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oChef » Huapangos – San Diego
Huapangos - San Diego
Photo from Huapangos
Huapangos at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 98 of the guests
#453 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#51 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
639
Reviews
67.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Attentive Service
- Charming Ambience
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Long Wait
- Loud Environment
The restaurant Huapangos, a vibrant Mexican restaurant in San Diego’s lively Hillcrest neighborhood, offers you a fantastic spot to catch the game. You’ll find yourself immersed in a casual and cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
With its inviting fireplace and dedication to sports, it’s a prime destination whether you’re looking for late-night food, happy hour drinks, or a full dinner experience.
Overview: Introducting Huapangos
Huapangos offers a generally positive dining experience, with many guests appreciating the delicious and fresh fare, often highlighting items like birria tacos. The attentive staff and welcoming atmosphere also contribute to a pleasant visit, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some patrons have noted that the overall experience can be quite pricy, and there are occasional concerns about waiting times for food. While the ambience is largely praised, a few find the environment can sometimes be a bit loud.
Good
7
out of 10
639
Reviews
67.6%
Satisfaction
183
negative
24
neutral
432
positive
Huapangos earns a solid Restaurant Score of 7, indicating a good overall performance. Its Customer Satisfaction sits at 67.6%, suggesting a mixed but generally favorable reception among diners.
This feedback comes from a substantial pool of 639 opinions, with 432 positive remarks outweighing 183 negative ones. Looking closer, the Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.7) are clear strengths, consistently receiving high marks.
Service (6.6) is considered average, while Value (3.6) is where Huapangos struggles, with many guests finding the offerings to be on the expensive side.
What people like
- Delicious Food
- Attentive Service
- Charming Ambience
What people don't like
- High Prices
- Long Wait Times
- Loud Environment
With a Recommendation Score of 7.1, Huapangos is a place worth considering if you prioritize delicious food and a pleasant atmosphere over strict budget concerns. It’s a good choice for those seeking a comfortable dining experience with attentive service.
However, if you’re sensitive to price or have limited time, you might want to manage your expectations regarding the cost and potential wait times. It’s a solid option for a relaxed meal, but perhaps not for a quick, budget-friendly bite.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Huapangos
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and a customer satisfaction rating of 75.3%, it's clear many diners are happy. Based on 204 positive remarks out of 271 total, guests rave about the delicious margaritas, authentic chilaquiles with mole sauce, and massive portions of unique Mexican dishes.
However, not every dish is a winner. Around 53 negative comments point to some inconsistencies, with concerns about the tortilla soup lacking flavor, birria ramen being a disappointment, and overall low food quality or cold food being served. It seems some items might miss the mark on taste and presentation.
Food
271
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
53
negative
14
neutral
204
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican cuisine
- Delicious chilaquiles
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Lack of flavor
- Cold food served
- Mediocre quality
Often praised
- foodMy first time in San Diego led me to this wonderful place after visiting the Zoo. I had a fantastic experience with the great people, delicious food, and charming decor. It's always rewarding to support local small businesses, and the owner was a great person to talk with!
- bottomless mimosasgot the bottomless mimosas and it is a great deal
- margaritasdelicious margaritas w fresh juice
- Mexican foodGood Mexican food that is really nicely finished
- all you can drink mimosasThis was such a fun place! We enjoyed the $14 all you can drink mimosas, and the service was crazy attentive. The food was really fresh and flavorful.
- chips and salsathe first round of chips and salsa is on the house.
- portionsThe portions are good
- FoodFood is great
- birria tacosbirria tacos were tasty
- brunchMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food and brunch options. The ambience was also wonderful.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at the restaurant started well with good service, but then it took forever to get assisted. When our food arrived, the plates were hot, but the food itself was cold and flavorless. The Birria Burrito was good, that’s about it.
- birria ramenreturn the “birria ramen” due to absolutely NO FLAVOR
- chipsNo nos dejaron ni chips mientras esperábamos la comida
- chips and salsaThe food was also not appetizing. For instance, after asking for chips and salsa over three times, and being told they ran out and were frying more, we were presented with a basket of cold chips. This was a truly disappointing experience.
