Ron Abbo comes from a family of entrepreneurs. He and his brothers own in different combinations of partnership three restaurants in Mission Valley.

“Some people say that since I’m not Mexican I can’t make good food,” Abbo remarked. “But I say, my chefs are of Mexican descent and they’re the ones cooking.”

The name Crack Taco comes from a partner, Peter Najjar, in this business who also owns Seaside Market in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. If you haven’t heard of this market, it’s a popular specialty market by the Cardiff Kook. Outside the store is a BBQ tent featuring “Cardiff Crack” which is their Burgundy Pepper Tri-Tip that is tender and flavorful. It’s so popular it has its own Facebook page.

“We pick up our Tri-Tip from Seaside Market daily, marinate it here on-site and cook it in an oven and sear it fresh. It’s not barbecued,” Abbo said.

“All of our food is freshly made. Even our tortillas. They’re pressed and cooked to order. We make our own guacamole and salsas also.”

Their birria tacos are incredibly tasty and served with a dipping sauce. Birria, which historically was goat meat, nowadays is typically a beef that is stewed. Traditionally the meat is marinated in an adobo sauce that generally includes vinegar, dried chiles, garlic and other spices before being stewed. Served in a fresh tortilla topped with cilantro and onion, it’s a perfect choice for a lunch taco.

“Our most popular items are, of course, the crack taco, but the Al Pastor Taco, and the IPA battered fish taco are also well-loved,” Abbo said.

The menu is extensive and will keep you coming back over and over to taste their plates.

The tri-tip is featured in burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, fries, and even breakfast burritos and bowls. Keto and Vegetarian burritos are also offered. For the salad lover, they offer four different salads. The Chipotle Salad with roasted corn and spring mix or the Roast Pepper Caesar Salad on a bed of romaine lettuce can both have a variety of meats added if so desired.

Watch them grow as they work on opening a new taco shack at Seaport Village.

Located at 4242 Camino del Rio North, phone (619) 269-2828.

Check out their current menu at: cracktacoshop.com/ and look for them on social media under @cracktacoshopsd.