El Chingon

2504 reviews

560 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

www.elchingon.com

+16195011919

About

El Chingon is a Mexican restaurant located at 560 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. It has received 2504 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday11AM-2AM
Tuesday11AM-2AM
Wednesday11AM-2AM
Thursday10AM-2AM
Friday11AM-2AM
Saturday11AM-2AM
Sunday11AM-2AM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of El Chingon: 560 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

  • El Chingon has 4.1 stars from 2504 reviews

  • Mexican restaurant

  • "Had a amazing time at El Chingon in San Diego"

    "El Chingón, part of the growing GBOD Hospitality Group, was voted the "Best Bar Menu" in San Diego in 2018 by the readers of San Diego Magazine"

    "Having visited from Hawaii, we definitely wanted our fill on Mexican food"

    "We decided to have dinner at this place because we heard they had good food"

    "Completely awful experience"

Reviews

  • Patrick Sunpanich

Had a amazing time at El Chingon in San Diego. This place was cracking!!!! Line was around the building. Awesome DJ playing all the best music, hip-hop, reggaetón and top 40. Was in town for only one night for my GF birthday. It was just us two. Made reservations through the website. I was going to do bottle service but it was just us two and so it just wasn't affordable. Had there been at least four of us, totally would have done it. Rodney texted me and sent me the pricing and info. It was a bit too much for us, so I asked him if there's anything more low-key for just the two of us, since it was her birthday. He was so kind and generous. He said "Don't worry, just text me the time you coming through - and I got you." I was so suspect because I'm sure he talked to a bunch of folks that day. Sure enough we arrived around 9:30pm and there was already a line around the block. I texted Rodney and asked for him and the front of the entrance. He remembered me and ushered me and my GF to an awesome table on the patio. The music was cracking inside. We could hear it from our seats. We spent the whole night at our table bouncing in and out of the inside. Food was good, but only got to try the late night menu. Had four tacos. If you go before 10pm, you have their regular dinner menu. Drinks were stiff and solid. Service was stellar!!!!! Highly suggest eating there, cause, I think if you eat there you get into the "club" for free. I saw people showing receipts at the door. And other people were paying $20 covers(need to verify this). I'll be back with my crew and we'll get bottle service for sure. The bar gets super packed and it seemed like the only place in town that EVERYONE wanted to be at. By midnight the place is paaaaacked. Might be a bit hard to get drinks from bartender. That's why bottle service is definitely a suggested option. I couldn't asked for a better time! Thank you, Thank you and Thank you! I suggest reaching out to the early in the week and tell them what your plans are and I'm sure they'll do their best to accommodate. Ask for Rodney!!!! AGAIN, BIG SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO Rodney, he is the Man!!!!!! SIDENOTE: Hey Management, Give THIS RODNEY A RAISE!!!!

  • Jay Keyes

El Chingón, part of the growing GBOD Hospitality Group, was voted the "Best Bar Menu" in San Diego in 2018 by the readers of San Diego Magazine. The only thing El Chingón should be recognized for is being a failure, and the same goes for the dining population of this city. My blood boils that we even permit this blight to exist in our historic Gaslamp Quarter selling $15 Burritos and $25 Shrimp Fajitas to tourists. Or so I thought. The fact that El Chingón has been voted #1 in anything means that we have a significant contingent of local drunk clowns keeping this poophole afloat. I feel icky even reviewing this place, and I'll be brief so we can all move on with our lives: this is the type of "Mexican food" one would find at a hospital cafeteria in the middle of Kansas. Their tacos are the worse kind of tacos: rubbery meats smothered in gloppy overly-sweet sauces that wouldn't pass muster in a low-end San Diego *erto's-style taco shop, nevermind merit $4-$6 each. I tried their tacos with carnitas, al pastor pork, and carne asada. The worst of the trio was the al pastor taco, which featured spongy pork smothered in a disgusting pineapple ketchup mixture. The others were varying degrees of awful as well. Late at night, El Chingón turns into a dance club as it pushes its dining tables aside and invites local DJs to spin top 40/house mash-ups. I've passed by the venue when it is late and loud -- it is usually crowded, and it seems like a high-energy scene. I can't speak to whether or not that aspect of this operation redeems the food, but it would need to be one of the best night clubs in America to forgive it for serving some of San Diego's worst Mexican food.

