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    Fish Guts

    4.5 (367 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM
    Updated 2 weeks ago

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    FISH GUTS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Dogs allowed

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    Baja fish tacos
    Ona R.

    Love this place! Fresh fish and flavorful tacos!!!! I'm so impressed and not even mad that one can't mix and match because I want to try everything here! Small establishment but they make you feel at home, get you seated as quickly as they can and server your food hot and fresh. These are also some of the best fish tacos in San Diego. Can't wait to be back!!

    Fish n chips
    Priscilla K.

    Came here a few minutes before opening and there was still a line! Parking can be tricky because you only have the option for street parking. Once we were seated though, our orders were taken fairly quickly considering there was only one person working! We ordered everything on the menu basically, except dessert. The smoked fish was not available that day, but we got to try all the tacos, and we got seconds on the coconut shrimp. The fish n chips was brilliantly reinterpreted with the potato salad, the coconut shrimp was delightfully crispy and coconutty, and the swordfish was also good due to the yummy slaw. I had to ask twice for hot sauce though because it didn't have the heat I needed, but with it, it was superb! Would come back - though earlier next time to beat the line. One wish: (I wish they'd hire more people.) She was extremely professional despite the fact that she was the waitress seating people, taking orders, bartending, clearing dishes and tables, and being the cashier too! For a place doing SO well, I hope the owners would consider hiring more staff.

    De Espada tacos - tasty
    Kate F.

    This place doesn't have any take home containers so you can't order to go or take home anything. I wanted to try their smoked fish dip but knew I wouldn't be able to finish it on my own but I was told they don't have anything to give you leftovers in. I don't think I have ever been to a restaurant that doesn't have any take home containers The de Espada tacos were good but it's annoying you have to sit and eat there. For lunch, I like to grab and go. It was pretty crowded at noon on a Wednesday too. It was good but I probably won't come back

    Shrimp tacos
    Amy N.

    First time here, came here while visiting San Diego. We tried the Baja fish tacos, shrimp tacos and fish and chips. We also tried a Michelada and a few of the different margaritas. The service was great and the restaurant was clean but small. You sit bar style. I recommend giving this place a try.

    Steven H.

    Fish Guts in Barrio Logan is the kind of place that proves you don't need a fancy setup to serve outstanding food and drinks. The space itself is pretty simple, but what comes out of the kitchen absolutely delivers. On a recent Friday evening my partner and I grabbed seats at the bar and shared a few different tacos: the De Espada (swordfish), De Coco (shrimp), and the Estilo Baja fish taco. Each one was excellent in its own way. The swordfish taco in particular stood out, but honestly all three were fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with high-quality ingredients. We were served by a friendly young waiter whose name I unfortunately didn't catch. He mentioned he grew up in the neighborhood and was genuinely warm, attentive, and outgoing. Service like that always makes the experience feel more personal. For drinks, I had the Pepino Santo, which I highly recommend. It was refreshing and perfectly balanced. My partner tried the Smokey Mango and enjoyed that one just as much. If you're used to grabbing tacos across the border in Tijuana, the prices here might cause a little sticker shock at first. But for San Diego, and especially for tacos of this quality, the pricing really isn't surprising. One small tip: if it's a chilly evening like it was when we visited, you may want to sit inside away from the open windows or bring a jacket. Great tacos, great drinks, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe. We'll definitely be back.

    Fish taco
    Hannah W.

    Delicious no frills taco spot for fish tacos. Friendly service, delicious/fresh/quality food with a little kick. Can't ask for much more! This was probably the best fish taco we tried in San Diego.

    Shrimp and fish tacos .
    Johana B.

    The fish tacos were so yummy!! Loved the chipotle slaw and how crunchy and fresh the fish was!!! Dad approved of both tacos and drinks too :)

    James H.

    Stopped by Fish Guts and was seriously impressed. Their crispy fish tacos are legit -- perfectly fried with great crunch and tons of flavor in every bite. Everything tasted fresh, well-seasoned, and thoughtfully put together. Service was really good too -- friendly, fast, and welcoming without feeling rushed. If you're in San Diego and craving excellent fish tacos, this spot absolutely delivers. Simple, delicious, and done right. I'll definitely be back.

    Blackened swordfish
    Valerie T.

    After several attempts to catch them open, I finally made it to Fish Guts an easy addition to my San Diego taco tour and well worth the wait. I'm always drawn to inventive seafood tacos, especially when they showcase different preparations, and this spot absolutely delivered. We sampled the blackened swordfish, the estilo Baja white fish (light, crisp, and exactly what you want from a classic), and started with the smoked fish dip all paired with margaritas that were dangerously smooth, more like fresh juice than a cocktail. Nothing missed the mark: from the rich, smoky dip to the perfectly seasoned blackened taco and the satisfying crunch of the fried option, each bite was thoughtfully executed. A detail I loved each order comes with two tacos, making it ideal for sharing and tasting your way through the menu. The freshness of the fish really shines and sets the tone for a proper taco crawl. Though the space is on the smaller side, with limited indoor seating and a cozy patio, it adds to the charm. It's the kind of intimate setting that invites you to linger, people watch, and take in the vibrant artwork that defines Barrio Logan. The staff is quick and detailed with honest feedback. A couple of notes: they're closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and parking is street-only, so plan accordingly. But once you're there, the flavors more than make up for any extra effort.

