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oChef » The Waves Taco Club – San Diego
The Waves Taco Club - San Diego
Photo from The Waves Taco Club
The Waves Taco Club at a glance
San Diego Banker’s Hill
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 133 of the guests
#55 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#3 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
545
Reviews
90.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Taco variety
- Friendly service
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Food freshness
- No restrooms
The restaurant The Waves Taco Club invites you to experience a vibrant Mexican restaurant in San Diego’s lively Banker’s Hill neighborhood. You can catch your favorite games here, making it a perfect spot for sports enthusiasts.
This casual eatery offers a fantastic atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food and good company.
Overview: Introducting The Waves Taco Club
The Waves Taco Club offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking well-prepared food. Many appreciate the diverse tacos and the overall quality of ingredients.
However, some find certain items to be pricy, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious diners. Beyond the cuisine, the staff consistently receives praise for their attentive and friendly approach.
The atmosphere generally contributes positively to the dining experience, though a few comments suggest minor improvements could be made to the lighting or space.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
545
Reviews
90.6%
Satisfaction
43
negative
8
neutral
494
positive
The Waves Taco Club earns a strong overall score of 8.8, with an impressive customer satisfaction rate of 90.6%. This indicates a largely positive reception from diners, based on 545 opinions.
The 494 positive remarks significantly outweigh the 43 negative ones, painting a clear picture of general approval. Diving deeper, Service stands out as excellent (9.3), with staff frequently noted for their attentiveness.
The Food also performs very well (8.8), being a central draw for many. While Ambience is good (8.4), Value (7) is perceived as good, though it’s the area with the most mixed feedback regarding pricing.
What people like
- Exceptional taco variety
- Attentive, friendly service
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived high pricing
- Inconsistent food freshness
- Lack of restroom facilities
With a strong recommendation score of 8.9, The Waves Taco Club generally delivers a satisfying experience. If you prioritize excellent service and a wide array of well-crafted tacos, this spot is certainly worth considering for your next meal.
While some find the pricing a bit steep or note minor inconsistencies in certain dishes or the atmosphere, the overall positive feedback suggests these are often outweighed by the strengths. It’s a solid choice for those seeking quality tacos and a welcoming vibe.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Waves Taco Club
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 8.8 and a fantastic 91.7% customer satisfaction! With 331 positive remarks out of 361 total, guests consistently rave about the fish tacos, fresh ingredients, and amazing flavors. Many also highlight the generous portions and the overall deliciousness of the menu.
However, a small number of the 24 negative comments do point to some areas for improvement. A few diners found certain dishes inauthentic or not fresh, with concerns about seafood tasting too fishy or some items being salty. There were also occasional mentions of subpar fries or limited salsa options.
Food
361
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
24
negative
6
neutral
331
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best tacos ever
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inauthentic taste
- Not fresh ingredients
- Too fishy seafood
Often praised
- foodI absolutely love this place and made sure it was a must-go when I returned to San Diego. All their food is very tasty. They have an amazing special for 3 tacos, fries or chips, and a drink for around $20.
- tacosMy girlfriend and I were visiting San Diego and happened to stumble upon this place during our adventures. I must say, these were hands down some of the best, if not, the best tacos we have ever had! From the fish to the steak, and even some of the more eccentric options like octopus or chipotle shrimp, everything was top tier.
- FoodThe Sea food taco was out of this world, and the smoked tuna taco was just as good but completely different. The food quality was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a 5/5. There was no wait time, and the service was excellent.
- fish tacoseverything from the birria, fish, shrimp, chicken tacos, we didn't have a single bad thing
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had amazing tacos that were complemented by great portions and excellent value for money. The tacos had a slightly creative twist, but they masterfully retained the key flavors and traditional ingredients.
- salsa barThe salsa bar is nice too, they had extra chipole cream salsa, nice onions and extra limes, just everything I needed.
- California burritoCalifornia burrito was incredible—so delicious and packed with flavor.
- octopus tacosoctopus, battered white fish, and seafood mix tacos and each was delicious
- battered white fishThe food was excellent, with great portions for the money. I tried the battered white fish and the garlic shrimp tacos with the chips, and it was all very good. William provided awesome, very friendly, attentive and excellent service.
- birria tacoespecially liked the birria since it was not super greasy but still packed a ton of flavor
Frequently criticized
- salsaMy experience at the restaurant involved trying their fish and shrimp tacos, which were pretty good, and the fricot cheese lace was a nice touch. However, I did not enjoy the overly sweet fusion flavors of some of the other tacos, and the salsa wasn’t great. On a positive note, the people there were really nice.
- foodfood made me feel sick later
- tacosI was surprised by the poor food quality, especially given the restaurant's high reviews. I ordered four tacos, all recommended by the cashier, and unfortunately, I did not like any of them.
- beef flavorThe beef was just dry and not flavorful.