  • ann narimatsu

Having visited from Hawaii, we definitely wanted our fill on Mexican food. Is this authentic? I dont know, but it was good and plentiful. Located in the heart of the Gaslamp district, it's lined up with eateries galore surrounding it. However, the food as we passed by looked outstanding. And it was. The energy was contagious, they have a DJ inside if you dine in. We dined outside and as it was Labor Day weekend, pumped with people all over. Having checked in on Yelp, we received a free ceviche!! It was packed, flavorful and delicious. Thanks Yelp for allowing us a free item to try! My friend and I both got enchiladas. I got cheese, she got chicken. The rice that came with the plate was just ok and I'm not huge on beans so left them behind. I also ordered a veggie taco. Ok that I could have done without. It was i believe deep fried (the tortilla) but chewy when i got it. Bleh. Plus the amount of chips w salsa, the free Yelp ceviche and our entrees was more than enough that we could not finish. By the time we were leaving, there was a carded line forming. Maybe with the DJ, it becomes a dance party too. lol. My high score is for service, atmosphere and amount of food. Again, the ceviche wAs bomb and enchiladas filling. If you don't like loud and fun, this is not a place for you. If in the area again, I would definitely return.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Enchiladas

  • Lorena Velazquez Magdaleno

We decided to have dinner at this place because we heard they had good food. They did not disappoint. We had birria tacos and they were super filling, we also asked for quesabirrias, they were good but not as good as the regular tacos. They were too salty. The drinks were super good and cheap too. I would recommend getting the large signature margaritas instead of the regular size one. We ended up staying here until about 9:30 and were told they turn into a night club at night. You pay $20 per person for entrance but if you spend over $70sh in food before they transition to a night club (for two people). You can show your recipt and don't have to pay the entrance fee. The drinks inside were good and the music was also good. If you are in a large group, consider making a reservation for the club. ****if you are not dressed for the occasion, they won't let you inside**** our server was the one that told us this.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking
Parking downtown is horrible, better to Uber or Lyft but expect the price to be high.

  • Bobby Moran

Completely awful experience. My group of friends and I were treated very poorly by multiple members of the staff. We were redirected in line which was terribly inconvenient for my friend with a physical handicap. Then once inside I was scowled at and pushed by a guard that was protecting the bottle service area. This exclusive area was unsafe, with people on the tables. As well as, unmarked so we did not know not to enter... upon taking a step inside a guard stared me down and got into my personal space. My friend (who was disabled) needed a break after being treated poorly by the guard outside. She mentioned these elevated spaces were definitely not handicap accessible and this establishment is encouraging people to spend $1,000+ to stand there and listen to a mediocre DJ. Hard pass 10 times/10.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Vegetarian options
None
Wheelchair accessibility
Limited, especially in the exclusive "bottle service" areas thar are un marked, guarded and completely without ramps.

  • N B-E

I was in San Diego for work in June with a colleague. We flew in late and were starving so we headed to el chingon for dinner. The food was great but as we were eating, we noticed a line forming and really pretty girls dressed in these cool outfits. We asked our server and he said it turned into a club at night. My colleague and I knew where we would be going to party. We went there the next night and had a blast. The music, club employees, Billy at the door- they were all great. Unfortunately we went back every single night with more colleagues for the five nights we were in town and ended up making friends with pretty much everyone there. Juan even told me I could come back my last night to be a bottle girl (I told Billy and he laughed but I was serious… I even have my own light sticks). Thanks Eric, Alec, Billy, Juan and Esteban for the best time. We’ll definitely be back if ever in San Diego.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

  • SKM Music (Sara Marsalis)

