Puesto

No visit to Southern California is complete without tacos and margaritas, and Puesto delivers big on both accounts. The stacked liquor bottles (mostly tequila and mezcal) that line the lively bar at Puesto should be a good indication of what’s to come. Puesto also has its own brewery, called Puesto Cervecería, which is brewed in San Diego and distributes Mexican lagers throughout its eight locations. This isn’t your casual taco shop with basic tortillas, sprinkled cheese, and syrupy margaritas. It’s high-quality, authentic, and thoughtfully prepared Mexican food and drinks—with prices to match. They use handmade, organic blue corn tortillas (a little fluffier than yellow corn, and healthier, too), put griddled cheese inside tacos, and use additive-free tequilas and fresh limes with their cocktails. It’s a family-owned spot that puts a lot of thought into ambiance, food, and service. This is a place you can bring the whole family, have a girls' night out, or enjoy a vibey date night… because tacos are always a good idea.