- riceThe rice was too salty
- tasteWe also had to repeatedly flag down our waitress for drink refills. The cafe de olla tasted like syrup, not traditional. When the food finally arrived, it was just okay, not worth the long wait.
- French friesThe French fries were extremely salty
- J.T.'s sandwichit was a completely disappointment
- Mexican foodplease do not say it is Mexican food because it is not
- avocado and cortina cheeseit has none of those things!!
If you're craving authentic Mexican cuisine with generous portions and delicious drinks, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that while many dishes shine, a few might fall short on flavor or temperature, so choose wisely.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.6 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 61%. Many guests rave about the friendly service, amazing staff, and how attentive and welcoming the team, especially the owners, can be. With 136 positive remarks out of 223 total, there's a clear appreciation for the personal touch.
However, not everyone has had a stellar experience. There are 82 negative comments pointing to issues like slow service, excessive wait time, and feeling ignored. Some even mentioned poor service and a general lack of attention to detail, suggesting inconsistencies that can sometimes lead to frustration.
Service
223
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
82
negative
5
neutral
136
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming owners
- Excellent customer service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Lack of attention
Often praised
- serviceHuapangos is and will continue to be one of my favorite Mexican spots in the neighborhood. Every single time we go, the service is excellent, the food is great, and it's always a good time. Today, I ordered the Coctel De Camaron for the first time, and it was insanely delicious; the shrimp was perfect, and the broth was seasoned well.
- staffI visit this restaurant about every two weeks. My experience has been consistently outstanding, largely due to the awesomeness of the staff and the quality of the food. They even carry Victoria beer, which is a great addition!
- customer serviceThe food is excellent as well. I highly recommend going to enjoy a wonderful meal and excellent customer service.
- ownersThe owners are wonderful, sweet and good people.
- ownerOn Sunday evening, we happened to arrive at Huapangos late and were immediately and warmly welcomed by the owner himself. After a quick order, we were served very delicious food.
- serverI initially sat by the window for dinner but moved to the fireplace area when it got chilly. My server was the sweetest young man, and the owners were incredibly welcoming and friendly. This family genuinely cares about the quality of their food and the experience of their guests, making them perfect for the restaurant business.
- Ariangreeted by Arian who was on the patio and made us feel right at home
- wait timeWe visited on a Tuesday night. The food was very good (we ordered the platos tradicionales), the atmosphere was great, there was no wait time for a table, and the service was nothing short of splendid, thanks to Arian. Highly recommend, and we will be visiting again.
- OmarOmar was great, he kept our glasses full always
- attentiveAustin was EXTREMELY attentive, accommodating
Frequently criticized
- serviceI had hoped for another good dining option in the area to share with family and friends. Overall, Huapangos receives a poor review due to its atmosphere, service, and food presentation and taste. I hope Huapangos can improve and cater to all customers in the future.
- waiting timeMy initial experience at this restaurant was going to be a 2-star rating due to a waiting time of over 50 minutes for my food. However, upon speaking with the manager/owner, she was extremely apologetic about the delay and explained they were short-staffed.
- wait timeThe food was not good, and the service was terribly slow. Although there was no wait and we were seated immediately, our food took about 45 minutes to arrive. We also experienced no drink refills.
- customer servicecustomer service could use some fine-tuning
- orderonly for our order to be wrong
- staffstaff was a little occupied to check on us
- waiterour waiter looked lost in the sauce and honestly looked fed up
- serverWhat a scumbag server to change the tip
- 6 mistakesthe server did made 6 mistakes on our food and drinks
- attentionNobody came to check on us
If youre looking for a place with potentially warm, friendly staff and a welcoming vibe, its worth a try. Just be prepared that service can sometimes be slow or inconsistent, so it might not be the best choice if you're in a hurry.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! This spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.7 for ambience, with 81.9% customer satisfaction. Based on 86 positive remarks out of 105 total, guests frequently rave about the charming decor, great vibes, and lovely dog-friendly patio, often noting a warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for a good time.
