As a south Texan I am very particular about Mexican food being partial to Tex-Mex but damn, this place delivered. Nick at the bar was amazing for both drink and food service. The salsa and verde sauce were truly amazing and the street tacos were some of the absolute best I've ever tasted. Can't recommend this place enough. read more

Amazing cocktails and lively ambiance. The tacos and chips were fresh and tasty. The chicken fries were not so great though - too much potato, too less chicken. read more

Parking is limited but it was totally worth parking a little further away. The outside is pretty unassuming but magic happens inside. Their happy hour menu is pretty big. All appetizers, quesadillas, and drinks are 50% off. I ordered the mix and match tacos with carne asada and shrimp. The first thing I noticed when my food came was how it smelled. It smelled fresh and authentic. It's hard for me to describe but iykyk. Everything was delicious. The carne asada was juicy and flavorful and the shrimp was cooked to perfection. The tortillas were even freshly made. read more

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Checking out taco joints in our hood and this Happy Hour piqued our interest! Good sized guac! Crunchy chips and a mound of guac... I wasn't sure I'd have room for the tacos... Carne tacos were stuffed with meat and beans and rice were all good! Ambiance is rock club cantina, service was friendly, and prices are good for HH... Definitely hit this happy hour again! read more

La Puerta - Large Guacamole - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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Literally one of my favorite spots in San Diego. Anyone visiting me takes a trip here I love the interior of the restaurant. It's dark and intimate. The service is always great, and the food leaves me dreaming about it for the next week. I always order a wet burrito. read more

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When my favourite California Burrito dealer closed last year, I began a long journey to find its successor. Dozens of burritos later, the search is over. La Puerta's California Burrito is the new champ. Crispy fries, guacamole and sour cream added as standard, perfectly seasoned steak and served with a trio of salsas (all of which are delicious). Even the tortilla and size of the burrito was flawless. I have no notes - perfecto read more

We came here during a layover and were looking for tacos and margaritas late at night. This was actually one of the only spots still open when we landed, so it worked out perfectly. It also happened to be Taco Tuesday, so the tacos were $3, which was a great deal. I ordered the shrimp taco and al pastor taco. They were good, but I wouldn't say they were anything spectacular. I also got a frozen margarita (I forgot the name) and added mango purée, which made it really refreshing and perfect with the tacos. Overall, it's a solid spot if you're in the Gaslamp District, especially late at night when options are limited. Good vibe, good drinks, and a great Taco Tuesday deal. read more

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Nothing beats the La puerta happy hour! I recently discovered their taco Tuesday deal! Lets gooo!!! Their tacos are amazing! I like the ambience more in mission hills, but I love a good happy hour anywhere. read more

La Puerta - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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Had a couple margaritas and three tacos. Margaritas did not disappoint and either did tacos. Had a shrimp/ seafood which was my favorite followed by a beef taco. Nice vibe here and busy. read more

We went for happy hour on Sunday. Half off apps and drinks from 3-5 pm is a great deal! we got the guacamole with chips and the pastor pineapple quesadilla to share, 3 skinny house margs and 2 micheladas all around $65 with tip! Service was quick from both the bartender, server and back of house with food. Ambiance was very lowkey, high top bar stools, booth and bar seats available. Pretty small venue but I know the one in Mission Hills is bigger. They also have a late night happy hour starting at 10 pm I would definitely check out as well! read more

La Puerta - Guacamole and Pastor Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

After a late night (or maybe early morning?) of drinking, all I wanted was a massive burrito. And a drink because you can't be hungover if you're drunk again. My coworkers and I decided to get brunch at La Puerta and we ordered the queso fundido to share, and I got the purple haze (sangria swirled with frozen margarita) and the 1 pound shrimp burrito and made it wet with both red and green sauce. My coworkers were initially laughing at how much food my 1 pound burrito was going to be but when their 3 taco plate came out, it was just as much food if not more. Their portion sizes are huge. The queso fundido was so good, the cheese had a nice crispy top to it and you definitely had to use the spoon to scoop it because it will break your chips. The wet shrimp burrito I got was really good as well but i couldn't finish it because it was just too much. I really enjoyed the purple haze as well. Would definitely be back again if i'm in the area! It's quite dark inside so I bet it would be a cute dinner place. read more

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I went out with my friend to celebrate our late birthdays and we decided to check out La Puerta! Our server Jessica was amazing!!! Every suggestion she gave us was a hit! I had the Surf N Turf tacos and they were soooo good!!! I also had the Mexican candy shot and for a person who doesn't drink much it was fire!! I love all the mugshots on their wall! Overall, we had a great time and Jessica's service made our experience even better! Will definitely return read more

