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oChef » Tacos El Gordo – San Diego
Tacos El Gordo - San Diego
Photo from Tacos El Gordo
Tacos El Gordo at a glance
San Diego Mission Beach
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 51 of the guests
#724 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#111 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Poor
4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
313
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly Service
- Pleasant Ambience
- Specific Tacos
Frequently criticized
- Poor Value
- Cleanliness Issues
- Operational Inconsistencies
The restaurant Tacos El Gordo is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant located right in the heart of San Diego’s lively Mission Beach neighborhood. You can enjoy a truly casual dining experience here, perfect for a quick bite with friends or family.
With its inviting outdoor seating, you’re set for a delightful meal while soaking in the local atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for lunch or dinner, offering a relaxed setting for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Tacos El Gordo
Tacos El Gordo offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating its vibrant ambience and attentive service. Guests often highlight the pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff, making for a generally comfortable visit.
However, the culinary journey at Tacos El Gordo can be inconsistent. While some praise the food, particularly the carne asada, others find the overall value lacking, describing it as a ‘tourist trap‘ and ‘overpriced’.
Poor
4
out of 10
313
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
202
negative
17
neutral
94
positive
Tacos El Gordo registers an overall Restaurant Score of 4, placing it in the average category. However, Customer Satisfaction stands at a rather low 30%, indicating a poor sentiment among a significant portion of patrons.
This notable gap suggests that while some aspects are acceptable, many guests leave feeling disappointed, a sentiment echoed across 313 customer remarks, with 94 positive and 202 negative. Diving deeper, the Ambience (5.5) and Service (4.8) generally receive favorable marks, suggesting a pleasant environment and attentive staff.
Yet, the core experience, Food (3.7), hovers around average, and Value (3.1) is a clear area for improvement. Many feel the pricing doesn’t align with the quality, contributing to the lower satisfaction despite some positive operational elements.
What people like
- Friendly, efficient service
- Pleasant, quiet ambience
- Specific taco varieties
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Cleanliness concerns
- Operational inconsistencies
With a Recommendation Score of 4, Tacos El Gordo presents a mixed bag. While you might enjoy the pleasant atmosphere and friendly service, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food quality and concerns regarding cleanliness.
If you’re seeking a reliable taco experience with good value, this might not be your top choice. It could disappoint if your expectations are high for authentic flavors or consistent quality, so approach with caution.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tacos El Gordo
Food (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners found bright spots, with 58 positive remarks among 214 total observations. Guests often raved about the delicious Carne Asada tacos, flavorful Fish tacos, and fresh salsas. The al pastor tacos also earned high praise, with some calling them the best they've ever had.
However, the overall sentiment for the food is quite challenging, reflected in a score of just 3.7 and a low customer satisfaction of 27.1%. With 147 negative comments, many experienced issues like dry and stale dishes, poor meat quality, and a general lack of flavor, often feeling like items were reheated or frozen.
Food
214
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
147
negative
9
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fish tacos
- Great al pastor
- Fresh salsas
What people don't like
- Dry, stale food
- Poor meat quality
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- fish tacosBut the second one was fresh. If that is what it’s supposed to taste like then its kinda worth it!
- foodfood were all great!
- tacosOMG out of this world great tacos
- carne asadaAnd the carne asada was really intense
- carne asada tacoscarne asada fries and carne asada tacos. It was so good
- fish99, and they taste very, very good. The tacos have the right crisp, the fish is moist, and I really love their tartar sauce. Overall, the service is very efficient & friendly.
- hot saucethe hot sauce was delicious too
- Carne AsadaOnly the Carne Asada was decent
- Carne Asada tacosCarne Asada, Chicken, and Fish tacos were sooo good
- Chicken tacosCarne Asada, Chicken, and Fish tacos were sooo good
Frequently criticized
- foodColi. Absolutely absolutely disgusting. The most embarrassing food I have ever been served in my life.
- tacosIt's important to note that this is not the Tacos El Gordo on Broadway. This particular location serves below average tasting tacos at above average pricing. The cleanliness of the tables was pretty substandard, and the customer service was not great.
- fish tacosMy boyfriends fish tacos were just a giant frozen piece of fish with no flavoring
- beansMy experience at the restaurant was extremely disappointing. The Burrito I ordered had No Pico, No vegetables, No Guac, No beans, No onions, and most importantly, No flavor. It was a complete letdown.
- FoodFood:1
- carne asadacarne asada tasted like barbeque meat
- carne asada tacoscarne asada tacos looked like tacos but it ends there
- fish tacoNot the best fish taco in San Diego as claimed.
- Mexican foodthe absolute worst Mexican food I've ever had
- TacosI was hoping for authentic Tacos El Gordo, but it was not the real deal. The tacos tasted like they were from the frozen section of a grocery store and were likely microwaved. Even my child, who typically eats everything, refused to eat their food.
