We had a late and wonderful lunch today at the San Diego Old Town location. The food isn’t good: it’s spectacular! You should focus on the birria, both in taco form, and separately with the bone broth. It’s amazingly dense with flavor. The ceviche might have been the best we’ve ever had. All of the ingredients had pure fresh taste with the cilantro and onions perfectly balanced with lime soaked octopus and shrimp. The fish tacos were also excellent. The tortillas appeared to be small batch and were great. The coupe de grace for me was the home made hot chili sauce. It reminded me of Chinese hot peppers in oil, I’ve spent more than a year traveling in China. It was prepared in that style with dried roasted peppers crushed in oil. The intense smoky hot taste built on traditional Mexican peppers is amazing. I had not encountered this style of Mexican hot sauce until today. The patio setting is super comfortable and the people who run the place are friendly and generous. Go out of your way to eat at this place. I’ll certainly be back next time I’m in San Diego.
Jeremy E.
Not only is the food absolutely delicious but it's dependably consistent. Have returned many times with consistently quality food. A bit prices but there is not skimping on the amount of meat in your item. Highly recommended.
James Stewart
I was skeptical of the hype from the Michelin acknowledgement but dang I was wrong, this place is so good! The consume is delicious, the tacos are amazing. This place is a must try
Nahla Albadie
These were the most delicious tacos. Service was great and food was amazing.
Vanessa M.
The original location in San Ysidro was one of 34 San Diego restaurants to receive a mention in the 2021 Michelin California guide. The Michelin guide highlighted the "homey" spot and concluded that with Tuetano's portions, flavors, and prices one need not go across the border to have an authentic Mexican birria taco. The same cannot be said for this new location. I've been to both. Michelin got it right for the San Ysidro location. The prices were reasonable, you could see a couple Mexican women in their small kitchen cooking with love, and the menu was decent. So, based on this I was happy to give them my business. Today that changed. As other Yelpers complained, the prices are steep and the birria is on the dry side. It is no longer a homey place either. It's more like a shared cafeteria setting with an equally overpriced seafood truck/restaurant ($18 + ceviche). Naturally, the prices has to be steeper as rent in Old Town is as high, if not higher, than downtown or other central locations. But the service didn't make up for it. Indeed, the service was the worst thing. I ordered tacos without certain ingredients and they served them anyway. I asked them to remake me a plain taco and said I was willing to pay for it but they insisted that I didn't. They just took away the topping from the surface. For those of you for whom cilantro tastes like soap, a superficial scraping of the cilantro on top doesn't cut it because you'll still taste any cilantro left in between the pieces, that's what happened here. So we had to throw those away. All in all, is you really want authentic but don't want to cross the border, head south to Chula Vista for a mom and pop shop. But if you want convenience, and to try birria for the first time, AND have $6 to spend on one taco or $10 for one quesadilla, go for it.
Molly H.
Went to the soft opening in Old Town. Tried only the Bone marrow. It didn't disappoint my craving for bone marrow. Will try the berria taco next time with the bone marrow.
Chrissy F.
This review is for the old town location since they closed the spot in San ysidro. The location is nice and plenty of seating compared to the old spot. Two bathrooms available. It was a soft opening this weekend and I know there are things that still need to be done to put this place together and have things running smoothly. Menu felt a little pricier than before NGL. We spent 90 on 4 tacos, consomé, 2 sides of tuetano but were charged 11 each vs the tuetano solo side because they ended up doing the tuetano tacos, 1 quesabirria taco and 2 beers. I was a bit confused on the receipt. As the tuetano side said 7.00 on the menu and I had planned to just add that to my regular tacos. We didn't count but one of our tacos was missing and by the time we noticed, we didn't bother mentioning it. For all of the food we ordered we only received two salsas which is a bummer. On our second order of 50 bucks, yes second order (lol) we ordered 4 more tacos and two beers because we were still hungry. Only got one salsa for 4 tacos and told they charge for extra. Tacos seem a lot smaller in size and not as much carne on them. It's still delicious and one of my favorite Birria spots but it's definitely taking a bite at your wallet now at this new location. Traffic can be annoying in Old town but where this is located there's plenty of parking a block away. Nice walk. Friendly staff. And like I said, plenty of seating.
Tony Kalasho
I enjoyed their tacos, but the customer service is why I only gave them 3 stars. The owner, or cashier just didn't seem to care and a bit arrogant. Nothing personal, just business wise I would have appreciated a more genuine interaction. Not very professional
vanessa lopez
Food was delicious ? small cute place. Smelled soooo good as soon as you walk in. We got birrira tacos and the consomme and everything was perfectly seasoned . Wait was a bit long but so worth the wait. Will definitely be coming back!!!!!
Teresa C.
First of all they don't take phone orders and their online menu is outdated, Second we picked up our order and there was no limes, no tortillas for my consome with birria and no radishes. Third the cilantro and onion were added in the consome, what if I didn't like any of those things in it. I noticed it when I was at work already so I had no chance to go back to let them know or to change it, Birria was pretty tasty but needed all the other things for it to be great. Wil thinks about going again, not a good experience for my first time .
