# TaCaliente Mexican Grill > TaCaliente Mexican Grill is a casual Mexican spot located at 1266 University Ave in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego. The menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with crowd-pleasers like the Cali Burrito loaded with carne asada and fries, quesabirria tacos, birria ramen, and fresh fish tacos. Breakfast is a highlight here, with options like Chilaquiles Rojos or Verdes, Huevos Rancheros, and the hearty Caliente Breakfast Burrito. Vegan-friendly options are available, and the kitchen can adapt dishes to keto-style on request. Happy hour specials and daily deals keep the energy lively, and the casual atmosphere suits everything from a solo lunch to a group hangout. ## Key facts - **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/tacaliente-mexican-grill-27367 - **Type**: Restaurants - **Cuisine**: Mexican - **Location**: San Diego, CA - **Address**: 1266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, US - **Phone**: 16199156490 - **Website**: https://tacalientemex.com/ - **Menu**: https://tacalientemex.com/our-menus/ - **Price range**: $$ - **Coordinates**: 32.7491, -117.15204 - **Cashback**: 15% - **Claimed**: claimed - **Vibes**: Casual ## About TaCaliente Mexican Grill is a casual Mexican spot located at 1266 University Ave in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego. The menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with crowd-pleasers like the Cali Burrito loaded with carne asada and fries, quesabirria tacos, birria ramen, and fresh fish tacos. Breakfast is a highlight here, with options like Chilaquiles Rojos or Verdes, Huevos Rancheros, and the hearty Caliente Breakfast Burrito. Vegan-friendly options are available, and the kitchen can adapt dishes to keto-style on request. Happy hour specials and daily deals keep the energy lively, and the casual atmosphere suits everything from a solo lunch to a group hangout. ## Hours - Monday: 9am - 10pm - Tuesday: 9am - 10pm - Wednesday: 9am - 10pm - Thursday: 9am - 12am - Friday: 9am - 2am - Saturday: 9am - 2am - Sunday: 9am - 10pm ## Highlights - **Breakfast to late night** — The kitchen opens at 9am and runs until midnight or later on weekends. - **Bold signature dishes** — The Cali Burrito and Caliente Fries are loaded with carne asada and fresh toppings. - **Birria ramen** — A standout fusion dish with rich, deeply flavored broth that diners rave about. - **Happy hour specials** — Daily specials and happy hour deals make every visit feel like a good deal. ## Amenities - Vegan - Credit Card - Happy Hour - Delivery - Take Out - Health Score - TV ## FAQ ### Where is TaCaliente Mexican Grill located? TaCaliente Mexican Grill is at 1266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, in the Hillcrest neighborhood. ### What are TaCaliente Mexican Grill's hours? TaCaliente is open Monday through Wednesday from 9:00am to 10:00pm, Thursday from 9:00am to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 9:00am to 2:00am, and Sunday from 9:00am to 10:00pm. ### What type of food does TaCaliente Mexican Grill serve? TaCaliente serves modern Mexican cuisine across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can explore fan favorites like the Cali Burrito, fish tacos, quesabirria tacos, birria ramen, and a full breakfast menu featuring chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and breakfast burritos. The kitchen also offers keto-style adaptations and vegan-friendly options. Browse the full menu at tacalientemex.com/our-menus. ### What is Franki? Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of TaCaliente Mexican Grill on Franki, and earn 15% cash back when you dine there through Franki. