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Taco Shore
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Taco Shore
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Late Night Legends
Women-owned taqueria serving Baja-inspired Mexican favorites since taking over from Taco Surf in 2013. The carne asada, fresh guacamole, and signature Baja sauce draw consistent praise from locals who appreciate the generous portions and authentic flavors. Counter-service spot on bustling 2nd Street delivers reliable quality at unbeatable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
California Burrito, Carne Asada Tacos, Potato Flautas
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Generous portions and unbeatable value with signature Baja sauce
Who should go: Budget-conscious locals seeking authentic Mexican without pretension
When to visit: Late weeknights when other spots close early
What to order: California burrito, potato flautas with extra Baja sauce
Insider tip: Ask for extra Baja sauce on everything
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and side streets - metered until 8pm, free after. Can fill up on weekends but turnover is quick. Small lot behind building shares with adjacent businesses.
Dress code: Come as you are - beach casual is the norm. Shorts, flip-flops, and tank tops fit right in.
Noise level: Lively counter-service buzz but not overwhelming - easy conversation at tables, though indoor seating is limited
Weekend wait: 5-10 min order wait typical, though lines form 7-9pm Friday/Saturday. Seating is grab-and-go.
Weekday lunch: Quick turnover - usually order and eat within 20 minutes total
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean and cheese burritos, veggie tacos, cheese quesadillas, plus guacamole and chips. Solid options throughout the menu.
Vegan options: Possible with modifications - bean tacos/burritos without cheese or sour cream. Ask about refried beans (may contain lard).
Gluten-free options: Limited - corn tortillas available for tacos. Cross-contamination likely in shared prep space, so not recommended for celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates or post-beach hangouts than romantic dinners. Counter service and limited seating make it more 'getting to know you over tacos' than intimate. If your date values authenticity over atmosphere, it works great.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's pure first-come, first-served counter service. Seating is limited so you might eat standing at the counter or take it to-go. Peak dinner hours mean outdoor tables fill fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - simple menu items like quesadillas and bean burritos, casual vibe where noise isn't an issue, and quick service keeps little ones from getting restless. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable value and generous portions in Belmont Shore - you'll spend $10-12 and leave stuffed. The Baja sauce is legitimately addictive and unique to this spot. Late-night option when most local places close by 9pm.
Skip if: You want sit-down service, a date-night atmosphere, or craft cocktails with your tacos. Also skip if you're seeking elevated or regional Mexican cuisine - this is straightforward Baja-style done well and cheap, not culinary innovation.
Taco Shore
7.9
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Woman-owned Baja California-style cantina purchased by former hostess Jenny in 2013 specializes in Baja flavors with influences from Jalisco and Oaxaca. Generous portions of fish tacos and burritos served in a casual 2nd Street location with bottomless mimosa brunch and all-day breakfast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos with Baja Sauce, Guacamole, Scorpion Seafood Chowder
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Baja-style coastal Mexican with authentic fish preparations
Who should go: Families and brunch lovers seeking casual beachside Mexican
When to visit: Weekend brunch for bottomless mimosas, lunch for fresh fish
What to order: Fish tacos Ensenada style with extra Baja sauce
Insider tip: Reservations only Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; walk-in other days
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and surrounding blocks - can be competitive on weekends but usually manageable. Free after 6pm and Sundays.
Dress code: Beach casual - shorts, sandals, and tees are the norm. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively but conversational - casual cantina vibe with music but you can easily chat
Weekend wait: Friday-Sunday walk-ins expect 20-30 min wait prime hours, or arrive before 6pm
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seat within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean and cheese options, veggie burritos, and cheese enchiladas available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some items (bean tacos, rice bowls) but no dedicated vegan menu
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available as substitute, but cross-contamination possible in shared kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates or after you're comfortable - it's lively and relaxed rather than romantic. The laid-back Belmont Shore vibe and bottomless mimosas at brunch work great for low-pressure getting-to-know-you meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - they're walk-in only those days. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday are reservation-only. Tuesday is closed. Weekends can get busy so arrive early or expect a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, generous portions to share, and simple quesadillas and tacos kids love. High chairs available and the outdoor patio gives families extra room. All-day breakfast menu is a bonus for picky eaters.
What's the best time for brunch? Weekends for bottomless mimosas, but arrive by 10:30am to avoid peak crowds around 11:30am-1pm. All-day breakfast means you can also hit it weekday mornings for a quieter experience with the same menu.
How's the portion size? Generous - most people can share one burrito or get full on 2-3 tacos. The Baja-style portions lean hearty, making it excellent value for the price point.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Baja coastal flavors at budget prices, generous portions, and the woman-owned story adds character. Best choice in the area for casual beachside Mexican with quality fish preparations and bottomless brunch deals.
Skip if: You want upscale Mexican with craft cocktails and quieter ambiance - this is casual cantina all the way. Also skip if you need reservations on weekends (they don't take them) or want interior Mexican styles beyond Baja/Jalisco/Oaxaca.