Las Cuatro Milpas — Restaurant in San Diego

Is Las Cuatro Milpas authentic? Sure. I could easily see this place existing south of the border. It's a hole-in-the-wall in a dodgy neighborhood (well, dodgy for San Diego anyway) with communal run-down blue-canvassed banquet tables and folding chairs. Cash only, of course. They close daily at 3pm and aren't open on Sunday, meaning that if you don't work near Barrio Logan, you'll never go except on Saturday, when you'll wait in a miserable slow-moving long line with a bunch of people seeking $1 tacos with their evil, out-of-control children.

I can excuse all of this, of course, if I'm getting mind-blowingly excellent grub. Las Cuatro Milpas indeed has good food, but there are tons of places around town of comparable quality that are easier to get to, easier to deal with, and provide a few more creature comforts.

So what do I like about Las Cuatro Milpas?

The pork burrito is great, consisting of shredded pork stewed in spices accompanied by cotija cheese and lettuce, wrapped in a homemade lard-heavy flour tortilla. The tortilla is excellent and the main reason you want to order this.

The gloriously greasy rolled tacos are also a good choice, featuring meat in a crispy rolled tortilla shell, deep fried, and then smothered with queso fresco and crema. Served with a mild red sauce.

In short, be aware that people rave about Las Cuatro Milpas because it's cheap and the food is good -- but mostly because it's cheap. I don't believe there is an item on their menu that is more expensive than $5. Proceed with caution if you have expectations of enjoying a meal inside, as the atmosphere and interior situation are not good, even by hole-in-the-wall standards. Also, do NOT go during lunch time on Saturday....

Inexpensive/Fairly priced food (Cash ONLY), however NOT worth the wait in line. There are only 2 meat options for Tacos and Burritos- Chicken or Pork. The Rolled Tacos and Tamale are only Pork. The Tamale/Rice/Beans meal is plenty of food on its own for 1 person and definitely enough to share with 2. The small portion of rice and beans is enough to share between 2 people if ordering other food. All of the rice&beans options come with 3 flour tortillas so you don't necessarily need to order extra. Both meat options are bland. No salsas except for a "chile quebrado" that you have to ask for. Also have to request a side of cilantro and chopped onions that comes with a lemon wedge. They have small sides of crema also upon request (not sure of charge- wasn't disclosed). Pay attention to what they are charging you for if you order a lot because I was overcharged a few dollars and didn't notice until I did the math on my own later. The person at the register was coughing openly all over the place while handling/accepting payments/returning change(GROSS). I'm all for a "neighborhood gem", but this isn't that. Place could definitely use some sprucing up, even minor updating would go a LONG way. The bathrooms also need work (yikes). More clarity on the menu should also be a basic update, this would definitely help with all the questions you have to ask thus creating a long line/wait. Street parking only (good luck). All in all glad I tried it to know it's not worth all the hype, won't be going back or recommending it unfortunately (unless simple...

Cash only - hours may differ from what is stated online. Parking is limited. Expect a line that extends to outside the premises. Chicken or pork/No guac - yum!

These are the things I wish I could see right off the bat when reading a review so that I can plan accordingly as I head to a location.

We called ahead to ask about accepted payment options so we can stop at an ATM. There was no parking space available so I dropped my husband off to get in line and order as I circled the block. Got lucky and saw someone leaving so I jumped on that spot!

We got there at a 11am and there were maybe 5-6 people in line. We beat the lunch rush because when we left the line had doubled. Sign on the door said closing early three days this week by 1 hour. No big deal unless you were driving specifically to go there- call ahead if coming after 1 just in case?!

Simple menu and good prices. Chicken and pork options. No guacamole served - not a deal breaker but you outta know in case it’s a thing for you. No soda fountain - just cans & bottled options.

Service was great as the ladies behind the counter seamlessly took orders, filled them, and cashed people out.

Dine in is an option with lots of tables. I love places that showcase pictures of how they started! Saturdays only they serve menudo.

We ordered: burrito, taco, taquitos, and dozen flour tortillas for home. Taquitos pictured below- loved the cheese, the reddish sauce was like a tomatoes garnish so not spicy. Burrito was plain and light but flavorful! Meaning no rice/beans in it. (Not sure if I could...