This was a cool place. My first time there. They had options that were good for all diatery needs which we always appreciate. Our server was nice and friendly and the hostess was very accommodating. The drink was delicious and fun with the popsicle and candy stick. Love the idea of flamin' hot cheetos in my burrito! The reason I'm giving it a 4 star is because the kitchen did not put the badass ingredients in my burrito that I paid extra for which frustrates me because though I got the ingredients on the side, any burrito lover knows how much better it tastes when all of the flavors are together in there. It slightly ruined my food experience. It's a cool place. Extra bonus, the red salsa is AWESOME
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

  • Martha De La Paz

It's a shame... The music is great, the decor is cute. We had a large party of 11 and one of our friends ordered the TJ 1920 and it came back with 2 bugs at the bottom of the drink. We sent it back and the next drink they got us had nasty floating particles floating at the bottom too (like the ice flakes of old ice). She just returned that and didn't get another drink since she was pretty disgusted. Then my other friend found a hair in her nachos and our server kept avoiding us. It just wasn't a pleasant experience, sadly. Drinks are extremely over priced as well. Ultimately, not a good experience.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2

  • csneddon00

We actually were trying to go to Havana 1920 but they were full so we were seated in El Chignon which are connected to each other. Can order from both menus. In addition to cuban sandwich and empanadas we got carna asada street tacos. Very good and fresh. Excellent chips too and salsa verde is awesome. Excellent Mexican. Watch out for the bill though. They pass on the credit card surcharge to the customer!! Can't give them top rating for this reason. Tell the customer BEFORE you run their card El Chingon! See pic.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Street Tacos

  • Maria Ramos

(Was here for lunch) Pros: - food was good not fantastic. Had flavor and was tasty. Would I come here agin - no likely but a good first experience. - nice Mexican atmosphere. Had fun decor - seating was good. Didn’t feel like I was on top of everyone. - good location -my server was amazing and attentive -food came fas- chips and salsa came with meal Cons: -wanted to see what was on menu before committing- the hostess gave us the menu walked away and never came back so we ended up seating ourselves. Overall good experience. A good one time try.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, California Burrito

  • Gymkata

Atmosphere is cool. Very chill and casual. Ordered a couple of drinks and the nachos with carne asada added. The asada was a wet, like it was just beef sitting in a pot. It was tender but asada has to have a little char on it, this didn’t. The cheese was like cheese from a can and covered every chip making it soggy. They put salad in it. Salad on nachos. The pico de gallo was too much and just mixed in with salsa. It came in a to-go container, no plates. I have to say these were the worse nachos I’ve ever had, no exaggeration. I don’t mind paying a little more for good food, but these were expensive and bad. Two stars because the bartender was attentive and friendly.

  • Lizzay B

From all restaurants in the Gaslamp areas I picked to eat here. Me and my husband chose to eat outdoor dining because we could hear the music from outside already so it would be too loud for us to be eating in indoor dining plus the weather was not that bad at the time. Sergio was our waiter and he was really helpful and friendly. The food that we got was good. I got myself a “la típica torta” and the size of the sandwich was little too big for me I wish I knew I would’ve order something else with smaller portions. My husband he had birria taco. Overall everything was good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

  • Kevin P

The ratings here are not for the food. The outdoor seating is pleasant especially if the outdoor heaters are on when it's cold outside. The food is good but definitely better food around. You don't go here only for the food. The waiters don't hover around and mostly you will be waiting for them but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Only con is they charge a $3.99 if you pay with a credit card which just seems outrageous but maybe that's the norm around here (not from around here clearly).
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes

  • Chris Trethewey

It was my first time visiting El Chingon, and I was thoroughly impressed!! We sat at the bar for lunch and our bartender was super friendly and helpful. The watermelon margarita with spicy/chili rim was really good. I ordered the three Taco platter. All three tacos were packed with flavor, fresh, and excellent. Both salsas, which came with chips, I really enjoyed. If you are in the area and looking for Mexican food, I would definitely keep El Chingon on the top of your list.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

