Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Tacaliente – San Diego
Tacaliente - San Diego
Photo from Tacaliente
Tacaliente at a glance
San Diego Egyptian Quarter
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#406 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#63 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
481
Reviews
70.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Welcoming Atmosphere
- Authentic Food
- Affordable Deals
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Service
- High Prices
- Parking Issues
The restaurant, a casual spot in San Diego’s Egyptian Quarter, is a fantastic Restaurant where you can grab delicious late-night food. When you step into Tacaliente, you’re greeted by a friendly atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
You’ll find a diverse menu with options for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian choices, ensuring a satisfying experience.
Overview: Introducting Tacaliente
Tacaliente offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its inviting atmosphere and a menu that consistently delivers on flavor. Many guests appreciate the fresh, authentic dishes, making it a reliable spot for Mexican cuisine.
However, the experience can sometimes be uneven, particularly concerning the service, which occasionally receives mixed feedback. While the food is a strong point, some diners find the overall value to be a bit inconsistent with their expectations.
Good
7.2
out of 10
481
Reviews
70.9%
Satisfaction
128
negative
12
neutral
341
positive
Tacaliente achieves a solid overall score of 7.2, reflecting a generally positive reception. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 70.9%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
The restaurant truly shines in its Ambience (8.4), often described as welcoming and clean, and its Food (7.4), which is frequently praised for its quality and taste. Based on 481 customer observations, with 341 positive remarks against 128 negative, the Service (6.8) appears to be a more variable aspect, sometimes excellent and other times less attentive.
The most significant area for improvement seems to be Value (5.8), where some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the overall offering.
What people like
- Welcoming, clean atmosphere
- Fresh, authentic food
- Affordable happy hour/deals
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Perceived high prices
- Parking difficulties
With a recommendation score of 7.4, Tacaliente is generally a worthwhile visit, especially if you’re seeking a vibrant setting and flavorful Mexican dishes. It’s a place that often hits the mark for its culinary offerings and pleasant environment.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and consider the pricing, which some find a bit high. If you can take advantage of their happy hour or Taco Tuesday deals, you’re likely to find a more compelling value proposition.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tacaliente
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Overall, the food here is quite impressive, earning a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 74.1%. With 197 positive remarks out of 266 total, many rave about the delicious tacos, fresh salsa, and flavorful carne asada, often highlighting the generous portions and quality ingredients. However, 63 comments point to some areas for improvement.
Some found issues with stale tortillas, inconsistent portions, or overall quality concerns, with a few even mentioning greasy food. It seems while many dishes shine, some aspects could use a bit more attention.
Food
266
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
63
negative
6
neutral
197
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious tacos
- Fresh ingredients
- Great salsa bar
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Poor quality
- Greasy food
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the food to be the best Mexican food in the area. The people were also great, contributing to a wonderful overall experience.
- fish tacosThe fish tacos were fresh and tasty, nicely prepared.
- tacosI was excited to try the tacos and carnitas nachos, both were amazing!
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great tasting authentic Mexican food, especially the fresh and delicious salsa. The atmosphere was clean, and the staff were incredibly patient and understanding at closing, making us feel very welcome.
- FoodEverything I tried here is good
- carne asadacarne asada and they were all so delicious
- salsaThe carne asada was incredibly tender and fresh. I also really enjoyed the tortilla and the variety of different kinds of salsa. The staff was very friendly, and the atmosphere was great.
- salsa barThey also have a full salsa bar with hot carrots!
- California burritoCalifornia burrito is the best
- birria tacosthe birria tacos were so good
Frequently criticized
- foodall food was extra cocked instead
- burritodisappointed in ordering a burrito I have NEVER IN MY LIFE ever had a burrito WITH NO ROCE OR BEANS
- portion sizeThe cashier was very friendly. My order was a birria taco, which had very little meat, one tortilla, and a lot of onion. It was like an onion and cilantro taco.
- churrosthe churros were very stiff and hard, almost like they were overcooked
- guacamoleguacamole and sour cream came on the inside which I was told both came on the outside
- meatshould at least be rolled good with some meat
- pico de gallodidn’t receive the pick that was supposed to come with it in the inside
- qualityquality and portion size have gone down significantly
- CA burrito$16 for a CA burrito. Yikes!
- Cali burritothe Cali burrito and it was average or below average
If you're craving authentic Mexican flavors and fresh ingredients, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially for their highly praised tacos and salsa bar. Just be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistent quality or portion sizes, so manage expectations for every single dish.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, youll find a lot to appreciate here! With a score of 6.8, its generally considered good, and while customer satisfaction sits at a 63.8% (a mixed bag), many guests rave about the experience. Out of 127 comments, 81 were positive, highlighting friendly staff, amazing hospitality, and quick service.
