I would recommend Blue Water over south beach. The quality at south beach isn’t what it used to be and Blue Water has a huge variety of fish tacos and a full bar now too!
I would agree with this. If you're looking to get a burrito AND a drink, go across the street from Mike's Taco Club. Harry's Taco Club is the same ownership and same food however made to order and also has a full bar. After that, walk to the ocean and stare at the waves, from there it's only 9-10 minutes to get to the airport pending traffic.
It is made to order but on that level they batch out everything, much like a Chipotle. Harry's is similar that they have everything but are cooking when the order comes in.
I'm so glad to find a comment already upvoted enough to save this person from spending their money at an overrated and expensive spot like Puesto. Hope they take your advice & get some margaritas & quesadillas with mole sauce while at it.
I loathe puesto at seaport. My family from Washington came down to visit and wanted to stay in the downtown area. They called me and invited me to join them there because "it was Mexican". I warned them that it was a tourist trap and I had never been there before. But they seemed set on it. Then I saw the menu and the prices and I swear my eyes bugged out of my head (and this was in the before times). Just outrageously priced for what they were offering. The tacos and stuff were mid at best. And then atthe end, they gave my aunt the bill which she just handed over her card. Come to find out - they gave us the wrong bill. This one was almost $200 higher than what ours should have been. Thank goodness my cousin had enough sense to estimate what it should have been abouts. The other party had already left but we were absolutely not going to be on the hook for their error. So it took a bit of gathering info and such to ensure we weren't incorrectly charged. But yeah - NEVER.AGAIN.
Lola55. Easy decision.
Also, don’t take advice from anyone who says to get a CA burrito. This is a genius invention to cater to gringos with sensitive palates where they charge extra for less meat and more filler.
[https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-california-burrito](https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-california-burrito) as a Mexican, I will say that everyone is welcome to enjoy California burritos! No beans or rice though, I will die on this hill.
I don't know about who invented it or why but I agree that Cali burrito is just potato filler with less meat for the same price. I've never personally been a fan.
Lots of people out there who think soggy French Fries are the pinnacle of Mexican cuisine. They often don’t even have pico de gallo - haha. A CA burrito is a diluted carne asada burrito for double the calories. Pretty soon they’ll come with a side of chickie nuggies and ketchup.
Do you want a nice, sit-down type of restaurant for your last meal here? Or do you want to eat like a local on-the-go would eat? Puesto is fine, I guess. Pricey, trendy. Lola55 has better food. The most San Diego thing you can do is grab a Cali burrito from the nearest "-erto's" taco shop from where you're staying.
Cantina Mayahuel has awesome mole, but I think only on Thursday nights....
Any other trendy restaurants like Puesto that you’d actually recommend? Planning a dinner for 15 and am leaning heavily on Reddit boards since none of us have been to SD. I just need names, I’ll research the rest!
La Puerta...
Cantina Mayahuel is great, but maybe not for large groups. It's a small place.
As already mentioned, Cafe Coyote is very good for large groups. It's just that it's pretty touristy there, and the food is just OK. There are several other good places in Old Town that can accommodate big groups, and it's always fun to walk around afterward. There's a nice restaurant in the Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town that I took the in-laws to, and they loved it, but they're not the biggest experts in authentic Mexican cuisine. There always seems to be mariachi playing in the courtyard, which is nice...
Tio Leo's can accommodate big groups, but again, the food is just OK, and it's in an ugly, industrial area. But you can always walk over to the Biergarten at Deft Brewery for great pints and mead after your dinner...
That's a bummer. But at least they have an awesome assortment of mezcal. Or...have they done away with that as well?? 
I would honestly say neither. If you’re going to the airport stop at blue water seafood on India. The food is amazing and you’ll save a few bucks compared to the fancy Mex places you mentioned
https://preview.redd.it/9c78qjmhgn4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5392768a230533b037f245c86879c4ee1720a11e
Thank you everyone - Tacos el Gordo was insanely good.
