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    El Pariente

    4.7 (54 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

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    Business Info

    EL PARIENTE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - El Pariente

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    Carne Asada taco
    Carlos C.

    This spot is a true hidden gem, even if it's not in the most polished part of town. It's absolutely worth the stop if you're nearby. The staff is friendly, the food is high‑quality, and the interior is surprisingly clean and nicely decorated. There's a small outdoor seating area, but we opted to eat inside thanks to some... lively entertainment happening across the street. They're known for their cochito, but we ordered the carne asada so we could compare the same taco across different stops on our taco crawl. The meat was flavorful, though it lacked the smoky taste we found elsewhere. The taco comes on two homemade tortillas served piping hot, and the portion was so generous we easily turned it into two tacos to share. It comes with two hot sauces, the red one had the most heat. There was a bit more guacamole than I prefer, but that's personal taste. I do wish they had a condiment bar. The taco came with just one slice of cucumber and one slice of radish. They do offer daily specials that change throughout the week. Overall, it's a solid place to stop if you're in the area.

    California burrito
    Tina S.

    This place specializes in cochito which is broiled pork and do they stuff it. The burrito sizes were pretty big and stuffed and I would had been happy with both. It came out fresh and stuffed, The meat was pretty juicy but after awhile it can be kind of boring, good thing we have sauce. They came with three sauce, mild, spicy and spiciest. Also came with pickled onions which helped. The California burrito was pretty solid and big. Chips are more cripsy and complementary. Theres seating inside and outside, the restrooms both have different door code and very pretty big and clean. This was defintiely a very clean place. There was even a section for drinks and a open mic setup. Parking there is a small parking lots nearby that is shared with other stores.

    Outside
    Ryan M.

    Came to try this new taco shop because they specialize in a specific region of mexican cuisine; Mazatlan. They specialize in Cochito tatemado, or broiled pork. I got a Chochito burrito ($9) it comes with broiled pork, beans chorizo and cabbage. I didn't get the normal red ground chorizo that I'm used to but more of a finely chopped moist pork and bits of crispy skin through out the burrito. The cabbage was also finely chopped to match the pork. What stood out most and really made the burrito was the bits of crispy skin, it was unlike any other taco shop in San Diego. Its like the best part when you order crispy roast pork in the chinese market. What also made it was the slice of fresh jalapeno inside it added a nice crunch and a bit of freshness to it. The salsas were SPICY, they came in small containers for a reason, the green tomatillo salsa was least spicy but the other 2 were up there in spice level so use them sparingly. Because i ate there it came with some complemetary chips which were fried in house. They were good and i think flour tortilla chips so a bit different than normal. Service was friendly, you order at the reigster and they bring it to your table. There were a handful of tables inside as well as some outside. It looked like they were building a small stage inside, so maybe there's gonna be live music in the future or maybe just an elevated area. They have their own parking lot which they share with other businesses but you can also park on the street. I suggest you try this spot as its the only place that serves Mazatlan style food or specifically Cochito/Broiled pork.

    Suite front
    Emmett T.

    Anchoring a small strip of businesses in the Sherman Heights neighborhood is El Pariente which is a taqueria specializing in broiled pork (cochito tatemado) from Mazatlan. I haven't discovered another taco shop in town that serves pork cooked this way. There was an on-site lot for the plaza which was good because curbside parking in this area can be sketchy after sunset. A front patio had a few tables with umbrellas for coverage from the elements. The inside dining area could seat a couple of dozen customers. A banner on the outside advertised a 3 x 1 small taco special on Taco Tuesdays which may be worth a return trip. The left menu screen listed breakfast items, burritos, rolled tacos, beverages, and desserts. The right menu screen displayed tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and mulitas. I selected one of each of the three tacos... asada, adobada, and cochito. The first two were garnished with guacamole, cilantro, and onions. The cochito was dressed with beans, chorizo, and cabbage. The broiled pork was certainly a must try when visiting this place. Not only did the broiling impart a unique flavor to the meat, but the kitchen added bits of crunchy pork (i.e. chicharrones) as a topping to that taco. The texture contrast made the cochito taste even better. Even the adobada tasted different than what I have experienced elsewhere albeit in a better way. The asada was the least impressive of my trio as the beef was pretty standard. A tray with four compartments was provided containing three types of salsa and limes. I did a taste test and quickly realized that there was lots of HEAT in the salsas so I avoided using any on my food. I bought a pineapple agua fresca to quench my thirst after eating. The service was very good from the staff. I gave a 4.5 star rating for my dining experience at El Pariente.

    Quesadilla
    Cirwan S.

