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Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican
1810 W Washington St(between Portola Pl & India St)
San Diego, CA 92103
Neighborhood: Mission Hills
(619) 296-8226
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 2:30 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Ragzz D. said: "the atmosphere is great, so is the mariachi band. The margaritas are good. The chips and salsa another plus. The wait ...a minus... The food- i had the tostada and it was pretty good. my parents had the rajas poblanas and didn't like…" read more »
1645 reviews for Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop
Review Highlights
"the surf and turf burrito is still my favorite."
(in 240 reviews)
"The carne asada was perfectly marinated."
(in 341 reviews)
"Super Secret Chipotle sauce was amazing."
(in 21 reviews)
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1642 reviews in English
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Review from Shannon K.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Have been here a bunch of times and love nearly everything about it. The burritos are huge in my opinion - it always makes 2 meals for me. The hot carrots are yummy and the salsas are great. By the way, the green salsa that people keep mentioning in their reviews is a cucumber salsa; I should know because it's my favorite and I've eaten heaps of it. :-)
The atmosphere makes it a fun place to take non-locals, but the food is what brings me back over and over again even when I'm not with out-of-towners. -
Review from Patricia Y.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2012
EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Another one of those places that got super over-hyped thanks to Food Network.
Just visited last night after about a year- makes sense why I haven't been back for a year. The stuff is good but was never really worth the drive or wait. Way better burritos elsewhere.
I don't know if I'm remember incorrectly but I think the portions got smaller? As a self-proclaimed fatgirl, I was not happy. Had the standard Surfin' California burrito and it was okay from what I hear. The Surf and Turf is better.. (I'm REALLY over the whole french fries in your burrito thing). I had the Smackdown Quesadilla. I have a question.. where's my cheese? I thought Quesadillas had cheese in them.. mine barely had any.
The salsas are also whatev. Almost all of them have this Lucas (the Mexican candy) aftertaste. The only one I liked was the green and white one that looks wrong and dirty.
It's clean, but non-authentic. -
Review from Jack H.
San Jose, CA
2/8/2012
Delicious burritos and tacos. Decor is a trip but suits the theme and food, taqueria! The classic Carne Asada meet was dry and code but was big. The Undefeated Seafood Taco with Mahi Mahi was excellent in flavor, size and taste. I'm not big on shrimp, but Surfin' California was awesome. This time the carne asada was tender due to being wrapped in the tortilla. There's also a large selection of sauces (8 or so) to go with the chips and food.
Worth the trip. I'm from out of town and looks like the best thing would be to call it in to avoid the long line. -
Review from Dalat N.
San Diego, CA
2/6/2012
Parking is a little tricky, but most people in San Diego should be used to this kind of sitch'
Strolled in on a good word that this was a must go to, they use french fries for their potatoes in burritos giving it a munch better texture and flavor. Everything is very reasonably priced and portioned for the fatty and hungry. The salsas are top notch as well! -
Review from Sang P.
2/4/2012
Ordered the Surfin' California Burrito. I'll get to that later. When I first got here, I was like "hmm this place is empty. I thought it was supposed to be famous"
But then I realized we were lucky. This place WAS empty around 11 PM but as soon as we ordered our food, a huge group of people crowded into this famous joint.
Alas, I was able to enjoy my burrito that came out quickly but I knew it was made fresh because it was warm.
The combination of shrimp, carne asada, and the fries were amazing. Along with the sauce inside - and of course the salsa bar.
I have no idea of the names but I recommend the white + green (okay don't want to sound dirty). It had a tingy flavor that I really liked. And the really red one was good too - perfectly spicy the way I like it.
Why the minus star? Well, portions were quite small and my friends didn't enjoy the fries they ordered - and when I tried theirs I agreed - something was bit off. Maybe we're too used to the cheaper and dirtier fries that we usually get.
Overall, pretty great place - not a LEGIT mexican place to go but a clean, but filling place that I would frequent if it were closer. -
Review from Doug M.
