El Taco Caliente

Cute little hole in the wall taco place with fantastic service!
Mom and pop shops are always the best, love supporting a local business.
Tiny but clean shop with a few tables and a great menu.
We went with the spit roasted adobada, I had it as tacos my husband on fries and we both had fish tacos as well.
The adobada was super crunchy and had good flavor, the breaded fish tacos even better and worth returning for.
Fried perfectly, good quality and good sauces, fair prices and portions.
Not the best ever, but worth it when in the area.

opened a year a go family owned run by a husband and wife team. seats 13 inside. outside patio dining seats are also available. parking lot can accommodate 6 cars. streets tacos $ 1.59 each. only one refills on sodas. cash only. Tacos were flavorful

Good fish tacos! I love fish tacos. I been on a fish taco craze for a few months now. These were good. I loved the flavor and they used real battered fish. Not fish sticks. The salsas are good. I love their green salsa. Its actually really spicy. The place is small but cozy. Reminds me of something in TJ. Very nice service too. The mexican owners, my people, from my land, are very kind and courteous. They gave us napkins when we asked, and a little foil to take tacos to go. If people say theyre rude they’re probably just being dumb customers and asking dumb questions and expecting service up the butt. Ill continue to give them my business. Possibly the best tacos in Escondido?

Really good tacos I haven’t had anything there but street tacos n there good low on salt but good for salsa n it’s very clean urban ambience n really nice folks. Btw I love the tacos de lengua (tongue)

Tiny hole in the wall place, and omg so good. If I ever make it down to that neck of the woods again I will go again.

Had the best tacos and sopes! All meats were amazing! Great size portions and great prices! Ate all food before I was able to take pics. We couldn’t resist. Just like my moms cooking!

I was literally starving when I found this little hole in the wall. My sister was performing at the Escondido Performing Arts Center and I HAD to eat before I sat through a 2 hour show.
So me and my husband Unilocaled some Mexican food spots that were the closest. El Taco Caliente popped up, so we headed there.
Presentation: El Taco Caliente is more of a take out joint. The building was extremely tiny and had no seating anywhere.
Location: Location was convenient. Right next to the gas station and right off one of the main streets in Escondido.
Parking: Parking was very little. It shared its parking with the gas station lot right next door.
The Wait: The wait took ALOT longer than I expected. It could’ve been cause I was starving but I would say the wait took about 20 – 25 Minutes even though there was no one there and there was no wait. But my husband did mention that this little Mom and Pop spot employees only consisted of the Owner and the Cook. So, I guess it’s understanding that food can take a little longer.
The food: I ordered a California Burrito with Everything on it, meaning sour cream, cilantro and pico de gallo. BUT instead of the normal carne asada, I replaced the carne asada with Lengua. Yes… I LOVE LENGUA. The first bite my eyes rolled back into my head. How ever they seasoned their lengua, Was so perfect. I literally inhaled my half (because me and my husband split). The burrito wasn’t as big as most Cali Burritos are, but it was satisfying. I would definitely come back if I was in town.
⁴⁄₅ Score because the wait was longer. Over all, I’d go back and order the same burrito.

The price is good at this place but the food could use some improvement. My first bite out of the rolled taco was all tortilla and no meat. The second bite had chicken but ended up pulling half of the little bit of chicken out of the rolled taco leaving it barren of meat. The food could use a little more seasoning so we wouldn’t have to drown it in salsa for flavor.
The street taco faired a little better. I would just add a little more flavor to this taco. The sope was alright but also bland. The salsa bar assisted in adding some flavor in.
The restaurant itself is in a corner and is small so we drove right past it since their sign is small. Once inside it is actually quite clean. It was not busy while we were here but the space is small and could be crowded if full. I like the price but I would pay more for a bit more flavor.

Holy smokes! hands down the best tacos Al Pastor in town! The marinade they use on the pork is similar to others but very unique and full of flavor. I remember having something this good when I was a kid living in Tijuana. Looking forward to trying out other items on their menu.
Este Lugar si es legitimo, toda la comida esta hecha con amor. El sabor de los tacos, incomparable I auténticos. Recomiendo darles una chanza de probar unos de sus platos caseros, provecho!

I remember when this joint was called «Paco Taco.» Now it’s called «El Taco Caliente.»
I loved it when it was «Paco Taco.»
I’ve been to Tijuana so many times and the food here was the closest you can get to TJ street food. Prices were affordable and it was very tasty
It has a new name and different menu. When it was «Paco Taco,» my favorite item on the menu was the «mulita.» They don’t have mulita listed on the menu here. You have to ask for it and they will make it. I don’t know if it’s just me, but the mulita here isn’t just as good as before. Before this restaurant was renamed, it was amazing, but now it tastes bland.
Their tacos are still just as good though. I definitely recommend coming here for that. Other than that, this place is A-​OK

The adobada tacos are killer! Just got 4 tacos 2 adobada a carne and pollo and it was incredible. The tortillas are awesome and salsas too. If your in the area stop by there and grind away you won’t be disappointed!

