After a concert, a game at Petco Park or a night in the bars, hunger can strike after several kitchens have closed. Fifth Avenue has two counters with different strengths: Gaslamp Pizza serves pizza by the slice and cheesy bread into the early morning; Tacos El Franc serves Tijuana-style tacos and extends its hours on Friday and Saturday nights. The choice depends on whether you want an immediate slice or freshly prepared meat in a tortilla.
Gaslamp Pizza works as a quick stop: thin crust, large slices, subs, wings and some vegan options. Visitors appreciate being able to buy a single slice without sitting down for a formal dinner and the counter remaining open after bars close. Views on sauces, toppings and consistency are more divided, so it should not be promised as a gourmet experience; its strength is late-night availability and getting something hot within minutes.
Tacos El Franc follows a more preparation-led taqueria style: corn tortillas made to order, grilled carne asada and adobada sliced from the spit. Diners praise the flavour and attentive service; some mention waits at the counter when it is busy. It stays open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays but closes earlier on weekdays. For a late outing, that difference makes the calendar part of the choice: on a Wednesday at midnight pizza is usually the safer option; on Saturday, tacos remain a contender later into the night.
Both are on Fifth Avenue within walking distance of the Convention Center and stadium, although the street and pavements get busy on event nights. Gaslamp Pizza is at 505 Fifth Ave and may close at 4 a.m. on weekends; Tacos El Franc is at 528 Fifth Ave and serves until 2 a.m. Friday–Saturday. Check the last order time before crossing the district and arrange a safe ride back; a kitchen that closes late does not mean the whole neighbourhood stays equally active.
Check current details and choose according to your budget, time and way of travelling.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Gaslamp Pizza
505 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
When the music stops and Gaslamp bars begin to close, Gaslamp Pizza keeps the menu straightforward: New York-style pizza sold by the slice, subs, wings and mozzarella bread. The small venue offers takeaway and lists vegan options in its visitor guide. That combination of quick slices and early-morni
New York-style pizza by the slice, cheesy bread, subs, wings and vegan options.
Tacos El Franc – Gaslamp Quarter
528 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
On Fifth Avenue, Tacos El Franc brings a Tijuana-inspired counter-service taqueria to the Gaslamp: corn tortillas made to order, charcoal-grilled carne asada and adobada sliced from the spit. The format is quicker than a full-service dinner, and the menu adds burritos and other dishes for anyone loo
Made-to-order corn tortillas, charcoal-grilled carne asada and spit-roasted adobada tacos in a counter-service format.
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of Gaslamp Pizza ↗
Primary source
Gaslamp Pizza, preguntas frecuentes · Accessed October 2, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Tacos El Franc – Gaslamp Quarter ↗
Primary source
Tacos El Franc, Gaslamp Quarter · Accessed October 2, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Gaslamp Quarter, directorio de restaurantes · Accessed October 2, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Comentarios y valoración de la sede ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog, Gaslamp Pizza · Accessed October 2, 2026
La página de 505 Fifth Ave mostraba 3.8/5 en 728 opiniones atribuidas a Google. Visitantes destacan porciones al estilo neoyorquino, masa fina y conveniencia tras salir; otros expresan opiniones divididas sobre aderezos, salsa y consistencia. Consultado el 2/10/2026.
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Comentarios y valoración del local ↗
Secondary source
Restaurant Guru, Tacos El Franc – Gaslamp Quarter · Accessed October 2, 2026
La ficha correspondiente a 528 Fifth Ave mostraba 4.8/5 en 1,093 opiniones atribuidas a Google. Comentarios recientes alaban sabor, servicio y carne asada/adobada; las opiniones reflejan diferencias habituales de espera cuando el mostrador está concurrido. Consultado el 2/10/2026.