Mike’s Red Tacos – Clairemont Mesa

Why it made the list

Mike Touma launched Mike’s Red Tacos as a food truck in 2021 after spending a year perfecting his birria, and the truck routinely sold out by mid-afternoon. This 919-square-foot Clairemont shop on Genesee Avenue opened in 2022 as the first brick-and-mortar location. In 2023 Mike’s landed at No. 52 on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., the only taco shop on the list, and the brand has since signed franchise deals across the country. The signature: tortillas dipped in chile oil and crisped red on the flat-top, stuffed with slow-cooked beef and cheese, with consommé on the side.

Best for

First-timers to birria, families and anyone who wants the crunchy, cheesy version of the dish.

Good to know

Expect a line at peak times. Mike’s also has locations on Rosecrans Street in Point Loma and on Mira Mesa Boulevard.