We would definitely go back here. Not your traditional Mexican but so tasty and so nice for something slightly different. The restaurant is decorated with mug shots of famous band members/musicians that you would recognize in their mug shots. The menu is printed on a replica of an album cover you would also likely recognize (Prince, Nirvana etc.). The chips are freshly made and very decadent with some delicious salsa that is spicy green or more of your usual red restaurant style salsa. We had different variations of carnitas dishes that were all excellent. The carnitas seemed to have a hint of something unusual (I was guessing cinnamon), but so good. Clean and fresh tasting with just the right around of crispy edges without being dry. My kids had the loaded fries that reminded me of Mexican style poutinne, but of course without the cheese for my kids. They were very gracious here and served everything on the side so they could build the loaded fries exactly how they wanted to. My husband and I both had the appetizer with the mini tostadas and carnitas. So good! So much food also. We could have easily shared and had plenty. Service was very friendly and fast. The restaurant and restrooms were clean and the front hostess was super friendly also. Great location in the Gaslamp district, Hope to be back soon!! read more

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The atmosphere first of all was amazing. The food was delish. I loved the casual vibe of the restaurant. The plants and art of rockstars were awesome. Prices were already amazing but it was happy hour so we got half off appetizers. Oh yes and our waitress n server was really good! read more

Arrived around 6pm on a Saturday and the wait was about 40 minutes for a party of three. If you don't want to wait for a table, the bar offers full service with open seating, which is a great option. We ordered a few different versions of the taco plate, which comes with three tacos, rice, refried beans, and a roasted vegetable mix. Everything was solid and nicely portioned. Make sure to ask for chips and salsa! read more

La Puerta - Chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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It's a 4.2/5, which means it's above good, by far. The ambiance is definitely more casual and it has a nice flair to the traditional Mexican food you could imagine. It also didn't cost an arm and a leg, like most decent places try to do when you're downtown in a major city. A nice balance of sweet, savory, casual and genuinely good food. Service was fast too! read more

It was a rainy evening in San Diego, not a single local to be seen on the streets. As we turn the corner onto 4th Ave, what do we see? The entire city huddled together for warmth inside of La Puerta. I knew this was the place to be, so I didn't mind a 30 minute wait. It was faster than that anyways, because this place is CHURNING out tacos in no time at all. They have an extensive menu of every type of traditional or non-traditional taco that you could want. But my strongest recommendation would be to order the chips and guacamole. Where I come from in Seattle, this can be an underwhelming appetizer. But you better be ready to munch down on some guac, pal, because this thing is no joke. Most restaurants would have a division between guac and chips. A fine line that would not be crossed. La Puerta throws caution to the wind by rolling a giant mound of green deliciousness on top of the chips. Because why not? That's what we're here for anyways. And not only are you getting that guac, but they're tossing some delicious cotija cheese on top too. I've heard that they won some sort of award for their chips, and I'm not surprised. And the tacos here should be celebrated as well. Every taco dish comes with beans, rice, and a peppers (maybe those are nopales?) and onions mix. You can tell that they put as much love into these sides as they do with their main dishes. They are a perfect accompaniment to the tacos themselves. Everything here is done with the purpose of serving up fantastic food, and it seems like that's why La Puerta crushes it on a street that has like 10 other taco spots. read more

La Puerta - Viva Mexico - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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Can't go wrong here order whatever looks delicious and it will be! Tequila menu is also crazy don't miss it!

My short trip in San Diego consisted mostly of Mexican food (by choice) and La Puerta looked like the perfect option between Coronado and the airport, They were able to accommodate our group of four plus our luggage at a booth. However, they don't offer high chars to accommodate babies or children. We ordered the al pastor fries, shrimp burrito, fish tacos, and assorted tacos. Everything was good, but nothing was a standout for me. I was dissapointed with the shrimp burrito because it was falling apart before I even lifted it up, the only option was to eat it with a knife and fork. If you're looking for a casual bar ambiance with above average food, this is your spot. read more

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Wanted to get some Mexican food so we went to this place near our hotel. We went there during the evening and it was kind of busy so we had to wait about 20min. We sat down finally and our waitress came by to give us some water and take our drink order. We ordered the margaritas which were pretty good. For our appetizer we ordered the guacamole and chips. It came out pretty quick and it looked a little different that the normal guacamole and chips but it was delicious. The red and green sauce that came with it was pretty good as well. For our entrees we ordered the chicken quesadilla and the taco plate that came with shrimp, carnitas, and pastor. Both dishes came out pretty quick as well. The quesadilla was good, the chicken was tender, and there was enough food for three people. The tacos were also delicious and each taco was cooked perfect, with lots of flavor. The beans and rice had great flavor to it and was also cooked good. We didn't get any dessert because we were too full. :) The service was good and all the employees seem to be on top of it. Great job. read more

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The food is delicious and comes out ridiculously fast. The staff is friendly and helpful to first-timera.

