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I came here with a friend who saw this place on TV. I was excited to try their tacos. It's a small taco restaurant with a little bit of seating inside as well as outside. When we got there the line was out the door, but not too long. We probably waited 10 minutes in line. When I first saw the menu I was worried that 1 taco was $3-5 dollars because I assumed the tacos were more like street tacos. They were bigger than a street taco and filled with meet and guacamole. So I ordered 3 pollo asado tacos with a side of churros. These tacos were BY FAR the best tacos I've ever had. The tortillas you can tell were made fresh from scratch. The chicken was so tender and had a lot of flavor. They put a lot of guacamole, but it wasn't too much or too little. It was also very fresh. As I was eating all I was saying was wow, wow, wow. I was at a loss for words. The churros also wow! They had to make a fresh batch by the time I ordered one so it did take awhile, but honestly so worth the wait. They were hot, fresh, moist and very tasty. I'm usually not a fan of churro because they are typically greasy and crunchy. These were soft like a donut. By far again the best churros I've ever had. If I could rate this place higher than 5 I would. I HIGHLY HIGHLYYYYY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE.
I saw a long line at this restaurant 2 years ago and figured it was worth a try. I visited The Taco Stand recently and was honestly a little underwhelmed. The restaurant was small but very lively. There is limited seating inside and out. You can see the whole staff hustling and bustling. They have a soda dispenser and self serve condiment bar in the back. It gets congested quick back there. The decor is fun and colorful. Overall, the inside is small but inviting. I ordered a bean and cheese burrito, 2 tacos de carne asada, one Al pastor taco, and a taco de nopales. The tortillas are hand made. That's always a plus. The nopales taco was cold. I was hoping that it would have been grilled because grilled nopales are fire. The nopales happened to be my least favorite item that I tried. The Al pastor lacked flavor. I also thought it needed to be cooked a little longer. It wasn't under cooked but needed more time. It came with sliced pineapples but it was barely drained and the juices made the taco very wet and sweet. The al pastor taco and nopales taco was served with their cilantro lime dressing which was flavorful. The bean and cheese burrito was good and hearty. It paired well with their chipotle sauce. The carne asada tacos were the best. The carne asada was rich in flavor and the meat was cut into good sized pieces. Served with a good helping of guac and cilantro and onions. A little messy but it was a hit. The churros are good. Good size and seasoning and not overly oily. Overall, I would revisit The Taco Stand. The tacos I would order them basic as possible. Just meat and cilantro onion toppings while adding the sauce myself. If the tacos weren't messy I'd give it a higher rating. One thing that caught my eye were the asada fries. Those looked good.
The Taco Stand serves incredible tacos just up the street from the beach, and that perfectly captures what makes SoCal such an amazing place to live. We tried almost every taco and the standouts were the Baja and Sonora. The fish in the Baja was perfectly fried. It tasted so fresh and airy. The steak in the Sonora was fatty deliciousness and the melted cheese brought things to another level. We waited in line for 30 min and close to another 10 min for our food to come out. The long wait made our expectations even higher than they already were, but the food still managed to impress us. I highly recommend The Taco Stand! Can't wait to come back!
As my first visit to SD in a long, long time, I felt it was necessary to visit one of the most iconic stops in the city! We have The Taco Stand in Las Vegas, but there is truly something special about getting delicious tacos by the water. The wait could get very tedious. The line wraps around the building into the parking lot with cars pulling in & out. You also wait a bit for your food. Compared to the location here in Vegas where I could be in and out in 5 minutes, spending nearly an hour standing around is less than ideal on a trip :/ But....... the food is unfortunately very very delicious. AND THE CHURROS! so yummy and sweet. My favorite is the Baja Taco. An absolute gem.
3.5 The small restaurant had a long line that moved quickly. Even the wait for the food after ordering was not long. I had the mushroom/vegan taco. The tortilla was great. The mushrooms were sautéed with garlic and were flavorful. What was missing was the spices and freshness of a sea side taco stand. There was a bit of cilantro and a dollop of avocado - but no salsa nor chili powder. I didn't mind the messiness of the presentation. Overall a solid taco choice.
