Popular San Diego Taco Shop To Close Location Near Petco Park

SAN DIEGO, CA — A San Diego taquería will close its popular location near Petco Park, the restaurant chain announced Monday.

City Tacos' East Village location on 7th Avenue, which is adjacent to Petco Park's Gaslamp entry gate, will shut its doors at the close of business on June 30, according to City Tacos founder Gerry Torres.

City Tacos has been operating under a sub-lease from J Street Hospitality that runs into 2026, and the San Diego Padres purchased the lease rights from J Street Hospitality on May 1, according to the chain. The team subsequently exercised its option to remove City Tacos.

"We were given minimal notice, but it's hard to be too upset at our hometown team," Torres said. "There is no better urban ballpark experience in baseball, and I believe what they're doing will further enhance fans' passion for the area."

The Padres have one homestand prior to City Tacos' departure from June 20-25, when the Kansas City Royals and Washington Nationals come to town for three games each.

City Tacos' East Village location opened in March 2020 just prior to the state's stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The taqueria has six other San Diego locations in Encinitas, La Mesa, North Park, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and Sorrento Valley.

"Fortunately, the Padres and their food management company Delaware North have extended an olive branch for a potential return of City Tacos inside the ballpark next year," Torres said. "We're sad we can't finish even this season with our beloved customers and Padres fans who have made City Tacos part of their routine going to games, but we are looking to be back and better than ever."