Cocina de Barrio

4.7

428 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 4 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Good for groups
Great for creative cocktails

*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.
Thank you for your cooperation & support during this time!

Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. Flores

Bienvenidos a Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Hillcrest, San Diego! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty tequila and mezcal selections, MUCHA cerveza, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe.

Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Tuesday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Latin American
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat 10:00 am–3:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–5:00 pm Bar Tue–Fri 3:00 pm–9:30 pm Sat 10:00 am–9:30 pm Sun 10:00 am–5:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Fri 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 3:00 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(619) 677-2770
Website
http://www.cocinadebarriohillcrest.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Jose J. Flores

Location
3707 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103-4221
Area
Hillcrest
Cross Street
5th Avenue and Pennsylvania Street
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Ostiones en su Concha*
Pacific raw oysters on half shell / mango / spicy / hibiscus / lime
- 6 eaUSD 10.00
- 12 eaUSD 16.00
Ceviche de Robalo & Xoconostle*USD 13.00
Prickly pear and lime-cured striped bass / red onion / cucumber / avocado / chile fresno / cilantro
Mango-Habanero Aguachile*USD 13.00
Lime-cured shrimp / red onion / cucumber / cilantro / radishes / blood orange / mango-habanero sauce
Tiradito de Salmon*USD 12.00
Thin sliced raw Salmon / pickled strawberries / red onion / mint chlorophyll / black sea salt
Ostiones Asados*
Grilled Pacific oysters on half shell / garlic chipotle / butter / herb bread crumbles
- 6 eaUSD 10.00
- 12 eaUSD 16.00
Pulpo a la BrasaUSD 15.00
Grilled octopus / mole coloradito / eriso de mar & hoja santa vinaigrette

Plant Based #1

Tostaditas de TingaUSD 10.00
Refried beans / Oyster mushrooms tinga / vegan cilantro-serrano aioli
Frito MixtoUSD 13.00
Golden fried Oyster mushrooms / zucchini / onions / vegan cilantro-serrano aioli
Coconut AguachileUSD 13.00
Young coconut meat / avocado / red onion / cucumber / radishes / cilantro / spicy lime sauce

Antojitos

Taquitos DoradosUSD 10.00
Chorizo Istmeno / organic potato / crema aguacate salsa / queso fresco / corn ceniza / tomato recaudo
Infladita de BarbacoaUSD 8.00
Puffed blue corn tortilla / beef barbacoa / aguacate salsa / red onion, cilantro / recaudo
Tacos de BirriaUSD 10.00
(3) Choice of Ten hours braised lamb Or beef birria / hand pressed blue corn tortilla / queso fresco / cilantro / pickled onion
Quesadillas de HuitlacocheUSD 12.00
(2) Two hand pressed corn tortillas / queso Oaxaca / corn mushroom / epazote / corn mole negro
MemelitasUSD 12.00
(2) Toasted masa cakes / refried beans / lamb birria / crema / queso fresco / recaudo
TlayudaUSD 16.00
Large thin crunchy tortilla / refried beans / Choice of chorizo Istmeno or beef birria / queso Oaxaca / cilantro / radishes

Plant Based #2

TetelasUSD 12.00
(2) Triangular envelopes / refried beans / cashews cheese / mole amarillo
Quesadillas de PortobelloUSD 12.00
(2) hand pressed corn tortillas / portobello huitlacoche / corn / cashew cheese / mole coloradito
Memelitas VeganasUSD 12.00
(2) Toasted masa cakes / refried beans / corn nopales / cashew cheese / recaudo

Platillos Fuertes

Pescado ZarandeadoUSD 26.00
Grilled Loup de Mer / ensalada de bosque / chochoyotes (masa dumplings) hoja santa & chile morita salsa / corn cake
Salmon en Mole AmarilloUSD 24.00
Atlantic salmon filet / banana leaf / mole amarillo / corn cake / baby carrots / pistachios
Caldo de PiedraUSD 26.00
Ancestral Oaxaca seafood soup / heated with hot river rocks
Chamorro de BorregoUSD 26.00
Lamb shank / hoja santa / chileajo sauce / cilantro-lemon rice / baby carrot
Short Ribs en Mole NegroUSD 28.00
Braised short ribs / traditional mole negro / chochoyotes (masa dumplings) / baby carrots / cilantro-lemon rice
Pollo en Mole ColoraditoUSD 24.00
Chicken breast / mole coloradito / nopales / cilantro-lemon rice
Costillas en Salsa VerdeUSD 24.00
Pork ribs / tomatillo green sauce / nopales / cilantro-lemon rice / baby carrots

