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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Carlsbad

Taco spots

You know exactly what a real taco should taste like, and you have no patience for anything less.

Based on 469 Opinions
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01
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.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh preparation, full size, and prices around $1.19 to $1.30. Burritos like carne asada come with super tasty fillings, and the menu offers a variety of outstanding Mexican food with great salsa and careful service.

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 fish tacos to be the best value."

"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.

02
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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.

Tortillas use premium quality ingredients true to Mexican tradition. Burritos like the El Camino and birria tacos offer homemade flavors with fresh salsas and a notable mole not listed on the menu.

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

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the burritos, is big and delicious."

"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
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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.

Prices run about half compared to nearby spots. Chicken tacos and rolled tacos stand out with great toppings and flavors. Guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream come loaded. Pollo Borracho features grilled chicken with tequila lime and sautรฉed veggies over a flour tortilla.

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

"The Mexican food service here is so attentive and friendly!"

"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.

04
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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.

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.

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

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

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.

05
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.

Carne Asada Burritos pack over 75% meat and breakfast burritos come with great seasoning and plenty of meat. Fish tacos feature fresh, breaded, fried fish inside large corn tortillas with homemade tortillas and hot salsa adding to the flavor.

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 Mexican food, especially the breakfast burritos, had great 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.

06
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.

Tacos feature fresh tortillas and handmade salsas that stand out for their quality and flavor. The el pastor tacos and SD Burrito deliver seriously good Mexican food with fast, friendly service.

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

"The tacos here are delicious and authentic Mexican food."

"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.

07
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.

Open 24/7, this spot serves big burritos with fresh ingredients and quick pickup. The steak and egg breakfast burrito includes beans, and the red salsa stands out as a favorite.

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 Burritos were the best Mexican food I ever had."

"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.

08
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.

Margaritas stand out as a highlight, often recommended by staff. The menu features chimichangas with ground beef, mole tamales, enchiladas, fajitas, and combos with beef tacos and cheese enchiladas.

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 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.

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Carlsbad, California

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