Victor was our server today. Good server. Jessica sets the bar though. She's amazing and sets the bar for service! Love her and glad she's :6till here!!! read more

The late night happy hour here is fantastic! We got the chips and guac which was a MASSIVE portion for only $6 at happy hour, and tasted so good too! I also got their purple haze drink which was like a margarita with sangria and was delicious. Vibes are good and service was on top of it as well. Definitely recommend! read more

La Puerta - Large Guacamole - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

The food was so delicious and the atmosphere is top notch. Quick service and easy access.

We stopped into La Puerta for lunch after arriving in San Diego. The service was great (very attentive and informative while remaining sincere). The drinks were tasty (I had a frozen margarita and my friend had a local beer) and we started with the chips and guac. I had the mix and match tacos and my friend did a salad with shrimp. Drinks came extremely fast along with the chips and guac and food was speedy also. Delicious, low stress spot with good menu options and fantastic service. read more

La Puerta - Mix and Mix 'n' Match pastor taco, carnitas tacos - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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Table for 4. Cute ambiance and wonderful server Tila. Complimentary chips and salsa may have been the stand out. Fresh chips and two better than average varieties salsa. Margaritas very good with premium prices. Fundido appetizer: cheese too-coagulated thus impossible to dip but flavor good. Two ordered taco plates. Runny beans and underwhelming carne asada tacos. Sis and I got pozole soup. Served lukewarm but mine was heated in microwave promptly. I'd come back for drinks during happy hour. read more

La Puerta - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Easily one of my fave late night happy hour spots. We always get their shrimp tostaditas, which is an appetizer, but big enough to be an entree 10/10. We've also gotten their taquitos and quesadillas. It's a perfect late night snack/meal for a good price 8/10. They also have the best chips and salsa, they give to you as soon as you sit down 10/10. If you are there for happy hour, they have a margarita or mojito slushee as their happy hour drinks, which are delicious too 9/10. The hosts, bar tenders, and servers we've gotten have always been friendly and attentive. Tonight we had Alex... and she was just amazing making sure our waters were refilled and we got everything we needed. And nothing beats the place's rustic bar vibe with its celebrity Mugshots wallpaper, juxtapose to its framed pictures of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Their forks, knives, and napkins come in a tin can and their menu is Prince's album so obviously the ambiance is 10/10. It all just works, and I'm here for it. read more

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Went to La Puerta for dinner and drinks and overall had a decent experience. The atmosphere was lively and the location is great for a night out downtown. Some of the tacos and appetizers were really good, but a few dishes felt overpriced for the portion sizes. read more

Had no idea I've been to this place back in 2017! We randomly stopped here on a Tuesday and caught their taco special AND happy hour. It was definitely a better experience from my 2017 encounter. The walls are covered with celebrity mug shots, there are mother mary figurines at every booth, and they have a shrine dedicated to artists who passed. Very entertaining to look at. I loved everything we ordered! The flautas were crispy and not dry. The shrimp tostadas were the best with generous shrimp, a nice slaw and sauce on top. The chips and guac came out more like nachos with a big deep bowl of chips. We took advantage of the taco Tuesday deal and I got 3 tacos: steak, shrimp, and chicken. All were very flavorful. I wish I didn't fill myself up with the appetizers so I could have ordered more tacos! read more

La Puerta - Guac and chips, flautas, shrimp tostadas - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Great ambience. The place is bustling with energy. The staff are fast and friendly. The tables were adorned with glass prayer candles and an array of menus made to look like classic album covers. I had the guacamole, which was amazing! It's such a generous portion, it's obscene (and I mean that in the best way possible). The guacamole is served over a bed of hearty tortilla chips. This was fun to share and we all dug in! I had the carne asada tacos. The portion was also generous. The rice and beans were seasoned and cooked to perfection. However, the meat was dry and salty. I opted for no sour cream, which I kinda regret. In retrospect, the sour cream might have offset the saltiness of the meat. I'd still come back and try other dishes. This is a fun spot for a group lunch and drinks. read more

