Big Flavor. Local Fire.

Modern Mexican Food in the Heart of Hillcrest.

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Best Sellers

Discover Our Most Loved Dishes That Keep People Coming Back!

Cali Burrito

Carne asada, guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, fries
$15.99

Caliente Fries

Carne asada, fries, cheese, guacamole, sour cream
$17.99

Fish Tacos

Topped with cabbage, pico de gallo, chipotle sauce
$4
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Bold Bites.
Big Smiles.
Bold Bites.
Big Smiles.

About

Flavor. 
Culture. Community.

Located in the heart of Hillcrest, TaCaliente brings modern energy to traditional Mexican flavors. We’re all about bold bites, good vibes, and a space that feels like home — whether you’re grabbing lunch or catering
your next event.

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What We Serve

Breakfast Menu

Delicious Breakfast

Savor the vibrant flavors of our breakfast offerings. Each menu is crafted to excite your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.

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Best Seller
Chilaquiles Rojos
or Verdes
$13.99

Breakfast Taco

$5.99

Your choice of protein with cheese and eggs

For carne asada

Bean or Potato Breakfast Burrito

$11.99

Bean or potato, egg and cheese

Caliente Breakfast Burrito

$15.99

Bacon, sausage, ham, beans, potatoes, cheese, and eggs

Machaca Burrito

$12.99

Machaca beef, scrambled eggs, onions, tomato

Huevos a La Mexicana

$12.99

Eggs with jalapeños, onions, tomato, cheese, and salsa, 2 tortillas

2 tortillas

Chilaquiles Rojos or Verdes

$13.99

Choice of red or green sauce, eggs, cheese, onions, sour cream, and tortilla chips

Huevos Rancheros

$13.99

Eggs, salsa, beans, 2 tortillas, cheese, ranchera cheese with a side of rice and beans

Main Menu

Main Menu

Savor the vibrant flavors of our breakfast offerings. Each menu is crafted to excite your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.

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Best Seller
Carne Asada Taco
$6.49

Beer Battered Fish Taco

4.00
Grilled: $4.99

Topped with cabbage, pico de gallo, chipotle sauce

Birria Taco

$6.49

Onions & cilantro

Make it Quesabirria +$2

Caliente Veggie Taco

$5.49

Grilled vegetables, cabbage, pico de gallo, guacamole

Caliente Taco

$7.99

Marinated grilled steak, shredded lettuce, salsa,
queso on flour tortilla

Tacos Dorados

$7.99

Rolled and fried tortillas with cheese, lettuce, and cheese

Tostadas

$7.99

Choice of protein, beans, lettuce, cheese, salsa

CATERING

Fast Setup, Bold Flavors
Bring the Heat to Your Next Event

Elevate your gatherings with our vibrant catering options. Experience bold flavors and seamless service that will impress your guests.

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Raves from the TaCaliente Fam

Caliente Mexican Food is one of my favorite spots in San Diego. The food is always fresh and full of flavor. I got the bowl and the surf and turf burrito and both were amazing. But what really made the experience great was Matthew. He was so welcoming, kind, and made us feel right at home. You can tell he genuinely cares. We’ll definitely be coming back, not just for the food but for the great energy too. Thanks Matt!
We stopped by for tacos on our way to the San Diego Zoo and it was about a five minute drive from there. As soon as we walked in we were greeted. We felt very welcomed and our food was ready in less than 10 minutes! The food was delicious, I just wish I wouldve tried more of the sauces.
Delicious taco shop in the heart of University City with the best food and really fun menu items! I was excited to try the tacos and carnitas nachos, both were amazing! My husband got cheese enchiladas with red sauce, the sauce was so flavorful and it was served with rice and beans (which were also amazing!) But my favorite thing about Tacaliente was the crunch wrap they offer on their menu, either served with chicken or beef! I’ve never seen this item at a taco shop before and it was honestly the best Crunchwrap I’ve ever had. Because the tortilla and tostada were made fresh it was just so delicious! They also have a full salsa bar with hot carrots!
I’ve eaten here several times and have never been disappointed. Their food is excellent. Their fish tacos rank among the best in the San Diego area in value for money. If you get anything, get the “Tony’s Burrito” which is just unbelievably tasty and delicious. Their salsa bar is also top notch with diverse spice levels and flavors…all of which are great.

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