“Charred-meat tacos under $6 in the Gaslamp — gone now, but it fed the broke and hungover without apology.”
Service flags breakfast; reviewer specifically praises 'bacon breakfast taco' as 'delicious' with 'solid mix of flavors.'
Multiple reviews mention 'super charred' and 'a bit too charred' grilled meat — polarizing but intentional.
Google summary highlights salsa bar as a feature — build-your-own heat level.
Review cites '2 tacos and with tip it came out to be less than $6' — real downtown budget eating.
“CLOSED - Tacos el Cabron shut down, though the same location now operates as Azul with a nearly identical menu at the same dirt-cheap prices.”
**This venue is permanently closed.** The storefront at 532 Fourth Avenue still says Tacos el Cabron on the outside, but it's been rebranded as Azul. From what regulars report, you're getting essentially the same deal — basic, affordable tacos in the heart of Gaslamp where most spots are angling for the bar-crawl crowd.
What made this spot stand out (and what Azul appears to continue) was the pricing: under $6 for two tacos with tip in a neighborhood where you're usually paying double that. The trade-off? Don't expect high-end ingredients. The fish wasn't premium, the al pastor could run too charred, but for Gaslamp at 2 AM or a quick lunch that won't drain your wallet, it worked.
The shrimp taco earned consistent praise for its spice level, and breakfast tacos — bacon especially — had a solid flavor mix. They ran a salsa bar, which helped you doctor things to taste. Outdoor seating meant you could sit outside and people-watch Fourth Avenue without the chaos of the bigger taco chains nearby.
**The reality now:** If you're looking for what Tacos el Cabron offered, Azul is occupying the same space with the same approach. If you want the original, it's gone. If you want cheap, decent tacos in Gaslamp where you can sit down without a wait, the spot still technically exists — just under new management and a new sign that they apparently haven't gotten around to changing on the exterior.
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Coffee by Malibu Farm provides a complementary daytime experience, ideal for a post-brunch walk after enjoying tacos el Cabron the night before.
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The Blind Burro offers cocktails and a bar atmosphere just steps away, perfect for transitioning from casual tacos to late-night drinks in the same neighborhood.
532 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
10 months ago