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Tacaliente Mexican Grill is a vibrant, locally owned Mexican restaurant serving bold, authentic flavors made fresh every day. We specialize in crowd favorites like rich, slow-braised birria, street-style tacos, flavorful burritos, sizzling plates, and house-made salsas crafted from traditional recipes. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or ordering takeout for the family, Tacaliente delivers high-quality ingredients, generous portions, and unforgettable taste in a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. Our passion is real Mexican food done right—fresh, fast, and full of flavor. Dine in, take out, or order online and experience why locals keep coming back to Tacaliente Mexican Grill.
Hours
| Friday | 9 AM–2 AM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–2 AM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Monday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–12 AM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 915-6490
Website: https://tacalientemex.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Jordan Schmidt
Great Mexican food with several options and heat levels.
The restaurant is open, spacious and clean.
Nice paintings on the wall, with TVs mounted too.
Music is pretty loud though. Decent prices.
… moreThe restaurant is open, spacious and clean.
Nice paintings on the wall, with TVs mounted too.
Music is pretty loud though. Decent prices.
Derek Harris
Upon entering the restaurant to place an order for a California Burrito, I observed an absence of staff. Eventually, an employee emerged from the back and inquired if I required assistance. I confirmed my need for assistance and expressed my desire to order a California Burrito for takeout. Subsequently, another employee, who had been on a phone call outside, arrived and proceeded to the counter. I experienced a ten-minute delay before my order was finally processed, which I found to be an unreasonable wait given that the employee from the back had clearly observed me waiting at the counter. Furthermore, the California Burrito itself was unsatisfactory, primarily due to an excessive amount of cheese and a perceived lack of care in its preparation. While my previous experiences at this establishment have generally been positive, this particular visit fell short of expectations.
… morePriscilla Z
Really nice place. They definitely deserve more customers. Their prices are fairly average, maybe higher to some. But the size of the burritos is worth it.
Clean shop. Variety if options on the menu. It wont let me add pictured but my burrito that I got was bigger than a fork and so full. Had enough for the next day.
Just giving the food 4 stars because the chips were maybe not as fresh and we thought we would get salsa them but it was chopped tomato. They do have a salsa bar self serve and hot carrots. Mix their Agua frescas together makes a delicious combo
… moreClean shop. Variety if options on the menu. It wont let me add pictured but my burrito that I got was bigger than a fork and so full. Had enough for the next day.
Just giving the food 4 stars because the chips were maybe not as fresh and we thought we would get salsa them but it was chopped tomato. They do have a salsa bar self serve and hot carrots. Mix their Agua frescas together makes a delicious combo
Ryam Somo
Caliente Mexican Food is one of my favorite spots in San Diego. The food is always fresh and full of flavor. I got the bowl and the surf and turf burrito and both were amazing. But what really made the experience great was Matthew. He was so welcoming, kind, and made us feel right at home. You can tell he genuinely cares. We’ll definitely be coming back, not just for the food but for the great energy too. Thanks Matt!
… moreJosh F
Tacaliente Mexican Grill has some great bean and cheese burritos to be eaten. For me, nothing beats a great bean and cheese burrito and if that’s your thing like it is for me, I recommend you check them out! The restaurant is very clean and I got my order within 5 minutes of ordering it! I actually saw the cook making it as I ordered it! Talk about fast service!
… moreAlli Powell
Delicious taco shop in the heart of University City with the best food and really fun menu items! I was excited to try the tacos and carnitas nachos, both were amazing! My husband got cheese enchiladas with red sauce, the sauce was so flavorful and it was served with rice and beans (which were also amazing!) But my favorite thing about Tacaliente was the crunch wrap they offer on their menu, either served with chicken or beef! I’ve never seen this item at a taco shop before and it was honestly the best Crunchwrap I’ve ever had. Because the tortilla and tostada were made fresh it was just so delicious! They also have a full salsa bar with hot carrots!
… moreCassandra McCoy
Tacos are fantastic. The food quality is excellent, the meat is especially yummy and not fatty or greasy. The tacos are loaded with meat. Everyone in here is always super nice and accommodating. This is one of my top two favorite taco shops.
… moreScott Dombrowski
I’ve eaten here several times and have never been disappointed. Their food is excellent. Their fish tacos rank among the best in the San Diego area in value for money. If you get anything, get the “Tony’s Burrito” which is just unbelievably tasty and delicious. Their salsa bar is also top notch with diverse spice levels and flavors…all of which are great.
… moreGabriela Coronado
I’m thankful I discovered this place! Walked in knowing I wanted a breakfast burrito and was kindly recommended the Caliente Breakfast Burrito – it was top tier. Ingredients blended together well, not too salty, or too much of any one ingredient. They knew what I meant when I said, “cut it in half” because then they offered to pack the other half to-go for me, which was GREAT customer service for anticipating my needs before I even had to explain. Tanya was the best, super friendly, super enthusiastic, super cute. The salsa bar was a nice spread. I’m a big fan of radish and pickled carrots so I was happy they had both. I for sure see myself coming back and trying even more of their menu items. This family owned business is a gem!
… moreArctic wolf
I absolutely love this place! Best in Hillcrest! The food is always fresh, flavorful, and authentic — it is NOT greasy like most restaurants! Very clean! The tacos and the burritos are packed with flavor, the salsa is perfectly balanced, and the portions are generous. Tania is amazing! ❤️ The staff is super friendly and attentive, and the service is always fast even when it’s busy. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming — perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with family and friends. Definitely one of the best Mexican spots in San Diego! ❤️ it’s a must try!!!
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