Not sure what all the hype is about. First, the menus on yelp are completely outdated. There's basically only Birria tacos available and you wouldn't know until you're at the counter scanning the menu QR code. Second the guy at the counter is rude and charged us twice for drinks and said he didn't know how to do a refund. For 3 tacos, a cheese quesadilla beans and 2 drinks it cost us $45. No thanks. There are better taquerias in the area to patronize and support.
Sam B.
Holly cow. I haven't had too many Burria tacos but this one is for sure my favorite so far. Yes it is a far drive (half hour from La Mesa) but it is worth it. Let's face it. Some people wait for 30 minute in line for some restaurants that are not worth the wait. I would rather drive 30 minute for something that is worth it. Next time I will not get the bone marrow since I didn't think it brought any flavor to the taco. The quesabirria itself was outstanding and I will be happy ordering it again.
926pec
The best birria in San Diego. Quality good and service. You can actually taste the artisian in the flavors of the beef itself beef itself the salsas. Huge difference in everything I have tried in San Diego so far. You can tell why they have a Michelin Honoree for a good plate. Don't be confused and stop here to eat.
DJ H.
Found Tuetano Taqueria on Eater and had to take the trip down to check them out. Granted this was my first birria taco for as far as I can remember. I came in kind of nervous because I knew I was down for the bone marrow but again, first timer. However, no stranger to quality food/ingredients and proper seasoning! Tuetano is hella good! The guy who took my order seemed like he was running the show up there and was very kind. Told him it was my first time and he pointed me right to the Birria Tuetano. I hear consommé is a must but I stuck with the Burris Tuetano straight up. The taco was nice and crispy the beef was solid and flavorful and that bone marrow really created an excellent combo. Be careful the bone is hot af! Great presentation, atmosphere and Birria Tuetano!
dbsti 300
3 stars because the food is fantastic. However, their hours are not posted, and very weird. I stopped by, and the door was locked. I looked through the open window to hear music playing, and seeing the grill in operation with someone behind it, but they never responded. There were 4 people behind me that had to walk away. They really need to figure out when they're open, and post it somewhere, because it's random times. I live in the town and have only been able to order there maybe twice in several months. POST YOUR HOURS! It's confusing. Also, keep in mind that I live at La Nola directly across the street form you. It is rare that I can just walk across the street and order something. Get a bigger venue or hire more employees if you cannot handle the capacity. It's sad that you have a taco shop where the hours aren't posted, and someone can't even walk across the street at 1:30 pm and order something. Your doors are always locked, and I have seen on several occasions, people before and after me just walking away. Do you want to make more money, or not?
We had a late and wonderful lunch today at the San Diego Old Town location. The food isn’t good: it’s spectacular! You should focus on the birria, both in taco form, and separately with the bone broth. It’s amazingly dense with flavor. The ceviche might have been the best we’ve ever had. All of the ingredients had pure fresh taste with the cilantro and onions perfectly balanced with lime soaked octopus and shrimp. The fish tacos were also excellent. The tortillas appeared to be small batch and were great. The coupe de grace for me was the home made hot chili sauce. It reminded me of Chinese hot peppers in oil, I’ve spent more than a year traveling in China. It was prepared in that style with dried roasted peppers crushed in oil. The intense smoky hot taste built on traditional Mexican peppers is amazing. I had not encountered this style of Mexican hot sauce until today. The patio setting is super comfortable and the people who run the place are friendly and generous. Go out of your way to eat at this place. I’ll certainly be back next time I’m in San Diego.
Not only is the food absolutely delicious but it's dependably consistent. Have returned many times with consistently quality food. A bit prices but there is not skimping on the amount of meat in your item. Highly recommended.
I was skeptical of the hype from the Michelin acknowledgement but dang I was wrong, this place is so good! The consume is delicious, the tacos are amazing. This place is a must try
These were the most delicious tacos. Service was great and food was amazing.
The original location in San Ysidro was one of 34 San Diego restaurants to receive a mention in the 2021 Michelin California guide. The Michelin guide highlighted the "homey" spot and concluded that with Tuetano's portions, flavors, and prices one need not go across the border to have an authentic Mexican birria taco. The same cannot be said for this new location. I've been to both. Michelin got it right for the San Ysidro location. The prices were reasonable, you could see a couple Mexican women in their small kitchen cooking with love, and the menu was decent. So, based on this I was happy to give them my business. Today that changed. As other Yelpers complained, the prices are steep and the birria is on the dry side. It is no longer a homey place either. It's more like a shared cafeteria setting with an equally overpriced seafood truck/restaurant ($18 + ceviche). Naturally, the prices has to be steeper as rent in Old Town is as high, if not higher, than downtown or other central locations. But the service didn't make up for it. Indeed, the service was the worst thing. I ordered tacos without certain ingredients and they served them anyway. I asked them to remake me a plain taco and said I was willing to pay for it but they insisted that I didn't. They just took away the topping from the surface. For those of you for whom cilantro tastes like soap, a superficial scraping of the cilantro on top doesn't cut it because you'll still taste any cilantro left in between the pieces, that's what happened here. So we had to throw those away. All in all, is you really want authentic but don't want to cross the border, head south to Chula Vista for a mom and pop shop. But if you want convenience, and to try birria for the first time, AND have $6 to spend on one taco or $10 for one quesadilla, go for it.