  • Yi Gu

I had been here 2 years ago. I’m so happy to see it’s still running during COVID. The food size was decent and tacos were amazing. I highly recommend the dish with shrimp, steak, and chicken. The waiter also gave us a fire show over the pan. You can choose indoor or outdoor. I have never been to the evening dinning session, but heard that pretty amazing with great DJ too. All in all, I highly recommend here for their amazing food and good service.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Curbside pickup: No

  • Jamie Manalili

This review is for a Saturday visit during the day. They hosted a Mexico FIFA watch party so we came an hour early to get front row tables to the TV. They came out guns blazing with two TV's and speakers outside, swag on the tables, mariachi bands beginning and half time. The breakfast burrito was our favorite, the surf and turf was okay, but definitely a large portion. Service was great, came by enough times to check on us. Overall good place to check out if they host a watch party!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

  • Jacek Smołka

Place was very loud, even when sat outside. Tacos were just warm (like they were waiting for other courses to come with) and mediocre. Margarita flight was good, but came after the course rolled in. Fajita steak was good, however meat lacked seasoning and came late compared to its side (which I almost consumed before it came in). I bet there are way better Mexican joints in town.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Bad Ass Fajitas, Margarita Flight, 3 Street Taco Plate with Rice and Beans

  • Robert Burke

Really cool vibe, food is really good, tacos were so dang good, enchiladas were also fantastic, heck; the chips and salsa were even fresh. Salsa not that watery cheap stuff, oh no! Three different flavors were served with the chips. All three were tasty!! Now!! The Margaritas made by Joe were the best my wife and I have had, Classic Margarita on the Rocks... Heck yes, you'll love them... Full bar, so they'll have your favorites.. Service was top notch by everyone working on 9-24-22 Thanks, Robert and Cece Burke
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50

  • Steve S

This is a fun Mexican food restaurant right in downtown San Diego. The food is good as are the drinks. The food prices aren't that bad for the location. However, be prepared to pay a lot for drinks. Everyone at our table was shocked when the bill came. A margarita with 2 shots was $26. Overall it was a good experience, except for the drink proces...
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Fish Tacos, 3 Street Taco Plate with Rice and Beans, Birria Tacos

  • Zach Holly

Our server was nice. That's sort of where it goes down hill. Look up when you are sitting there and see the most dust you will ever see in your life. The lights, ceiling, and other things that are out of reach of a person's extended arm have not been touched in years if ever. It is disgusting. My carne asada in my burrito was extremely dry. Their salsa is good but based on cleanliness of the place, I have questions on everything in that place.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 2
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 1

  • Eric Mares

My first time there on a Sunday evening. The music was loud like in a club which made it difficult to have a conversation. Service was good and food was average; I had two a la carte soft tacos with rice and beans. There's an aisle down the center with seating at the bar or at tables across the aisle. Aside from loud music (if that's your thing) I didn't find anything out of the ordinary that would make me want to return.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

  • The_Ardent ShutterBug

Female bartender was such a ditz. She knew nothing about what she was serving, and her reasoning was... she doesn't work Tuesdays, so she has no clue. She said they don't have a tequila flight (see last pic). She also said she would have zero idea which tequilas they would be anyway (see last pic...again lol). Every interaction with her was painful and awkward. The atmosphere is pretty cool though, I suggest maybe training the people behind the bar a tad better. The trio of margaritas was decent.
Food: 2
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 5

  • Alonso Abarca

My wife and I were there for a concern,had sometime to spare stop and couldn’t be happier to have done so! Best balanced margaritas we have ever had and also the food was just as balanced. Usually u have something bad to say that didn’t go well at a restaurant or bar but everything was ok here.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Margarita Flight, Fries, Carne Asada Plate, Fish

