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La Especial, the beloved Tijuana-based restaurant with decades of history since 1952, has proudly expanded to National City, California. Owned and operated by Paola, the third generation of this family business, La Especial brings its rich culinary heritage across the border, offering authentic Tijuana-style Tacos a vapor and other mexican dishes.
Hours
| Friday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Monday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 9 AM–5 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1903 Highland Ave, National City, CA 91950
Phone: (619) 966-5521
Menu Photos
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Related Web Results
La Especial Tacos A Vapor USA (@laespecialtacosavaporusa)
3.5K+ followers · 982 following · 357 posts · @laespecialtacosavaporusa: “1903 highland ave Authentic Mexican flavor in the heart of National City.
La Especial Tacos a Vapor USA (@laespecialtacosavaporusa)
This isn’t just dining… it’s an experience you’ll want to relive again and again. La Especial – 1903 Highland Ave, National City, CA #LaEspecial …
Cafe La Especial, 1903 Highland Ave, National City, CA 91950, US
Get more information for Cafe La Especial in National City, CA. See reviews, map, get the address, and find directions.
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Reviews
Ana Zuniga
I liked the homey feel of the restaurant. It’s colorful and has some nice pictures of their original location in Tijuana.
The chips are casero-style, not stale. I didn’t ask but they seemed made in house.
I ordered the three tacos al vapor combo with beans and rice. I tried one of each and they’re super good. I had to take some to go because they’re served with plenty of filling. My husband ordered the California burrito and it was good. The chips came with carrots and salsa, and I also put those on my tacos. We’ll definitely go back.
… moreThe chips are casero-style, not stale. I didn’t ask but they seemed made in house.
I ordered the three tacos al vapor combo with beans and rice. I tried one of each and they’re super good. I had to take some to go because they’re served with plenty of filling. My husband ordered the California burrito and it was good. The chips came with carrots and salsa, and I also put those on my tacos. We’ll definitely go back.
Daniella Sarmiento
Unfortunately, my experience at this establishment was extremely disappointing from start to finish.
To begin, there was no warm welcome upon arrival — no greeting, no direction, and no clarity on whether we should seat ourselves or wait to be seated. I tried to be understanding and assumed it might be a casual setup where guests simply sit and order when ready, but the complete lack of hospitality set a poor tone right away.
We were served chips and salsa to start, but the chips were incredibly stale — not just slightly old, but noticeably unpleasant. While I understand they’re complimentary, they still reflect the level of care and quality that goes into the food overall.
We ordered two plates of chilaquiles: one red and one green. I added shredded chicken to the green chilaquiles for an additional $5 — which turned out to be a mistake. The chicken had a strong, unpleasant odor and a squishy texture that made it inedible. To make things worse, the “green” chilaquiles weren’t even green — the sauce was brown and completely unappetizing. Both dishes lacked flavor entirely and were so poorly prepared that they caused instant stomach discomfort.
Additionally, we decided to try a third item from their menu: the tacos al vapor, which they’re supposedly “known for.” We ordered one of each of the three available flavors. All three were extremely bland and lacked any real flavor. They were at least edible, but nothing memorable or enjoyable. One important note — especially for anyone with food allergies or dietary restrictions — the “bean and cheese” taco was not simply beans and cheese. The beans were seasoned and contained visible ingredients like cilantro, chili peppers, something red, and onions, which was immediately noticeable upon seeing them.
What made the experience even more frustrating was the cost. For three dishes and drinks, the total came out to around $80 — an unreasonable amount given the poor quality of the food and service. It’s incredibly disappointing to pay that much for a meal you can’t even finish.
In summary, the unfriendly service, stale food, lack of flavor, and high prices made this one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had. I do not recommend this restaurant. You’d be far better off spending the same amount at a quality dining establishment where the food is fresh, flavorful, and served with care — and where you won’t leave with instant stomach pain.
… moreTo begin, there was no warm welcome upon arrival — no greeting, no direction, and no clarity on whether we should seat ourselves or wait to be seated. I tried to be understanding and assumed it might be a casual setup where guests simply sit and order when ready, but the complete lack of hospitality set a poor tone right away.
We were served chips and salsa to start, but the chips were incredibly stale — not just slightly old, but noticeably unpleasant. While I understand they’re complimentary, they still reflect the level of care and quality that goes into the food overall.
We ordered two plates of chilaquiles: one red and one green. I added shredded chicken to the green chilaquiles for an additional $5 — which turned out to be a mistake. The chicken had a strong, unpleasant odor and a squishy texture that made it inedible. To make things worse, the “green” chilaquiles weren’t even green — the sauce was brown and completely unappetizing. Both dishes lacked flavor entirely and were so poorly prepared that they caused instant stomach discomfort.
Additionally, we decided to try a third item from their menu: the tacos al vapor, which they’re supposedly “known for.” We ordered one of each of the three available flavors. All three were extremely bland and lacked any real flavor. They were at least edible, but nothing memorable or enjoyable. One important note — especially for anyone with food allergies or dietary restrictions — the “bean and cheese” taco was not simply beans and cheese. The beans were seasoned and contained visible ingredients like cilantro, chili peppers, something red, and onions, which was immediately noticeable upon seeing them.
What made the experience even more frustrating was the cost. For three dishes and drinks, the total came out to around $80 — an unreasonable amount given the poor quality of the food and service. It’s incredibly disappointing to pay that much for a meal you can’t even finish.
In summary, the unfriendly service, stale food, lack of flavor, and high prices made this one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had. I do not recommend this restaurant. You’d be far better off spending the same amount at a quality dining establishment where the food is fresh, flavorful, and served with care — and where you won’t leave with instant stomach pain.
brian deriquito
Wife and I both ordered the chilaquiles, she got the roja and I got the Chipotle. Both were really flavorful. We also got the steamed tacos, which neither of us have had before. Both the carne and bean steamed tacos were our favorite!
