Growing up in San Diego, the owner of this Mexican Grill grew to become a huge fan of Mexican Food. After years and years of eating at different Mexican Restaurants, he decided to finally open our first location in Hillcrest San Diego with his own twist. Tacaliente has rapidly become Hillcrest’s favorite Mexican Grill and continues to grow day by day. We have assembled a team of professionals in this industry and we strive to ensure that all of our customers leave happy, full and most importantly, gasping for air because of our spicy salsa’s. We offer everything from burrito’s, bowl’s, taco’s, quesadilla’s, tortas and much more. Join us for the most sought after Mexican Food in Hillcrest!
Based on 148 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.6 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No-contact delivery
Address:
1266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 915-6490
Website:
Hours
| Friday |
8 AM–3 AM |
| Saturday |
8 AM–3 AM |
| Sunday |
8 AM–12 AM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
8 AM–12 AM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday |
8 AM–12 AM |
| Wednesday |
8 AM–3 AM |
| Thursday |
8 AM–3 AM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
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Reviews
Mary Brown
Excellent counter service taqueria in a casual setting with great food at very reasonable prices. I came in after seeing the restaurant featured on Channel 8’s taco Tuesday. The carne asada is marinated for 3 days resulting in flavor-packed, tender steak wrapped in soft corn tortillas and garnished with fresh onion and cilantro. The chicken enchiladas were delicious in a flavorful guajillo sauce with complexity of flavors belying the modest location producing it. The potato flautas were filled with deliciously spiced mashed potatoes wrapped in extra crispy fried tortillas and topped with fresh guacamole. The huevos rancheros were nice. There is a salsa bar with an assortment of superb salsas and pickled carrots. For taqueria fare at these price points, it doesn’t get much better.
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Sam Dienes
Came in for lunch, was craving a breakfast burrito and they fired one right up for me, no problem. Burrito was as big as my foot. The burrito was $10 which is average for the area & quality, but then they charged my $4.50 for a bottle of Mexican Coke… that turned a $10 burrito into a $20 lunch with a drink & tip. Still delicious though
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T E
Great tacos. Highlight was the surf and turf taco. The salsas were yummy as well. Portion is good. Served in single tortillas with plenty of filling. Would definitely go back. The lady who took my order was very friendly and gave great recommendations. Overall a pleasant experience.
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The Stone
Best Mexican Restaurant in San Diego to experience traditional flavors, with a modern twist. The menu is packed full of authentic, classic dishes like tacos and burritos, but also unique takes on classic favorites as well. The chefs have decades of combined experience crafting delicious meals from local, fresh ingredients that create mouthwatering combinations even the most discerning foodies will enjoy!
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Terrie Martinez
This is a clean, nicely priced taqueria. Easy parking. We got the Monday fish taco deal and the Chipotle sauce nicely complemented the plump fish battered and fried just right. They have a decent choice of bottles beers for $3. We’ll be back for the taco Tuesday deal.
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Ankit Sood
Old restaurant, new ownership and a whole new energy. This place got an upgrade in everything.. the menu has regular standard options, and tons of new items for the new kids. All new QuesaBirria taco was good!! You can add Queso to any burrito, and can also ask to add a rolled taco to any burrito. The good food mashups are endless!! I had the caliente nachos, and the caliente fries, my friends tried the burritos and really liked em.. the host is friendly and the vibe is up. 10/10 would recommend for late night or mid afternoon drunchies
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Spencer
Great find for Taco Tuesday in Hillcrest. Friendly service, yummy tacos, clean space. The Al Pastor and Carnitas tacos (.99 cents each!) were especially tasty but we liked them all.
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Diane Zoura
I came here when they first opened and ordered the vegan tacos and they were SO GOOD! The lady at the front helped me pick what to order because they have so many options that sounded so good and she was spot on. We ordered catering for an event, and everyone loved it! From the sides, to the tacos, to the salsas…everything was delicious! They are my go to now for Mexican food
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Samantha Wolkoff
Delicious! I had the Al pastor. They didn’t have pineapple which I thought was a staple of an Al pastor taco but it was yummy nonetheless. The chips were a bit over toasted for me but the salsa bar was fresh and yummy!
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Tom Lien
Very happy with this new Mexican food near me.
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