Chula Vista, CA
2/6/2012
Saw this place on Man Vs. Food. I got what was shown on TV, the Surfin California burrito. Wow! There is nowhere in San Diego that makes a burrito like it. Everything in it is perfect. They also have a salsa bar with fresh made salsa. They are also outstanding.
Depending on when you go, I would plan on either calling your order in or waiting in a 15 minute line just to order. If you call in though, you have to pick it up and leave.
The parking situation is not ideal. Thats the only bad thing about it. -
Review from Michelle K.
Garden Grove, CA
2/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Every time I come down to San Diego from OC, this is a go-to burrito spot. I always get a california burrito or the surf and turf burrito. It's muy delicioso! The burritos are really huge and I love how the tortilla is always a little toasted.
Honestly, the best part about this place is the salsa bar. They have a creamy cilantro salsa and the MANGO HABANERO is to die for. The only problem is that the salsa cups are SO SMALL I have to walk back like 4 times for refills or ask the guy for 6 extra salsa cups.
Words of advice: Ask for extra salsa cups ahead of time so you don't have to wait in line. ;) -
Review from Mark D.
San Diego, CA
2/1/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love Lucha Libre! I've been 3 times so far and had the Surf & Turf Burrito and their Classic California Burrito. Neither has disappointed--they're among the best burritos I've ever had. The free tortilla chips are OK, about what you'd expect for free. Their salsa bar includes a pretty good variety of salsas and always tastes fresh. If you're a craft beer fan (which I am), Lucha Libre carries a nice selection of craft bottles (I've stuck with Coke, but that'll change, I'm sure).
Prices are very reasonable. I get a burrito and drink and get out of there for under $10 each time. That makes for a great lunch in my mind!
The only downside to Lucha Libre is the lack of parking and limited seating. If they're busy, guests will have a hard time finding a seat because the location is small. Those are the only negatives and there isn't much they can do about that right now. -
Review from Carl B.
Los Angeles, CA
2/1/2012
Wow. This is the best burrito I've ever had. After seeing this on Man vs. Food, I had to check it out for myself and boy did it live up to the hype.
Get the Surfin' California burrito. Steak, shrimp, french fries, and the most delicious chipotle sauce that will have you savoring every bite. I make sure to head to Lucha Libre every time I'm in SD and you should too. -
Review from Heidi G.
It's probably best for my health that I live a good driving distance away from Luchas.
You know that moment you have when you have to close your eyes and stop talking to the people you're there with just to grab an extra moment with your meal.
Their steak tacos are HUGE and packed full of the most delicious ingredients I've ever come across. Their super secret sauce could have crack in it for all I know and you know what, I wouldn't even mind. Many apologies to the friend I was there with who I hadn't seen in a long time and I swear, I'm a great listener, but from now on we're going to have to go somewhere else to catch up because to this day I don't know half the things she said to me. Delicioso! -
Review from Kelly G.
Damn, I thought I reviewed this place!
QUESO TACOS... made with FRIED CHEESE. Seriously. Sign me up for anything with fried cheese. I've been here 3-4 times now and LOVE it. First time I got the Queso Tacos with chicken and they were good, but not great. Next time I tried it with FRIES and they are perfect that way. Yummy corn tortillas, fried cheddar cheese, fries, avocado and sauce. Add salsa if you so desire. My last taco didn't have quite enough avocado (see my pic), so hopefully next time it will be better. The last few were so awesome that I won't hold this against them! I'm not a huge salsa fan, so the salsa bar doesn't really apply for me, but my friends have enjoyed it.
Yes, this place got a lot of press from being on Man vs. Food. The line can often go out the door, but it moves fairly quickly. The service was great and the workers were managing the crowds of people very well. The dining room is on the small side, but I've been able to find a seat. Parking can be a bit difficult depending on the time of day... so you might have to circle around and walk a few blocks.
One of these days I will reserve the fancy gold booth... just gotta plan to go there more than 24 hours in advance!
