour tortillas are delicious.
- indoor seatingI didn't need the avocado since I had guacamole, so I'll try one of the red ones next time. The place was large with a good amount of indoor seating, and I also saw two small tables outside. I will go back and check out some of their other items.
- many seatsthey have many seats.
- seatingPlenty of seating inside.
- shop cleanlinessThe shop itself is spotless
Frequently criticized
- ambiencetakes away from the ambience
- cleaning product odorWe absolutely love Harvest Taco's food. While we used to dine-in many years ago, a strong, chemical-cleaning product odor upon entering significantly detracts from the ambience, preventing us from smelling the delicious food even at the register. We strongly believe that changing cleaning products and allowing the kitchen's aromas to fill the dining area would greatly improve the dine-in experience and business.
If youre looking for a spot with easy parking and a clean, casual setting, youll likely find the ambience perfectly fine. However, be aware that a strong cleaning product smell might impact your dining experience, especially if you plan to eat in. It's a mixed bag, so consider if that potential odor is a dealbreaker for you.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find the pricing to be quite agreeable. With comments praising the right price, reasonable prices, and finding it worth it, theres a definite sense that youre getting a fair deal. Out of 14 comments, 7 were positive, suggesting a decent number of happy customers.
However, the value proposition isn't universally loved, with a score of 6.1 indicating an average performance and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 50%. Some feel the items are high priced or too high for everyday, even noting restaurant prices for what they perceive as simpler fare. 5 negative comments highlight these concerns.
Value
14
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are fair
- Worth the cost
- Reasonable value
What people don't like
- High priced items
- Too expensive
- Restaurant prices
Often praised
- pricesI highly recommend trying their huevos rancheros and their sopas; you will never be disappointed. The service is fast and the prices are very reasonable. The owner, Octavio, ensures that the quality is maintained and the food is always consistent.
- priceThe price is worth it
- right priceperfect size for the right price!
- worth itthough worth it.
Frequently criticized
- High pricedHigh priced, though worth it.
- priceI paid 12$ for a 5$ dollar burrito
- refundNO REFUND WAS MADE
- restaurant pricescharging restaurant prices for fast food
- too high for everydaytoo high for everyday.
If youre looking for a place where value is a mixed bag, this might be it. While some find the prices fair and worth it, others feel its a bit steep for what you get. Go in with an open mind, and you might find a good deal, but don't expect universal agreement on the pricing.
How are the prices at Harvest Taco?
You’re looking at roughly $15 per person – reported by 54 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 right in that $11–$20 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, with just a few opting for slightly cheaper or more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 54 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican restaurant. It offers a good balance for a satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Harvest Taco
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Surf and Turf Burrito!
It’s been a while since I’ve had a delicious meal at a local taco shop, and let me tell you, this place did not disappoint! I had the surf and turf burrito, and it came out nice and hot. As simple as that, it was a perfect size for the right price!
Overall, I definitely recommend this place. The food and service were amazing compared to many of our local restaurants, which have raised their prices and lowered their quality and quantity over time. Thank you!
- surf and turf burrito9
- perfect size8
- right price8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
A Forgettable Burrito with a Stellar Salsa Bar
My epic quest to find San Diego's best burritos led me to Harvest Taco Shop, conveniently located near the Kaiser hospital. I ordered their veggie burrito, which contained beans, rice, cheese, pico de gallo, lettuce, sour cream, and guacamole. Unfortunately, the balance of ingredients was off, resulting in some bites being overwhelmingly sour cream or shredded lettuce.
This made for a forgettable burrito experience as my journey for the perfect burrito continues. However, I am awarding them +1 star for their impressive self-serve salsa bar, featuring spicy red salsa, guacamole salsa, chipotle salsa, and more. The service was friendly and quick, and there was plenty of seating inside.
- veggie burrito5
- self-serve salsa bar8
- service9
- balance of ingredients3
- forgettable burrito experience3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Consistently Great Tacos and Salsa Bar
My experience at this small family-style taco shop was fantastic. The food is consistently on point, and the salsa bar offers plenty of choices. I particularly enjoyed the variety available at the salsa bar.
- food10
- salsa bar9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Authentic Mexican Gem - Highly Recommended!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The al pastor burrito I had was a standout, described as sweet, juicy, and packed with flavor – exactly how it should be. The guacamole was also a hit, incredibly fresh and creamy.
It's clear they put a lot of care into their meat preparation and marination, as the taste felt genuinely traditional, unlike typical fast-casual options. The establishment itself is spotless, the prices are fair, and the staff are genuinely nice. It truly feels like one of those authentic, local Mexican spots that excel in every aspect – great food, positive energy, and no shortcuts.
This is definitely my new go-to spot near Kaiser SDMC. I highly recommend the pastor burrito with guac.
- al pastor burrito10
- guacamole10
- meat marination9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Consistent Quality, Worth the Drive
I've been eating at this place for over 10 years and have consistently enjoyed their food. I primarily order their tortas and burritos. Recently, I tried their California burrito for the first time, and it was very tasty.
It was well-seasoned with a nice creamy base, and paired with their green avocado salsa, it made for a delicious breakfast. You can't beat the staples here. If you're in the area or not too far from it, it's worth the drive for a good meal.
The food tastes homemade.
- food taste9
- food quality9
- tortas8
What Harvest Taco offers
Crowd
- Groups
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
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What parking options are available at Harvest Taco Shop?
You’ll find convenient parking at Harvest Taco Shop in Kearny Mesa. They offer free street parking and a free parking lot, ensuring there’s usually plenty of space for you to park easily.
Is Harvest Taco Shop accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Harvest Taco Shop is fully accessible. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Harvest Taco generally perform according to customer feedback?
Harvest Taco receives a good overall score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction of 77%. Its Food (8) is highly praised, followed by good marks for Service (7.1) and Ambience (6.9). Value (6.1) is seen as average.
What are some of the standout food items or features at Harvest Taco?
Customers frequently praise the fresh, consistent quality of the Mexican food, highlighting the excellent salsa bar and specific items like the rolled tacos, Cali burrito, and carne asada burrito.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners at Harvest Taco?
Some diners have noted concerns regarding the perceived value, with certain items considered high-priced. There are also occasional mentions of inconsistent or slow service and a strong cleaning product odor affecting the ambience.