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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Chula Vista

Carne asada spots

Carne asada that prioritizes the quality of the char over the speed of the service.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria by El Prieto image 1
Taqueria by El Prieto image 2
Taqueria by El Prieto image 3
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Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers authentic street tacos with a focus on adobada flavor. Atmosphere stays chill and relaxing with great music, though noise levels vary. Outdoor seating includes cute tables, and a salsa bar adds to the casual dining experience.

Food here is very fresh and flavorful with no fat on the meat. Sauces stand out as amazing, and prices are fair for the quality served.

Juicy meat with a smoky taste stands out in the carne asada dishes. Options include tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and extra crispy fries loaded with tender, fresh carne asada.

People are saying

"These tacos are packed with flavor and always served hot."

"The tacos here are packed with flavor and perfectly seasoned."

"The Carne Asada is so flavorful and juicy."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, making access convenient.

2

The restaurant uses Styrofoam containers, but paper options are available upon request.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

02
De Cabeza /El Único image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Mexican ranch decor and a family-like atmosphere with live music and singing by staff. Energy feels fun and upbeat, creating a welcoming and comfortable space. Unique cuts of meat like cabeza and lengua tacos stand out as specialties.

Food tastes like traditional Mexican dishes with authentic flavors. The menu pairs well with cold beer and comes with great service throughout the meal.

Beef carne asada tacos deliver amazing flavor and fill you up well. Carne asada also appears in quesadillas with nicely melted cheese and in alambre dishes that satisfy hunger.

People are saying

"You have to try the tender, flavorful cabeza tacos here."

"I thought the food here was top-notch and delicious."

"The carne asada tacos here are absolutely amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging to find nearby.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during peak dining hours.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups.

03
Mariscos Mar Y Tierra image 1
Mexican restaurant

Parking lot dining with limited seating encourages many to eat standing. The vibe is busy and popular, especially during lunch hours. Known for large, flavorful fish tacos and fresh oyster shots, it offers a casual, no-frills seafood experience.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with super fresh ingredients and amazing flavor. Free consome is served while waiting for the meal.

Carne asada comes grilled and juicy, featured in tacos that pair well with other items like fish tacos and quesobirria. The tacos highlight grilled meat and bold flavors that stand out among the menu.

People are saying

"The seafood tacos here are fresh, delicious, and huge."

"I thought the food was great, especially the fish tacos."

"I thought the carne asada tacos were great."

Good to know

1

The parking is located to the right of the dog grooming business toward the back.

2

Expect busy times during lunch; consider calling in your order ahead.

3

They charge $1 for card payments without prior notification.

04
El Ranchero Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Traditional Mexican restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere and authentic flavors made from scratch. Offers street tacos on the patio at night and excellent raspados as standout features. The place is casual with a quick lunch vibe and no alcohol served.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with fresh ingredients and homemade flavors from tortilla chips to Menudo. Traditional dishes offer a rich variety of flavors that feel genuine and satisfying.

Freshly BBQ'd meat carries a smoky flavor from the char. The carne asada stays flavorful despite some charring on the edges.

People are saying

"The breakfast tacos and burritos are delicious with flavorful salsa."

"I found the food here to be very good."

"I've never had Carne Asada this delicious; the meat was cooked so well."

Good to know

1

Street tacos are available on the patio at night.

2

They close at 7:30 pm, so arrive early to avoid missing out.

3

Limited parking is available, so plan accordingly.

05
Vega Restaurant image 1
Restaurant

Dining area features large windows that provide plenty of light but also contribute to a loud atmosphere with blender noise. Outdoor seating offers a shaded table under pine trees, creating a quieter option. The place is clean and cramped, with limited ventilation and accessible parking nearby.

Authentic Mexican food comes fresh and delicious, prepared quickly after ordering. The dishes offer great flavor and value, matching the quality with efficient service.

Carne asada shines in the nachos, which stand out for their rich flavor. Burritos like the surf and turf and California burrito pack a lot of taste, alongside carne asada tacos and rolled tacos.

People are saying

"The rolled tacos here are fresh and packed with flavor."

"I appreciated the outdoor seating, shaded by pine trees."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is ample parking available, including handicap accessible spots.

2

The rolled tacos cost $7.99 as of September 2024.

3

Vega Restaurant offers a large selection of food and drinks.

06
Dolche cafe/ Mexifood image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with tight seating and cozy decor creates an intimate atmosphere. Sweet jazz music adds a chill vibe suitable for relaxed conversations. Authentic Mexican breakfast dishes contribute to a homely dining experience.

