San Diego’s proximity to Mexico and rich Hispanic heritage have helped shape its vibrant identity. Latinx influences can be discovered through the region’s colorful neighborhoods and savored in its culinary scene. That’s why San Diego proudly celebrates the important contributions from its Latinx community, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month but every day as well.
From restaurants to shops and self-care spaces, here are just a few of the many Latinx and Hispanic owned businesses you must experience while in San Diego.
Restaurants
Azúcar
Where: 4820 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
The laid-back Ocean Beach neighborhood is home to this sweet spot. Here, pastry chef Vivian Hernandez-Jackson bakes sweet and savory handmade treats, combining her Cuban roots and French pastry training. Stop by for a meat pie or guava pastry; there’s no wrong choice at this Cuban-style patisserie.
Barrio Dogg
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 different types of hot dogs showcasing San Diego’s cross-cultural 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.
Border X Brewing
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 taproom pays tribute to its Mexican heritage through its décor and beer. Try the horchata golden stout, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, or the pepino sour with cucumber and lime flavors. Pints are best enjoyed when paired with delicious tacos on their patio.
Dia del Café
Where: 2873 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
This North Park Dia de Los Muertos themed coffeeshop 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.
El Salvador Pupuseria y Restaurante
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. Currently open for take-out only.
Empanada Kitchen
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. With items like traditional beef and vegan ratatouille, the menu features a range of flavors inspired by family recipes. Enjoy each empanada, baked from scratch, with their 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.
Puesto
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, one of San Diego’s favorite pastimes is eating tacos. And although taco options abound, Puesto continues to be a local favorite. Their menu features an innovative take on traditional tacos. Their secret ingredient is the handmade blue corn tortillas. Puesto also delivers a refreshing craft bar program at its new Mission Valley location.
Tropical Star
Where: 6163 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111
Don’t blink or you might miss this spot. Tropical Star is tucked in 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, Central and South America, which are also available for purchase. Don’t leave without trying their Peruvian lomo saltado or their Colombian bandeja paisa.
Please check with each restaurant for current operating hours and available outdoor dining, take out and/or delivery options.
Shops and More
Angelica B Beauty
Where: 2226 Fern St, San Diego, CA 92104
If you are 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.
Artelexia
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 Instagramable spots.
Casa Xovi
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 can find unique gifts including hand-painted hats, embroidered tabletops, jewelry, home décor, and apparel. Owner Xochitl Villareal personally handpicks all pieces from Mexico and South America.
Combine and Create
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 like 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 her work in different boutiques throughout San Diego.
Copal & Tierra
Where: 2076 Logan Ave, San Diego CA 92113
Located in Barrio Logan, Copal & Tierra is a healing space that offers classes and tools for self-growth. Services include breathwork, card reading, moon ceremonies, and reiki. Also, the shop serves as a specialty market for local vendors selling everything from teas to jewelry and crystals.
Hola Swim
Where: 2159 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Two lifelong friends, Aida Soria and Syncletica Maestas, founded this swimsuit company on a whim. Their collections are entirely designed and produced in San Diego. Each piece is inspired by their Hispanic roots and named after a friend. Swimsuits are available for purchase online and at their Barrio Logan storefront.
Simón Limón
Where: 2185 Logan Ave Unit 11, San Diego, CA 92113
This Barrio Logan shop focuses on supporting Latinx independent artists from San Diego and Tijuana. Its small space features more than 40 small businesses. You can find unique handmade gifts, apparel, jewelry, home decor, and clean beauty items.