Huapangos — Restaurant in San Diego

Nestled in the heart of the lively Hillcrest neighbourhood, this restaurant has quickly become my go-to spot for a fiesta of flavours and a delightful dining experience.

The first thing that strikes you upon arrival is the charming outdoor covered seating area. Decked out in vibrant colours and adorned with traditional Mexican decorations, this cosy space truly sets the stage for a memorable meal. Whether it's a sunny afternoon or a breezy evening, the atmosphere here is always inviting and perfect for enjoying the fantastic San Diego weather.

One of the most appealing aspects of Huapangos is its dog-friendly policy. As a pet owner, I couldn't be happier to find a restaurant that welcomes my four-legged friend as warmly as they welcome me. It's heart-warming to see fellow diners enjoying the company of their furry companions while savouring the delectable dishes.

Now, let's talk about the main star of the show – the food! Huapangos excels in serving up truly delicious and authentic Mexican fare. From the first bite to the last, every dish bursts with rich flavours and impeccable seasoning. Whether you're a fan of traditional favourites like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, or you're eager to try something new like their signature Huapangos platter, you won't be disappointed. The menu boasts an impressive variety, accommodating both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

What I appreciate the most is the restaurant's commitment to being budget-friendly. Amidst the rising costs of dining out, Huapangos offers an extensive array of mouth-watering dishes without breaking the bank. It's a refreshing change to enjoy high-quality Mexican cuisine without compromising on taste or draining your wallet.

While Huapangos undoubtedly impresses in many aspects, I must acknowledge that the service has room for improvement. During peak hours, the staff can get overwhelmed, resulting in slower service than one might desire. However, it's worth noting that the warm and friendly attitudes of the servers make up for the occasional wait.

In conclusion, Huapangos in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a must-visit destination for all Mexican food enthusiasts. With its lively outdoor covered seating area, pet-friendly ambiance, budget-friendly menu, and truly scrumptious dishes, it's no wonder the locals keep flocking to this hidden gem. So, if you're craving an authentic Mexican fiesta without the need for a passport, head over to Huapangos and prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing...

Originally was going to go eat at a restaurant next to this restaurant, but I've been curious to try the food here. Today, because there there was a wait at the restaurant I usually visit, I decided to try Huapangos. Here are my pros and cons. Pros - we were seated right away. The check came in right away and were able to pay immediately. Cons - the music was SOOOO loud! This was for breakfast time too. It was so difficult to have a conversation. It was so loud the waitress had a hard time getting our order. As a matter of fact, one of the orders was wrong. We didn't get menu's and didn't get a refill on our chips. But, the worse thing about our experience was the wait time to get our food. It took over an hour to get served. Additionally, we had to keep looking for our waitress to get a refills on our drinks. The cafe de Olla tasted as if was syrup, not a traditional cafe de Olla at all! When we finally got our food it was just ok, definitely not worth the long wait. I had the J.T.'s sandwich. The menu says it is a carne asada sandwich, which sounded like a great option. Well, it was a completely disappointment. The sandwich was served on sourdough which I can safely say it does not go good with carne asada. Needles to say my families food had the same reaction. By the end of our meal, we really just wanted to finish our poor experience. Too bad because I had really hoped to have two options in the area where we could bring family and friends and enjoy a good meal. Overall, I definitely have to give Huapangos a poor review based on atmosphere of the restaurant, service and food presentation and taste. Sorry Huapangos, I hope you can improve and cater to all customers...

Made a 6pm reservation for pre-theater dinner, arrived on time. Sat for nearly 20 minutes before anyone came ot table...no water, no hello, no chips. Not very busy overall. Finally waiter went and took order from a table next to us, who arrived after us, then came over to us and took order at 6:20. Pleasant waiter, although he never returned. Chips arrived about 10 minutes later. At 6:45 still no food (only 2 tables served in all that time). I stopped a staff member, and told him we needed to know when food would be ready, as we had to get out by 7:15 for theater, now feeling rushed to eat if we ever got fed). Food finally arrived at 6:55. Server (not original waiter) asked if he should bring the check as soon as served, accommodating our need to get going after we ate. but even then, left the card and bill on table until we were done and I had to ask someone else to please take it and process it! Here's the rub: service and attention awful, food really good! One of the best chimichangas in town! And close enough to the Old Globe that we would have loved to return. But service to bad, I don't think we will be back. FYI: the other table that arrived after us but got its order taken first: they had some refills on drinks, but never got their food...they walked...