Food arrives fast and hot with a great selection of drinks, coffees, and dishes. The flavors are delectable and well served, making the dining experience enjoyable.

Carne asada appears in several dishes like carne asada fries and plates with eggs. The carne asada and eggs plate offers a straightforward, hearty option.

People are saying

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

"It's a charming and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing coffee break."

"The Carne Asada meat had a great flavor and was tender."

Good to know

1

Parking in the three parking areas of the liquor store would result in immediate towing.

2

The spot is small, so arrive early as it gets packed.

3

Prices are high, around $15 for food and $4 for coffee.

07
Kotija Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican eatery offers casual atmosphere with extremely clean space and limited seating. Menu features enormous burrito portions and freshly made tortillas, attracting those seeking hearty, traditional dishes. Pricing ranges from fair to slightly above average, reflecting portion size and quality.

Food here is very fresh and consistently well made to perfection. The cooking style reflects traditional Mexican flavors, delivering delicious dishes that leave a strong impression.

Burritos come with carne asada that ranges from decent to really good. The California Burrito adds guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and fries alongside the meat. Some versions have fajita-style onions and bell peppers mixed in.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the burritos, has enormous portions."

"The food here is delicious and very fresh."

"The Carne Asada burrito is really good and standard."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking in a strip mall.

2

I paid $7 for two tacos at Kotija Taco Shop.

3

Kotija Taco Shop has only three tables, so seating is limited.

08
Californias Taco Shop image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small space fills quickly with steady activity, creating a busy and casual vibe. Menu focuses on large portions and authentic Mexican flavors, especially in burritos and tacos. Popular for late hours and reasonable prices, it draws a diverse crowd seeking hearty, straightforward meals.

Authentic Mexican food shines with excellent Burritos, Tacos, and Rolled tacos. Spicy options include salsas and chiles toreados for those who like heat.

Carne asada fries come in a good-sized plate and taste great. Burritos include San Diego and classic carne asada options, and carne asada tacos satisfy even picky eaters.

People are saying

"The salsa here is amazing, especially the creamy green one."

"I'd drive a long way for their tasty carne asada fries."

"I thought the food here was really good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers all tacos at $2, which is a great deal.

2

They offer $6 Chipotle Burritos, displayed in yellow on the wall by the register.

3

They offer inside and outside seating.

09
Sarai's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with limited seating and large portions. Offers authentic Tijuana-style tacos and spicy, flavorful salsas. Atmosphere is casual and quick, attracting those seeking generous servings and bold flavors.

Food features homemade authentic Mexican dishes with big portions at fair prices. The taste is consistently delicious and quality stands out.

Marinated with a perfect balance of seasoning and acidity, the carne asada shines in tacos, tortas, and burritos. The carne asada fries come with a tasty side of sour cream and deliver solid flavor.

People are saying

"The carne asada tacos were humongous and delicious."

"The breakfast burritos here are huge and bursting with flavor."

"I found the food here to be really good and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right out front.

2

The restaurant offers large portions, ideal for those seeking generous servings.

3

The restaurant opens at 6:20 AM instead of the scheduled 6:00 AM.

10
Vanessa's Cocina Mexicana image 1

Large restaurant with a spacious layout and loud, boisterous atmosphere where conversations echo off walls. Diners enjoy authentic Mexican food with handmade tortillas and a diverse menu. The space features clean, well-kept seating and plays the FailedArmy YouTube channel for entertainment.

Food offers authentic Mexican cuisine with plentiful options. The cafe de olla and Chilaquiles stand out as especially delicious.

Carne asada appears in several dishes like carne asada campesina and carne asada fries topped with nacho cheese. Orders can take over 30 minutes to arrive, especially for the fries.

People are saying

"The food here is always delicious and the portions are huge."

"The breakfast mole here is one of the best flavors I've had."

"The Carne Asada has amazing flavor and huge portions."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 45 minutes for food during busy hours.

2

Prices have increased by 20% across all menu choices recently.

3

The restaurant has designated seating areas to improve service.

11
El Pollo Grill - Bonita image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with casual, welcoming vibe and pleasant decor hosts a help-yourself salsa bar and drink station. Few tables create a cozy, slightly crowded setting where grilled chicken stands out for freshness and flavor.

