Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Tacos El Trompo – San Diego
Tacos El Trompo - San Diego
Photo from Tacos El Trompo
Tacos El Trompo at a glance
San Diego Barrio Logan
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 86 of the guests
#600 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#86 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
400
Reviews
56.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Tacos
- Great Value
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Service
- Parking Issues
- Hidden Fees
The restaurant Tacos El Trompo “A Mexican Tradition” is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant nestled in the heart of San Diego’s lively Barrio Logan. You’ll discover a casual spot perfect for a quick bite, whether you’re craving authentic flavors for lunch or dinner.
This welcoming eatery offers a true taste of Mexico, making it a local favorite for delicious and convenient dining.
Overview: Introducting Tacos El Trompo
Tacos El Trompo offers a straightforward taco experience where the focus is clearly on the food. Many patrons appreciate the generous portions and authentic flavors, making it a reliable choice for a quick meal.
However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies with the overall dining experience, particularly regarding how they are treated. While the culinary offerings, especially the tacos and Taco Tuesday deal, often hit the mark, the establishment faces challenges in other areas.
Issues with customer service and the general upkeep of the facilities, such as the bathrooms, can detract from an otherwise pleasant visit.
Average
6
out of 10
400
Reviews
56.3%
Satisfaction
153
negative
22
neutral
225
positive
Tacos El Trompo registers an overall Restaurant Score of 6, placing it squarely in the average category. This is mirrored by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 56.3%, indicating a mixed reception from its patrons.
With 400 customer observations, including 225 positive and 153 negative remarks, there’s a clear picture of what works and what needs attention. The Food (6.6) and Value (6.6) are definite strong points, consistently earning good marks and driving much of the positive feedback.
However, the Ambience (5.7) hovers around average, and Service (4.5) lags behind, suggesting that while the food and pricing are appealing, the overall experience can be somewhat inconsistent.
What people like
- Delicious Tacos
- Great Taco Deals
- Friendly Staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service
- Parking Difficulties
- Extra Charges
If you’re primarily seeking a good, affordable taco fix, Tacos El Trompo is worth considering, especially for their popular Taco Tuesday deals. The food quality and pricing often deliver, making it a solid option for a casual meal where the culinary experience takes precedence over other factors.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and some minor inconveniences regarding the facilities or parking. With a Recommendation Score of 6.5, it’s a place that satisfies many but might not impress those looking for a polished dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tacos El Trompo
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to chew on! With 148 positive remarks out of 234 total, many diners rave about delicious items like the fish tacos, surf and turf quesadillas, and machaca burritos. The handmade tortillas and flavorful meat also frequently earn high praise, contributing to an overall 6.6 score.
However, the food experience isnt always perfect, with 73 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some found dishes like the adobada to be salty or dry, while others noted small portions or a general lack of flavor. Customer satisfaction sits at a 63.2%, indicating a mixed bag where consistency could be key.
Food
234
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
73
negative
13
neutral
148
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious tacos and burritos
- Flavorful meat
- Handmade tortillas
What people don't like
- Salty or dry food
- Inconsistent portions
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodService and food are always great.
- tacosI found the best Taco Tuesday deal in Barrio Logan. They offer a wide selection of tacos for just $1. 50 each, and they are generous with the toppings.
- Taco TuesdayThis is a very authentic taco spot. I went here on Taco Tuesday and it was mad decent, with really good prices. I don't think this is the best spot for a vegetarian, as there were fish tacos, beef, pork, and chicken options.
- FoodFood:5
- menudoThe menudo with fresh corn tortillas and the chilaquiles con huevo
- fish tacosI had the fish tacos and asada tacos. Very good.
- adobada tacosthe adobada tacos are nearly as good
- asada tacosI had the fish tacos and asada tacos. Very good.
- carne asada tortaI had an amazing lunch experience at this spot. I tried the menudo, carne asada torta, tacos de carne asada, and tacos de lengua. I'd always seen this place on my way to downtown and finally decided to try it, and it was so worth the decision.
- guacamolegood amount of guacamole which is a plus
Frequently criticized
- tacos50. I'm glad I got them on the side because the tacos were seriously lacking. It seems this is a normal occurrence, as I've spoken to others who have had similar experiences.
- foodHowever, I only received 3 small portions of sauce. As a Mexican, I dislike dry food, and unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy my meal. I ended up having to throw it away.
- MeatMy experience at this restaurant was solid mediocre. I ordered a Carne asada burrito, and it was unfortunately majority tortilla with barely any meat. The seasoning was also just 'meh'.
- adobadaadobada ... me cae muy pesado y me duele la panza
- burritothe burrito was not hot
- meatthe meat was very chewy
- saucesI ordered the carne asada with a large potato plate and requested 5 red sauces, 5 green sauces, and lemons. However, I only received 3 small portions of sauce. As a Mexican, I dislike dry food, and unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy my meal.