Many felt treated like family, with staff like Tanya, Matthew, and Tony going above and beyond to make visits special. However, not every interaction is perfect, with 45 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered staff rudeness, issues with order accuracy, and even unsanitary food handling practices.
There were also frustrations with language barriers, problems honoring stated hours, and difficulties with refunds or coupons, suggesting some inconsistencies in the overall service experience.
Service
127
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
45
negative
1
neutral
81
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Quick, attentive service
- Personalized hospitality
What people don't like
- Staff rudeness
- Order accuracy issues
- Unsanitary practices
Often praised
- serviceAs soon as we walked in, we were greeted and felt very welcomed. Our food was ready in less than 10 minutes! The food was delicious; I just wish I would have tried more of the sauces.
- staffa friendly staff that treats you like family
- cashierThe cashier was very friendly. My order was a birria taco, which had very little meat, one tortilla, and a lot of onion.
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceGREAT customer service for anticipating my needs
- Matthewthe absolute star of the show, was Matthew. What an outstanding man!
- MattMatt was awesome at letting us know the specials, taking our order, and serving us
- TaniaTania was engaging and happy to share recommendations
- TanyaThe staff demonstrated GREAT customer service by anticipating my needs when I asked to cut it in half, offering to pack the other half to-go. Tanya was the best, super friendly, super enthusiastic, and super cute. The salsa bar was a nice spread, and I was happy they had both radish and pickled carrots, which I'm a big fan of.
- friendlyMathew was friendly, approachable, and made us feel right at home
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service on both occasions was quite rude and condescending
- staffone of the staff not being able to find/understand any of the items
- attitudeBad attitude instead of being rude
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible customer service and the worst attitude from one of the staff members. I specifically asked for extra crispy tortillas, but instead, all the food was overcooked.
- food handlingMy experience at this restaurant was the worst. The staff member was making food while using his phone, which is unsanitary and unprofessional. He was also so rude.
- refundshe told me the fountain didn’t work and that she didn’t know how to refund the soda part of the transaction
- Taco Tuesdaydon't start taco Tuesday until 2 PM I have a lunch break
- Uber orderhad to Uber order and this is what I get
- absence of staffobserved an absence of staff
- attitude of the ladyThe attitude of the lady at the front desk
If youre looking for a place where the staff often goes the extra mile with a friendly attitude and quick service, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some guests have experienced occasional hiccups with order accuracy or staff demeanor, so keep that in mind.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner! With a good score of 8.4 and a fantastic 88.2% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Guests frequently praise the great energy, cleanliness, and welcoming spirit, often noting the family friendly feel and ample parking.
Out of 51 total opinions, 45 are glowing about the ambiance. However, its not entirely perfect. A few of the 5 negative opinions mention discomfort with the indoor temperature and some parking lot challenges, with a couple finding it difficult to find parking.
While these are minor points compared to the overall positive feedback, they are worth noting for a completely comfortable experience.
Ambience
51
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Very clean facility
- Welcoming spirit
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable temperature
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is warm and welcoming
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is clean
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere was great, and the place was very clean. The employees were nice, contributing to a positive experience.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- parkingI love this place! Parking is easy for Hillcrest.
- placethe place is always vey clean
- Hip Hop playlistWhile it was a little pricey, I found it worth it if you're really hungry and looking for freshly made comfort or hangover food. The background music was a great Hip Hop playlist, featuring artists from Tupac to Kendrick to Akon. We paid $37 for two people and were disappointed by the lack of complimentary chips and salsa.
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ample parkingIt was very convenient with ample parking.
- dining establishmenttruly is a remarkable dining establishment
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- atmosphereAtmosphere - not warm and inviting
- indoor temperaturethe indoor temperature to be quite uncomfortable
- parking lotParking lot is also very busy
If you're looking for a spot with a great vibe, clean surroundings, and a welcoming atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential indoor temperature fluctuations and consider parking options, though many find it easy. Overall, it promises a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers find some real gems here! Folks often rave about the amazing value and say its worth every penny, especially with their fantastic happy hour and Taco Tuesday deals. Out of 37 customer opinions, 18 highlight the affordability and great deals, making it a go-to for budget-friendly bites.
However, its not all sunshine and savings. With a score of 5.8 and customer satisfaction at 48.6%, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. 15 opinions point to concerns about high prices, feeling things are overpriced, and even some calling extra charges an extra dollar or a scam for basic items. Some feel portions don't match the cost.
Value
37
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing value
- Worth every penny
- Great deals offered
What people don't like
- High prices
- Extra charges
- Poor portions
Often praised
- Taco Tuesday dealTaco Tuesday deal is $7 for 4 tacos!! Like how can you beat that???
