Taco Centro to open second San Diego location in Little Italy
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A popular Gaslamp Quarter taqueria is expanding to one of San Diego’s busiest dining neighborhoods. Taco Centro will officially open its second location this Saturday, Nov. 1, in Little Italy, bringing its modern take on Mexican street food just blocks from the waterfront.
The new restaurant, located at 2171 Kettner Blvd. at the corner of Ivy Street, will host a grand opening celebration from noon to 5 p.m., featuring a “buy two tacos, get one free” deal and live entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Founded by Adrian Gutierrez, a native of Cotija de la Paz, Michoacán, Mexico, Taco Centro first opened in the Gaslamp Quarter in 2022. Gutierrez, who has lived in Little Italy for seven years, says opening a restaurant in his own neighborhood has long been a dream.
“I have always loved this neighborhood, and I am grateful that the success of the first Taco Centro allowed me to pursue this second location," Gutierrez said. "I am excited and humbled to bring all the Mexican favorites to the residents and visitors of bustling Little Italy.”
The new space occupies the ground floor of the AV8 apartment building, formerly home to Bun & Patti.
Menu
Taco Centro’s menu offers 13 different tacos, including carne asada, birria, carnitas, pollo asado, grilled mahi mahi, and spicy shrimp (camarón enchilado). Two vegetarian options — mushroom and nopal (cactus) — are also available.
Signature dishes include the Taco Azul, a blue corn tortilla filled with grilled angus steak, black beans, fresh cheese, avocado, cilantro, onions, and house salsa.
Other specialties feature birria-inspired creations such as quesabirria, birria ramen, and birria pizza, along with volcanes, mulitas, and sides like shrimp ceviche, Mexican street corn, and chips with guacamole.
Desserts include churros con tres leches, buñuelos, and paletas, while the drink menu features draft and bottled beer, margaritas, palomas, micheladas, and hard seltzers.
Hours and rewards
After Saturday’s grand opening, Taco Centro will begin regular hours on Sunday, Nov. 2, opening daily at 9 a.m. with breakfast burritos and chilaquiles. The taqueria will close at 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 11 p.m. Thursday, and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Taco Centro also offers a loyalty rewards program, where guests earn points toward discounts on future visits. Customers can register online.
The new Little Italy location is about a 10-minute walk from the County Center/Little Italy Trolley stop on the MTS Blue and Green Lines.
The original Taco Centro remains open at 539 Island Ave. in the Gaslamp Quarter.