Food comes fresh, hot, and in generous portions. The menu offers authentic Mexican comfort food with great taste and quality that extends beyond the chicken to all sides.

Huge portions of carne asada fries come loaded with guacamole, cheese, and sour cream. Burritos and quesadillas feature tender carne asada, though some burritos focus more on shrimp than meat.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is amazing; the burritos are huge and flavorful."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The Carne Asada fries were huge and loaded with toppings."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited with narrow spaces, so arrive early.

2

The restaurant offers a military discount for service members.

3

Portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

12
Hermanos Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with homemade tortillas and perfectly seasoned meat creates a comfortable atmosphere. The place serves fresh, flavorful tacos and burritos with generous portions, maintaining consistent quality over time. Cash-only policy and simple setup distinguish it from others.

Food comes with excellent flavor and good portions. Service is quick and efficient, and prices stay reasonable.

Carne asada here has a perfect texture and is well seasoned with fresh, crispy meat. Popular dishes include carne asada fries and burritos that are flavorful enough without extra salsa.

People are saying

"I thought the carne asada fries here did not disappoint."

"I loved their breakfast burritos; I hope to be back for another."

"I found the food here to be delicious with great flavor."

Good to know

1

The shop is cash only, so bring cash for your meal.

2

The portions are generous for just over $12.

3

Guacamole and sour cream come at no extra charge.

13
Taquería Revolución image 1
Taco restaurant

Tight seating fills the space, creating a lively but comfortable atmosphere with some noise. Authentic Mexican tacos stand out, featuring mesquite wood-cooked meat and handmade tortillas. A salsa bar adds variety, enhancing the overall experience.

Food offers amazing flavor and consistently great quality whether dining in or taking out. Every dish delivers delicious taste and satisfying experience.

Smokey and super delicious carne asada stands out here. Tacos and burritos feature rich aromas and perfectly spiced salsas that complement the meat well.

People are saying

"I loved the adobada tacos; they were phenomenal."

"I thought the food was amazing and well seasoned."

"The carne asada here is smokey and super delicious."

Good to know

1

They do not accept cash; only card payments are accepted.

2

A California burrito costs $21, and extra charges apply for sides.

3

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on September 26, 2023.

14
El Prieto Cantina y Restaurant image 1

Rustic barn-style decor with cowboy and wild west themes creates a cozy, immersive atmosphere. Loud, lively energy fills the space, especially during celebrations with live music enhancing the experience. Outdoor seating adds to the relaxed vibe, making it feel like a festive Mexican cantina.

Excellent authentic Mexican food comes with great customer service and well-served dishes. The food and drinks consistently impress with their quality and taste.

Seasoning stands out with perfectly balanced spices on the carne asada. Tacos match the quality of those found in Mexico, though the meat lacks freshness.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is super flavorful and really good."

"The food here is super flavorful with generous portions."

"The Carne Asada portions were generous and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends due to high customer volume.

2

Happy hour offers 2-for-1 drinks, making it a great time to visit.

3

The restaurant has a covered patio with food trucks available.

15
Tacos TiaJuana image 1

Small bistro with cozy seating and a lively atmosphere fueled by loud music and chatter. Crowd enjoys Tijuana-style tacos with handmade tortillas and a variety of fillings grilled outdoors. Street parking is usually available despite the busy vibe.

Food features a good amount of meat and tastes delicious. Waiting options include staying outside or getting a call, but cold weather affects how quickly the food cools down.

Carne asada shows up in dishes like tortas and burritos with strong seasoning that often needs no salsa. Sometimes it mixes with other meats and lacks freshness, resembling reheated leftovers rather than freshly grilled cuts.

People are saying

"I thought the Tijuana style tacos were the best I ever had."

"The handmade tortillas here have great texture and taste."

"The food here is delicious, especially the tacos and quesadillas."

Good to know

1

The price for 4 tacos is about $14.

2

There is plenty of street parking available nearby.

3

They offer a variety of fillings including Adobada, Asada, Tripa, Cabeza, Chorizo, and Pollo.

16
Lolita's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with only three tables creates an intimate setting but limits seating. Loud music raises energy but hinders conversation. Known for best carne asada fries and California burritos, it draws those seeking authentic Mexican flavors in a casual, fast-food style environment.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with generous portions. Prices stay reasonable while quality and taste remain strong across all orders.

Carne asada fries come with tender, non-chewy meat and generous portions. The carne asada chips and condiments stand out for their flavor and consistency across locations.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was among the best."

"I thought this was the best taco place."

