Food was good service was fast. Beware they are heavy handed with guac on everything. I wish I would have known before to ask for it on the side. read more

The best! Loved the pollo asada tacos. Staff was super friendly and restaurant was very clean

Located right in the heart of the Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego. This restaurant is cute with a high energy vibe. Ordered the chicken tacos (on flour tortillas) which came with a side of guacamole, salsa....delicious! They also offer complimentary self serve condiments: cucumbers, radishes, peppers & limes. It can get super busy especially following a major event like a baseball game but the service is fast. FYI...street tacos are smaller than regular size tacos so I should've ordered more than 2. read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Chicken tacos on flour tortillas - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

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I ordered the REGULAR sized carne asada fries. $17.13. First of all it's a tiny order. Like a half order. You can see in the pictures compared to my hand. Also please note the amount of cheese (or lack of) on the fries. Second of all, NOTHING had any seasoning on it at all. The meat... flavorless, the fries... needed salt, the guac... needed a lot of help... the red salsa... tasted like tomato sauce. I was wondering why all the tables had salt on them... now I know. Unfortunately I got my order to go so I had no salt to add. Third of all, my order was ready and the guy and girl packing it were talking while doing it so it took them a good few minutes to hand it to me. They didn't ask if I needed salsa. I had to ask for it. I had to grab my own fork and napkins. I would NOT recommend this place to anyone. First and last time here even though I work down the street pretty ofte read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

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After having such amazing tacos in LA, we were curious to try Tacos El Franc, after hearing so much about it, and it also being on the top spot for tacos in San Diego. It was super cute inside and lively but each taco was $4 which is pricey in my opinion. We went to thy counter and ordered. It wasn't all that fast for two tacos. It took a while to be ready, so we had to stand there until our number was called. My boyfriend and I decided to get just two to try. We got the carne asada tacos. They were decent but were not anything special. I honestly think our standards for tacos are high because we live in LA, where we have found our favorite tacos, and unfortunately no other tacos can compare to them! read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

Went on a Friday around 5:00. Luckily it wasn't too busy yet. The woman taking the orders was friendly and efficient - as well as very patient for those not sure what to order. We opted for carne asada and adobada tacos. Not knowing how filling they would be, we went for 3 each. The tortillas were good and held together well with the large amount of guacamole oozing out the ends. The carne asada has the perfect amount of smoke flavor. It wasn't my favorite adobada in the SD area, but solid. We left absolutely stuffed, so the tacos are a good value. Small selection of beers and drinks available. It's a great addition to the Gaslamp. And not just good after a night of drinking. Go anytime for good food without a huge price tag. read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Adobada and carne asada tacos - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

The line was out the door when we went on a Saturday night, but it moved swiftly. The tables were all occupied but by the time we finished ordering, we got lucky because a table opened up for us. I ordered two adobada tacos and two carne asada tacos, so that I can take two home for my husband to try as well. For the carne asada tacos, you have the option to include beans in the tacos. The cashier recommended to add the beans so that's what I got. I'm not the biggest fan of beans, but I figured it's worth a shot. However, in the future, I would choose to get it without the beans. I enjoyed the adobada taco more than the carne asada taco, since I felt the meat was more juicy. My friend gave me a sip of her horchata, and it was delicious so I would definitely order one for myself in the future. Overall, this is a solid taco spot. Even though it's on the pricier side at $4.25 per taco, the taste and size of each taco was pretty worth it. read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - TACO ADOBADA - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

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It was just okay, would not return to be honest. Was excited to try these tacos because the ones in TJ are amazing. Found the tortillas to be strangely hard on the edges and were hard to chew which is strange since they should be made fresh. It's like they were old and reheated too many times? The lengua was very clearly not cooked long enough, it should be soft and tender but it was not, kind of firm. My cabeza taco meat was good after I added salt/lime juice. They added way too much cilantro on all the tacos- not sure why. Was $44 for 6 tacos 1 drink and a beer. The Jamaica was very sweet, but good. Employee came out to mop the floor and it didn't smell like Fabuloso so that was nice. The back patio was nice and empty. Bathroom was in a spot that the sun hits so it was 3000° lol but not a big deal. Their hand soap wasn't the cheap cherry smell, so I appreciated that. Anyway-- would skip since the tortillas (1/2 parts of a taco) were not great, but still worth trying. read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

