San Diego is known for its diverse food culture, and one of the most popular dishes in recent years has been birria tacos.
This traditional Mexican dish is made with tender, slow-cooked meat that is typically served in a crispy tortilla and topped with onions, cilantro, and lime.
Birria tacos have quickly become a fan favorite among foodies in San Diego, and for good reason. The flavors are bold and complex, and the texture is the perfect combination of crispy and tender.
But with so many options in the city, it can be difficult to know where to start your birria taco journey.
Whether you're a seasoned birria taco enthusiast or a newcomer to the scene, this guide will help you find the best places to enjoy this delicious dish in San Diego.
From food trucks to sit-down restaurants, we've scoured the city to find the most authentic and flavorful birria tacos around. So grab a friend or two, and get ready to indulge in some of the best birria tacos San Diego has to offer.
1. Roxy's Tacos
Roxy's Tacos is a must-visit spot for those in search of delicious birria tacos.
The juicy and flavorful meat paired with fine corn tortillas is a clear standout on the menu.
Make sure to arrive early on weekends as they tend to sell out quickly. The adobada taco is also a solid choice.
The service is lovely, and the ambiance is cute. Roxy's Tacos is a top-tier taco shop that won't disappoint.
2. Birria El Rey
Birria El Rey is a humble eatery that specializes in Mexican birria. They serve birria in tacos, burritos, and tortas.
The meat is tender and saucy, and the sauce is delicious. The staff is friendly and attentive.
The outdoor patio setup is perfect for a quick bite. The birria tacos are fantastic, and the salsa is good.
The Coke in a glass bottle adds to the real Mexico feel. Highly recommended for anyone looking for authentic Mexican food.
3. Mike's Red Tacos
Mike's Red Tacos is a must-visit spot for birria tacos. The juicy and perfectly cooked birria combined with the delicious consome makes for an unforgettable taste.
The self-service salsa bar with a variety of homemade salsas is a standout feature. The customer service is exceptional, with a friendly and patient staff.
The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant is clean and has a cool red theme going on.
Despite being busy, the staff answered all the questions superbly. The chips and orange soda are a must-try, and the crunch stack is highly recommended.
4. Taqueria Los Chuchys
Looking for the best place for birria tacos in downtown San Diego, look no further than Taqueria Los Chuchys.
This small taco spot offers some of the most delicious and flavorful birria tacos around. The meat is juicy and the flavor is out of this world.
The staff is friendly and the service is quick, making it the perfect spot for a quick and tasty meal.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to try some of the best birria tacos around at Taqueria Los Chuchys.
5. Cocina De Barrio
Cocina De Barrio is a Mexican restaurant that offers exceptional birria tacos.
The braised beef is mouth-watering and bursting with flavor. The restaurant also has a great selection of drinks to choose from.
The service is friendly and attentive. The presentation of the food is visually appealing and the portions are generous.
Cocina De Barrio is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for delicious birria tacos in a vibrant atmosphere.
6. Ferchaladas birria y mariscos
Looking for the best birria tacos in town, look no further than Ferchaladas birria y mariscos.
This small Mexican and seafood restaurant offers a unique twist on traditional Hispanic classics that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The birria and shrimp tacos are big, flavorful, and worth every penny.
The chef/owner's attention to detail and use of fresh ingredients is evident in every dish, and their ceviche is some of the best around. While on the pricey side, the quality and taste of the food make it worth the extra cost.
The friendly customer service and great vibes make it a perfect spot to hang out with friends and family. Don't miss out on this gem of a restaurant!
7. Todo Pa' La Cruda
Todo Pa' La Cruda is a Mexican restaurant that serves delicious birria tacos.
The staff is welcoming and polite, and the restaurant has a cozy and charming Mexican style interior. The birria tacos are juicy and tender, and the portions are huge.
The restaurant also serves other Mexican dishes like chilaquiles, ceviche, and enchiladas mole. The food is fresh and the salsa is perfectly spiced.
The prices are a bit high for the portions, but it's worth it for the quality of the food. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Mexican cuisine.