Get the Queso Tacos with Fries... 2 will fill you up, or get one with a side of rice and beans. ENJOY! -
Review from Randy C.
1/27/2012
Very fun place with good food and loads of atmosphere. It has been reviewed a billion times, so I am going to focus on helpful things to know for the first timer.
1. Parking. Mainly it is the suck. They suggest parking in the adjacent (to the east) lot at Yoshinos..and that is at times possible. But Yoshinos can also get very crowded at lunch or dinner. You can break the rules and park at El Indio, but be aware they close the lot at 9:00pm. Or park on a street. Walking is good for you.
2. Entering. There is a line normally. It may be out the door. Do not worry, it moves fast.
3. Ordering. When you get to the counter and place your order, you will be handed a tray with the salsa cups and your drink(s). They may take your name. There are a good selection of drinks and craft beers such as Green Flash IPA or the old south-of-the-border standards like Modello and Corona. Non-bottled drinks have free refills.
4. Tables. It seems like the standard order of procedure was to take your tray and then look for a table, either inside or out. Tables clear pretty quickly so nobody was waiting too long. This place is probably not a good idea for a large group. Kinda odd though to see the roped off "champions" table empty, while people are waiting to get a seat.
5. Sitting. It is warm inside and jackets take too much valuable space up. Leave them in the car. When you get a table, go and get the salsas. Have fun, there is a good selection of tasty salsas. Either your food will be brought to you, or your name called. You will probably be asked to take your tray up to get your food...probably a good idea no matter what.
6. Eating. The size of the food is relative to the costs. The $1.50 TJ Hotdog is a nice side or appetizer, but you would need maybe 3 to fill up. The $3.50-4.00 tacos are great, but you probably want two of them. The burritos are more expensive, but they can feed a small family. HUGE. As in "unhinge your jaw" to eat big.
7. Desert or more beer. Now you are finishing up your meal but your bottle is empty and that flan looks tempting, specially for under $2.00. Do you have to stand in line again? AYYYYCHI Carumba! The quick answer is no. Head back to the counter and you can order desert or another beer...or another taco.
7. Leaving. Bus your own table. Separate the baskets from the recyclables and the trash. If you want, take a picture against the backdrop next to the salsas and counter. Ask the guy with the mask to pose with you. :)
Local hint. Calling ahead and taking out is a good option. -
Review from Anthony N.
National City, CA
1/27/2012
Surf N Turf. DO IT!!!
Carne Asada anything. DO IT!!! -
Review from Rosemary R.
San Diego, CA
1/29/2012
When visiting here, it's obvious Lucha Libre is very popular. The seats are almost always full and sometimes it can get very crowded and hot and you may be forced to stand to the side (but not always) and wait in a small, busy, and stuffy space for your food (so I recommend ordering ahead of time, for take-out, to move things along faster) but none of that matters really because the food at the end of it is worth all of it.
I come here strictly for my favorite taco--the Queso Taco with fries. I also like to order TJ corn and an orange Jarritos (soft drink) and their yummy cilantro sauce/salsa to go with it to truly complete my scrumptious order.
I love that taco so much I took my father here once and he was pretty adamant that this place couldn't really be considered "Mexican food" but he did really like all the Luchador memorabilia and he didn't exactly complain when he ate up all his food!
But it's true in that there food isn't "traditional Mexican food" in the way you might see it in other places--they are much better than that!
Bottom line: They are quirky, cool, and all-around delicious! -
Review from Carissa M.
San Diego, CA
1/15/2012
There are better taco shops down in chula vista.
Okay hold up, maybe I'm bitter because this is the closest taco shop to my apartment and it was much more enjoyable before man vs food blew it up.
Anyway, order ahead and pickup--let the tourists fight over the seating. -
Review from Monique L.