Friend recommended this place to check out because the line from another taco shop was out the door. Brother and I ordered a few tacos and then the next day friends came here for the adobada fries which I think is the star dish here! I wasn't too big of a fan of their adobada tacos, felt like it was a bit bland. My favorite taco protein of choice was the saudero. Taco tortillas was amazingly fresh and if I am back in the SD area next time, will order me some saudero tacos and an order of adobada fries! Don't sleep on the fries here imo! Tacos are a bit pricey at almost $5 a taco though. read more

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Had an incredible 5-star experience at Tacos El Franc--this place absolutely lives up to the hype. Everything we tried was great, but the real standout was the Al Pastor tacos. The Al Pastor was on another level--perfectly marinated, juicy, and packed with that classic sweet and savory flavor you want from a top-tier taqueria. The meat had just the right crisp on the edges, and every bite was balanced with fresh toppings and warm tortillas. Honestly, they're the kind of tacos you think about long after you leave. The ambience is very well kept with rhe manager being hype as well and cheering on my group over the speaker!! Service was fast and efficient even with the crowd, and the whole experience felt authentic and dialed in. If you're anywhere near the area, this spot alone is worth the trip. read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Seats - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

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Michelin rated tacos? Say less! Freshly made tortillas combined with an assortment of hot off the grill fresh meat is a recipe for scintillating tacos. I wish I ordered a whole bunch more but the suadero and al pastor street tacos were my absolute favs and completely off the charts. The suadero came fresh off the grill, was uber juicy and bursting with flavor. The al pastor was just as good while the splash of guacamole on all the tacos with the salsa just took it all over the top. I hear the original Tacos El Franc is located right over the border and garnered a Michelin rating...and rightfully so. You will not be disappointed and neither was I. Dos Yumz up! read more

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Attention! We urge you to avoid this location at all costs. False advertisement! Publicidad falsa! They are attempting to mislead the public. They are calling an open taco with cheese, a quesadilla and still charging for an actual real size quesadilla ($11.95), which as everyone knows is typically 3 to 4 times the size of a taco. They are also using corn tortilla instead of a flour tortilla. It almost looks like half of a mulita. The fact that they added cheese to the taco does not give them the right to charge an additional $7.20! We will be in contact soon with the City of San Diego, BBB, and various other authorities/agencies to review our options as customers. We urge you to be aware of this new establishment as false advertising is strictly prohibited. FYI, we respectfully requested a call from the owner, however, no one ever reached out. read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Still charging $11.95 for a quesadilla the size of a taco. - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

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What can I say ! Wow !!!! Definitely recommend coming here !!! I asked to see if they could do an off the menu keto taco de carne asada and the owner was so kind and accommodating and made my tacos! Definitely recommend this off the menu taco for our keto diet eaters ! Because man they hit it out the ball park !!! The restaurant is clean and felt like I was in TJ ! The tacos are so delicious!!! Definitely recommend stopping by ! Oh and I can't forget my cold delicious 32oz beer !!! Wow stop by guys the tacos will not disappoint!! I will definitely stop by again !!! read more

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Tacos El Franc is a Michelin recognized Bib Gormand taco shop, known for quality and value. I was excited to give their tacos a try. We sat in the back patio and snacked on sliced cucumber and radishes while we waited. Once my name was called out, I walked up to pickup the Adobada and chicken tacos I ordered. They were topped with cilantro and a dollop of guacamole. I really liked how tender the corn tortilla was and that their flavor didn't overwhelm the taste of the meat. Two tacos was enough for me for lunch. The music was a little loud for me, but otherwise everything else was good! I'll have to come back and try more of the menu! read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

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My first time at Tacos El Franc and I loved it! Robbie greeted us right away and showed us how they made the tacos fresh in the back. He also recommended the best tacos which helped because there are so many choices. Food and service were great! I ordered an adobada taco and it came out so fast. I love the fresh guacamole that comes with it. Robbie always checked up on us and made sure we were doing good. Thank you Robbie for a great first experience! I can't wait to come back! read more

