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Encinitas' best

Carne asada spots

A plate of carne asada is the only thing that will satisfy a craving for Mexican food.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pavlos Tacos image 1
Pavlos Tacos image 2
Pavlos Tacos image 3
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Taco restaurant

Colorful dรฉcor and picnic tables create a casual, lively setting with loud music adding energy. The menu offers authentic Mexican cuisine known for flavorful, original burritos and top-rated salsas. Locals frequent the spot for its consistent quality despite recent ownership and name changes.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic flavor and careful preparation, with burritos toasted on each side showing attention to detail. Fish tacos cost $2.50 on Tuesdays and the salsa and hot sauce are notable favorites.

Carne asada comes tender and juicy, packed with flavor. It appears in plates, burritos, and tacos served on handmade corn tortillas.

People are saying

"I thought their burritos were original and authentic."

"I thought their Mexican food burritos were the gold standard."

"The Carne Asada tacos were tender, juicy, and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is always easy at Pavlos Tacos.

2

The restaurant's name changed, but the menu and food remained the same.

3

Expect to pay around $30 for a veggie burrito and a California burrito without guacamole.

02
Agave Birrieria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican takeout spot with no dine-in option and fresh ingredients. Atmosphere is casual with good music volume and formerly had nice outdoor bench seating. Known for excellent birria tacos and flavorful dishes.

Birria tacos stand out with rich, traditional flavors and a messy but satisfying experience. The flan offers a sweet finish, while burritos bring a spicy kick that is not for the faint of heart.

Carne asada stands out with its delicious flavor and appears in classic dishes like burritos. It pairs well with other staples like birria and al pastor.

People are saying

"You have to try their Birria; it's some of the best Mexican food I've had."

"I thought the chile verde burrito was the best I've ever had."

"The carne asada burritos here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Agave Birrieria is now just a takeout restaurant.

2

Parking is difficult due to the nearby gas station.

3

The burrito costs $7 for half and is filling.

03
Los Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers fresh tortillas and an enormous variety of tacos and burritos, including vegan options and hot sauces. The space feels cozy with a relaxed, unpretentious vibe and a salsa bar featuring fresh limes, carrots, and radishes. It suits quick to-go orders and draws a crowd seeking authentic Mexican flavors.

Tacos feature fresh tortillas and standout options like Al Pastor right off the spit and flavorful carnitas. Burritos come with tasty flour tortillas and include varieties like surf and turf and breakfast styles with bacon and eggs.

Carne asada comes in generous portions, especially in bowls and burritos. Tacos with carne asada deliver bold flavors that stand out alongside pastor and carnitas options.

People are saying

"I found the burritos here to be out of this world."

"The Mexican food here, especially the burritos, is always so fresh."

"I couldn't stop thinking about the carne asada tacos."

Good to know

1

Ceviche is only available on weekends.

2

The burrito called the 'Original' costs $11.55 plus tax.

3

They offer plenty of veggie and vegan options.

04
Roberto's Mexican Food - Leucadia image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers quiet, secluded atmosphere with outdoor seating featuring umbrella tables. The vibe stays tranquil and clean, attracting those seeking a relaxed meal near the beach. A salsa bar adds a distinctive touch to the dining experience.

Carne asada burritos and shrimp burritos stand out for their flavor and freshness. The menu includes chicken rolled tacos with fresh guacamole, fish tacos, and a variety of breakfast burritos like the loaded hash brown. The food is consistently fresh, clean, and flavorful.

Carne asada burritos come packed with deliciously seasoned beef and deliver a very satisfying flavor. They stand out as a consistently excellent choice.

People are saying

"I loved the carne asada and Cali burritos here."

"I loved their carne asada burritos; they were surprisingly good."

"I always get the carne asada burrito, it's so good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 9:00 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

There is limited outdoor seating available, so arrive early.

3

You can order ahead via DoorDash or call in to avoid waiting.

05
Raul's Shack Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with beach-town energy and laid-back vibe offers outdoor seating near the ocean. The place serves affordable, authentic Mexican food with a wide variety of fresh salsas and sauces. It feels down-to-earth and family-owned, attracting locals looking for quality and value.

Tacos stand out with crispy beef and fresh fish options. Burritos mix ingredients just right, especially the pork bean and cheese and breakfast versions. Salsas and sauces bring spicy, homemade flavor that complements the dishes well.

Carne asada burrito offers a large tortilla with less filling than expected. Carne asada street tacos and beef rolled tacos provide solid options with good flavor.

People are saying

"I found the cheapest and most delicious burrito I could find."

"I enjoyed the Mexican Food because the meat in the burritos was tender."

"I loved the carne asada street tacos."

Good to know

1

There is limited indoor and outdoor seating available.

2

Parking can be found nearby, but it may take some time.

3

The menu offers a wide variety of options from breakfast to dinner.

06
Juanitas Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco shop with spacious seating including outdoor tables offers an authentic Mexican vibe that feels unchanged for decades. Atmosphere varies from cool and popular to occasionally noisy and chaotic. Known for generous portions and reasonably priced tacos and burritos.

