Puesto Mission Valley

5010 Mission Center Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(932 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

If you're looking for a delightful dive into contemporary Mexican cuisine, look no further than Puesto Mission Valley. Nestled at 5010 Mission Center Rd in San Diego, this vibrant eatery is not just another taco joint; it's a celebration of flavor, freshness, and a little bit of fun.

As you step inside, the warm, welcoming atmosphere greets you. The stylish decor and lively ambiance create an inviting space that’s perfect for everything from a casual meal with friends to a celebratory dinner date. The attentive staff is known for their exceptional service, ensuring you feel at home as soon as you take your seat.

Puesto's menu is a love letter to Mexican cuisine, featuring a variety of enticing dishes that will make your mouth water. The highlight? Their guacamole offerings, showcasing the Classic Guacamole, the uniquely delicious Nogada Guacamole embellished with pomegranate and candied walnuts, and the tantalizing Puesto Perfect Guacamole with a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Each dish is a textural delight—think creamy, zesty, and utterly fresh.

And let’s talk tacos! The Ribeye Tacos—a must-order as noted by multiple patrons—are packed with flavor and served on handmade blue corn tortillas that are simply a revelation. Or, if you want to treat yourself, dive into the sumptuous Passionfruit and Mango Shrimp Ceviche. With its vibrant colors and fresh seafood, it’s both a feast for the eyes and the palate.

While some diners feel certain dishes could better capture traditional Mexican flavors, the creativity and presentation stand out. Reviewers frequently rave about the “flavor bombs” that are Puesto's tacos. Diners like Cesar Delgadillo highlight the unique combinations and the crispy melted cheese tucked inside each taco, making every bite a delightful experience.

The responsive and friendly service adds another layer of enjoyment to your meal. From personalized recommendations to checking in with just the right touch, the staff makes your visit memorable—just ask August, who praised Mia's excellent service, stating she truly made his experience at Puesto unforgettable.

In short, Puesto Mission Valley is not just another restaurant—it’s an experience waiting to happen. Whether you're there for Taco Tuesday or a leisurely weekend dinner, the combination of vibrant flavors, creative dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere will keep you coming back for more. So grab your friends, a margarita, and prepare for a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

932 Reviews
Anayansi CF

09 Sep 2025

My mother and I were looking for a place to enjoy some Mexican food. We found Puesto Mexican Restaurant in Mission Valley, and it was a great choice. It was Taco Tuesday and happy hour. We sat at a table on the patio, enjoying the blue corn tortilla tacos and margaritas, which were reasonably priced. We ordered the Rib-Eye Tacos. The must-try dessert is the Mango Cake, which is shaped like a mango and is delicious. Taco Tuesday pricing begins at 3 pm, and Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3-5 pm. The servers were friendly and helpful explaining the menu.

Bethzalie Marin

25 Aug 2025

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a nice spot to relax with friends or a date. That said, if you’re actually from Mexico or know authentic Mexican cuisine, the food might not quite hit the mark. The dishes look good, but the flavors don’t really capture the essence of real Mexican cooking. It feels more like a “Mexican wannabe” It’s not terrible, just not truly authentic. Still, the good service and cozy vibe help make up for it. Overall, I’d give it a 7 out of 10.

August Lewis

28 Jul 2025

Puesto never disappoints, and this visit was the best yet—thanks to Mia! From the moment we sat down, she made us feel right at home with her warm energy and top-notch service. She was super knowledgeable about the menu, gave great recommendations, and checked in just the right amount. Now let’s talk about those tacos… unreal. The flavors are bold, the ingredients fresh, and the handmade tortillas? Next level. The filet mignon and Baja fish tacos were standouts—perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. You can tell Puesto takes their tacos seriously. Between Mia’s amazing service and the unbeatable food, this spot has become a favorite. Can’t wait to come back!

Daniel

24 Jul 2025

Food - Pretty good. Filet mignon tacos were very good. Asparagus tacos needed another flavor to be interesting. Ribeye tacos were only ok - very disappointing because I had expected this to be my favorite. Service - Excellent. Pricing - Not competitive at all. Yes, there are taco Tuesdays but 85% of the week isn’t made up of Tuesdays. These are premium tacos served up at ultra-premium prices. After tax tip, and mandatory 4% surcharge for all parties regardless of size, I paid an average of $15 for each of my three tacos. Overall - Worth a visit to try out, especially if you’re (like me) a visitor from out of town. Hard to recommend it otherwise though because your buck can go much further elsewhere.

Pallas Duong-Gundlach

12 Jul 2025

Our group of 15 walked in on Tuesday afternoon and were able to get seated pretty quickly. We went during happy hours so the price was more affordable. The food was great, the atmosphere was amazing, and the service was a little slow as we waited 15 min for them to prepare the check, and another 15-20min for them to come to collect the check and payment.

Cesar Delgadillo

01 Jul 2025

From the moment we walked into Puesto in Mission Valley, we knew we were in for something special. The vibrant atmosphere, welcoming staff, and stylish decor set the tone perfectly — but it was the food and beer that absolutely stole the show. The tacos? Unreal. Each one was a flavor bomb — perfectly seasoned meats, creative combinations, and that signature crispy melted cheese tucked inside? Game-changer. Every bite was bursting with freshness and authenticity. And don’t even get me started on the guacamole — easily some of the best I’ve ever had. And the beer selection? A thoughtfully curated lineup of local craft brews and Mexican classics that pair flawlessly with the menu. Whether you’re a casual beer drinker or a full-on hophead, there’s something here that’ll hit the spot. The service was also top-notch — attentive without being overbearing, and genuinely passionate about the food and drink they serve. Puesto Mission Valley has easily earned a spot on my must-return list. If you’re craving bold flavors, a great vibe, and seriously good beer, look no further.

Jex

17 Jun 2025

Friendly service and the ambience is perfect for a slight nicer than casual spot. Our waiter was super chill and friendly, forgot his name though. Our favorite items were the short rib tacos!

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