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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Carlsbad's best

Taco spots

Made for those who have a dedicated devotion to tacos and refuse to settle for anything less than a variety of options.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated May 2026
01
The Red Chickz image 1
The Red Chickz image 2
The Red Chickz image 3
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Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers a bright, lively space with clean, well-organized seating and a narrow layout. DJs play coastal tunes on weekends, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere suitable for families. Crowds gather especially during special deals, making it noisy and energetic.

Flavorful chicken dishes stand out with delicious food and great service creating a welcoming dining experience.

Tacos come with perfectly cooked fish and flavor-packed shrimp. The cauliflower taco offers a burst of flavors and textures that stands out.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

"The French toast here is so soft and good."

"I thought their chicken was the crunchiest I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Tenders cost $2 every Thursday, making it a popular day to visit.

2

The restaurant offers a brunch menu with bottomless mimosas on weekends.

3

Expect a car meet every Monday at 7pm, attracting local car enthusiasts.

02
Sam's Kitchen image 1
Restaurant

Small family-run restaurant with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and pet friendly atmosphere. Offers fresh ingredients and healthy options with generous portions and low prices. Busy at times, so ordering ahead helps avoid waits.

Food here is consistently excellent and very tasty. Vegan options stand out as fantastic with servings that match the quality.

Birria tacos come with fresh corn tortillas and savory beef. The taco bar offers great value for groups.

People are saying

"I loved the big, delicious burritos here."

"The food here is amazing and worth the price."

"These birria tacos are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during peak hours.

2

Expect large portion sizes; burritos are as thick as an arm.

3

The prices are very reasonable for the quality and size of the meals.

03
Surf Up Chicken image 1
Restaurant

Small space with about seven tables and some outdoor seating offers a clean, bright, and relaxed atmosphere. A sauce bar with various dips adds to the casual dining experience. The vibe is cozy and inviting, suited for quick, tasty lunches with a friendly feel.

Food arrives piping hot and fast, usually within five minutes. Dishes offer great taste and come at amazing prices.

Shrimp tacos come fresh and full of flavor with plenty of shrimp. Crispy chicken tacos also stand out for their crispiness and taste, making both options popular choices.

People are saying

"The shrimp here is perfectly cooked and delicious."

"The food here is really good and tasty."

"The shrimp tacos here are fresh and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The prices at Surf Up Chicken are very affordable.

2

The dining area and restroom are nice and clean.

3

It gets busy during lunch hour, especially on weekdays.

04
El Pueblo Mexican Food - Carlsbad image 1

Mexican restaurant with covered outdoor patio and chill atmosphere featuring good music and a salsa bar. The place often fills up, creating a lively but relaxed vibe. Known for affordable, highly praised fish tacos and tasty burritos.

Amazing Mexican food fills a full menu with quick service. Food works well for takeout and comes at a great price.

Fish tacos come fresh and full size with a very delicious flavor. Prices stay low around $1.19 to $1.39, making them a great value for a filling meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"I thought the fish tacos here were the best I've had."

"I thought the fish tacos were the best."

Good to know

1

The fish tacos cost $1.39 each.

2

El Pueblo is open till 12AM on weekends.

3

They offer a five dollar happy hour beer all day long.

05
Los Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Indoor-outdoor dining space includes a sunny patio and beer garden with heaters and TVs for sports viewing. The atmosphere stays laid-back and welcoming, making it easy to relax for hours. A condiments bar adds a unique touch to the casual setup.

Tacos feature real cheese that melts and stretch with every bite. All food is made from scratch in house, delivering flavorful and fresh dishes in a casual indoor-outdoor setting.

Tacos here are flavorful and affordable, with options like asada, al pastor, chicken, and vegan pastor. The tongue taco and Mexican sashimi stand out, all served with real cheese that melts perfectly.

People are saying

"These tacos are fresh, full of flavor, and have amazing handmade tortillas."

"They have a great selection of local and Mexican beers on tap."

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday and Thursday.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour during peak hours.

3

Prices for burritos start at $14, which is reasonable for the quality.

06
Karl Strauss Brewing Company image 1

Brewpub with large tables and multiple patios, including dog-friendly outdoor areas with plants. Atmosphere ranges from family-oriented to loud and industrial, with many TVs showing various sports games. Seating includes bar and open dining, creating a hub for beer and food enthusiasts.

Food here is consistently super tasty with a focus on craft beer pairings. Every visit delivers excellent service alongside the good food.