    Fish and chips tacos

    I was excited to try Fish Guts in Logan, but unfortunately, it was a disappointing experience. The atmosphere was very bland--there was no music, which made the place feel quiet and boring. The service wasn't great either. The female server seemed stressed and wasn't very friendly or welcoming. The food was just mediocre, especially for the price. I ordered the Original Baja fish tacos and the fish and chips. The tacos were $12 for just two small tacos, which I felt was overpriced. What really surprised me was that the "fish and chips" came in taco form, which wasn't what I expected at all. I also ordered a drink, but they didn't have straws, salsa, or any condiments available, which made the meal even less enjoyable. Overall, I didn't think the food or the experience justified the cost. I'd rather visit a local food truck, pay under $2 per taco, and enjoy better flavor and value. I spent $33 for 4 tacos and a beer. Unfortunately, I won't be returning.

    Very nice location here
    Chris M.

    All I can say is I really loved this place. It was one of the top food places I was able to fit into my few days in SD, and their tacos were so fresh and this was one of the very few places that lived up to the hype. The Fish Sandwich was amazing. As you can see from my pics so got an assortment of tacos and took recommendations from the staff- who I believe was the owner. He was very friendly and eager to please. The fish tacos were superb, probably my favorite and that's why I stopped in there. When I make it back this is on my priority list to see them again.

    Amy D.

    Delicious fish tacos in sd!! The fish tasted so crispy and fresh, but my favorite was their coconut shrimp tacos. I loved that their tais came lots of cabbage in too that helped balance out the fried foods. I actually really liked how small the store was because you got to look out into the street and really enjoy the view, making it a really charming place to have a quick lunch! I definitely recommend it and if I'm in the area, stopping by again !

    Baja
    Ari J.

    Yo, Fish Guts the name, kinda nasty on the ear, Sounds like a horror flick, but the food's sincere. Walked in like "damn, who named this spot?" But one bite of them tacos and I forgot. Baja tacos so fresh, it erased the crime, Even the shrimps spit bars in rhyme. Slaw cold, place got flair, But callin' it Fish Guts? My guy, you don't care! Still, respect to the barrio, flavor's on lock, Five stars for the food, zero for struttin' cock. So if you can stomach the name, take the ride, Fish Guts forever ugly name, bomb inside.

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    8 days ago

    Awesome tacos! We had classic fish tacos and mushroom tacos. Service was great and pricing was fair.

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    Noble Experiment

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    My brother-in-law and I were looking for places to drink....And we just wanted somewhere chill. We…read moreknew that any bar by tacos el gordo would be too wild for us, so we walked a couple blocks and approached Noble Experiment. I would say this was probably our highlight of our trip in San Diego. Garrick, the bartender there, was super accommodating. Not only was he and the other bartender were making damn good drinks, they would legit talk to you. The ambiance of the place is cool too. Felt like I was going inside some continental room like John Wick. Definitely my vibe and definitely coming back. But if you ever get Garrick as your bartender, you're in for a treat!

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    Kindred

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    We had some restaurant credit to use, so my husband and I decided to visit on a weekday night…read more Unfortunately, the experience was underwhelming. Despite making a reservation a week in advance, we weren't given a standard table and had to choose between a bar table or outdoor seating, which was frustrating. We chose the bar to stay indoors, but service was quite slow. The restaurant seemed incredibly busy and understaffed--I honestly felt bad for the waitstaff. The ambiance is decent for drinks and casual snacks, but it doesn't quite feel like a 'full meal' destination. We ordered several items, including the cosmo knots, kefta skewers, cheeseburger, cheesecake, penne alla vodka, and some potatoes with dip. Everything was average at best, with the exception of the cosmo knots, which were delicious. Overall, I'd probably go here for drinks with a friend & light snacks, but that's about it.

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    What a fun nightlife spot! If you're looking for a fun place to grab cocktails, this is definitely…read morea spot worth checking out! **Located inside Craft & Commerce Walking into False Idol honestly feels like you've been transported somewhere else. It's hidden behind Craft & Commerce, and once you step inside, the immersive tiki atmosphere really sets the mood. The decor, lighting, and sound effects all come together to make the experience feel fun and memorable. Just know, if you are hoping to sit down, good luck! A lot of reservations are made in advance. However, at the bar, if you see a reservation sign and they're not there yet, staff will let you sit down once it's time to get up for the reserved party. DRINKS: 9/10 The cocktails were creative, well crafted, and definitely strong enough to make you feel like you were getting your money's worth. I also loved how much attention they put into the presentation. Every drink looked like a piece of art and added to the whole tiki experience. SERVICE: 9/10 The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They took the time to answer questions and made great recommendations without making us feel rushed. AMBIANCE: 10/10 This is easily the highlight of the experience. The entire space is beautifully designed, and every little detail makes it feel like you've escaped into a hidden tropical bar. It's cozy, intimate, and unlike any other place I've been to in San Diego. Reservations are definitely worth making since the space is on the smaller side and fills up quickly. The only reason I'm giving 4 instead of 5 stars is that, while the experience and ambiance were amazing, the drinks are definitely on the pricier side. I understand you're paying for the craftsmanship and atmosphere, but it's probably not somewhere I'd visit regularly because of that. It's common for tiki bars to be pricey so it was to be expected. Overall, I'm really glad I finally got to experience False Idol. If you're in San Diego and enjoy creative cocktails in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, I'd definitely recommend checking it out at least once!

