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oChef » La Morena Taco Shop – San Diego
La Morena Taco Shop - San Diego
Photo from La Morena Taco Shop
La Morena Taco Shop at a glance
San Diego Mid-City
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#473 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#55 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
145
Reviews
65.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Clean atmosphere
- Quality food
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Food inconsistencies
- Value concerns
The restaurant La Morena Taco Shop invites you to experience authentic Mexican flavors right in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Mid-City neighborhood. This casual Mexican restaurant is your go-to spot when you’re craving a quick bite that truly satisfies.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re dining in or grabbing something on the go.
Overview: Introducting La Morena Taco Shop
La Morena Taco Shop often earns praise for its well-prepared dishes, with many appreciating the tender meat and fresh ingredients. The welcoming atmosphere and consistently clean dining areas also contribute positively to the experience.
It’s a spot where the culinary offerings generally hit the mark for many patrons. However, some visits reveal inconsistencies, particularly with customer service interactions that can sometimes fall short.
While many find the overall price reasonable, a few experiences suggest certain items might feel pricey or lack expected flavor, leading to mixed feelings about overall value.
Good
6.9
out of 10
145
Reviews
65.5%
Satisfaction
43
negative
7
neutral
95
positive
La Morena Taco Shop holds a respectable overall score of 6.9, indicating a generally good experience for many. However, customer satisfaction sits at 65.5%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception among patrons.
This feedback comes from a total of 145 customer observations, with 95 positive remarks balancing against 43 negative ones, painting a picture of a place with clear strengths but also areas for improvement. Diving deeper, the Food (6.9) is a strong point, often praised for its quality.
The Ambience (9) truly stands out, creating a welcoming and clean environment. While Service (6.5) is generally considered competent, it occasionally receives criticism.
The primary area for attention appears to be Value (5.8), where some customers feel the pricing doesn’t always align with their expectations, leading to a slightly lower score in this category.
What people like
- Clean, welcoming atmosphere
- Quality, fresh food
- Friendly, attentive staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Specific food disappointments
- Value for money concerns
La Morena Taco Shop presents a mixed but generally positive experience. With a recommendation score of 6.9, it’s a place that often delivers on its promise of good food and a pleasant environment.
If you’re seeking a casual spot with a welcoming vibe and generally satisfying dishes, it’s certainly worth considering for your next meal. However, be mindful that some visits might encounter service inconsistencies or specific dishes that don’t quite hit the mark, particularly concerning value.
While many find it a reliable choice, managing expectations around certain menu items and service interactions will ensure a more enjoyable visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on La Morena Taco Shop
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, its a bit of a mixed bag, but leaning positive! With a score of 6.9, its generally seen as good, and customer satisfaction sits at a respectable 66.3%, indicating a mixed but mostly favorable experience. Many patrons rave about the delicious California burritos, fresh food, and tender meat, with 57 positive remarks out of 86 total customer opinions.
However, there's certainly room for improvement, as highlighted by 24 negative comments. Some found the food lacked flavor, with dry meat, soggy taco shells, or missing ingredients like sour cream. It seems consistency can be an issue, so you might encounter some hits and misses.
Food
86
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
24
negative
5
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious California burrito
- Fresh, tender food
- Homemade salsa
What people don't like
- Food lacks flavor
- Dry, unseasoned meat
- Soggy taco shells
Often praised
- foodthe food is worth the price and the time
- breakfast burritoscarne asada and breakfast burritos are good
- California burritodrive across town for the California burrito
- cheeseburger and friesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best cheeseburger and fries in my neighborhood. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the tables were always clean.
- meatThe meat is so tender and delicious.
- BunsBuns were toasted and warm
- Fish Tacosfish tacos, ... they are all awesome!
- FoodFood:5
- Mexican fast foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had some of the best Mexican fast food I've ever tasted. Everything was cooked fresh, and the meat was prepared only after I ordered.
- Shrimp Burritoshrimp burrito, ... they are all awesome!
Frequently criticized
- Carne Asada tacosCarne Asada tacos, and they were crunchy as hell-burnt.
