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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Encinitas' best

Food and taco spots

Made for those who believe that almost any situation can be improved by the addition of a well-made taco.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Puntamar image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Indoor-outdoor space with vibrant decor creates a fun, beachy atmosphere that feels like a little Mexico paradise. Live DJ and mariachi performances add to the lively energy, while a separate patio offers a quieter option. The setting suits family-friendly celebrations and special events.

Fresh, high-quality Mexican seafood stands out with dishes like pizza birria and mole that offer simple yet elevated flavors. Service matches the food's quality, creating a memorable dining experience.

Tacos here stand out for their super fresh mahi-mahi and bold flavors. The Tuesday special includes a variety of dishes like ceviche, pizza birria, and enchiladas mole, with the tacos being a highlight.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican seafood food here to be authentic and top-notch."

"The ceviche here has the perfect kick."

"I loved the fish tacos because they were so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for special events.

2

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

3

The restaurant offers a variety of menu options, including prefixed menus and ร  la carte.

02
Beach wolf image 1
Takeout Restaurant

Takeout restaurant sits right on a clean, uncrowded beach with ocean views and dog-friendly seating including concrete picnic tables on sand. Atmosphere is relaxed and casual, with shaded areas enhancing comfort. Known for gourmet tacos and creative breakfast options, it offers high-quality, fresh food that stands out among beach cafes.

Food here features five-star chef-created dishes with high quality that stands out among beach cafes. Staff are friendly and helpful, guiding through the menu options clearly.

Potato Curry Tacos stand out with their exceptional flavor and delicious taste. Staff offer vegan options like avocado instead of queso blanco without needing to ask.

People are saying

"These tacos are so flavorful and delicious."

"Their avocado toast comes with smoked salmon or garden options."

"The food here is amazing, especially the elevated hot dogs."

Good to know

1

Beach Wolf operates until 7 PM daily.

2

There is free parking available above the beach.

3

They refill water bottles free of charge if you buy one.

03
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.

Food comes out hot and fresh with lots of flavor and a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Meals are prepared quickly and feel satisfying without causing a food coma.

Tacos here pack traditional, no-frills flavor bombs with a focus on birria and cabeza varieties. They come messy but are full of rich, tasty flavor that stands out.

People are saying

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

"The birria tacos here are delicious and some of the best I've had."

"The birria here is top-notch, flavorful, and fresh."

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.

04
Crack Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Small space with limited indoor seating and clean, well-decorated design creates an energetic, welcoming vibe. Tacos and burritos arrive quickly, made with seed oil-free cooking using beef tallow and olive oil. Prices are on the higher side, reflecting large portions and quality ingredients.

Food comes unbelievably fresh with every taco packed with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection. Quality stands out clearly and tastes great.

Tacos feature generous meat portions with flavorful seasoning and homemade-style tortillas. Options like the crack tri tip and battered fish tacos stand out for their taste and quick, hot service.

People are saying

"The salsas here balance heat and flavor so well."

"The food here is unbelievably fresh and seasoned to perfection."

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Indoor seating is limited, so plan accordingly.

2

Prices for tacos start at $3.33 each.

3

A bean and cheese burrito costs $11.

05
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.

Food here tastes homemade and is served quickly. The menu offers a great selection of Mexican dishes at a great price with friendly service.

Tacos cost only $1 or $1.69, making them very inexpensive. Options include Al Pastor, fish, and Birria tacos, with the Al Pastor and fish tacos standing out for their flavor and value.

People are saying

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

"This burrito is packed with flavor and fresh ingredients."

"I thought the tacos al pastor and fish were really good."

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.

06
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with padded seating and a huge bar offers a family-friendly atmosphere with good music at a comfortable volume. Outdoor patio provides dog-friendly seating and a relaxed vibe. The space combines impeccable decor with a casual, inviting energy.

Authentic Oaxacan Mexican food shines with an extraordinary essence and distinctive flavors. Quality is consistent, with delicious food and drinks that pair well with an authentic vibe.

Tacos come with bold flavors like blackened chicken and birria. Fish tacos and short ribs offer rich taste alongside options like beauty tacos and aguachilias.

People are saying

"The Oaxacan Mexican food here is authentic and tasty."

