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    Taco Centro

    4.2 (44 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

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    TACO CENTRO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed
    Happy hour specials

    Recommended Reviews - Taco Centro

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    Meri A.

    Wonderful Mexican Restaurant in the area of Little Italy! When we came it wasn't busy which was a plus so we got efficient and quick service. Cute and modern decor all around! I tried their Breakfast- Bacon, Sausage, and Hashbrown Burrito with a variety of yummy salsas. The insides were piping hot and fresh. Scrumptious and filling, enjoyed my meal here. It's great for indoor with outdoor vibes or patio dining for people watching.

    Tyra S.

    My Hubs and I checked out this Taco Spot in Little Italy. It's fairly new, but I think it's worth a try! It has an awesome salsa bar. It has indoor and outdoor seating. Vibrant decor that makes the restaurant stand out. The staff were super nice! ...and most importantly the tacos are delicious. We tried the Carne Asada and Birria Tacos. They were so tasty and the salsa kicks. For me, the salsa is what makes or breaks a Taco Shop so I really like their salsa.

    Axel C.

    Stopped here for lunch since I was being adventurous. I would say overall, their tacos or I guess they're meats, need some more of that Mexican flavor flavors. I had a Tierra y Mar taco, which is basically carne asada and grilled shrimp, and a Al Pastor taco. The Carne Asada was too thick and kind of chunky so I didn't really like it in granted I'm biased. I really don't like Carne Asada, but you know I had to try it. The Al Pastor lacked flavor. I didn't feel like any of the tacos had flavor to them. I did expect more from this place, but you know sometimes you have to try and see. They have other tacos like chicken, and Birria, mushroom, they also have breakfast burritos, fries, or nachos, they have quite a few options for everyone's taste. And the prices are not that bad for you this place being in Little Italy. For example, the Carne taco is $4.90 and the most expensive taco is $6.90 which is a Sonora taco which I really don't know what that is. They do have a salsa bar and an actual bar for those who like to drink beer. They also have 2 fairly large TVs. They have a lot of seating and I actually like the open seating facing the street. It's not a bad spot. I just expected more.

    Carla O.

    As a total taco lover, I decided to try Taco Centro, a delightful new spot on Kettner Boulevard in Little Italy, San Diego. It's only been open about a month, and while I believe it's part of a chain, this location is just perfect. The menu is expansive, offering a huge variety of fresh Mexican dishes. I ordered the pollo asado taco, and it was fantastic, super fresh, full of flavor, and just delicious. They have a full salsa bar, which was a real treat, and the interior was clean and super inviting. The lady behind the counter was really friendly too. Parking was a breeze; I just paid at the meter right in front of the place. I went in the morning, so I would suggest going during a weekday morning if you can, when it's a bit quieter. But trust me, it's worth it, whether you are in the mood for tacos, burritos, or any of their amazing options. And don't forget Taco Tuesday! I can't wait to come back! 5 Stars plus!

    Jack M.

    Taco Centro makes some pretty good tacos indeed. They also added breakfast items at this location, which I have yet to partake in, but will soon. During this visit at this location in Little Italy, I had a couple of al pastor tacos, one quesa taco with beef birria, and a side of black beans. Not to mention endless trips to the salsa bar. The al pastor tacos came on very good quality corn tortillas, with tender well marinated pork, and a great avocado salsa. The cilantro and onions were fresh, and I loved that they put little pieces of pineapple in each taco. The beef quesa taco was terrific. The beef birria was very juicy and full of great flavors. The beef was not doubt the star here and if definitely shined. The taco came with plenty of griddle tasty white cheese and the tortilla had that great wet yet crispy texture from the birria broth. It was a great taco. The black beans were very well made. They were well tender and well seasoned. The salsas from the salsa bar were all great. I enjoyed the pickled red onions and grilled onions, too. The service was friendly and upbeat. The gents, when I arrived, were ready to roll. They offer a good amount of casual seating.

    Vivian T.