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Food: A bit disappointed as they were not exactly the same as the ones in Tj. I'm personally not a fan of beans in my tacos. However, the guacamole and tortilla were pretty good. Service: Pretty quick and friendly staff. Atmosphere: Plenty of indoor seating with a very cozy ambiance with lights towards the very back. There's also some outdoor seating available. read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Carne Asada Tacos - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

I was really excited to try Tacos El Franc after finding out it was on the Guide Michelin, but unfortunately I left pretty disappointed. The habanero salsa was good. It was easily the standout item. The carne asada also had a nice smoky flavor with a hint of lime that I enjoyed. Beyond that, though, the experience fell short. The tortillas were one of the biggest disappointments. Even though they were doubled up, they kept falling apart, and they had an odd smell that was hard to ignore. The al pastor was also underwhelming and lacked the flavor and richness I was expecting. To make matters worse, there wasn't even a touch of pineapple, which is something I typically expect with a good al pastor taco. Overall, aside from the habanero salsa and the well-seasoned carne asada, the tacos didn't live up to the reputation or hype for me. read more

Totally worth the hype in my opinion! Tacos were loaded with meat, and all the meats I tried (suadero, pastor & carne asada) were perfectly seasoned. The tacos are more on the expensive side, as the 2 tacos I got were about $11. The service is friendly and fast. 100% worth a try! read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - el mixto (bottom) and suadero (top) - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

Adobada Taco ($4.75) - There's a reason why Adobada Tacos are one of my all-time favorite foods. Each bite was like a beautiful symphony of flavors coming together, particularly with the marinade of the pork shining through. Carne Asada Taco ($4.75) - This is the best carne asada I've ever had. Their marinade is superior and I've never had carne asada as juicy and flavorful. Highly, highly recommend! read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

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2026 San Diego. Lunch review. Tacos. Vampiro - Adobada (-onions) Mulitas - Suadero (-onions) Taco - Adobada (-onions) Taco - Lengua (-onions) Taco - Adobada (-cilantro) Taco - Suadero (-cilantro) Flan Overall, the Adobada off the spit is so good. "As good as it gets." read more

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Ok. Gaslamp Taco wars are starting. I'm going to say the early winner is El Franc over Gordo... Yeah... Both seem tourist trappy but Franc is legit. I'll say the best in the gaslamp for sure... Service is amazing. The tacos I had were incredible... I'm coming back..I go to a lot of padre games and this will be one of my pre game stops... LFGSD. My suggestion: Bring in fish tacos and dominate! read more

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Went for dinner and and the interior was very clean and inviting. The cashier was very nice and my food was ready within 5-10 minutes of ordering. Tacos start at $4.75. I ordered a variety of different meats and while they were all good, I wasn't blown away by the flavors. The meat overall could have used some more seasoning and I thought the tortillas were fine too. The salsas were needed but overall I think these were just okay. I was definitely expecting more and so my overall experience fell a little short. read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

Went in on Friday afternoon. It was basically empty. Person at the counter wasn't too enthusiastic when we asked what was good but we knew you couldn't go wrong with tacos so that's what we ordered. Tacos were good. Small, street style. Nothing out of this world. They come with onions, cilantro and a red spicy salsa! We were not told or asked if we wanted everything on them so I had to take my two tacos back and have them remade with the salsa on the side because my mouth was on fire after one bite. When I went back in, someone else was at the counter and they were extremely friendly and helpful so they got me new tacos. I overheard them take someone else's order and they definitely asked if they wanted the tacos with everything on it. So just beware of the salsa if you can't handle heat, it's good just spicy! read more

