WOW I know there are a couple of these around I was at the La mesa one and have to say everything on the menu looked fantastic. I had the chili relleno taco and it was more than great. My friends had the Mexicali and everything looked so delicious. Service was fast and the guy answered every question we had and was fast. And the prices are great Plenty of seating inside and out they have tvs inside to watch the game and on Friday's they close the street and have a farmers market. read more

City Tacos - This is the Mexicali - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

I recently came to La Mesa for a record store event across the street and I saw this taco restaurant. I decided to come for some food and drinks while I wait. The corn got my attention right away! I thought it was fairly priced at $5. It was pretty good but I wish they would've added more of the ingredients, there was missing some. The taco was okay. Unfortunately they ran out of agua fresca so I got a soda and I like that it was all glass soda bottles. They have bathrooms in the establishment which is always a plus! read more

City Tacos - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I stopped at this city Taco location in La Mesa on a Saturday night. We ordered the chips & guacamole, quesabirria taco, the big papa taco, surf & turf taco, sd carne asada taco. We liked all our choices. I'd say the surf & turf was the favorite. This location is small but they also gave outdoor seating available. It was surprisingly not busy when we arrived. They have a salsa bar with lots of choices. I'll be back. read more

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Came back to City Tacos after previously leaving a 2 star review, mainly because my son really wanted to give it another shot. I'm glad we did. The person who took our order was friendly, the place was clean, and I appreciated that the menu clearly listed everything included in each taco. I ordered the surf and turf and the birria taco. Both were tasty, but the birria stood out for me. It had a really nice kick and ended up being my favorite. That one alone would bring me back. The only downside for me is that they still only offer canned and bottled drinks. Not a dealbreaker, but something I'd love to see improved. Overall, definitely a better experience this time around and I'm glad I gave it another try. read more

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Very different take on tacos. Caught me off guard. If youre looking for something different. Not quite my cup of tea. But service and ambiance out the back was great. read more

City Tacos is definitely a spot worth checking out. They offer a wide selection of tacos, which makes it easy to try something new each visit. My personal favorites were the surf and turf, Mexicali, and the pescado. The SDCA taco was ok for me, I'm not really a fan of beans in my tacos. Overall a solid place with something for everyone, especially if you like experimenting with different taco combinations. And check out their sauce bar! read more

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City Tacos brought out a super unique January 2026 taco of the month - the TETELA. AMBIANCE DJ was playing jams that got people moving and grooving! Loved the energy tonight - Viva La Mesa! SERVICE Patrons order at counter, take a number, and staff deliver FOOD 5/5 TETELA (Jan2026 taco of the month) Tetelas (Crisp, antique triangular corn masa pocket) filled with a red chile stewed beef, melted asadero cheese and potato finished with pico de Gallo, sour cream and cotija cheese - bold, traditional flavors from the Mixteca region of Oaxaca and Puebla. PARKING Metered, streetside read more

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I already knew I loved City Tacos, but the La Mesa location far surpasses the other two I've been to. I used to live in North Park and that location was my go-to. Having visited La Mesa, I'm never bothering with Nort Park parking again. Our tacos came out super quick and were SO fresh. The salsa bar is great. There's tons of seating. I have legitimately zero complaints. This will absolutely be a recurring visit now that I live in Lemon Grove. The Camaron Enchilado is my #1 favorite taco in San Diego. I also tried the Friars Fish on this trip and will get that every time going forward. read more

City Tacos - Clockwise from top left: Friars Fish Taco, Portobello, Pescado, Camaron Enchilado (w/o cilantro) - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

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My friends said I had to try City Tacos and mannnn I'm glad I did! The tacos down to the tortilla were all so delicious. Even the tortilla is tasty! I love that they have a salsa bar and self serve water. It keeps me from bothering the staff. The staff did all work hard and even cleaned up our trash. My least favorite taco was the birria since it was a little fattier than I was used to. The creamy green sauce was a favorite of mine and I enjoyed the cilantro. The bathroom could have used a deep clean- it was like a bar bathroom. 'nuff said. read more