    Taco Centro has replaced what used to be Bun and Patti down here on Kettner Blvd. The remodeled vibrant blue storefront is hard to miss. Taco Centro offers on the menu tacos, taco bowls, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, birria, breakfast, and Mulitas. They do offer alcohol beverages such as beers, seltzers, micheladas, and Paloma. I ordered two tacos: Carne Asada Taco and the Mar y Tierra. My friend ordered their Camarón Enchilado Taco and a chicken burrito. To put it simply, we weren't buzzed by our choices. The pieces of shrimp in their tacos are quite small. Only receiving about 2 mini shrimps per taco, this just wasn't worth the price. Their carne asada taco, on the other hand, was so delicious, however, for a simple taco being one of their standouts, I was pretty surprised my other taco wasn't as tasty. The chicken burrito had way too much refried beans and tomatoes. It was bland and basically needed so much salsa to save it, and could maybe benefit from having flavorful rice included in the burrito. I will say though, their salsa bar is impressive! They have all the creamy sauces, multiple green and red salsas, fire roasted salsa, peppers, carrots, onions, and even more bottled Mexican hot sauces lined up on top of the bar. It had every garnish you wanted for your food as I took advantage of all the sauces for my meal. I would be willing to give other items on the menu a try, but compared to other taco spots in Downtown SD, Taco Centro is quite average on terms of flavor for the price. There is even another Taco Centro on the other side of town that I feel is more fitting for the night vibes in SD, but it is a convenient location if you don't want to venture out on that side of Downtown.

    Anthony L.

    So freaking good! Stopped by here on my last visit to San Diego and really enjoyed the vibe and Micheladas! They have a fantastic salsa bar with all different kinds of salsa from mild to spicy. I ordered the nachos and burrito and the asada meat and pastor meat were really good. Definitely worth checking out.

    Soda fountain options
    Nayoun K.

    I've been eagerly waiting for this spot to open as we live just a couple blocks away. The highlight is definitely the salsa bar for me. Tons of fresh options, even including grilled onions & chilies, pickled peppers, radishes, and an incredible orange sauce similar to cotixans/vallartas before they watered theirs down. We came for an early lunch and tried the bacon sausage hashbrown breakfast burrito and two tacos. The burrito was on the smaller side but overall delicious as the flour tortilla was fantastic. The al pastor had good flavor, texture is more on the crumbly small pieces side, but the pineapple was too soft like it might have come from a can. The carnitas is cubed chunks, the soft and juicy type rather than shredded and crispy, so I would skip that one. They have a beer & wine license, so I will definitely be back for happy hour ($5 beers between 3-6pm every day) to try more of their menu. Prices are pretty steep at $5 a taco and $16 for burritos, but the quality of ingredients is high. Liked the open layout so that I was able to bring my dog and be at one of the street tables.

    Birria single taco and carne asada taco.
    David F.

    The food menu was pretty large. From cheap to high price range. The service received was fast and efficient. I went around 6pm on a weekday (Wednesday) and there was virtually no wait or crowd. It is a new taco shop with a small indoor and medium sized outdoor vibe. I grabbed the birria taco. The meat was tender and fresh. Great spot for a quick grab and go or pre round get together before a grand escape.

    birria
    Danielle S.

    Came to Taco Centro because someone in our group said it was good. We thought the tacos were just okay. We ordered carne asada, al pastor and birria tacos. There was nothing wow about these tacos. The birria wasn't as flavorful and tasty as other places we've had birria. Not bold in flavor and it was weired to us that they put beans inside the tacos. They also forgot to give us the consume for the tacos so we had to go back to the counter to ask for it. Their salsa bar is good as it provides a variety of salsas and condiments. I think that was one of the best things at the restaurant. The restaurant is not very big, it has a small bar on one side with tables inside and bar stools outside.

    Sarah T.

    Hell. Yes. These tacos were ridiculous. Full disclosure: I'm a Northern CA girl that just happens to spend a fair amount of time in SD. There are so many good eats in Little Italy, of which I've tried several. But seeing this new taco place pop up near many of my faves, we knew we had to give it a try. Service was really friendly -- order at the counter, grab a table, some salsa and goods, and your food will be out to you in short order. The salsas and sauces were unreal-- we grabbed a few tacos to taste a variety and had to stop ourselves from ordering more bc it was just supposed to be a snack. Loved all of them -- and each was unique. Highly recommend.

    Gerald P.

    Happy New Year!! Best place to get Birria Ramen is this place right in Kettner Blvd in Little Italy! So so good!! So tasty! Not too salty! Slow cooked for five hours. Yummm! I love open-air eating area. Relaxing to eat...

    Street view
    Mac B.

    New location for Taco Centro on the far end of Kettner in Little Italy. The Al Pastor was great and I liked the Carne Asada, but places like The Taco Stand, La Perla #3, and Vallarta Express have better Carne Asada. Love the options when it comes to the salsa and Agua fresco and the space is open and beautiful to enjoy a sunny day in San Diego.

    Chicken Quesadilla

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    2 months ago

    Finally real tacos and burritos in the Little Italy area! Great chili too. Can eat there or take it to go.

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    2 months ago

    The vegetarian burrito was so good! Recipe was clearly made with intention. Easily the best I've ever had.

