Highlights
- Live music
- Great beer selection
oChef » Vallarta – San Diego
Vallarta - San Diego
Photo from Vallarta
Vallarta at a glance
San Diego City Heights
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 12 of the guests
#599 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#83 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
125
Reviews
53.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Lively Ambience
- Good Service
Frequently criticized
- Poor Service
- Dirty Facilities
- Extra Charges
The restaurant Vallarta is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant located in San Diego’s lively City Heights neighborhood. You can immerse yourself in an experience where delicious food meets entertainment, thanks to their engaging live music.
This spot offers a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed evening out.
Overview: Introducting Vallarta
Vallarta is often praised for its friendly service and a lively dance floor that sets a fun atmosphere. Many find the food, particularly the tacos, to be a significant draw, making it a popular spot for casual dining and entertainment.
However, some experiences at Vallarta point to occasional service hiccups and concerns about cleanliness, especially regarding the bathroom facilities. These aspects can sometimes detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit, suggesting room for improvement.
Average
6
out of 10
125
Reviews
53.6%
Satisfaction
47
negative
11
neutral
67
positive
Vallarta holds a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 6, placing it squarely in the average category. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 53.6%, indicating a mixed reception among patrons.
Based on 125 customer comments, with 67 positive and 47 negative remarks, the feedback suggests a balanced experience with areas of both strength and weakness. Looking closer at specific aspects, Food stands out with a good score of (6.9), often praised for its quality and variety.
Value (5.4) and Ambience (5.2) are perceived as average, offering a decent experience without being exceptional. However, Service (4.9) falls slightly below average, suggesting it’s an area that could benefit from more attention to enhance the overall dining experience.
What people like
- Delicious Tacos & Burritos
- Lively Dance Floor
- Friendly Staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service
- Unclean Bathrooms
- Hidden Fees
With a Recommendation Score of 5.9, Vallarta presents a mixed proposition. If you prioritize a lively atmosphere, good music, and enjoy well-regarded tacos and burritos, it could be a worthwhile visit, especially for a casual night out.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and be mindful of cleanliness concerns, particularly in the restrooms. While the food often hits the mark, these other aspects might temper your overall experience, so manage your expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Vallarta
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 6.9. Many folks rave about the deliciousness, with 37 positive remarks highlighting favorites like the fantastic carne asada burrito, generously loaded California burritos, and the amazing shrimp burrito. The TJ style tacos also get a lot of love for their authentic flavor, making it a go-to for many.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, as customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 63.8%. Some diners, based on 15 negative comments, have encountered issues like disappointing dish presentation, missing guacamole, and bland beans. There were also concerns about the quality of the salsa bar and even some cold or unappetizing tacos, suggesting a bit of inconsistency.
Food
58
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
15
negative
6
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious main dishes
- Generous portion sizes
- Authentic TJ tacos
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Bland side dishes
- Unsanitary salsa bar
Often praised
- foodlove it! I been getting food their for most of my childhood and they never let me down
- tacosAbsolutely the best tacos in San Diego
- California burritosmost loaded California burritos 🌯 and they weight 3 pds I loved it
- taco shopmy favorite taco shop in the city
- AdiosMFCan never go wrong with an AdiosMF
- Fish tacosFish tacos are delicious & soooo good!
- Pina Tropicalit was delicious very flavorful
- TJ style tacosTJ style tacos are sooo good
- carne asada burritocarne asada burrito it was great
- carne asada burritosThe carne asada burritos are delicious
Frequently criticized
- tacostacos. And they were all cold and hard
- Bean and Cheese burritoThe beans had no seasoning, they were beyond bland.
- beansThe beans had no seasoning, they were beyond bland.
- buckets of beerOn Valentine's Day, I went to celebrate with my wife a very significant day for everyone who wants to have a pleasant time. However, my two buckets of beer were stolen. So, what I'm getting at is: I find it very unpleasant that these things happen in the 21st century.
- cucarachasA week ago, I went to buy some 'cucarachas' (cockroaches). I hadn't been in years, but they no longer prepare them the same way as before. The presentation doesn't look good either.
- goldenPerhaps I won't return; they are nothing like they used to be. They weren't even golden. I do not recommend them.
- green salsathe green salsa was expired and watered down.
- guacamoleThe staff even asked if I wanted guacamole when I finished my order, which seemed redundant, but I said yes. Upon getting home, I discovered there was no guacamole included in my order. This was a significant oversight.
- presentationI hadn't been in years, but they no longer prepare them the same way as before. The presentation doesn't look good either. Perhaps I won't return; they are nothing like they used to be.
- red hairstacos de tripa con Pelos Rojos Que asco
Overall, the food here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, but with a good score, it leans positive. If you stick to the popular burrito and taco options, you're likely in for a treat, but be aware that some dishes and sides might be inconsistent.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to service, there's definitely a bright side! Many customers have raved about the friendly staff and amazing service, with some even praising the top-notch security and how orders are always hot and fast. Based on 10 positive opinions, it sounds like there are some real gems among the team.