City Tacos - Polloa asado, birria with no cheese and shrimp tacos - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

Went here on Friday 3/6 Was really craving some tacos and a place with only tacos on the menu I thought ya know had to be good. Unfortunately that was not the case, I got birria, carne asada, and fried fish. I will say the fish taco was definitely the best, good sauce and good fish. The birria was flavorless and I find it weird no consome which makes the birria taco. The carne asada was super cold when I got it, which a huge scoop and a very bland guacamole. They do have a cute little patio in the back and salsa bar. The salsa was okay. The staff was nice and it was pretty busy so I may could have just ordered the wrong thing. Non the less I unfortunately will not be returning to try anything else. read more

City Tacos - Sonora fish taco SD CARNE ASADA birria taco - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

Food is great. Best fish tacos ever!!! Staffs here are also so kind!! Inside seating is nice as well. read more

City Tacos - Fish tacos - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

We come here almost every time we visit SD. Quick easy satisfying, with plenty of unique flavors and good standbys. I'm losing track of what my favorite orders are but from this visit: Carnitas - already so good but with the chicharrones on top?? Girl. Shank - a lil wet but the corn tortilla can take it. Surf n turf - got an extra thick corn tortilla with this one I didn't like, and the shrimp was mushy. With the asadero cheese and aioli this is a really heavy taco. Salmon caribe - I liked this but my partner didn't. Maybe the flour tortilla? Cocito californiano - would not get again, it was really wet and too murky of flavors. I think the guac and pico and aioli was too much. May be good without aioli. Tbh I didn't even know arugula and black beans were in there - they kinda just got drowned the in sauce. I swear we got lettuce instead of arugula. Recall from prior visits: Scallop dreams too saucy Sonoran fish tacos solid Hearing family rave about the Cameron enchilado, crunch time shrimp, papa con rajas, and elote. If you order online $20+ you get free chips and guac or churros! read more

City Tacos - Mexicali, pescado, June taco (shrimp and tuna) - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

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City tacos!!! Amazing Taco spot in La Mesa! The service was fast and the line wasn't too bad to order. The vibe there is great to enjoy a meal with friends. read more

Love coming to City Tacos--especially on Fridays when the farmers market is open or on Taco Tuesday. The tacos are always good, consistent, and full of flavor, and the salsa bar never disappoints. It's hands down my favorite taco spot in East County so far. Always a solid choice when I'm craving tacos! read more

City Tacos - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

Yum....yum...yum.....This place was so yummy! We ordered a few different tacos as I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to the taste, texture and overall flavor of the tacos. I was pleasantly surprised with how good the tacos are. Some of them needed some extra lime and salsa but overall they were really good. The place was clean and was really busy. I didn't realize from the front looking in how much space they actually had toward the back and outside. Definitely looking forward to the next time we try this place. read more

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Taco of the month was a giant rolled potato taco, they weren't kidding with giant. I love their papas con rajas so this was a treat. Crunchy fried corn rolled taco and smooth creamy potato inside. Also got the pollo city which was good, light, sweeter than I thought it would be. Finally, we shared the frijoles charros which I always enjoy. The meat flavors all complement each other very well. We went on a Sunday afternoon and it wasn't crowded, service was quick, we were in and out. read more

City Tacos - Taco of the month, and a POLLO CITY - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

Service was great! She helped me pick out the Maui taco and it was the absolute best! Moist, mixed with so many flavors that blended perfectly! I want to try everything else on their menu. They have a spacious interior and back patio. There is also a front area with a few bar stools. Music selection was superb. read more

City Tacos - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I love City tacos!!! Best part for me is stepping out of the box normal and see what else is amazing in their menu.... Today I chose off the vegetarian menu... and oh my did it out do the other tacos I got.. I order the city zucchini.... Soooo good!! So much flavor!! It's a must try!! Always live the vibe of the La Mesa outdoor patio also. Order something you've never tried!! It might become your favorite! read more

