Mexican food in San Diego is often associated with tacos, burritos and California-style Mexican food.

Cocina De Barrio takes the conversation somewhere else.

Located on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest, the restaurant focuses on regional Mexican cooking, particularly flavors associated with Oaxaca, while pairing the food with a tequila and mezcal bar.

Yelp currently shows Cocina De Barrio at 4.5 stars with more than 1,200 reviews.

OAXACA IS AT THE CENTER

Cocina De Barrio describes its mission simply: bringing the flavors of Mexico to San Diego.

Chef José J. Flores leads the restaurant, which combines Mexican cooking with a tequila and mezcal bar.

The result is considerably more expansive than the standard taco-shop menu.

THE MENU MOVES ACROSS MEXICO

The menu includes Oaxacan antojitos, seafood dishes, mole-based plates and other regional preparations.

Earlier coverage of the Hillcrest restaurant highlighted dishes such as short-rib mole, tuna tostadas, grilled Pacific oysters with garlic-chipotle butter and lamb shank.

That range is important.

It allows diners to explore different styles of Mexican cooking in one meal.

BRUNCH IS PART OF THE IDENTITY

Cocina De Barrio has also become known as a brunch destination.

The Hillcrest location serves brunch from 10 AM to 3 PM Tuesday through Saturday, while Sunday offers brunch throughout the day.

That gives the restaurant a different rhythm from a traditional Mexican dinner restaurant.

THEN THERE IS THE BAR

Tequila and mezcal are not simply side attractions.

They are part of the restaurant's identity.

The bar program complements the regional Mexican menu and gives the restaurant a natural place for cocktails, happy hour and longer evening meals. The Hillcrest location offers weekday happy hour from 3–5 PM.

THE RESTAURANT HAS GROWN

Cocina De Barrio is no longer limited to one neighborhood.

The brand currently lists locations in Hillcrest, Point Loma, Encinitas and North Park.

But Hillcrest remains an important part of the story.

It is where the concept established its identity as a more polished, regional Mexican restaurant.

A DIFFERENT SIDE OF SAN DIEGO MEXICAN FOOD

That may be the restaurant's biggest contribution.

San Diego has no shortage of taco shops.

Cocina De Barrio shows that Mexican food in the county can also mean mole, seafood, regional antojitos, brunch, tequila and mezcal—all within one dining experience.

THE SOCALEAT TAKE

For anyone searching for Mexican restaurants in San Diego, Cocina De Barrio offers a different kind of night out.

The menu is rooted in Mexican traditions but broad enough to move beyond tacos.

Add the tequila and mezcal program, a lively Hillcrest location and a serious brunch menu, and the restaurant becomes a destination for exploring another side of Mexican cuisine.

VISIT COCINA DE BARRIO — HILLCREST

Cocina De Barrio
3707 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 677-2770

Tuesday–Saturday: 10 AM–9:30 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
Monday: Closed.

Cocina De Barrio official website

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