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    Business owner information

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    Adrian G.

    Hi, was this a delivery?

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    7 months ago

    Great food. Good prices and served quickly. Great spot for families with kids. I'll go back when I'm in San Diego next.

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    4 months ago

    GIVE THIS PLACE YOUR BUSINESS! I couldn't believe how insanely good it is. I ordered half the menu and didn't have a single bad item.

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    5 months ago

    Great california burrito, probably the best within a 10 block radius. Very well done, clean place, salsas variety and quality!

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    Very lovely ambiance and location. However the churros were disappointing. They were slightly overcooked and subpar

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    6 months ago

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    6 months ago

    Really good beer battered Baja tacos. TVs showing games are a good touch. Nice people. Coming back.

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    6 months ago

    Went last night for tacos. Was soooo good. Really good quality. Staff was super friendly and music was great too. Definitely recommend.

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    7 months ago

    Delicious food!!! We had combinations of tacos, guacamole, and rice and everyone was pleased. So good!

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    7 months ago

    Love Taco Sonora i go there every week wirh my dog. the cashier with curly hair is the nicest

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    Taco Centro Reviews in Other Languages

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    Quixote

    Quixote

    4.0
    (687 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$$

    I was in route to Chula Vista birthday shenanigans, figured I'd check this place out on the way…read more The dark gothic creepy vampire castle aesthetics was really the main reason why I wanted to come here. The vibes were so chill. Music playlist combo was perfect. So glad I did! Phenomenal service. My server Alex G. was the sweetest! I arrived shortly Monday afternoon so they weren't very busy. The food was ok, not much of a selection was available. Loved my brownie ice cream. So delicious. I was in food coma. My favorite was my personalized birthday candle! Definitely recommend this spot!

    Overall, the experience was Ok. I will give you the "fantastic" and the "work on."…read more Fantastic- 1. Food was great. We got guacamole, beet salad, and the El Festin. Drinks were ok. The one I got was not to my taste buds. A lot of mezcal drinks. If you like mezcal, this place has some good ones! 2. Server was awesome. She was attentive, nice, and friendly. Love her. She probably was the reason why we actually left the nice tip. 3. Ambiance was a "cool young hip" vibe. Music was great and eclectic. Work On- 1. Our hostess. We made reservation at 6PM. We got there and she told us to wait while our table is being set up. They ended up taking us to the upstairs room. They had to split the 2 tables to have a seat for us. They wanted us to sit at the table that is in close proximity of the walkway. I said I did not want to sit there because I did not want to have people walk by me the entire time. They had to push the table away from the second one and we had to be closer to the entrance. I said will sit at the second table since it's not near the entrance. I had to repeat this 3 times. She finally said ok, well, I will have to take you downstairs. I said ok. They finally sat us at a table with 2 chairs and out of the way. So, here is the thing.....why was I waiting, if my table was not being set up, to where you had to split 2 tables, and put me closest to the entry way of the door? 2. The lighting is very dark. It was hard to see the food to maneuver and eat. I get this is the ambiance. So...maybe brighter lamps at the table?

    Photos
    Dramatic dining space!
    Dramatic dining space!
    Chamoyada dessert, the mango sorbet was the highlight!
    Chamoyada dessert, the mango sorbet was the highlight!
    Cool and dramatic setting!

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    Cool and dramatic setting!
    Coasterra

    Coasterra

    4.0
    (4.1k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$$

    Wow! If you're looking for a beautiful view of San Diego skyline and Coronado Island this is the…read moreplace. It's always a great place to stop before or after going to the airport because it's that close. We originally went there for an early dinner, but happened to meet the happy hour time frame (3:30-5:30). They have a wonderful array of drinks and appetizers to choose from. The most expensive being $11.00. Each appetizer is enough for two people. A man at the bar asked me if I wanted some of his guacamole dip because he could finish it all. He looked like that was his dinner meal too. I declined, since I was favoring the ceviche and chicken tinga tostadas. Both tasted delicious. I heard the bacon wrapped jalapeño were good but not gf. So I didn't try them. The views from our table were spectacular. They had many GF options listed on their menu. Our waiter, Jared, (so helpful and attentive), told me which items are more gluten sensitive and which ones were gluten free. The drinks were tasty and refreshing too. Definitely a place I'll be going back to with family and friends

    An Unforgettable Birthday Celebration!…read more I took my husband here for his birthday this past Monday, and the entire experience was absolutely incredible from start to finish. First, the location and the views are simply stunning. It set the perfect backdrop for a celebratory evening. But what really elevated the vibe was the music! The playlist was so on point that I literally found myself dancing in my seat to every single song. It created such a fun, lively energy. I also have to give a massive shoutout to our waiter, who was incredibly attentive, warm, and anticipated our every need. The entire staff went above and beyond to make my husband feel so wonderfully celebrated. From a sweet little "Happy Birthday" sign to a surprise dessert at the end of the meal, every detail was thoughtful and perfectly executed. This place is truly incredible. We will absolutely be back!