However, its not always perfect. The 16 negative comments occasionally point to issues like loud music making conversation difficult, overly bright lights, or the place feeling cold due to an open door. It can also get a bit crowded, which might impact the overall atmosphere for some.
Ambience
105
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming decor, great vibes
- Lovely dog-friendly patio
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud music, difficult conversation
- Too bright, sometimes cold
- Can get crowded
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with amazing food and an awesome atmosphere. The food itself was a perfect 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere also scored a 5.
- decorMy first time in San Diego led me to this wonderful place after visiting the Zoo. I had a fantastic experience with the great people, delicious food, and charming decor. It's always rewarding to support local small businesses, and the owner was a great person to talk with!
- fireplaceHe even turned on the fireplace so Ms Eppi, Anna's 90 yr old mom would be warm
- locationThe location of this place is good.
- patiothe patio is so adorable and dog friendly
- seatingI've heard the brunch is awesome, so perhaps dinner isn't the best time to visit. I did notice that it wasn't crowded on a Saturday night, and seating was plentiful.
- ambienceambience was also wonderful
- covered patioLovely covered patio out front
- musicI always like the music that they play
- placeFrankly, I can't tell you if the food is good because I only had an iced tea. The staff was very friendly, and the place is nice, but not very Mexican. The prices seemed a bit high; for example, huevos rancheros were almost $20.
Frequently criticized
- musicmusic from the low quality speakers can be a little too loud
- Mexican decorFrankly, I can't tell you if the food is good because I only had an iced tea. The staff was very friendly, and the place is nice, but not very Mexican. The prices seemed a bit high; for example, huevos rancheros were almost $20.
- atmosphereatmosphere of the restaurant
- bathroomshe fell in the wet bathroom
- coldit was very cold
- conversationIt was so difficult to have a conversation
- crowdedCan get crowded quick
- door openMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The decor was charming, but it was very cold inside because they kept the door open, making it uncomfortable. The food was just okay, not special.
- lightslights are way too bright
- loudIt was way too loud
If youre looking for a place with generally great vibes, charming decor, and a fantastic patio, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that it can get a bit lively and potentially loud, and maybe bring a sweater if youre sensitive to temperature.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
Despite a low score of 3.6 and a customer satisfaction of just 15%, a few guests did find some bright spots regarding value. Out of 40 opinions, 6 highlighted great deal options like happy hour specials and bottomless deals, appreciating the restaurant's commitment to being budget-friendly for certain offerings. However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 32 negative comments, points to significant concerns.
Many felt the price was too high, citing instances of being overcharged or facing automatic gratuity. Guests frequently described items as expensive and not worth the money, with some even calling the prices insane for what they received.
Value
40
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
32
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great deals
- Happy hour
- Bottomless options
What people don't like
- High prices
- Overcharging issues
- Automatic gratuity
Often praised
- bottomlesscame here for the bottomless deal, which is a great draw
- budget-friendlyrestaurant's commitment to being budget-friendly
- great dealit is a great deal
- happy hourGreat happy hour.
- priceI've visited this restaurant a few times when I wanted a simple meal. It's worth going to and not very pricey. While it might not be the best in San Diego, if you're in the area, the service is great and they did a good job on the scenery.
- value of food and serviceThe value of food and service for money spent is great!
Frequently criticized
- priceWhile my enchiladas suizas were a bit tart, they were still delicious. My only concern is that everything was very pricy, and I don't believe the total bill of $77. 67 for enchiladas, carnitas, and two coffees, including a 20% tip, was worth the cost.
- pricesThe staff was very friendly, and the place is nice, but not very Mexican. The prices seemed a bit high; for example, huevos rancheros were almost $20. 00.
- $14 chargeincredibly disappointing to see the $14 charge
- $15I paid $15!!! For this !!!
