Looking for a Fabulous Taco Tuesday? Try Baja Betty’s

When I first considered San Diego as a potential place to live in 2020, my best friend told me I couldn’t leave without stopping at Baja Betty’s in Hillcrest.

Now that I’ve been a San Diego native for almost four years, it’s become one of my go-to favorite spots, especially during Taco Tuesday.

We live in a world of rising inflation, but Baja Betty’s has at least managed to keep up with their portion sizes and still offers food cheaper than you’ll get at Taco Bell (without the immediate trip to the bathroom right after.)

Baja Betty’s Taco Tuesday

Starting at 5 p.m. and lasting until close, their street tacos run between $2.75 and $3.75 a pop and come stuffed to the point where you won’t need more than two or three. You can also get a shot of house tequila for $2.75, a Pink Pussy shot that tastes like a watermelon Jolly Rancher for $3.75 or sip on a House Margarita for $6.75, which easily makes this one of the most affordable meals in town.

When it comes to the tacos, though, you really can’t beat the Carnitas BLT. The chipotle aioli they drizzle on top lives rent-free in my dreams and it’s the only thing I order when I come in for a Taco Tuesday. I’ve tried other tacos and they’re good, but nothing beats that one for me.

Outside of the BLT, I also recommend you put your gaze toward the Al Pastor and/or Short Rib tacos. The Al Pastor comes with grilled pineapple and sesame salsa, and they braise the short ribs to absolute perfection. Their white queso bean dip with chorizo is also a great starter to share for the table, though that would be the most expensive food item on your trip at $5.75. 

But there’s more than just Tacos!

Taco Tuesday isn’t the only reason you should pop into Baja Betty’s. Over on the regular side of the menu, I always head straight for their Taco Salad. It comes in a traditional fried tortilla bowl stuffed with black beans, mixed greens, cucumbers, black olives, grilled corn, tomatoes, jicama, red onion, Monterey queso, guacamole, sour cream, and your choice of protein. Even though this is a much steeper price at $15.25 depending on your protein choice, the portion size is enough to fill you for the rest of the day, if not even into the next.

Are you a big burrito fan like me? Allow me to offer you a warning.

Betty’s has a Short & Fat and a Long & Fat option for burrito choices. The first time I came in, I ordered a Long & Fat. The server cocked an eyebrow and asked me if I was sure, which should have been my first hint. I went with it, only to have the largest burrito I’ve ever seen in my life placed in front of me, which then became my only meal for the following two days (and I’m 6’5 with a huge appetite.)

Besides the food, be aware that they pour their drinks heavily here. The Pink Pussy “shot” is basically a full drink with no ice. If you watch the bartenders when they make your margarita, you’ll also notice it’s about 85% liquor and 15% sweet and sour in a 16 ounce glass, yet they somehow find a way to make it taste like there’s no alcohol in it at all. Drink and be merry all you want, just be extra responsible when you do.

Should you still have any room left for dessert at the end of your meal, regardless of when you come, try out the traditional Fried Ice Cream. This comes in a vanilla ice cream ball breaded in cornflakes and topped with cinnamon sugar, dulce de leche, and whipped cream. It’s a great way to finish off your meal.

Happy Hour aka Papi Hour

 If Tuesday nights don’t work out for you, Betty’s also has a “Papi Hour” Monday through Friday from 2-6 pm where several drinks and food items are available for $6.50. The Papi Hour also extends until 10 p.m. on Mondays, which still gives you the opportunity to come in for an evening meal if the afternoon doesn’t work in your favor, either.

Do you want to enjoy Baja Betty’s all to yourself? They have private party options, as well as a “Backdoor Betty’s” speakeasy for those who want to have a more intimate experience with up to 40 of their closest friends and family. 

My friend was absolutely right about one thing when he took me to Betty’s: It’s one joint in Hillcrest you most certainly do not want to miss. They’ll have you feeling “home sweet homo” in a safe and inclusive space with one of the most fabulous experiences in the area.

This article was written by Andrew J. Stillman for San Diego Explorer. Photo Credit: Britt Leach

Last Updated on August 13, 2024 by Maria Haase

The post Looking for a Fabulous Taco Tuesday? Try Baja Betty’s appeared first on San Diego Explorer.