City Tacos - CITY ZUCCHINI Breakfast taco - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

Had chile relleno taco, shrimp, and chicken. The shrimp is gross. Defrosted shrimp & soggy. The chicken says grilled but it's giving chicken patty. Not coming here again read more

City Tacos - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

During my first try at city tacos, we experienced stand out flavor and friendly service. Our tacos were all very flavorful super fresh and not dry and they had a nice salsa bar, which had a variety of different salsa to choose from. One of the things that we loved the most was the ambience. They have a very cool patio outside and they have seating in the front if you want to hang out and be in the heart of the Downtown La Mesa vibe. Alternatively, you can hang out inside if you prefer. If you're in the area and want good tacos, why not try City Tacos? read more

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Their food is delicious, however their prices are a bit high for portions, ambiance in the back patio is lacking, front area is more lively and open. read more

We are thrilled to have this restaurant in La Mesa. The food is different than what you would get at a San Diego taco shop. The tacos are what I would consider specialty and they are delicious. There are lots of options for everyone including pescatarians and vegetarians! You order at the counter and they bring the food to you. read more

Phenomenal taco Tuesday! 10% off food order and Mexican beers are $2.50!! The tacos aren't cheap but there are some winners to be found, for sure. Of the 3 tacos I tried, the Friars fish taco was my favorite. The tortillas were light and crispy home made flour, and the sals bar was fresh and exciting. Best salsas were the spiciest red and the avocado IMO... Definitely an all star experience for a new twist on old classics read more

City Tacos - Friars fish taco, Shank You Taco, Camaron Enchilado - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

Great location, great tacos, and great customer service! Everyone should eat here, often!

Happy Staff, Great Menu, Amazing Tacos, Taco Tuesday! Just go, you will be happy. Clean, indoor simple seating, outside bar table in front, Patio in Back read more

City tacos has become a staple for great tacos in the heart of downtown La Mesa. The staff is always welcoming and friendly as you walk in to a view the menu of unique offerings. I typically go with the surf and turf and the pescado tacos. They don't skimp out on the portions and the flavors are on point. The salsa bar is a must to mix and match the different varieties. I've ordered delivery a few times, but nothing beats the tacos coming out fresh out of the kitchen. read more

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I had the Sonora fish taco, and chicken asada taco-small but filling. My partner had the shrimp crunch taco and carne asada taco. Loved the salsa bar choices. Hit all points Four tacos, two drinks, (Modelo/Sangria) and tip less than $40- Yes! We'll be back. We also enjoyed the music playlist. The negative, took minutes for the cashier who was busy filling orders from the back kitchen, to acknowledge us-hey-just say hello! I'm glad we waited her out. We were hungry. Also the bathrooms, borderline nasty. read more

OMG did my mouth just have an orgasm? Holy shit this fucking taco is amazing. And sound the best I've ever had in San Diego and I've been here 20 years. Good service I wish I had carrots and some other stuff that you typically see Mexican restaurant, but this stuff is bomb the meat extremely well marinated very juicy perfect toughness Etc. and holy shit. This is good.!! read more

We've been to City Tacos in OB, IB, Downtown by Petco Park and now the La Mesa Village. The same great quality and creative tacos, best Frijoles Charros and excellent service. Mexicali grilled angus-steak, onions & poblano peppers over melted asadero cheese & mashed potatoes, finished with a crema fresca and cotija cheese sprinkle 5.25 The City Tacos original. A classic. Always a winner! Shank You Taco slow cooked beef shank with mushrooms and garlic topped with fresh onion & cilantro finished with our creamy serrano salsa over a crispy corn tortilla with asadero cheese 5.25 This was the first time I tried this one. It won't be the last. Delicious succulent beef. Juicy and tender. The taco was loaded with it. Great taco, shank you very much! Carnitas slow-cooked pork carnitas topped with cilantro, onion, guacamole & crunchy chicharron (pork rind) 4.25 Becky's all-time favorite. She loves the crunchy chicharron. Frijoles Charros pinto beans with pork trio (chorizo, bacon, carnitas) asadero and cotija cheeses, finished with tomato, onion, cilantro & a grilled chili pepper 6.25 Best. Pinto Beans. Ever. Regardless of location, City Tacos never fails to deliver high quality food at a reasonable price. read more