- automatic gratuityautomatic gratuity in the bill
- bottomless mimosasThe bottomless mimosas aren't worth it
- chicken fajitasthe chicken fajitas were more than other restaurants $28
- different pricesthey have different prices
- drinkThe drink was $1 more than what was listed on the menu
- drinksThe fact that it's family-run is a plus, and the good location is convenient. While the food is pricey and so are the drinks, the atmosphere and friendly service made it worthwhile. However, for those with young children, the wait time needs to be minimized, especially in an area like Hillcrest which can be perceived as kid-unfriendly.
If you're looking for specific great deal promotions like happy hour or bottomless options, you might find some value here. However, be prepared for potentially high regular prices and check your bill carefully, as many customers felt overcharged and found the overall experience expensive for what they received.
How are the prices at Huapangos?
You’re looking at roughly $32 per person – reported by 98 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is $32, most diners actually spend a bit less, with the largest group falling into the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix of more affordable options alongside some premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 98 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Mexican spot. You get good value, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a more substantial meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Huapangos
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Good Portions, Great Service
I've visited this restaurant a few times when I wanted a simple meal. It's worth going to and not very pricey. While it might not be the best in San Diego, if you're in the area, the service is great and they did a good job on the scenery.
The food has good portions. I recommend the enchiladas and the soups.
- price8
- service9
- scenery7
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
New Hillcrest Favorite - Great Service!
We weren’t really sure where to go in the neighborhood for a quick drink and snack. We were very fortunate to have decided on Huapangos. We were greeted by Arian who was on the patio and made us feel right at home.
He brought us the best chips, salsa, and queso per his recommendation. This is our new Hillcrest favorite and we can’t wait to come back. Arian also mentioned December Nights to us; a nearby event that we just added to our itinerary.
Thank you Huapangos!
- chips, salsa, and queso10
- Arian10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Favorite Mexican Spot!
My experience at this family-owned restaurant was amazing! The food and service were both incredible. I also enjoyed the great happy hour.
It's my favorite Mexican place in the area.
- family-owned restaurant9
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Soup and Friendly Service!
I was craving soup and decided to stop in at this place since they have a cute patio right on the corner. The chips and salsa were delicious, along with my tortilla soup. My server was very friendly and helpful in food suggestions.
I will definitely be back!
- cute patio8
- chips and salsa9
- tortilla soup8
Service Intent
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Classy Mexican Experience!
My girlfriend and I dined here 2 nights ago and it was an amazing experience. The owner's son turned the lights down low and put some authentic music on. With the decor and the service, I felt like I was in a classy restaurant in Mexico.
The service was top notch and the food was amazing. The mole was the best I’d had in San Diego. Had an amazing conversation with the owner's son when we paid the bill and we had a lot to relate to.
I highly recommend a visit and we will no doubt be back!
- service10
- food10
- mole10
What Huapangos offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and meal times does Huapangos offer?
At Huapangos, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. You’ll find breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner available, with comfortable seating for your meal. They also provide catering services if you’re planning an event, and don’t forget to save room for dessert!
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can you expect at Huapangos?
You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere at Huapangos, perfect for relaxing. Amenities include an onsite bar, free Wi-Fi, and gender-neutral restrooms. For your convenience, wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms are available, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What is the overall verdict for Huapangos?
Huapangos achieves a Restaurant Score of 7, placing it in the good category. While Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.7) are highly rated, Service (6.6) is average, and Value (3.6) is a notable concern.
What aspects of Huapangos do patrons appreciate most?
Patrons consistently highlight the delicious and fresh Food, often mentioning tasty birria tacos and mimosas. The attentive and friendly Service, along with the charming Ambience, especially the patio, also receive strong positive feedback.
What are the main areas where Huapangos could improve?
The primary area for improvement is Value, as many find the prices to be on the higher side. Some guests have also experienced long wait times for their orders and occasionally find the dining environment to be too loud.