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Local picks in Escondido

Carne asada and salsa

A plate of carne asada needs the right salsa to cut through the richness.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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01
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Small Mexican restaurant offers a homey interior with a welcoming family vibe and a self-serve salsa bar featuring multiple salsas. Outdoor patio provides a casual spot to enjoy meals under the sun. Atmosphere feels warm and cozy, attracting those seeking authentic flavors in a relaxed setting.

Carne asada shines in the fries with green and avocado sauces that pack a flavorful punch. The burrito features tender strips of fresh steak, offering a different take than usual street tacos.

A salsa bar offers several options including avocado salsa and salsa macha. Chips and beans come with the order, letting you dip into your chosen salsa while waiting.

People are saying

"The salsa bar has a great variety, including a really good green jalapeรฑo."

"The carne asada here is honestly great."

Good to know

1

On Fridays, they make tacos outside with their taco stand.

2

The restaurant can accommodate larger parties with pop-up tents.

3

They offer flexible combination plates with various options.

02
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Modern Mexican restaurant offers a spacious, airy dining area with charming, elegant decor. Atmosphere feels welcoming and relaxed, with a clean, well-lit environment that invites casual gatherings. Friendly owners contribute to a chill vibe that complements the fresh, flavorful food.

Fresh, high quality carne asada appears in burritos and tacos that are packed with flavor and come in a good size. It also complements dishes like chilaquiles and pairs with pollo adobada for variety.

Four homemade salsas come in squeeze bottles with distinct heat levels: mild and medium green, medium hot red chile, and very hot orange Habanero. They taste fresh and add perfect spice that ties dishes together well.

People are saying

"I loved their salsas because they tasted fresh and had the perfect spice."

"I loved the fresh, high-quality Carne Asada burrito."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

2

Parking is available on the side street near the restaurant.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

03
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Handmade tortillas made fresh to order define the space, creating a homemade food vibe and authentic Mexican atmosphere. The environment feels cozy and welcoming, with a family-run energy that invites guests to enjoy traditional dishes in a clean, open setting.

Carne asada burrito stands out with rich flavor. Quesadilla de carne asada pairs well with homemade guacamole and a flower tortilla. Chilaquiles Rojos come topped with tender carne asada.

Two creamy salsas, one green and one orange, come in squeeze bottles and stand out from typical local options. Fresh tortillas pair well with homemade salsa de aceite and chips served alongside.

People are saying

"I loved the quesadilla de carne asada with homemade guacamole."

"The salsa de aceite here is amazing."

Good to know

1

All tortillas are made by hand and made to order.

2

You have to pre-order the masa a day in advance.

3

The restaurant had a perfect health inspection report.

04
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Small Mexican diner with vintage decor and a cozy, old school taco shop vibe. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and authentic, reflecting traditional Mexican style. Known for lean, flavorful meats and standout dishes like birria and fish tacos.

Carne asada comes lean and tender with little excess fat. Burritos feature juicy, well-cooked meat that many find tasty, though some consider the burrito below average.

Chips come with a medium chunky salsa or standard red and green salsas in squeeze bottles. The Baja salsa has a spicy kick from habaneros. Chips and salsa have a small charge, with chips priced at $3.80.

People are saying

"The salsa here reminds me of my childhood."

"The Carne Asada is tender, juicy, and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is a small charge for chips and salsa.

2

The dish alone costs over $16.

3

The restaurant has been around for over 40 years.

05
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Shopping mall offers a variety of stores and food options including a taco shop, BBQ restaurant, and clothing store within an older, somewhat worn setting. Atmosphere is casual with a huge fish tank and a sitting area for dining. It attracts people looking for quality seasoned meats and diverse food choices despite higher prices.

Quality seasoned carne asada stands out with good flavor and solid marination. The Lemon seasoned option offers a distinct taste, though saltiness varies across locations.

Salsas come in several varieties including salsa verde and pico de gallo. They pair well with tacos and burritos, complemented by guacamole, rice, and beans.

People are saying

"I found the salsa here to be the best I had ever tasted."

"I found the carne asada to be really good and well marinated."