Plant Based #3

Ensalada de BarrioUSD 12.00
Baby kale / spinach / blood orange / pistachios strawberries red onion / roasted tomatoes / garbanzo / mezcal-tamarind vinaigrette cashew cheese
Flor de CalabazaUSD 22.00
Golden fried zucchini blossom / cashew cheese / nopales / garbanzo chile-ajo sauce / cilantro-lemon rice
Sopa de SetasUSD 18.00
Oyster mushrooms soup / spinach / chochoyotes

Kids Menu

Served with French fries. Choice of:

Cheese QuesadillaUSD 8.00
Cheese BurgerUSD 8.00
Chicken TendersUSD 8.00

Las Bebidas

Craft Cocktails

Mezcal el Silencio

El PioneroUSD 12.00
Mezcal | Pineapple Juice | Grenadine and Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
La GlotonaUSD 12.00
Mezcal | Cucumber | Fresh Ginger | Lime | Mint | Mineral Water | Angostura Bitters
El ZapotecoUSD 12.00
Mezcal | Tequila | Grapefruit Juice | Fresh Lime Juice | Cinnamon Syrup
El Fresco de GranadaUSD 12.00
Mezcal | Pomegranate Juice | Fresh Lime Juice | Mint
Soleado PicanteUSD 12.00
Mezcal | Pineapple Juice | OJ | Jalapeno | Lime Juice

Tequila

Tequila SunriseUSD 10.00
Tequila mi Campo | OJ | Grenadine | Fresh Lime Juice | Maraschino Cherry & Orange Garnish
La PalomaUSD 10.00
Tequila mi Campo | Grapefruit Juice | Fresh Lime Juice | Club Soda
Jalisco ExpressUSD 10.00
Tequila Espolon | Fresh Lime Juice | Jalapeno | Cucumber | Fresh Basil | Tajin
La MargaritaUSD 10.00
Tequila Altos | Cointreau | Fresh Lime Juice | Agave Nectar
El MatadorUSD 10.00
Tequila Altos | Pineapple Juice | Pineapple Garnish

Barrio Margaritas

Cucumber / Mango / Mint / Strawberry / Jalapeno

BlancoUSD 10.00
ReposadoUSD 12.00
MezcalUSD 12.00

Tequila

Casa Noble | CrystalUSD 15.00
Corralejo | SilverUSD 13.00
Casa Amigos | BlancoUSD 13.00
El Tesoro | BlancoUSD 15.00
Siete Leguas | ReposadoUSD 16.00
Casa Amigos | ReposadoUSD 15.00
Corralejo | ReposadoUSD 15.00
Chamucos | AnejoUSD 18.00
Casa Noble | AnejoUSD 18.00
Chinaco | Anejo CristalinoUSD 20.00
Espolon | Extra AnejoUSD 30.00
Avion RSV | Extra AnejoUSD 40.00

Mezcal

Alipus S. Luis d Rio | EspadinUSD 15.00
Del Maguey | VidaUSD 13.00
Gracias a Dios | EspadinUSD 15.00
Casa Amigos | JovenUSD 14.00
Vago Aquilino | EspadinUSD 16.00
Nuestra Soledad | S. Luis d RioUSD 16.00
Delirio de Oaxaca | JovenUSD 18.00
Los Nahuales | JovenUSD 18.00
Ilegal | AnejoUSD 29.00
El Jolgorio | Barril TahonaUSD 34.00
El Jolgorio | PechugaUSD 38.00
Hacienda de Chihuahua | SotolUSD 12.00

Flights

Selection of three, 3/4 oz pours offerings

BlancoUSD 28.00
ReposadoUSD 32.00
AnejoUSD 36.00
MezcalUSD 38.00

Los Vinos

White

Chardonnay Santo Tomas, EnsenadaUSD 9.50
Sauv. Blanc Monte Xanic, Valle de GuadalupeUSD 12.00
Chardonnay Harken, CaliforniaUSD 9.50
Chardonnay Bee's Box, SonomaUSD 10.00
Pinot Gris Pacific Pinot, OregonUSD 9.00
Rose Grenache Santo Tomas, EnsenadaUSD 10.00

Red

Mision 16 Blend Santo Tomas, EnsenadaUSD 8.00
Calixa Monte Xanic Sirah, Valle de GuadalupeUSD 14.00
Angeline Cabernet, CaliforniaUSD 9.00
Tribute Cabernet, SonomaUSD 10.00
Rodney Strong Pinot Noir, SonomaUSD 12.00
Wente Merlot, Livermore Valle SonomaUSD 10.00

