Skip the shoreline and follow the scent of simmering consome to a bright, red-tinted taqueria tucked off Genesee Avenue. Mike’s Red Tacos turns birria into a full-blown experience, where crispy-edged tortillas meet juicy beef and the salsa bar actually matters.
With a 4.8-star rating across more than 1,600 reviews, this spot has become a citywide pilgrimage for taco lovers craving depth, crunch, and comfort. Come hungry, keep napkins handy, and prepare to rethink what you thought you knew about San Diego tacos.
The Birria Taco That Built The Hype
You feel that first bite before you even taste it, the shell shattering lightly as the griddle-sealed tortilla gives way to juicy, chile-bright birria. Onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime wake everything up, while the red-stained edges leave a satisfying glow on your fingers.
Dip in consome and the flavors double: beefy, aromatic, comfortingly warm…