Went to the soft opening in Old Town. Tried only the Bone marrow. It didn't disappoint my craving for bone marrow. Will try the berria taco next time with the bone marrow.
This review is for the old town location since they closed the spot in San ysidro. The location is nice and plenty of seating compared to the old spot. Two bathrooms available. It was a soft opening this weekend and I know there are things that still need to be done to put this place together and have things running smoothly. Menu felt a little pricier than before NGL. We spent 90 on 4 tacos, consomé, 2 sides of tuetano but were charged 11 each vs the tuetano solo side because they ended up doing the tuetano tacos, 1 quesabirria taco and 2 beers. I was a bit confused on the receipt. As the tuetano side said 7.00 on the menu and I had planned to just add that to my regular tacos. We didn't count but one of our tacos was missing and by the time we noticed, we didn't bother mentioning it. For all of the food we ordered we only received two salsas which is a bummer. On our second order of 50 bucks, yes second order (lol) we ordered 4 more tacos and two beers because we were still hungry. Only got one salsa for 4 tacos and told they charge for extra. Tacos seem a lot smaller in size and not as much carne on them. It's still delicious and one of my favorite Birria spots but it's definitely taking a bite at your wallet now at this new location. Traffic can be annoying in Old town but where this is located there's plenty of parking a block away. Nice walk. Friendly staff. And like I said, plenty of seating.
I enjoyed their tacos, but the customer service is why I only gave them 3 stars. The owner, or cashier just didn't seem to care and a bit arrogant. Nothing personal, just business wise I would have appreciated a more genuine interaction. Not very professional
Food was delicious ? small cute place. Smelled soooo good as soon as you walk in. We got birrira tacos and the consomme and everything was perfectly seasoned . Wait was a bit long but so worth the wait. Will definitely be coming back!!!!!
First of all they don't take phone orders and their online menu is outdated, Second we picked up our order and there was no limes, no tortillas for my consome with birria and no radishes. Third the cilantro and onion were added in the consome, what if I didn't like any of those things in it. I noticed it when I was at work already so I had no chance to go back to let them know or to change it, Birria was pretty tasty but needed all the other things for it to be great. Wil thinks about going again, not a good experience for my first time .
Restaurantji Recommends
Not sure what all the hype is about. First, the menus on yelp are completely outdated. There's basically only Birria tacos available and you wouldn't know until you're at the counter scanning the menu QR code. Second the guy at the counter is rude and charged us twice for drinks and said he didn't know how to do a refund. For 3 tacos, a cheese quesadilla beans and 2 drinks it cost us $45. No thanks. There are better taquerias in the area to patronize and support.
Holly cow. I haven't had too many Burria tacos but this one is for sure my favorite so far. Yes it is a far drive (half hour from La Mesa) but it is worth it. Let's face it. Some people wait for 30 minute in line for some restaurants that are not worth the wait. I would rather drive 30 minute for something that is worth it. Next time I will not get the bone marrow since I didn't think it brought any flavor to the taco. The quesabirria itself was outstanding and I will be happy ordering it again.
The best birria in San Diego. Quality good and service. You can actually taste the artisian in the flavors of the beef itself beef itself the salsas. Huge difference in everything I have tried in San Diego so far. You can tell why they have a Michelin Honoree for a good plate. Don't be confused and stop here to eat.
Found Tuetano Taqueria on Eater and had to take the trip down to check them out. Granted this was my first birria taco for as far as I can remember. I came in kind of nervous because I knew I was down for the bone marrow but again, first timer. However, no stranger to quality food/ingredients and proper seasoning! Tuetano is hella good! The guy who took my order seemed like he was running the show up there and was very kind. Told him it was my first time and he pointed me right to the Birria Tuetano. I hear consommé is a must but I stuck with the Burris Tuetano straight up. The taco was nice and crispy the beef was solid and flavorful and that bone marrow really created an excellent combo. Be careful the bone is hot af! Great presentation, atmosphere and Birria Tuetano!
3 stars because the food is fantastic. However, their hours are not posted, and very weird. I stopped by, and the door was locked. I looked through the open window to hear music playing, and seeing the grill in operation with someone behind it, but they never responded. There were 4 people behind me that had to walk away. They really need to figure out when they're open, and post it somewhere, because it's random times. I live in the town and have only been able to order there maybe twice in several months. POST YOUR HOURS! It's confusing. Also, keep in mind that I live at La Nola directly across the street form you. It is rare that I can just walk across the street and order something. Get a bigger venue or hire more employees if you cannot handle the capacity. It's sad that you have a taco shop where the hours aren't posted, and someone can't even walk across the street at 1:30 pm and order something. Your doors are always locked, and I have seen on several occasions, people before and after me just walking away. Do you want to make more money, or not?