Is there parking nearby?

Parking in Hillcrest can be tight, especially during dinner and brunch hours, so plan ahead. The University Ave area has street parking and nearby lots, but arriving early or considering a ride service on weekend nights is smart—especially if you're taking advantage of their excellent margaritas.

Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?

Baja Betty's takes reservations and we'd recommend making one, particularly for groups or weekend brunch. That said, they accommodate walk-ins, but expect a wait during peak times like Taco Tuesday and weekend mornings.

What should I order first?

Start with the queso dip with chorizo—it's genuinely a standout—and grab the street tacos (fish and short rib are the heavy hitters). Their tequila skinny margaritas are worth the trip alone, and they're strong enough that a designated driver is a solid call.

Is this place good for brunch?

Absolutely. Baja Betty's is a legitimate brunch destination in Hillcrest with a vibrant atmosphere and big portion sizes. The spot handles large parties well and staff goes out of their way to make celebrations feel special, so it's perfect for birthdays or group hangouts.

Yes—Baja Betty's is pet-friendly with outdoor seating, so you can bring your dog to hang out on the patio while you eat and drink.

Do you have vegetarian options?

They offer vegetarian options on the menu, so there's something for everyone at the table, though the spot is definitely meat-forward if that's your preference.

What's the vibe and dress code?

This is a casual, come-as-you-are joint with energy that builds as the night goes on—the bartenders set a fun tone that keeps people wanting to stay. No dress code; it's the kind of place where Hillcrest comes to eat, drink, and hang.

When's the best time to visit?

Taco Tuesday is worth planning around for the food deals and buzz, but if you want a more relaxed vibe, weekday lunches and early dinners are your move. Weekend brunch is packed but worth it if you're up for the energy and don't mind a short wait.

Baja Betty's — Restaurants in Hillcrest, San Diego

“Baja Betty's is where Hillcrest comes to turn Taco Tuesday into a full-scale margarita-fueled spectacle with drag shows and a queso-chorizo dip that outdoes the actual entrées.”

While Snooze engineers breakfast permutations and Goi Cuon builds a vegan-friendly Vietnamese menu, Baja Betty's operates as Hillcrest's designated party venue that happens to serve food—and serves it well enough that you're not just here for the tequila. The differentiator is the energy: this is the spot where after-work crowds spill onto the University Avenue patio, where drag brunches turn Saturdays into events, where the bartenders pour skinny margaritas with the efficiency of people who've done this a thousand times before. It's Mexican food in service of the party, not the other way around.

The queso fundido with chorizo arrives in an edible tortilla bowl that shatters into flaky shards—it's the move, and regulars know it. The fish tacos and short rib tacos on Taco Tuesday hit harder than bar food has any right to, though let's be honest: you're not coming here for culinary revelation. The carnitas quesadilla delivers on flavor, the street tacos surprise anyone expecting bar-standard shortcuts, and the portion sizes skew generous enough that splitting makes sense.

The atmosphere does the heavy lifting. Whether it's a New Orleans-meets-Halloween theme night or just a standard Tuesday, the energy stays high and the staff stays patient even when your brunch party shows up ten deep. The patio works for groups, the bar works for solo regulars nursing margaritas, and the whole operation works because Baja Betty's knows exactly what it is: Hillcrest's go-to spot when you want tacos, tequila, and a scene. Parking on University Avenue requires patience or luck—plan accordingly, especially during brunch or drag show nights.