San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

Tacos Libertad gives a contemporary twist on a classic Mexican dish

The+pollo+asado+taco+includes+grilled+chicken%2C++pico+de+gallo%2C+avocado%2C+salsa+crema%2C+cilantro+and+lime+wrapped+in+a+flour+tortilla.
Photo by Josh Rogers
The pollo asado taco includes grilled chicken, pico de gallo, avocado, salsa crema, cilantro and lime wrapped in a flour tortilla.

Tacos Libertad is taking the classic Mexican dish to another level with a modern urban flare and is making a name for itself in the local restaurant community.

Liberated is located at 1023 University Ave.

Set against the artsy backdrop of Hillcrest, the restaurant combines tradition with contemporary vibes. The restaurant prides itself in creating culinary art that is both delicious and original.

“The restaurant isn’t like any other taco shop I have been in before, it has a laid-back and urban feel to it while still being a classic taco shop.” Kinesiology sophomore Jillian Smiley said.

The restaurant’s menu includes a variety of tacos with prices ranging from $3.50 to $4.50 each.

Some of the most popular tacos include the pollo asado and the beef arrachera.

If customers are feeling adventurous, the restaurant also serves specialty tacos such as the Duck Confit taco with oaxaca cheese, blue cheese, caramelized onions, balsamic reduction and arugula all wrapped in a corn tortilla.

Customers can also try the Octopus Taco with cilantro aji crema, oaxaca cheese, avocado, cilantro and lime in a corn tortilla.

“Libertad is an amazing restaurant, and I love how they try and put a twist on some of their tacos,” computer engineering sophomore Diego Perez said. “I always find myself trying something new.”

The restaurant serves both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, but the best selling beverage is the margaritas served on tap.

“I come here weekly to grab some of the tacos and one of their drinks,” SDSU alumnus Chris Collins said. “It’s really affordable while still being top restaurant quality.”

Libertad is owned and operated by the Cohn restaurant group, a family-owned group that owns and operates 23 other popular restaurants around San Diego county. Some of the other local restaurants include Blue Point Coastal Cuisine, Bo Beau Kitchen + Bar and Costerra Modern Mexican.

Tacos Libertad is a not for profit taco shop. According to the restaurant’s website, owners Lesley and David Cohn consult with an advisory board that chooses a new charity to donate to each month.

100 percent of the month’s donated profits will be given to the particular organization that has been chosen.

This month’s charity is International Relief Teams, an organization that assists in the repair and rehabilitation of communities affected by natural disasters.

Tacos Libertad is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Sunday from 2 p.m. to midnight and Tuesday from 4 p.m. to midnight.

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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Tacos Libertad gives a contemporary twist on a classic Mexican dish