What should I order first at Oscar's?

Start with the beer-battered fish tacos—they're the reason people keep coming back. The battered shrimp tacos are equally stellar, and don't skip their house-made sauces. If you want to go all-in, try the smoked fish taco or grilled octopus taco for something with more depth. The horchata is a perfect drink pairing.

Is Oscar's good for kids?

Absolutely. It's a casual, laid-back spot in Hillcrest with a kid-friendly vibe, outdoor seating, and quick service. The taco format makes it easy for younger eaters, and the staff is generous—they'll often offer you a sample of their seafood stew while you decide.

Oscar's has outdoor seating, so dogs are welcome on the patio as long as they're on a leash and well-behaved. It's a casual neighborhood spot that embraces that kind of thing.

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

Walk-ins are the way to go here. Oscar's is set up primarily for takeout and casual dining, with tables for about 20 people. It's not a reservations-focused spot, but since turnover is quick, waits are usually minimal.

Is there parking near Oscar's in Hillcrest?

There's street parking along University Ave and in the surrounding Hillcrest area, though it can get tight during peak times. The spot is also accessible by public transit, which is worth considering if you're coming from elsewhere in San Diego.

What are the best times to go?

Happy hour is when you get the best value on those fish tacos. Lunch and early dinner tend to move quickly, so you won't wait long. If you're avoiding crowds, go mid-afternoon or early weekday lunch.

Are there options for dietary restrictions?

Oscar's is a seafood-forward Mexican spot, so fish and shrimp tacos are naturally gluten-free if you eat corn tortillas (ask to confirm). They don't advertise extensive vegan options, but the fish soup and seafood stew are the real draw here anyway.

Oscars Mexican Seafood — Restaurants in Hillcrest, San Diego

“Oscar's runs the fastest fish taco operation on University Avenue—battered, grilled, or smoked, all fried or griddled to order while you watch.”

Where Snooze piles on breakfast permutations and Goi Cuon builds out vegetarian options, Oscar's does one thing with relentless focus: Mexican seafood executed at taco-shop speed. This is the rare chain link that locals defend—not because it's undiscovered, but because the beer-battered fish taco holds up visit after visit, and the kitchen samples you on seafood soup while you're still deciding. That soup matters: it's a chicken-based caldo loaded with actual seafood chunks, not broth filler, and it signals the kitchen's position on shortcuts (they don't take them).

The move is the beer-battered fish taco during happy hour, when the price drops and the construction stays consistent—crispy batter, cabbage slaw, and a sauce bar that regulars treat like a customization station. The smoked fish taco runs pricier (around $7.50) but delivers on the smoke claim with actual depth, not liquid smoke fakery. Grilled octopus taco shows up for diners who want substance beyond the fried standards. Shrimp works both battered and grilled, though the battered version gets more repeat orders.

The setup skews takeout—maybe twenty seats total, counter-service flow, sauces self-serve—but the staff runs the line with enough generosity (free soup samples, patient explanations) that it never feels transactional. Horchata's house-made and avoids the powdered-mix sweetness that plagues lesser spots. Skip the ceviche; the tacos outperform it consistently.

Parking on University Avenue during brunch hours requires either luck or the residential streets one block south. The line moves faster than Snooze's weekend circus, and you're out the door with food in fifteen minutes most visits. It's the spot where Hillcrest locals grab a weeknight dinner without ceremony, and where visitors leave wondering why every city doesn't have one of these.