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Whenever friends come to visit, they inevitably request a proper taco tour of San Diego. After spotting Tacos El Franc on Netflix, it quickly earned a spot on the list and it did not disappoint. We lucked out by arriving without much of a line and snagged a table outside, perfect for a bit of classic people-watching. The space itself is inviting and open, with great indoor seating as well as both front and back patios that give you plenty of options to settle in and stay awhile. Naturally, we had to sample a range: suadero, adobada, and lengua. No taco outing feels complete without drinks, so we paired everything with a cold beer and a refreshing horchata. On the recommendation of hah the staff, we added queso to all the tacos a decision we fully stand behind. The lengua and suadero were standouts, rich and flavorful with every bite. On a bright, sunny San Diego day, it was exactly the kind of laid-back, delicious experience you hope for. A perfect addition to any taco tour. The one down fall is unless your already galavanting downtown parking can be difficult. read more

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I visited during lunch with some coworkers! I thought this place was ok. It was empty when we visited, very clean restaurant and friendly staff. I ordered a pork and beef taco and it came out to more than $10. The tacos were super oily and messy, not a big fan! Flavor was good but I wish the servings were bigger and less oily. read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Tacos - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

Came hungry and left completely satisfied after my experience at Tacos El Franc! We were greeted by a super hospitable and welcoming gentleman at the register, and we were honestly shocked by how fast the service was. Even with the quick turnaround, they definitely did not sacrifice quality. We ordered the cabeza, adobada, carne asada, and tripa tacos, plus an order of adobada fries to share. While the prices are on the higher side, it's absolutely worth it for the quality of the ingredients. They do not skimp on the protein here! Each taco was perfectly seasoned, and I loved that there were different topping options that complemented the flavor of each meat so well. The tortillas were also top-notch and clearly high quality. My favorite was definitely the carne asada. The adobada fries were incredible too! There's plenty of seating inside, and parking was fairly easy to find, which made the whole experience more convenient. Would definitely come back! read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - carne asada, adobada, cabeza, and tripa! - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

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Loved it! Finally, the spot from TJ is here in the states. For anyone that has been to TJ, knows Taco el franc is the spot over Gordo. Surprisingly, this spot is not crowded or busy. This place is almost the same as the TJ one which is why I don't know why it isn't as busy. Ordered Taco de asada, adobaba, lengua, and Cabeza. Everything was amazing. The asada was very flavorful and seasoned. I still think this was not as good as TJ but not by much. The adobaba was great! I think better than Gordo's. Service was good, interior is clean and spacious. read more

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Get the Adobada tacos, first item on the menu. This spot is super casual, Think TJ style tacos where u order up front and seat urself. It was kind of a long line but went by quickly. The flavors from the pork adobada were fantastic (I personally liked it better than tacos El Gordo but pretty on par). Not a very big condiment/side bar with salsas but u can ask for them when you pick up your food. read more

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I have been to Tacos El Franc in TJ, so I was looking forward to this visit, and it did not disappoint. The tacos were very tasty and a good size. I got 3 tacos in total and I was comfortably full after eating. The staff is friendly. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time given they're prepared when ordered. I could see there being a bit of a wait during busy times, but it's worth it. The music is a bit loud, but other than that the place is comfortable. I will definitely go back when I need another tacos fix. read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Carne asada taco - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

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Carne Asada Vampiro taco - 4 out of five stars Like a tostado with guac, cheese and beans Adobada taco - it was on the spicy side for me; 3 stars Brisket taco - 1 star ; it felt like it was missing something It was pretty busy at lunch ; it probably took about 10-15 minutes to order and get my food so maybe order ahead. It's fast casual ; order at the counter. They had plenty of seating including an outdoor area in the back It was good but not as good as the TJ location and I have a couple of other local spots that I prefer read more

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One of the newest Tiajuana taco shops jumps over the border fence into hungry San Diego. Unlike Tacos El Gordo, you got a very clean modern and welcoming environment, and much more seating. Tacos are a bit pricier, but they do seem a bit larger and tastier. Service is straight forward but friendly. $4.75 Taco de Cabeza(Beef Head)...beef cheeks and whatever meaty bits they can salvage from the cow head. The beefy bits are tender and rich in beef flavor, and have a delightful crisp char. $4.75 Adobada Taco(pork)...vibrant red adobo marinaded to give this tender pork meat that amazing red color, and classically roasted and cooked on the tall spinning thing, while soaking in pineapple juices. A generous heap of fresh green guacamole smothers all this tastiness. $4.75 Suadaro Taco(beef brisket)...very tender, rich, slow-cooked beef brisket that melts in your mouth. The beef and fat liquify deliciously and magically in your mouth, for an ascent to flavor Heaven. Spicy! This one had a a bit more of that roja salsa but still delicious(not sure if that was a accident). read more

