Mobile Menu

  • Destinations
    • Canada
      • British Columbia
        • Vancouver Island, B.C.
        • Okanagan
        • Lower Mainland, B.C.
        • Northern B.C.
        • Interior B.C.
        • Kootenays/Rockies
      • Alberta
      • Yukon
      • Northwest Territories
    • U.S.A.
      • Alaska
      • Washington
      • Oregon
      • California
    • West Coast Galleries
  • Experiences
    • Things To Do
    • Staycation Secrets
      • Canada
      • U.S.A.
    • Adventure
      • Adrenaline
      • Beaches
      • Biking
      • Camping
      • Fishing
      • Hiking
      • Hunting and Fishing
      • Rafting
      • Skiing
    • Sip & Savour
    • Family Activities
    • Indigenous Tourism
    • Accessible Travel
    • Travel Tips & Advisories
  • West Coast Galleries
    • Nature Photography
    • Wildlife Photography
    • Cityscapes
  • Contests
    • Camel’s Hump Guest Ranch Getaway
    • Raft. Relax. Recharge
  • About
    • The Armchair Traveller Newsletter
    • Explore our travel guides
    • Impressive West Coast
    • West Coast Partners
    • West Coast Traveller Directory
    • Join Our Team
    • Contact Us
    • Explore West Coast Traveller on TikTok
  • Search
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • TikTok Icon
  • Flickr Icon
  • Menu
  • Skip to left header navigation
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • TikTok Icon
  • Flickr Icon

West Coast Traveller

  • Destinations
    • Canada
      • British Columbia
        • Vancouver Island, B.C.
        • Okanagan
        • Lower Mainland, B.C.
        • Northern B.C.
        • Interior B.C.
        • Kootenays/Rockies
      • Alberta
      • Yukon
      • Northwest Territories
    • U.S.A.
      • Alaska
      • Washington
      • Oregon
      • California
    • West Coast Galleries
  • Experiences
    • Things To Do
    • Staycation Secrets
      • Canada
      • U.S.A.
    • Adventure
      • Adrenaline
      • Beaches
      • Biking
      • Camping
      • Fishing
      • Hiking
      • Hunting and Fishing
      • Rafting
      • Skiing
    • Sip & Savour
    • Family Activities
    • Indigenous Tourism
    • Accessible Travel
    • Travel Tips & Advisories
  • West Coast Galleries
    • Nature Photography
    • Wildlife Photography
    • Cityscapes
  • Contests
    • Camel’s Hump Guest Ranch Getaway
    • Raft. Relax. Recharge
  • About
    • The Armchair Traveller Newsletter
    • Explore our travel guides
    • Impressive West Coast
    • West Coast Partners
    • West Coast Traveller Directory
    • Join Our Team
    • Contact Us
    • Explore West Coast Traveller on TikTok
  • Search
You are here: Home / Travel / Forget Taco Tuesday. In San Diego, it’s time for the Taco Trolley

San Diego’s proximity to Mexico and abundance of fresh ingredients have made the region a must-visit destination for foodies and taco lovers,

Forget Taco Tuesday. In San Diego, it’s time for the Taco Trolley

January 8, 2022 //  by Jennifer Blyth

Share this:

San Diego’s recently expanded Trolley system has extended the Blue Line from the U.S.-Mexico border to La Jolla in the north… and opened up all sorts of new adventures in the process, including sight-seeing, shopping and, of course, taco tasting!

The city’s proximity to Mexico and abundance of fresh ingredients have made it a must-visit for foodies and taco lovers. And with an adult day pass costing as little as US$6, the Trolley also provides a low-cost way to savour San Diego’s culinary sights.

Where to begin?

The San Diego Tourism team offers their take on a tasty Trolley taco tour!

The new UTC Trolley station offers easy access to some of the region’s best shopping at the Westfield UTC and is also home to Tocaya Modern Mexican, “a light, bright casual eatery known for its healthy fare (and) plenty of vegan options.”