Chandler, AZ
2/1/2012
I went here because of the man vs fiood show, instead of the surf and turf California,I ended up having the surf and turf burrito, the only difference is the californina has french fries. It was ok, I had to add salt and lots of salsa to give it flavor. Im not glad I didnt get the surf and turf californina because I tried my friends carne asada fries and they tasted a day old. We booked the champions booth, that was the best part off the meal. Its an all gold table and you get the VIP treatment while sitting there. Our waitor was less than VIP, felt like he was not wanting to be there that day. The only thing that I could say was good here was the abodabo quessedilla and the salsas, nothing else. I will not be returning here. People who have put the best burrito they have ever had, have not had authentic mexican food or dont care about flavor.
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Review from Johnny L.
San Ysidro, CA
2/9/2012
Ahhh the infamous Lucha Libre Taco Shop of San Diego that came out on Man VS Food. Heres the thing about this spot, it dosent suck the food is good and the place is interesting, its a nice place and good if you feel like having mexican food and dont wanna go to your regular old taco shop. Im gonna break this down for you and give you what I really think. SKIP TO BOTTOM CONCLUSION FOR STRAIGHT TO THE POINT.
PRICE:
Price wise the place is decent pretty much I find the prices to be average about what you'll expect to find at any taco shop.
FOOD:
The food is like i said good thats it... period! or better said its OK..period! Is it THE BEST IN SD? NO!!! Is it OVER RATED AND TOO HYPED UP? YES!!! Just because somethings on TV dosent mean its awesome, just take a look at the stupid jersey shore show and at snooki theyre both stupid. There are DEFINITELY BETTER PLACES just have to find them, if you go down to places like Barrio Logan, Chula Vista, San Ysidro, Imperial Beach, your more likely to find some really bomb burritos for slightly less. As for portion its good, once again typical and average. Horchata and Jamaica was nasty its that fountain one n I just hate the stuff lots of shops have this though so yeah. If you feel like having some mexican hot dogs and dont wanna go to across the border this place is good for that. If you want carne asada fries, enchiladas, tj tacos then there are BETTER PLACES AS WELL. BEST THING ABOUT LUCHA the sauces i give them that, the sauces are bomb. Another good thing, this is one of the few taco shops that has beer which is always nice.
THE PLACE:
The place it self although far from me is a nice place it not far from downtown SD or from Sea World so a GOOD PLACE FOR TOURISTS.Its also a small place so sucks when it gets busy since there isnt much space and seating, people drop a lot of food because there isnts enough space to move around sometimes haha. GETS BUSY ESPECIALLY WEEKENDS so you could wait in line for about 20-30 mins. Is the wait worth it??? well if your with friends and want something different yeah sure why not, would it be a place I would go myself and wait... heck no! Would i go myself weekdays when less busy, once again no. Lets not forget lots of lucha libre decor which I liked and its pretty cool since I grew up on that, Im mexican grew up in San Ysidro and Tijuana so loved that.
CONCLUSION:
Places is ok, too hyped up, overrated, GREAT salsa, ok service, small place, has beer, decent prices, gets real busy on weekends could wait up to 30 mins, great decor, yes i would recommend to tourists and other people, but not call it BOMB or the best, there definitely are better taco shops oh and its NOT AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD. MEXICAN FOOD IS NOT JUST TACOS AND BURRITOS PEOPLE THAT MORE OF MEXICAN FAST FOOD. Would i go back yeh on a night out with friends i guess or if im around the area and with friends but it ok nothing more. -
Review from Bonsuela G.
San Diego, CA
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
When this spot first opened up, I was here frequently. I loved the veggie burrito and their salsas are fantastic.
After moving out of the area, I took a hiatus. Then a month or so ago, I went back. I ordered the veggie tacos. I was a little disappointed in the lack of flavor. The salsas are still good, but the veggie tacos are a little too jam-packed with veggies/cheese, making it almost impossible to eat with your hand.
Lucha still gets hella packed too, so finding a seat can be daunting at times. -
Review from Melody T.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
My sister came back from San Diego two weeks ago with her head in the clouds smiling uncontrollably stating that her life had been changed having eaten a Surfin' California burrito from Lucha Libre.