  • Abigail Richardson

Rico our server was GREAT!! The food amazing!! The cheese fried barria taco was a hit at our table. We highly recommend the drinks too we had the frozen margarita they have lots of flavors. Highly recommend this place for lunch / dinner! My friends had such a great time and friendly staff!! ❤️
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
El Chingon Guacamole, Chips and Salsa

  • Sam Button

They have quite delicious food but you're definitely going to wait a long time getting in if you're coming during a weekend. It gets VERY busy here. The inside is mostly just a dancefloor with a bar, but it also has a very long wait to get into during the weekend. The nachos are delicious though.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Nachos Libres

  • Dwayne Magee

Well this is a gr8 Mexican Cantina. The food was gr8 with big portion sizes. The drinks were fantastic,I had 3 different drinks, all of them gr8. Service was wonderful, our server got us a couple of shirts for sale and took a drink off the bill after he ordered the wrong one for me. This is the spot for good food and drinks.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Enchiladas, Shrimp Taco

  • Bwanders96

Recently came in with my family and we had a grand time! Our server was great even though we ordered all much food! The mocajete was perfect to share with a buddy, and the drinks are soooo good! I had a chamango margarita that came with a popsicle on top, it was bomb!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$30–50
Features
None, masks are worn by some staff.
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Curbside pickup: Yes

  • Russ Rogers

Fantastic! The half price Taco Tuesday is a great deal. The Birria tacos.....wow
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
El Chingon Guacamole, Chips and Salsa, Birria Tacos
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid parking lot
Parking
We walked, but thr parking looks extremely limited by the restaurant itself.

  • Freddie Oronia

This is a cool place to come and have some good Mexican food. Downtown San Diego. The memorabilia up on the wall draws you in. The music was a little too loud but that's because I'm old. The margaritas a little too expensive but that's because I'm cheap. They do not disappoint and straight to the Head.That's the vibe here turn up ,turn loud, and turn loose. Can't go wrong with anything your order. Complementary salsa and chips must visit!!

  • Joe Gorski

Excellent Mexican food with an awesome staff! I would highly recommend El Chingon as one of the top restaurants in San Diego along with the other GBOD Group restaurants! Most recently I had the chilaquiles on their Sunday brunch menu and they tasted great. Not to mention the live DJ keeps the vibe upbeat and fun all day and into their late night hours. A great spot for going out and dancing as it is one of San Diego's newer nightlife cornerstones!

  • Anthony Michalski

Best place for taco Tuesday in downtown San Diego! 2 dollar tacos which are all delicious, I got the mix play of 5 different tacos for $10! Beers were cheaper as well $5 for a tecate. Tacos were fantastic here go for taco Tuesday and you can’t beat that deal!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

  • Sergio Ochoa

The waiter was friendly. Prices like everything in San Diego...a little pricey. We.had the tacos, very well served and good flavor; and the queso fundido with chorizo; the cheese had good taste, unfortunately the chorizo added too much grease to the dish, it would have been good if some of the grease was removed before serving the dish. The drinks were good, I had mezcal... straight and my friend had a special cocktail that was very good.

  • Anthony Montgomery

Omg everybody loves a Mexican, but these tacos were something else. The Alpastor was spot on so enjoyed the shrimp, I can't remember what the last one but sublime. I ate outside and watched the world go by in Gas Lamp, it was perfect for my last dinner before I fly home. Easily my fav Tacos in San Diego, probably in California. Service was fab as well. Highly recommend
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Alissa Orr

They were able to seat our large party of 12 on a Friday night, which was great! The service was fast and everyone was helpful. The food was pretty good but not amazing. Burritos were huge and could be shared. Everything was a bit spicy-which I like but others may not appreciate. We were there around 7 pm so by the end of our meal, music was very loud and it was transitioning into the evening club vibe.
Service
Dine in

  • Dr. Mia Su Cary she, her

The Taco Plate was delicious - shrimp, Jorge's taco de pescado, and birria, delectable. And the house margarita on the rocks with sugar on the rim was a perfect accompaniment. Conveniently located in the Gaslamp District and super friendly staff. Highly recommend on your next visit to San Diego.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Rene L

Got great recommendation from a friend, I decided to try this place. It was a bit of line waiting but they moved quite fast. Food was appetizing & tasty. Service was superb , so thank you to Brianna . Quite attentive , friendly & fast. Great atmosphere, fun & lively. Bad a(xx) Elotes ( that’s their trademarks) is so tasty that I ordered twice. Their drinks also great. We definitely will go back to visit.

