Lolita's Mexican Food on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, the 1984 Chula Vista taco-shop spinoff slinging the platonic California burrito.
Address: 7305 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111
Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop in Mission Hills, San Diego, the 2008 Rojano-Garcia counter on Washington Street with pro-wrestling decor and the Surfin' California burrito.
Try: Surfin' California burrito, Lucha-style adobada
Oscar's Mexican Seafood on Emerald Street in Pacific Beach, San Diego, the local-vote fish-taco champion with smoked and battered options for under five dollars.
Try: Battered fish taco, smoked fish taco
Salud Tacos on Logan Avenue in Barrio Logan, San Diego, the Chicano taquería near Chicano Park with a steady rotation of asada specials.
Try: Asada taco, carne asada burrito, Chicano specials
City Tacos on University Avenue in North Park, San Diego, the original of the local chain with handmade tortillas and a Camaron Ahogado shrimp taco worth ordering twice.
Try: Camaron Ahogado shrimp taco, Tinga de Pollo
El Pescador on Pearl Street in La Jolla, San Diego, the day-boat fish counter pulling local catch into grilled sandwiches and ceviche just blocks from the Cove.
Try: Grilled fish sandwich, ceviche, smoked fish tacos
Carnitas' Snack Shack on the Embarcadero in San Diego, Hanis Cavin's harbour-side window for carnitas tortas, schnitzel sandwiches and pork-belly tacos with bay views.
Try: Carnitas pork torta, schnitzel sandwich, pork belly tacos