Maui tacos stand out with great flavors that balance well and keep the fish taste clear. Fish tacos, including mahi and ahi, come in large portions and deliver solid, enjoyable flavors.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the good beer here."

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I found the fish tacos excellent and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 PM all week with $6 drafts and $10 appetizers.

2

Ordering is done online with a virtual tab before receiving food.

3

The brewery is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

07
Docent Brewing image 1

Brewpub combines wood-centric decor with an old bungalow and garage style for a cozy, inviting space. Atmosphere stays laid back and relaxed, with no TVs and friendly chatter. Outdoor patio welcomes families, kids, and dogs, often accompanied by live music or blues playlists.

Food features smash burgers and kimchi grilled cheese that stand out. The menu offers delicious choices alongside great beer in a cozy, dog-friendly setting.

Tacos here often come with little to no sauce or salsa, making them quite dry. The Kimchee taco stands out as a flavorful option among the choices.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the good beer here."

"The food, especially the burgers and tots, was really good."

"I loved the great beer selection and atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Parking is located across the street and is easy to find.

2

The brewery is small, so it can get crowded if busy.

3

Ample outdoor patio seating is available, and dogs are allowed.

08
Mas Fina Cantina image 1
Bar & grill

Fun dive bar with beach-type vibe and full bar featuring TVs behind the counter. Atmosphere feels friendly and lively, attracting an older, boisterous crowd and even canine companions. Outdoor seating offers a more relaxed pace, while inside feels cramped but energetic.

Food comes out quick and tasty with a great flavor that surprises many. Dishes are inexpensive and consistently good.

Fish tacos come with rice and chips and have good toppings. Chicken tacos stand out as well-made and tasty. Some tacos are rolled and include non-meat fillings.

People are saying

"I loved the beach-type vibe of the outdoor seating."

"I thought the food here was great and tasty."

"The service here is so good, they even split my plate for me."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens on Wednesdays, attracting a lively crowd.

2

Expect slow service during karaoke nights due to high demand.

3

There are no happy hour food specials available.

09
FISH DISTRICT image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with a casual, inviting atmosphere and a mix of fast-food and sit-down vibes. The space includes a small outdoor dog-friendly area and offers free cold water. Orders are handled with excellent attention to detail, and beer on tap is notably good.

Food stands out for its delicious and beautifully presented dishes. Takeout works best to keep the quality intact, especially for items like poke salmon bowls.

Fish tacos feature Mahi Mahi, swordfish, and shrimp options with fresh, clean flavors. Prices range from $6 to $7 each, and sauces stay light to highlight the fish.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here have a light, not greasy batter."

"The food here is excellent, especially the fresh, well-cooked fish."

"I thought the fish tacos were fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

You can scan the code to order directly.

2

Parking can get difficult during lunchtime.

3

The tacos cost about $6-$7 each.

10
Casero Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Concrete floors and walls create a loud, echoing space where conversation requires raised voices. Outdoor patio offers open-air dining with booth seating and a view that adds a relaxed vibe. Live music on Wednesdays and friendly staff contribute to a lively atmosphere despite the noise.

Food features real and authentic flavors with very little salt and all natural fresh ingredients. The menu offers a wide variety of choices with fair pricing and consistently great taste.

Tacos come in a variety of styles like birria, cochinita pibil, and Baja fish. Shrimp and Al Pastor tacos stand out with their amazing flavors.

People are saying

"You have to try the Mexican food; the handmade tortillas are so fresh."

"The food here is awesome, fresh, and made with care."

"The tacos here have incredible flavors and fresh, handmade tortillas."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer great specials every week.

2

All Day Happy Hour is available on Mondays.

3

Happy Hour starts at 5 pm on Sundays and lasts all night.

11
Vallarta Express Mexican Eatery image 1

Mexican eatery with 24-hour drive-thru and outdoor patio seating next to the drive-through. Atmosphere is mellow with a cute vibe, featuring TVs inside and outside for sports fans. Food includes highly rated shredded beef burritos and rolled tacos, with some standout vegetarian options.

Food comes out fresh to order with large portions that satisfy. Quick service matches the delicious Mexican flavors consistently served.

Tacos come in big portions with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Fish tacos stand out for their juiciness and large size, while beef and chicken tacos offer a crispy texture and spicy kick.

