Living in Hillcrest has its advantages, the bars, people and of course the restaurants. Walking down either University or Washington, or up 5th Street you are for sure going to run into something delicious. With all different types of food options, it’s hard to go hungry in Hillcrest.
One of my new favorite places is Tacos Libertad. Opening in May of 2017, Tacos Libertad is San Diego’s first for-charity restaurant, that donates 100% of its profits to charity. Owned by famous Cohn restaurant group, this new shop shows off not only a stunning menu of new-wave tacos but also a fun speak easy in back.
We went for a casual Friday night bit to eat and was shocked that so many people turned out because of how much they love this place. Even with its short tenure in the community it has already made a big punch. Its Prime location right off University helps with the foot traffic but I have a feeling its reputation is growing strong because of the quality of food they produce.
When it comes to a nice taco shop, my go to is the Octopus Taco. Octopus is easy to screw up, but if done right it’s a little piece of heaven. They nailed this taco on the head. The Octopus was tender and they helped the natural flavor come right out. They don’t worry about over decorating the taco, it has a small finish of Avocado, Cilantro, Lime, Oaxaca Cheese and their delicious cilantro aji crema. A good taco is simple in ingredients like this one but balanced just right. The crema they put on wraps everything together, the octopus melts in your mouth and the avocado adds the creamy filling texture you are looking for.
Our group basically did the whole menu but my other taco was the Shrimp “La Foresta” taco. This tempura battered shrimp taco is crispy crunchy, which makes it fun to eat, with a habanero mayo for some heat. You hear habanero and you may run but this not a crazy spicy habanero, they know how to balance heat and spicy. They add a pico de gallo on top for a fresh flavor, mixed with a flavorful heat and a few crispy shrimp, I was in taco heaven.
The vibe is very taqueria but with a fun vibe, add a hint of hipster and a bar to sit at. The tables are small but you don’t go to sit for hours, grab your tacos, visit the salsa bar, drink you margarita and leave happy, I know I do. I’d recommend checking this out if you want delicious tacos, a great vibe and make sure to go behind the freezer door to visit the speak easy, you won’t be disappointed in the least. You will thank me when you bit into the octopus taco and taste the perfect salt level, avocado and crema that balance it out and get that taco in about 5 minute from order, quick, easy and fun.
