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Armando's Taco Shop
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
10066 Pacific Heights Blvd(between Pacific Mesa Blvd & Barnes Canyon Rd)
San Diego, CA 92121
Neighborhood: Mira Mesa
(858) 554-0280
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Armando's Taco Shop
Review Highlights
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"Even better, you can get a side of carne asada for $2." In 11 reviews -
"Their fish burrito is delicious." In 22 reviews -
"I have never been disapointed with Nico's." In 8 reviews
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Miss Maggie C.
San Diego, CA
2/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
food was kind of expensive, but fish tacos are yummy! all orders come with chips and salsa!
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Review from Caren L.
Updated - 9/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Ingredients of the Bacon Breakfast Burrito at Armando's Taco Shop:
1. Tortilla
2. Bacon
3. Cheese
4. Eggs
5. Eggshells
Boo. :(1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/22/2011
If I am ever in need of a quick carb-filled meal to start off my day, Armando's is my go to Mexican… Read more »
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Review from Zildheam D.
San Diego, CA
9/23/2011
My coworker insists on going here OFTEN!
Why? because he is broke often and gets a lot of food here.
Quantity over quality here at Armandos.
Just giant greasy quesadillas with under seasoned steak and stale chips. If you are broke, go here and get the most for your money but if you can afford Havaneros about a mile away- go there instead. -
Review from Todd H.
Carmel Valley, San Diego, CA
7/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Found this place on Yelp I did not know it existed. So far it is the best place I have found in the Sorrento Valley area.
I had a CA burrito and it was good even though they use guacamole instead of sour cream.
No excited about finding this place because now my weekly calorie count is going to go up :( -
Review from Steve F.
2/18/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I finally got a chance to try this place out; it's open during the weekdays primarily for the folks near the Qualcomm area. As the traffic out of Mira Mesa Blvd. wasn't too bad, I decided to veer out and give Armando's a go.
I tried their carnitas burrito, and I have to admit... this was one of the best ones I've ever had! The carnitas were moist and juicy, the onions were crisp, and there was the right amount of guacamole in the burrito. Not just that, this burrito was HUGE; the counter girl looked surprised I only wanted 2 tubs of green salsa. In retrospect, I should've gotten a couple more tubs, as they weren't enough!
Too bad this place is only open during the weekdays, and it's kind of hard to get to, as their prices are actually quite cheap for a Mexican restaurant. Even better, you can get a side of carne asada for $2! I just wish they offered free hot carrots, but oh well. I'll still stop by here once in a while. -
Review from Josh M.
9/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
I recall Nico's being an acceptable spot for for tacos; cheap and filling in a setting designed for quick turnover.
Apparently there was no carryover to the new regime. While the prices, menu, and atmosphere are unchanged, I had, sorry to say, terrible chilaquiles here.
The red sauce was standard taco-shop picante, which had rendered the tortillas into a wet corn mush. I'm getting spoiled by the traditional versions, because the cheese at Armando's was almost all Sysco fine-shredded cheddar. There were a few onions to provide some texture, but the overall impression was as if a school cafeteria were attempting the dish. I ate a little of the rice and beans and abandoned the rest.Listed in: The Chilaquiles Hunter
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Review from Ceci Z.
1/10/2011
Amazing place for tasty and cheap burritos!
I've came here for lunch during work tons of times, service is quick and the portions are huge. My favourite, surprisingly, is the veggie burrito. It is a huge burrito filled with beans, rice and veggies. I think it is their wrap and beans that made this burrito so delicious. One burrito can last me all afternoon and into the night.
They also have tacos and other mexican dishs. However they look messy to eat and thus I've never tried them -
Review from Vinh H.
I believe Armando's recently replaced Nico's Taco Shop [http://www.yelp.com/bi....
Usually I come to this plaza for The Grill & Market Place [http://www.yelp.com/bi..., but every once in a while, you can only eat so much of the same type of food. Anyhow, I stopped by this place and ordered one of their California Burritos. My god, these are humongous. I'm usually a Breakfast Burrito or Carne Asada Burrito kind of guy. I probably cannot offer much regarding their California Burrito, but I will definitely get this from now on.
[http://www.yelp.com/bi...Listed in: lunchables.
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Review from Howard C.
San Diego, CA
5/26/2008
Are you kidding me?? 4 burritos in a week? I must be asking for a heart attack!