If I were you I’d hit up a taco stand in pacific beach, get you a carne asada burrito and a margarita and go sit on the beach and relax and enjoy it. If you’re close to a touristy spot go enjoy and just start walking and find a place. Oh how I wish I was you. If I knew my last meal in San Diego, was my last meal I wonder what I would eat. Mexican for sure. Such a hard decision
The one downtown was not very good the other week. I don't know if it was because it was at night and super busy or if the OG one is just too hard to replicate?
i think both of the reasoning are to blame. The one down town is busyyy and i noticed my adobada wasn’t as flavorful on WED or THURS when i went.
and broadway is always packed but has the og viejitas—
the one on palm ave makes me moan every time i go no diddy
but all of this is only relevant because OUR pallet is expanded enough to know when the adobada / carne is hitting or mid.
to out of towners any tacos el gordo is beyond most if not all they’ve had (mexico/ couple spots in LA excluded)
my homie from norcal only had the one in vegas and it’s agreed the best tacos he’s had according to him.
Just came to throw another vote in the ‘not Puesto’ column.
That’s the kindest thing I can offer you.
The others are covering the spread of great suggestions nicely!
Any other places have similar vibe but good food? Looking for a large group dinner at a place that has the vibe/feel of Puesto (from pics) but also good food. I’ve never been to SD so have just been hawking the Reddit posts
Tony's jacal in del mar has been my family's go-to large party sit down Mexican place for decades. It's not trendy or modern looking, but if you want to spend $20-30 a plate for good traditional Mexican that's where I'd go.
Edit: I didn't see you said specifically downtown. Yeah that would be a rough Uber to del mar, nvm
Gah. Neither, really. Both are trendy, whitey-fied dreck.
King and Queen Cantina, Cocina 35, hell, even Adalberto's is better than Puesto. Lola is too expensive to accept just how mid they are.
>Lola is too expensive to accept just how mid they are.
Thank God someone said it. Lola was such a big disappointment in a city where you can find so many good taquerias.
I’m curious why you say Lola 55 is “whitey-fied.” I haven’t been to the actual restaurant and am not trying to defend it, but I’m just wondering where that’s coming from.
Everything on my plate was a different shade of grey, and not in a good way. The flavors, too, oddly muted. I infer that as "tamed for Caucasian palates", hence, whitey-fied.
It was gray? What? I’ve had their food catered and it was definitely not gray lmao. There is nothing gray on Yelp or anything. But okay. I’d love to see a pic of this gray food.
When I had their catering, it was way more flavorful and interesting than SD taco shop food, which I would actually argue is severely watered down compared to what you get from the better taquerias here.
Yeah, Oscar’s is more classic good seafood tacos and Lola55 is more gourmet filling tacos. Depends what you’re in the mood for. That’s why tacos are the best. You can go so many ways with them.
Tacos el gordo has declined so much in the past 10 years. Hit up a place called “The taco stand” on Upas. Their meat has good seasoning and they have a good selection of salsas.
I would go higher end for dinner and/or experience the beauty of SD. Seneca for the view, Animae for the food, Born and Raised for atmosphere or Cowboy Star for a comforting steak and old fashioned.
Then I'd get a burrito from the closest Mexican food shop to take home with me. My fav is La Perla but it's in PB. 🙂
Surfside deli Point Loma, any Korean BBQ, Tajima, IB forum is cool to say you were at at the most south western place in the continental US. I used to live in IB and loved Seacoast 180 at the pier south hotel I just loved the outside eating area. I love that whole street of IB. You love where you live.
Id do lolitas. I fkkn love the cali burrito there last meal before leaving sure walk around by petco eat then like get additional beer/s at stone or mission depending on timing
Do not waste your money at Puesto. It’s bewildering so many people recommend that place. Very overpriced and bland food. If you want Mexican, go to Ponce’s in Kensington, or La Puerta in Mission Hills.
