El Pueblo, a San Diego-based Mexican restaurant known for its fish tacos, is getting ready to open a new location in La Jolla at 564 Pearl Street.
The restaurant is set to move into the former Jack in the Box location, which abruptly closed in 2021, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. General Manager Nony Funes confirms with What Now San Diego that El Pueblo plans to open the La Jolla location in April 2026, following site improvements that are already underway. The property is owned by The Bishop’s School, which purchased it in September 2021 for $5.5 million. Customers can expect El Pueblo’s familiar menu of made in house Mexican food, including its well known fish tacos.
The Pearl Street site has remained unoccupied since the Jack in the Box closure and has been used in recent years for school bus parking. The Bishop’s School initially considered short-term leasing options before converting the property for student use, though a potential lease fell through in 2022. As of mid 2023, the building was still listed for lease, with no clear timeline for school-related development. El Pueblo has now been selected as the tenant, though lease terms were not disclosed.
El Pueblo currently operates locations in Del Mar, Cardiff, Carmel Valley, and Carlsbad. The first restaurant opened in Cardiff in 2012 as a small, 600-square-foot shop selling 99-cent fish tacos. While prices have adjusted over time, the fish tacos remain a core part of the brand’s identity. The company has steadily expanded across North County San Diego over the past decade.
Menu offerings include fish tacos, carne asada, pollo asado, carnitas, burritos, bowls, and combo plates. El Pueblo prepares its food in-house, including salsas and hand-shredded cheese, and emphasizes fresh ingredients. Select locations also offer beer on tap and full bar service.
This will be an excellent landing space for El Pueblo, bringing a long vacant corner in La Jolla back into active use. The opening adds another established local brand to the neighborhood’s dining mix while continuing the company’s steady regional growth.
