If you're looking for some Mexican food close to Mission Beach, La Playa is your place. Located on Mission Blvd a block from the beach this cozy little place offers a great lunch.
I went after it was highly recommended by a co-worker. If you go, you have to try anything with their carne asada. Totally worth it. I managed to spend $11 on one entree and a drink, but there was enough food for two people. Parking isn't so great, but if you walk from the beach you're golden.

This taco shop is good to go to if you are around the area. It is just like any other taco shop though, nothing that new. They serve lots of different mexican food but the tacos are better. I like to get the carne asada and fish tacos because they are pretty good. They are also a pretty good size and the price is reasonable. The cashier was really nice and she was also helpful when i was trying to decide what to pick. The place is clean and there are always a good amount of people when i am there.

A simple review cannot explain the wondrous glory that is La Playa Taco Shop, but I am going to give it a shot regardless. There are several factors that determine an enjoyable experience, and La Playa delivers in all of these departments.
The first is the quality of the food. This taco shop uses the only the freshest ingredients coupled with decades of taco shop expertise. Everything from their tortillas to their fish is exceptional - not to mention their renowned carne asada. Order anything you want, and you won't be disappointed. (Note: The portions are not copious like many taco shops you will find in San Diego, so if you have a large appetite, you may consider ordering more than one item) Also, their salsa is addicting. The red sauce has a great flavor and the green sauce packs a punch.
Next is the service. This place has been run by the same family for over twenty years, and when you are in their abode, that is exactly what you are - family. The lovely lady behind the register addresses the patrons as mijo/a, or "my son/daughter." These people are proud to serve you and they do it well. On a busy day, you may have to wait a bit for your food but it is undoubtedly worth it. If you're on a tight schedule, I recommend calling your order in before hand.
Last is convenience. Like all places in Mission/Pacific Beach, the parking is limited. There is a small parking lot and a few rarely occurring spots on the street. If you live in the area, a journey on foot would be preferable. Otherwise, you're going to have to tough it out.The prices here are fairly reasonable. It is a tad more expensive than your average taco shop, but you pay a small premium for a superior product.
All in all, this place is unbeatable. I live right next to La Playa so I eat here more often than I should. When friends and family come to visit, all they want to do is walk across the street, rather than branch out to the plethora of restaurants in the area. If you haven't tried this place, you MUST!