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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Carlsbad

Mexican food salad spots

Made for those who want the freshness of a salad but refuse to compromise on the bold, complex flavors of Mexican food.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Surf Up Chicken image 1
Surf Up Chicken image 2
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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.

Salads come with a homemade strawberry dressing that tastes refreshingly bright. Options include salads paired with chicken, offering a solid mix of flavors.

Shrimp tacos stand out with freshness, plenty of shrimp, and full flavor. Crispy chicken tacos also appear frequently and get reordered for their taste.

People are saying

"The shrimp here is perfectly cooked and delicious."

"You have to try the shrimp tacos; they're fresh and full of flavor."

"I loved the salad with its refreshing strawberry dressing."

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
The Red Chickz image 1
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.

Southwestern salad features tender ingredients and suits non-meat eaters well. Caesar salad comes with blaze tender chicken strips, and coleslaw salad tastes fresh and well-made.

Tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings. Shrimp and fish tacos feature perfectly cooked seafood, while the cauliflower taco offers a veggie masterpiece with rich textures and flavors.

People are saying

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

"I thought the fried chicken was the crispiest and most flavorful."

"The chicken on this salad is so juicy and evenly breaded."

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
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.

Salads feature fresh ingredients like baby spinach and kale. Options include a kale Caesar salad and salads paired with salmon or fried shrimp. Sauce often comes on the side for customization.

Fish tacos stand out with options like Mahi Mahi, swordfish, and salmon, all fresh and flavorful. Shrimp tacos and burritos also feature, with tacos priced around $6 to $7 each.

People are saying

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

"I thought the fish tacos were some of the best I've ever tasted."

"The kale Caesar salad was a pleasant surprise 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.

04
VUE image 1
Restaurant

Patio dining offers magnificent golf course views with plenty of shade making outdoor seating comfortable. The atmosphere is relaxed and scenic, enhanced by quiet surroundings despite nearby construction. Indoor decor feels dated and bland, contrasting with the appealing outdoor setting.

The BLTA salad stands out with its fresh, tossed presentation. The menu also features a braised short rib salad that pairs well with dinner options.

Breakfast burrito stands out with phenomenal flavor. Pozole offers good chicken and broth flavors but comes very spicy. Salsa base is overpowering, masking other tastes.

People are saying

"The brunch food here is exceptionally good, especially the French toast."

"I found the BLTA salad to be divine."

"The Mexican food here is super spicy, especially the pozole."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is free for the first two hours with restaurant validation.

2

During summer, kids receive a free meal with the purchase of an adult entree.

3

Expect limited menu options during breakfast hours.

05
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.

Salads here include a Sesame Chicken Salad and an arugula salad. Chicken salad options appear with fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Kimchee taco stands out alongside smash burgers and tasty quesadillas. Tacos offer solid variety and flavor worth trying again.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the good beer here."

"I enjoyed the brews and food at this place."

"I had the chicken salad and it was great."

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.

06
Canyons Restaurant at The Crossings at Carlsbad image 1

Large open room with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio offers beautiful ocean and golf course views. Atmosphere varies from peaceful patio seating to lively with live music on weekends. Setting combines casual dining with scenic surroundings and occasional fire pit warmth.

A Greek salad stands out as excellent here. The chef also makes a green salad spinach wrap off menu. The Traditional Caesar Salad comes with options like anchovy fillets and steak but is just okay.

Chilaquiles stand out as a highlight, praised for their flavor and quality. Fish tacos also impress with their amazing taste, and the salsa roja adds a delicious touch to the dishes.

People are saying

"The views from the restaurant are gorgeous and great."

"The Mexican food here, especially the chilaquiles, is some of the best I've ever had."

"The views from the restaurant are spectacular."

Good to know

1

Date Night special for $85 a couple includes a bottle of wine.

2

Date Night runs on Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm.

3

The restaurant is dog friendly.

07
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.

Salads feature a variety of greens and fresh toppings. The Seared Ahi Salad stands out as a flavorful option.

Fish tacos stand out with great flavors that complement each other while keeping a fresh fish taste. The Maui tacos and mahi tacos are large and highly praised for their quality.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the good beer here."

"I found the selection of beers and food to be great."

"The beers tasted really good, especially the cherry cola seltzer."

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.

08
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.

Salads here stand out for their freshness and quality, often considered better than the tacos. Options include a classic Cesar salad and salads with added proteins like steak, all served with care for dietary needs.

Tacos come in many varieties like Baja fish, birria, and Al Pastor, all very good and tender. The margaritas stand out, tasting similar to those in Ensenada, paired with tasty chips, salsa, and guacamole.

People are saying

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

"I loved the view from the patio."

"I thought the salad was very fresh and delicious."

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.

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Carlsbad, California

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