  • Juan Garavito

El Chingon was Chingon!!! Their happy hour rolled taquitos and potato tacos were amazing. Full of toppings and their guacamole was on point. Their Baja style tacos were the highlight of what we tried along with their Baja fish burrito. Highly recommend this place if you are in downtown San Diego. #MakingMexicanGreatAgain
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

  • Kirk Barber

We had drinks and apps for Happy Hour! We had a house margarita and a beer. We ordered Queso Fundido for our snack. Appetizers and some drinks are on Happy Hour. The Fundido was awesome! Tasty blend of mozzarella and jack cheeses served with warm flour tortillas. Knockout. Her margarita was very tasty. My beer was spot on. Service is great. The decor is wonderful. Great vibes! Check it out!!!

  • Maximilian Haag

El Chingon was alright. The seats in the back are really comfortable, some other seats were a bit hard to sit on. We had to wait a while before we got our food, like 10-15 minutes, which is alright. I only tried the tacos, they were good but nothing special. We had to wait 15 minutes before they brought us the bill and they put some drinks on the wrong bill. Not bad, but not great either.

  • AnnB G

Stopped for a drink and snack. Amazing service, great atmosphere and tasty food. Young man (Greg from York) who served us was best server we’ve experienced in past 4 days! Very personable, friendly, attentive!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa

  • Valerie Vega

The food here is undeniably delicious, but be prepared for a substantial wait, especially if you visit on a weekend when it gets extremely busy. The interior is primarily a dancefloor with a bar, and there's a considerable wait time to get in, particularly on weekends. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that the nachos are exceptionally tasty.
Food: 4
Atmosphere: 4

  • Ray Roybal III

Great food and great drinks a bit pricey though good service very friendly staff. Thank you El chingon
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fish Tacos, 3 Street Taco Plate with Rice and Beans
Vegetarian options
They have veggie tacos and potato tacos

  • blob Sitnoil

Bland/boring food, service was bare minimum (arguably lower than that). Don't recommend Surf& Turf Burritos, too much sauce, meat felt very low quality. 4% extra charge also if you don't pay cash, so prepare that if you really want to go...
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 2
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3

  • Chris Karner

Had Birria, carnitas and fish tacos and they were awesome! Same for the queso fundido. Service was great and loved the atmosphere
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Fish Tacos, 3 Street Taco Plate with Rice and Beans, Birria Tacos

  • clyde mckenna

This is one lively place! Small, but with great music and excellent staff. A few tables and chairs on a small patio. Seems tequila and vodka are their main items although they do have a full bar with beer and everything else. We were there on a Wednesday, and it was packed. Female staff have some enticing outfits on that will work on the imagination. Had a great time.

  • Dawn Klodd

Was a beautiful afternoon and chose to sit in the huge outdoor eating area. I had the taco plate with Al Pastor and shrimp tacos. I really like the rice!!!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
3 Street Taco Plate with Rice and Beans

  • Brad Lammers

Interesting decor, good food, good service. Music is a bit loud. Lots of tv's for sports watching. Nice drink selection.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, 3 Street Taco Plate with Rice and Beans, Birria Tacos

  • Melissa Escobar

Loved the atmosphere, the music playing. Going during the day is more relaxed. Make any drink ‘Bad Ass’ and get a corresponding paleta & candy stick to compliment. Fajitas were average, as expected. They add some flame to it for show but nothing extra about them.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

  • David Hampson

Came there for lunch and ordered the carne asada plate it was kinda crowded but i got seated outside quickly and i was suprised being a sunday but El chingon never disappoints great service great food great vibe this is like my 3rd time in last year will be back
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

  • Cateria Alvarado

I must say that I was totally disappointed in the food quality and drinks. The food had absolutely no flavor. O ordered shrimp tacos which had 2 skimpy shrimps and no flavor. The rice was bland Along with the beans. The drinks tasted totally water down. However, the service and music was good. The picture has more flavor than real life.

