Located at 322 Seventh Avenue next to the entrance to Petco Park, the taqueria quickly became a staple for Padres fans and East Village locals alike after opening in March 2020 - just days before California’s COVID-19 shutdown orders went into effect. Despite the rocky start, the taco shop thrived thanks to a loyal customer base and a menu featuring traditional favorites like carne asada and pollo asado alongside more creative options, including mahi mahi and beef shank tacos.
City Tacos had been operating at the site under a sublease from J Street Hospitality, originally set to continue through 2026. However, on May 1, the Padres purchased the lease rights and opted not to renew the taqueria’s tenancy. While the sudden transition leaves a gap for fans this summer, Torres noted that Delaware North, the Padres’ food service partner, has expressed interest in potentially bringing City Tacos inside Petco Park as early as next season.
In the meantime, customers still have one final opportunity to visit the East Village location during the Padres’ next homestand from June 20 to June 25, when San Diego hosts the Kansas City Royals and Washington Nationals. The restaurant will officially close after end of service on June 30.
Despite the setback, City Tacos remains a local powerhouse with six other locations across San Diego County - in North Park, Encinitas, La Mesa, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, and Sorrento Valley - as well as one in Los Angeles. The brand has earned “Best Taco” honors from Ranch & Coast Magazine every year since 2020.
City Tacos Founder Gerry Torres isn’t slowing down. Later this year, he’ll debut a new concept called Fonda del Barrio in the former Barrio Dogg space in Barrio Logan. Inspired by Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos, the forthcoming restaurant will focus on old-school regional Mexican cuisine in a hacienda-style setting, with craft cocktails and Mexican beers rounding out the experience. It will be his third venture following the success of Tour de Tapas, a European small plates restaurant he opened in La Mesa in late 2024.
City Tacos’ departure from Petco Park’s doorstep may mark the end of a chapter, but with new ventures on the horizon and a loyal following intact, Gerry Torres is far from done shaping San Diego’s food scene.
Originally published on June 16, 2025.