- tortillasThe food is tasty, the only reason I gave it 4 stars was because of the portion size and because it was more masa than meat. The tortillas are getting smaller every time I visit. I've included a photo of the mulita I received this time.
- Carne asada burritoit was majority tortilla, barely any meat
- Carne asada tacosThe Carne asada tacos are a bit salty.
If youre craving authentic Mexican flavors and dont mind a bit of hit-or-miss, this spot could be worth a try, especially for their highly-rated tacos and burritos. Just be aware that some dishes might lack consistency in seasoning or portion size, so choose wisely.
Service (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a definite bright side! Many customers rave about the friendly staff and fast and friendly interactions, with special shout-outs to individuals like Juan for world-class customer service. You might even experience the joy of skipping the lines!
With 34 positive remarks, its clear that when service shines, it really makes an impression. However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing. With a score of 4.5 (average) and customer satisfaction at 40% (mixed), theres a noticeable contrast.
Many of the 49 negative comments point to issues with rude cashiers, unprofessional behavior, and frustratingly long waiting times or slow preparation. It seems the service can be a bit of a mixed bag.
Service
85
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
49
negative
2
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, dedicated staff
- Quick service
- Easy ordering
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Long wait times
- Slow order prep
Often praised
- serviceJuan, thank you so much for being the definition of world-class customer service, brother. The way you treated me today makes me want to come eat here every single day. God bless you.
- ServiceService:5
- staffSuper nice staff, they want you to enjoy their delicious food
- customer serviceJuan many thanks for being the definition of world class customer service
- JuanJuan working there is super nice
- cashiercashier was friendly and explained foods and flavors
- dedication to be there for usdedication to be there for us is remarkable
- easy goingThey were easy going
- everyoneeveryone is so friendly!
- fast and friendlyFast and friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceHorrible service don't come here they give you the wrong food and still give attitude
- cashiershe starts giving me a lecture on how the sauce was at the bar
- customer serviceThe problem here was the customer service. The attitude coming out of the cashier was bad.
- lady at the frontThe lady at the front ignored us standing at the front
- waiting timeI come to this restaurant often, and honestly, today the service was bad. They took too long, and if you wanted napkins, you had to ask for them. The cooks were getting all the orders wrong.
- Isabelhorrible service provided by an employee named Isabel
- adobada tacosthey shorted us 2 adobada tacos
- couponI asked the cashier if she would honor the cupon she says aww I'm sorry we don't do that anymore
- drive and waitmakes me drive and wait
- friendlinessla persona que nos atendió ni un gramo de amabilidad
Overall, service here can be a bit of a gamble. If you catch them on a good day with the right staff, you'll likely have a quick and pleasant experience. However, be prepared for potential delays and inconsistent attitudes, which might make you think twice before visiting during peak hours.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a somewhat positive experience, with a score of 5.7 and 50% customer satisfaction, indicating a mixed bag. Many appreciate the clean dining area and overall atmosphere, often noting the great music and convenient location. Some even highlight the wheelchair accessibility, making it a welcoming place for many.
However, based on 21 negative opinions among 50 total, there are definite areas for improvement. A recurring concern revolves around the restrooms, with many finding them dirty or even unavailable. Parking can also be a challenge, and some guests have mentioned issues like dirty tables or the restaurant being uncomfortably hot inside.
Ambience
50
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
21
negative
4
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean dining area
- Good music selection
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- Restrooms often problematic
- Parking often difficult
- Indoor temperature uncomfortable
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service, music, and atmosphere was great
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeMy experience at this spot was positive overall. It's a good small place with good service and good prices. The only issue is its proximity to Imperial Express Chinese food, which is 'bomb' and has delicious food.
- parking lotParking lot in the shopping center
- ambiancegreat ambiance
- clean dining areaclean dining area
- dining areaNice dining area
- great additionThis restaurant is a great addition to IB.
- locationgreat location off the freeway and next to Chicano Park
- musicThe service, music, and atmosphere was great
Frequently criticized
- bathroomsthe bathrooms don’t work sometimes
- parkingI was particularly surprised by how delicious the fish tacos were, as I'd never tried them before. The only minor issue was that parking is a little crazy, so be mindful of that.
- bathroomNo tienen baño..entonces eso no es restaurant
- placenot the best looking and clean place
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- busy at 2pm Tuesdaybusy at 2pm Tuesday
- hard to find parkingHard to find parking tho
- kitchenRestrooms and kitchen were quite dirty
- lookingnot the best looking
- napkinsni siquiera tienen servilletas
The ambience here is a mixed bag. While the dining area often gets praise for cleanliness and the location is convenient, be prepared for potential parking challenges and inconsistent restroom conditions. If you can overlook these minor inconveniences, the overall vibe might still be enjoyable.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot offers a decent experience, reflected in its score of 6.6, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 58.1%. Many patrons rave about the great prices and excellent value for money, especially highlighting the fantastic Taco Tuesday deal. With 18 positive remarks out of 31 total, it seems many find the prices quite appealing.
