San Diego’s proximity to Mexico and its rich Hispanic heritage have helped shape the city’s vibrant identity. Hispanic influences shine through in the region’s colorful neighborhoods, its arts and culture attractions, its renowned culinary scene and so much more.
From restaurants to shops to self-care spaces, here are just a few of the many Latine- and Hispanic- owned businesses you’ll want to experience while in San Diego.
Where: 4820 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
The laid-back neighborhood of Ocean Beach is home to this culinary gem. Here, pastry chef Vivian Hernandez-Jackson bakes sweet and savory handmade treats, combining her Cuban roots and French pastry training. Stop by Azúcar for a meat pie or guava pastry; there’s no wrong choice at this Cuban-style patisserie.
Where: 2234 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
What started as two items sold via a low rider-styled hot dog cart is now one of Barrio Logan's hottest restaurants. The Chicano comfort food menu at Barrio Dogg now features 13 types of hot dogs showcasing San Diego’s cross-border cuisine. Favorites include El Xolito, a Tijuana-style hot dog, and El Bombero, a version inspired by the neighborhood’s firehouse and their spice-loving firefighters.
Where: 2181 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Barrio Logan's first brewery is still one of the neighborhood’s most notable. The family-owned tap room pays tribute to its Mexican heritage through its décor and beer. Try the horchata golden stout, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, or the blood saison, inspired by the traditional Mexican beverage Jamaica. Pints are best enjoyed with delicious tacos on the patio.
Where: 2873 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
This Dia de los Muertos-themed coffee shop in North Park serves Mexican-inspired hot and iced drinks. All teas and coffees are organic and fair-trade sourced. Signature drinks include the La Muerte latte, with activated charcoal, and the cold brew with horchata. Don’t forget to grab a Mexican pastry or two.
Where: 3824 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
This San Diego gem is where locals satisfy their Salvadoran food cravings. Pupusas, a stuffed, thick corn tortilla topped with cabbage relish and tomato sauce, are the highlights of the menu. Selections include cheese with jalapeno, shrimp, and pork. Tip: enjoy your pupusas with a side of fried plantains and an ensalada, a traditional Salvadorian fruit drink.
Where: North Park – 2855 El Cajon Blvd, Unit 3, San Diego, CA 92104; Downtown – 819 C St, San Diego, CA 92101
With locations in downtown and North Park, Empanada Kitchen offers a casual taste of Argentina. The menu features a range of flavors inspired by family recipes, including such items as traditional beef and vegan ratatouille. Enjoy each empanada, baked from scratch, with homemade chimichurri sauce.
Where: La Jolla – 927 Silverado St., La Jolla, CA 92037; Little Italy – 1680 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101; Del Mar – 3745 Paseo Place, Suite 820, San Diego, CA 92130; Coronado – 1134 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
With locations in La Jolla, Little Italy, Del Mar and Coronado, Parakeet Café focuses on serving health-conscious food, coffee and pastries. The café’s all-day menu includes vegan, gluten-free, keto and paleo items. Stop by for brunch and enjoy the cacao waffles accompanied by one of their wellness lattes.
Where: Downtown – 789 West Harbor Drive, Ste. 155, San Diego, CA 92101; La Jolla – 1026 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037; Mission Valley – 5010 Mission Center Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
Besides hanging out on the beach, eating tacos is one of San Diego’s favorite pastimes. And while taco options abound, Puesto continues to be a local favorite. The menu showcases the restaurant's innovative takes on traditional tacos. Puesto's secret ingredient is the handmade blue-corn tortillas. Puesto also serves up a refreshing craft bar program at its Mission Valley location.
Where: 6163 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111
Don't blink or you might miss this spot. Tropical Star is tucked into a strip mall in the Clairemont Mesa neighborhood. This tiny restaurant and market specializes in authentic Puerto Rican and Latin American cuisine. Dishes are prepared with ingredients imported from the Caribbean and Central and South America. Don’t leave without trying their Peruvian lomo saltado or Colombian bandeja paisa.
Where: 2226 Fern St, San Diego, CA 92104
If you’re looking to relax and unwind, this is the place to be. Owner Angelica Barragan opened this South Park space to connect and empower other women. Services include body treatments, facials, massages, waxing and makeup consultations.
Where: 3803 Ray St, San Diego, CA 92104
This former farmers’ market stand is now a North Park staple. Owner Elexia de la Parra has created a vibrant storefront with handcrafted Mexican imports and unique Hispanic artisan crafts. The colorful mural outside the shop is one of San Diego’s most Instagram-able spots.
Where: 2151 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
When you walk into Casa Xovi, you can’t help but smile at the colorful decorations. You'll find unique gifts here, including hand-painted hats, embroidered tabletops, jewelry, home décor and apparel. Owner Xochitl Villareal personally hand-picks all pieces from Mexico and South America.
Where: 2195 Logan Ave #3, San Diego, CA 92113
Vanessa Alcaraz hand-forges her jewelry out of her art studio in Barrio Logan. Her pieces incorporate gemstones such as pink quartz and tiger’s eyes, as well as antique beads and coins. In addition to her studio and her Etsy page, you can find Alcaraz's work in boutiques throughout San Diego.
Where: 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
This cultural art center is dedicated to creating, promoting, preserving and educating about Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous and Latino art and culture. The nonprofit organization is housed in a former Balboa Park water tower draped with bright murals. The Centro Cultural de la Raza provides classes, arts and crafts, and artistic presentations that support and encourage the creative expression of indigenous cultures. Special outdoor vendor exhibits can be enjoyed on selected weekends.
Where: 2043-2085 Logan Ave. San Diego, CA 92113
Chicano Park is the geographic and emotional heart of Barrio Logan, San Diego's oldest Mexican-American community, established by refugees in the early 20th century during the Mexican Revolution. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the park is home to the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the United States, with more than 80 paintings on seven acres dotted with sculpture, gardens, picnic tables and playgrounds. It also now houses the Chicano Park Museum. Throughout the year, the park hosts festivals of music and Aztec dance, the biggest being Chicano Park Day, held each April.
Where: AMC Westfield Mission Valley, 1640 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108
Every March for two weeks, the San Diego Latino Film Festival, organized by Media Arts Center San Diego, features cinematic stories of and by the Latino community from Latin America and the United States. It hosts filmmakers and celebrity appearances, workshops, live music, art exhibitions and gala celebrations. The festival helps support yearlong educational, creative and production-oriented programs for underserved youth and residents.
Where: 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92037
The Tony Award-winning Playhouse has taken over hosting the annual Latinx New Play Festival, which was founded at the now-dormant San Diego Repertory Theatre. Each October, the festival presents vibrant new works that showcase the voices of rising Latine playwrights. The event includes readings, productions, surround events and receptions.
Where: Various locations
Each fall, San Diego is the setting for a wide range of events commemorating Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the Mexican holiday devoted to honoring and remembering those who have passed on. Celebrations include Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s three-day event, featuring altars, parades, live music and a candlelight procession. Organized by local residents, The Sherman Heights Día de Los Muertos features Catrina makeup as well as flower-crown workshops and altar displays crafted by local residents.
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