The new location follows the brand’s June debut inside Westfield Plaza Bonita in National City, which has drawn relentless crowds since day one. While the Plaza Bonita restaurant features a full dining room and dedicated cheve bar, the Gaslamp branch will focus on fast counter service aimed at the neighborhood’s bustling nightlife and late-night dining scene.
Guests can expect the same signature tacos that earned Tacos El Franc a coveted place in the MICHELIN Guide and a starring role in Netflix’s Taco Chronicles: mesquite-grilled carne asada, spit-roasted adobada carved from towering trompos, tacos de cabeza, suadero, lengua, and tripa, all served on handmade tortillas and crowned with the taquería’s iconic avocado salsa. The Gaslamp outpost will also serve loaded fries with carne asada or adobada, along with icy 32-ounce caguamas (bottles of beer) - ensuring the spot doubles as both a quick lunch stop and a late-night destination.
Founded as a humble Tijuana street cart in 1974 by Javier Valdez, Tacos El Franc has evolved into a cross-border culinary landmark while staying true to its origins. Under the leadership of U.S. co-owner Roberto Kelly, the expansion into San Diego is designed to replicate the experience of the original Tijuana flagship down to its custom grills and daily salsa-making rituals.
With plans already underway for further expansion into Los Angeles, Fresno, and beyond, the downtown San Diego opening underscores the brand’s momentum as it grows from a neighborhood taco stand to an internationally recognized powerhouse. For San Diegans, it offers something simpler: a chance to savor the border’s most celebrated tacos without leaving the city.
Tacos El Franc Gaslamp will officially open to the public at 4pm on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, at 528 Fifth Avenue. For more information, visit tacoselfrancusa.com.
Founded as a humble Tijuana street cart in 1974 by Javier Valdez, Tacos El Franc has evolved into a cross-border culinary landmark while staying true to its origins. Under the leadership of U.S. co-owner Roberto Kelly, the expansion into San Diego is designed to replicate the experience of the original Tijuana flagship down to its custom grills and daily salsa-making rituals.
With plans already underway for further expansion into Los Angeles, Fresno, and beyond, the downtown San Diego opening underscores the brand’s momentum as it grows from a neighborhood taco stand to an internationally recognized powerhouse. For San Diegans, it offers something simpler: a chance to savor the border’s most celebrated tacos without leaving the city.
Tacos El Franc Gaslamp will officially open to the public at 4pm on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, at 528 Fifth Avenue. For more information, visit tacoselfrancusa.com.
Originally published on October 1, 2025.