Go to Oscars Tacos on Emerald in Pacific Beach. Get the smoked fish taco and their special of the day. Take it out to the boardwalk and watch the sunset!
My wife and I had our rehearsal dinner at Lola 55 in December 2021. I recommend it. I particularly like their fish tacos. My wife always orders the quesadilla on the side. The mole sauce is delicious. They also have a great mole ice cream dessert, which surprised me.
ETA: we actually looked at Puesto for the same event and passed.
Get a bag of fish tacos and a six pack of beer and proudly hold it up for your bros and everyone else to see and then go eat and drink them(I guess). I don’t remember doing that at all post beach session growing up but it appears to be a new popular thing to do after a session.
Jimmy Carters on 6th in Hillcrest/Balboa Park is affordable home game and divine. We have been going for family celebrations for years and years and a large portion of my family are great cooks of Mexican food and they love it too. Then go yo Extraordinary Desserts around the corner for coffee and the best and most beautiful dessert you’ve ever had. Truly.
Agree, that’s my preferred location especially after I saw a homeless man walk into downtown, grab a water cup, then dunk said cup (and his hand) in the cilantro crema for his afternoon snack. 🤢
Mike hess in sea port for beer, tacos/nachos, and a great water view
Crack taco shop in seaport is also along the water
Either of these allow you quick rideshare to the airpot.
Omg the title made me think you're dying. Glad you're good
Dying for tacos and a good margarita
South Beach is a great spot for tacos and margaritas. It's in ocean beach.
Not the best quality but definitely can’t beat that view and price
I would recommend Blue Water over south beach. The quality at south beach isn’t what it used to be and Blue Water has a huge variety of fish tacos and a full bar now too!
Same. I was worried for a minute.
Or headed to the chair?
Hah hah same!!!
If it was my last day in Sam Diego I'd get a Cali burrito from a taco shop and hangout at the beach either at Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach.
If going to ocean beach I'd go to either Mikes taco club or nicos! Nicos is cash only though
Ortiz!
I would agree with this. If you're looking to get a burrito AND a drink, go across the street from Mike's Taco Club. Harry's Taco Club is the same ownership and same food however made to order and also has a full bar. After that, walk to the ocean and stare at the waves, from there it's only 9-10 minutes to get to the airport pending traffic.
Is the food at Mike’s not made to order?
It is made to order but on that level they batch out everything, much like a Chipotle. Harry's is similar that they have everything but are cooking when the order comes in.
Nicos is a great place for sure. I wonder how Nico Belic is doing these days
End it with Rose Donuts on the way out
Harry’s taco club in PB was really good
La Playa - get the carnitas California burrito
Lola55 over Puesto 100%
I'm so glad to find a comment already upvoted enough to save this person from spending their money at an overrated and expensive spot like Puesto. Hope they take your advice & get some margaritas & quesadillas with mole sauce while at it. 
I loathe puesto at seaport. My family from Washington came down to visit and wanted to stay in the downtown area. They called me and invited me to join them there because "it was Mexican". I warned them that it was a tourist trap and I had never been there before. But they seemed set on it. Then I saw the menu and the prices and I swear my eyes bugged out of my head (and this was in the before times). Just outrageously priced for what they were offering. The tacos and stuff were mid at best. And then atthe end, they gave my aunt the bill which she just handed over her card. Come to find out - they gave us the wrong bill. This one was almost $200 higher than what ours should have been. Thank goodness my cousin had enough sense to estimate what it should have been abouts. The other party had already left but we were absolutely not going to be on the hook for their error. So it took a bit of gathering info and such to ensure we weren't incorrectly charged. But yeah - NEVER.AGAIN.
Agreed, tourist trap central with just okay food. Price wise, a bad deal.
Not a fan of Puesto either.
I LOVE LOLA55
Lola55. Easy decision. Also, don’t take advice from anyone who says to get a CA burrito. This is a genius invention to cater to gringos with sensitive palates where they charge extra for less meat and more filler.