But hey I'm still young...maybe not my body but my birth certificate says so. Anyways, this place has some of the best and biggest burritos I have ever furiously devoured. Yah. I said furiously. I've been to every hole in the wall Mexican food joint that any of my friends know of and Nico's is really not too shabby. If you're dying for a great breakfast burrito try the machaca (sp?). You won't regret it. HOWEVER, stay away from the chorizo burrito. That spicy beef burned through the tortilla, the wrapper, the bag, 10 napkins, AND my plastic car mat. Whatever they put in the meat that day decided not to sit well at 3 am in the morning, either. Aside from that I haven't been disappointed by Nico's at all.
I'd recommend the chicken/beef burrito combo, anything carne asada, and of course the california burrito. Fast service. Expect to be back at the office to join your coworkers that decided save some cash by eating company-provided cup noodles in 15 minutes tops. Oh ya before I forget....they're cash only.
Cheap prices and good specials have made this place a hot spot for our office of hardworking underpaid starving fresh-out-of-college students. It's not rare to hear me ask "where to guys?" -and hear the response "how about Nico's? It's cheap." Of course after going there three times in a week...the answer was probably NO. If you're around the area, check it out -but don't say I didn't warn you about that spicy beef. -
Review from Meredith W.
San Diego, CA
2/4/2010
This place was once Nico's right? I worked down the street when I first moved here, and this was my introduction to San Diego breakfast burritos.
It's been a while, and I work in the area again, and decided to give Armando's a try. There was a bit of a wait at 7am. But I'm usually the first one in the office anyway, so it wasn't a big deal to me.
One thing I noticed is that the menu is pretty extensive. Lots of varieties, at least as far as my inexperienced, from-the-sticks-of-NJ self could tell.
I got the egg/cheese/potato/bacon burrito and it was HUGE. I could only eat about 3 or 4 bites before I was full. It was pretty good. I wasn't wowed by it, but it was a solidly good breakfast burrito.
I decided to save the rest and heat it up for lunch. This was a bad idea. No fault of Armando's. From my experiences at other places, burritos just don't translate well a few hours later (or the next day). You have to eat it in the heat of the moment. You know how cold pizza is AWESOME in the morning? Cold burritos are...eh. Reheated burritos are also...eh.
My rambling aside, Armando's is a good option (and I think the only option) in the area. Unless you want to go traipsing up and down Mira Mesa Boulevard at 7 or 8 am. Which I really don't suggest. It's a congested trafficky mess.
Just go to Armando's, get your burrito and get to work!Listed in: Breakfast is the Most…
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Review from Andy L.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2010
I've been coming here since it was Nico's, when their space was a little larger and their prices were a little cheaper. It used to be a ten minute walk from where I used to work, and the walk justified the food because I knew I was going to be ingesting some Big Mexican Calories.
I have yet to find a better carnitas burrito in the area than at Armando's. If you know of one better, please message me and tell me. They really slather on the guacamole, and the chill of the guac balances so well with the crunch of the onions, the moist carnitas, and the spiciness from their red salsa. Their burrito is fairly hefty...I find I need about five of those little plastic salsa containers to finish off a burrito, if I want a dollop of salsa in every bite.
Their rolled tacos are okay...they don't skimp on the guac there either, but there tends to be very little meat inside. I tried their tacos many years ago, and weren't impressed, so I haven't had them since.
For me, it's all about the Armando's carnitas burrito. -
Review from Ami M.
San Diego, CA
9/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Their fish burrito is delicious!
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Review from John N.
San Diego, CA
3/5/2009
So we just moved up to Carmel Valley after living next door to a Santana's for a few years. So when I needed a burrito fix I decided to check this place out. It's cash only, which is annoying as I use my credit card for everything, but I happened to have some cash on me. I ordered a carne asada burrio, since I didn't a California burrito on the menu (I might have just missed it) and soda. They only do canned sodas, so no refills or anything.
Now the actual burrito was pretty good, but I'm not sure it was $5.60 good. I can't really say it was worth $7+ for a fairly standard burrito and a can of soda. My wife likes to order 2 taco combos, and its a little expensive here at $8, but she said it was good... but not as good as Santana's. Anyways, I'm sure I'll be back for more. -
Review from Maria H.
