El Chingon

Angie Diaz 3 weeks ago

I recently visited this place to watch the soccer game for the World Cup. We had such an amazing time! The food is good, the drinks are fun, and the atmosphere was amazing! It was super crowded but our server was really good, fast and attentive. This place is in Gaslamp so the parking absolutely sucks. Be prepared for that.

Marcie Lemieux a month ago

I came here on Memorial Day Monday. There was a decent crowd, but it wasn’t nearly as packed as it usually is. Most nights, you’re practically shoulder to shoulder with people, so it was nice having a little extra room to move around. The service was awesome, as always. It didn’t take long at all to get our drinks, and the staff were all friendly. We sat upstairs near the DJ booth, which is one of my favorite spots in the venue. It’s spacious and a great place to overlook the crowd and people-watch. The DJs always do a fantastic job playing a mix of music that, and the crowd is consistently fun with a great vibe. If you’re looking for a place to party, this is definitely one of the go-to spots. The customer service is excellent, the staff are welcoming, and even the bouncers are friendly and professional. Overall, it’s always a great time whenever I visit.

David Figueroa 5 months ago

One of the best meals we have had in our month-long travels around San Diego and Hawaii. Al pastor and carnitas tacos were top notch. Rice and beans side were plentiful and yummy. Wife went for the molcajete...she was determined to finish it but couldn't...it was delicious. Beer was super cold and cocktails unique and yummy. Wonderful evening.

O V H 3 months ago

Fun cool place for Mexican food. This place is hipster nachos and beer. Nothing wrong with that. The margaritas are tiny. The burritos are huge. Service is excellent. The place is enormous. The decor is amazing but most people want to sit outside.

Eleanor Ho 5 months ago

Went for happy hour for $6 margs and half off tacos on Tuesdays. It was a true 3 stars because everything was very middle of the road. They didn't inform us about their happy hour or deals, we had to ask which was surprising. I got the birria tacos, and I was honestly impressed that they were as bland as they were. Shrimp tacos were better, but still nothing groundbreaking. The margs were what you could expect from happy hour, very sweet mix and not particularly strong. Service was very average. They checked on us when needed but weren't particularly attentive or chatty, which some might prefer. We found out that El Chingon is a night club as well, and figured that the servers mostly make their money as club staff and are making some extra money during mealtimes. I think the venue is probably better as a bar than a restaurant. Nothing was wrong really, but I'm definitely more likely to come back for a night out than dinner.