- happy hourthey have a happy hour as well
- PricingThe pricing is affordable
- affordabilityso affordable
- amazing valueMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I come here for the amazing value and delicious food. The chicken street tacos and beer never disappoint; they hit the spot every single time!
- coststandard cost
- dealthe deal is crazy good
- dealsCome for the deals
- great happy hourthey have great happy hour
- happy hour dealsAmazing happy hours deals
Frequently criticized
- priceThe meat was tough and tasteless. I specifically asked for beans in my burrito, had to pay extra for them, and received zero beans. 🤬 The final bill was $70.
- pricesAbsolutely ridiculous prices
- billOut the door was $70.00
- burrito12 dllr burrito is should at least be rolled good
- cash discount4% discount with cash was not provided
- complimentary chips and salsano complimentary chips and salsa
- correct priceThey don't advertise the correct price.
- extra dollarcharge an extra dollar for carne asada?
- extremely over pricedtheir extremely over priced makes them less valuable
- over $20for a quesadilla and some rice I spent over $20 not counting, though soda I was robbed on
If you're savvy about catching their deals like happy hour or Taco Tuesday, you can snag some truly affordable eats. Otherwise, be prepared for prices that might feel a bit steep for what you get, potentially leaving you feeling short-changed.
How are the prices at Tacaliente?
You’re looking at roughly $17 per person – reported by 80 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests, 55 out of 80, spend within this $11–$20 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 80 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Diego, especially given that most diners find it comfortably mid-range. Its a good spot if youre looking for value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tacaliente
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Burrito and Slow Service
Upon entering the restaurant to place an order for a California Burrito, I observed an absence of staff. Eventually, an employee emerged and inquired if I required assistance. I confirmed my need for assistance and expressed my desire to order a California Burrito for takeout.
Subsequently, another employee, who had been on a phone call outside, arrived and proceeded to the counter. I experienced a ten-minute delay before my order was finally processed, which I found to be an unreasonable wait given that the employee from the back had clearly observed me waiting at the counter. Furthermore, the California Burrito itself was unsatisfactory, primarily due to an excessive amount of cheese and a perceived lack of care in its preparation.
While my previous experiences at this establishment have generally been positive, this particular visit fell short of expectations.
- absence of staff2
- ten-minute delay3
- California Burrito2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Quesabirria and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the quesabirria with consume, and it was so good that I drank the leftover consume. The food was great, and I'm definitely going back to try more dishes.
The service was also excellent; Tania, who served me, had a great personality and made me feel welcomed. She even knew how to handle my friend Peter, who can be a bit much, lol. I highly recommend stopping by for some Mexican food.
- quesabirria with consume10
- consume10
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Taco Shop in Town!
No over exaggeration, this is the best Taco Shop in the city. The Asada is always fresh and flavorful, their Avocado salsa is my favorite, and the service up front is always incredible. Definitely recommending this to all my friends!
- Asada9
- Avocado salsa10
- service up front10
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Great Breakfast Burritos for Catering!
I had walked past this place numerous times as a local resident and finally decided to try it for breakfast catering for a work event of about 60 people. I'm so glad I did because their breakfast burritos were a massive hit! They were accommodating with selections to meet my group's dietary needs.
While they may not be a complete one-stop-shop yet, I would definitely use them again for something simple.
- breakfast burritos10
- dietary accommodations9
- selections8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Sweet Service, Will Be Back!
My sister and I had a wonderful experience at the restaurant. The service was incredibly sweet, making our visit very pleasant. We will definitely be back!
- service10
What Tacaliente offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Tacaliente Mexican Grill?
At Tacaliente Mexican Grill, you’ll find a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The venue is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Does Tacaliente Mexican Grill cater to specific dietary needs or preferences?
Yes, Tacaliente Mexican Grill offers a variety of choices to suit different diets. You can enjoy delicious vegan options and vegetarian options, alongside small plates perfect for sharing or a lighter meal.
What is Tacaliente's overall rating and what do customers say about it?
Tacaliente holds an overall score of 7.2, with customers generally pleased with the Ambience (8.4) and Food (7.4). While Service (6.8) is average, Value (5.8) is noted as an area where some feel the pricing could be better.
What are the standout positive aspects of Tacaliente?
Customers frequently praise Tacaliente for its fresh and authentic Mexican food, including popular items like birria tacos and carne asada. Many also appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, cleanliness, and great happy hour deals.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Tacaliente?
Some diners have reported inconsistent service experiences, ranging from friendly to occasionally rude. Additionally, the general pricing can be a concern for some, with a few finding it to be on the higher side, and parking can sometimes be difficult.