Hugo’s Cocina

Once upon a time I was randomly in San Diego and wanted to see the sunset. I was with my vegan friend and she was hungry, and Hugo’s was the closest spot that had vegan food to where we were. She loved her food but this review isn’t about her. I had the surf and turf burrito and I really don’t know how to explain what this burrito did to me. It was a religious experience, and I’m an atheist. It was a flavorsplosion in my mouth. I was not worthy nor ready. But it doesn’t end there. For the next 3 years, on a boring day in Utah where I live, I’d dream of this burrito. I tried to find somewhere local that could do it, and they all palled in comparison. But today? Today I made it back to San Diego and today I was reunited with my one true love: the surf and turf. I thought maybe I made it up in my mind to be better than it actually was, and somehow it exceeded even those expectations. Hugo or whoever you are, chefs kiss to you for this burrito that will haunt me all my days. And to the rest of you, you’re doing yourself a disservice staying in the main part of OB. Go try this burrito. You won’t regret it.

If you havent tried this place youre missing out!! Top favorite restaurant of all time. The food is exceptional. Tons of vegan options using soy chorizo (bomb) and vegan Carne asada(yet to try). Their frozen mango margaritas are to die for !!! They have chunks of real mango in them.. it tastes like a smoothie but better. They also have amazing regular smoothies. The food and fruit is so fresh! The atmosphere is really neat. It's vibrant, welcoming, laid back, colorful. Not to mention you get free chips and salsa while ordering and waiting on food. Even that is so so good. Seriously could not stress enough.

What a wonderful place! Let’s start with the fact that the staff is wonderfully friendly and the service fantastic. Add to that the plethora of Vegan options on the menu (literally dozens), and the dishes bursting with flavor, and you have a perfect place for vegans and non-vegans alike. We had the tofu enchilada with vegan cheese, a pineapple tamale, and birria taco made of jackfruit and mushrooms (it was a daily special). Everything was stellar and the margarita flight is also highly recommended. Can’t recommend this place enough!

Good food, especially the Enchiladas trio is definitely to try for. Vegan and vegetarian options are great as well. The staff is kind and friendly. The ambiance is also relaxing and great inside and outside. Service is fairly quick. Be mindful that the credit card service charge is there. Equally cash discount does exist but not much.

Cute traditional Mexican that does sit down or takeaway. I had a nopales (cactus) taco, a side of black beans, and a pineapple tamale. The first two items were average - kinda bland - but there are tons of vegetarian options, which I appreciate, so 4 stars instead of 5 for a place I really enjoyed. Special shout out though for the pineapple tamale, which was amazing — definitely give it a try. I would drive across town to have it again! It’s sweet, and listed in the menu with the entrees, but it could totally work as a dessert as far as I’m concerned. Delicious!!