People are saying

"I thought the California Burrito was the best I ever had."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"I had to try the fish tacos; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

Vallarta Express Mexican Eatery is open 24 hours for burritos and tacos.

2

The drive-thru is very fast and organized.

3

Expect higher prices for tacos compared to other places.

12
Valerieโ€™s Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant occupies a space that used to be a dry cleaners, creating a unique setting. Atmosphere feels authentic with many Spanish-speaking customers and a clean, well-kept dining area. Offers several meat options, dozen salsas, and homemade tortillas, with great carnitas and hot sauces standing out.

Food features authentic taco shop style Mexican dishes with freshly made ingredients and a spicy, flavorful profile. Quality remains consistent and service is prompt.

Rolled tacos and asada tacos stand out with authentic taco shop style flavors. Tacos come at a reasonable price and consistently deliver good taste.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is killer and authentic."

"The food here is really good and fresh."

"The tacos here are really good, especially the carne asada."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

2

The dining area and bathrooms are clean and well kept.

3

The restaurant offers several meat options and vegetarian choices.

13
Kotija Jr Taco Shop Carlsbad image 1

Simple interior in a strip center offers a brightly lit and laid back atmosphere with authentic Mexican music playing. The space stays very clean and comfortable for casual dining. Food portions tend to be generous, especially breakfast burritos known for their good seasoning and meat content.

Food arrives hot and ready with fresh ingredients and great portions. Tacos run about $3.49 to $4.99, burritos $9.99 to $11.99, offering affordable prices and consistent taste.

Fish tacos feature fresh, breaded, and fried fish inside large corn tortillas. Mini tacos like carne asada and cabeza come perfectly marinated and melt in your mouth. Tacos cost between $3.49 and $4.99, offering affordable, flavorful options like carnitas and al pastor.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and the portions are great."

"I thought the breakfast burritos here had good seasoning and lots of meat."

"The fish taco was delicious and full."

Good to know

1

Breakfast burritos cost $7.99, offering great value.

2

Tacos range from $3.49 to $4.99, while burritos are $9.99 to $11.99.

3

They charge extra fees for using credit cards.

14
Rudy's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican eatery with modest indoor seating and outdoor tables offers a nostalgic, homey vibe. Atmosphere is casual and lively, especially during Happy Hour. Known for authentic street tacos and a well-regarded salsa bar.

Food here stays fresh and clean with a reasonably priced menu. The kitchen works hard to serve good quality Mexican dishes that are not greasy or overcooked.

Street tacos come with carnitas, carne asada, and fish options, all reasonably priced and well loaded. The Quesabirria Taco features plenty of chopped beef with cheese and a side of birria and marinated onion. Happy hour offers a Mini Tacos Combo and other tasty deals.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, delicious tacos and burritos here."

"I loved the fresh, delicious tacos with large portions."

"The food here is awesome and really delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available from Sunday to Thursday between 2:00 and 5:00.

2

You can order ahead of time, making it convenient during lunch breaks.

3

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

15
Garcia's Mexican Restaurant & Creative Catering image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy indoor dining area and a casual outdoor patio with inviting decor. Music creates a fun, homelike atmosphere that feels relaxed and welcoming. Staff accommodate pets outside, adding to the friendly, laid-back vibe.

Food here stays consistently delicious with a strong reputation for great Mexican dishes. Both the flavor and service keep people coming back.

Crunchy tacos stand out here with a solid, crisp texture. The menu includes combos featuring beef tacos paired with cheese enchiladas and other Mexican staples.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here tasted like it came straight from a home kitchen."

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the Taco tasty with a little spice on the salsa."

Good to know

1

There is usually parking behind the restaurant.

2

They have both indoor and outdoor seating available.

3

Expect large portion sizes, often leaving food to take home.

16
El Puerto Street Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating offers a chill atmosphere with space for conversation. The menu includes vegan and vegetarian options alongside traditional dishes. Prices vary, with some finding them reasonable and others overpriced.

Food comes fresh and delicious with a strong Mexican flavor. Burritos stand out as a favorite with consistently good quality.

Tacos here feature fresh corn tortillas and a variety of options including birria and potato tacos. The birria tacos stand out as especially flavorful and authentic.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is delicious and tastes like home."

"I thought the birria tacos here were the best I ever had."

"The food here is fresh and amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located inside the windmill food court.

2

Tacos cost $5 each, with reasonable prices for the area.

3

Vegan and vegetarian options are available on the menu.

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