It’s a time of growth for some of Tijuana’s most acclaimed taquerías, including the arrival of Tijuanazo, a popular taco chain that has expanded into the U.S. with its first San Diego location in Hillcrest. Following their initial U.S. launch in Los Angeles, the family-run taquería, known for its signature tacos and authentic flavors, is now serving San Diegans.
Originally founded as TacoNazo in 2008 in Playas de Tijuana, the restaurant rebranded as Tijuanazo after a recent name dispute with another chain. The founders, Antonio and Claudia Esquivel, along with their daughter Karyme, who is leading their San Diego operations, are bringing their beloved menu to the heart of Hillcrest. Karyme's sister, Aria, oversees the Los Angeles branches.
Tijuanazo has made its name as one of Tijuana’s best taquerías, offering a wide variety of tacos, including carne asada, tacos de adobada, and suadero, with meats grilled or cooked on a comal de acero or trompo. Their tacos de carne asada, a staple, feature marinated steak grilled over a charbroiler, topped with cilantro, onions, salsa, and Tijuana-style guacamole on house-pressed tortillas.
Customers can expect a menu that includes tacos, tostadas, quesadillas, mulitas, burritos, and tortas made with various meats like asada (steak), adobada (marinated pork), birria, suadero (beef belly), chorizo, tripa (tripe), cabeza (beef head), lengua (beef tongue), and buche (stomach). Vegetarians will also find options available. Notable items include the taco azteca, a unique taco wrapped in a grilled nopal (cactus) leaf, and fantasmas, which are fried cheese chicharrónes loaded with your choice of meat and toppings. Surtidos, a combination of roasted chiles güeros, grilled onions, and nopales, offer a savory side to complement any meal.
Tijuanazo's Hillcrest location offers the same elevated taquería experience as its Tijuana branches, with a focus on service and a welcoming atmosphere. The family aims to maintain hands-on involvement as they grow their presence in San Diego County, ensuring they deliver the same quality that has made them one of the most successful taquería chains in Tijuana.
Tijuanazo is now open at 406 West University Avenue in San Diego's Hillcrest. For more information, visit taqueriatijuanazo.com and check out the menu below.
