The reopening of the Oscar's Mexican Seafood branch just a block from the ocean in Pacific Beach follows a six-month closure for an extensive renovation, breathing new life into the beloved seafood spot known for its fresh tacos, ceviches, and tortas. This marks a triumphant return for the Emerald Street site, reinforcing Oscar's enduring presence in the San Diego mariscos scene.
Since its inception in 2011 under owner Juan Bernardo Montes de Oca, Oscar's has carved out a reputation as a local gem, earning accolades like a spot on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. in 2016 list and a feature on Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations. The Emerald Street location, nestled near Ocean Front Walk, has long been a go-to for its casual vibe and standout dishes such as the Surf & Turf Taco with skirt steak and shrimp, the Smoked Fish Taco with avocado and smoked marlin, and the Taco Especial featuring fish, shrimp, and scallops - all served with fresh toppings like cabbage, onion, tomato, and cilantro.
The remodel comes amid a period of transition for the chain. Earlier this month, Oscar's announced the closure of its original North Pacific Beach location at 703 Turquoise Street, which occurred on March 20, 2025, after 14 years of operation due to an unrenewed lease. Meanwhile, the Hillcrest outpost at 646 University Avenue continues to serve customers uninterrupted, complementing the Emerald Street reopening.
Oscar's history reflects both growth and adaptation. Past expansions included a short-lived Ocean Beach location that became Mike's Taco Club and spurred the Harry's Taco Club offshoot, both a near identical replica of Oscar's. There was also an Encinitas spot that closed in 2018, and an East Village branch shuttered in October 2019 after opening in March 2016. The Emerald Street revamp signals a renewed focus on enhancing its core Pacific Beach presence, offering a modernized space while preserving the fresh, flavorful Mexican seafood that has kept locals and visitors coming back.
The reopened Emerald Street location promises to maintain its signature menu, featuring fan favorites like the Fisherman’s Torta with spicy shrimp, scallops, and grilled fish, alongside ceviche and daily fresh fish specials. With its beachside proximity and refreshed look, Oscar’s aims to reclaim its status as a Pacific Beach essential, blending nostalgia with a forward-looking upgrade.
Oscar's history reflects both growth and adaptation. Past expansions included a short-lived Ocean Beach location that became Mike's Taco Club and spurred the Harry's Taco Club offshoot, both a near identical replica of Oscar's. There was also an Encinitas spot that closed in 2018, and an East Village branch shuttered in October 2019 after opening in March 2016. The Emerald Street revamp signals a renewed focus on enhancing its core Pacific Beach presence, offering a modernized space while preserving the fresh, flavorful Mexican seafood that has kept locals and visitors coming back.
The reopened Emerald Street location promises to maintain its signature menu, featuring fan favorites like the Fisherman’s Torta with spicy shrimp, scallops, and grilled fish, alongside ceviche and daily fresh fish specials. With its beachside proximity and refreshed look, Oscar’s aims to reclaim its status as a Pacific Beach essential, blending nostalgia with a forward-looking upgrade.
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood is now open at 746 Emerald Street in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, visit oscarsmexicanseafood.com.
Originally published on March 22, 2025.
