Overview: Start the day early at Crack Taco Shop
For the early birds, Crack Taco Shop is now serving breakfast.
Crack Taco Shop can fulfill your taco needs. (Photo by Robin Dohrn-Simpson)
Have you ever had a taco with meat so delicious that it has its own Facebook page?
That’s how good the filling is at Crack Taco Shop. And yes, the meat is the crack.
“Cardiff Crack” Tri-tip comes from Seaside Market in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, a popular specialty market located across the street from the Cardiff Kook statue.
“We purchase our Tri-tip twice a week,” owner Ron Abbo said. “We marinate it in a burgundy pepper marinade on-site, then tumble the meat to inject the seasoning. We let it sit for a day to tenderize, then we cook it in an oven and sear it fresh. It’s not barbecued. All of our food is freshly made. Even our tortillas. They’re pressed and cooked to order. We make our guacamole, pico de gallo and salsas.”
“Our most popular items are, of course, the crack taco, but the al pastor taco, and the IPA battered fish taco are also well-loved,” Abbo added.
Over and above these tacos, the Crack Taco Shop menu is extensive and will keep you coming back over and over to sample everything.
The Tri-tip is featured in burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, fries, and even breakfast burritos and bowls. The birria, which historically was goat meat, nowadays is typically beef that is stewed, boasting earthy and spicy flavors.
Traditionally, the meat is marinated in an adobo sauce that generally includes vinegar, dried chiles, garlic, and other spices before being stewed. Served in a fresh tortilla and served with a dipping sauce. Keto and Vegetarian burritos are also offered.
Salad lovers rejoice
For the salad lover, the shop offers four options.
The Chipotle Salad with roasted corn and spring mix or the Roast Pepper Caesar Salad on a bed of romaine each can have a variety of meats added if so desired.
For the early birds, Crack Taco Shop is now serving breakfast.
You can call and pre-order your breakfast, served daily from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and take it to go or eat in.
The breakfast special offers your choice of two eggs, two pancakes, breakfast potatoes and a choice of either two bacon strips or two sausage links. They also offer a variety of breakfast burritos and chilaquiles.
Growing the brand
With such a delicious lineup, it’s not surprising that Crack Taco Shop is growing.
Last year, the business opened a new location at Seaport Village; plans are in motion for two new Crack Taco Shops, in Coronado and Encinitas.
““It’s all about good quality, good service and great food. Some people say that since I’m not Mexican, I can’t make good food. But I say, my chefs are of Mexican descent and they’re the ones cooking. We have a great team that works well together. We keep a positive attitude and have great communication,” Abbo said.
The shop is located at 4242 Camino del Rio North; call (619) 269-2828 for information.
Check out their current menu and look for them on social media, including Instagram, under @cracktacoshopsd.