Best Tuesday taco date night. On Tuesdays, not only do they serve epic tacos, but they also have a DJ spinning cool songs. But let's not forget that tacos are still the show's star. They always feature a taco of the month, but I was in the mood for a simple battered fish original. That and a crispy chorizo con papas. Wow, both were great, but the crispy chorizo was delicious. Don't forget to order the pinto beans; they're life-changing Great beers are on tap, and the staff is always on point. read more

City Tacos - Chorizo Con Papas Taco Frijoles Charros Pescado Taco - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

The Pollo Asado taco was good. However, I wouldn't get the Carme Asada taco again-it was greasy and lacked flavor...Thank God for salsa! Speaking of salsa, it grosses me out that so many hands (especially kids) grab the bottles. I wish that they prepared them in the back or put them in little cups for people. The service was pretty good and the ambiance was okay-there was one "All Gender" bathroom. read more

Good place for a taco Tuesday! When you first walk in, it looks small, but there's actually plenty of open seating toward the back. The place has a fun, hip vibe with good music and tasty tacos. Service is simple....you order at the counter, get a number, find a seat, and they bring your food out when it's ready. Fast and efficient! read more

Deliciousl tacos! Always fresh. Good vibes. We got 5 tacos, one beer and hibiscus tea for $33 plus tip! Highly recommend. read more

City Tacos - Piscado taco, chille relleno taco, carne asada taco @ City Tacos - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Flavors do not blend great because some of the ingredients are not fresh. I love to cook and I taste what not a balance. Service weak and almost rude, condiments are not refreshed. They just put more stuff on top of old stuff. Old food will cause bland food and bacteria starts. As for Ambiance there is none sorry but there's not it's just cold and tables are sticky. What can improve wash the tables wash everything in the dining room. And get someone who likes their job to be a cashier read more

Wow!!! Absolutely the best tacos I've had! I hate it when a taco has tons of cabbage or the meat is not tender!! Not City Tacos!! Minimal cabbage!!! Meat was tender!! Omg so flavorful! Service was great and they server gave great recommendations. One downfall.. which I'm sure they are taking care of is the bathroom was out of order. I hope they fix it. Can't wait come back. Amazing read more

City Tacos - All kinds of delicious tacos - Tacos Near Me - La Mesa, California

I tried the Quesa Birria 7.2/10. I tried the carnitas 4.8/10. I wouldn't come here again. Matter of fact I want this place shut down.

I'm surprised this place is still in business. Food is terrible just like their customer service.

Came here with a couple of people and wanted to try their Birria. We got the California burrito, Al pastor burrito, and Birria quesadilla. The food here is so good, the service was great, and there were plenty of tables for a big group to come in. I loved the green salsa and they give you a lot of food. I liked how the burritos weren't filled with rice and beans. They give you a lot of meat in the burritos. read more

Ordered the portobello, Baja, chorizo, and Mexicali tacos. All super tasty and reasonably priced! You order at the counter and they bring your food out when it's ready. Waited kinda long but they were pretty busy. There's a sauce and add-ons (onions, etc.) station. read more

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My daughter and I were in downtown La Mesa. She has been talking about City Tacos and their $10 appetizer platter for a while and we finally went. It is such a cute little place with seating inside and out. The staff are all friendly and efficient. We ordered the platter which had a generous amount and variety of chips, flats, empanadas, beans and guacamole. We also got the elote which was huge and generously covered with crema and cotija cheese. Everything was awesome. The fried goods still managed to be light and crispy. I highly recommend this place. Please check out my video on YouTube and like, subscribe, and tell all your friends! Thank you! https://youtu.be/iMykwEQhAXA read more

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