Tacos El Franc Opens Second U.S. Location in The Gaslamp Quarter
Tacos El Franc, one of Tijuana’s most iconic and acclaimed taquerias, is opening a second U.S. location in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter at 528 5th Avenue on October 8, 2025. This new location follows the Baja-born brand’s first U.S. location at Westfield Plaza Bonita.
“We’ve been blown away by the response to Tacos El Franc here in the U.S., and this new location is an exciting next step as we look towards expanding throughout California and into neighboring states,” says Roberto Kelly, co-owner of Tacos El Franc USA. “We are still seeing lines out the door at Plaza Bonita, and we’re excited to now bring the same great taste and quality to downtown so we can serve even more people every day.”
While the Plaza Bonita location emulates the Tijuana original with table service dining, the Gaslamp Quarter location will offer a quicker, counter service, catering to on-the-go and late-night diners. Taqueros will work on charcoal grills to ensure steaks can be cooked in the traditional style – over mesquite – and the kitchen team will work in a brigade system, with individual taqueros manning the disco, steamer, and trompo. The new location will serve up staples like tacos de adobada, asada, cabeza, suadero, and tripa, plus 32oz Caguamas and Tacos El Franc USA’s signature San Diego-inspired menu item: beef tallow fries served with a variety of proteins.
Originally founded as a street cart by Javier Valadez in 1974, Tacos El Franc opened its brick-and-mortar location in Tijuana in 1996. Since then, Tacos El Franc has become a cultural landmark, earning dual accolades from the Michelin Guide in 2024 and 2025 and a feature on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles. Known for its award-winning adobada, sizzling carne asada, real avocado, and fiercely loyal following, the taqueria now draws thousands of guests weekly to its flagship location in Tijuana and first U.S. location in National City.
Category: Business, Food, Local News, Restaurants
