SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — One of San Diego's most popular taco stops plans to expand across the county.
City Tacos, which started in 2014 in North Park and added a La Mesa location in 2017, is preparing to open in four more locations around San Diego County. The shop is heading to Imperial Beach, Encinitas, Pacific Beach, and the Sorrento Valley area, according to City Tacos owner Gerald Torres.
"We've been expanding as rapidly as we can while being responsible," Torres said, noting when he used to open a store, he did so, "quietly and let people trickle in and take care of them."
RELATED: List: San Diego's best Mexican restaurants
The opening of the Imperial Beach location, however, will see a bit of a different welcoming. Free tacos will be given to the first 200 customers during its opening.
In IB, the location will partner with local craft brewery Mike Hess to feature a 6,500-square-foot taco shop and beer garden just steps from the beach on Ocean Lane. Customers can expect many of the delicious taco creations found at other City Tacos locations, with the added benefit of pairing them with Mike Hess brews.
To open, the IB stop will also offer tacos from local IB Street Tacos, including the carnitas, pollo asado and cameron enchilada tacos. Eventually, breakfast items will also be added, like chilaquiles and benedicts, and tostadas.
RELATED: 10 must-eat restaurants on San Diego's Convoy Street
In Encinitas, the location will feature a wrap-around patio spanning nearly 2,000-square-feet, giving diners plenty of room to eat and hang out.
Torres says the Imperial Beach location will hold a grand opening after the property's gas is turned on, but mobile service is currently serving customers. Encinitas is set to open in two to three weeks, while the Pacific Beach location is about three months out.
Sorrento Valley's stop is at least a year away, Torres added.