    Photos
    Skyline & bay views
    Skyline & bay views
    View from patio
    View from patio
    Main dining room

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    Main dining room
    Oscars Mexican Seafood

    Oscars Mexican Seafood

    4.2
    (2.2k reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    I can't wait to go again!! Oscar's was amazing, best seafood tacos I've tried…read more The restaurant is a bit small and had limited seating, so we ended up eating outside, but it was a beautiful day. I tried the tacos especial (fish, shrimp, scallops) and grilled octopus and they were both amazing! I would get 2 tacos or 3 if you're really hungry.

    Fish tacos are a San Diego staple, and Oscars is said to be the best restaurant for them…read more Grilled Fish Taco: Best of the meal. The fish was grilled to tender, paired with smooth avocado puree and fresh salsa--a rich and satisfying bite. But! The biggest surprise is the tortilla--it was on the softer side, yet surprisingly chewy. Smoked Fish Taco: A classic and San Diego signature dish. The fish was shredded into small pieces, giving it a smoky flavor and a slightly dry texture. The taste was nice, but you don't really feel the meat in bites, so it was slightly less impressive. Fish Ceviche: Marinated in lemon juice, the proteins denatured, making the fish appear white and fully cooked, but it still had a firm, raw texture. Completely different from other raw fish ceviche I've had. But! Incredibly tangy!!! The first bite was so tangy it was almost painful; it was only after being served as tapas with tostadas that I gradually got used to it. Lemon juice, tomato, and onion--it was easy to imagine the refreshing taste, while the rich aroma of avocado nicely balanced the harshness. Shrimp Ceviche: The shrimp appeared to be cooked; they weren't large but were quite fresh, with firm and tender meat. See above for other details. The restaurant is located in a small food court, with very limited parking and seating. It may be inconvenient for groups of four or more to dine in.

    Photos
    Inside | IG:@socalsnomnoms
    Inside | IG:@socalsnomnoms
    Battered Fish Taco
    Battered Fish Taco
    Fish Ceviche

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    Fish Ceviche
    California Burritos

    California Burritos

    4.3
    (1.4k reviews)
    4.7 mi
    $$

    Overview: very quick and friendly service, yummy California Burrito according to my bf…read more ---- We placed an order through the phone for a California Burrito ($13.90) and a Fish Taco ($5.50) and they said it would be ready in 5 minutes! We left right away to pick up the food and sure enough it was ready waiting for our arrival. One quick drive back home to dig in and the aroma was so enticing. California Burritos is very apt for their name, my bf rates it a 10/10. As a California Burrito connoisseur, he liked the addition of sour cream in it and said the flavors were delicious. He topped it with their green salsa for a little bit of a freshness to cut through the richness and fattiness of the meat and fries in the burrito. He didn't care for the fish taco that much and rated it a 4/10 but said the restaurant overall was a 10/10, as he thought there was too much lettuce and tomato throwing off the ratio of the taco. I, on the other hand, am a huge fan of veggies and liked the ample amount they provided. ---- There's a couple benches outside in front of the shop and seating at booth tables inside as well. It's a bit smaller to sit inside, I recommend sitting outside to enjoy the fresh air and the sunset is beautiful. ---- Overall: if you're in the mood for California Burritos come to the place rightly named California Burritos!

    They do things a little different at this place. The California had guacamole and sour cream. Makes…read moreit more like a carne asada burrito adding fries. That said, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this burrito. It's large, filling, but their sauce had an almost artificial red color to it. Despite the weird look of the sauce, it had decent spice, wasn't overwhelming but wasn't weak either. Parking is very difficult here, and seating is limited. It's a small tack shop style place, made more for to-go orders. Service was fast and friendly. Their horchata is where they really lose a star, it's from a fountain and tastes like it, watered down artificial flavor. However you don't come here for the drinks, you come here for the large tasty California Burritos, hence the name. They've definitely won me over and I'll be back when in the area. That's this critic's review, until next time, I'll be eating.

    Photos
    California Burritos
    Sausage, Eggs, Cheese, and Potatoes Burrito
    Sausage, Eggs, Cheese, and Potatoes Burrito
    California Burritos

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    Taco Centro - mexican - Updated July 2026

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