  • Sarah Curtis

A very lively Mexican restaurant. There was a live DJ and set up very much like a club. My food was really good and the house margarita on happy hour was very reasonably priced. I would go back but I do not recommend taking children here. You can also order food from a Havana 1920 which is located next door and are sister restaurants.

  • Billie Taylor

First time going. Food was amazing. Drinks were soo good, service was great. We will definitely be back when we visit SD.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
3 Street Taco Plate with Rice and Beans

  • Moni B.

Friendly & attentive service, vibrant atmosphere, and tasty food and drinks. Recommended!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Street Tacos, Rice and Beans, Surf and Turf Burrito

  • Adrian Alonso

The food wasn't out of this world but it was definitely good value, particularly because it was Taco Tuesday and you can get the Taco flight which includes 5 tacos for very good price. The drinks were good and service was fast.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50

  • Rashaad Forehand

Love the great service and great music! This place is small but worth going to. The food is good as well. They show the games but I would say it’s more bar then sports bar.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Kyle D

Great experience her - LOTS of seating! And outdoors too. They have trendy good vibe music and lunchtime is shaded seating outside which is nice. The tacos plate was good, they have like 13 variety of margaritas to choose from! And there is a local Mexican lager to try (in a can). Photos as of May 2021

  • Kimberly Moran

This place is a restaurant and bar so there's indoor and outdoor seating. Very popular place as a bar but not much as a restaurant. Food was okay for what it was but our salsa tasted like it had soap water in it & my husband's torta had bad avocado. Could have been worse but don't think we'll go back.

  • Guspacho M.

Nice place, came to see the Mexico game, it got full and busy quick recommend coming early. Had a Carnitas taco the meat was good, the carne asada one was dry, the California burrito needs some sour cream and Guacamole.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

  • Tobias Smulders

Pretty amazing happy hour specials. We had some pretty cool items from the menu including huge margaritas and multiple tacos along with some really amazing and tasty guacamole! The service was alright and the prices were pretty incredible! Highly recommend stopping in and hanging out for a bit!

  • Susie Aceves

Visited here from LA and I gotta say the food was delicious!! True Mexican flavored food, the drinks were also incredible and the ambiance was the best! I strongly recommend this place!! I’ll sure be back, No Doubt!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100

  • Looking To Get Lost

All the staff here was friendly and helpful. Food was good and drinks were even better. Will definitely visit again!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa

  • Mary Brown

Meh. Nothing special. Salsa tasted like spicy V-8. Food was uninspired. Margaritas were mediocre. Service was slow and inattentive. If Applebee's decided to open a Mexican chain, this would be it.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

  • Amin Aghaee

I loved this place, I tried the Taco plate and it was delicious.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Shrimp Taco, 3 Street Taco Plate with Rice and Beans

  • Jacqueline Neil

I came for the drinks, and will be returning for the bartenders! I had great service from a gentleman who was on his fourth day. He knew the menu, gave great reccs, and was entertaining. My table even called the manager over just so he knew the service we got was awesome.

  • Carmen de La Penha

The food was good . I had a quesadilla with carne assada that would serve two people . The margarita was just ok , nothing special. The service was good. The place was crowded due to Comicon. The decor was really cool
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Cynthia Gonzalez

Came here for drinks ended up getting Tower Madero....was about 18 margaritas total...the watermelon flavor was bomb definitely need at least 4/5 people to finish..the carnitas tacos were my favorite. Friendly staff and great service....honestly best bar in San Diego...

