Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » It’s A Taco Shop – San Diego
It's A Taco Shop - San Diego
Photo from It’s A Taco Shop
It's A Taco Shop at a glance
San Diego Midway District
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 57 of the guests
#655 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#98 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
244
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful tacos
- Quick service
- Unique building
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Difficult access
- Inconsistent food
The Mexican restaurant It’s A Taco Shop in San Diego’s Midway District offers you a truly authentic taste of Mexico. If you’re searching for a casual spot for a quick bite, It’s A Taco Shop Mexican Food is your go-to, whether you’re grabbing lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack.
With its convenient drive-through and dine-in options, you can enjoy delicious tacos and more on your schedule. It’s a favorite for locals seeking flavorful, no-fuss Mexican cuisine.
Overview: Introducting It's A Taco Shop
It’s A Taco Shop offers a mixed experience, often praised for its flavorful dishes, particularly the chicken tacos. Many customers appreciate the quick and friendly service, making it a convenient stop for a meal.
However, some find the overall value to be a point of contention, with concerns about pricing. The unique whimsical building and location are noted, though practical aspects like parking can be challenging.
Average
5.5
out of 10
244
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
109
negative
18
neutral
117
positive
It’s A Taco Shop receives an overall score of 5.5, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 48%. This reflects a balanced sentiment from 244 customer comments, indicating that experiences here can vary significantly.
Diving deeper, the Food (6.1) generally performs adequately, though some specific dishes receive criticism. Service (5) is also considered average, despite many positive remarks about staff.
The Ambience (4.5) is a bit below average, often cited for practical issues, while Value (3.8) struggles, drawing numerous complaints about pricing, with 117 positive remarks against 109 negative ones overall.
What people like
- Flavorful chicken tacos
- Attentive, quick service
- Unique building aesthetic
What people don't like
- High, unclear pricing
- Challenging parking/drive-thru
- Inconsistent food quality
With a recommendation score of 5.7, It’s A Taco Shop presents a somewhat mixed proposition. While it delivers on certain flavorful dishes and efficient service, potential visitors should manage expectations regarding overall value and the physical environment.
If you’re seeking a quick, no-frills taco fix and specific menu items appeal, it could be a decent stop. However, those prioritizing consistent quality, clear pricing, or a comfortable dining experience might find it less satisfying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on It's A Taco Shop
Food (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
It seems many diners have found some real gems on the menu, with 80 positive sentiments among the 142 total comments. Patrons often rave about the carne asada burritos, rolled tacos, salsas, and menudo, noting the great food and generous fillings that make for a satisfying meal. However, the food experience isn't always consistent, with 51 negative remarks indicating some bumps in the road.
The overall score for food stands at an average 6.1, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 56.3%. Concerns often revolve around quality issues, bland taste, and sometimes dry or soggy items, with reports of food poisoning or incorrect orders also surfacing.
Food
142
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
51
negative
11
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tasty burritos, tacos
- Flavorful salsas offered
- Fresh ingredients used
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Incorrect orders received
- Risk of food poisoning
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by fast service and good food. However, it's a small place, and on a very hot day in the Claremont area, the interior became extremely hot.
- FoodFood:5
- burritosThe burritos are pretty good too
- carne asada burritocarne asada burrito with rice and beans
- carne asada friesMy wife likes to order the carne asada fries
- chicken tacosThe chicken tacos are super flavorful.
- menudoThe menudo here is a religious experience
- rolled tacosthey have 10 rolled tacos for 11. Sweet deal
- salsasAll of the salsa on the side were great
- shrimp tacosMy mom loved their shrimp tacos
Frequently criticized
- foodI rarely leave reviews, but I'm losing sleep over this experience because we were very disappointed with this place, and it cost waaaay too much for the food. We came here on a whim because it's a drive-through that has been around for about 30 years.
- Carne Asada burritoordered a Carne Asada burrito but I got carnitas burrito instead
- breakfast burritoIf you order a breakfast burrito you will get fries not potatoes.
- friesyou will get fries not potatoes.
- meatWhile I don't mind paying more, the quality of the food has worsened. I ordered beef tacos, and the taco shell seemed undercooked, and the meat tasted as if it was spoiled. I was very disappointed for paying almost $6 a taco.
- menudono corn like a regular plate of menudo and no meat
- potatoesThey don't know the difference between fries and potatoes.
- tasteThere were also hard pieces of cartilage from the chorizo that I bit into. It just didn’t taste good at all. And for $16… ouch.
- Cali burritoMy sister's was DRY. No guac and mostly fries. I couldn’t believe we spent $30+ on this place.
