San Diego is undoubtedly a taco mecca. We are spoiled for choice when it comes to Mexican food, as we are with beer. However, many taco shops here are hit and miss. In this article I offer you my suggestions for the best taco shop in all of San Diego, along with a few honorable mentions.
I should start out by saying that I’m not really into writing food reviews. So much of what we like on our plates, and in our burritos, is highly subjective. For example, I cannot abide putting beans on carne asada fries, it makes an already heavy affair even more indigestion inducing, but I know people that swear by the addition of beans.
That said, I felt inspired to write this piece last night while tucking into the best carne asada quesadilla this side of the US, Mexico border.
On the corner of 30th and Gunn in North Park, sits Saguaro’s. This area is home to Toronado, George’s Camera, Bar Pink, Waypoint Public, and love-to-hate libation-station, True North.
Saguaro’s is a small Mexican joint that is open 24 hours a day, has a drive through, and seating inside. The menu features the regular taco shop fare, complete with the usual combos. Stand out items include their flautas, breakfast burritos, and my personal favorite, the Tecate quesadilla. The salsa is phenomenal, roja, verde, and chipotle. The chipotle has a very unique garlicky flavor. When lived around the corner I’d use the leftover chipotle variety on my eggs in the morning. It’s that good. The carne asada here is great, it's not gristly, it's seasoned well, and is tender.
Obviously, there are lots of other options when it comes to taco shops in San Diego, but this one is my favorite. Honorable mentions include Pokez, one could write an entire article on their history alone. Also, Colima’s in North Park, and Lolita's in Chula Vista.
It seems ridiculous to write an article about a taco shop, but I'm not afraid to say that the amount of pleasure I derived from my pig-out session over my beloved quesadilla last night was inspiring, and I'm just trying to share the love! So, next time you’re in the mood for some proper taco-shop food, give Saguaro’s a try. If you’re disappointed you will have only spent about eight dollars, and that’s not so bad. Also, if you've got 40 seconds to spare, you should check out their very basic website here, if just to watch the animation, which had me in stitches.