La Mesa, CA
12/1/2008
A california burrito with raw potatoes is what I had to force myself to eat when I first tried this place. Horrendous! The place does not even smell good.
The service was fast and pleasant but just nothing to remember this place by. Pretty much a waste of money and time to me.
It gets busy during weekdays especially during lunch time. -
Review from Dan and Tif S.
San Marcos, CA
11/2/2008
I always thought Nico's seemed a little out of place for this shopping center. A lot of the restaurants in the Carmel Valley/Del Mar Highlands area are much more health-focused, so maybe they thought they would tap into the under-served market of secretly-grease-loving young professionals and soccer moms?
The problem is that they don't bring anything to the table. I rarely dislike an independently owned taco shop, but in my opinion you can get better Mexican food at nearby chain places like Rubio's or La Salsa. I've tried both carne asada and chicken items, and find the overall quality to be low and flavors to be bland.
The inside of the place could use an overhaul as well, it looks like 1985 threw up in there. Nico's could probably do much better if they charged a little more and increased the quality of the food. -
Review from elena m.
San Diego, CA
7/22/2010
i need to know where these other people buy their california burritos from because they think that this place's version is not the best, and I DO!!
OH EM GEE! the best california burrito ever! i add sour cream to it and it is the perfect combination of everything thats great! i am from the south bay and I have a taco shop on every block and none of their burritos are as bomb as these guys'
wtf everyone needs to jump on this wagon -
Review from MR. J.
San Diego, CA
11/20/2009
This place rocks!!!
PROS: HUGE portions...Average size of a burrito is 7.5" x 3.5"; Carnitas...their carnitas isn't pulled apart by stinky hands, it's cut, in cubes with a knife; Carne asada burrito special....You can actually get any burrito with rice & beans and a soda for $6.59; Fast, friendly service.....they are all mexican, but they are so cheerful and speak english I can understand. Become a regular and they remember your name and hand you your food with a smile...all within 5 minutes of ordering. And you can request something odd and they don't care. Try my favorite carne asada/carnitas salad with guacomole and a side of rice and beans in the same container.
CONS: Not a fan of the chicken tacos...tastes like it's not fully cooked or marinated too long...same goes for the pollo asado. I think cause its all thigh meat; not open late night or on the weekends -
Review from Richard C.
San Diego, CA
5/3/2010 19 Check-ins Here
Not bad at all. I like the rolled tacos here (they're pretty popular from what I've seen people order), and the breakfast burrito is pretty good as well. Their california burrito isn't the best I've ever had, and their salsa verde is tasty, but a bit runnier than I'd like it to be. Their carne asada fries are pretty typical and comes with standard with shoestring fries, guac, cheese (the yellow kind and the white kind) and sour cream.
Their adobada is a bit less traditional than you'd expect, but it's still tasty. -
Review from Brian O.
Saratoga, CA
4/21/2010
Mom and pop Mexican food places live or die by their California burritos in my book. This delicacy is Southern California inspired old school taco stand fare, which makes it the benchmark of greasy Mexican food joints across the region. A good California burrito has everything right: flavourful carne asada, thick guacamole, fresh pico, greasy fries and rich cheese. Garnish with spicy hot sauce (no less than four containers will do) that can't be runny. If all these ingredients come together, you've got a great fatty lunch or something to fill the hunger from a hard night of drinking.
Armando's failed pretty hard on all accounts today. I got suspicious when it only took them three minutes to have my burrito ready. Who are you guys, McDonald's? I want you to COOK my food, not have it sitting under a heat lamp. If it's good I'LL WAIT, trust me.
The grisly carne asada tasted burned, the hot sauce was runny and the guac was far from creamy and almost non-existent. If you can't get the Cali burrito right, I'll stay away from your other plates. -
Review from Tiffany T.
San Diego, CA
6/26/2010
I've been going here for over 2 years now and it's still one of the best fast food mexican food places I've found.
The rolled tacos are always good, with generous helpings of guacamole and cheese. I've tried several burritos and they've all been huge and delicious. The carne asada was tasty though the meat can be a little dry. The chicken adobo is also tasty though it can be salty and wet so it gets messy.
My favorite is the california burrito. So huge and flavorful. The fries are the thin and crispy, a nice bit of texture.
