El Chingon

**What makes this different:** While The Waves keeps things calm and Las Hadas focuses on seafood, El Chingon leans all the way into the Gaslamp party district energy—think DJ spinning upstairs, happy hour pulling the after-work crowd, and a vibe that shifts from business lunch to late-night scene without clearing the room. This isn't a taco shop that happens to serve drinks; it's a tequila and mezcal destination that happens to serve surprisingly solid Mexican food.

The al pastor and carnitas tacos consistently earn praise, even from travelers who've spent a month eating their way through Southern California. The molcajete arrives ambitious enough that finishing it becomes a personal challenge. For Tuesday happy hour, the move is $6 margaritas and half-off tacos—though you'll need to ask about the deal yourself, since the staff won't always volunteer it.

The space works across multiple use cases: outdoor seating for casual weeknights, upstairs for date nights when you want music without full club commitment, downstairs for business lunches where the noise level stays manageable. Security stays friendly, bartenders like Mariana keep the drinks flowing without the typical Gaslamp attitude, and the kitchen handles everything from breakfast through late-night orders.

Downsides: Service can feel middle-of-the-road, especially during happy hour when the staff focuses more on volume than details. The birria tacos are fine but not the standout—stick with the al pastor. And if you're looking for quiet conversation over dinner, literally any other spot on this block serves you better.

The verdict: El Chingon delivers exactly what downtown San Diego needs on a Friday night—solid food, strong drinks, good music, and a crowd that's here to have fun without taking itself too seriously.