"I thought the carne asada fries were the best."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Online ordering is available to save time and avoid long lines.

3

There is limited indoor seating, so be prepared to take your order to go.

17
Tiajuana Food Court image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food court combines multiple Mexican eateries with a casual bar offering mainly beer and micheladas. Atmosphere balances energetic music with a relaxed vibe, though volume can sometimes hinder conversation. Space suits groups and dates seeking a lively yet pleasant setting.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavor with hefty portions at a reasonable price. The variety is impressive, catering to many tastes with consistently good service.

Carne asada here tastes fresh and authentic, just like in Tijuana. The carne asada fries and tacos come out quickly and have a solid flavor.

People are saying

"The fish tacos and aguas frescas here are really good."

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

"The carne asada tacos taste just like they do in Tijuana."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features a variety of tacos with special discounts.

2

Expect to pay around $15-20 per person for meals.

3

They charge $0.50 for card transactions without prior notice.

18
Los Panchos Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers lively atmosphere with great music and a varied salsa bar. Seating is plentiful but the space feels outdated and built for speed, not comfort. The vibe suits those seeking quick, flavorful Mexican food rather than a romantic or upscale setting.

Generous portions of delicious Mexican food come with every order. The dishes are consistently tasty and plentiful, served with attentive customer service.

Carne asada appears in several dishes like burritos, rolled tacos, and fries. The carne asada fries come with beans, but the beans have a funky taste. Guacamole is scarce or missing on some carne asada items.

People are saying

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

"Cyndy made sure our Mexican food order had plenty of salsas and utensils."

"I found their Carne Asada burritos to be great."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in front but there is plenty in the back.

2

You need to be hungry to finish the birria because of its large portion.

3

The price is great, making it affordable for families.

19
Tacos El Ranchero image 1
Mexican restaurant

Taco truck offers tables and chairs with a good selection of Jarritos sodas, creating a casual outdoor dining spot. Tacos feature flavorful cabeza and al pastor, paired with delicious, spicy salsa. Portions tend to be small, and tortillas are often hard and dry, affecting the overall texture.

Food features fresh ingredients and quick service. The consomé pairs well with the dishes, especially in cold weather. Tacos taste close to those from TJ with little difference.

Carne asada tacos come with a mix of quality, sometimes fatty meat. Cabeza tacos also appear as a recommended choice alongside the carne asada.

People are saying

"The tacos here are so good, I could eat a million."

"I thought their tacos were the best in San Diego."

"I found the food here to be excellent."

Good to know

1

They charge a 6.74% fee for credit card payments.

2

This taco truck has tables, chairs, and a good selection of Jarritos sodas.

3

They do not have a restroom for customers.

20
Burros & Fries Telegraph image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright dining room with cafeteria-style seating and flat-screen TVs creates a casual, lively atmosphere. Music plays loudly, contributing to a chill vibe where conversation requires raising voices. Self-serve stations for salsa and drinks add to the informal, comfortable setup.

Fresh hot Mexican food delivers a classic San Diego feel with fast service. Dishes come out flavorful and clean, matching expectations for a solid taco shop experience.

Carne asada shines in the fries and burrito, both offering tasty, well-seasoned meat. Fries come with mild salsa and have a crispy texture, though some batches may vary in quality.

People are saying

"I found the burritos here to be fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The food here is fresh and flavorful."

"The Carne Asada fries were hot, yummy, and perfect!"

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and available right in front of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant does not offer free chips and salsa; chips are sold separately.

3

The prices are generally high compared to other taco shops in the area.

21
El Pollo Grill - Otay Ranch image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious dining areas display San Diego sports decor and maintain a clean, cool atmosphere with loud music. A self-serve salsa bar offers unlimited choices, complementing generous portions of authentic grilled chicken and carne asada tacos. Prices reflect portion size, with some extras like cotija cheese charged separately.

Food here is consistently fresh and flavorful, never processed. Portions are generous and prices stay reasonable, making the Mexican dishes both tasty and good value.

Carne asada fries come with beans and a large portion costs about 18 dollars. The carne asada pairs well with pollo and mariscos in tacos and other dishes.

People are saying

"This burrito is huge and stuffed with delicious meat."

"The salsa here is really good and spicy."

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

Good to know

1

Kids eat free on Wednesdays, making it a great family option.

2

Expect larger portion sizes, perfect for sharing or leftovers.

3

Prices are generally reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.

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Chula Vista, California

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