Ponce's Mexican Restaurant

Ponce's Mexican Restaurant Ponce's Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned establishment that has been serving San Diego diners with their authentic Mexican comfort food and award-winning margaritas since 1969. Founded by Ponciano Meza Sr., the restaurant continues to prioritize consistency in quality, inclusivity, and community involvement under the leadership of Ponce Meza Jr. Guests can enjoy classic dishes like Enchiladas Suizas, Carne Asada Street Tacos, California Burritos and more, as well as daily happy hour specials and seasonal menus. Come visit this beloved Kensington eatery today!
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Recent social media posts

Meet Kevin Scully šŸ‘‹ co-founder of Students Without Limits, our September Ponce’s Cares partner!For 15 years, Kevin and h...
09/24/2026

Meet Kevin Scully šŸ‘‹ co-founder of Students Without Limits, our September Ponce’s Cares partner!

For 15 years, Kevin and his wife Amie have helped underserved, first-generation, and immigrant students across San Diego stay in school and chase big dreams. Their motto says it all: ā€œLittle things make a big difference.ā€ šŸ’™

Order an El Cielo this month and a portion goes straight to their work. Sky’s the limit. ā˜€ļø

For our full interview with Kevin, visit the link in our bio.

Students Without Limits

It’s American Business Women’s Day and we’re giving a shoutout to two women doing incredible work in our community — Kat...
09/22/2026

It’s American Business Women’s Day and we’re giving a shoutout to two women doing incredible work in our community — Katie and Mirna of The Heroic Tail Dog Rescue.

Join us tomorrow - Wednesday, 9/23 - for our Dine-Out & Adoption Pop-up:
šŸ½ļø All day: Ponce’s donates 20% of dine-in & take-out sales — just mention ā€œThe Heroic Tailā€ in person or use code HERO at checkout on poncesrestaurant.com
🐶 5–7 PM: Meet adoptable pups outside by our mural (next to the parking lot)

Come for the tacos, stay for the tail wags. šŸŒ®šŸ•

Same as it ever was.
09/21/2026

Same as it ever was.

Pop-up at Fall Brewing today! Walk the Adams Ave Street Fair and come down 30th for a bite & fresh Fall beer!Fall Brewin...
09/20/2026

Pop-up at Fall Brewing today! Walk the Adams Ave Street Fair and come down 30th for a bite & fresh Fall beer!

Fall Brewing Company

09/16/2026

Grab yours before we’re out…

POV: you’re a young man straight outta Jalisco with a big dream. 🌮Happy Hispanic Heritage Month to the man who started i...
09/15/2026

POV: you’re a young man straight outta Jalisco with a big dream. 🌮
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month to the man who started it all. He didn’t know it when this ID photo was taken, but this is the beginning of everything... the restaurant, the recipes, Ponce’s family legacy. Fast forward 70-something years from this pic, and that dream is alive and thriving, now in the hands of his kids.

It’s what’s on the inside that counts...So what’s inside YOUR desert island dream burrito? Tell us in the comments šŸ‘‡    ...
09/14/2026

It’s what’s on the inside that counts...
So what’s inside YOUR desert island dream burrito? Tell us in the comments šŸ‘‡

🚨 New Merch Drop: Margarita Tee!Designed by our own Devlin and brought to life by Strangers & Co. , our new tee and kooz...
09/11/2026

🚨 New Merch Drop: Margarita Tee!

Designed by our own Devlin and brought to life by Strangers & Co. , our new tee and koozie are on sale starting today. Limited supply and sizing so don’t wait!

Our September Ponce’s Cares cocktail honors Students Without Limits, a local nonprofit helping underserved, immigrant st...
09/10/2026

Our September Ponce’s Cares cocktail honors Students Without Limits, a local nonprofit helping underserved, immigrant students stay in school and reach for a brighter future. El Cielo means ā€œthe skyā€ — a nod to the belief that for these students, the sky’s the limit. This tasty margarita pours Maestro Dobel Tahona Blanco tequila, peach puree, coconut cream, Cointreau, and lime, finished with a Tajin rim. •Available without alcohol and for takeout•

A portion of every El Cielo sold goes straight to Students Without Limits.

Ponce’s Suggested Pairing: Carnitas tacos 🌮
The natural sweetness of the peach plays off the richness of the slow-braised pork, while coconut cream adds a smooth, tropical finish that balances every bite.

Come sip with purpose this month. šŸ’™

Students Without Limits Maestro Tequilero

9 lunches + 1 for free. It’s simple math.
09/08/2026

9 lunches + 1 for free. It’s simple math.

Dip in.
09/02/2026

Dip in.

Can you believe this was 6 years ago?! 🤯Eating outside because we had to was wild. Eating outside because we can? That’s...
08/31/2026

Can you believe this was 6 years ago?! 🤯
Eating outside because we had to was wild. Eating outside because we can? That’s just so… San Diego.