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It's nice to see more taco spots pop out throughout the city. We were recently on a little staycation in downtown so decided to stop by here for dinner before watching the bay parade of lights nearby. My kids love tacos and fries so we figured this would be quick and easy. It's right smack in the middle of the gaslamp so parking was not the most ideal but after circling a bit we found a close spot. There are plenty of seats all around and I didn't walk past the counter but it looks like a lot more seating back there as well. We ordered 4 adobada tacos, 1 order of the mixta fries, and 1 adobada mulita. I thought the food was juat average. The tacos looked a bit sloppy(you can see based on my picture-this is prior to me adding any hot sauce) but I enjoyed the slight crispness on the adobada. Overall, it was average to me and didn't wow me on the first bite. I wish the hot sauce was spicier. Service was good. The gentleman in the front who took our order was nice and the food came out quick. I would give it a try again and order other things on the menu in the future. read more

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Food was ok. Among the many mexican restaurants this was decent but I'm willing to try more from here read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Carne Asada - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

What an experience! Be opened minded to the unique food style they offer as they are Tijuana Inspired. When visiting town I usually go with other choices, yet this was recommended from a close friend at sdsu! My order consisted of one Taco de Suadero ( a cut between the Belly and the Leg ) & one Tostada de Carne Asada (Steak). Both were flavorful and served to perfection. My curiosity grew and I ordered again two Quesadillas, one being Flour and one being Corn. I enjoyed the Flour more for my preference yet both had an immense Cheese Pull! The ambiance is Spacious with three options to dine either in the Front, Inside, or in the Back Patio. My order was placed before me noticing the Michelin guide 2024 & 2025 acknowledgement! Will they go 3 for 3 this year? I recommend to try if you have not experienced before! read more

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Mind blowing...tacos! Very festive! Lots of seating available in the back. Banos are clean! read more

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Def a good option for street tacos in DT. I mean sometimes you don't wanna wait in a crazy line for tacos el gordo and if that's the case this is second best taste wise. Please please please be warned they put beans in their tacos so if your like me and despise beans make sure you tell them to omit. Their adobada can't come close to their competition but their carne asada is def wayyyy better! read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

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I literally fell madly in love with "Tacos El Franc" (Downtown San Diego) after ONLY one dining experience with my friends. The bold, rich flavors surely intensify with every bite!! Satisfied that "Tacos El Franc" have UNIQUE gourmet tacos & their customer service is outstanding! The taco shop has a relaxing, laid-back vibe that makes it easy to "unwind" while you eat their gourmet tacos! Verdict is in! I'm "divorcing" Tacos El Gordo for "Tacos El Franc!!" LOL. read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

Tacos El Franc is a must-visit in San Diego's Gaslamp District! We had the asada tacos, chicken tacos, and the al pastor mulita, and every item was packed with incredible flavor. What really sets this place apart are the fresh, handmade tortillas--they were soft, flavorful, and elevated every bite. The asada was juicy and well-seasoned, the chicken tacos were tender and delicious, and the al pastor mulita was the star of the meal with its perfect combination of crispy tortillas, melted cheese, and flavorful al pastor. Great food, authentic flavors, and handmade tortillas that make all the difference. If you're craving outstanding tacos in San Diego, Tacos El Franc is absolutely worth the visit. We'll definitely be back! Great customer service friendly staff read more

While pricier than the standard taco joint, the flavors of the meat were truly elite. I had never tried lengua before and the lengua taco was a perfect balance of flavor and texture, and became my favorite of the ones I tried. The al pastor was good, but I wish they had a salsa bar to complement the avocado on top. read more

Tacos El Franc - Gaslamp Quarter - Tacos Near Me - San Diego, California

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So excited to have tacos, El Frank coming to San Pedro anticipating trying their tacos Michelin star 2024, 2025 this summer five star review is for them, having the faith in our town and the amazing people of Los Angeles read more