Sometimes she falls in love with food a little too hard, and I tried really hard not to over anticipate a life changing burrito.
Thankfully, the Surfin' California Burrito did not disappoint! The steak, shrimp, french fry, avocado, pico de gallo, cheese, and super secret chipotle sauce wonder WAS a life changing experience and worth the wait!
I wonder if I will ever think of San Diego without thinking of the Surfin' California Burrito. -
Review from Linda S.
Rowland Heights, CA
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I do have to stress that the hot dog is not all that (though the boy says the meat is pretty good)
Carne Asada Fries, on the other hand, is so worth the calories.
Ladies, please share and eat slowly! It comes in a huge aluminum deep dish with a very generous amount of gauc, carne asada, cheese, ... you name it! The taste lingers in your mouth from start to finish. Green sauce is bomb! Def no need to purchase the "secret sauce". -
Review from Jennifer S.
San Diego, CA
1/27/2012
Do you see how many reviews there are for this place? And how many stars it has?
Just.....stop reading Yelp and go already!
Had Champ fries with steak...deeeelicious. Something about how they make their fries..it's just so good. -
Review from David M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2012
My girl & I had to check this place out after seeing it on man v food. We were not dissapointed at all. This is one of the best Mexican food we ever tasted. I got the surfin California burrito which had shrimp, fries, carna asada & secret sauce. The steak was thee best ever. It was authentic carna asada that they actually grill not fry like albertos does. The shrimp were huge. My girl got the classic carna asada with beans added. Omfg!! Her burrito was thee best. The guacamole was perfect. The beans tasted like the best beans made at home by mom. We also shared tj corn which is corn in a cup with chile, lemon, mayo & cheese. That was awesome & no mess like u get when u eat on the cob. What was also awesome, it was unlimited orange bang. We came 2 days later when we were in San Diego. How great this place is. Only bad thing, parking is really bad cuz the club next door. But so worth it
-
Review from christopher s.
San Diego, CA
1/3/2012
My wife and I had to see what all the hoopla about this place was all about and went to Lucha Libre. As I got in line to order, my wife, pregnant at the time, grabbed a seat while I was in line. As I got to the front front of the line, the cashier woman, instead of taking my order, walks over to my wife and argues with her that there is no seat saving. She holds up the entire ordering line and practically berates her in front of everyone.
Now, there clearly is a sign on the outside that indicates no seat saving but her behavior was borderline "road house" bounceresque and was completely uncalled for. In the end I ran over to her and had to argue with her that my wife is pregnant and that I'm at the front of the line so that it would be rather pointless to kick my wife out of her seat. There was just no sense of understanding and the girl was rude and unapologetic.
We eventually got our food, and honestly, it was just ehh, ok. The meat was a little tough and frankly, it needed more marinade. It wasn't bad food, just very generic. The La Posta right up the street honestly has a better California burrito without the "road house" attitude.
Based on the food alone, I'd give it 2 stars but with the rude service and very difficult parking, I have to give it a 1. -
Review from Genevieve C.
San Diego, CA
1/22/2012
Was in the area and decided to stop in because of all the good reviews I have heard about this place. It was about 10pm on a Saturday night and almost all the tables were full. There was no line which was awesome! I guess the line is split into two. The left side is for to go orders and the right side is for eat in orders. My boyfriend and I walked in on the left side and were standing there reading the menu (as this was our first time). The girl behind the counter asked us to move over the other side of the divider for reasons I could not understand because she was mumbling and turning around doing other things while talking to us. She didn't even say please with her request.
We stepped up to the counter to order a Surfin California Burrito. During the entire transaction the woman behind the counter didn't smile or offer any kind of pleasant demeanor. For me, I like to feel welcome at a restaurant and not feel like I am wasting the staff's time.
I would go back to try out the customer service on a different day, because maybe she was just having a bad day. She did give us some chips to snack on while we waited, which was nice.