Tasty taco tip #1: Don’t miss the piña pastor, a standout with its inventive mix of adobo tofu, vegan chipotle jack cheese, grilled pineapple salsa, red peppers, onions and arbol salsa.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, ride along for eight stops, hopping off at the Clairmont Drive Trolley station, and enjoy a short walk to Mike’s Red Tacos food truck. Their acclaimed birria tacos feature locally sourced, fresh tortillas dipped in chili oil and crisped up for their signature red colour – savour these treats Saturdays only from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until they sells out.

Back on the Trolley, travel south a few more stops to the Old Town Trolley station, so named for the nearby Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which features preserved buildings and museums that commemorate the period from 1820 to 1870. You’ll also find more than 30 neighbouring restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines, including traditional and contemporary Mexican dishes.

The new Old Town Urban Market, an outdoor dining and entertainment complex six blocks from the station, is home to the Michelin-recognized Tuetano Taqueria, specializing in slow-cooked, Tijuana-style beef birria tacos. For the adventurous epicurean, the much-heralded bone marrow taco is a must-try.

Next is the Washington Street stop, where just up the hill sits Lucha Libre Taco Shop. With décor inspired by the distinctive colours and masks of Mexican wrestling, the menu features dishes like the “undefeated seafood taco” and the “birria quesa taco” with beef birria, melted cheese, onions, cilantro and salsa muerta.

Tasty taco tip #2: Call ahead to reserve the “Champ’s Booth,” a table nestled into an outlandish gold vinyl booth complete with its own special menu.

Back on the Blue Line, a few stops south brings you to the County Center/Little Italy station, where an easy walk takes you to King and Queen Cantina, a hip, art-filled eatery in the heart of San Diego’s lively Little Italy district, with an eclectic menu features all kinds of specialty tacos.

Tasty taco tip #2: The Hot Cheetos asada taco features melted cheese, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, chipotle aioli, lime crema, green cabbage, and topped with serrano sauce, red radish and cilantro.

Next stop: the historic Santa Fe Depot where riders can transfer to the Green Line for a quick trip to the Seaport Village station, a short walk from the picturesque Old Police Headquarters, which houses Puesto at the Headquarters. Taking an innovative and contemporary approach to authentic Mexican cuisine, expect ingredients sourced locally and regionally for Mexico City-inspired tacos.

Tasty taco tip #3: Try the filet mignon taco, prepared with a handmade blue-corn tortilla, Puesto’s signature crispy melted cheese, avocado and spicy pistachio serrano salsa.

Another two stops along the Green Line, Trolley riders will find themselves in the Gaslamp Quarter station, a historic downtown neighbourhood known for its eclectic and electric night life. At the Blind Burro, specializing in hand-crafted, Baja coastal cuisine, taco offerings include coffee-rubbed salmon, cilantro-lime grilled shrimp, and vegetarian crispy spiced cauliflower.

A stop away, the 12th & Imperial station reconnects riders with the Blue Line, where a short ride takes taco lovers to the Barrio Logan neighbourhood. Past the Chicano Park, where more than 80 murals detail the struggles and beauty of the Mexican-American community, tuck into ¡SALUD TACOS! on Logan Avenue, a former taco truck known for its authentic tacos, tattoo-inspired wall art and pinstriped car hoods. The menu pays homage to the street food of Northern Mexico with its own Chicano flare.

Tasty taco tip #4: The carne asada taco or “the classic street taco” is a rite of passage here, with marinated steak on a handmade corn tortilla, topped with guacamole, onions and cilantro.

So many tacos, but this is just the tip of San Diego’s taco tastings. Learn more and plan your own taco tour at sandiego.org.

***

Plan your adventures throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller. And for the top West Coast Travel stories of the week delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our weekly Armchair Traveller newsletter!

Share this:

Category: TravelTag: California, Family activities, Food, Staycation secrets, Things to do, USA, WCT Intro

Related Posts

You may be interested in these posts from the same category.