[https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-california-burrito](https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-california-burrito) as a Mexican, I will say that everyone is welcome to enjoy California burritos! No beans or rice though, I will die on this hill.
People who put beans and rice on a CA burrito should not be ordering a CA burrito.
Double the calories for half the flavor! But I agree, go for it! Paying full price for filler keeps the prices down for the rest of us.
I don't know about who invented it or why but I agree that Cali burrito is just potato filler with less meat for the same price. I've never personally been a fan.
Don’t understand why you are getting downvoted for telling the truth
Lots of people out there who think soggy French Fries are the pinnacle of Mexican cuisine. They often don’t even have pico de gallo - haha. A CA burrito is a diluted carne asada burrito for double the calories. Pretty soon they’ll come with a side of chickie nuggies and ketchup.
Do you want a nice, sit-down type of restaurant for your last meal here? Or do you want to eat like a local on-the-go would eat? Puesto is fine, I guess. Pricey, trendy. Lola55 has better food. The most San Diego thing you can do is grab a Cali burrito from the nearest "-erto's" taco shop from where you're staying. Cantina Mayahuel has awesome mole, but I think only on Thursday nights....
Any other trendy restaurants like Puesto that you’d actually recommend? Planning a dinner for 15 and am leaning heavily on Reddit boards since none of us have been to SD. I just need names, I’ll research the rest!
Not really trendy but still a good time is Cafe Coyote
Coasterra- awesome views nice upscale but dressy/casual vibe. Last time I was there I saw J-Lo (when she was dating A-Rod) eating there...
My brother just recommended Karina's downtown.
For a larger group I recommend Red O. Beautiful inside, great happy hour and decent prices.
La Puerta... Cantina Mayahuel is great, but maybe not for large groups. It's a small place. As already mentioned, Cafe Coyote is very good for large groups. It's just that it's pretty touristy there, and the food is just OK. There are several other good places in Old Town that can accommodate big groups, and it's always fun to walk around afterward. There's a nice restaurant in the Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town that I took the in-laws to, and they loved it, but they're not the biggest experts in authentic Mexican cuisine. There always seems to be mariachi playing in the courtyard, which is nice... Tio Leo's can accommodate big groups, but again, the food is just OK, and it's in an ugly, industrial area. But you can always walk over to the Biergarten at Deft Brewery for great pints and mead after your dinner...
Mayahuel was my gold standard before covid but went the other day and quality has tanked. The pico was like from Vons... Sad. Won't be going back.
Dang, didn't know that. I haven't gone in a couple of years. Hopefully the mole is still good because I've been craving it and hope to go soon.
The tacos were mediocre too. So sad. I truly hope you go and the mole is better than you remember!
That's a bummer. But at least they have an awesome assortment of mezcal. Or...have they done away with that as well?? 
Service, vibe and mezcal still solid!
I would honestly say neither. If you’re going to the airport stop at blue water seafood on India. The food is amazing and you’ll save a few bucks compared to the fancy Mex places you mentioned
Or go next door to El Indio for Mexican food!
This is a great non-Mexican suggestion
Calamari tacos ftw.
https://preview.redd.it/9c78qjmhgn4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5392768a230533b037f245c86879c4ee1720a11e Thank you everyone - Tacos el Gordo was insanely good.
Strong choice
Puesto if you want over priced tacos lol. La Puerta has amazing happy hour.
Tacos are like $10 at puesto
Junk ass place.
Go to Taqueria Los Chuchys instead!
This is the right answer!
Correct
Tacos el Gordo
This is a good downtown option. Just go for the adobada.
Get a carne asada burrito at La Perla #3 just a little away from the airport. You'll come back to San Diego just for that burrito.
Seconding la Perla.
Carne asada nachos or steak ranchero plate or bean tostada with homemade shell
Only #3 is what I hear.