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Happy hour review. Again and again this place hits the spot. The food and drinks are a 10 out of 10. The service is top notch and the music and setting is very inviting. The prices are the best you will find around for the happy hour (3-5/1/2 apps, quesadillas and drinks everyday). My favorite item is probably their pork Cochinita Tostaditas or the Queso Fundido with chorizo and the rajas con crema. So many good options to choose from, this definitely is a go to spot when in San Diego. read more

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We found this place looking for some good mexican food and had such a difficult time finding parking. My advice, park in a garage and walk the area because the signs and certain areas will give you a ticket. For the restaurant... The Beansssss! When I tasted the beans, I jumped for joy! I asked how they were made because they were creamy and flavorful. The hostess and waitress were down to earth and ensured they gave a great description of food items and their favorites. I ordered the surf and turf tacos which were tasty, the meat had some chewy pieces but not bad. I enjoyed the beans and the poblano sauce and veggies on the sides. Goood gracious. Drinks were good, not strong but the sip was nice. We just missed brunch which gave a deal on mimosas with a bottle of champagne. The sports were on but music in the background and the wallpaper inside are cool mug shots of past and present celebrities. Can't wait to go back! read more

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Delicious tacos! I tried the carne asada and the carnitas tacos and they were both fantastic, especially the carnitas. There was about a 15 minute wait so we got margaritas at the bar. One with a tajin rim and one without. They were delicious and we were able to be seated even sooner than expected. The bar isn't very large but they space the tables well, and the bar has plenty of seating. We had great service and great tacos. Excellent spot for a Taco Tuesday! read more

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This was the first Mexican restaurant that I had to ask for salsa. I received my Order of 5 mini bean tostada (excellent) But there was no chips or salsa. I had to ask. read more

La Puerta - Me - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

We went here before a Padres game on a Thursday for happy hour. We got there at about 2:45 pm and there was already a line! We got our names in and got our seats around 3 pm. Their food is amazing! We ordered off of the happy hour menu and got the chips and guacamole, ceviche, and shrimp quesadilla. The good was fresh, delicious, and a great deal! We ordered the Micheladas (yes!!!) and the margarita. They are busy, but the staff made sure you check in on us regularly. The bathrooms are nice and the bar is so pretty. I would recommend! I unfortunately didn't take pictures, but wish I did! read more

We were on our way to a Wednesday afternoon Padres game and wanted a drink and a snack. Becky had a craving for a spicy margarita and chips and salsa. So, into La Puerta we went. We found two seats at the bar and plopped down. Rob was our bartender and service was rather indifferent. He barely spoke to us except to take our order. We had to ask for napkins. A no nonsense bartender for sure. At least on this afternoon. One spicy marg, a pint of Embolden "Beyond Borders" lager and chips and salsa. The chips were served in a decent sized bowl with one side each green and red salsa. The chips were warm and crispy. Both salsas were quite good. Bex enjoyed her marg and my beer was served in an ice-cold mug. Prices were steep, but pretty much what you'd expect for non-happy hour Gaslamp. $15 margarita, $8 beer. Surprisingly, the chips and salsa were complimentary. Would we return? Debatable, but La Puerta is on our radar. read more

La Puerta - Complimentary chips and salsa. Still nearly $25. - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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Currently sitting by at the bar and have to give a shoutout to my bartender Dakota for making sure that my drink was never empty and that I left full. Also, she had the best smile :) read more

Of course I was excited for some tasty Mexican food while in SD and this was our first stop. It's a small restaurant that feels like a pub or bar but it was intimate. They have large booths and tables for smaller parties. We were seated immediately for lunch and our server Tela came over and took our order pretty quickly. She was awesome. I had the purple haze, very refreshing. Also tried the guac and chips along with the surf 'n' turf for my main entree. The meal was very flavorful and the portion was huge. The only thing I was disappointed about was that the tacos were street taco size even though it wasn't obvious on the menu that that is what you were ordering. Otherwise, great meal and I loved the unique mugshot wallpaper. read more

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Their surf and turf tacos were so delicious!! That's also their most popular menu item. There is a small line when you first enter but we managed to get a bar space. Service was not the fastest but I assume they're making the tacos with love. read more

La Puerta - Surf 'n' Turf - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Loved this spot! Perfect location, right in the middle of downtown walkable from hotels and close to other bars and restaurants. Place was packed even at 10pm and they have happy hour from 10pm to midnight!! We had to wait a little but they let us order drinks in the meantime. They have an award winning spicy margarita and it hits the right spot - delicious. The food was amazing - so flavorful and the sauces just add to it! We got chips and salsa, potato taquitos and vegetarian burrito with habanero sauce on the side. Can't pick which was my favourite. Every single dish was a highlight! The flan was soft and tender and not too sweet. Definitely would go back again. read more

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