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    The theme of this place was so fun! I loved seeing the anime references and the cool art for each…read moredrink in the menu. The interior design was beautiful, but they also have a little outdoor patio. I appreciated the warm lighting inside and the cozy color scheme (greens and maroons). The Heads Will Roll drink was delicious! I don't like drinks too fruity. This was a sweet drink but it was very balanced, not overpowering, and strong compared to the taste. The server was nice. But it took a while after we finished our drinks to get the check and pay. There were lots of other guest there though.

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    Good Enough Cocktail Club

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    Located in Little Italy, I think this place might have taken over the food hall that was here?…read more Good music, outdoor seating too. Bartenders were friendly. We ordered several rounds of cocktails but unfortunately, a lot of them lacked flavor & could have used more alcohol.

    I was checking the status of what's been happening on the east end of the Piazza della Famiglia in…read moreLittle Italy after the food hall closed several months ago. Good Enough Cocktail Club has opened in the large suite across the plaza from the vacant hall where a couple of restaurants from the previous ownership failed to thrive. The new management has experience operating multiple ventures in the SD area including a popular bar in Carlsbad. I had already eaten dinner, and it was getting late so this was a quick stop for a small bite only. The place was fairly quiet with the outside patio empty, a few patrons entrenched at the bar, and a group seated at one of the small tables to the right when you walked in. As part of the ambiance, there were some vintage speakers and a record player set up to spin some vinyl on busier nights. Two of the menu pages were dedicated to cocktails which were $14 each with over a dozen varieties. Beer, wine, and sake made up two other pages while the rest was dedicated to food. Those offerings consisted of bar bites and tapas. I picked the Chicken Empanadas for my order. Two pastries were stuffed with spicy chicken that sat on top of a bed of arugula. A cup of chimichurri was provided for dipping. The empanadas were each cut in half on the plate. I found them to be fairly ordinary in terms of taste and quality. Since I didn't purchase a drink, I can't comment on that aspect of the business. What did annoy me was that a customer wandered outside on the patio to wait for her order and began puffing a cigarette. The smoke odor was very noticeable from where I sat. The ventilation either needs to improve, or they should inform smokers to light up farther away from the entrance. The rating for my experience at Good Enough Cocktail Club was good enough for three stars.

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    Charade

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    4.5
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    As the self-appointed king of speakeasies, I'm back at it with another one. After having dinner in…read morethe area, we stopped by Charade for some drinks on a Monday night. I parked on the street close to the dinner spot I went to and then walked over to Charade. Ambiance (5/5): Charade is a speakeasy so here's your clue. It's located inside Balboa. Look for the room with the arcade games and you're on the right track. Once you enter the speakeasy, you'll immediately be impressed with the old school charm. It seats roughly 20-30 people and there's a bar on one end and a stage on the other end. Old school red curtains add to the vibe. And here's the best part. On Mondays, it's jazz night. Local musicians will play which makes for a great time. Service (3/5): There was one bartender working when we were there. Overall, she provided pretty good service. There was one comment she made which rubbed me the wrong way but no biggie. Food (N/A): I had dinner prior so were on a liquid diet. I did notice that they have a few snacks available like popcorn. Drinks (4.5/5): When you think of speakeasies, you think of elevated cocktails. I look for creativity and an interesting blend of flavors and ingredients. The menu here, while not huge, has some interesting options. Outside of the menu itself, the prices are reasonable (especially for California). And they make you stiff drinks which is always appreciated. Taking into account the cocktails and the ambiance, Charade is an awesome laid-back speakeasy. Make sure to stop by on a Monday for jazz night. That takes things up a notch.

    Came here around 11:30 PM on a Friday right before closing. No reservation needed. It's a little…read moretricky to find at first, but once you know it's tucked inside The Balboa Bar and Grill, it all clicks. I've been to The Balboa plenty of times and had no idea this was even here. The space is intimate, but well-designed. Think low lighting, a small bar, and sofa seating lining the walls with an open area in the center that naturally shifts between a dance floor and a social space. It strikes a nice balance of being lively without feeling overcrowded. They had DJs playing. It wasn't too loud so you were still able to socialize and hear one another. Drinks were solid. I ordered an Old Fashioned, and it was done right. Service stood out too. Everyone we interacted with was genuinely friendly and welcoming. Overall, it's a great late-night spot that feels a little more tucked-away and intentional than your typical bar scene. Definitely worth checking out!

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    Back room at the Charade

    Fish Guts - seafood - Updated July 2026

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