Our food came out quickly and it was a large burrito, which we split. I asked for the Chipotle Sauce on the side. To make up for the lack of sauce I dipped it in the creamy green cilantro sauce from the salsa bar. It is such a delicious sauce! Another good sauce is the mango salsa. Back to the burrito: the shrimp was large and succulent; however, it could have used more avocado and less french fries.
Overall, on this visit the cashier was not very inviting and personable and the food was good, but nothing I haven't tasted before...except for the cilantro sauce and the mango salsa! -
Review from Robb A.
San Diego, CA
1/28/2012
Love the surf n turf. So filling. This place is really fun and has an awesome salsa bar. A san diego must go to.
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Review from Mel B.
San Diego, CA
12/31/2011
There's nothing wrong with the food here. There's also nothing spectacular about it. I'm a San Diego native and, to be quite honest, Lucha Libre is for people not from here. This is NOT the best Mexican food in San Diego. It's just popular because it was on TV. This place is for people who are secretly too intimidated by other races to try their food. The reason these posers come to Lucha is because they feel it's a safe way to try authentic food that they would otherwise be too scared to try. I can hear them saying something like: "Well, I saw it on the food network or something so, like, it must be safe to eat. I mean, it wouldn't be on TV if it wasn't okay, right?" So dumb. Really dumb. For real.
I remember going to Lucha a few years back. The place was empty. No lines. No waiting. No surprise.
But now, the place always has people pouring out the door. Why? It's the same freakin spot with the same freakin food! That's when you know it's just a bunch of tourists, military folks, and newly-relocated individuals from Riverside or someplace equally culture-less.
If you want to waste your time in the line, go ahead. You'll get an average meal and you'll feel a little more culturally sensitive. But just remember that true San Diegans are laughing at you when you rush back to the office the next day and gush about "the, omg, CRAZY burrito" you ate from an overrated restaurant. -
Review from Annaliese D.
Berkeley, CA
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Best meat in a burrito goes to Lucha Libre. I also liked their nachos, which were topped generously meat, cheese, beans, guac and sour cream. They definitely don't skimp on the portions and the prices are on par for Mexican food around San Diego, especially for the quality of the meat they use.
I love all the salsas, but the mango salsa and cilantro salsa are the best.
Tip: The line goes out the door, but you can call in your order and skip the line. -
Review from Shirley D.
San Jose, CA
1/16/2012
"The more south you go, the better the mexican food is"
Knowing this, I jumped at the best mexican joint there is in San Diego. I needed a taste of a legit burrito and by that I mean I wanted to go to a run down - hole in the wall mexican joint with folks who are so native I'd have to try out my 2 years of spanish class i took in high school to order.
Lucha Libre may not be all of the things above but the burritos, tacos and champion fries (carne asada fries) are to die for. Perfectly marinated.
Lucha Libre will not let you down. -
Review from Huyen N.
San Jose, CA
1/15/2012
Definitely one of those place that are overrated by Yelp and a T.V show Man vs. Food.
Food was not bad but not a 4 stars good. One of the best part of Lucha Libre is the variety of the sauces and they definitely make food much better. The chips that they give out are very fresh and go well with the sauces. I ordered the Surf California Burrito and thought that it was ok with too much fries. On one side, shrimps are very fresh and yummy and carne asada was too dry on the other side of my burritos. Overall, it was good but I've had better in San Diego. -
Review from Dan Y.
Cheviot Hills, CA
12/28/2011
I don't watch much TV nor do I really enjoy going to restaurants that featured by shows. Whether it's the fat man on Man vs. Food, or the blonde fat man on Diners, Drive-ins, Dives, it sometimes makes me wonder if they're actually just a minority stakeholder in the restaurant. Unfortunately to me, Lucha Libre is just another restaurant that was lucky enough to be on TV but without the food and service to back up the hype here on Yelp.
1) Location: This place is soooo easy to miss, I actually drove past it three times before I realized where it was. There's not really an easily readable sign that says Lucha Libre. It's right on the corner, in between the gas station and liquor store. I ended up parking on the street perpendicular to Washington at the meters.