Cerveza

Craft Beer on Tap

Horchata Golden Stout 8.5% | Border X
MPA Colibre 7.0 % | Tecate
Ginger Colibre 5.5% | Tecate
Cabotella Blonde Ale 5.5% | Baja
Por Favor IPA 7% | Baja
J Cordero Pale Ale Insurgente | Tijuana
Cayaco Pale Lager 3.9% | Colima
Ticus Porter 4.6% | Colima

Craft Bottles

Colimita Pilsner | Colima
Blonde Colibre | Tecate
La Lupulosa IPA | Tijuana
Tiniebla Witbier | Tijuana
Lager Colibre | Tecate
Loba Paraiso Gose | GDL
Loba Clandestina | GDL

Bottles

Corona
Dos Equis
Pacifico
Sol
Negra Modelo
Modelo Especial
Indio

Non Alcoholic

Jarritos | Chihuahua
Sidral Mundet | Mexico
Topo Chico Sparkling Water | Monterrey
Soft Drinks
Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta
Cafe de Olla | Chiapas

What 428 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Neighbourhood gem
San Diego
Mexican
San Diego
Neighbourhood gem
San Diego
Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Cocina de Barrio offers an "amazing experience" with a vibrant ambiance and "authentic Mexican flavors." Diners rave about the "delicious" dishes and "superb" food presentation, highlighting the diverse menu with standout vegan options. The attentive staff and "creative cocktails" enhance the overall dining experience, making it a "highly recommended" destination.

428 Reviews

A
Abby VIP
New York City41 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really good food and drinks! A quick meal because we were short on time, it was easy to get a reservation. I’ve also been here for brunch and it was just as delicious! Definitely recommend!
Cocina de BarrioResponded on 20 February 2025
Hola Abby, gracias for stopping by! We're pleased to hear you enjoy your experience each time - your support means so much! Until next time - stay chido!
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E
Erin
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined on 19 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was amazing, so were the drinks! Our server was also very attentive but didn't want to disturb us too much.
Cocina de BarrioResponded on 20 February 2025
Hola Erin, gracias for your support! We're happy to hear you had a great experience with us. Come again soon!
Is this helpful?
J
Jesse
Los Angeles1 review
5.0
Dined on 19 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and great service! My kids are picky and even liked the food.
Cocina de BarrioResponded on 20 February 2025
Hola Jesse, gracias for stopping by! We're very pleased to hear the entire family enjoyed what we have to offer. We look forward to seeing you guys again soon!
Is this helpful?
L
Lena
San Diego46 reviews
5.0
Dined on 5 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Exceedingly good Oaxacan food with excellent service and decent cocktails to boot! We really enjoyed our meal
Cocina de BarrioResponded on 16 January 2025
Hola Lena, gracias for your support! We're glad you enjoyed your meal and experience with us. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
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I
Indra
Mexico City1 review
5.0
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food at Cosina de Barrio was incredible—each dish was packed with authentic, rich flavors that truly felt like a taste of home. The ingredients were fresh, and the preparation was spot on. Every bite was a celebration of traditional flavors. The drinks, though, were a bit too inflexible for my taste; they lacked the creativity and variety I was hoping for.
Cocina de BarrioResponded on 16 January 2025
Hola Indra, gracias for dining with us! We're very pleased to hear you truly enjoyed what we have to offer - a taste of home. Your support means so much! Come again soon!
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D
Diana VIP
San Diego5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really good food and place to come wit family and have a great time. We all loved what we picked. Birria tacos , memelitas and ceviche 😎🔥
Cocina de BarrioResponded on 16 January 2025
Hola Diana, gracias for dining with us! We're happy to hear you enjoyed our food! By the way, great choices - from our Birria to our Seafood - sooo good and flavorful! Come again soon!
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T
Tonya
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a work winter gathering and had a great time. The hosts were accommodating to reserve the lounge room for our party. It was spacious enough to hold a few table games. The host was very attentive, kind and patient. We all enjoyed ourselves very much!!!
Cocina de BarrioResponded on 23 December 2024
Hola Tonya, gracias for gathering with us! We're very pleased to hear everyone had an awesome experience with us. Your support means so much! Come again soon.
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J
Jayti
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on 16 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great vegan food and drinks! We loved the cocktails there. The service is impressive.
Cocina de BarrioResponded on 1 December 2024
Hola Jayti, gracias for stopping by! We're pleased to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Is this helpful?
C
Claire
Seattle7 reviews
4.0
Dined on 3 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The mole, quesadillas, birria, and guacamole were wonderful!
Cocina de BarrioResponded on 1 December 2024
Hola Claire, gracias for dining with us! We're happy to hear you enjoyed your food - our Birria is truly delicious! Great choice. Come again soon!
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P
Pamela
Las Vegas6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent Oaxcan menu. Lots of vegan options as well. The guacamole was fantastic as was the shrimp ceviche. The Pollo de Pepian was yummy and unique. The tortilla soup was flavorful and not spicy. A wonderful change to typical Mexican food..
Cocina de BarrioResponded on 2 November 2024
Hola Pamela, thank you for visiting us! We're pleased to hear about your experience and are so glad you enjoyed your meal. Come again soon!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cocina de Barrio offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 677-2770.

