Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Señor Taquero – San Diego
Señor Taquero - San Diego
Photo from Señor Taquero
Señor Taquero at a glance
San Diego Banker’s Hill
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 60 of the guests
#199 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#13 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
365
Reviews
80.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great value
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Limited space
- Service issues
- No amenities
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican eatery in San Diego’s lively Banker’s Hill neighborhood, invites you to experience authentic flavors. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a satisfying late-night meal, Señor Taquero offers a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious small plates.
You’ll find it’s a perfect spot for any time of day, from breakfast to dinner, ensuring a memorable culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting Señor Taquero
Señor Taquero offers a compelling experience, particularly for its well-regarded food and excellent value. Many appreciate the straightforward approach to Mexican cuisine, finding the dishes fresh and satisfying.
It’s often highlighted as a place where you get a good deal for your money, making it a popular choice for those seeking quality without overspending. However, the overall experience can be a mixed bag, especially concerning the ambience.
While the service is often friendly and expedient, some visitors have encountered issues during busy periods. The establishment’s small size and lack of certain amenities are also frequently noted, suggesting it’s more about the meal than the setting.
Good
8
out of 10
365
Reviews
80.3%
Satisfaction
51
negative
21
neutral
293
positive
Señor Taquero earns a solid 8 for its overall performance, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong 80.3% customer satisfaction rate.
The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring an impressive (8.4), consistently praised for its quality and flavor. Similarly, the Value (8.3) is highly regarded, indicating that patrons feel they receive excellent bang for their buck.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 365 customer remarks, with 293 positive observations outweighing 51 negative ones. While Service receives a good (7.8), there are occasional reports of inconsistencies, particularly during peak times.
The Ambience (6.2) is where Señor Taquero shows room for improvement; it’s often described as functional rather than a key draw, with comments noting its small size and limited amenities. This suggests that while the core offerings are strong, the setting is less of a focus, aligning with its reputation as a straightforward, quality-focused eatery.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Excellent value
- Friendly, fast service
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Inconsistent service
- No parking/restrooms
Señor Taquero is a strong contender for those prioritizing flavorful, authentic Mexican cuisine and excellent value. With a robust 8.4 recommendation score, it clearly delivers on its core promise of good food at a fair price.
If you’re seeking a straightforward, satisfying meal without the frills, this spot is certainly worth considering. However, be prepared for a no-frills setting and potential service variations, especially during busy times.
It’s best approached as a quick, delicious stop rather than a leisurely dining experience. If you can overlook the modest ambience and occasional wait, you’ll likely find Señor Taquero a rewarding culinary discovery.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Señor Taquero
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a strong 86.6%, its clear most diners are leaving happy. Out of 216 opinions, a whopping 187 praise the fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and delicious tacos and burritos, often highlighting generous portions.
However, its not entirely perfect. The 22 negative comments point to occasional inconsistencies, with some finding the meat quality variable or the rice unimpressive. A few also wished the salsa had more kick or that the guacamole wasn't overly tart, suggesting minor tweaks could elevate the experience further.
Food
216
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
22
negative
7
neutral
187
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients used
- Authentic flavors abound
- Tacos and burritos shine
What people don't like
- Meat quality varies
- Salsa lacks spice
- Taste can be inconsistent
Often praised
- foodMy first night in San Diego, I was hungry after a long flight and found Senor Taquero. It's a rather humble locale, looking like any other cheap eatery, but this place surprised me with really good food. I had a delicious, fresh, and tasty fish wrap.
- tacosMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed simple, delicious tacos in downtown San Diego. They were inexpensive, and the double tortilla-wrapped ingredients allowed me to sample a variety of different flavors.
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely PERFECT. I had the asada nachos and pollo tacos, accompanied by a pineapple drink, and it was the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. The meat was cooked and seasoned perfectly, the salsas were super fresh and flavorful, and the tortillas and chips were perfect.
- burritosamazing, large burritos
- carne asada tacosadobada, carne asada and carnitas tacos and they were all delicious
- carnitas tacosadobada, carne asada and carnitas tacos and they were all delicious
- great foodwith great food
- veggie burritothe veggie burrito is exactly how one should be
- California BurritoTry these versions of the California Burrito out
- Carne Asada FriesThey serve excellent Carne Asada Fries
Frequently criticized
- salsawish I grabbed more salsa
- Horchatathe Horchita. It wasn't sweet enough
- Horchitaa little small
- adobadadidn't have the time to explain what his adobada was made of
- beef tacothe worst and most disgusting taco I have ever tried
- carne asada friesgot carne asada fries with french fries that were obviously fried more then once
- consistencyI wish there was consistency. ... I expected the same consistency on the food.
- cow tongueIs chewy and the skin is still on there
- foodthe food was really good so I decided to come back. Then I was disappointed. It wasn't as good anymore.
