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Mexican food in San Diego
Mexican food in San Diego

Tacos El Franc

Tijuana's Michelin-recognized taquería, now in the Gaslamp: mesquite-grilled carne asada, adobada and vampiros, served late.

4.8 (1,627 Google reviews)

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San Diego Best Winner 2026Top 10 Mexican Restaurants in San Diego

Best Mexican Restaurants in San Diego  ·  More in Gaslamp Quarter

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About Tacos El Franc

Tacos El Franc is listed under Mexican Restaurants in Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, at 528 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 1,627 reviews, ranking #6 on our list of the best Mexican restaurants in San Diego. Hours: Mon–Thu 11 AM–midnight; Fri 11 AM–2 AM; Sat 11 AM–midnight; Sun midnight–2 AM, 11 AM–9 PM. Good to know: comes to you, delivery, dog-Friendly, free parking, good for groups, kid-friendly.

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Basic Information

Why it made the list

Tacos El Franc began as a street stand in Tijuana in the 1970s and opened its famous Zona Río taquería in 1996. It has since appeared on Netflix’s “Taco Chronicles” and in the 2024 and 2025 Michelin Guide, and it opened this Gaslamp counter on Fifth Avenue in October 2025 after a first U.S. location at Plaza Bonita. The menu mirrors Tijuana: carne asada marinated in house spices and grilled over mesquite, adobada, cabeza, suadero and tripa, plus vampiros (crisped tortillas with beans, meat and cheese). Downtown also gets a San Diego exclusive: beef-tallow fries.

Best for

Late-night downtown eaters and anyone who wants authentic Tijuana street tacos without crossing the border.

Good to know

The Gaslamp shop is fast-casual counter service built for on-the-go and late-night diners. For a sit-down meal, the original U.S. location at Westfield Plaza Bonita in National City has full table service. Meat can be swapped for grilled vegetables.

Location

Address
528 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Post Code
92101
528 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
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Hours

Business Hours

Closed
  • Monday
    11:00 am - 12:00 am Tue
  • Tuesday
    11:00 am - 12:00 am Wed
  • Wednesday Today
    11:00 am - 12:00 am Thu
  • Thursday
    11:00 am - 12:00 am Fri
  • Friday
    11:00 am - 02:00 am Sat
  • Saturday
    11:00 am - 02:00 am Sun
  • Sunday
    11:00 am - 09:00 pm

Contact Information

Phone Number
+1 619-573-4648
Website
https://tacoselfranc.com/gaslamp-quarter

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San Diego Best

Member since 1 year ago
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