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About
Tacaliente Mexican Grill
Welcome to Tacaliente Mexican Grill, a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego. Located at 1266 University Ave, this eatery is more than just a taco shop; it’s a flavorful journey through authentic Mexican cuisine that locals rave about. With a charming atmosphere and friendly service, Tacaliente promises an unforgettable dining experience for everyone.
The menu boasts an array of mouthwatering dishes, particularly their burritos, which are a must-try. The Carne Asada Burrito features marinated black angus beef, fresh guacamole, and pico de gallo, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Priced at just $15.99, it’s a filling option that embodies the rich flavors of Mexico. For something unique, the 2 In 1 Burrito combines two rolled tacos with the savory carne asada, cheeses, and assorted toppings for $18.99 – a perfect choice for those who crave variety.
- California Burrito - A delightful blend of fries, your choice of protein, sour cream, and cheese ($16.99).
- Surf N Turf Burrito - A delectable combination of marinated carne asada and seafood ($16.99).
Tacoliente also features an impressive selection of drinks including Jarritos and Yerba Mate, all at reasonable prices from $4.99 to $5.99. These beverages pair perfectly with the vibrant dishes, providing a refreshing balance to every meal.
Sides are equally commendable, with options like Guacamole and Rice, both at $5.99, enriching the dining experience. The customers' reviews echo the charm of Tacaliente—Alli Powell praises their Crunchwrap as the best she’s ever had, complementing it with the vibrant salsa bar available.
Customer experiences speak volumes about Tacaliente's atmosphere. Diane Smith notes the family-friendly vibe, enhanced by staff members who genuinely care about their patrons, while Laura Holland appreciates the enjoyable happy hour deals on their fresh fish tacos. The friendly service is a cherry on top of the already delicious offerings.
Cero Grubs and Ryam Somo both emphasize the standout flavor of Tacaliente's carne asada, showcasing the culinary expertise that wraps each dish in authenticity and passion. From the surf and turf burrito to the flavorful nachos, every bite is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and taste.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking an exceptional Mexican dining experience in San Diego, Tacaliente Mexican Grill should be at the top of your list. With its diverse menu, inviting atmosphere, and warm staff, it promises more than just a meal— it offers a delightful culinary adventure!
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“ Delicious taco shop in the heart of University City with the best food and really fun menu items! I was excited to try the tacos and carnitas nachos, both were amazing! My husband got cheese enchiladas with red sauce, the sauce was so flavorful and it was served with rice and beans (which were also amazing!) But my favorite thing about Tacaliente was the crunch wrap they offer on their menu, either served with chicken or beef! I’ve never seen this item at a taco shop before and it was honestly the best Crunchwrap I’ve ever had. Because the tortilla and tostada were made fresh it was just so delicious! They also have a full salsa bar with hot carrots! ”
“ If this was in PB it would have lines down the block. I've had the fish tacos several times! Happy hour ,they are 2 for 5! They are delicious and fresh! I like much better than Rubio's. The lovely staff ( There was a sweet Argentinian girl today) are REALLY nice. All of them. I love this place! Parking is easy for Hillcrest. ”
“ We had an amazing time checking this place out. Monica helped us and she went above and beyond! The happy hour prices were amazing and we loved the food so much! They had such a family feel to the restaurant and it was family friendly!! Highly recommend checking them out :) ”
“ Caliente Mexican Food is one of my favorite spots in San Diego. The food is always fresh and full of flavor. I got the bowl and the surf and turf burrito and both were amazing. But what really made the experience great was Matthew. He was so welcoming, kind, and made us feel right at home. You can tell he genuinely cares. We’ll definitely be coming back, not just for the food but for the great energy too. Thanks Matt! ”
“ Some of the most flavorful carne asada I’ve ever had. Definitely delicious. I got the surf n turf nachos were fire ! I got two fish tacos we shared. They also have elotes I got to go ! And I had a bite of their Cali burrito my wife got. So amazing. The carne asada is a must. Get anything that has carne asada! Lots of seating inside and the cashier was very helpful with us choosing our items ! ”
“ We ordered the burrito bowl and elote, and both were delicious. Mathew was friendly, approachable, and made us feel right at home. His great conversations and warm personality really added to the overall experience. ”
“ I dropped in because I was starving. I have been seeking out less expensive places to eat because of the high restaurant prices in San Diego. I didn't expect the quality to be so good at this price point. I had some carne asada tacos. And on top of this, the manager, Matt, was there checking on all the customers and concerned about their experience. He was energetic and enthusiastic, truly engaged with making this restaurant a great one! I was very impressed and will be back! thanks, Matt! ”
“ I’ve eaten here several times and have never been disappointed. Their food is excellent. Their fish tacos rank among the best in the San Diego area in value for money. If you get anything, get the “Tony’s Burrito” which is just unbelievably tasty and delicious. Their salsa bar is also top notch with diverse spice levels and flavors...all of which are great. ”