Thank you Ivan for always providing superb customer service! He will greet every customer with a smile and a "Good morning." The friendly staff and amazing food is what makes this location one of the best taco shops in San Diego. The entire menu is delicious and freshly made. The tortillas are also handmade to order. It's a great place!
Line was super long and waited another 20 minutes for food. We ordered chips and guacamole, Mar y Tierra taco and California burrito. I was pretty disappointed - chips were bland, guacamole was bland, my California burrito was mainly tortilla (photo shows tortilla in the middle). The only thing I enjoyed was the Mar y Tierra taco.
Decided to try the taco stand on a Saturday morning after a walk in downtown La Jolla. The spot can be a little walk from the downtown. The spot was busy in the morning so recommended getting there early. The service was speedy. My burrito was good though it could use a little more flavor. The salsa bar had plenty of salsa options depending on the spice palate. The prices are good for the portions. Overall a good experience!
Tasty tasty tacos that took about an hour to get. Self serve salsa and toppings bar which is awesome, the different sauces all added something yummy. Had the fish and beef taco which were so much better than a few other places during my trip. My complaint mostly is the wait. I get it, we came on a Saturday but the line barely budged, although when you're inside you can see they're producing tacos and packing them really quickly so what it looks like is they're doing a lot of mobile orders in between standing customers which to me isn't great. Maybe turn off mobile ordering on busy days and treat the people waiting in line first?
I'll start out by saying the line is always long at this place... but I can confirm.. that it is SO worth the wait. Once you order your food you don't wait more than 10-12 minutes, even with how packed it is. Workers are friendly, seating area available inside and out, and the food it to die for. The pastor tacos were the winner for me and my boyfriend, with the carne asada being a CLOSE second. The juiciness and sauce on the pastor was crazy. The guac on the asada was also so delicious. All in all, PLEASE TRY IT!!
the taco stand: they have a few locations down in oc and sd, but we went to the la jolla one. i rlly liked the tortillas and they pack her up!! it is like $4 for a taco but def worth it. meats were juicy and tender + they have a sauce bar in the back w unlimited sauce, pickled onions, and pico de gallo. i def wanna come back for their cali burrito bc ive seen so many videos abt it. warning tho, seating is limited inside and no bathrooms. service was efficient but come early bc lines can get long.
Went on a Sunday around dinner time and this place was POPPING. We ordered online for pickup and still had to wait about 15 minutes when we got there, but honestly good thing we did because the line to order was literally out the door and down the block. The workers were BUSY. Not a ton of seating inside, but we just took our food to the beach and had a mini picnic, which made it way better anyway. They also have a self-serve sauce bar, which I always appreciate. We got carne asada tacos, al pastor tacos, and carne asada fries. The carne asada was solid. Good flavor, decent sized pieces, not dry or chewy, actually pretty tender. The al pastor was kinda underwhelming though. A little dry and just didn't hit the same (flavor-wise). Also not a huge fan of raw onions and they cut them pretty big, so it was a bit overpowering. The fries were really good texture wise, and the steak was just as good as the tacos. Only thing is the nacho sauce on top was a bit much for me. Made everything kinda soggy toward the end. One thing I will say, they are VERY generous with the guac, and it actually tasted really good too. But I still can't get over the price... ~$5 per taco is kinda crazy. I get that they load them up, but still.
This was a taco stand alright because we spent most of our time standing and waiting. That being said, the food tasted so good that it was almost worth it. The parking lot is pretty tiny--especially considering how it's shared by several restaurants. We must have come at the right time though because one spot actually opened up right when we got there! The line never let up the entire time I was there even though it was already well past lunch time on a weekday when we arrived. I think we waited for about an hour before even taking our order. There was plenty of seating both inside and out, but there were just so many people that not everyone had a seat. Not only that, but many of the people who were sitting were still waiting for their food. After ordering, I think we waited another 30 minutes for the food to be done too. Luckily, some people left and we were able to take their seats before the food was done. The entire menu looked really interesting and yummy, so it was hard to make a decision. There was a small fridge by the doorway that was full of alcohol and soda in glass bottles. They even had churros being fried right next to the register! I ended up going with three soft tacos--baja, carne asada, and al pastor. Each taco was loaded with plenty of things already, but there was also a sizeable sauce/salsa/topping bar in the back to get even more! The tacos were all a pretty good size. They were packed with flavor and cooked perfectly. The fish in the baja taco was especially delicious. The fish was fried to perfection It's too bad that this place is so far away from where I live. If I lived nearby, then I would try to find the slow hours and then go all the time!
