Chula Tacos Expands to Chula Vista With a New Drive-Thru Location
Chula Tacos, the beloved South Bay taqueria known for its Tijuana-style street food and handmade tortillas, is opening a brand-new restaurant in Chula Vista. The local favorite will take over the 2,870-square-foot building on H Street—formerly home to Taqueria by El Prieto and Tacos El Gordo—and will feature something fans have been waiting for: a drive-thru.
I was a big fan of Taqueria by El Prieto when they were at this location. It was my go-to spot whenever I craved authentic street-style tacos in Chula Vista. I was disappointed to see them move out, but I’m glad they’re still serving up great food at their Otay Ranch Town Center location—I’ll definitely keep visiting them there.
This new chapter, however, marks an exciting milestone for Chula Tacos, which began as a small food truck and quickly gained a loyal following through its pop-ups and bold, authentic flavors.
From Food Truck to Fan Favorite
Chula Tacos currently operates its central location at 1719 Palm Avenue in National City, near the Imperial Beach border. The eatery is best known for its signature Kekas—oversized, cheese-stuffed corn tortillas filled with juicy carne asada, al pastor, or other grilled meats. Each tortilla is hand-pressed and cooked to order, staying true to the restaurant’s “no-frills” philosophy focused on freshness and authenticity.
Thanks to social media buzz and its dedication to flavor, Chula Tacos has become a go-to spot for locals craving real-deal Mexican food.
A Bumpy Road to Expansion
Like many growing small businesses, Chula Tacos has faced a few hurdles along the way. Earlier this fall, its pop-up location on Market Street was closed twice by the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality following inspections. The Mission Beach branch, which opened in summer 2023, closed in mid-2024, and a planned Federal Boulevard location never came to life.
But these challenges haven’t slowed down owner Rigo Muñoz Jr., who remains focused on expanding the brand and keeping the vision alive.
New Chula Vista Location Promises Big Flavor and Convenience
The new Chula Vista location brings a fresh opportunity for growth. Situated in one of South County’s busiest dining areas, the standalone restaurant offers ample parking and a convenient drive-thru—perfect for taco lovers on the go.
Guests can look forward to the full Chula Tacos experience, including tacos, vampiros, mulas, gringas, and the famous Keka, along with freshly made aguas frescas. Inside, a large trompo of sizzling al pastor will greet guests with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly shaved tacos.
Traffic Concerns Return to H Street
While many residents are excited about Chula Tacos’ arrival, others are worried that traffic could once again become an issue at this busy intersection. When Tacos El Gordo operated at this same location, long lines of customers trying to access the drive-thru often caused backups on H Street and Oak Lawn Avenue.
As Chula Vista’s bayfront continues to grow and attract more visitors, traffic in the area has noticeably increased. With Chula Tacos’ large social media following and loyal customer base, some neighbors anticipate a similar surge in vehicles once the new restaurant opens.
One resident who lives nearby shared her concern, saying she tries to avoid the area during afternoon rush hour. “I usually take the side streets to get home because H Street can get really backed up,” she said. “I just hope the city has a plan to manage traffic and prevent cars from blocking the intersection again.”
“Tacos Are Essential”
For Muñoz, Chula Tacos has always been about more than just food—it’s about community, flavor, and authenticity. His motto, “Tacos are Essential,” captures the brand’s spirit: affordable, made-from-scratch Mexican fare served with heart.
The new Chula Vista location will feature all the fan favorites and may introduce new menu items designed for the larger space.
Ready To Visit Chula Tacos?
Let us know on Facebook if you’re ready to see Chula Tacos move in. You can still enjoy your favorites at 1719 Palm Avenue in National City, and soon at 689 H Street in Chula Vista when the new drive-thru location opens. For updates and menu information, be sure to follow Chula Tacos on Instagram.
