Are they tacos? Well, they’re not not tacos. Established in 2018 by San Diego hospitality group Grain & Grit Collective and TV personality, author, and cook-extraordinaire, Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien, Not Not Tacos serves up genre-bending fare that pushes the envelope of culinary creativity.
Low-key counter-serve food hall restaurant specializing in creative tacos with unique fillings. Based on 691 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.5 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ No-contact delivery
Address:
550 W Date St suite b, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 269-6725
Social Profile: 
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Hours
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–9 PM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
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Reviews
Novazo
I loved the food. I been a fan of Sam’s YouTube channel for years and I have been wanting to try Not Not Tacos for the longest time, being from Arizona, and finally had the chance so I took it when visiting LA and came through SD. We had “It’s a Date” taco combo. It was definitely worth it. We ordered the Korean Short Rib, Mashed Potatoes, Kelly’s Shrimp, Nashville Hot Chicken and chips and guacamole. It was all good and delicious especially the tater tots because they had tons of flavor compared to other food spots I’ve had where it’s just plain Jane tots. Mashed potatoes and Nashville chicken are tied as my favorites, the chicken had great flavor and was really juicy, and the mashed potatoes reminded me of my childhood because my mom would make mashed potatoe tacos and it is one of my favorite tacos to eat. Definitely would go again next time I’m in San Diego. Also recommend trying guacamole in any and all the tacos or tots too, it was all bomb together! Can’t wait for my next visit and hopefully I get the chance to meet Sam next time.
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Tommie Fountain
What’s not to love about this place? First, you walk into a beautiful little outdoor food court right in the heart of San Diego, into Not Not Tacos and are immediately greeted with more than you’ll expect. Pizza, pastries, and tacos. Who could ask for more? I ordered the Mac N Pork and Korean Short Rib tacos with tots. My son and I enjoyed our tacos outside in the little food court with a view of the ocean. The tacos were sublime. Each bite tantalized my tongue with new and wonderful flavors. Only thing I missed out in was meeting Sam The Cooking Guy. A day late, I’m told. A wonderful little oasis of food and comfort in the middle of the city. I will most definitely be returning when I visit San Diego again.
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Mark Kennedy
The staff was friendly and ordering was easy. The wait time was a bit long for the two items that we ordered, given they weren’t really busy, but at least this means our meal was fresh and cooked to order. The tater tots were delicious, but the taco was a bit dry (even after I doused it with extra Cholula hot sauce I asked for on the side). The ratio of crispyness to chicken was also a bit off, with too much crunch and not enough chicken meat. That being said, it was an interesting take on tacos with alternative options and worth a try.
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Kyle C
This place is located inside “Little Italy” where there is live music outside, a beautiful patio and great atmosphere.
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Doug LaRock
I was very excited to try not not tacos as I am a big fan of Sam the Cooking guy. The only negative was my order took 25 mins and only one person was ahead of me. After 15 minutes they asked my name and order and said ok were making it now. After 25 they asked my name again and said oh its right here, did you not get a text? Seems to be a problem with the phone number alert system they have. Food was really good and I enjoyed all three tacos. The fish taco was definitely the best though. I’ll be coming back to eat here again for sure.
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Mother 2Daughters
My husband has watched Sam’s cooking videos on YouTube for years, so we of course had to check out his places in Little Italy. Kelly’s shrimp tacos and the Chicken Schwarma taco of the month were amazing. It was toward the end of the night so the chips and queso tasted like it – meh, not as fresh as the tacos. There was a live musician so we ate outside and had a wonderful date night.
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Brian Minjares
Amazing. Love Sam, his good, YouTube channel, old fashions. I can’t remember the name of the young lady who helped me but she awesome! I also loved the space and area. I booked a stay down the street for my next trip so I can walk there daily.
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Cherilyn Jones
Love the creative taco options. I got it’s a Date 4 taco combo. They were out of shrimp so we went with Asian Salmon, Korean short rib, Lamb, and Hot chicken. Came with hot tater tots. All were excellent! The food court itself is awesome.
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Natalie Bracamonte
The young man at the register was so sweet! Wish we remembered his name! We ordered the duo with a watermelon margarita.The presentation was beautiful but we wanted to love these not so taco tacos and unfortunately we probably won’t be returning. The margarita was way too sour, not sure if they add citric acid to the mix but our tongues were getting that raw feeling like after you eat too much sour candy. The fish taco was hefty, but needed a little salt and the tortilla felt too weak for it and fell apart mid taco. The Nashville taco was alright, but was hoping for something a little spicier. The atmosphere in the food hall is adorable loud and fun.
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Russ M
First things first, Sam is the nicest guy ever. Second, but just as important since I’m sure you’re reading this for the food review, my order was excellent. I did the Nashville Hot and Smokey Pork and Mac Tacos and they were absolutely delicious. A+, I’ll definitely be back! (Plus, I need to try Graze!)
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