For the guy named Ty h… Sounds like you just made that comment up aren’t you the black guy that goes in. I was the guy sitting there when you were busting a scene about taking like 10 salsas for one burrito and they told you after after 5 salsas it would be 25 cents and you were so cheap you couldn’t pay that and you said you worked on a tv channel. Writing fake reviews ain’t cool bro. Stay in school and stay at the gym bro I see u there all the time

As close to TJ street tacos as you can get! The only reason I would give 4 stars instead of 5 is because about 50% of the times I have visited they did not have everything the usually offer (ie grilled peppers, grilled green onions) but other than that this place has great customer service and great street tacos!

I came in here today with my family. Its been about 4 months since last time I came here. Previously I had an amazing experience here but I guess they changed owners/​managment.
No more music
It appeared the owner was also the cook, I placed my order and food arrived, I sat outside since it’s awkward to eat in such a small place with no music.
I needed another plate for my daughter and the owner rudely points towards the salsa bar where they have some super flimsy cheap plates the size of my palm. I’m not about to let my daughter eat off that. I said I needed the other kind of plates. He rudely hands me one.
All I’m saying is customer service is important for small businesses it’s what keeps your customers coming back. I can guarantee I will never be back and I will inform my friends/​acquaintances about it .
I just feel like the owner is greedy gave me about 3 small napkins for my 8 tacos I ordered had to ask twice for more napkins.
I do not recommend this place it’s not the same now that they got new owners

Just popped in for a chicken taco and a taco carnitas and it was just the way I liked.

This place was awesome when it was Paco Taco and it’s still awesome now that is Taco Caliente.
They are affordable and the food is delicious!!! The staff is super friendly and their hot sauces are very hot!
My favorite things on the menu are their Burrito de Al Pastor, Tacos de Al Pastor and their rolled tacos.
Highly recommended this restaurant if your in the mood for good Mexican food.

Was shopping around in Escondido and pondered upon this place on Unilocal and decided to give it a try.
SETTING:
Very small restaurant. Very minimal parking spaces.
There were probably 3 tables for two people and 2 tables for four people.
They do have a sauce and condiment bar.
SERVICE:
Girl at the register spoke very softly and seemed a bit shy.
My total bill was supposed to be $ 18.40. But when I sat down, I noticed on my credit card slip, it read «PRE-​TIP AMOUNT $ 10.40». So I was confused and got up to ask her what pre-​tip amount meant because for some reason I thought it might’ve meant i tipped $ 10.40. But turns out she accidentally charged me $ 10.40 and not $ 18.40.
So i simply paid for the remaining balance. And just a soft «sorry».
FOOD:
Carne Asada Fries $ 7.80
Although the french fries were crispy and good, the whole dish itself was quite skimpy. There was barely any meat or guacamole. Only mostly filled with beans and sour cream and lightly topped with shredded cheese (that was even melted). These fries were definitely not worth the money compared to other Mexican shops.
To me personally, their best items are their street tacos.
Carnitas Street Taco $ 1.59
The pork was nicely marinated and slightly crispy. Simple but delicious.
Adobada Street Taco $ 1.59
Stronger flavored marinade, but once again it was delicious.
Cabeza Street Taco $ 1.59
The meet was very tender and had a good flavor to it.
Lengua Street Taco $ 1.59
The only taco that i did not like because it was very bland and had a mushy texture. The tongue did not taste very fresh.
Horchata
I highly DO NOT recommend their horchata because it tasted like WATERED DOWN soy milk. You couldn’t even taste any cinnamon in it. Worst horchata ever. I don’t even know how you could fail at such a staple.
Overall, I probably wouldn’t recommend anything here except for their tacos. Their street tacos are pretty legit. But all in all, there are so many other mexican shops in San Diego that they must compete with and they don’t really cut it.
P. S. For fountain drinks, you only get ONE refill. For special drinks like Horchata, it is 75 cents refill. Quite ridiculous, I say.

A few of my friends swore by this place, but I didn’t come here because I know of plenty of good Mexican food places. The moment I walked in and saw Al Pastor, I regretted not coming here sooner. My personal favorite is the mixed fries (formerly Paco Fries) which is a mix of carne asada and al pastor. I’ll admit I have yet to try the tacos or burritos because I’m obsessed with the mixed fries.
Taco Caliente is one of the few places that has al pastor. There are a lot of reasons to come here, but if you have never tried it (or you’re a big fan) get the al pastor.

They have by far the best Street tacos in town you should come on down for taco Tuesday special two street tacos and rice and beans for 4.99

Friendly little hole in the wall taco shop next to a used car dealership. Small but clean and well kept. I checked in and received a free soda. I ordered several Al Pastor tacos, a carne asada taco, several cheese quesadillas and an al pastor burrito. Everything was well priced (total paid was about $ 25 to feed 4 adults and 2 children) and delicious. I ate the burrito and put some lime and the red salsa from the salsa bar and it was perfect. The service was also excellent as the manager made rounds and made sure we were all taken care of.
If I’m ever in Escondido again, we’ll be back.