On the flip side, with an average score of 4.9 and mixed customer satisfaction at 41.7%, there are 13 negative experiences to consider. These highlight issues like grumpy ladies, bad attitudes, and frustrating cases of lost orders where staff refused to make new ones, indicating a need for more consistent professionalism and addressing excessive wait times.
Service
24
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
13
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, amazing staff
- Top-notch security
- Hot, fast service
What people don't like
- Bad staff attitude
- Lost orders
- Excessive wait times
Often praised
- serviceLove the service, always friendly
- staffthe staff was amazing
- guy that works thereI go there usually a couple of times a week. The food is great and the people are very friendly, not to mention the guy that works there is very handsome to the eye.
- hot and fastAlways hot and fast
- ownerthe owner is a great guy
- peoplethe people are very friendly
- securitysecurity here's top notch
- substitute for guacamolethey’d substitute for guacamole. (Which was very nice of them)
Frequently criticized
- serviceOn Valentine's Day, I went to celebrate with my wife a very significant day for everyone who wants to have a pleasant time. However, my two buckets of beer were stolen. So, what I'm getting at is: I find it very unpleasant that these things happen in the 21st century.
- attitudeAnd they were all cold and hard. Then with their bad attitude. - Navi sosa
- delivery servicetrash service. Ordered for delivery and they didnt even make sure it was the actual delivery driver.
- excessive wait timeshe came back after 20 min to ask what I wanet
- kitchen staffle hicimos saber a Los de la cocina y nada ninguna discupa
- ladies thereladies there are kinda grumpy
- lost orderThe order was lost and they refused to make a new one.
- refused to make new orderthey refused to make a new one.
- refused to make orderthey refused to make that as well
- staffthe girl even asked if I wanted guacamole
If youre lucky, you might encounter some truly friendly staff and quick service. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, including grumpy attitudes or issues with order accuracy. Its a bit of a gamble on the service front.
Ambience (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a mixed bag, scoring an average 5.2 with a 45.2% customer satisfaction rate. Many of the 14 positive remarks out of 31 total rave about the lively atmosphere, especially the fantastic Mexican music and live band. Guests love the dance floor and the overall vibe, making it a fun place to dance the night away.
However, the 14 negative comments highlight some significant issues, particularly concerning the mens restroom and general bathroom cleanliness. Patrons report stalls that are too tight and a lack of privacy, with trash often overflowing. These aspects definitely detract from an otherwise potentially enjoyable atmosphere.
Ambience
31
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively Mexican music
- Great live band
- Fun dance floor
What people don't like
- Dirty, awful restrooms
- Tight bathroom stalls
- Poor cleanliness overall
Often praised
- dance floorEveryone enjoyed the dance floor
- musicthe music was the best I enjoyed every song that was played
- Mexican musicFun Place to Dance Mexican Music
- atmospherethe Atmosphere was 5
- childrenwe can sit there with our children
- club startsaround 10 the club starts and people enjoy dancing
- environmentAre you tired of the same old thing, the same people, and even the same music? This is a good place to change your environment.
- live bandThe live band was great loved their music
- nortena and cumbiasdance your feet off to nortena and cumbias
- placeI love the place
Frequently criticized
- bathroomHowever, the third taco was bland and dripping with grease. The trash bins were completely full, and the bathroom was dirty. I couldn't use the salsa bar because there was a small dead bug in the carrot and onion mix, and nothing was topped off.
- ToiletThe Toilet is Just There in The OPEN
- atmosphereplace is dark
- bathroom stallsvery uncomfortable and awkward
- cleanlinessit doesn’t look clean and hygienic
- clientsits clients are mostly low skill working class people
- ladies' bathroomladies' bathroom has 2 stalls that are so tight
- mens restroomhow Awful The Mens Rest Room is
- musicAre you tired of the same old thing, the same people, and even the same music? This is a good place to change your environment.
- nightclubThe taco shop is around the building, kind of hidden from view. The nightclub is not pretty; its clients are mostly low-skill working-class people, wearing their work clothes. Also, the bathroom doesn't have a divider for the toilet, so you can have an idea.
If youre looking for a lively spot with great music and a dance floor, this place could be a blast. Just be prepared for potentially disappointing restroom conditions. Its a trade-off between a vibrant party atmosphere and basic comfort.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests found the prices to be quite agreeable, often described as not too expensive or even inexpensive. With 6 positive remarks, it seems the general sentiment leans towards finding good deals here. Youll often hear about great price and price not bad at all, making your wallet happy.
However, its not all sunshine and low prices. Some customers faced unexpected costs, mentioning a high cover charge or feeling overcharged for certain items. There were also complaints about being charged us for things like a credit card fee.