Great tacos. Takes a little longer than instant to make, but that's because they're making it fresh. Relatively cheap too: make sure to use the yelp offer of 10% off. No bathroom access when I went. Tacos don't come with chips, they have to be purchased for $3. There's a bunch of salsas and dips in the back that are labeled! Outdoor seating available too. read more
2 years ago
8 years ago
Honestly I only have pictures of the inside and outside because the tacos were so good I wanted to eat instead of taking pictures. I stayed in La Jolla for 4 days and had a total of 27 tacos in that span. The Taco Stand was by far the best in the area. So much so that I came here 3 times. With a wide selection of taco options (and fresh churros depending on the time) and friendly staff this place really set itself apart. I sampled every taco (including the Cactus Taco) Which was a new experience for me. I highly recommend anything on the menu. My favorite was the shrimp taco. Don't forget about the sauce station in the back. They really add a kick of flavor to an already great meal. read more
3 years ago
Was visiting La Jolla for my birthday and wanted tacos. This was the first time we tried The Taco Stand. We ordered the fish tacos, Baja tacos, shrimp tacos and al pastor tacos as well as the mar y Tierra burrito - they were all delicious. For dessert, we tried the churros which were freshly made and so warm with a condensed milk dipping sauce. You definitely need to check out their delicious salsa bar too. The ambiance was colorful - didn't get to eat there but had the food togo. The staff was friendly as well - good service. read more
4 years ago
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This small taco joint is widely popular because their freshly made tacos are superb. They also serve other dishes but the tacos and churros are the best I ever had. read more
3 years ago
One of the BEST taco chains in SD. Lines are sometimes longer than expected, but the servers are quick with orders. Carne asada is arguably the best meat they serve. Pollo asado was okay as well. Excited to try the spicy shrimp next! Carne asada fries are also a huge hit! read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
Despite the shop being in a corner and tiny, it was filled with customers all enjoying their food. The workers were very sweet and spoke English or Spanish. The ambiance was well fitting for a Taco Stand. The churros were delicious and they had cajeta to go along with it. read more
3 years ago
It's good tacos for sure. But it's not the best in San Diego. The long lines and small seating area are a turn off. I got the carne asada and Camaron tacos. Tasty! Yummers read more
3 years ago
Popular taco shop with multiple locations in San Diego. I visited their la Jolla shop recently. I came at around 12 on a weekend and the shop was busy, I waited in (a socially distanced) line for about half an hour before ordering, and waited another ten minutes for the food to be ready. My favorite dish here is always their mar y tierra fries which has asada and shrimp and comes with quac. I wouldn't say these are my favorite tacos in San Diego, but they are certainly good. Worth the 30 minute wait? Questionable. If the line were faster I would definitely come here routinely! read more
2 years ago
6 years ago
Everyone told us this was the best taco place in San Diego and they certainly delivered. I'm a sucker for tacos with fried queso. Their guacamole and chips were incredible as well. It's a really busy place so make sure to get there early. Also I haven't been there since before COVID. I'm hoping their doing well! We'd love to come back someday. read more
2 years ago
Easily on of my favorite Mexican fast food joints in San Diego. I don't remember how we stumbled upon this place but whenever we head into La Jolla we put this at the top of our list for a good bite. My wife and I really love their bean and cheese burrito. I think they have the best in town. Their refried beans are light in taste but not too blended where it feels like your eating Gerber's. Perfect texture and seasoning. I love their camaron either as taco or burrito. The grilled spicy shrimp are plump and the combination of avocado and chipotle sauce is great. They also do al pastor here a wonderful rotisserie marinaded pork with a bit of a citrus flavor. So tasty. We've had the carne asada, pollo asado, and grilled mahi as either tacos or burritos at one point all great! Looking for something different