- Deluxe Burritotried the Deluxe Burrito. Not impressed
- Mexican itemsYour pressing your luck. On any. Mexican. Items
- barely anything insideUnfortunately, I was not impressed for what it costs. The burrito was made with two large flour tortillas but contained barely anything inside, with no cheese or sour cream. WOW.
- beansthe beans tasted like Rosarito canned beans
- breakfast platesbreakfast plates were terrible no flavor
- carne asadaThe carne asada is harder than. Beef jerky.
- carne asada friesexpect the dish to be filled to the brim
- drinkshe didn’t even get my drink right
- flavorThey had absolutely no flavor
If you're craving a good California burrito or fresh, tender meat, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might lack flavor or consistency, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.5 indicating its generally average, though leaning positive. Customer satisfaction sits at 57.1%, suggesting a mixed experience for many. Based on 35 pieces of feedback, with 20 positive remarks, many customers rave about the family-owned business vibe, where they feel welcome and taken care of by kind and attentive staff who offer genuine hospitality.
However, 13 negative comments highlight areas needing attention. Some patrons encountered issues with phone service and ordering, describing interactions as not professional or leading to a wrong meal. There were also mentions of slow service' and a lack of attention during order preparation, which can certainly dampen the experience.
Service
35
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Family-owned feel
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Poor phone service
- Unprofessional interactions
- Order mistakes
Often praised
- servicethe service just as awesome
- staffkind and attentive staff
- customer serviceThe customer service made it even better! Great customer service and people all around. Thank you La Morena Taco shop for the hospitality!
- ServiceService:4
- amablesUn negocio de familia. Siempre muy amables. La comida muy rica y el restaurante siempre limpio.
- familyThey make you feel like family
- family-owned businessGreat family owned business!
- feel welcomeAlways feel welcome
- guy that takes my orderNormally it’s a guy that takes my order and is really nice
- hospitalityThank you La Morena Taco shop for the hospitality!!!
Frequently criticized
- serviceTheir way of providing service is not efficient
- customersShe talks about her customers for no reasons
- customer servicethe customer service suck
- ladythis time a lady came in who saw me waiting in my car
- order preparationprepared my order last because I paid with EBT
- orderingat the time of ordering they do not pay attention to your order
- phone serviceWhen I call, they just PULL-OUT-THE-PLUG-FROM-THE-WALL
- receiptshe was looking around for a receipt like I didn’t already pay
- wrong mealThey made me the wrong meal
So, should you go? If you value a warm, family-like atmosphere and generally friendly staff, it's worth a try. Just be prepared for the possibility of some hiccups with phone service or order accuracy, as experiences can be a bit inconsistent.
Ambience (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre immediately greeted by an atmosphere that truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, its clear guests adore the vibe. People consistently praise the clean tables, welcoming atmosphere, and the authentic feel of this clean little taco shop thats also a hidden little hole in the wall in a convenient location, based on 11 positive remarks.
Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the ambience. Out of 11 total opinions, there were zero negative mentions, which is a testament to the consistently pleasant and well-maintained environment guests experience. It seems this place has truly mastered creating a comfortable and inviting space for everyone.
Ambience
11
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean tables
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Authentic feel
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was so welcoming
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- clean little taco shopClean little taco shop
- hidden little hole in the wallIt's a hidden little hole in the wall but you won't be disappointed.
- locationConvenient location
- restaurantThe restaurant is always clean!
- restaurante siempre limpioSiempre muy amables. La comida muy rica y el restaurante siempre limpio.
- tablestables are always clean
- vibesThe place really feels like a Mexican joint too.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic, welcoming vibe and a consistently clean environment, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Its excellent ambience is a major draw, promising a comfortable and authentic experience from the moment you walk in.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers find things to smile about, frequently praising the good prices, decent price, and even great prices on offer. The convenience of EBT acceptance is also a significant plus for some. Based on 7 positive comments out of 13 total, the pricing often hits the mark, contributing to an average score of 5.8.
However, the value isnt universally loved, with some feeling its not worth what it costs due to unexpected fees or finding it a bit pricey. These 6 negative remarks lead to a customer satisfaction of 53.8%, suggesting a mixed experience where some feel the cost doesn't quite align with the offering.