- FoodFood:1
If you're craving classic Mexican comfort food, this spot might offer some tasty options, especially for its praised burritos and tacos. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as quality can vary.
Service (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a definite upside! Many customers rave about the fast and friendly service, with some even highlighting "Tony" for his exceptional attention. Folks appreciate the "super service" and "buena atención, " especially for quick and complicated orders.
Based on 21 positive experiences, it seems like when they hit it right, they really shine. However, the service isnt always a smooth ride, leading to a customer satisfaction of 42.9% and an average score of 5. With 24 negative mentions, issues like rude staff, slow and inattentive service, and frequently messed up orders are common complaints.
Some found the customer service horrible, with difficulties like unanswered phones and unaccommodating staff.
Service
49
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
24
negative
4
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, fast service
- Attentive to orders
- Quick drive-through
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Messed up orders
Often praised
- servicethe service is what will bring me back
- ServiceService:5
- TonyMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Tony always hooks it up, making it one of the most underrated taco spots for sure.
- attentionBuena atención
- complicated orderWe had a complicated order and the person double checked it
- customer servicegreat customer service
- drive throughit was quick at the drive through
- drive thruDrive thru shrimp tacos
- drive-througheasy to drive-through and order food
- employeesthe employees are super kind and funny
Frequently criticized
- serviceI really didn't like the service. I ordered flautas as a dish, and they gave me some extremely hard flautas that I had to throw away.
- customer servicecustomer service needs to be improved on drive trhu
- drive throughthe drive through is tight, and snakes around
- orderme hicieron mal mi orden no me la quisieron cambiar
- cashierman at the cashier didnt seem very welcoming and unfriendly
- closed twiceClosed twice in a row in the middle of the day
- customer servicesI ordered flautas as a dish, and they gave me some extremely hard flautas that I had to throw away. My wife and I wanted to use the restroom, but they don't have one, or at least they don't let customers use it. I believe a restaurant like this shouldn't open its doors if it doesn't have the services required by customers.
- drive-thru attendantseñor que atiende en el drivetru parece que pidiendo regalado está uno lo trata horrible
- family ordersThey even messed up my entire family orders
- ingredientsimpossible to hear her
So, should you go? Its a bit of a gamble on the service front. If you catch them on a good day, you might get quick and friendly attention, but be prepared for potential rudeness or order mix-ups.
It might be worth a try for a quick bite, but dont expect consistently stellar service.
Ambience (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Despite a score of 4.5, placing it in the average range, customer satisfaction for the ambience is a poor 32.1%, showing a clear disconnect. On the brighter side, 9 out of 28 customer opinions mention a positive Atmosphere, often highlighting a nice mural and good music. The whimsical building and unique structure also add a touch of charm.
However, the negatives are quite pronounced. Many feel the place looks run down, with concerns about restaurant cleanliness and sticky tables contributing to a cluttered atmosphere. A significant number of the 16 negative comments also point out the lack of an accessible bathroom or restroom, which is a major drawback for guests.
Ambience
28
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Nice mural
- Good music
- Unique structure
What people don't like
- Looks run down
- Poor cleanliness
- No restroom
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereAtmosphere:4
- convenience of locationcan't beat the convenience of location
- good musicAll of the salsas served on the side were great too. The atmosphere was enhanced by a nice mural and good music.
- nice muralNice mural
- structurethe structure is unique
- whimsical buildingComing out of Sea World and needing food for a late night, we found this restaurant nearby in a whimsical building. We ordered immediately and paid.
Frequently criticized
- parkingSuper hard to park to walk up to an open sign and a locked door
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- atmospherea cluttered atmosphere
- bathroomNo cuentan con baño
- building paint jobThe paint job on the building should have given away the quality of the food.
- drive through paththe drive through path around it is tight with a lot of turns
- drive-throughthe drive through is treacherous in a large vehicle
- head clearanceThe head clearance is low
- microphone speaker situationTheir microphone speaker situation is terrible
- placethe place was very hot
If a clean, comfortable, and fully equipped environment is important to you, this spot might disappoint. While it offers some unique visual elements and good tunes, the overall impression of being run down and lacking basic facilities could be a dealbreaker for many.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners did find some bright spots, noting that prices were sometimes quite reasonable, especially for items like burritos or chicken tacos. Some even felt the price per person was very fair, suggesting that certain dishes offered good bang for your buck. However, the overall sentiment paints a different picture.
With a low score of 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a mere 28% across 25 reviews (7 positive vs 18 negative), many felt the pricing was a major issue. Complaints frequently mentioned things being expensive, overpriced, or even a rip off, often citing extra charges or card fees that left a sour taste.
