La Especial

Mexican Restaurant 4.5 (86)


La Especial is a beloved restaurant in Tijuana known for its authentic tacos al vapor that resonate deeply with local traditions. Many customers recall fond family memories linked to this establishment, emphasizing its rich culinary heritage. Although the food consistently receives high marks for flavor and authenticity, some reviewers have noted occasional service inconsistencies during busy times.

Overall:

4.6

(80 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

4.0


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: 664 686 6258

Address: Av. Revolución 718, Zona Centro, 22000 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico

Opening hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" La Especial is like a treasure. The food speaks to my soul and reminds me of my mother’s cooking. It’s incredible how they have maintained the same delicious recipes for decades. I rarely find a place where the food transports me back home. The only downside was the coffee was lacking, but I will prioritize the tacos every single time! My heart is set on returning soon. " (*Curated Review*)

" The tacos at La Especial are simply divine! They have preserved recipes that have been passed down through generations, and it shows. I indulged in the vapor tacos, and let me tell you—every bite was bliss. The texture, the flavors, everything felt so genuine. I've been to many taco places, but none capture the heart of Tijuana quite like this one. Make sure to try their homemade salsa too! It's the cherry on top. Looking forward to my next visit. " (*Curated Review*)

" I honestly can’t rave about La Especial enough! I’ve been coming here for years, and the quality hasn’t changed a bit in all these years! It’s nice to see a restaurant stick to its roots. The tacos are flavorful, the service is typically quick, and the ambiance is homey. It’s great value for the money. I love this place and encourage anyone who wants to taste authentic Tijuana tacos to give it a shot! " (*Curated Review*)

" La Especial is where I go when I crave authentic tacos. They never fail to be delicious, but lately, the service has slowed down. I understand they are busy, but waiting over 30 minutes for tacos can be quite frustrating. The food, when it arrives, is worth the wait. I love the atmosphere, very classic Tijuana style. Hopefully, they can find a way to balance the speed of service without compromising on the quality of the food. " (*Curated Review*)

" The first time I heard about La Especial, I was excited to try it! Upon tasting the tacos, I realized what all the hype was about. They were tender, juicy, and flavorful, though the salsa could use more kick. The overall vibe of the restaurant felt very authentic, reminiscent of a classic taco stand. Even with a few hiccups in service during a busy hour, I enjoyed my meal and will be returning. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (70)

" I had a decent experience at La Especial. The tacos I ordered were delicious, although a bit too salty for my taste. The service could be more attentive, given how busy it was that night. I appreciate the cozy feel this restaurant has, making it great for group gatherings. I'll give them another chance as I've heard great things about their shrimp tacos. " (*Curated Review*)

" While the tacos at La Especial are undeniably delicious, I have to mention that the service has been hit or miss. During my last visit, it took quite a while for our orders to be taken, but the staff was friendly and apologized for the wait. The tacos were worth it - I had the steamed pork tacos, and they were fantastic! I just wish the service could match the quality of the food every time. " (*Curated Review*)

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