Tacos El Franc Brings Iconic Tijuana Flavor to San Diego’s Culinary Scene

On a sunny afternoon in Tijuana, a line snakes around the block. Locals and tourists alike wait patiently, lured by the scent of sizzling carne asada and the rhythmic sound of knives chopping adobada on a wooden block. This is Tacos El Franc not just a taqueria, but a culinary institution.

And now, for the first time in its storied history, this Baja-born legend is coming to the United States.

Opening in May 2025 at Westfield Plaza Bonita in National City, Tacos El Franc is set to ignite a new chapter of cross-border culinary celebration, bringing its award-winning tacos and time-honored traditions just minutes from downtown San Diego.

From Street Cart to Culinary Legend

The story of Tacos El Franc begins humbly on the streets of Tijuana. In 1974, founder Javier Valadez launched a modest street cart with a simple mission to serve tacos that honored the bold, smoky, layered flavors of Mexico’s northern cuisine.

By 1996, the cart had evolved into a brick-and-mortar location and Tacos El Franc quickly became a cornerstone of Tijuana’s food culture. With word-of-mouth buzz, generations of loyal customers and national acclaim, it didn’t take long for the taqueria to catch international attention.

Soon, the world took notice. The Michelin Guide gave its nod. Netflix’s Taco Chronicles told its story. And what started as a humble cart had transformed into one of the most sought-after taco destinations in all of Mexico.

A Borderless Passion for Flavor

Now, over five decades later, Tacos El Franc is making a long-awaited leap across the border. The new location in National City marks the brand’s first U.S. outpost a dream years in the making for co-owner Roberto Kelly.

Roberto’s connection to the taqueria is personal. He first tasted its tacos as a teenager and never forgot the experience. Over the next twenty years, he built a relationship with the Valadez family, earning their trust and eventually gaining their blessing to carry the Tacos El Franc name to American soil.

“There’s a part of Mexico that hasn’t yet been shared with the U.S.,” says Roberto. “The flavor and quality of authentic Tijuana tacos haven’t truly been experienced here. We’re here to change that and it’s a huge responsibility to do it right.”

Tradition in Every Detail

Bringing Tacos El Franc to San Diego wasn’t about reinvention it was about preservation. Every element of the new restaurant has been carefully designed to reflect the spirit of the Tijuana original.

The recipes are unchanged. The ingredients are of the highest quality, including charcoal-grilled meats, real avocado and the distinctive marinades that have earned the taqueria international recognition. Even the master taquero behind the grill has made the journey to ensure the food tastes exactly as it should.

Inside, guests will find an energetic, welcoming space that blends tradition with modern flair. There will be counter seating for those who love to watch the magic happen up close, along with traditional tables, high-top seating and a cheve-bar serving Mexican beer, micheladas and clamatos.

It is not just a place to grab a quick bite it is a full-service taqueria experience crafted with heart, heritage and hospitality.

More Than a Meal

Tacos El Franc is more than a restaurant. It is a cultural bridge, a memory-maker and a shared celebration of food that speaks to the soul. For many San Diegans who have crossed the border for tacos in Tijuana, it’s a taste of nostalgia. For others, it is an introduction to a rich culinary tradition they’ve never had the chance to savor.

This new location offers the best of both worlds the authenticity of the original with the accessibility and comfort of being right here in Southern California. And for Roberto and his team, success will not be measured by Instagram likes or press clippings but by the faces they see returning again and again.

“When we start seeing familiar faces return week after week, like we do in Tijuana, that’s when we’ll know we’ve made it,” Roberto says. “Our pride and joy is in the quality and taste of our tacos and we can’t wait to share that with San Diego.”

A Destination Worth Discovering

For food lovers who crave authenticity, this is more than an opening it’s an invitation. Whether you are a lifelong taco aficionado or someone seeking a genuine culinary adventure, Tacos El Franc offers a chance to taste something that transcends trends.

The new restaurant will open at Westfield Plaza Bonita, 3030 Plaza Bonita Road, Space 1108, National City, CA 91950. Conveniently located and beautifully designed, it is poised to become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.

Bringing Baja Flavor to a New Frontier

The arrival of Tacos El Franc is more than just a new restaurant in town. It is a story of passion, patience and honoring the roots of a beloved brand. It is a testament to the power of food to unite, inspire and transport us.

In a city already known for its love of tacos, the bar is high and Tacos El Franc is ready to raise it even higher.