You’ll find Mike’s Taco Club on Newport Avenue, a small storefront with an outdoor patio just a few yards from the Ocean Beach Pier. The place is a classic counter-service taco shop, with a walk-up window for quick orders and a menu board inside the compact interior. Most of the action happens outside, where about six tables provide a spot to eat with a clear view of the street and the ocean. The patio is pet-friendly, so it’s common to see dogs sitting alongside their owners.
The menu is grounded in Baja-style Mexican food but includes some less common options. Alongside battered fish tacos, you’ll find choices like grilled octopus and seared scallops. The Trifecta taco – combining fish, shrimp, and scallops – is a popular order, as is the Northern Tijuana-style taco. For burritos, the main event is the California Burrito, packed with seasoned french fries, though a Steak and Shrimp version is also available. Carne asada fries, fresh ceviche, and horchata milkshakes round out the offerings. Everything is served with three distinct house sauces: a creamy salsa verde, a spicier orange sauce, and a classic salsa rojo.
Given its location, the shop is a default stop for people coming right off the sand. The limited outdoor seating means you might have to wait for a table, especially during the main lunch and dinner hours. Parking in the area is notoriously difficult, so it’s best to plan on walking a bit. And if you need to use the restroom, you’ll have to ask for the key at the counter.
Mike's Taco Club