Since I work down the street, this is a regular stop. It's one of the top 3 places our office considers for lunch nearby. It can get very busy around lunch time, so we try to beat the lunch rush by getting there before noon. -
Review from Tina S.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2010
I was in San Diego for work and being taken here for lunch. I have no idea what to order so I asked the cashier who was very friendly. She suggested fish taco and I also ordered a medium Hisbiscus tea. It was a very large portion for the taco as well as the drink! The taco was very tasty with the salad and fried fish and it's not as filling as a burrito. This is something I will order in future at a Mexican restaurant. The Hisbiscus tea is very refreshing, good for a hot afternoon. This place is very busy at lunch hour with efficient service. When I asked for a bag for the left over she brought that as well as a sheet of foil to me. Friendly and good service. Way to go~
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Review from Ben M.
San Diego, CA
4/17/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Standard taqueria. I like their adobada. Other burritos I've had were what I would expect from a taqueria like this.
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Review from Peter H.
San Diego, CA
1/27/2010
I love Mexican food but I'm very picky about the quality and authenticity. I have tried many places and have to say this is one of my favorite: service is fast and food are very tasty and fresh.
Love this place. -
Review from Amanda S.
San Diego, CA
3/13/2007
I have a hard time giving a taco shop more than 3 stars, no matter how good it is. That being said....I have never been disapointed with Nico's....especially for the breakfast burritos. They are quick....it is clean and they don't make you wait as long as Roberto's down by Torrey Pines.
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Review from Lindsay L.
Walnut Creek, CA
7/2/2008
Do I want to split this breakfast burrito that's the length of my forearm? HELL NO! Every Friday my coworkers would witness the gluttonous side of me when we ordered burritos from Nico's. Was it embarrassing that I was the only one who wouldn't split one with someone else? Yes, but it was so worth it. Hand me some of that green sauce!
Listed in: Best and Worst of my Beloved…
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Review from Erich L.
San Diego, CA
2/22/2007
A friend recommended me to this place for rolled tacos. They were alright, but I tried this place again for other food and it was pretty bad. Guess it's only good for the office bunch during the lunch hour jam. Can't really recommend this place.
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Review from Steph N.
CA
9/12/2007
Awww yeah - this is the BEST place for bean and cheese with shredded lettuce, the best rolled tacos, the bast carne asada tacos, the best chicken burrito, umm - how much room do I get and how much time do you have? Back in the day I worked mere minutes from here and as such ate nearly everything I could shove down my gullet. Fabulouso. Cheap and delicious people, what more do you want?
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Review from Amy T.
Escondido, CA
8/24/2010
GREAT. The absolute best breakfast burritos...get it with eggs, cheese, bacon, potatoes and mexican salsa cooked in. Love it! Carna Asada chips is my next favorite.
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Review from Brian H.
San Diego, CA
11/4/2009
I ordered the carnitas plate. The lady taking my order yells to the chef what number I ordered. He opens a bin and pours out pork cubes on to the grill. Instant regret. This was the second chance I gave them too.
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Review from Phillip B.
San Diego, CA
12/30/2009
When you work in corporate areas like Sorrento Valley in San Diego, you end up looking for a quick pick for lunch when you decide to eat out. Armando's is one of those spots that end up becoming "the" place to eat during work hours. Portions are plenty and the taste is pretty good. Only complaint is... they mess up on their debit card transactions. I ordered a bean and cheese burrito with guacamole which was totaled up to $4.26 including taxes. I gave them my debit/credit card and I got charged a total of $5.31. This has happened twice, and it never happens when you pay in cash.
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Review from Frederick Y.
San Diego, CA
7/20/2009
Crowded at lunch time.
Chorizo & Egg Burrito - Too much chorizo for any one person to eat.
Bacon, Potato, Cheese & Egg Burrito - Excellent. My favorite.
Ham, Potato, Cheese & Egg Burrito - Can't taste the ham.
Steak, Cheese & Egg Burrito - Excellent.
Carne Asada Burrito - Contains Mexican Salsa & Guacamole. Didn't like it.
Quesadilla - Too much cheese.
Carne Asada Quesadilla - Perfect blend of meat & cheese.
Chips w/ Guacamole - Awesome. Smooth, tasty guacamole. -
Review from Reza O.
San Diego, CA
9/20/2006
Perfect place for a cheap lunch on a workday. Grab a seat quick though, they go fast. And if you don't like it, there's a sub shop, a middle eastern cafe, and a sushi place right next door.
