Tacos El Gordo - Chula Vista, California

T L.

Not that the best taco shop needs another review, but I’ve been coming here for years and figured it was about time. I’m lucky enough to live just blocks away from this place, so it’s safe to say I take it for granted.

But let me just say this. I’ve lived in the South Bay my entire life. I’ve tried more Mexican food, tacos stands, Mexican restaurants, taco shops than you can imagine. And which place will I always return and never be disappointed? Tacos. El. Gordo.

Not that I need to reiterate, but the adobada is simply the best- in any form- tacos, mulas, sopes, etc. I did try the adobada fries for the first time and although they were good, it would’ve been a lot better with added cilantro and onions. And of course I had to top it off with some of their hot sauce. The pina colada and horchata fountain drinks are a must. The staff is friendly and helpful and the part that impresses me the most (being a germ-a-phobe), is they are so clean! Some of the staff wear masks and they are always cleaning the tables and the trash cans.

Being a local, we’ve discovered the best days & times to go during low peak hours when it’s not so crowded. But that I will be keeping to myself.

Thank you Tacos El Gordo! You will always be our #1! #loyalty

Chris F.

We’ve been eating at Tacos El Gordo for more than a decade. Hands down the best overall street tacos. Their carne asada is legit but their adobada al pastor is from another world. This is a staple for us and we will continue to return!

Clint W.

Tacos El Gordo is hands down the best spot for authentic Tijuana-style tacos! The handmade tortillas, fresh ingredients, and perfectly seasoned meats create a flavor explosion in every bite. The guacamole and salsas made from scratch are the perfect complements. Highly recommend for any taco lover!

Michelle M.

One of my favorite taco shops in SD.

They cut and serve their meat fresh on the spot. There is a line for each kind of meat or taco you would like. So this makes ordering streamlined and organized. It may seem like a whole in the wall. But don't get confused, this place is always full of people. Every location of tacos el Gordo is very busy. A great place to eat local and feel right at home.

If your new to tacos, my recommendations are:
Carne asada tacos
Al pastor tacos

Or small carne asada fries

Kytka

Tacos El Gordo is hands down my go-to spot for authentic Tijuana-style tacos, and every visit reminds me why! This time, I ordered the Azteca (grilled beef with cactus) and the Carne Asada (grilled beef taco) TO GO, and both were absolutely phenomenal. The handmade corn tortillas make all the difference—soft, fresh, and the perfect vessel for the ridiculously flavorful meats.

The Azteca taco was a standout for me. The grilled beef was juicy and packed with flavor, but the cactus added an unexpected twist—slightly tangy, a little earthy, and the perfect balance to the rich meat. The Carne Asada was just as incredible, simple but done to perfection. And the fresh, house-made guacamole and salsas? Game-changer. Every topping added depth, spice, and freshness that took these tacos to another level.

If you’re looking for real-deal, no-frills, just damn good tacos, this is the place. Authentic, flavorful, and always satisfying. Highly recommend!

TB

Best spot to go to for authentic Mexican tacos. Very close to mexico as it is. Definitely a huge plus if you’re fluent in Spanish, makes the ordering process easier. This place can get really busy and there isn’t a lot of seating so if you didn’t want to take your tacos to-go, the earlier you get there, the better. I got 4 different kinds of tacos. All amazing. They load the tacos up with meat and toppings. The adobada fries are delicious, full of toppings and flavor. I will be back next time I’m in San Diego.

Scot F.

Busy, confusing, chaotic, lack of abundant seating....yet the best tacos ever.

That pretty much sums it up. You come here for the tacos - not good service, comfort or high-end Mexican cuisine. My favorites: the adobada (el pastor) and asada. Unlimited horchata and other drinks. Come ready to hunt down a table!

Jenny &. A.

Raise your expectations! This place is legit and has some of the best authentic Tijuana style street food we’ve ever tasted! We prefer the crunchy stuff on the menu over the rest. The food is fresh and flavorful! It was was a total zoo when we got here and took almost an hour to get our food (busy Saturday night peak dinner time and the line wrapped around to the back of the building) but it was worth it. Favorite dish was the Vampiros de Abodaba! Tacos and Mulas de Abodaba were also great but we LOVED the crunchy VAMPIROS! We will be back!