… moreDanay Ben
So my friend and I went to try tacos de canasta.
$3.5 per taco , which is a not a terrible! But the tacos weren’t hot enough or tasty enough. I ordered Mexican caviar ( frojoles &queso) it tasted funky so I asked the girl if we could exchange it for a different kind since the bean and cheese taco tasted musty. To which she replied “oh … if you already took a bite we can’t take it back!!! So i don’t understand her logic on that comment. But at the end she agreed to exchange it for a taco chicharron. So ordered was 5 tacos and 1 soda but she was charging me for the additional taco when she took back the musty nasty taste taco.
So my bill was almost $29 for 6 poorly executed tacos and a $5 soda.
Never going back . We love supporting local business but the owner needs to train their personal properly to manage costumer complains and the food quality is poor.
… more$3.5 per taco , which is a not a terrible! But the tacos weren’t hot enough or tasty enough. I ordered Mexican caviar ( frojoles &queso) it tasted funky so I asked the girl if we could exchange it for a different kind since the bean and cheese taco tasted musty. To which she replied “oh … if you already took a bite we can’t take it back!!! So i don’t understand her logic on that comment. But at the end she agreed to exchange it for a taco chicharron. So ordered was 5 tacos and 1 soda but she was charging me for the additional taco when she took back the musty nasty taste taco.
So my bill was almost $29 for 6 poorly executed tacos and a $5 soda.
Never going back . We love supporting local business but the owner needs to train their personal properly to manage costumer complains and the food quality is poor.
Juan Luis Gutierrez
Stay away! Really, stop. Time suck place! I wanted to give this place a shot on sunday after church. Arrived at 9:10. Placed my order 9:20. Received my food at 9:57. Get this, it was warm(ish)! My order was nothing to difficult to make… The gentleman that help us (party of 4) could had used some help… Full restaurant and 3 exaggerated slow ladies showed up at around 9:55.
I am all about supporting small business owners, but they have to be ready for the customers. I will not return base on customer service, temperature of the food and taste… Oh one more item of interest… Price for a can soda, $3… Price for a Mexican Soda $4.75… on the menu sodas listed for $2.75!!! Drive to the left to Sierra Cafe or to the right to Don Vicente Menuderia… 100% faster and better!
… moreI am all about supporting small business owners, but they have to be ready for the customers. I will not return base on customer service, temperature of the food and taste… Oh one more item of interest… Price for a can soda, $3… Price for a Mexican Soda $4.75… on the menu sodas listed for $2.75!!! Drive to the left to Sierra Cafe or to the right to Don Vicente Menuderia… 100% faster and better!
Jesus Blancarte
My dad used to go to the one in Tijuana and one day I decided to take him to this location and he says they taste the same. My dad tried Señor’s originals. Now that his granddaughter runs this place I can assure you that she inherited the seasoning, she took advantage of the culinary heritage! I would definitely come back to eat here again. A little bit of TJ in SD
… moreNancy Morales
Tacos al Vapor are good but I didn’t like the service the waiter forgot to give us the chips they supposed to give us and she forgot to give us my husband corn tortillas too if you take your food to go is okay but I do not recommend eating there you not going to like the service
… moreMiguel Reza
Tacos took me back to the days. Bean Vapor are my fave and have the distinct taste without the grease
… moreArturo R.
So happy I found this spot! Definitely getting five stars from me! If you know about these tacos make sure you throw the carrot inside with the salsa! Enjoy! Hopefully they can come out March 6th for my wife’s birthday
… moreLeo Isais
Been to the original place in downtown Tijuana and let me tell you my take.
We went early morning to check the place out and it was just opening.
We ordered 2 of each steamed tacos(beef w/ potatoes, pork rind(chicharrón), and bean&cheese).
Both the beef and chicharrón were pretty good BUT, the tortillas were way too soft and thick. The temperature was great, but again the tortillas are supposed to be dried a bit before making a vapor tacos. The let down were the bean and cheese tacos. Seriously, steak tacos are traditionally made with day old tortillas so that when they are made in steam, the hace a more resistant texture and won’t fall apart when being handled. The beans were too soft and almost mushy.
A positive thing about the tacos is that they aren’t a greasy as the originals, so that’s a plus for your health. The tacos are bigger compared to the OG ones too, which is good because they’re filling.
One more thing, just go for the tacos. Not to trash on them, but the chilaquikes and “Gringas” were sub-par .
I was really looking forward and hoping for them to be great, but it’s the typical situation were an original restaurant will always be better that it’s successor.
Again, this is just a take on it, Go ahead and give it a chance if you’re looking for TJ-Style steamed tacos
… moreWe went early morning to check the place out and it was just opening.
We ordered 2 of each steamed tacos(beef w/ potatoes, pork rind(chicharrón), and bean&cheese).
Both the beef and chicharrón were pretty good BUT, the tortillas were way too soft and thick. The temperature was great, but again the tortillas are supposed to be dried a bit before making a vapor tacos. The let down were the bean and cheese tacos. Seriously, steak tacos are traditionally made with day old tortillas so that when they are made in steam, the hace a more resistant texture and won’t fall apart when being handled. The beans were too soft and almost mushy.
A positive thing about the tacos is that they aren’t a greasy as the originals, so that’s a plus for your health. The tacos are bigger compared to the OG ones too, which is good because they’re filling.
One more thing, just go for the tacos. Not to trash on them, but the chilaquikes and “Gringas” were sub-par .
I was really looking forward and hoping for them to be great, but it’s the typical situation were an original restaurant will always be better that it’s successor.
Again, this is just a take on it, Go ahead and give it a chance if you’re looking for TJ-Style steamed tacos