Social Media Darling Chula Tacos Expanding In San Diego's South Bay, Taking Over Former El Prieto/El Gordo Building On H Street In Chula Vista

Beloved San Diego South Bay taqueria Chula Tacos is expanding once again, bringing its Tijuana-style street food to the 2,870-square-foot standalone building that most recently housed Taqueria by El Prieto - and before that, Tacos El Gordo - in Chula Vista. The new location will feature a drive-thru, marking a major step forward for the homegrown brand that first started as a humble food truck before earning local fame for its bold flavors and handmade tortillas at pop-up locations.

The Mexican eatery currently operates its sole brick and mortar location at 1719 Palm Avenue in National City near the entrance to Imperial Beach. Known for its signature Kekas - oversized, cheese-stuffed corn tortillas filled with meats like carne asada or al pastor - Chula Tacos has become a social media favorite thanks to its no-frills authenticity and dedication to fresh, hand-pressed tortillas.

But the road to expansion hasn’t been easy. Earlier this fall, the restaurant’s pop-up location at 4301 Market Street was shut down twice by the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality, first on September 25 and again the following day after failing reinspection. That location remains closed. Chula Tacos also had a short-lived Mission Beach branch at 3819 Mission Boulevard that operated from summer 2023 until mid-2024, and previously announced a location at 4711 Federal Boulevard that never materialized.

Now, with the new Chula Vista restaurant, owner Rigo Muñoz Jr. seems poised to bring the brand back stronger than ever. The former Tacos El Gordo site offers ample parking, a high-traffic location, and a drive-thru, positioning Chula Tacos for success in one of South County’s busiest dining corridors.

The new location will showcase the brand’s full menu of tacos, vampiros, mulas, gringas, and the “world-famous” Keka - along with fresh aguas frescas and a massive trompo of sizzling al pastor spinning in the open kitchen. Fans can expect the same flavors that made Chula Tacos a San Diego favorite, now served in an upgraded, drive-thru-equipped space built for serious taco traffic.

Muñoz’s motto, “Tacos are Essential,” has long captured the spirit of the brand - serving up affordable, made-from-scratch Mexican fare without pretense. The Chula Vista branch is expected to feature Chula Tacos’ core menu of tacos, kekas, vampiros and mulitas, with potential additions to suit the larger space.

Chula Tacos is located at 1719 Palm Avenue in San Diego's South Bay, with its new Chula Vista drive-thru restaurant coming soon to 689 H Street in Chula Vista. For more information, visit eatchulatacos.com and check out the menu below. 

Originally published on October 27, 2025.