    Leaving the padres game and was in the mood for Mexican food! Saw this place and we went here. The cashier said they are know for their pork tacos also known for their poke tacos ! I started things out with their asada fries which were yummy but then got 3 of their signature cochito tatemado tacos, which were amazing ! Definitely a must try ! My buddy got the macha breakfast burrito & the cochito tatemado quesadilla which he said was a must try ! We both got a banana bread and loved it ! Restaurant was clean, service was great, lots of seating inside. Definitely coming back !

    Menu
    Christopher L.

    Back again! Been a regular here and they finally have alcohol now! Definitely recommend the cocci to tacos, the quesadillas are huge. And as always, must get the rolled tacos!

    Okayyy this spot is a whole vibe! From the second you walk in, it just feels good, modern, stylish, and super inviting. The music was on point and really set the mood without being too loud. And the food?? So good. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and came out looking amazing. You can tell they really care about what they're serving. Plus, the place was really clean, which just makes the whole experience even better. Good vibes, great food, good music... what more do you need? I'll definitely be back!

    California Burrito - good ratio of ingredients, it has crispy fries, carne asada is seasoned well and not greasy.
    Art G.

    The service is quick and friendly. The California burrito is solid, chips are good, salsas are spicy and the agua de limón con chia is exactly what it should be.

    Lauren L.

    It is really rare for me to leave a review for food. It's also a rare moment to eat something and say WOW. The tacos here are sooo good! They are known for their shredded pork but honestly ALL their food is good here. The asada is my favorite, the meat was smoky and cooked to perfection, not dry at all. The tortillas taste fresh and came out hot. The adobada is just as good. I don't want to leave a review because I don't want this place to get too popular but they need the attention! The space is clean and well maintained! Service is great as well!

    Cochito taco and chorizo breakfast burrito

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Cravings satisfied!! Had the Cochito Tacos again!! So good!! And of course the friendly and most attentive staff.. thank you!

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    1 year ago

    Excellent food and service! Try the cochito anything, you will not be disappointed. I will definitely be back.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    The best cochito tacos.. 100% recommend amazing customers service !!! We definitely be coming back !!!

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    10 months ago

    carnitas were really good ! ive been to mazatlan a few times and these tasted just like it!customer service was also good and friendly.

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

    cáiganle aquí con los compás de "El pariente" , esta a toda madre el servicio, la comida y la humildad. jálense!

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    Books & Records

    Books & Records

    4.3
    (407 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Happy Hour is all day on Wednesdays, which is a huge plus…read more The menu has a great selection, and this place always has a solid ambiance. Everything came out quickly, including the drinks. I genuinely wasn't dressed up and still received some of the best service I've ever had at a restaurant. Dalton was an absolute all-star, even though he's a Dodgers fan. A+ service. Even when he had a good number of tables, he still checked in regularly to make sure we were happy and had everything we needed.

    I really wanted to like Books & Records, but the service left a lot to be desired…read more After checking in, we waited a bit for our table, which was understandable. Once seated, though, we sat for about 20 minutes without anyone acknowledging us. I eventually had to flag someone down just to get water. We then waited even longer for our server to take our order. Because service was so slow, I ordered all of our drinks and food at once since I wasn't sure when we'd see our server again. What stood out even more was watching a couple seated next to us receive immediate attention. They were greeted, served water right away, and the woman was offered a purse hook. Meanwhile, we were sitting there with our purses shoved beside us and weren't offered the same courtesy. It may seem like a small detail, but combined with the lack of attention, it made us feel overlooked. The drinks came out quickly, and the chicken satay and mac and cheese were decent. Nothing was bad, but nothing really stood out food-wise either. The highlight of the evening was definitely the live music. The performers were fantastic and created a great atmosphere that honestly was the only enjoyable part of the evening.

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    Interior
    Interior
    Bao buns
    Bao buns
    Blueberry Beret ($14)

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    Blueberry Beret ($14)
    Hash House A Go Go

    Hash House A Go Go

    4.1
    (8.9k reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    Wow! Everything about this place was phenomenal. The atmosphere, the food, and the service…read more The inside gives western diner in the absolute best way possible! It's got the decor, chairs, and art to match. Jessica was our server and she was amazing! She gave us lots of suggestions on what to try and what is on the menu since it was my first time here. She recommended the bloody Mary flight so did grab that to try! We also ordered the biscuits and gravy to share and orange juice. The portions are so large! So I am glad we decided to share the biscuits and gravy but let me run down each thing. Bloody Mary Flight: Honestly every single one was amazing. My favorite was definitely the pickle Mary! Everything tasted so delicious and was garnished beautifully. Well worth the 22 dollars. Biscuits and Gravy: Absolute perfection of comfort food. The biscuits were so fluffy and well seasoned. The gravy was also soooo good, just like my mom makes. The sausage in it was also cooked so well and juicy. I've never tried mashed potatoes with the biscuits and gravy but it worked very well! Orange Juice: Not a fan really, not pulpy enough and I wasn't a fan of the flavor. Overall this is definitely a must visit! I will definitely be back.