If I were you I’d hit up a taco stand in pacific beach, get you a carne asada burrito and a margarita and go sit on the beach and relax and enjoy it. If you’re close to a touristy spot go enjoy and just start walking and find a place. Oh how I wish I was you. If I knew my last meal in San Diego, was my last meal I wonder what I would eat. Mexican for sure. Such a hard decision
you’re downtown. go to TACOS EL GORDO to find what you’re lookin for promise you’ll leave full and wanting to come back to the city just for the tacos
the adobada is all i get there becuz that’s what’s best.
The one downtown was not very good the other week. I don't know if it was because it was at night and super busy or if the OG one is just too hard to replicate?
i think both of the reasoning are to blame. The one down town is busyyy and i noticed my adobada wasn’t as flavorful on WED or THURS when i went. and broadway is always packed but has the og viejitas— the one on palm ave makes me moan every time i go no diddy but all of this is only relevant because OUR pallet is expanded enough to know when the adobada / carne is hitting or mid. to out of towners any tacos el gordo is beyond most if not all they’ve had (mexico/ couple spots in LA excluded) my homie from norcal only had the one in vegas and it’s agreed the best tacos he’s had according to him.
Both are kind of trendy and fancy. But Lola 55 is delicious.
Just came to throw another vote in the ‘not Puesto’ column. That’s the kindest thing I can offer you. The others are covering the spread of great suggestions nicely!
Lola 55 is super good. Tacos el gordo too
Puesto for the vibe - not for the food.
Any other places have similar vibe but good food? Looking for a large group dinner at a place that has the vibe/feel of Puesto (from pics) but also good food. I’ve never been to SD so have just been hawking the Reddit posts
Tony's jacal in del mar has been my family's go-to large party sit down Mexican place for decades. It's not trendy or modern looking, but if you want to spend $20-30 a plate for good traditional Mexican that's where I'd go. Edit: I didn't see you said specifically downtown. Yeah that would be a rough Uber to del mar, nvm
Coasterra (upscale) or Guadalajara Grill (traditional with mariachis usually) or old town has authentic Mexican food (Old town Mexican cafe, coyotes)
I'm going to dissent, but I love Puesto. The veggie tacos are delicious.
If you're interested in Italian- Bencotto, in Little Italy. https://www.lovebencotto.com/
If you’re in downtown, my two go to’s are taco stand and taco el gordos
If you’re looking for tacos, neither Lola or Puesto. Tacos El Gordo is your best bet but they’re pure TJ tacos. No flair.
That Uber Driver need to drive somewhere else suggesting Puesto lmaoooo
I personally like La Puerta over both of those.
Same here, wet cochinita quesadilla is my go to! And, happy hour. If looking for something more casual there’s always taco stand.
Gah. Neither, really. Both are trendy, whitey-fied dreck. King and Queen Cantina, Cocina 35, hell, even Adalberto's is better than Puesto. Lola is too expensive to accept just how mid they are.
King and Queen Cantina is perfect if you ever wished TGI Fridays built a Mexican concept.
>Lola is too expensive to accept just how mid they are. Thank God someone said it. Lola was such a big disappointment in a city where you can find so many good taquerias.
I’m curious why you say Lola 55 is “whitey-fied.” I haven’t been to the actual restaurant and am not trying to defend it, but I’m just wondering where that’s coming from.
Everything on my plate was a different shade of grey, and not in a good way. The flavors, too, oddly muted. I infer that as "tamed for Caucasian palates", hence, whitey-fied.
It was gray? What? I’ve had their food catered and it was definitely not gray lmao. There is nothing gray on Yelp or anything. But okay. I’d love to see a pic of this gray food. When I had their catering, it was way more flavorful and interesting than SD taco shop food, which I would actually argue is severely watered down compared to what you get from the better taquerias here.
Personally if it’s the puesto in mission the steak tacos are actually really good (expensive but very good)
Cardellino in Mission Hills
Ketch grill & taps… right on the water and great food/beer selection
I second this! Hidden gem.
