Frida’s Taqueria

Get true Mexican fare at Frida’s, home to two North County hot spots where locals and out-of-town foodies line up for fresh and flavorful Tijuana-style tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tortas, quesa tacos, mulitas, fries, and papas rellenas (savory stuffed potatoes).

Street taco classics include carne asada, adobada, pollo, carnitas, papa con chorizo, birria, chicharrón, and cabeza — all topped with a choice of onions, cilantro, salsas, and/or creamy guacamole. Guests simply order at the register, and watch master grillers fire it all up. Adobada, for example, is trimmed from a rotating trompo, then griddled before landing in a fluffy tortilla.

Further reflecting the taste and traditions of Tijuana, the restaurants make refreshing aguas frescas such as watermelon, cucumber melon and pineapple. Other beverages such as various bottled sodas (enjoy a cold Fanta!) round out the delicious menu.

With authenticity as its trademark, the restaurants use only fresh ingredients and seasonings. And customers notice with comments like “amazingly good tacos: tasty meats, fresh and flavorful fillings” and “absolutely must give it a try. Come hungry!”

Aside from the fantastic food, service is fast and friendly. At the Escondido location, 675 E. Valley Parkway, (the corner of East Valley Parkway and Fig Street), guests can sit indoors and outdoors under a giant canopy adorned with twinkling lights at night, and enjoy free parking. After lunch or dinner, stroll to the side of the building (on Fig Street) and gaze at the gorgeous mural of iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.

The restaurant’s two new restaurant Oceanside, which opened to rave reviews in February, is at 2021 on Mission Ave. (just a couple of miles east of the historic Oceanside Pier) and the newest location in Vista, which opened in February 2024  Coming soon is their new location in Ramona.

Don’t miss Taco Tuesday specials, and enjoy the restaurant’s catering service for parties and special events. Also visit Frida’s at area farmers markets: Otay Ranch on Tuesdays; Downtown Oceanside on Thursdays; Poway on Saturdays; and Leucadia on Sundays. Also watch for pop-up announcements on their Instagram page.

For late-night taco lovers, these culinary sensations are open until 11 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. and Sun (Oceanside) and until 10 p.m. Tues-.Thurs. and Sun. in Escondido; and until midnight Fri-Sat. Closed Mondays. Call Frida’s Taqueria Escondido at (619) 519-5657, Frida’s Taqueria Oceanside at (760) 696-3104, or Frida’s Taqueria Vista at or visit Frida’s at https://www.fridastaqueria.shop/