We’re obviously not serving in the parking lot anymore, but our lil’ patio still does the trick!
(A/C is on for those of us who need it! šŸ˜…šŸŖ­)

99 problems but tacos ain’t one…
08/28/2026

99 problems but tacos ain’t one…

Save the date, familia! On Sunday, September 27, Ponce’s turns 57 and we’re throwing a party to celebrate every single o...
08/26/2026

Save the date, familia! On Sunday, September 27, Ponce’s turns 57 and we’re throwing a party to celebrate every single one of you. Mark your calendars now! More details coming soon…. you won’t want to miss this one. ā¤ļø

Happy birthday to our kind-hearted, concert-loving, baseball-fiending, community-building, number-one dad, loving husban...
08/25/2026

Happy birthday to our kind-hearted, concert-loving, baseball-fiending, community-building, number-one dad, loving husband, parade-leading, hardworking son, supportive brother, number-crunching, part-time model, discount plumber and handyman… and our boss. šŸŽ‰ Ponce Jr., thank you for all you do for our staff, our familia, and our community. Cheers to another year of you and all your many hats! 🄳

Senior? Yes. Dead? Absolutely not! 🄃Happy National Senior Citizens Day to the folks who’ve been keeping our tables full ...
08/21/2026

Senior? Yes. Dead? Absolutely not! 🄃

Happy National Senior Citizens Day to the folks who’ve been keeping our tables full for generations! You’ve earned the right to a drink before noon, to take your time and savor every sip.

Ponce’s 10% senior discount isn’t just for today — it’s year-round! Bring the abuelos, bring the neighbors, and let us treat the ones who’ve always treated us right.

Enchiladas Suizas. That’s it. That’s the post.
08/19/2026

Enchiladas Suizas. That’s it. That’s the post.

San Diego argues about authentic vs. Tex-Mex like it’s a sport. But on National Fajita Day (and every day, really) we sa...
08/18/2026

San Diego argues about authentic vs. Tex-Mex like it’s a sport. But on National Fajita Day (and every day, really) we say: ā€œĀæPor quĆ© no los dos?ā€ Fajitas are delicious.

Try it with whole pinto beans for a heart-healthy option. 🫘

Ponce’s has been serving SDSU students for over 55 years, including Ponce Jr. (a proud SDSU alum himself).Move-in week i...
08/17/2026

Ponce’s has been serving SDSU students for over 55 years, including Ponce Jr. (a proud SDSU alum himself).

Move-in week is here and after a long day of hauling boxes, come sit down, relax, and let us feed you.

Tag a parent and tell them to grab their new Aztec a gift card (e-delivery available on our website!) — pro tip: come during Happy Hour and stretch that card (and your kid’s stomach) even further. šŸ˜‰

Welcome home, Aztecs. We’ll see you soon. šŸŒÆā¤ļøšŸ–¤

SDSU Alumni SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY SDSU AMBASSADORS Experience SDSU

Meet your new obsession: Cochinita Pibil. Pork slow-cooked in a vibrant chile sauce, served with Ponce’s classic rice an...
08/14/2026

Meet your new obsession: Cochinita Pibil. Pork slow-cooked in a vibrant chile sauce, served with Ponce’s classic rice and beans, and topped with pickled onion, lemon, cilantro, and queso fresco. Gluten-free, wildly good, and only here for a limited time. Corn or flour — you choose. Don’t wait too long on this one.

Address

4050 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA
92116

To get to the restaurant at Adams Avenue in San Diego, you can take the #11 bus to the Adams Ave & Felton St stop. If you prefer to drive, you can take I-8 and exit onto 70th St, then turn left onto Adams Ave. There is street parking available nearby.

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 9pm
Tuesday 11am - 9pm
Wednesday 11am - 10pm
Thursday 11am - 9pm
Friday 11am - 9pm
Saturday 11am - 9pm

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What people say

Mexican restaurants are known for their vibrant flavors, colorful dishes, and warm hospitality. Ponce's Mexican Restaurant in Adams Avenue, San Diego is a shining example of all these qualities and more. Since its inception in 1969, Ponce's has been a favorite among San Diego diners for its authentic Mexican comfort food and award-winning margaritas.

What sets Ponce's apart from other Mexican restaurants is its commitment to community involvement and inclusivity. The restaurant is family-owned and operated, and the Meza family takes great pride in serving their guests with consistent quality and warm hospitality. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a delicious meal, Ponce's has something for everyone.

The menu at Ponce's remains virtually unchanged in 50 years, which is a testament to the quality of their dishes. From Enchiladas Suizas to Carne Asada Street Tacos to California Burritos, every dish is bursting with flavor and made with fresh ingredients. And let's not forget about their famous margaritas - rumor has it that they make the best margaritas in town!

If you're looking for a great deal, be sure to check out Ponce's twice-daily happy hour (Monday through Saturday, 4 to 6 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m.) featuring $6 house margaritas and $1 off all beers. The restaurant also offers daily margarita specials, seasonal comida and bebida menus, a cozy dining room with comfortable booths, and a large patio perfect for people watching.

Overall, Ponce's Mexican Restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for authentic Mexican cuisine served with warmth and hospitality. With its rich history, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder why this restaurant has been a favorite among San Diego diners for over five decades!