2) Service: One-word: S-U-C-K-S. I visited the restaurant on a Sunday evening 6pm and there was already a line out the door. The guy at the register was cool and the guy distributing orders seemed like a chill guy too. But seriously... two guys working front of house for a restaurant overflowing with a line out of door and a 30 minute wait? Nobody to wipe tables, empty the trash can, clean the salsa bar, etc. I hope these two guys are earning $20 an hour because they're easily (trying) to do the job of five guys.
3) Food: Usually if the service sucks, the food needs to come up big and pick up the slack. I didn't get that feeling here. Ordered a California Surfin' Burrito with Asada, Fries, Cheese, Avocado, Chipotle sauce. It tasted like something I could purchase at Rubio's. Nothing stood out. Also ordered a Tap Out Taco: another mediocre offering that also could be made at any chain Mexican restaurant. I really wanted to love the food here but it wasn't for me. What stood out: huge size of tacos. My advice would be to get two tacos than a burrito and fill up on tortilla.
Conclusion: if this place hired an extra person for front of house, it would have been a much better experience. I don't know... maybe somebody called in sick that day? Also, the food is nothing special and waiting 30 minutes to eat at the restaurant certainly was NOT worth it.
That being said, go out and try it one time. Maybe french fries in a burrito and HUGE tacos is something that hits your spot. I warn you though, get it to go or call in your order. It will save you a lot of standing around as it's not a good experience to eat in the restaurant with as you feel rushed to swallow your food whole for the next party to sit.
To me, this place is just a tourist trap, I find it hard to believe that locals frequent this place... -
Review from Dave M.
San Diego, CA
2/5/2012
I fucking love this place.
-
Review from Trina L.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here
There is definitely no shortage of mexican food in SD but this place is by far my favorite!
This place gets 5 stars because the food is fresh and DELICIOUS and the salsa bar is amazing. I am a sauce girl- I can't eat anything without drenching it in sauce so having so many options is a plus whether I'm feeling mango salsa, or something a little spicier or even creamier, they have it all all!
I usually get the Surfin CA and it never disappoints! It is one of the most popular items on the menu and with good reason. They actually put in whole slices of real avocado, big chunks of shrimp and the meat is always really tender. They offer wheat tortillas if you're feeling healthy for 50 cents more as well.
I have yet to "eat like a champion" at the big golden booth that you can reserve 24 hours in advance, but I definitely plan on it ! -
Review from Richard G.
San Jose, CA
12/26/2011
I've probably been to 80+ mexican restaurants/taquerias in my life time. This place is easily in the top 3 of best mexican food I have ever had.
We got the idea to go to this place when we watched Man vs. Food's episode on San Diego. We both ordered the Surfin California and were FLOORED!!! The carne asada is straight up perfect: tender, juicy, and flavorful. The shrimp, chipotle sauce and avocado blend in perfectly with the burrito.
The actual restaurant has a very cool/unique/vibrant style, and the workers/owners seem really friendly and cool. I would definitely recommend this place and wish the owners the best!!! -
Review from Johnny K.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Freestyle Wrestling.
On my way to the airport, I had to get one last meal in before returning home. Boy am I glad I decided to stop by Lucha Libre.
As I approached the restaurant, there was a short line forming into the restaurant. The interior is decorated with Mexican Wrestling memorabilia from the ceiling to the floor. There was even a picture of Adam Richman from Man vs. Food on the wall (of course he's been here).
With a half empty stomach and an appetite for destruction, it was time to get our grub on. Surf and Turf burrito, TJ Dog and TJ corn were the choices my stomach was calling for.
Surf and Turf burrito was plenty flavorful. The shrimp and steak were seasoned very well and was put together just right the right fillings. This was pleasant to eat as they don't serve this style of burrito in the Bay Area. The TJ dog was a simple bacon wrapped hot dog that can be beat by any LA or SF street dog. I could go without this on my next visit.
