La Jolla-born Puesto restaurant group unveiled its latest culinary concept on Tuesday: Puesto Taco Bar, which combines a fast-casual gourmet taco experience with a full bar.
The 100-seat restaurant is located in the SD Tech by Alexandria Megacampus in Sorrento Mesa.
Puesto Taco Bar offers counter service and casual tableware for its food, which includes the chain’s signature gourmet tacos wrapped in house-made blue-corn tortillas, burritos, bowls and more. There’s also a full bar with an agave-forward spirits program created by Beau du Bois, Puesto’s James Beard-nominated vice president of bar and spirits.
A selection of dishes at newly opened Puesto Taco Bar in Sorrento Mesa. (Mandie Geller)
Puesto co-founder Alex Adler said that since he and his family opened the first Puesto location in La Jolla 13 years ago, the brand has continuously evolved.
“The Taco Bar represents a natural extension of that journey and another exciting way for our guests to enjoy what we do best while continuing to grow and innovate,” he said. “This will be the first concept of its kind: an upscale fast-casual experience that delivers the award-winning tacos and margaritas Puesto is known for, in a more relaxed setting. We will continue to build vibrant spaces and incorporate our commitment to quality and hospitality.”
Puesto has eight full-service locations in California and three stadium outlets. Its first out-of-state location will open next summer in Nashville, Tenn. The new Puesto Taco Bar has opened next to Padel N9NE, a new complex of indoor pickleball-style courts.
The new 3,000-square-foot restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays only at 9885 Scranton Road, Suite 110, San Diego. eatpuesto.com
Pop Pie Co. and Stella Jean seen on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 in San Diego, CA. The home (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Stella Jean’s and Pop Pie to open in La Mesa: Stella Jean’s ice cream and Pop Pie Co., twin concepts that operate mostly in side-by-side stores in multiple San Diego County locations, are headed to a new East County location later this year.
Alexis Couch of Location Matters handled the lease transaction that will bring the twin concepts to 8243 and 8247 La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa Village. Pop Pie serves single-serving and hand pies and sides and Stella Jean’s serves small-batch ice creams in a range of international flavors. poppieco.com, stellajeans.com
The exterior of the Fish Shop restaurant in Encinitas. The company’s fourth location soft opened this month in Oceanside. (Fish Shop)
Fish Shop opens in Oceanside: The Fish Shop, a San Diego-based fast-casual restaurant chain with locations in Point Loma, Pacific Beach and Encinitas, has soft-opened its fourth location in Oceanside this week. Owned by Billy Ramirez, Doug Sondomowicz and Eric Leitstein, The Fish Shop serves market-fresh seafood in diners choice of tacos, sandwiches, salads or plated meals. The 2,950-square-foot location in Oceanside will be in the former Rye’s & Grind breakfast/brunch restaurant space. 236 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside. thefishshops.com
Chai cafe opening at SDSU: Damor Chai Café, a Middle Eastern beverage and breakfast spot, opens next week on the campus of San Diego State University. Damor Chai is the latest quick-service concept by entrepreneur Jamal Rasoully, who operates Halal Shack quick-service restaurant locations at more than 50 university campuses nationwide (including SDSU). The Damor Chai Café will serve traditional chai drinks, hot and iced beverages and house-made toasts and pastries. Charles B. Bell Jr. Pavilion on campus. 5500 Campanile, Drive, San Diego. eatatsdsu.com
Go Greek Yogurt opening next week: Go Greek Yogurt will open its first San Diego County store on Jan. 30 at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center, marking its fifth location in California and 16th worldwide. Founded in 20212, the Beverly Hills-born chain serves fresh-made Greek-style yogurt, frozen yogurt, yogurt-based breakfast and fruit bowls and acai bowls that range in size from 7-ounce single-serve portions to 24-ounce carry-away containers. The new location will be in the mall’s upper level near Bank of America. Del Mar Highlands Town Center, 3545 Del Mar Heights Road, Suite 4, San Diego. gogreekyogurt.com