"The staff made our Happy Hour experience so attentive and friendly."

"The fish tacos were crispy, fresh, and light."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm with great deals on food and drinks.

2

The happy hour food menu includes items priced around $10 to $12.

3

There are plenty of vegan options available on the menu.

07
Pavlos Tacos image 1
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.

Authentic Mexican food shines with flavorful burritos and tasty carrots that complement every dish. The menu stays true to classic tastes, offering comforting and real flavors consistently.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic flavor and consistent quality. The fish tacos are especially notable, often priced at $2.50 on Tuesdays, making them both tasty and affordable.

People are saying

"I thought their burritos were original and authentic."

"I thought the salsa here was the best I had ever had."

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

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.

08
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.

Mexican food here is fresh and delicious with burritos made without lard. Service is quick, and the overall food quality is consistently outstanding.

Tacos here come with fresh tortillas and meats like crispy, tender pastor and flavorful carnitas. Fish tacos stand out as extremely delicious, and the spicy Arbol sauce pairs well with Birra tacos.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tacos here were the best I'd ever tasted."

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

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.

09
Mr. Peabody's Bar & Grill Live Music image 1

Bar offers live jazz music with loud jukebox and multiple screens for sports. Outdoor seating is heated and quiet, creating a pleasant space. Atmosphere mixes divey vibe with fun energy and talented musicians.

Happy hour offers incredible value with in-house cooked food served in generous portions. The menu includes French onion soup and cold beer at reasonable prices.

Fish tacos come battered and fried fresh with great flavor and a fantastic taste. Turkey tacos also appear on the menu, offering variety alongside the standout fish option.

People are saying

"The bar food here is surprisingly good and hits the spot."

"The prime rib food here is surprisingly affordable and good."

"I thought the fish tacos were amazing and battered just right."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 pm with great drink specials.

2

Karaoke night happens every Thursday with a lively atmosphere.

3

The bar serves food until 10 pm, making it a late-night option.

10
Mexico Viejo Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an authentic atmosphere and a salsa bar featuring multiple options. Menu includes variety of dishes, with notable burritos and tacos standing out for quality.

Generous portions of food come with a salsa bar offering multiple options. The dishes are consistently delicious and pair well with a friendly atmosphere.

Soft pollo asada tacos stand out with excellent flavor. Beans and tacos here surpass other options tried in the area.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican Food burritos to be awesome."

"I found the food to be delicious and served in generous portions."

"I found the burritos here to be awesome."

Good to know

1

The restaurant features a salsa bar with multiple options for guests.

2

A diverse menu offers various authentic Mexican dishes.

3

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

11
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.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with consistently great tacos and delicious burritos. The food pairs well with flavorful sauces and comes with friendly, attentive service.

Rolled tacos come with fresh guacamole and no mayo or sour cream. Fish tacos taste really fresh. Shredded beef and chicken tacos feature a spicy red sauce that stands out.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mexican food here to be excellent and quick."

"I thought this was the best taco shop in San Diego."

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.

12
Fish 101 image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood restaurant with large ocean-facing windows offers a fast casual vibe and bright, tight seating that creates a lively, somewhat noisy atmosphere. The menu emphasizes fresh fish dishes with a slight Mexican influence, attracting those seeking casual, family-style dining near the water.

Food features super fresh seafood with large portions. Oysters stand out for their freshness and flavor.

Fish tacos stand out with a hint of cinnamon in the batter adding a unique twist. Options include fried and not fried fish tacos, all served fresh with great sauces and consistent quality.

People are saying

"The seafood portions here are massive and filling."

"The food here is super fresh and delicious."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they're tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak times to ensure a seat.

2

Oysters cost $3.00 at the restaurant, not $1.25 as listed online.

3

Expect limited seating; arrive early to avoid long waits.

13
Las Olas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open-air Mexican restaurant offers beachfront views and casual patio seating with an open salsa bar. Atmosphere ranges from lively and loud to relaxed depending on seating and time. Popular for margarita flights and standout dishes like carne asada nachos and fish tacos.

Mexican food stands out with amazing tortilla soup and large portions. The food consistently impresses with excellent service and casual dining vibes.