  • Cymbaline Briggs

Came for a girls night out! Sat outside on a cool night, good vibes and great service with Hannah, our waitress. She was super friendly and attentive, even with the busy Saturday night. Always a good time here ♡
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100

  • Gerald Rowe

Chris the bartender and Evan our server took very good care of us making sure all of our needs were met. Will definitely go back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Jelena P

Restaurant area is in the back and bar and bar seating in the front. Very fun place, servers are friendly and provide a lot of info about the menu items. We had the tacos and they did not disappoint! By 10pm the bar area was getting busier and was a great time.

  • M Barrios

Not REAL mexican food. Had better tacos from a hole in the wall place for a buck. The drinks are very expensive for low quality. Pretty pricey for the food as well. Its a beautiful spot though. I like the decorations and vibe. Don't think i will ever go back.

  • Diane Berrios

Came in here to try the margarita flights and they were awesome, loved the atmosphere. the bar tender was super sweet and recommended we get their quest fundido, it was pretty good!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$20–30

  • Ernesto Salinas

Tacos are delicious and drinks were amazing. I suggest you get there before it turns into a nightclub as it tends to be a bit crazy after that. But make sure you get the tacos!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

  • Daniel Vinicio Mora

One of my San Diego favs! Insane drinks and food, excellent service! Must try!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa

  • Monique Miranda

The service was very good food was flavorful. It was soooo packed the 3 hours we were there the line hardly moved up. We were grateful that we waited just 30 mins
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100

  • Chad H (xlr231)

Food was pretty good. There are better Mexican options around, but this was pretty good. Got the California burrito. Was reasonably priced and pretty good. Mexican Coke was overpriced...
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

  • Baran Ceylanli

Ambiance, food taste, coctails were all amazing. Our waiter Ray and all other staff are so helpful and friendly. Thanks for the fantastic experience
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50

  • Sonia Gallego

Food was delicious! Nice place with great ambiance. Little wait to sit at the bar.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • molly Manley

Eli is disgusting and keeps harassing my friends when drunk. You should Hold your employees more accountable for their actions. He should be fired immediately.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Suman Dhillon

Me and my husband staying at hard Rock and we are from Vancouver. We tried fajitas here , not that great. We had better Mexican food then this place. Corn tortillas was not great at all. Overall food is not great.

  • Annette Mesa

Gaslamp quarters. This place was okay. I ordered the taco plate came w rice and beans. My cocktail was okay. Our server Christian was very nice. I don't think I'd return though food wasn't that special.

  • Kara Kai

Big portions, but the food is just OK. Turns into a dancing club at night, but you can still eat dinner outside if you want.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

  • christopher williams

Great food, I had the potato taco and the shrimp taco and they were both amazing. The server Rico was funny and attentive. Overall enjoyed my time there.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch

  • Clara J

First time, the atmosphere was excellent. the ceviche tostada has no taste don't recommend it. Our waiter was not friendly at all.
Food: 2
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 4

  • Emilio Palacios

Food selection is pretty great and their birria tacos were better than most I've had in recent memory.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

  • lise dwyer

Fantastic tacos made with love! Estephania, is our favorite server. She's is on point and attentive!
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Tyler S

Kinda divey, kinda barish, and kinda Mexican. Awesome tacos tho. There really isn’t special about it other than the patio and size but def try the food. Did I say great tacos?

  • Maribel Gee (Cat)

Wow! Club atmosphere. So if you're not that type it's not for you. Dancing in your chair while you eat... Awesomeness!! Great service. Ice cold beer, delicious food!!

  • Carson Wakefield

I actually want to give 4.5 stars. Stopped by for happy hour and people watching. Great atmosphere and good happy hour specials (drink & food).

  • Benjamin Allen

According to my friend the beer was the best part. Food was just kind of bland. I do dig the seating and everyone's friendly attitudes, though.

  • Joe Manausa

Enjoyed a nice lunch with good food and very good service. Lunch was a bit pricey for what we ordered otherwise would have earned 5 stars

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