Los Panchos Tacos & Cantina

441 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(1518 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself wandering the lively streets of San Diego, particularly in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood, make sure to stop by Los Panchos Tacos & Cantina. This gem of a Mexican restaurant is perfect for anyone craving authentic flavors infused with hospitality and a vibrant atmosphere.

As you step inside, you will be greeted with cheerful decor and the inviting aroma of freshly prepared dishes. The menu boasts a mouthwatering selection of tacos, with crowd favorites including the Pollo Asado and Carnitas tostadas, each layered with a delightful bean spread, crisp lettuce, vibrant Mexican salsa, and generous cheese—all for just $8.99. For something cozy and comforting, the Caldo De Res, a traditional beef soup served with rice and tortillas, is a must-try, keeping you warm and satisfied for only $13.99.

Don’t miss out on the Camarones Al Gusto plate, which features succulent shrimp accompanied by rice, beans, and tangy guacamole for $20.99. The food isn't just delicious; it’s generously portioned, making it a fantastic value.

The ambiance is equally noteworthy. With a lively outdoor patio, you can enjoy your meal while soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere. Guest reviewers rave about the delightful experience, noting how lovely it is to dine outside while savoring warm tortilla chips and flavorful salsas. Lexie Edwards aptly called it a "vibe," highlighting the friendliness of the staff and the lively energy—especially on weekends when a DJ ramps up the fun.

Your experience at Los Panchos goes beyond just food; it’s about the sense of community and warmth that surrounds you. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying taco Tuesday with friends, the staff ensures you feel welcomed and well taken care of. M Abalos captured the essence perfectly, remarking on the welcoming spirit of the team that made them return multiple times in just one week!

So the next time you’re in San Diego, treat yourself to a culinary fiesta at Los Panchos Tacos & Cantina. With its tantalizing menu options, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a destination that’s sure to bookmark your experience in one of California's most exciting cities.

Ready to dive into the flavors of Mexico? Grab your friends, head over to Los Panchos, and indulge in their delicious offerings!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has live music
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Friday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

1518 Reviews
Stefanie Yoo

21 Sep 2025

Super tasty tacos! Best happy hour deals! We walked in right around 6. The staff were nice enough to let us still order from the happy hour menu. The tacos were bigger than I expected and very tasty. Especially the chorizo. The flavor is just right.

Lexie Edwards

22 Aug 2025

A vibe! We love sitting outside on the patio while enjoying the view of the street! The chips and salsa they bring to the table is so good!! Our server was so kind and took excellent care of us. We loved our food and the rice was so flavorful!! Can't wait to come back here to enjoy some delicious food on the patio!

Anissa Garcia

19 Aug 2025

Visiting San Diego and we found some where that was open pass 8pm. Really cute place, the food was great. They had a live dj on a Thursday !

Gabby Sausele

13 Aug 2025

Great spot! The service is always very friendly, it's usually pretty chill but on Fridays and Saturdays there's sometimes a dj and it gets a little more lively. Food is very tasty with large portions and they have good happy hour and taco Tuesday deals.

M Abalos

13 Aug 2025

This Los Panchos location has got to be the most lit and friendliest staff in San Diego! From the moment my partner and I entered the restaurant until the time we received our check, always good. We liked this place so much, we had gone 4x in one week. Glad we ran into this place. Literally, ran into it during our “date night” stroll on 5th Avenue in Hillcrest. On our stroll, we were actually trying to figure out which restaurants to go to since we were staying at a friend’s condo, dog sitting for the next three weeks. All staff at Los Panchos have been nothing but welcoming, attentive, accommodating and friendly. On our first night, there were all groups of people dining in this oversized Catina. Several birthday celebrations were going on. The place was lively and festive, with tropical decor. The DJ was jammin’ (everyday, from 7p-midnight). There were a variety of seating areas to choose from including the bar and outside patio. If you wanted to sit closer to the DJ and speakers, that area was also available and it had enough room for dancing. The menu had a variety of Mexican dishes and seafood including drinks. The bartender definitely knew how to make them. She was good (tall, dark hair). Our order was always on point. My ceviche was fresh tasting and perfectly seasoned. Platter presentation was also on point. I may not have to make the drive to Rosarito anymore to get my seafood fix. Side note, although seafood prices in Mexico are nearly half the price compared to San Diego, I’m ok because Los Panchos took care of our needs without having to deal with the border wait and 20 minute drive over. Special shout out to Juliette, Jackie, Natalie, Camila and Chewy. You guys have been standouts on all our visits. To the entire evening crew, including the cook -thank you for tasty meals and wonderful and fun dining experience. We even got our friends to join us a couple times. They too liked the place. Oh, and our guy friends had a lot of “eye candy” to look at (just a side-side note). I would say, Los Panchos has a nice package, offering a little of everything, for everyone. It’s not your typical taco stand, it’s even more and better. So, before you judge the name Los Panchos and what you knew of it 30 plus years ago, this location will definitely exceed your expectations. A must-try

kaloni sam

10 Aug 2025

Who doesn't love a taco Tuesday?!? Parking sucks in this area, but there are usually spots that open up randomly and there is a lot if you're lucky. Staff is very friendly, the music/vibes are fun and welcoming, and the tacos are delicious! The prices are also fantastic. Food review: Complimentary beans: (5/5) BOMB. I asked for a second serving because it was so tasty! It's beans, peppers, onions, and bacon. I mixed some rice in mine (chef's kiss). Lavadita de coco: (5/5) Delicious! If you're a coconut lover, this is your drink. It's also super pretty! This costs $12. Tacos: (5/5) These street tacos are packed with flavor, meat, and such a good portion for the price. I ordered 3 and was so full. We tried the birria, carne asada, and adobada. Definitely recommend the adobada and carne asada! The meat was flavorful and tender! I think they're about $3.70/taco. Churros and ice cream: (2/5) Wasn't what I was expecting and the flavors were just off. Too much strawberry or whatever the red sauce was on the churros. Wouldn't order this again. Overall, definitely recommend this spot for a taco Tuesday!

Sarah D

30 Jul 2025

The service was great! Seated quickly and our waitress was attentive and very nice! The skinny margarita was refreshing and a nice start to the meal. The selection of salsas that came with the chips was also a solid highlight, offering a variety of flavors. The veggie and shrimp tacos were tasty and the enchiladas suizas creamy sauce was delicious! The only downside was the music was extremely loud--definitely not the place for a relaxed conversation. That said, if you're looking for good food in a lively, upbeat atmosphere, this spot could be a good choice!

Lyn G

10 Jul 2025

I had the Taco Trio. Personally I don't like to eat fat and one taco was pretty much all fat. The Carne asada taco was good. The 3rd taco was not bad, just not something I prefer. I know lots of people who would love both tacos that I did not. Rolled tacos & Surf N Turf & Sampler were all good. The cup of beans with the salsas & chips were delicious. Service was great.

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