Cocina de Barrio is rated 4.7 stars by 428 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

3707 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103-4221

Additional information

Cross Street
5th Avenue and Pennsylvania Street
Area
Hillcrest
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat 10:00 am–3:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–5:00 pm Bar Tue–Fri 3:00 pm–9:30 pm Sat 10:00 am–9:30 pm Sun 10:00 am–5:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Fri 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 3:00 pm–9:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Latin American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Jose J. Flores
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.cocinadebarriohillcrest.com/
Phone number
(619) 677-2770

Cocina de Barrio

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Crudos & Mas

Ostiones en su Concha*

Ceviche de Robalo & Xoconostle*USD 13.00

Mango-Habanero Aguachile*USD 13.00

Tiradito de Salmon*USD 12.00

Ostiones Asados*

Pulpo a la BrasaUSD 15.00

Plant Based #1

Tostaditas de TingaUSD 10.00

Frito MixtoUSD 13.00

Coconut AguachileUSD 13.00

Antojitos

Taquitos DoradosUSD 10.00

Infladita de BarbacoaUSD 8.00

Tacos de BirriaUSD 10.00

Quesadillas de HuitlacocheUSD 12.00

MemelitasUSD 12.00

TlayudaUSD 16.00

Plant Based #2

TetelasUSD 12.00

Quesadillas de PortobelloUSD 12.00

Memelitas VeganasUSD 12.00

Platillos Fuertes

Pescado ZarandeadoUSD 26.00

Salmon en Mole AmarilloUSD 24.00

Caldo de PiedraUSD 26.00

Chamorro de BorregoUSD 26.00

Short Ribs en Mole NegroUSD 28.00

Pollo en Mole ColoraditoUSD 24.00

Costillas en Salsa VerdeUSD 24.00

Plant Based #3

Ensalada de BarrioUSD 12.00

Flor de CalabazaUSD 22.00

Sopa de SetasUSD 18.00

Kids Menu

Cheese QuesadillaUSD 8.00

Cheese BurgerUSD 8.00

Chicken TendersUSD 8.00

Las Bebidas

Craft Cocktails

Mezcal el Silencio

El PioneroUSD 12.00

La GlotonaUSD 12.00

El ZapotecoUSD 12.00

El Fresco de GranadaUSD 12.00

Soleado PicanteUSD 12.00

Tequila

Tequila SunriseUSD 10.00

La PalomaUSD 10.00

Jalisco ExpressUSD 10.00

La MargaritaUSD 10.00

El MatadorUSD 10.00

Barrio Margaritas

BlancoUSD 10.00

ReposadoUSD 12.00

MezcalUSD 12.00

Tequila

Casa Noble | CrystalUSD 15.00

Corralejo | SilverUSD 13.00

Casa Amigos | BlancoUSD 13.00

El Tesoro | BlancoUSD 15.00

Siete Leguas | ReposadoUSD 16.00

Casa Amigos | ReposadoUSD 15.00

Corralejo | ReposadoUSD 15.00

Chamucos | AnejoUSD 18.00

Casa Noble | AnejoUSD 18.00

Chinaco | Anejo CristalinoUSD 20.00

Espolon | Extra AnejoUSD 30.00

Avion RSV | Extra AnejoUSD 40.00

Mezcal

Alipus S. Luis d Rio | EspadinUSD 15.00

Del Maguey | VidaUSD 13.00

Gracias a Dios | EspadinUSD 15.00

Casa Amigos | JovenUSD 14.00

Vago Aquilino | EspadinUSD 16.00

Nuestra Soledad | S. Luis d RioUSD 16.00