Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Central Escondido's best

Carne asada and salsa spots

The quality of the carne asada and the heat of the salsa define the entire experience. You aren't interested in one without the other.

Based on 788 Opinions
+785
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
El Paisa Mexican Food image 1
El Paisa Mexican Food image 2
El Paisa Mexican Food image 3
View all
Mexican restaurant

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

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

"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
Jilbertos Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

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 thought the food here was great and delicious."

"The Mexican food here is huge and super delicious."

"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.

03
Mi Reyna Tortilleria image 1
Mexican restaurant

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 found the handmade tortillas here to be super fresh and delicious."

"I thought the tacos here were absolutely incredible."

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

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
The Villa on Grand image 1

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 found the Mexican food here to be delicious."

"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.

05
Mexico Lindo image 1
Mexican restaurant

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 Mexican food here is so traditional and tastes wonderful."

"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.

06
Serranos Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers generous portions and reasonable prices with a clean, tidy interior and minimal wait times. The atmosphere stays quiet with few diners, creating a relaxed vibe. Popular dishes include California burritos and rolled tacos, known for fresh tortillas and flavorful salsas.

Breakfast burrito comes huge and delicious with a mix of beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo that outweighs the meat. Carne asada fries offer a hearty, flavorful option packed with seasoned beef.

Both red and green salsas are delicious and well-liked here.

People are saying

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

"These tacos are packed, I usually only eat two and feel full."

"I thought the salsa here was delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a 5-minute wait for food during off-peak hours.

2

Prices are reasonable compared to nearby options.

3

Portions are generous, making it a good value.

07
Fridas Street Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

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

"I found the tacos here to be shockingly delicious."

"The food here is delicious and very filling."

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

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.

08
Lourdes Mexican Food To Go image 1
Mexican restaurant

Counter service inside a gas station offers Mexican-style chicken soup and other dishes with fresh ingredients and well-seasoned carne asada. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming but lacks seating, making it a quick stop for food to go. Parking can be tight due to the busy gas station setting.

Thick fries come topped with well-seasoned, perfectly cooked carne asada that has no fatty pieces. Burritos have less carne asada and tortillas that are sometimes undercooked.

Salsa comes in fresh, flavorful green and red varieties with medium spiciness. The Red Mild Salsa stands out as a notable option.

People are saying

"I thought the burritos and salsas here were really good."

"The red and green salsas are flavorful and medium."

"The Carne Asada fries had perfectly cooked, well-seasoned carne asada."

Good to know

1

Lourdes Mexican Food To Go is located inside a gas station.

2

There is no place to sit down; it's a to-go counter.

3

Parking can be difficult due to the busy gas station.

Discover more

Central Escondido, Escondido

Area guide
Loading Map...