La Doña

1852 Bacon St, San Diego, CA 92107, United States
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(853 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of Ocean Beach, San Diego, don't miss the culinary treasure that is La Doña. This delightful Mexican restaurant, nestled at 1852 Bacon St, captures the essence of authentic Mexican dining while embracing the laid-back charm of its seaside location.

As soon as you step into La Doña, you're greeted by a kaleidoscope of color and a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to unwind and savor each moment. The restaurant offers a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, with stylish decor and an energetic vibe that feels perfect for groups of friends or a cozy date night. Whether you're basking in the Californian sun on the patio or enjoying the warmth of the vibrant interiors, La Doña sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.

The menu showcases a mouthwatering selection of traditional Mexican dishes that will leave your taste buds dancing. Indulge in exceptional plates like the Doña's Chilaquiles, where chips are topped with velvety salsa and your choice of protein, or try the Steak & Mushroom Omelette for a hearty brunch option. Don’t miss out on their massive tacos, notably the mega taco, which is humorously described as "the size of 23 normal tacos!" Each bite is packed with flavor, whether you choose succulent carnitas or perfectly seasoned pollo asado.

La Doña’s offerings aren’t just limited to the savory realm; their Churro Margarita stands as a highlight, delighting patrons with its unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the lively spirit of the restaurant. And for those seeking something more muted, their classic margaritas won’t disappoint. Add on a side of the pumpkin seed guacamole with pork grinds for a surprisingly delightful twist that has garnered rave reviews.

Customer experiences echo the quality and care La Doña puts into its food and service. From raving about the "incredible" flavors to appreciating the attentive staff—who are always eager to provide recommendations—it's clear that La Doña strives for excellence in every aspect. The gorgeous outdoor seating, covered and heated to keep patrons comfortable, allows for a truly enjoyable experience, day or night.

In summary, La Doña is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Mexican cuisine infused with the spirit of Ocean Beach. Whether you're a taco fanatic or just in search of a great meal with friends, La Doña promises to deliver unforgettable flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. So gather your crew, make your way to this gem, and prepare for a taste adventure that will leave you eager to return.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has fireplace
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid parking lot
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

12:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

12:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

12:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

12:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday

12:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Saturday

10:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Sunday

10:30 AM - 9:00 PM

853 Reviews
Jake Giebel

14 Sep 2025

A Taco Lover’s Paradise in Ocean Beach If you’re in Ocean Beach and craving tacos, La Doña is a must. This spot has the perfect OB vibe: open-air seating, colorful decor, and a fun atmosphere that’s both laid-back and lively. The Food: • The tacos here are massive (seriously, bigger than my hand – check the photos). Not only are they Instagram-worthy, but they’re also packed with flavor. • Chips and salsa are fresh, crunchy, and addictive – the kind you can’t stop snacking on while waiting for your meal. • I really appreciated the vegan options, which makes this a great spot whether you’re plant-based or not. Drinks & Atmosphere: They’ve got a good drink selection to pair with the food, and the atmosphere is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. Outdoor seating with heaters makes it comfortable any time of year, and the staff is super friendly and attentive. Pro Tip: Come hungry (one taco might be all you need!) and definitely grab some photos – the plating and portions make for great shots. Bottom line: Huge portions, great flavors, vegan-friendly options, and a lively OB atmosphere. A must-visit whether you’re a local or just passing through.

Tiffany Ward

25 Aug 2025

Great for large groups. We went for brunch with 9 people out of everything ordered the Doña's Chilaquiles & Steak & Mushroom Omelette were very good! For drinks: Vaya Con Dios, Doña Margarita & Spanish Coffee were super yummy. The other items ordered: Bistec con Huevos, Los Bennys, Chorizo con Papas Burrito & Pan Frances were just average. The service & ambience were very good!

Betty Jones

15 Aug 2025

Decent place. It’s pretty big with lots of seating. They have indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor stuff has covers and heaters. It is a pretty nice looking place. Nice vibes. The food is ok. The pumpkin seed guacamole with pork grinds are surprisingly good!!! Really good lol. I got the giant mega taco and wow that thing was huge bahaha. Definitely the size of 2-3 normal tacos. I got the chicken tinga. It was alright. Flavor was a little odd and the crunch of the taco was a little overpowering. It was like extremely crunchy lol. The water cups are tiny lol but they at least give you your own big bottle to fill up. Decent place. Dog friendly.

Ava Johns

14 Aug 2025

Great tacos and service! We enjoyed the yummy corn tortillas and I loved the carnitas. Beans were good. Taco Tuesday deal was okay? Was expecting more. Margs were okay and the rice wasn't seasoned. Overall really enjoyed our meal.

Thrill seeker

28 Jul 2025

La Doña in Ocean Beach is an absolute gem! The food was incredible—packed with flavor, fresh ingredients, and a perfect blend of bold and authentic. Every bite hit the spot. On top of that, Lauren was my server and she was outstanding—super friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. Her recommendations were spot-on and she really made me feel welcome. Can’t wait to come back! Highly recommend!

Katie Thomas Carol

07 Jul 2025

BEST Margarita! The churro margarita is the most unique and delicious marg I’ve ever had. Not to mention the vegan flautas. What an incredible restaurant. Lori was the best and got me a virgin so I could enjoy too! She was the best. We’re truly wowed!

Chopn8r C

28 Jun 2025

My wife was in the mood for a Mexican breakfast after church, and we wanted to try a new spot. I searched for Mexican brunch and found this place near our location. We arrived just after opening and it seemed they were a bit understaffed, because there was no host and nobody acknowledged us. The bartender is closest to the entrance and although most barkeeps are friendly and welcoming, this guy didn't even look at us. Not a huge deal, but a welcoming gesture and acknowledgement could go a long way. After standing there waiting for several minutes, we were seated and the waiter brought us water. We asked for chips and salsa which we didn't see on the menu, but we knew they had from the photos on Google. The chips are good with a nice seasoning and the salsa is fresh and flavorful. The menu is pretty basic and we would have liked to see just a little bit more variety, but we both found something appetizing to try. My wife ordered Bistec con Huevos and I ordered the Doña's Chilaquiles with carnitas added and the green sauce. We also ordered a Sweet Canela waffle to share. The waffle came out 1st and is the best sweet waffle we've found. It was delicious! It is made with a light, fluffy batter and the perfect cinnamon/sugar ratio. They top it with a vanilla cream & berries which are fantastic. The green sauce on the Doña's chilaquiles was so good and the carnitas were well seasoned, succulent, and very tender. I highly recommend adding this to the dish! All in all, a good experience and tasty food and price is about what you'd expect for a Sunday Brunch. We did not add any cocktails this time. We both ordered coffee and it was not great, plus they don't top off for you. You have to ask more coffee and they just bring you a new cup. As mentioned, I think they were a bit understaffed and service was slow and not as attentive as one would expect. But with the quality of the food, we will definitely be back to try this spot again someday.

Amber Wierzba

28 May 2025

This was the best Mexican food I've ever had! The service was genuine and sweet, too. Although I did go here alone and felt a little awkward explaining that to them at first, that's most places, so I can't really ding them on that. Atmosphere was fantastic.

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