If you're considering a visit, be aware that the food experience is a real mixed bag. While some specific items shine, the overall quality and consistency seem to be a significant concern for many. You might find a gem, but prepare for potential disappointment.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a definite bright side! Many customers praised the friendly people and efficient staff members, with some even highlighting a specific woman who worked there for being nice. Youll find mentions of excellent and friendly service experiences, where staff were helpful and quick.
This positive feedback, gathered from 14 positive remarks, paints a picture of genuine hospitality. However, the picture isn't entirely rosy. Despite an average 4.8 score, customer satisfaction is a poor 38.9%, largely due to issues like long waiting times and frustrating experiences with website hours.
Several reports, totaling 20 negative comments, describe poor customer service and unexpected closures, leading to a disappointing customer experience.
Service
36
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
20
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Efficient service
- Helpful people
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Unreliable hours
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceThe tacos have the right crisp, the fish is moist, and I really love their tartar sauce. Overall, the service is very efficient & friendly.
- peopleThe service, people, price's and food were all great!
- ServiceWhile the fish tacos were good, the carne asada tacos truly stood out. The service was excellent, with a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was also highly rated at 5, being very quiet. It's a great spot suitable for all group sizes.
- order in Spanishorder in Spanish for complete experience
- real locationGo to the real location.
- securityThe security helped me with my food and drink upstairs
- staff memberI ordered 4 carne asada California burritos, and they were absolutely delicious. The staff member was very nice, and the hot sauce was delicious too. However, the building appeared very dirty, which grossed me out.
- woman who worked therethe woman who worked there was nice.
Frequently criticized
- restaurantAs I'm writing this at 6 pm, it's still closed. I'm not sure what's going on, but it really sucks that it's never open when we try to go.
- serviceService was so bad
- ServiceService:1
- hoursMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The hours were not updated, and after driving for about 30 minutes, we found the place was already closed. This was not good.
- customer baseI would never come back. I apologize for this nasty review, but you guys can do a lot better with the customer base you have.
- customer experiencecared little about the customer experience
- customer servicenot great customer service
- false advertisement scamThis is false advertisement scam tricking tourists
- hours on googlehours on google need to be updated
- posted hoursposted hours on Google list it as being open
If you catch them open and staffed, you might just experience some genuinely friendly and efficient service. However, be prepared for potential frustration with inconsistent hours and long waits, which could easily sour your visit.
Ambience (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, many customers appreciate the laid-back feel and describe the place as a hidden gem, often highlighting the nice view of the ocean and beautiful sunset scenery. With 18 positive remarks out of 40 total, it seems the outdoor setting and kid-friendly vibe really hit the mark for some, contributing to a generally positive, albeit mixed, experience. However, the ambience isnt without its drawbacks, with 17 negative comments pointing to concerns about the building appearing dirty, the cleanliness of the tables, and the presence of flies.
Some also noted the lack of indoor seating and the place being quite small, leading to a customer satisfaction of 45% and an overall score of 5.5, suggesting theres room for improvement in these areas.
Ambience
40
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
17
negative
5
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great ocean view
- Laid-back atmosphere
- Hidden beach gem
What people don't like
- Dirty building
- No indoor seating
- Flies are present
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also a 5-star experience.
- AtmosphereWhile the fish tacos were good, the carne asada tacos truly stood out. The service was excellent, with a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was also highly rated at 5, being very quiet. It's a great spot suitable for all group sizes.
- Noise levelWhile the fish tacos were good, the carne asada tacos truly stood out. The service was excellent, with a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was also highly rated at 5, being very quiet. It's a great spot suitable for all group sizes.
- beachit’s right on the beach
- hidden gemHidden gem at Mission Bay.
- kid friendlyDefinitely kid friendly!
- laid-back feelawesome, laid-back feel.
- nice viewNice view of the beach and surfers.
- perfect placealways a perfect place for breakfast
- sceneryBeautiful scenery
Frequently criticized
- placeDuring placing my order, I felt regret, but there was no turning back. This place is TINY! There's nowhere to prep anything "fresh.
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- buildingThe staff member was very nice, and the hot sauce was delicious too. However, the building appeared very dirty, which grossed me out. I had to wait about 45 minutes for the food because the staff member was the only one there taking orders and making food.
- businessbusiness is not open
- cleanliness of the tablespretty substandard cleanliness of the tables
- environmentgood clean environment for the exception of the sloppy cooks
- establishmentthis is not an official tacos el gordo establishment
- fliesflies are everywhere that they got in the food
- fridgeOverall, if it were cleaner, I would highly recommend this place. The fridge holding the water bottles was also rusted and dirty.
If youre looking for a casual, outdoor spot with a great view and dont mind a rustic, no-frills setting, this place could be a charming find. However, if cleanliness and indoor comfort are high on your priority list, you might find yourself disappointed.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Regarding value, a few diners found specific items, like a couple of tacos, to be worth it, especially if youre already near the beach. Some even felt the "price" and food were "great, " suggesting that for a small number of people, the cost was justified. These 4 positive remarks, out of 23 total, offer a glimmer of satisfaction.