Value
25
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
18
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Some items reasonable
What people don't like
- Prices too high
- Extra fees charged
- Online prices differ
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was great! I found the food to be simple, delicious, and reasonably priced. The chicken tacos were particularly noteworthy, filled with plenty of meat and cheese.
- pricesThe prices are very reasonable
- price per personprice per person was also very reasonable
- reasonably pricedMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food for the location and it was reasonably priced. However, the place looks run down, and I don't think it gets much traffic due to the building's appearance.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe customer service on the drive-thru needs to be improved. The tacos were okay, but I felt they were not worth the price.
- moneydon’t ever waste your money here
- $15$15 for super nachos
- card feePlus it’s $13.38 if you pay with the card
- expensiveExpensive but they don’t scrimp on fillings
- extra chargesExtra charges for credit card use and extra anything
- in person priceswas told it was 16
- online pricesOnline prices don’t match in person
- paid extraI paid extra for it
- pricesthese prices are ludicrous
If you're looking for great value, this spot might be a gamble. While some found certain items reasonably priced, the overwhelming feedback points to high costs and extra fees. You might want to save your money or at least check current prices carefully before committing.
How are the prices at It's A Taco Shop?
You’re looking at roughly $18 per person – reported by 57 diners. That puts it squarely 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 spending right in this sweet spot, with a good number also finding options in the more budget-friendly $1–$10 range. It shows a nice focus on accessible pricing rather than a wide spread of premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 57 reviews.
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 in San Diego. It offers good value without breaking the bank, especially with those options for lighter spending.
Customer Reviews: what people think about It's A Taco Shop
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
4
Price Discrepancy on Chimichanga
My experience at the restaurant was marked by a significant price discrepancy. I ordered a chimichanga, which was listed online for $10. 50.
However, when I returned the next day, I was told the price was $16. This inconsistency in pricing was quite surprising and inconvenient.
- chimichanga7
- online prices2
- in person prices2
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Amazing Chorizo and Ham Burritos!
My experience at the restaurant was amazing! I would have shared photos, but we ate the chorizo and egg burrito and the ham, egg, cheese and potato burrito too fast. The food was incredible, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5.
- chorizo and egg burrito10
- ham, egg, cheese and potato burrito10
- Service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
1
Terrible Food Poisoning Experience
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to severe food poisoning. I ordered a steak chimichanga, which tasted okay, but the aftermath was devastating. I got food poisoning so bad that I can't even keep water down.
The food received a score of 1, and the atmosphere received a score of 1, indicating a very poor experience overall.
- steak chimichanga5
- food poisoning1
- Food1
- Atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Cabeza Taco & Burrito Mix
I've been coming to this restaurant for a while but had never tried the cabeza taco before. It was amazing; the meat was tender and flavorful. I also ordered a special made burrito with Carne Asada and cheese, along with some roll tacos.
I enjoyed the mixture of the burrito and the shredded roll tacos together, as it really brought out the flavor in the burrito. Now, the Tinder taco is my go-to.
- cabeza taco9
- meat9
- burrito8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Great Food, Convenient Location
My experience at this drive-through taco shop was very positive. The food was great and the prices were good. I appreciated the convenience of location, especially when heading to the beach or sports arena.
However, potential visitors should be aware that the drive-through is on the smaller side, which might be challenging for larger vehicles (taller than 6'5" or very long). In such cases, it would be easier to park and go inside. Additionally, there isn't much seating available, so be prepared for that.
Overall, everything I've tried there has been very good.
- food9
- prices8
- drive through6
- seating3
What It's A Taco Shop offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit It's A Taco Shop Mexican Food?
When you head to It’s A Taco Shop Mexican Food in San Diego, you’ll be pleased to find convenient parking. They offer free street parking and a free parking lot, ensuring you usually have plenty of options to easily park your vehicle.
Is It's A Taco Shop Mexican Food accessible and suitable for families with children?
Yes, It’s A Taco Shop Mexican Food is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a great casual dining spot for the whole family to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What is the overall customer sentiment for It's A Taco Shop?
Customers have a mixed sentiment for It’s A Taco Shop, with a customer satisfaction of 48% and a net sentiment of 51.6. While many appreciate specific aspects, others express notable concerns.
How does It's A Taco Shop score across different aspects?
It’s A Taco Shop holds an overall score of 5.5. Food scores an average 6.1, Service is 5, Ambience is 4.5, and Value is 3.8, indicating areas for improvement, particularly in pricing.
Are there any common issues customers face at It's A Taco Shop?
Yes, common issues include concerns about high and unclear pricing, difficulties with parking and the drive-through, and occasional inconsistencies in food quality, such as incorrect orders or dry burritos.