8. La Central Birria
La Central Birria is a hidden gem for birria tacos. The "tetemado" tacos are a must-try, with iron-seared beef birria that stays together in a crunchy shell.
The red salsa is spicy and delicious, and the staff are friendly and welcoming.
The owner takes the time to ensure every customer is satisfied, and the homestyle cooking makes it feel like a family restaurant.
The cafe de olla is a perfect complement to the flavorful birria. With limited parking, it can get busy, but it's worth the wait to experience the best birria in San Diego.
9. Serrano's Street Tacos & Bar
Serrano's Street Tacos & Bar is a must-visit place for birria tacos.
The adobada and birria tacos are the stars of the show, and the medium and mild sauces are delicious.
The atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is friendly and attentive. The diverse selection of margaritas is also noteworthy.
If you're looking for a great place to enjoy delicious birria tacos, Serrano's Street Tacos & Bar is the perfect spot.
10. Chula Tacos
Chula Tacos is a family-run Mexican restaurant that serves some of the best birria tacos in San Diego.
The food is authentic and delicious, with a variety of T.J. style street tacos on homemade corn tortillas. Customers can choose from carne asada, tripa, adobada, lengua, and quecas.
The portions are generous, and the quality of the ingredients is excellent for the price. The staff is friendly and provides fast service.
Chula Tacos is highly recommended for anyone looking for top-quality tacos at a great price.
11. Mati's Birria + Beer
Mati's Birria + Beer is a small, family-run Mexican restaurant that serves some of the best birria tacos in the area.
The food is carefully made with fresh ingredients and generous portions, making it a great value for the price.
The staff is friendly and attentive, and the beer selection is impressive. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere that adds to the overall dining experience.
If you're looking for authentic, delicious birria tacos, Mati's is definitely worth a visit.
12. Yesenia's Mexican Food & Ice Cream
Yesenia's Mexican Food & Ice Cream is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious birria tacos. The food is always hot, fresh, and of the highest quality.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, creating a warm atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
The salsa bar offers a variety of options to spice up your meal, and the cucumber water is a refreshing treat that should not be missed.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, Yesenia's is the place to go for authentic and mouth-watering Mexican cuisine.
13. El Paisa
El Paisa is a must-visit place for anyone looking for authentic Mexican cuisine.
Their birria tacos are simply amazing and come at a reasonable price. The staff is friendly and attentive, making the dining experience even better.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is perfect for a quick bite or a casual meal with friends and family.
Don't forget to try their salsa and guacamole, which are simply delicious. If you're in the mood for Mexican food, El Paisa is definitely worth checking out.
14. 664 TJ Birrieria
Looking for delicious birria tacos that won't break the bank in San Diego area? Look no further than 664 TJ Birrieria!
This Mexican restaurant serves up birria tacos that are bursting with flavor, and the portions are generous.
The prices are very reasonable compared to other taco shops in the area.
The restaurant is clean, and the staff is friendly. If you're a fan of birria tacos, 664 TJ Birrieria is a must-try spot.
15. Tuetano Taqueria
Tuetano Taqueria is a must-visit for birria taco lovers. The handmade tortillas are filled with perfectly seasoned meat and cheese, making for a delicious and well-balanced bite.
The seafood ceviche bowl is also a standout dish, with tender octopus and a flavorful chili oil sauce.
Prices may be a bit high, but the quality and taste of the food make it worth the cost.
The ambiance is laid-back and the staff is friendly. Don't miss out on this excellent taco and Mexican restaurant.
16. Birrieria
Birrieria is a must-visit place for anyone who loves authentic Mexican food.
Their birria tacos are simply amazing, with tender and flavorful meat that melts in your mouth. The service is quick and friendly, and the portions are generous.
The restaurant has a simple menu, but everything they serve is top-notch. The only downside is that the kitchen can get quite hot, so be prepared to sweat a little while enjoying your delicious meal.
Despite this, Birrieria is definitely worth a visit, and you won't be disappointed with the food.