These 5 negative remarks contribute to a mixed customer satisfaction of 50%, and an average score of 5.4 overall.
Value
12
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Inexpensive options
What people don't like
- High cover charge
- Unexpected charges
- Credit card fee
Often praised
- priceI absolutely love this place; it's my favorite taco spot in San Diego. The fish taco is delicious, and the rest of the options are very yummy and inexpensive! You just have to try it.
- PricePrice not bad at all!
- Pricesok Prices
- not too expensiveMy experience at this restaurant was marked by good food that was also not too expensive. The service was alright, but the ladies working there seemed a bit grumpy.
- pricesIt's my favorite taco shop in the city. I was impressed by the great selection of food and the fair prices. Additionally, the owner is a great guy, contributing to a positive overall experience.
Frequently criticized
- cover chargewhen I get there they charged $14 didn't like they over charged
- charged usPero si los cobraron ni vergüenza tienen
- credit card feenoticed a charge of “credit card fee”
- priceI highly recommend it. While the 24k Royal Gold Margarita was good, I found it overrated for the price and not as strong as expected. However, the staff was amazing, and I will definitely be back.
If youre looking for generally fair prices, youll likely be pleased with the value here. However, be aware of potential extra charges like cover fees or credit card fees that could pop up. It's a bit of a mixed bag, so go in with open eyes regarding the final bill.
How are the prices at Vallarta?
On average, you’ll spend around 37 $ per person – from 12 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a little higher.
What’s interesting is the spread: while the average is 37 $, guests have reported spending everything from a budget-friendly $1–$10 to a more premium $91–$100. It seems they offer a wide range of experiences, not just one price point.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 12 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering the variety of price points available, we think the pricing feels fair for a Mexican Restaurant that caters to different budgets and experiences. It’s not just one-size-fits-all.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Vallarta
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Tacos and Great Vibe!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved the TJ style tacos, especially the tripa tacos made extra crispy. The service was wonderful; the staff was always friendly.
Around 10 PM, the club atmosphere kicks in with people enjoying dancing to a mix of music including baccarat, cumbias, salsa, regional Mexican, and RnB. You can never go wrong with an AdiosMF. I also appreciated the staff and the top-notch security.
- TJ style tacos10
- tripa tacos10
- service10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Favorite Tacos in San Diego!
I absolutely love this place; it's my favorite taco spot in San Diego. The fish taco is delicious, and the rest of the options are very yummy and inexpensive! You just have to try it.
- fish taco10
- tacos9
- price9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Tacos and Family-Friendly Spot!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I found the tacos to be the best in San Diego. I loved the food, the vibe, and the overall place.
It was wonderful that we could sit there with our children. Thank you so much for always being so awesome 😎💯.
- tacos10
- food10
- vibe10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Amazing Food, Great Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The food was amazing, particularly the Pina Tropical, which was delicious and very flavorful. I highly recommend it.
While the 24k Royal Gold Margarita was good, I found it overrated for the price and not as strong as expected. However, the staff was amazing, and I will definitely be back. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a 5 out of 5.
- food10
- Pina Tropical10
- 24k Royal Gold Margarita6
- price3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Dark Bar with Tight Bathroom Stalls
My experience at this place was characterized by its dark atmosphere, which is understandable as it functions as a bar with an integrated taco shop. They offer karaoke from Monday to Thursday and live music from Friday to Sunday, though there's a cover charge for the live music. A significant drawback was the ladies' bathroom, which has only two stalls that are so tight, it's impossible to comfortably sit down.
These stalls were very uncomfortable and awkward.
- karaoke5
- live music5
- cover charge5
- atmosphere2
- ladies' bathroom1
- stalls1
What Vallarta offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Vallarta Taco Shop?
At Vallarta Taco Shop, you will discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. They offer a diverse menu including late-night food, happy hour drinks, and quick bites. You can also enjoy a great selection of beer and small plates, perfect for any occasion.
Does Vallarta Taco Shop provide convenient service options and accessibility?
Yes, Vallarta Taco Shop offers flexible service with dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. You will find free street parking and a free parking lot. The establishment is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests.
How does Vallarta rate overall?
Vallarta has an overall Restaurant Score of 6 and a Customer Satisfaction of 53.6%. While Food scores well (6.9), Value (5.4), Ambience (5.2), and Service (4.9) are considered average or slightly below.
What are the food highlights at Vallarta?
Customers frequently praise Vallarta’s tacos and California burritos, often describing them as delicious and flavorful. Specific mentions include Fish tacos and TJ style tacos.
What is the atmosphere like at Vallarta?
Vallarta is known for its lively atmosphere, often featuring a dance floor and good music, including Mexican music and live band performances. It’s described as a fun place to dance and change your environment.