Is there parking near Sombrero?

Street parking is available on Fern Street in South Park, though it can fill up during lunch and dinner rushes. Arrive a few minutes early on weekdays or hit it during off-peak hours if you want an easier spot.

Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?

Sombrero operates as a walk-in spot with no reservations—it's a casual neighborhood joint. Expect short waits during peak lunch (11:30am–1pm) and dinner (6pm–7:30pm); mid-afternoon or early evening are your best bets for a quick turnaround.

What should I order first?

Start with the crispy shredded chicken tacos (order them supreme with guac and sour cream) or the Cali Burrito Supreme. Don't skip the salsa bar—they have 5+ house-made options that are legitimately good. Portions are generous, so plan accordingly.

Is this a good spot for kids?

Yes—Sombrero is a neighborhood staple that welcomes families. The menu is straightforward, portions are big enough that kids eat well, and the casual vibe means nobody's going to judge if your kid gets a little loud.

Do you have vegetarian options?

They offer vegetarian options on the menu and can customize most items. Bean burritos, veggie tacos, and cheese enchiladas are solid choices, and the salsa bar works with any order.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, Sombrero has outdoor seating available. It's a nice reprieve if the San Diego heat hits hard, and the A/C inside is solid too.

What's the best time to visit?

Skip the lunch rush (11:30am–1pm) and dinner peak (6pm–7:30pm) if you want to avoid waits. Mid-afternoon (2pm–4pm) or come early for breakfast if you want a calm, pleasant experience—though honestly, waits here are rarely long.

Sombrero Mexican Food — Restaurants in South Park, San Diego

“Sombrero Mexican Food is the corner chain that earns locals-favorite status by not apologizing for what it is: San Diego-style counter service with a salsa bar and breakfast burritos before 10 AM.”

Where Mariscos La Chalupa grills fish outdoors and KINDRED plates vegan dishes with architectural ambition, Sombrero leans into the counter-service chain model without pretense—but it survives on the South Park walkabout because it does the fundamentals right. The Cali burrito arrives loaded with fries and carne asada, sized for two meals or one very committed appetite, and the salsa bar gives you five-plus options instead of the default pico-and-red setup most chains stick you with. The crispy shredded chicken taco, especially when ordered supreme with guac and sour cream, hits the keto-friendly angle without broadcasting it.

This is not a place you visit for atmosphere—the A/C works, which matters in summer, and there are outdoor tables on Fern Street if you'd rather watch the foot traffic. But it's the breakfast window that cements Sombrero into the Sunday ritual rotation: breakfast burritos before the farmers market, or after the dog park loop, when you want something fast and filling without the sit-down commitment. Service runs hot or cold depending on the shift, and some regulars treat that inconsistency as part of the texture—like complaining about your uncle at Thanksgiving but showing up anyway.

The menu is sprawling in that classic San Diego chain way, with enough vegetarian options to keep a mixed group happy and portions large enough that chips-and-a-burrito becomes lunch and dinner. It's the kind of spot where transplants write one-star reviews about impatience at the counter, and locals write five-star defenses in all caps. If you need white-tablecloth service, walk three blocks. If you need a reliable Cali burrito and a salsa bar at 9 AM on a Saturday, this is the move.