‘It was a super cool experience’: Wolfpack spotted hanging out in Kelowna

A Kelowna photographer captured images of a pack of wolves while on a weekend hike…

‘It was a super cool experience’: Wolfpack spotted hanging out in KelownaRead More

Gary the cat shreds the gnar in Golden

He might be a better skier and influencer than any Gen Z could imagine, possibly…

Gary the cat shreds the gnar in GoldenRead More

Travel on the Fly: Dine Out Vancouver; Waddling with penguins in Calgary; Fernie’s powder perfection + more!

What’s going on around the West Coast? Here’s your inside guide to what’s happening where,…

Travel on the Fly: Dine Out Vancouver; Waddling with penguins in Calgary; Fernie’s powder perfection + more!Read More

Nothing is the New Something in B.C.’s Southern Gulf Islands

Many travellers believe spring and summer are the best times to explore. That means the…

Nothing is the New Something in B.C.’s Southern Gulf IslandsRead More

Vancouver Island photographer’s bald eagle image is Canada’s choice for international contest

A dramatic image by professional Vancouver Island photographer Anthony Bucci will represent Canada in a…

Vancouver Island photographer’s bald eagle image is Canada’s choice for international contestRead More

Fuel up for outdoor adventures in The ‘Loops: Serving up seconds on magical meals and memories!

The best compliment you can give a chef? Returning for seconds! Oh, and to tell…

Fuel up for outdoor adventures in The ‘Loops: Serving up seconds on magical meals and memories!Read More

The writer who’s been everywhere shares his 2023 California travel wish list

By Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times I’ve been meandering around California for decades, which is…

The writer who’s been everywhere shares his 2023 California travel wish listRead More

Tourism hopes high in B.C. as China lifts border rules, but recovery may take months

Zhengwen Hao says the phone for his Richmond, B.C., restaurant hasn’t stopped buzzing in recent…

Tourism hopes high in B.C. as China lifts border rules, but recovery may take monthsRead More

VIDEO: Young orcas caught showboating off Greater Victoria

They say the downfall of every great fishing story is a witness. But a group…

VIDEO: Young orcas caught showboating off Greater VictoriaRead More

Previous Post: « Famed mountain lion P-22 makes dramatic appearance in Los Angeles backyard
Next Post: To the rescue: Volunteers stand ready to help stranded marine animals »

Primary Sidebar

Things To Do

‘It was a super cool experience’: Wolfpack spotted hanging out in Kelowna

January 25, 2023

Gary the cat shreds the gnar in Golden

January 25, 2023

Travel on the Fly: Dine Out Vancouver; Waddling with penguins in Calgary; Fernie’s powder perfection + more!

January 24, 2023

Nothing is the New Something in B.C.’s Southern Gulf Islands

January 24, 2023

Recent Posts

‘It was a super cool experience’: Wolfpack spotted hanging out in Kelowna

January 25, 2023

Gary the cat shreds the gnar in Golden

January 25, 2023

Travel on the Fly: Dine Out Vancouver; Waddling with penguins in Calgary; Fernie’s powder perfection + more!

January 24, 2023

Nothing is the New Something in B.C.’s Southern Gulf Islands

January 24, 2023

Footer

The West Coast Traveller has an immense social media footprint, with eight social media sites and and 125,000+ social followers.

Join us on social media and Join Our Community by sharing your stuff!

Get Inspired

News Media Groups

Black Press Media
Sound Publishing
Oahu Media Group
Alaska
Boulevard Magazines
Used.ca

Let’s Get Social

West Coast Traveller
I Love British Columbia
I Love Alberta
I Love Yukon
I Love Northwest Territories
I Love Washington
I Love California
I Love Oregon
I Love Alaska

Visit Our Companion Sites

I Love Saskatchewan
I Love Manitoba
I Love Nunavut
I Love Ontario
I Love Quebec
I Love Newfoundland and Labrador
I Love Nova Scotia
I Love New Brunswick
I Love Prince Edward Island

Site Footer

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • TikTok Icon

Copyright © 2023 West Coast Traveller and · All Rights Reserved