Chula Tacos is heading to Ocean Beach. The wildly popular TJ-style taqueria is taking over the former Doughboy's Grill space on Newport Avenue as it continues its San Diego expansion.
Chula Tacos has announced plans to open a new location at 4994 Newport Avenue, taking over the space most recently occupied by Doughboy's Grill. The announcement was made Monday via social media, where the company teased its arrival with a simple message: "Ocean Beach, get ready. Chula Tacos is bringing authentic TJ-style tacos to OB!"
The expansion marks another try at a central San Diego location for the rapidly growing taqueria, which has built a devoted following through a combination of social media buzz, handmade tortillas, oversized cheese-stuffed "Kekas," and some of the county's most photographed al pastor tacos. The company previously operated a branch in Mission Beach, but that outpost lasted only a year.
Founded by Rigo Muñoz Jr., Chula Tacos began as a food truck before evolving into one of San Diego's most talked-about Mexican food brands. Its original brick-and-mortar location at 1719 Palm Avenue in National City routinely draws long lines, with fans traveling from across the county for its signature tacos, vampiros, mulitas, aguas frescas, and hand-pressed tortillas.
The Ocean Beach location arrives during a period of transition for the company. Earlier this year, Chula Tacos opened a highly anticipated restaurant at 689 H Street in Chula Vista, taking over the former Tacos El Gordo and Taqueria El Prieto building. However, just weeks after opening, the restaurant suffered a significant attic fire that forced an evacuation and closure. While ownership initially expressed optimism about reopening, the H Street location has since disappeared from the company's website, fueling speculation that the South Bay outpost may have been permanently abandoned following the extensive fire damage.
If that proves to be the case, the Ocean Beach restaurant would effectively become Chula Tacos' second operating location and its first venture into one of San Diego's most competitive dining markets.
The Newport Avenue space has seen several concepts come and go in recent years. Most recently it housed Doughboy's Grill, a cheesesteak, burger, pizza, and wing concept from the family behind longtime Ocean Beach institution BBQ House OB. Prior to that, the address operated as OB Kabob and D'Lish Express.
For Chula Tacos, the move represents an opportunity to introduce its distinctly South Bay style of Mexican street food to a neighborhood better known for surf culture, dive bars, and eclectic independent restaurants.
Known for its motto "Tacos Are Essential," Chula Tacos has built a loyal audience by focusing on straightforward, affordable Mexican food prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. The brand's social media presence has only accelerated its popularity, turning the restaurant into a destination for taco enthusiasts throughout San Diego County.
An opening date has not yet been announced, but ownership says the Ocean Beach restaurant is expected to debut soon.
Chula Tacos currently operates its original location at 1719 Palm Avenue in National City, with a new Ocean Beach restaurant coming soon to 4994 Newport Avenue in San Diego. For more information, visit eatchulatacos.com.
Originally published on June 22, 2026.