- food out hereHaven’t been too happy with all the food out here
If youre craving authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be minor inconsistencies or a salsa thats not fiery enough for some, the overall deliciousness makes it a solid choice for your next meal.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
Overall, the service here is quite good, scoring a solid 7.8 with a strong 80.6% customer satisfaction. Out of 62 remarks, 50 were positive, frequently praising the staff, owner, and fast service. Many customers highlighted the friendly, helpful team and their quick order preparation, ensuring a consistently good experience.
However, 11 negative remarks point to some areas for improvement. Concerns were raised about employees regarding refunds and being ignored during the lunch rush. Some patrons experienced communication issues and slow service during peak times, leading to frustration and a less-than-ideal experience.
Service
62
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Fast order preparation
- Accommodating owner
What people don't like
- Ignored during rush
- Issues with refunds
- Poor employee communication
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently excellent for many years. I've never been disappointed with the amazing service and the delicious authentic Mexican food. It's truly the best Mexican food I've found in downtown San Diego.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was positive. The food was prepared well by friendly staff. It's a tiny spot, but it offered a nice respite from all the hype nearby.
- ownerNicest owner
- Great quick findGreat quick find
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicethe customer service bumps it up
- dietary restrictionsaccommodating of dietary restrictions, which is impressive
- expedientI've been coming here for the last 2 years, and it's always been a good experience with great food. The gentleman cooking has ALWAYS been very friendly and expedient with getting your food to you.
- fast with the ordersfast wit the orders
- few minutesit only took a few minutes for the order to come up
Frequently criticized
- servicebe completely ignored by the staff
- cancel orderattempted to cancel an order
- employeeI had no idea that the restaurant was closed when I went to pick up the order. Instead of calling me to notify me that they were about to close, the employee basically told me he would not prepare my food and never offered a refund. I had to call another number to get a refund.
- kicked us outessentially kicked us out
- line upsOther spots had line ups out the door
- lunch rushstand in front of the register for 15 minutes during the lunch rush
- orderI called 3 times and got no answer. If the company did not call me back, the employee was going to have me leave without giving me my order or refunding my money. This was a horrible experience and I will never patronize this restaurant again.
- owner hung upowner hung up on me
- refundnever offered a refund. I had to call another number to get a refund
- staffHowever, the service can be a significant issue, especially during the lunch rush. There's a real chance you could stand at the register for 15 minutes and be completely ignored by the staff.
If you're seeking generally friendly and fast service, especially outside of peak hours, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that during busy times, service can be a bit inconsistent, so plan your visit wisely.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
Regarding the vibe, this spot scores an 6.2, placing it in the average category, with a 46% mixed customer satisfaction. Many of the 23 positive remarks highlight its charm as a hole-in-the-wall place or a local gem with a welcoming atmosphere. Guests often appreciate the cleanliness and cozy small place feel, making it a happy, authentic stop.
However, the ambience has its drawbacks, noted in 15 negative comments. It's often described as a takeout only place due to limited indoor seating and a complete lack of restrooms. The location in a sketchy area also raises concerns for some, suggesting it might not be ideal for a comfortable sit-down experience.
Ambience
50
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
15
negative
12
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Noted cleanliness
- Local gem vibe
What people don't like
- Limited indoor seating
- No restrooms
- Sketchy location
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was very good, and the food was very delicious! We enjoyed the food, the atmosphere, and the kindness of the person attending the place.
- placeThis place looks like it's been here a while
- hole in the wallcame across this hole in the wall
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- anime piano musicanime piano music prevents people freaking out
- cleanlinessimpressed about their attention to cleanliness
- hole-in-the-wall placethat hole-in-the-wall place that madness you happy
- late night stopa great late night stop
- local gemHighly recommend this local gem
- potentialThe cow tongue was chewy and still had the skin on, which should have been peeled off. This place has potential though.
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking is unavailable
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- atmosphereit ain't fancy
- indoor dining areaThere isn't a lot of room inside
- indoor seatingIndoor seating is limited
- locationThere is one con: location.
- no bathroomsNote: no bathrooms
- one tableonly has 1 mesa
- placeI have a special place in my heart for Machaca burritos, and this was one of the best I've had, hands down. The place is super small inside, which might be a challenge for a family with a stroller. I just got it to go and enjoyed it back at the hotel.
- restroomdoes not have a bathroom
If youre seeking a quick, authentic bite and dont mind a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall experience, this place could be a charming find. However, if indoor dining comfort, ample seating, or accessible restrooms are high on your list, you might want to consider other options or plan for takeout.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot generally hits the mark! With a strong score of 8.3 and customer satisfaction at a solid 89.2%, its clear that most diners feel theyre getting a good deal. Many praise the price, value, bang for buck, and daily specials, often noting the price to taste ratio is awesome, making it feel worth it for the quality you receive, as seen in 33 positive remarks.