- chicken tacoThe tacos were inauthentic and didn’t taste fresh. I actually spit out the chicken taco and just trashed all 3 tacos plus the chips. It made me feel sick.
- chipstrashed all 3 tacos + the chips
- fish tasteThe fish and scallops tasted too fishy.
- food freshnessNothing tasted fresh.
- freshnessBut that was a wrong choice. The tacos were inauthentic and didn’t taste fresh. I actually spit out the chicken taco and just trashed all 3 tacos plus the chips.
- friesThe only not so good thing were the fries
If you're searching for fantastic tacos with a wide variety of fresh, flavorful options, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few experiences mention minor issues with authenticity or freshness, the overwhelming majority of diners find the food exceptional and generously portioned.
Service (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 96.9%, guests consistently rave about the friendly staff, quick service speed, and warm hospitality. Many specifically praised individuals like William for their attentive and excellent service, making for a welcoming experience across 93 positive comments.
While the service is overwhelmingly positive, a tiny handful of 3 comments mentioned minor issues. A couple of guests felt a cashier or another staff member was a bit rude or unfriendly. However, these isolated instances are very rare compared to the 96 total opinions, suggesting they are not representative of the overall experience.
Service
96
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
93
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service speed
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Occasional rude cashier
Often praised
- serviceI tried the battered white fish and the garlic shrimp tacos with the chips, and it was all very good. William provided awesome, very friendly, attentive and excellent service. Highly recommended!
- staffThe staff? Absolutely wonderful. Friendly, fast, and always making sure you’re happy.
- ServiceThe food quality was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a 5/5. There was no wait time, and the service was excellent.
- customer serviceThe customer service is fantastic!
- WilliamWilliam was friendly, accommodating, and just a great host overall.
- ownerThe owner went out of his way to make us feel at home
- peopleReally nice people
- recommendationsThe portions were generous, and the presentation was beautiful. The service was top-notch as well; the staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, offering great recommendations. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy authentic Mexican food with a great ambiance, The Waves Taco Club is the place to go!
- StaffStaff was very friendly!
- Wait timeThe food quality was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a 5/5. There was no wait time, and the service was excellent.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe guy was also a bit rude
- cashierDie Kassiererin wirkte etwas unfreundlich
If youre looking for a place where youll be greeted with a smile and served quickly by genuinely friendly staff, this is definitely it. The service here is a major highlight, ensuring a pleasant and efficient visit every time. You can expect top-notch hospitality from start to finish.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot largely hits the mark! With a good score of 8.4 and good customer satisfaction at 85.2%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Based on 52 positive comments out of 61 total, guests frequently praise the cool decor, amazing wall art, and overall great vibe inside, often describing it as lively, laid-back, and clean.
However, not everyone is completely charmed, with 8 negative comments pointing out a few snags. Some found the parking space difficult to navigate, while others mentioned the music could be a bit loud. A few also felt the lighting wasnt welcoming, and the limited space made it hard to find a spot.
Ambience
61
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing wall art
- Great vibe
- Clean and lively
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Loud music
- Unwelcoming lighting
Often praised
- atmosphereI was so busy enjoying them that I forgot to take a picture, but I'll add one next time. The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was great. I'll definitely be back!
- AtmosphereThe Sea food taco was out of this world, and the smoked tuna taco was just as good but completely different. The food quality was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a 5/5. There was no wait time, and the service was excellent.
- vibeAwesome vibe, great food
- musicThey have very nice music.
- restaurantThe staff were absolutely wonderful: friendly, fast, and attentive. The restaurant itself is spotless, enhancing the dining experience. If you love seafood and tacos, this place will blow your mind.
- Parking optionsParking options:Free street parking
- amazing arthas amazing art all over its walls
- art on the wallsthe art on the walls is pretty wild, but at least they have their own vibe
- artwork on the wallsThe artwork on the walls was absolutely incredible
- beautifully decoratedplace is beautifully decorated
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere was quite disappointing
- lightingI gave atmosphere 4 stars because I think the lighting does not feel welcoming
- limited spacehard to find a spot in their limited space
- musicthe music was a bit loud
- parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- picsI’m actually mad I wasted money coming here. 😑 Don’t be fooled by the pics. Find somewhere else for tacos.
- toiletsThe service was very friendly. The only downside is that there are no toilets to wash your hands after eating finger food.
If youre looking for a place with a vibrant, artistic atmosphere and dont mind a potential hunt for parking or slightly loud music, this spot is definitely worth checking out. The unique decor and lively vibe make it a memorable experience, even with a few minor comfort quirks.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! Many diners feel they get their moneys worth of food, appreciating the great deals on combos and drinks, and generous portions. With a solid score of 7, indicating a good experience, and 18 positive remarks out of 27 total opinions, it seems like a smart choice for your wallet.
However, the value isnt universally praised, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 66.7%. Some guests found certain items to be a high price or generally pricy, and a few were put off by an unexpected service fee. These 8 negative comments suggest that while many find it reasonable, others might feel it's a bit on the expensive side.