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring. ### Does TaCaliente Mexican Grill have happy hour? Yes, TaCaliente offers happy hour specials along with daily deals, so there is almost always a good reason to stop in. ### What are popular items at TaCaliente Mexican Grill? Diners consistently highlight the birria ramen for its rich, flavorful broth, the Caliente Burrito with carne asada and crispy cheese, and the fish and shrimp tacos. The elote and street tacos with carnitas, al pastor, and birria are also crowd favorites. For dessert, the churros and ice cream are a must-try. ### How much does it cost to eat at TaCaliente Mexican Grill? TaCaliente is a moderate, approachable spot, with most meals typically running between $15 and $30 per person, depending on what you order. ### Is TaCaliente Mexican Grill good for groups? TaCaliente works well for a range of occasions, from solo outings and girls nights out to casual group hangouts. The laid-back atmosphere and broad menu give everyone at the table plenty to choose from. ### How can I contact TaCaliente Mexican Grill? You can reach TaCaliente Mexican Grill by phone at (619) 915-6490 or explore their menu and details at tacalientemex.com. You can also follow them on Instagram at @tacalientehillcrest, on Facebook, or on TikTok to stay up to date on specials and daily offers. ## Reviews ### foodthoughts4all — 5.0/5 · Aug 1, 2022 This brand new eatery is serving up some DELICIOUS and FRESH Mexican food! 🌯 They got all your favorites from burritos, tacos, tostadas, tortas and a HUGE breakfast menu! Ask how to make it KETO or upgrade to QUESO style 🧀🔥 And do NOT skip out on the Churros and Ice Cream 🤤 Stay tuned for a chance to try this spot out for yourself! 🎉 ### sandiegofoodie — 5.0/5 · Sep 22, 2022 Dessert (then dinner). ### san.diegofoodies — 5.0/5 · Mar 6, 2023 This place has got so many options, and they have great daily specials and happy hour too! We tried: 2 Micheladas 1 Fish Taco 1 Shrimp Taco 1 Elote 1 Caliente Burrito (carne asada with crispy cheese!) Carnitas, al pastor & birria street tacos Birria Ramen (the broth was delish - I dipped my birria taco in it) ### chews_sandiego — 5.0/5 · Jan 1, 2023 Tacos ### foodrange — 5.0/5 · Mar 24, 2023 Mexican eatery in Hillcrest ### gisellelelux — 5.0/5 · Jan 20, 2025 Lots of options! ### foodventurewliz — 4.5/5 · Sep 3, 2024 Must taco Tuesday try!! ### run_dont_guac — 4.3/5 · Feb 25, 2026 Loved the flavor of food & friendly service, but some things fell flat. Cashier looked a few edibles deep, & acted like it too, but was friendly. When I ordered the quesabirria tacos, I assumed they came with a side of consume, & they are on the menu photo online, but I was told after my food came that it has to be ordered separately and would cost more money - and then was told several times it take a while to get it … like, why? I didn’t get it, but luckily the tacos were delicious without it! ## Nearby - [Raised by Wolves](https://frankiapp.com/business/raised-by-wolves-7619) — Cocktail Bar · $$ - 4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2030, San Diego, CA 92122, US - [Din Tai Fung La Jolla](https://frankiapp.com/business/din-tai-fung-la-jolla-4833) — Taiwanese - 4301 La Jolla Village Dr (btwn Genesse Ave & Executive Way), San Diego, CA 92122, US - [insideOut](https://frankiapp.com/business/insideout-23754) — American · $$$ - 1642 University Ave (Centre St), San Diego, CA 92103, US - [Yun Tea House](https://frankiapp.com/business/yun-tea-house-98023) — Tea Room · $$$$ - 4344 Convoy St Suite M, , San Diego, CA 92111, US - [Haidilao Hot Pot - San Diego](https://frankiapp.com/business/haidilao-hot-pot-san-diego-31606) — Hotpot · $$$ - 4545 La Jolla Village Dr Ste F9, San Diego, CA 92122, US - [An’s Dry Cleaning Gelato](https://frankiapp.com/business/an-s-dry-cleaning-gelato-10344) — Dessert Shop · $$$$ - 3017 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116, US - [Morning Glory](https://frankiapp.com/business/morning-glory-7719) — Breakfast Spot - 550 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101, US - [Born & Raised](https://frankiapp.com/business/born-raised-318) — Steakhouse - 1909 India St, , San Diego, CA 92101, US --- View full profile, photos, videos, and reviews on Franki: https://frankiapp.com/business/tacaliente-mexican-grill-27367