    My friends selected this spot for brunch again and I must say the experience was much better than…read moremy previous. One thing out the gate is the portion sizes. The plates are massive so if you have a healthy appetite then you are at the right place. Plus there are a ton of items on the menu so there's something for everyone. The parking is get in where you can fit in on the street but it wasn't difficult. They have indoor and outdoor seating in the back. Our server Ulises was great which he immediately greeted us and was very attentive even with the Father's Day crowd. I decided to try the rib and eggs and I have to admit, I was very happy with my choice. The ribs were lightly sauced with a thin sauce that worked well. The meat was tender and had great flavor. I just didn't like the grass they put on top!lol The eggs were okay. I added cheese but I barely had any compared to my friends. The cantaloupe was a nice sweet treat afterwards. I tried my friend's meal and they were also good which they also enjoyed their meals overall. I also tried a one of the Bloody Mary flights which was the only tequila shot with pork skin on top. I do not like savory and spicy drinks but that particular shot was decent and was hot sauce for the pork skin. Overall, the experience was nice and the food was good especially for the value.

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    Dining Room
    Dining Room
    1. Smoked Bacon Fresh Avocado
    1. Smoked Bacon Fresh Avocado
    Iced coffee 10/10

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    Iced coffee 10/10
    Richard Walker's Pancake House

    Richard Walker's Pancake House

    4.0
    (4.5k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Came here for Mother's Day brunch and, predictably, the place was absolutely buzzing with families!…read moreEven with the holiday crowd, the vibe was great and the energy was high. You can't come to Richard Walker's and not get the Dutch pancake. We went with the Apple Pancake (the fan favorite for a reason) and it was honestly out of this world. It's got that perfect contrast with super fluffy in the middle but with those amazing crispy edges. We also tried the Belgian waffle, which was exactly how it should be: crunchy on the outside and delicious throughout. What really blew me away, though, was the service. Despite it being one of the busiest days of the year, the staff was absolutely superb fast, friendly, and totally on top of it. If you're in Downtown San Diego, this is a must-visit for a solid, convenient breakfast. Highly recommend!

    A fault entirely of our own but EVERYTHING IS COOKED IN PEANUT OIL EXCEPT THE GF/PEANUT FREE…read morePANCAKES/WAFFLES. We did not see that fine print before arriving. Outside of the peanut oil surprising us, everyone's food was phenomenal! The service was great and we even got to meet Richard himself and he was very sweet. We ordered the thin Swedish pancakes which were yummy especially with the lingonberries! We also got the German Baked Pancake which took ~20 minutes as it said in the menu, so all of the food took that time as well. We got the GF/peanut oil free pancakes and they were still good. The inside was beautiful with the stained glass look and there was tons of outside seating as well. We walked right up on a Thursday morning around 9 AM and got seated instantly.

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    Richard Walker's Pancake House
    Regular PANCAKE
    Regular PANCAKE
    FRESH STRAWBERRY PATCH WAFFLE

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    FRESH STRAWBERRY PATCH WAFFLE
    Queenstown Public House

    Queenstown Public House

    4.2
    (2.9k reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    We came here for a celebratory post-race dinner and first sat outside around a fire pit, but when…read morewe heard happy hour was in the bar-area only, we quickly pivoted. Thank goodness there was room too, because wow oh wow. It has been three weeks and we keep talking about that happy hour. LOL I appreciated that their happy hour menu wasn't all snackable appetizers; there were smaller-sized dishes for those less hungry, too! I ordered the Kiwilango slider + fries, my mom got the HH fish & chips, and my dad got the wagyu smash slider. Plus $10 beers, of course. Everything came out quickly and beautifully portioned, which made getting dessert (magpie ice cream cake) a no brainer. Delicious!!! I didn't stray into their full Kiwi-based dinner menu, but I can fully vouch for their happy hour, the cozy, charming vibes, kind and attentive servers, and flavorful dishes. Would absolutely recommend and will be coming back next time I'm in town!

    Loved everything about this place! I love the ambiance the decor the staff the service the bottle…read moreof water provided with the cute little glasses the food the Cool breeze as you're sitting outside. They have a deal almost every single night of the week except for Saturday night. They also have happy hour prices. My friend ordered the spaghetti squash and I had a taste and it melted in my mouth good. It was a good size quantity also! I tried my first ever meat pie. I think I like meat pie! The crust was so flaky and the inside was so cheesy and meaty. Melted in my mouth good. If you're in the area I would definitely stop in and give it a try!

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    Queenstown Public House
    FISH & CHIPS
    FISH & CHIPS
    The Cure

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    The Cure

    El Pariente - mexican - Updated July 2026

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