Birrieria & Taqueria La Huasteca

While the rest of PB leans hard on seafood and post-surf platters, La Huasteca doubles down on one thing: birria, done the way it's supposed to be — slow-cooked lamb in a rich, deeply spiced consommé that tastes like someone's abuela has been tending the pot since dawn. This isn't a taco shop trying to do everything; it's a birria specialist that happens to also serve menudo and a few vegetarian options for the one person in your group who doesn't eat meat.

The **quesabirria** is the move — corn or flour tortilla filled with shredded lamb, griddled until crispy, served with a cup of consommé for dipping. The **wet birria burrito** takes the same concept and wraps it in a tortilla that gets drenched in that same broth, which sounds messy because it is. Regulars also swear by the **birria ramen**, which sounds like fusion but works because the noodles soak up the consommé like they were born for it. If you're coming on a Sunday morning, the **menudo** shows up on the menu — tripe stew with hominy, the kind of thing that either sounds terrible or sounds exactly right depending on your upbringing.

The space itself is casual in the way that makes flip-flops feel overdressed — a few tables, outdoor seating, and zero pretense. Portions are generous enough that one order of tacos could realistically handle two people if you're not starving. The owners are present, friendly, and clearly running the kind of spot where repeat customers get greeted by name. Parking on Turquoise is easier than Garnet Avenue but still Pacific Beach, so expect to circle once or twice.

This is the spot when you're tired of fish tacos and want something that sticks to your ribs. It's also the spot when you're hungover and need something that tastes like comfort food but has enough spice to remind you you're alive.