However, a few voices, just 3 out of 37 total comments, suggest that some items, particularly burritos, can be a little expensive. While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, its worth noting that not every single menu item might feel like a steal to everyone, especially if you're expecting rock-bottom prices across the board.
Value
37
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent price to taste
- Great bang for buck
- Reasonable daily specials
What people don't like
- Burritos can be pricey
Often praised
- priceThe food was served hot and was absolutely delicious. For anyone seeking a good Mexican restaurant with a good price, this is definitely the place to go.
- pricesno frills Mexican food at honest prices
- valueUnlike other spots with long lines, this place was just slightly off the beaten track, allowing me to get in right away. Although the interior is small, the food was incredibly fresh and offered good value.
- 3 tacos for less than 9 bucks3 tacos for less than 9 bucks was a great deal
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- bang for buckbest bang for buck
- cost efficientcost efficient
- cost/valueOne of the better values if cost/value is focus.
- daily specialsGreat daily specials, three tacos $8
- dealVery tasty deal!!
Frequently criticized
- $60 refundinquired about a $60 refund
- burritosPrices a bit steep for burritos
- expensiveA little expensive
If youre looking for great food that wont break the bank, especially for tacos and daily specials, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that a few specific items, like burritos, might lean a bit pricier than expected for some. Overall, it's a solid choice for value.
How are the prices at Señor Taquero?
Expect to pay about $13 per person, based on 60 reviews. That places it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s fair – not the cheapest, but reasonable for quick bites.
Looking at the price distribution, most diners spend in the $11–$20 range, with a good number also finding options under $10. This shows a clear focus on value.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 60 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Mexican Restaurant, especially given the variety of options available to suit different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Señor Taquero
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Tiny Spot, Huge Flavor!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The tacos, specifically the adobado and carne asada, were SO good. I also highly recommend not missing the fresh salsas, which were the cherry on top.
My husband raved about the carne asada sandwich, calling it *chef’s kiss*. It is a tiny spot with limited seating, so keep that in mind when you visit, but you will NOT be disappointed.
- tacos10
- adobado tacos10
- carne asada tacos10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best restaurant ever, amazing service!
What an experience at this restaurant! It's the best restaurant in the world 😋. The waiter's attitude was incredibly good; they even gifted us food 🤣🤣.
I will definitely be back.
- best restaurant10
- waiter's attitude10
- gifted us food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Hidden Gem for Flavorful Tacos
My experience at this restaurant was that of discovering a hidden gem for Mexican food. While it's not as fancy as other taco shops in the neighborhood, the carnitas and asada tacos were bursting with flavor and served in a traditional style. The menu is surprisingly large, offering more than just tacos.
Although the indoor dining area doesn't offer much space and the atmosphere isn't fancy, the food quality is where it truly shines. Plus, the prices can't be beat.
- carnitas tacos10
- asada tacos10
- menu8
- indoor dining area4
- atmosphere3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Carne Asada Taco Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I had the carne asada taco, and it was absolutely gorgeous. It was significantly better than other popular taco places and main chains.
The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5.
- carne asada taco10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Great Tacos, Worth a Return Visit
My wife and I were visiting the area and stumbled upon this place while looking for something to eat. The restaurant is very small inside, and a fan creates a moderate noise level. We ordered the 2 taco plate, which includes any two tacos with rice and beans.
We chose three fish tacos and one shrimp taco. The tacos were great, and the beans were good. However, the rice was unimpressive.
We would eat there again and again to try all the different menu items. I do recommend this place.
- tacos9
- beans7
- moderate noise level6
- rice4
- small inside4
What Señor Taquero offers
Crowd
- College students
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
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Does Señor Taquero offer convenient parking and accessibility?
Yes, when you visit Señor Taquero in San Diego, you’ll find free street parking readily available, making your stop hassle-free. Additionally, the restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
What dining times and service options are available at Señor Taquero?
Señor Taquero serves you throughout the day, offering delicious Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For your convenience, they provide no-contact delivery, standard delivery, takeout, and a comfortable dine-in experience.
How does Señor Taquero rate overall?
Señor Taquero holds a good overall score of 8. Its Food (8.4) and Value (8.3) are highly rated, while Service (7.8) is good, and Ambience (6.2) is noted as more functional.
What kind of food can I expect at Señor Taquero?
You can expect delicious, fresh, and authentic Mexican food, with popular items including tacos, burritos, and carne asada fries. Many find the meat perfectly cooked and salsas fresh.
What should I know about the dining experience and facilities?
Señor Taquero is a small, no-frills establishment with limited indoor seating and no public restrooms. Parking can also be difficult, so it’s often best for a quick meal or takeout.