Fish tacos stand out with a lunch special and a platter option. Potato tacos offer a yummy alternative. Nachos and bean dip complement the taco selection well.

People are saying

"The nachos here are crispy, generously loaded, and packed with flavor."

"I loved the potato tacos; they were so yummy."

"This food's nachos are packed with flavor and loaded with cheese."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with great drink specials.

2

Table service is now available during happy hour.

3

Parking can be challenging on weekends due to beachgoers.

14
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.

Food here is fresh and tasty with large portions served quickly. Beef taquitos with cheese and guacamole stand out as a popular comfort dish, all at reasonable prices.

Loaded crispy beef tacos stand out with their bold flavor and crunch. The fish tacos are large, crispy, and fresh, while the meat rolled tacos offer tender, high-quality fillings like pork and adobada. Salsa and taco sauce complement the tacos well.

People are saying

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

"The food here is fresh, tasty, and reasonably priced."

"I thought the carne asada street tacos were amazing."

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.

15
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.

Food offers lots of flavor and maintains excellent quality. Taco Tuesday features $2.50 Mexican beer and 10% off food.

Tacos here stand out for their unique and inventive flavors, including favorites like the Mexicali, shrimp, and portobello mushroom and zucchini tacos. The menu features delicious street tacos and options like Elote Asado, all served with very fast service.

People are saying

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

"The salsa bar had a nice selection of mango, red, and green salsas."

"I found the food to be delicious and of high quality."

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.

16
Cancun Mexican & Seafood image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a new outdoor patio offers quick, easy, and delicious food featuring spicy salsas and top-rated tacos. Atmosphere feels simple and unassuming, suitable for to-go or dine-in. Prices tend to be on the higher side, but the food quality stands out in the area.

Food comes out fast and tastes authentic and homemade. Portions are plentiful with a range of salsas from mild to hot, making the Mexican dishes both delicious and satisfying.

Tacos come in shredded beef, grilled fish, and fried fish varieties, all packed with flavor. The menu also features a standout adobada taco alongside other Mexican dishes.

People are saying

"I thought this place had the best breakfast burrito."

"I found the food here to be delicious and well prepared."

"I thought their tacos were the best in town."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the shared lot with a gas station.

2

The restaurant is suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

3

To-go or carry-out orders are accepted.

17
Kotija Jr. Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Cozy taco restaurant with outdoor patio seating overlooking a busy highway and park, offering open salsa bar and TVs in every room. Atmosphere is relaxed and sleepy, suited for casual dining and people watching. Known for excellent fish tacos and generous portions, especially seafood options.

Food comes out fresh, hot, and quickly prepared with great taste. Portions are very filling and the flavors stay true to classic Mexican dishes.

Fish tacos stand out with battered fish and fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes. Al pastor and pollo asado tacos also feature bold flavors and get consistent praise.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were the best Mexican food around."

"I thought the fish tacos were the best around."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is available both inside and outside, which is rare in beach cities.

2

Vegan options are available on the menu.

3

The restaurant offers a good variety of items that some other Mexican places do not have.

18
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.

Authentic Mexican food stands out with top notch preparation and delicious flavors. The menu includes items like a breakfast burrito that draws repeat visits.

Fish tacos stand out with generous portions of meat, guacamole, and pico de gallo. Carne asada and California burritos come in large sizes and offer solid value with tasty, consistent flavors.

People are saying

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

"The food here is authentic and just darn good."

"I loved the fish tacos; they were the best I've 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.

19
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.

Classic Mexican dishes come with amazing flavor and great prices. The salsa is so good it can be enjoyed by the cup full, and the food stays consistently yummy.

Fish tacos stand out with unique flavor and a fried, crispy texture. Carne asada tacos come with onions and cilantro, paired well with rice and beans.

People are saying

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

"I found the fish tacos incredibly delicious and memorable."

"The food here is really great and tasty."

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.

20
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.

Food here stays not very salty, which feels refreshing. Rolled tacos, soft chicken tacos, and tortilla soup stand out as amazing options with consistently great quality.

Tacos come with full toppings and include soft chicken and rolled tacos. The menu offers a huge variety including mole, soups, and enchiladas.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mexican food here to be great and consistently good."

"I thought no other place could match the quality of tacos here."

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.

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Encinitas, California

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