Value
13
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices offered
- Accepts EBT payments
- Reasonable cost overall
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra fees
- Not worth cost
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- priceI made last-minute purchases for a small group gathering and was impressed with the great service. The food was fresh and tasty, and the price was reasonable. Its convenient location makes it my go-to place when I need good Mexican food.
- EBTthey accept EBT so you can't beat that
- Good pricesGood prices, too.
- Great pricesGreat prices as well
- decent pricethis one is still excellent and a decent price.
- pricesAlso reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- $0.50 feecharged me a .50cents fee for cutting it in half
- $58I'll just continue with tortas for now and definitely with no canned beans. Smh 🙄 $58 not worth it.
- extra 3 dollarsThen charged me an extra 3 dollars
- price was 2 dollars lessthe price was 2 dollars less
- priceyIt was a little pricey
- what it costsI came, I saw, and I tried the Deluxe Burrito. Unfortunately, I was not impressed for what it costs. The burrito was made with two large flour tortillas but contained barely anything inside, with no cheese or sour cream.
This place offers a mixed bag on value; you'll likely find good prices and appreciate EBT acceptance, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious diners. However, be mindful of potential fees or instances where the quality might not quite justify the cost, as some find it pricey.
How are the prices at La Morena Taco Shop?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 32 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 hovers around 21, most guests (a whopping 24 out of 32!) actually spend a bit less, typically in the 11 – 20 € range. It seems a few higher-end orders nudge the average up, but you can definitely enjoy a great meal here without breaking the bank.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican Restaurant. It offers good value, especially since many guests find delicious options at the lower end of the spectrum.
Customer Reviews: what people think about La Morena Taco Shop
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Fresh Mexican Fast Food
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had some of the best Mexican fast food I've ever tasted. Everything was cooked fresh, and the meat was prepared only after I ordered.
I'll definitely add this place to my go-to list when I'm in town.
- Mexican fast food10
- food10
- meat10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Breakfast Burrito Ever!
I had one of the best breakfast burritos I’ve ever had in my life! The machaca with eggs, beans, and cheese was incredible. The tortilla was perfectly cooked with those delicious brown spots.
I can’t wait to come back!
- breakfast burritos10
- machaca with eggs, beans, and cheese10
- tortilla9
Service Intent
- Delivery
Group Type
- Friends
Visit Type
- Delivery
9
Best Chicken Caldo Ever!
I was sick with the flu, and my friend sent me their chicken caldo. Omg, it was the best caldo ever with tons of flavor. It wasn't super greasy either.
- chicken caldo10
- flavor10
- greasy8
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Burnt and Flavorless Tacos
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing, particularly with the food. I ordered the Carne Asada tacos, and they were burnt to the point of being crunchy. To make matters worse, they had absolutely no flavor and very little to no toppings.
Based on this experience, I would not recommend them.
- Carne Asada tacos2
- flavor1
- toppings2
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Deluxe Burrito Experience
I came, I saw, and I tried the Deluxe Burrito. Unfortunately, I was not impressed for what it costs. The burrito was made with two large flour tortillas but contained barely anything inside, with no cheese or sour cream.
WOW. 🙁 ☹️
- Deluxe Burrito2
- what it costs2
- barely anything inside1
What La Morena Taco Shop offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- 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
Is La Morena Taco Shop accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, La Morena Taco Shop is fully accessible, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. You’ll also find convenient parking with free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space available for your visit.
What dining options are available at La Morena Taco Shop, and is it suitable for children?
La Morena Taco Shop serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert, making it perfect for any meal. It’s also very good for kids, featuring a dedicated kids’ menu to ensure everyone in your family finds something delicious to enjoy.
What is La Morena Taco Shop's overall rating and what are its strengths?
La Morena Taco Shop has an overall score of 6.9. Its strongest areas are Ambience (9) and Food (6.9), with Service (6.5) also performing well. Value (5.8) is an area with more mixed feedback.
Is La Morena Taco Shop a clean and welcoming place?
Yes, many customers praise the restaurant for its clean tables and overall welcoming atmosphere, often describing it as a “clean little taco shop” with good vibes.
Are there any common issues customers experience at La Morena Taco Shop?
Some customers have reported inconsistencies with service, including order accuracy and efficiency. There are also occasional comments about certain food items lacking flavor or not providing good value for the cost.