The Legend of Tacos El Franc Comes to San Diego

If you’ve ever had a late-night craving for authentic Mexican street tacos—the kind that makes your eyes roll back and your soul do a happy dance—then buckle up, because Tacos El Franc has landed in San Diego. And yes, the hype is real.

I’m not talking about some trendy fast-casual place that adds kale to its tacos and calls it innovation. No, Tacos El Franc is the real deal: rich adobo dripping from the trompo, carne asada grilled over charcoal, and tortillas that taste like they were hand-pressed by someone’s abuela. Their newest U.S. location at Westfield Plaza Bonita (with another on the way in Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter) delivers everything we love about street food culture—flavor, family, and that unmistakable aroma of pure taco magic.

A Humble Beginning with a Lot of Heart

The story begins in 1996, when Don Javier Valadez opened a tiny taquería on a street corner in Tijuana. There were no billboards, no influencers, no marketing gimmicks—just good food, made the right way. The plan wasn’t to become famous; it was to feed people well, and it worked. Locals came. Friends brought friends. Tourists wandered in and left as evangelists. Eventually, Tacos El Franc was featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles and honored in the Michelin Guide in both 2024 and 2025. Not too shabby for a little taco stand that started with nothing but heart and a hot grill.

It was around this time that a young man named Roberto Kelly walked into that humble taquería—and fell in love. Not just with the food (although, same), but with the energy, the work ethic, and the soul of the place. He knew he wanted to bring Tacos El Franc north of the border one day. That dream took decades, but when you’re working with recipes passed down for generations, patience comes naturally.

It’s Not Just a Taco—It’s an Experience

I showed up at the new Plaza Bonita location with a purse full of expectations and an empty stomach. The line? Wrapped around the corner. The smell? Absolutely intoxicating. You know it’s going to be good when your mouth starts watering before you even make it to the register.

We ordered... well, everything. carne asada, adobada, tripas (yes, I went there), plus quesadillas, loaded fries, and tacos with extra guac because obviously. I’ll be honest—we overdid it, but how else do you conduct research?

Let me say this clearly: Tacos El Franc does not disappoint. The meat is tender and smoky, the tortillas soft and warm, and the guacamole is real—none of that watered-down green goo pretending to be avocado. Every bite tasted like tradition, like home, like love in edible form. And yes, my mouth is watering again just thinking about it.

Oh—and don’t worry about where to sit. Whether you want to chill indoors or soak up the California sun, they've got both indoor and outdoor patio seating. Pair your tacos with a cold, traditional Mexican beer, and you've got yourself the perfect afternoon. The best part? These tacos are made by hands that know exactly what they’re doing—many of the taqueros behind the counter have over 20 years of experience. That’s not just skill; that’s flavor earned through time.

A Conversation with the Heart Behind the Brand

Despite the line out the door and the hustle inside, Roberto took time to sit down with us. That says a lot about him. As he shared his journey, what struck me most was his passion—not just for tacos, but for people. He talked about his team like they were family (they are), about his customers like they were old friends (they feel like it), and about the importance of staying true to their roots.

“We’ll always be rooted in the flavors and values that built us,” Roberto said with a smile. And when you taste the food, you know he means it.

More Than a Meal—It’s a Movement

Bringing Tacos El Franc to San Diego is more than just a restaurant expansion—it’s cultural diplomacy through carne asada. It’s proof that tradition can travel, that recipes can cross borders and still feel local, and that sometimes, the best way to bring people together is over a plate of tacos and a shared love for real food.

So, next time you’re in National City, head to Westfield Plaza Bonita and find Tacos El Franc. Just follow your nose, or the line of people dreaming about tacos. And if you’re downtown in a few weeks, the Gaslamp location will be heating things up soon, too.

Whether you're a lifelong taco snob (guilty) or just someone who enjoys a good bite, Tacos El Franc is your new go-to.

And a tip from someone who’s already dreaming of their next visit: get the adobada taco, add extra guac, and don’t wear white. Trust me.

Related Articles:

• Tacos El Franc Brings Iconic Tijuana Flavor to San Diego’s Culinary Scene
• San Diego Welcomes an Icon of Tijuana Flair with the Grand Opening of Tacos El Franc