However, some customers have noted concerns, with 10 negative comments pointing to issues like smaller portions and unexpected extra charges. A few felt the restaurant was a bit stingy, even mentioning a surprising restroom charge. These points suggest that while the base prices are good, some hidden costs or portion sizes can be a drawback.
Value
31
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great Taco Tuesday deals
- Excellent value for money
- Good prices
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Unexpected extra charges
- Stingy policies
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was great and offered at a good price. I also enjoyed the nice dining area, and the cashier was friendly and knowledgeable, explaining the foods and flavors.
- pricesThis is a very authentic taco spot. I went here on Taco Tuesday and it was mad decent, with really good prices. I don't think this is the best spot for a vegetarian, as there were fish tacos, beef, pork, and chicken options.
- Taco Tuesday dealMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for Taco Tuesday! I found the best Taco Tuesday deal in Barrio Logan. They offer a wide selection of tacos for just $1.
- good pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was incredibly fast, and the quality of food was great, all at good prices. I highly recommend it!
- tacostacos cost $1.50
- 3 tacosjust 5$ for 3 tacos
- Taco Tuesday dealsTaco Tuesday deals are unmatched
- best and cheapestprobably the best and cheapest spot in downtown San Diego
- value for moneyGreat value for money
Frequently criticized
- PriceSave your $
- additional hot sauceHowever, the hot sauce ratio is whack. I received only 3 hot sauces for a $17 carne asada nacho, and then had to pay an additional 50 cents for 3 more lol 🤣.
- chargedecided to charge me 10 de adobada
- extra chargesi quieres otra dise que 50 centavos mas
- extra cilantro & onionsasked for extra cilantro & onions on the side she charged me $1.50
- pineapplesi quieres piña la cobran adicional
- portionsthe portions had gotten smaller and more expensive
- pricetacos are very expensive for the size.
- restroom chargeMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative due to their petty customer service. Despite being a long-time customer who has always purchased many meals, I was forced to pay to use the restroom. When I inquired about this policy, the staff was unhelpful and did not want to provide the manager/owner name for accountability.
- stingytacaños
If you're looking for great deals, especially on Taco Tuesday, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential extra charges for things like additional sauces or sides, as these can add up and affect the overall value.
How are the prices at Tacos El Trompo?
You’re looking at roughly $18 per person – reported by 86 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.
When we peek at what folks are actually spending, it’s clear that most meals fall into the $1–$10 and $11–$20 brackets, indicating a good balance of budget-friendly and mid-tier choices. While a few guests opt for pricier plates, the bulk of the spending is definitely in the more accessible ranges.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 86 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, for a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value, especially with so many options in the lower to mid-price points.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tacos El Trompo
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Great Food, Rude Front Staff
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was excellent, especially the horchata, and the service was impressively fast. However, the interaction with the lady at the front was quite unpleasant.
She questioned my need for extra napkins and reacted rudely when I asked for a plate, asking "a plate for what? " This made the overall experience less enjoyable despite the good food and quick service.
- food9
- horchata9
- service8
- lady at the front2
- plate2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
1
Horrible Cali Burrito Experience
My experience at this restaurant was quite negative, primarily due to the food. I ordered a cali burrito, and it tasted like old fish. It was a horrible experience.
It seems they cook everything together, which likely contributed to the poor taste.
- cali burrito1
- old fish1
- cook everything together2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Excellent Gluten-Free Options and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff was excellent, and the food was delicious. They handle gluten-free options exceptionally WELL!
Thank you for taking care of us.
- staff10
- food10
- gluten-free10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food, Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely delicious. As a first-timer, I was impressed by the excellent customer service. I will definitely be sure to visit again when I'm in town to try something else on the menu.
Thank you for being so kind!
- food10
- customer service10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Great Breakfast and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was great. While the place wasn't the most visually appealing or the cleanest, the service was excellent and the breakfast was also fantastic. I really recommend going here!
😃
- food9
- service10
- place4
- looking4
What Tacos El Trompo offers
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
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Tacos El Trompo?
At Tacos El Trompo, you’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot. Paid street parking is also an option. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Does Tacos El Trompo offer diverse dining options and cater to families?
Yes, Tacos El Trompo provides extensive dining options including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, with catering services available. It’s also a great spot for families, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and a generally good-for-kids atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for all ages.
How does Tacos El Trompo generally perform?
Tacos El Trompo holds a 6 out of 10 overall score. Its Food (6.6) and Value (6.6) are its strongest aspects, while Ambience (5.7) and Service (4.5) are areas for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Tacos El Trompo?
Many customers praise the variety and quality of the tacos, specifically mentioning fish tacos, asada tacos, and adobada tacos. The menudo and carne asada torta also receive positive remarks for their flavor.
Are there any common issues visitors should be aware of at Tacos El Trompo?
Some visitors have noted inconsistencies with the Service, including long waits or unhelpful staff. Parking can also be a challenge, and there have been mentions of extra charges for items like sauces or cilantro.