Fast-Casual Taqueria, The Taco Stand, Expands into Downtown

The second location of La Jolla's popular family-owned and run taqueria, The Taco Stand, is getting ready to officially open downtown. Located at 645 B Street The Taco Stand's hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and closed on Sundays.

Reminiscent of traditional Tijuana taco stands the 1,500-sqaure foot space features colorful design elements including a scrap metal enclosure that displays the eatery's menu in bright colors, and Don Ramon mural by a Tijuana-based artist. Tables sit below high-ceilings with exposed wooden beams, while barstools offer a view into the open-air kitchen where corn tortillas are made in-house daily.

Inspired by traditional family recipes the menu showcases a selection of breakfast and regular burritos (chorizo and egg, pollo asado, mar y tiera with grilled shrimp and Angus steak). While their street food-style tacos run the gamut from carne asada to flamed grilled cactus. Other fresh made from scratch items at this grab and go counter spot include quesadillas, chips and salsa, plus sides like corn on the cob. There are four housemade salsas including habanero, pico de gallo and creamy chipotle. Sweet selections include churros (which come with condensed milk for dipping) and Mexican-flavored paletas, while the fridge is well stocked with Mexican cokes and cervezas.

With North County expansion plans well under way, owner Julian Hakim is gearing up to open a third outpost of his homegrown local chain in Encinitas this coming spring.