and authentic (according to my friends) try the Nopal taco which has flame grilled cactus, tomato, avocado, and cheese. The salsas are freshly made but the place is literally lined with bottled sauces as well (though why you would want bottled versus fresh is beyond me). We love their chipotle and cilantro cream salsa. Seriously I put it on every bite. You could use either on a rice cake and you'd think you discovered gold. Chips and fresh guacamole are outstanding and one daughter thinks they have the best in town. The place is ridiculously small and the line out he door is hilarious but It moves quickly. A good dinner move is to call ahead and just bring it to the shores at sunset. Perfect. read more
3 years ago
Outstanding el pastor burritos/tacos. The salsas are fresh and add the right kick. Our favorite go-to spot in La Jolla. Probably the best nopals I've ever had. Expect a line just after everyone is done viewing the sunset. read more
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Fresh tasting and delicious. Salsas are delicious and also replenished several times a day. You can definitely taste good quality carne asada and shrimp in the Mar y Tierra burrito. Line out the door but there wait is worth it! read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
4 years ago
Went to this little hole in the wall place!! VERY MUCH RECOMMEND!! Great tasting tacos for a great price. Some of the best tacos I've ever had! I will definitely be coming back the next time I am in town. We tried all 6 tacos (Carne Asada, Al Pastor, Pollo Asada, Cameron, Grilled Pescado, and Baja tacos) We got there right before the lunch rush, so didnt have to wait in a long line. Be prepared thou, the lines can get long. It is very fast service, and the line moves quick. Next time I am in LA Jolla, I will be adding this to the top of my list!!! read more
The origin of churros is unclear. One theory is they were brought to Europe by the Portuguese. The Portuguese sailed for the Orient and, as they returned from Ming Dynasty China to Portugal, they brought along with them new culinary techniques, including modifying the dough for You tiao also known as Youzagwei in Southern China, for Portugal. However, they modified it by introducing a star design because they did not learn the Chinese skill of "pulling" the dough (the Chinese Emperor made it a capital crime to share knowledge with foreigners). As a result, churros are not "pulled" but rather extruded out through a star-shaped die. Wikipedia Place has that feeling of a new pair of jeans feel. It's so clean and shiny... There is a machine that makes churro's next to the entrance. I could not resist. There weren't any in the machine so they had to make some for me. Hot out of the machine the churro was crunchy on the outside and soft inside. Real nice fresh fried flavor with some sweetness from the sugar and cinnamon sugar. I'm usually eating in ancient taco shops like Don Carlos. A friend said this place was good so I'm giving it a try. Tacos are about $3 each and a a bit on the small side so 3 seems appropriate for lunch. Corn tortillas are soft and have a light corn flavor. Carne asada has a mild marinated beef flavor. Al pastor has a spicy flavor to the pork. Not a fan of the spicy flavor. Chicken was super tender and juicy. Nicely marinated white meat. I'd come back and order the carne asada tacos if Don Carlos wasn't a few blocks away. Don Carlos is like that old pair of jeans you have broken in and wear all the time. I miss the crunchy fried tacos with the delicious potato inside. read more
8 years ago
The Taco Stand is a MUST visit whenever you are in La Jolla. The tacos are always on point and fresh made to order, and their salsas are legit. This place can get very crowded so I would recommend everyone to either visit before 11am or after 3-4pm. If not, you'll find yourself waiting for over 30-45min. Their sitting area is super limited so keep that in mind if you are visiting with a large group. I've been here a few times and order the tacos al pastor, asada, pollo, but honestly the MVP is their Taco Sonora. The Sonora comes in a flour tortilla (Sonora style) with beans, asada, pico de gallo, aguacate, cheese and salsa. It is honestly the most delicious taco in their menu, and most filling too. The ONLY reason why I'm giving them 4 stars is because their salsas are TOO cold. I know that sounds ridiculous and I can't believe I'm saying that, but every time I've been here and use one of their salsas from the bar area, my food automatically gets cold at the touch of one of their salsas....and I've honestly never met someone who likes to eat a cold taco, so please Taco Stand keep that in mind. read more