Good to know

1

Appointments are recommended as the owner often gets busy.

2

Valley Plaza has a variety of stores, including a taco shop and BBQ restaurant.

3

Parking is generally acceptable at Valley Plaza.

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Mexican restaurant with a big salsa bar and well-stocked menu offers consistently tasty dishes like carne asada fries and Pollo Asada Tacos. The atmosphere is clean and lively, attracting those seeking hearty servings and flavorful options. It stands out for unique hot sauces and generous portions.

Plates and tacos come with huge, plentiful carne asada servings. Carne asada fries offer a hearty, consistent portion and appear in several dishes like nachos and fries.

Green salsa stands out with its bold flavor and is served in an extra large container. A big salsa bar offers a variety of delicious options to complement meals.

People are saying

"I always get the green salsa in a big container."

"The Carne Asada plate was huge and super delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required for dining at Jilbertos Mexican Food.

2

Expect generous portion sizes; one burrito is filling enough for most.

3

The restaurant offers both dine-in and take-out options.

07
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Large open patio with outdoor taco bar and self-serve salsa bar creates a lively setting. Music plays loudly, often making conversation difficult. Space fills with diverse groups enjoying festive, Frida-themed decor and freshly made tortillas.

Juicy carne asada cooks at the right temperature and pairs with very good tortillas. Huge carne asada fries serve enough for two adults and a child, making it a filling option.

A fully stocked salsa bar offers tasty salsas, fresh vegetables, and limes. Carne asada tacos come with the right meat cooked at the right temperature and paired with good salsa.

People are saying

"The tacos here are shockingly delicious, bursting with authentic flavor."

"The Carne Asada has a delicious char flavor and authentic taste."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult; plan to arrive early or find alternative options.

2

You can order ahead to avoid long waits on busy nights like Thursday to Saturday.

3

On Tuesdays, enjoy $1.99 street tacos all day.

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Mexican restaurant with a hole-in-the-wall feel and a flattop grill visible in the kitchen. Atmosphere is relaxed but can be loud due to music and street noise, with a separate dining area featuring fresh flowers and colorful decor. Food is authentic with generous portions and affordable prices.

Shredded beef tacos and Carne asada fries come with strong, tasty flavor. Burritos and fajitas with Carne asada also show consistent quality and good taste.

Salsas here are generous and come with all you can eat chips. The red salsa stands out and complements dishes like the California Burrito without overpowering them.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada here has a really good flavor."

"I couldn't stop eating the fish burrito with the salsas."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat chips and salsa with your meal.

2

The portions at the restaurant are generous and provide good value.

3

The parking lot is small and often full during peak hours.

09
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Small Mexican shop offers authentic flavors with a cash-only policy and cramped dining area. Atmosphere feels intimate and comfortable, attracting those seeking traditional dishes and generous portions.

Carne asada shines in several dishes like the burrito, fries with adobada, and quesadilla supreme. The fries come well done on request and pair well with beans and other sides.

Salsas here stand out with deep flavor in the red hot sauce and a well-balanced homemade red salsa. The green salsa also delivers solid taste alongside the red varieties.

People are saying

"I loved the Carne Asada fries with adobada."

"The salsa here is fresh and has exceptional flavor."

Good to know

1

Chito's Taco Shop accepts cash only, so be prepared with cash.

2

Expect long wait times during peak lunch hours.

3

Taco Tuesdays are a highlight of the week.

10
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Small Mexican restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and loud music where staff sing along happily. Seating feels cramped and awkward due to a half wall in the dining area. Known for high-quality ingredients and excellent chicken soup that stands out among local options.

Carne asada burrito stands out as a favorite with a solid reputation. Carne asada fries get consistent praise for being tasty and on point. Carne asada tacos and quesadillas are decent, with the quesadilla paired well with salsa verde.

Salsa roja shows a strong depth of flavor that stands out. The green salsa complements dishes well and plays a key role in the overall taste.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada fries were delicious and tasty."

Good to know

1

The smallest size chicken soup costs $13, including tax and service fee.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours due to high demand.

3

Prices have increased, making it more expensive than typical taco shops.

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Escondido, California

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