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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 505 Opinions
+502
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01
Surf Up Chicken image 1
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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 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.

02
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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."

"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.

03
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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

"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.

04
El Pueblo Mexican Food - Carlsbad image 1
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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 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
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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 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.

06
Kotija Jr Taco Shop Carlsbad image 1
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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."

"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.

07
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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 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.

08
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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

"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.

09
Garcia's Mexican Restaurant & Creative Catering image 1
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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 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.

10
Valerieโ€™s Taco Shop image 1
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Spacious Mexican restaurant with a bright, clean interior and a lively staff. Atmosphere is quiet but can feel chaotic due to energetic service. Known for authentic tacos, fresh tortillas, and a salsa bar, it offers cold beers and a welcoming vibe despite a somewhat uninviting exterior.

Food here is really great Mexican with amazing flavors that feel worth the extra cost. The dishes come out delicious and satisfying every time.

Tacos come with fresh tortillas and a variety of fillings, including el pastor that stands out for its quality. A salsa bar adds extra flavor options, making takeout a solid choice here.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really great."

"I've never been to a taco shop this good."

Good to know

1

The menu does not clearly list all ingredients, which may lead to allergic reactions.

2

Prices can change without notice, so check the menu before ordering.

3

The portions are large, making it a good value for the price.

11
Vallarta Express Mexican Eatery image 1
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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 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.

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