Their fish tacos are so damn good, I come down all the way from Vegas for them. Not even joking. Don't be put off by the line that streams out the door. It is very well worth the wait. Please know what you want when you get to the register, though! Three Baja tacos just for me, thanks. Though all their tacos are delicious. The salsa bar is packed with colorful salsas. I'd recommend getting the salsa verde and creamy cilantro ones. And the pink pickled onions to top your tacos off. Good luck grabbing a seat! This is a quick eats place, so people are constantly moving in and out. Churros are available for dessert, but I'd rather just have another Baja taco! read more
2 years ago
6 years ago
Great tasting tacos! I wouldn't say these were the best I had, but I do have to admit the al pastor was up there. Came by on a Saturday afternoon and it was about a 30-40 minute wait from the time we stood in line to order to when we received the food. We got 3 tacos: al pastor, Baja, and camaron. The pastor comes with slices of pineapple and it was so juicy and flavorful. Camaron was good too, but the baja taco seemed kind of basic. Flavor was good, but it looked kind of small and sad. We also got the Mar y Tierra fries (shrimp + steak) and that was delicious too. you MUST get the churros, they're the perfect amount of sweet and crunchy and I'm in love. We also bought a bag of house made chips and guac, though the guac was lacking in flavor (nothing a bit of lime and salt can't fix!) Overall it was a good experience here. The line looks intimidating but it moves quite fast. *try to not stand/sit in front of the Chinese restaurant next door. They don't like their entrance being blocked by everyone waiting which is totally understandable! Save them a breath and stay off to the side. read more
More info about The Taco Stand
621 Pearl St
La Jolla, CA 92037
La Jolla
Directions
(858) 551-6666
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https://www.letstaco.com/location/la-jolla
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Ask the Community - The Taco Stand
Are the carne asada fries gluten free?
NO. Fries have wheat in the ingredients and are in a shared fryer. They are very accommodating for other items and happy to answer any questions. Great spot.
What is the parking situation like?
Uh, there isn't one. Parking is super tight. Go a block away, and just park on the street somewhere. If you see a spot within 2 blocks, grab it. The lot next door is for Mitch's Surf Shop (which is a great local surf shop - must visit), so they're…
Do they sell deep-fried tacos? -fried the corn taco shell
Just soft shell, but they do have deep fried house made churros and chips!
Where do you park?
There is a very small parking lot shared by other restaurants and shops. You're better off finding parking on the street. We parked around the corner in a neighborhood.
Is it cash only? and do they have an atm machine?
I'm pretty sure I paid by credit card.
Is there a long wait when pre-ordered online pickup?
No just tell the restaurant workers you're here for pick up and they should have it bagged and ready to go
Is your chipotle sauce and cilantro sauce dairy free?
Hello, Both sauces contain dairy. The chipotle sauce has mayonnaise and the cilantro sauce has…
Do they have vegan options?
Very limited. Cactus Taco or Bean Burrito. Not a great place for a vegan.
Do you guys offer takeout?
They do take out, but keep in mind that they don't do phone/online orders on weekends because of how crowded it gets.
Gluten free items?
Hi Karen, Our tacos are gluten free, with the exception of the Baja and Sonora. Our quesadillas…
Are there any recommend times to visit during the day that's the least busy?!?
I have been there once when visiting San Diego, the family and I got there around 6pm and sat down to eat around 7:15pm. A long wait, yes! But damn was it worth the wait. We cannot wait to stand in line for a long time to eat there again! 😉
Is it safe to eat here for someone with a peanut allergy?
Be sure to let them know beforehand, but I believe you should be ok. I’m almost positive nothing in the menu contains nuts.
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The Taco Stand - foodstands - Updated July 2026
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