Top 10 Gluten-Free Mexican Spots to Enjoy in Carlsbad

Roger Wolfgang

B E

Love this place! Large outdoor patio seating area -- doggie friendly. Gluten intolerant or Celiac? Me too! Ask for the gluten free menu and tell your waiter that you have Celiac before you order; the menu is available on their site if you want to check it out before you go. The chips are fried in a dedicated fryer so you can actually enjoy the complimentary chips and salsa that they bring to the table! It's a small detail, but really makes the experience complete. Their unsweetened iced tea is fresh and delicious. My go-to dinner dish is the Mexican Chopped Salad (sans black olives). The GF Nachos Supremo appetizer is yummy too. I liked the #7 DE MACHADO Cheese enchilada verde, [and] beef taco, but it was a bit heavy for me (comes with rice which was tasty, and black beans which I didn't care for). I've eaten here many many times and have never been glutened; I always make a point to tell the waiter that I have Celiac. The service is quick and friendly, and the pricing is reasonable. Highly recommend.

Brittany Jones

Safe for celiacs. The staff is very well trained and even asks when you order if it’s for gf diet or celiacs. Ate two nights there on my trip because the food was so fantastic. Very reasonable prices. Full portions. And bottomless chips, salsa and quest. Excellent service. All of the workers were hustling! So good to see them busy in these post covid times. Thank you!

Billy Woodfin

Everett Reppert

Roger Hampson

Charlene Petty

Jean Coots

Henry Voros

San Diego Taco Series, Part 13 When I reflect on our first few years of producing “Henry’s Take”, I have to admit that I’m surprised how many times we’ve had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with the owners of various businesses. And so it was during our first visit to “Lola 55.” The owner Frank so enthusiastically welcomed our discussion about his place that we thought he might just pull up a chair and join our Review Team! During our time with him we mentioned that the beans and rice were amazing and he told us that he believes the beans at a Mexican restaurant are the truest litmus test of quality. According to him, “If the beans are no good, the other menu options will probably not be very good either.” So how did the beans here end up being so delicious? Well after their initial attempts yielded beans that were good, but not great, Frank asked his mom to share her personal recipe with the kitchen staff and demonstrate how to make them the way she always has. Seems fitting that he named the place after her, don’t you think? 👏 As for the tacos, we sampled several different offerings and the presentation of each was carefully thought out by “Team Lola.” My favorite (in terms of presentation and flavor) was the “Baja Style Fish” Taco. If you’re in the mood for something with a little kick, several of us were impressed by the spicy staying power of the “Mesquite Chicken” Taco. The after affects of the chilis in the peanut macha salsa lingered for several minutes after we enjoyed this taco powerhouse. If you’re interested in Vegan taco offerings, there are several on the menu including the “Rainbow Cauliflower” and the “Squa-shroom.” Multiple Gluten-free options are also available including “Elote” (when in season). Although our focus during this visit was the tacos, we couldn’t resist ordering the “Quesadillas Oaxaca” and they were excellent. If you choose to visit, ask to meet Frank and tell him that we sent you! And that’s…Henry’s Take. #sandiegotacoseries Photo credit: @markschiel

Dragor Cochrane

It’s pretty good food served by fantastic staff in nice enough decor. I have celiacs, which they’re—surprisingly for a mexican place—extremely ill equipped to handle, but the server was quite knowledgeable about how each item was prepared, and ultimately the chef was willing l to whip something up for me. Plating was also quite attractive. The only downside was price. It was maybe $30-35 a person for food that I would be eager to pay maybe $20 a person for.