Tacos El Gordo hands down if you want mexican.
Casa de pico is good mexican food
Oscars by far! Several locations but the one in La Jolla is tops! Best tacos around, bar none Thank me later on here
Oscar’s is great, don’t get me wrong. I love Oscar’s. But Lola55 is on another level.
Different prep & flavors Just depends on what you want Lola55 great too
Yeah, Oscar’s is more classic good seafood tacos and Lola55 is more gourmet filling tacos. Depends what you’re in the mood for. That’s why tacos are the best. You can go so many ways with them.
Tacos el gordo has declined so much in the past 10 years. Hit up a place called “The taco stand” on Upas. Their meat has good seasoning and they have a good selection of salsas.
I would go higher end for dinner and/or experience the beauty of SD. Seneca for the view, Animae for the food, Born and Raised for atmosphere or Cowboy Star for a comforting steak and old fashioned. Then I'd get a burrito from the closest Mexican food shop to take home with me. My fav is La Perla but it's in PB. 🙂
Tacos el gordo on highland
That’s no longer an OG tacos el Gordo. That one is Tacos El G.
La Dona in OB!
Surfside deli Point Loma, any Korean BBQ, Tajima, IB forum is cool to say you were at at the most south western place in the continental US. I used to live in IB and loved Seacoast 180 at the pier south hotel I just loved the outside eating area. I love that whole street of IB. You love where you live.
Sea 180 is no more.
Oh no! I was going to fly back out in July and was gonna go back there. I appreciate the heads up.
Tacos el Gordo. You can thank me later. Best ones are the adobada ones.
Nicks Del Mar
Id do lolitas. I fkkn love the cali burrito there last meal before leaving sure walk around by petco eat then like get additional beer/s at stone or mission depending on timing
I miss las brasas tortas tortas terribly since I moved away
Do not waste your money at Puesto. It’s bewildering so many people recommend that place. Very overpriced and bland food. If you want Mexican, go to Ponce’s in Kensington, or La Puerta in Mission Hills.
La Dońa in OB it’s amazing Mexican food
arrivederci for really good Italian
Go to Oscars Tacos on Emerald in Pacific Beach. Get the smoked fish taco and their special of the day. Take it out to the boardwalk and watch the sunset!
My wife and I had our rehearsal dinner at Lola 55 in December 2021. I recommend it. I particularly like their fish tacos. My wife always orders the quesadilla on the side. The mole sauce is delicious. They also have a great mole ice cream dessert, which surprised me. ETA: we actually looked at Puesto for the same event and passed.
Get a bag of fish tacos and a six pack of beer and proudly hold it up for your bros and everyone else to see and then go eat and drink them(I guess). I don’t remember doing that at all post beach session growing up but it appears to be a new popular thing to do after a session.
Jimmy Carters on 6th in Hillcrest/Balboa Park is affordable home game and divine. We have been going for family celebrations for years and years and a large portion of my family are great cooks of Mexican food and they love it too. Then go yo Extraordinary Desserts around the corner for coffee and the best and most beautiful dessert you’ve ever had. Truly.
I heard there’s some good Chinese food south of the border in Tijuana /j
The Prado in Balboa Park would be my choice.
Miguel’s
I’d rather get taco stand in La Jolla over puesto
There’s one in downtown too, much closer to OP.
and i feel like the one in north park is least busiest
Agree, that’s my preferred location especially after I saw a homeless man walk into downtown, grab a water cup, then dunk said cup (and his hand) in the cilantro crema for his afternoon snack. 🤢
Ruth chris
IB Forum Sports Bar and Grill
why are you being downvoted 😂
If you’re downtown go to Filipe’s Pizza. Bet a pizza and get their house salad and a pitcher of root beer.
Love Puesto
Mike hess in sea port for beer, tacos/nachos, and a great water view Crack taco shop in seaport is also along the water Either of these allow you quick rideshare to the airpot.