Tacaliente Mexican Grill

Restaurant $$ 4.1 (234)


Tacaliente Mexican Grill offers a lively atmosphere featuring a delicious array of authentic Mexican dishes. Many customers have praised the freshness and flavor of the food, particularly the carne asada and tacos. The welcoming service enhances the dining experience, although some have noted slow service during peak times. Overall, this restaurant stands out for its commitment to quality and authentic flavors.

Overall:

4.5

(199 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

4.0


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (619) 915-6490

Address: 1266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Dog-Friendly

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • 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!**

" I recently visited Tacaliente Mexican Grill and was thoroughly impressed by the flavors of their tacos. The carne asada was marinated to perfection and packed with spices that made each bite delightful. The staff was friendly, and the restaurant had a great vibe. I was also pleased with their salsa bar, which had a fantastic variety of salsas that catered to spicy and mild preferences alike. I will definitely come back for Taco Tuesday! " (*Curated Review*)

" I am so impressed with Tacaliente! Their happy hour is incredible, and I couldn't believe how cheap the tacos were on Taco Tuesday. I ordered a variety, and each one exceeded my expectations. You can tell they use quality ingredients and everything was bursting with flavor. The staff was friendly and attentive, which added to the overall enjoyable experience. I highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for authentic Mexican food! " (*Curated Review*)

" I’ve ordered takeout from Tacaliente a few times and it's always been a positive experience. The carne asada fries are a must-try—they're absolutely loaded! The flavors are incredible, and the portion size is more than enough to satisfy my cravings. But I've noticed the service can be hit or miss. Once they forgot my salsa. But overall, I look forward to my next order from here because the food is always on point! " (*Curated Review*)

" Last night, I enjoyed the chilaquiles at Tacaliente, and they were amazing! Everything was made fresh and bursting with flavor. I appreciated the variety of toppings available for customization. The atmosphere was vibrant, and it felt like a perfect place for a casual night out with friends. Friendly staff made it even better. I will definitely return to explore more dishes! " (*Curated Review*)

" I visited Tacaliente for the first time yesterday, and frankly, I was disappointed. The carne asada was overly salty and tough, making it difficult to enjoy. The service was slow, and I felt ignored at times. The ambiance was lively but it couldn't make up for the food experience. I don't think I'll be returning unless I hear better reviews about it. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (189)

" My team and I went to Tacaliente for a casual Friday lunch. The atmosphere was not only energetic but also clean and well-kept. I ordered the fish tacos, which were wonderfully crispy and topped with fresh cabbage and sauce. While the food was excellent, our service was a bit slow, which made our lunch longer than expected. However, the tasty food made up for the wait, so I left happy and satisfied. I would recommend it for anyone in the mood for some delicious tacos! " (*Curated Review*)

" Honestly, Tacaliente is fantastic but has room for improvement. I went on a Friday night and found the place packed! Understandably, the wait time was long, making the overall experience frustrating. When I finally got my carne asada burrito, it was delicious—fresh ingredients and a huge portion. Still, the unfriendly demeanor of some staff left a bad taste. I hope they can train their staff to be a bit friendlier. Overall, a good experience, but I might return for takeout instead of dining in next time. " (*Curated Review*)

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