Value
27
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great portions
- Fair prices
- Good deals
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Service fees
- Too pricey
Often praised
- pricesthe prices are reasonable for the quality.
- priceI had the grilled mahi mahi tacos and the California burrito, and both were absolutely amazing. It makes me wonder why anyone in San Diego would choose other options when you can get food that's 10x better for almost the same price. I highly recommend this place!
- valueThe ingredients were fresh, the atmosphere was good, and the service was friendly. Considering the other quick bites I've had in San Diego, this was also a great value.
- Great pricesGreat prices.
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- deals on combosThe food was delicious, with lots of variety for tacos. I also appreciated the great deals on combos and drinks. The host was very accommodating, and I highly recommend this place!
- deals on drinksgreat deals on drinks
- money's worth of foodYou definitely get your moneys worth of food
- portionsLooking for something to eat on Christmas Day, we decided to try this restaurant and were very glad we stopped in. The food was excellent, with great portions for the money. I tried the battered white fish and the garlic shrimp tacos with the chips, and it was all very good.
- price valueAmazing quality for great price value
Frequently criticized
- high priceadd in the high priced, not really worth it
- moneyIt made me feel sick. I’m actually mad I wasted money coming here. 😑 Don’t be fooled by the pics.
- overpricedI also wish they offered a chunky salsa, that would be amazing with the chips. I got a CA burrito special and thought it was overpriced but quickly realized what I was getting. Huge chunks of meat and not greasy.
- priceybut pricey
- pricypersonally find it quite pricy
- service feethey charge a service fee to use a card to pay
- tacosThe horchata was also great. While the tacos are a little expensive, the sheer quality and freshness of the ingredients truly made up for it. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- waste of $18Waste of $18 dollars
If youre looking for good portions and potential deals, this place offers solid value for your money. Just be mindful that some items might lean towards the pricier side, and watch out for any extra fees. Overall, its worth checking out for a satisfying meal that won't always break the bank.
How are the prices at The Waves Taco Club?
You’re looking at roughly $20 per person – reported by 133 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.
Most guests find themselves spending in the $11–$20 range, with a good number also opting for dishes in the $21–$30 bracket. It seems prices cluster nicely around that average, offering a consistent mid-range experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 133 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican restaurant in San Diego. It hits that sweet spot for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Waves Taco Club
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Baja Fish Tacos in San Diego!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I tried the Baja fish tacos and they were the best I've had in San Diego. The octopus tacos and scallop tacos were also incredibly delicious.
The food quality, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating, making for a truly enjoyable dinner.
- Baja fish tacos10
- octopus tacos9
- scallop tacos9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Food and Service on Christmas Day
Looking for something to eat on Christmas Day, we decided to try this restaurant and were very glad we stopped in. The food was excellent, with great portions for the money. I tried the battered white fish and the garlic shrimp tacos with the chips, and it was all very good.
William provided awesome, very friendly, attentive and excellent service. Highly recommended!
- food9
- portions8
- battered white fish8
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food, Must-Try Tacos!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely amazing. I especially loved the chipotle shrimp taco; it’s a must have!
The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- food10
- chipotle shrimp taco10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Tacos and Fantastic Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the mushroom queso and smoked tuna tacos, and they were amazing. The tortilla was great, and the ingredients were very fresh.
The service was also fantastic! I highly recommend this place.
- mushroom queso9
- smoked tuna tacos9
- tortilla8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Surf & Turf Burrito!
I had the surf&turf burrito, which was highly recommended, and it was indeed very good! The gentleman taking orders was also friendly and attentive.
- surf&turf burrito9
- gentleman who takes orders9
What The Waves Taco Club offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and food options can you expect at The Waves Taco Club?
At The Waves Taco Club, you can enjoy a casual dining experience with options for lunch, dinner, and even late-night food. They offer small plates, quick bites, and a selection of beer and other alcohol. Vegan and vegetarian options are also readily available for you.
What service options and accessibility features does The Waves Taco Club provide?
The Waves Taco Club provides dine-in, takeout, and delivery services for your convenience. You’ll find wheelchair accessible entrances and seating. Parking can be challenging, but paid street parking and a paid parking garage are available nearby for your visit.
What is the overall verdict for The Waves Taco Club?
The Waves Taco Club holds an overall score of 8.8, reflecting a strong dining experience. Service is excellent (9.3), Food is highly rated (8.8), and Ambience is good (8.4), while Value is considered good (7).
What kind of food can I expect at The Waves Taco Club?
You can expect a diverse selection of tacos, including seafood, birria, and unique options like octopus. Many opinions highlight the quality, generous portions, and creative twists on traditional flavors.
Is The Waves Taco Club considered good value for money?
While many find the prices reasonable for the quality and portions, some opinions suggest certain items can be perceived as pricy or overpriced, with a service fee for card payments noted.