However, the overall sentiment paints a different picture, with a low score of 3.1 and customer satisfaction at just 17.4%. A significant 18 negative opinions frequently labeled the spot a "tourist trap" with "high prices, " often feeling "overpriced" or like an "expensive Taco Bell. " Many expressed strong disappointment, feeling they didnt get their money's worth.
Value
23
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Specific tacos worth
What people don't like
- High prices
- Overpriced food
- Tourist trap
Often praised
- priceprice's and food were all great!
- few tacosThe carne asada was really intense. It was definitely worth $10 for a few tacos if you're near the beach.
- worth itbut worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceHonestly, I was a little relieved to get them after peering into the kitchen area. I like freezer aisle taquitos, and these were fine, but I don't like paying $10 for only 5 of them. This isn't what REAL taco shop rolled tacos should be.
- tourist trapThis is a tourist trap
- Price per personThe "grilled" fish taco was less than desirable. I would advise others to buy one before spending $50 on a meal you'll end up tossing in the garbage.
- expensive Taco BellIt felt like an expensive Taco Bell.
- high pricestourist trap with high prices
- nameripping off the name
- overpricedAvoid at all costs - overpriced
- pricingIt's important to note that this is not the Tacos El Gordo on Broadway. This particular location serves below average tasting tacos at above average pricing. The cleanliness of the tables was pretty substandard, and the customer service was not great.
- time or moneyThis is not an official Tacos El Gordo establishment. Don’t waste your time or money here; you will regret it. The tacos tasted like BBQ or something sweet, definitely not street tacos.
If youre considering this spot for its value, proceed with extreme caution. The overwhelming feedback suggests you might find the prices steep and the portions or quality not worth the cost. Its likely to disappoint if you're looking for an affordable and satisfying meal.
How are the prices at Tacos El Gordo?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 51 diners. That puts it in the 11 – 20 € category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what folks spend, most diners clearly cluster around that 11 – 20 € sweet spot, though there are options for those looking to spend a little less or a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 51 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Diego.
For a Mexican Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It strikes a good balance, making it a solid choice for a tasty meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tacos El Gordo
1
Trademark Issue - Not Original Tacos El Gordo
My experience was marked by a significant trademark issue. This establishment is ❌👎🏽 not the Tacos El Gordo that was established in 1972. The primary concern was a trademark issue.
- trademark issue1
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Not the Real Tacos El Gordo
This is NOT the real Tacos El Gordo. The only REAL locations are Downtown Chula Vista and National City. That's where the OMG, out-of-this-world great tacos are.
- tacos10
- locations5
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
1
Burrito lacked all key ingredients and flavor
My experience at the restaurant was extremely disappointing. The Burrito I ordered had No Pico, No vegetables, No Guac, No beans, No onions, and most importantly, No flavor. It was a complete letdown.
No thanks!
- Burrito1
- Pico1
- vegetables1
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
1
Worst Taco Shop Experience Ever
CONGRATS… you have stumbled upon a review of the WORST taco shop in existence. Pretty sure it is a front. We got the shrimp tacos with a side of beans and it was lukewarm unseasoned shrimp.
We barely took one bite and trashed it. Worried this place will give you E. Coli.
Absolutely absolutely disgusting. The most embarrassing food I have ever been served in my life. I have absolutely no idea how this place is open, let alone running in Pacific Beach where good tacos are abundant.
I was so appalled I have never been so disappointed by a food place in my life. Unreal.
- shrimp tacos1
- beans1
- food1
Price per Person
- 1 - 10 €
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Tacos with a Great Ocean View
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The carne asada tacos were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. While there's no designated seating area, the view of the ocean is really great!
The food, atmosphere, and service all received a perfect score.
- carne asada tacos10
- view of the ocean9
- food10
What Tacos El Gordo offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What are the parking options available at Tacos El Gordo in Mission Beach?
When you visit Tacos El Gordo, you’ll find convenient parking solutions. There is free street parking available, along with a free parking lot. Guests often report that there’s usually plenty of parking, making your visit hassle-free.
Is Tacos El Gordo a good place for families and is it accessible?
Absolutely! Tacos El Gordo is considered good for kids, making it a great family-friendly spot for lunch or dinner. Additionally, the restaurant offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
How does Tacos El Gordo rate overall?
Tacos El Gordo holds an overall Restaurant Score of 4, with Customer Satisfaction at 30%. While Ambience (5.5) and Service (4.8) are generally well-regarded, Food (3.7) is average, and Value (3.1) is a notable concern.
Is Tacos El Gordo considered good value for money?
Many customers describe Tacos El Gordo as a ‘tourist trap’ with ‘high prices’ and ‘overpriced’ offerings, suggesting that the value for money is a significant drawback for many visitors.
What are the common opinions on the food quality at Tacos El Gordo?
Opinions on the food are quite divided; some praise specific items like ‘carne asada’ and ‘fish tacos,’ while others describe the food as ‘below average tasting,’ ‘disgusting,’ or lacking ‘flavor.’