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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Carlsbad

Taco spots

Tacos that focus on the quality of the filling instead of hiding behind a mountain of unnecessary toppings.

Based on 505 Opinions
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01
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Small spot with cozy vibe and bright, clean space offers shrimp tacos packed with flavor and crispy chicken tacos that stand out. Sauce bar adds casual fun, making it great for quick, tasty lunches.

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 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.

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El Pueblo Mexican Food - Carlsbad image 1
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Mexican spot boasts a covered outdoor patio and a salsa bar for a chill vibe. Fish tacos stand out with fresh, full-size portions at great prices. Burritos are tasty and affordable, making it a lively yet relaxed place to enjoy good food and music.

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 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.

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Small family-run spot with a pet friendly vibe and fresh, healthy food. Birria tacos shine with fresh corn tortillas and savory beef. Generous portions and low prices make it a great value for groups.

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

People are saying

"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
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Bright, lively spot serves perfectly cooked fish and flavor-packed shrimp tacos alongside a standout cauliflower taco. DJs spin coastal tunes on weekends, adding to the fun, welcoming atmosphere. Families enjoy the clean, organized seating in a narrow, energetic space.

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 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.

05
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Dive bar buzzes with friendly vibe and lively crowd. Fish tacos shine with fresh toppings and come with rice and chips. Outdoor seating offers a relaxed pace while inside stays energetic and cozy.

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 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.

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Concrete walls create a loud space where conversation needs raised voices. Outdoor patio with booth seating offers a relaxed vibe. Tacos like Shrimp and Al Pastor shine with amazing flavors. Live music on Wednesdays adds to the lively atmosphere.

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."

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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Seafood spot offers fresh fish tacos with Mahi Mahi and shrimp, priced affordably. Casual vibe blends fast-food ease with sit-down comfort, plus a dog-friendly patio. Beer on tap stands out, complementing the attentive service and free cold water.

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

"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
Kotija Jr Taco Shop Carlsbad image 1
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Bright, clean spot in a strip center offers authentic Mexican music and a laid back vibe. Fish tacos come with fresh, breaded fish in large corn tortillas, while mini tacos like carne asada are perfectly marinated and tender. Generous portions, especially breakfast burritos with great seasoning and meat, make it a solid casual dining choice.

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 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.

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Spacious Mexican spot shines with authentic tacos and fresh tortillas. Bright, clean space feels lively yet quiet. Energetic staff serve cold beers and keep a salsa bar stocked for extra flavor.

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'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.

10
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Mexican eatery shines with 24-hour drive-thru and a mellow vibe featuring TVs for sports fans. Tacos impress with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, especially juicy fish tacos. Vegetarian options stand out alongside highly rated shredded beef burritos.

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 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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Small Mexican spot shines with crunchy tacos and classic combos like beef tacos with cheese enchiladas. Cozy indoor and casual outdoor patios offer a relaxed vibe with fun music. Friendly staff welcome pets outside, adding to the laid-back atmosphere.

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 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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