Tacos come with generous portions of carne asada, guacamole, and pico de gallo. Burritos, including carnitas and breakfast varieties, offer rich flavors and reasonable prices.

Carne asada comes in generous portions across tacos, burritos, and nachos. Burritos stand out for their rich meat filling and value, while nachos balance perfect chip-to-meat ratio with fresh fixings.

People are saying

"I thought their carnitas burrito was amazing and tasty."

"The carne asada here is incredibly flavorful and spicy."

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the burritos, was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in front, on the side, and in the back.

2

Expect an extra 4% fee for credit card payments.

3

The burrito is priced about $3-4 higher than average.

07
Serranos Mexican food [ENCINITAS] image 1

Taco shop style space with vibrant colors and lively music creates an energetic atmosphere. Salsa bar offers a variety of mild options. Affordable prices and authentic Mexican dishes attract locals and visitors alike.

Huge breakfast burritos let you pick your own combo and cost under $7. $1 Al pastor street tacos and fish tacos at $1.69 offer inexpensive, delicious options with a salsa bar available for extra flavor.

Perfectly cooked carne asada offers a flavorful taste without excess fat. It pairs well with crispy fries and fresh cilantro in the Surf-n-Turf Fries, combining succulent shrimp and savory meat.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and bursting with flavor."

"The tacos al pastor here are really good."

"The carne asada is perfectly cooked and not too fatty."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $1 each, making them very affordable.

2

Daily specials are offered, enhancing the menu variety.

3

No online pickup for $1.69 tacos; must order in person.

08
City Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco shop offers outdoor seating with gas fireplaces and a dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere stays laid back and fun, featuring a DJ and fire pits that create a lively yet relaxed vibe. Salsa bar adds a fresh, generous touch to the experience.

Tacos here stand out for their unique and inventive flavors, including options like shrimp, portobello mushroom, and zucchini. The green salsa features chunks of avocado, and the carnitas burrito is both massive and affordable.

Carne asada tacos come in several styles including San Diego style and wrapped in spinach tortillas. Options include traditional tacos, quesabirria, and mexicali, all noted for their extraordinary flavor.

People are saying

"The Mexicali taco here is amazing and super fresh."

"I thought the tacos here were really good."

"I thought the carne asada tacos were the best I had ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday at City Tacos includes $2.50 Mexican beer and 10% off food.

2

City Tacos offers vegan options alongside a variety of tacos.

3

Parking is convenient and generally available near City Tacos.

09
Lourdes Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open front wall creates an outdoor feel with an amazing view near the beach. Atmosphere stays relaxed and low-key with a calm, open vibe. Frequented by those seeking generous portions of Mexican food at affordable prices.

Carnitas and steak ranchero burritos stand out with rich, memorable flavors. The salsa bar offers a variety of tasty salsas and spicy carrots that complement dishes like fish tacos and breakfast burritos.

Carne asada comes cooked to perfection with a spot on flavor. Options include burritos, tacos with onions and cilantro, and fries that stand out for their taste.

People are saying

"I loved the burritos and the salsa bar here."

"I loved the Cali burrito; it had the richest flavor I'd ever tasted."

"I found the Carne Asada was cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer special deals on tacos.

2

The restaurant is a 5-7 minute walk from San Elijo campground.

3

The prices are reasonable considering the large portions.

10
Jorge's Mexicatessen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining room hosts authentic Mexican flavors with best chicken soup and rich enchilada sauce. Burritos emphasize large potato portions and folded tortillas to appear bigger. Atmosphere suits quick lunches near hospital, skatepark, and high school, with steady weekday service and phone pickup available.

Chicken and beef tacos come loaded with toppings and great flavor. The Tostada Grande with carne asada and chile verde burrito stand out as signature dishes. The tortilla soup and rolled taquitos offer rich, satisfying tastes with a notable enchilada sauce.

Tostada Grande with carne asada stands out as a favorite dish. Carne asada burritos come with more pico de gallo than meat, making them closer to a potato burrito with carne asada.

People are saying

"I found the chicken soup to be the best Mexico City style in town."

"You have to try the Mexican Food; the chile verde burrito is the best."

"I considered the Tostada Grande with carne asada my favorite dish."

Good to know

1

They now accept phone orders for pickup.

2

They charge a fee when paying by credit card.

3

The average cost for a meal is around $14.

11
El Nopalito Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Taco shop vibe with quiet atmosphere and worn appearance creates a casual setting. Salsa bar offers a variety of well-regarded salsas, enhancing the experience. Affordable prices and easy parking attract a steady local crowd.

Tacos, enchiladas, and burritos come with amazing salsas that have a perfect taste. The carne asada and carnitas stand out as very delicious and authentic Mexican dishes.

Carne asada comes in two main forms here: a very delicious version and one that is burned and extremely chewy with excess fat. Burritos labeled as carne asada sometimes use ground beef instead.

People are saying

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

"I thought the carne asada was the best I ever had."

"I thought the carne asada was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

There is easy parking available near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant does not offer delivery service.

3

Burritos start at $4.50, with large portions providing good value.

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Encinitas, California

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