To top off the meal, the TJ corn was sweet and tasty that came in a little bowl. I think I need to order 2 next time as my bucktooth fiancee is a corn whore. She loves herself some corn son.
Stop by on your flight in or out of SD next time you're in town. This place is fabulous. Guaranteed. -
Review from Michelle M.
Walnut, CA
1/7/2012
This is my first time coming here and there isn't much disappointment.
I ordered the Holy Moly Burrito and it was GREAT!!! Apparently "Moly" is their unique chocolate sauce... I was iffy at first but what the hell! Prices are pretty decent and the burrito is huge. The taste was unique also and I'm definitely a fan of it.
Warning about seating though -- VERY limited. -
Review from Sid A.
Corona del Mar, CA
12/30/2011
This place was delicious! Their portions are enormous and the value is incredible.
We tried their California Surfin' Burrito, and it was more than enough to split for two people. Their salsa bar is full of homemade dips that are all incredibly good. We also tried the Carne Asada Quesadilla, which was outstanding too. The TJ Dog was nothing special, same with the Corn side dish...though both were great values.
Everyone in our group found something to eat and loved it. Wish the parking was a little easier and there was more seating, but other than that, I will definitely come back the next time I'm in SD. -
Review from Annie C.
Berkeley, CA
1/6/2012
The best of the best!
My first time having Mexican food in SD and boy was I impressed!
The thought of the surf and turf burrito already had me drooling but when I actually got to eat my burrito, I couldn't stop. Literally ate the entire thing.
The line was out the door (over 20+ min wait) so we decided to call in and order for pick up. Our smart tactic worked as we got our food in about 5 minutes. Although the cashier yelled at us for eating our to go food in the restaurant, we packed it up and ate in the car. No complaining here, I was starving! I doused my burrito in a couple different salsas and it made my burrito that much better.. Their chips are also extremely addicting with all the different spicy salsas! -
Review from Rob L.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 1/20/2012
I'm so stupid for giving this place another try today...
This place still sucks for so many reasons:
1. The line is long at non-busy times.
2. Order takes 10+ minutes.
3. Price keeps going up when the quality&quantity of food is going down the drain. The size of my burrito got noticeably smaller than a year ago...
4. Parking sucks.
5. The cashier's sanitary is questionable. He was handling cash, credit cards, and nacho chips with his hands without washing.
Be stupid like me if you want to give this place a chance. Try it first, then regret later. Sorry Lucha Libre, but you guys really suck...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/1/2012
This place used to be great 3 years ago. Now it's so gross and disgusting just to be here.
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Review from Linda L.
South Bay, CA
1/5/2012
Tried the tacos and the New Veg Out burrito. The tacos were good, but the Veg Out burrito was a little lacking. Perhaps not the best item to get on the menu.
However, what won me over was the nice selection in the salsa bar. Love the garlic white sauce. Made my sad Veg Out burrito taste better. -
Review from Brandon Y.
San Jose, CA
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Although I may be more of a Japanese food connoisseur rather than a burrito expert, I really enjoyed Lucha Libre!
The brother, gf, and I stopped by after the Holiday Bowl for some late night nom noms per suggestion by Dmitriy S., and it was a great idea. I ordered the Surfin' California (burrito with fries, avocado, and shrimp), and I killed that thing in like six minutes. It was like a party in my mouth with that combination of seafood taste, potato starchiness, carne asada, and fresh avocado with all the other fixins of a good burrito.
I also tried some of the gf's "Champion Fries" which are basically like a "neater" version of Carne Asada fries, though the fries were a bit cardboard-esque by the time we brought it back to where we were staying, and I actually prefer some of the other more shady Mexican food places for carne asada fries...
This restaurant also warrants a comment about the interior. It definitely has character. Being lucha libre themed, there is a wrestling bell that signifies when orders are ready, there is a "champion" table that you can reserve a day in advance, there are countless pictures of wrestlers, and one of the coolest things I saw was a framed mask and signed picture of Rey Mysterio, from the 619. Appropriate and quite awesome.
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