Tacos El Franc — Restaurant in National City

Both Tacos El Franc and Tacos El Gordo are highly regarded taco institutions, especially known for their Tijuana-style tacos. Deciding which one is "better" often comes down to individual preference, specific menu items, and even the particular location you visit. However, if we were to argue for Tacos El Franc being superior, here's how one might make that case:

The Argument for Tacos El Franc:

While Tacos El Gordo is incredibly famous, especially for its Adobada (Al Pastor), Tacos El Franc often gets singled out for its Carne Asada and a more authentic "Tijuana street taco" experience.

Here's why some argue Tacos El Franc has the edge:

Superior Carne Asada: Many enthusiasts claim Tacos El Franc's carne asada is unparalleled. They are often lauded for their use of mesquite wood grilling, which imparts a distinct smoky flavor to the meat. The beef is typically very tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, providing a truly elevated asada experience that some feel Tacos El Gordo, while good, doesn't quite match. This focus on a premium grilled meat often stands out.

Authenticity and Vibe (especially in Tijuana): Tacos El Franc, particularly its original locations in Tijuana, often exudes a more raw, authentic street taco stand atmosphere. For those seeking the true "Tijuana taco" experience, the bustling, no-frills environment, often with lines of locals, contributes to a perception of genuine quality and tradition. While El Gordo also has this, Franc's specific approach to its grill and preparation can feel more artisan.

Michelin Guide Recognition: Tacos El Franc has gained significant recognition, including being featured in the Michelin Guide and on Netflix's "Taco Chronicles." While El Gordo is also well-known, this specific, more recent culinary acclaim for Franc lends it a certain prestige and suggests a refined quality acknowledged by food critics.

Consistency in Specific Meats: While El Gordo's Adobada is legendary, some reviews suggest a more consistent excellence across the board at Tacos El Franc, particularly for their grilled meats like asada and even tripa or cabeza. The dedication to grilling techniques is a frequent highlight.

Unique Preparations: Tacos El Franc is known for its "con todo" (with everything) approach, including the generous use of fresh guacamole, onions, cilantro, and excellent salsas that perfectly complement their meats. While El Gordo also has great toppings, the specific combination and freshness at Franc can be a differentiating factor for some palates.

In summary, if your preference leans towards a beautifully grilled, smoky carne asada taco with an authentic, no-frills Tijuana street vibe and recognized culinary excellence, Tacos El Franc might just edge out Tacos El...

We ate at Tacos El Franc in TJ quite a few times, and I have to say that their tacos at the new location in Plaza Bonita in Chula Vista are TERRIBLE! The adobada tacos are just disappointing. How can you ruin such a classic? The tortillas were beyond crispy, the meat was semi-carved and it looked like it was finished on the griddle. The meat itself lacked on flavor, and half of it was burnt and the other half semi-raw, the salsa seemed like "BBQ sauce" with tomato.puree taste. This was an offense to the tacos and all good taqueros out there. Let's talk about the carne asada taco. The meat is ok and the flavor not that bad. However, the meat was chopped as fine as the onions. This prevented me from really enjoying the flavor of the meat. The salsa in the carne asada taco was also thick in consistency . If this place is owned by the same people as the TJ location, they need to tight some nuts in the kitchen to make sure that the recipe of the preparation and cooking of the food is exactly as the one in TJ. Now, if this is franchised, I suggest that the brand owner circles back with proper training, so the reputation of the brand doesn't go through the drain before the end of the year.

Price range is about $20 pp very similar to other tacos in the area.

The ambience and atmosphere is far from a taqueria. Full service with servers that take your order at the table. Where is the experience of watching my taqueria carving the adobada or grilling the asada? I don't get to see the taquero serving salsa to my tacos on the air. I don't see the lady cooking hand made tortillas. So disappointed !! In regards to the music, I understand that some type of music might be trending, but give some rotation to other type of music or songs that don't condone violence or cursing . The Mexican music is so vast and beautiful that you don't need to inconvenience guests by playing narcocorridos.

Lastly, out of the thousand taquerias in Chula Vista, I think that EL PRIETO has the best service, they give you free beans, free grilled onions and Chiles and of course, THE BEST TACOS.

Tacos El Franc, if you don't serve the same quality and flavor as you do in TJ people will realize and will stop coming. We visited for the first time because as I said, we've been at you TJ location, but unfortunately for you we'll spend our money in tacos at a better place. Yes, you guessed it...

We were so excited when we found out Tacos El Franc was coming from Tijuana to San Diego! Now we no longer have to cross the border for amazing tacos.

We decided to grab lunch today around noon and the line came out of the mall and wrapped around the corner of the restaurant. We thought about ordering take-out, but they currently only do dine-in. The host stand for Tacos El Franc is located inside of the mall (Westfield Plaza Bonita) but they have both indoor and outdoor seating in their restaurant.

While I waited in line, my husband went inside the mall and saw the bar was mostly empty. He asked a staff member if we could sit there, and they said yes, as long as we get a drink! So we completely skipped the line and ordered a beer. (I recommend doing the same if you're 21+!)

Alexa, our bartender, was amazing! She was killing it with the drinks and had a fun, bright energy. Even though she single-handedly managed the bar and all the incoming drink orders, she was super sweet and attentive. She gave us great suggestions and made sure to check in on us every once in a while. Muchas gracias, Alexa! Now, onto the food:

Adobada Taco - These were by far our favorite tacos. SO delicious and so flavorful. The little burnt, crunchy bits on the meat gave the taco delicious texture, and it paired perfectly with the creamy guacamole on top. I'll be getting adobada every time!

Asada Taco - My husband and I were surprised by the tenderness of the meat. The taco was delicious and we would definitely order again.

Suadero Taco - I love suadero and theirs is no exception! Again, the crispy burnt bits on the meat were so good, and I loved the salsa verde on the taco.

Lengua Mula - My husband enjoyed his mula. It was filled with so much meat and cheese! In his words, "It was great!"

Quesadilla Natural - I'm a sucker for a plain, old quesadilla and it was exactly that. Nothing special, just a corn tortilla and cheese.

Horchata - This is the best horchata I've ever had. Period. Not too watery, not too milky, not too sweet. Just the right amount of creaminess and cinnamon flavor. Absolutely refreshing!

We can't wait to go back and try more things on their menu. If you're willing to wait and craving delicious tacos, check out Tacos El Franc. Nos...