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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of La Mesa

Carne asada and salsa spots

Made for those who demand a specific standard of carne asada and refuse to settle for anything less than a high-quality salsa to accompany it.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Kotija Mexican Food image 1
Kotija Mexican Food image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating complements a lively atmosphere with plenty of clean, well-kept tables. Burritos stand out for their generous portions and fresh flavors, especially the California burrito and meat lovers burrito. The space keeps doors open, creating an open-air feel without temperature control.

Carne asada here stays hot and fresh whether in nachos or fries. The fries stand out as some of the best around, and the carne asada works well in burritos and chilaquiles too.

Salsa comes in ample amounts and has a flavorful taste that complements the meat well.

People are saying

"I found the California burrito to be great and huge."

"The Carne Asada meat is fresh, tasty, and perfectly proportioned."

"Their red salsa is spicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of seating available for customers.

2

The place is clean and organized, providing a pleasant dining experience.

3

The dish arrives at the table smoking hot, indicating freshness.

02
Nachos Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old school drive-up shop with drive-through service and a modest exterior hosts a great energy and outstanding Mexican food. Indoor tables and an outdoor patio with dusty plants create a casual vibe. Known for giant, flavorful burritos and authentic California-style dishes.

Carne asada here is juicy and very flavorful, especially in the fries and tacos. Burritos are huge and excellent, with meat done perfectly and consistently.

Salsas here are very spicy and flavorful, with the red salsa standing out as on point. The verde salsa also packs a surprising kick.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the Carne Asada fries; they're amazing."

"The homemade salsa here is excellent and surprisingly spicy."

Good to know

1

The drive-through is convenient for quick meals.

2

Parking is available and easy to find.

3

The base price of a quesadilla is $5.11, with guacamole costing $1.50.

03
Los Pinos Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with warm, welcoming atmosphere and family-run service creates a relaxed vibe. Walls display interesting art pieces and a TV shows nature videos, adding to the cozy feel. Known for flavorful, meat-packed tacos and unique hidden menu items, it stands out despite slightly higher prices.

Fresh and flavorful carne asada fills tacos, burritos, and quesadillas here. Burritos like the Carne Asada Melt come packed with generous meat portions that stand out.

Three different salsas come with the meal, including a flavorful and spicy habanero salsa and a tasty green salsa. The salsas are homemade and pair well with the cooked, soft carrots served alongside.

People are saying

"The food here is well made with fresh ingredients."

"You won't be disappointed with the Golden State Quesadilla."

"The Carne Asada is so fresh and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 50% off on tacos.

2

The first customers of the day receive a free burrito.

3

The shrimp burrito costs $12.50.

04
Los Tres Potrillos Mexican Food image 1

Family-run Mexican restaurant offers authentic dishes with a positive vibe and free chips for takeout. Limited parking and dining space create an intimate setting, while a TV plays during meals. Known for consistent quality and quick service, it stands out as a hidden gem in the area.

Carne asada comes tender and juicy with a perfect flavor that stays balanced until the last bite. Burritos and fries packed with carne asada offer huge portions that satisfy hunger well.

Chips come with two salsas, red and green, both homemade and with just the right amount of heat. Salsa portions are modest, so rationing may be needed to finish your meal.

People are saying

"The burritos here are so well-balanced and flavorful."

"This family-owned place has a genuine atmosphere and pride in its food."

"The salsas here are fantastic and have great flavor."

Good to know

1

Cash is preferred as there is a surcharge for card payments.

2

Expect a 10-minute wait for take-out orders.

3

The restaurant has limited parking available in front.

05
Seรฑor Taquero Taco Shop image 1

Spacious Mexican restaurant with a modern interior and clean, sleek design offers a full salsa bar featuring hot carrots and fresh radishes. The atmosphere stays chill and casual with comfortable seating and a projector menu visible from outside.

Carne asada here stands out for its perfect seasoning and well-cut beef. The tacos pack rich flavor, with the carne asada and carnitas both tasting delicious.

A full salsa bar offers a variety of options including red and avocado salsas, hot carrots, and freshly sliced radishes. Complimentary chips come with salsas like pico de gallo, radishes, carrots, and limes.

People are saying

"The tacos here are amazing, especially the lengua."

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is amazing and flavorful."

"I thought the Carne Asada burrito was the best in the area."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited near the taco shop due to construction.

2

Free street parking is available nearby.

3

Prices for food are reasonable, with burritos being a good size.

06
Momentos Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Mexican food with indoor and outdoor seating in a clean, quiet atmosphere. Food preparation allows for customization to dietary needs, and portions are generally generous. The setting supports relaxed conversation with a calm vibe.

Carne asada shows up with tenderness and perfect seasoning. Plates come with fresh salad, but torta bread is barely warmed and the meat portion can be small.

Sauces and salsas come fresh daily with options like a spicy red salsa that has just the right heat and a milder green salsa that can be a bit salty but still tasty.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The red salsa has just the perfect amount of heat."

"The Carne Asada here is super tender and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The burritos cost around $17, with extra charges for rice and beans.

2

I paid $12.44 for two green chicken enchiladas with rice and beans.

3

The wait time for food is usually just a few minutes.

07
Rosarito's Mexican Food #1 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Simple interior with basic seating and a video game machine sets a casual tone. Atmosphere feels informal and suited for quick bites or takeout, with some background noise from music and conversations. Known for $1.50 tacos and large portions, it attracts those seeking affordable, straightforward Mexican food options.

Carne asada shows up in several dishes like rolled tacos, burritos, and sopes. The burrito is solid but simple, with lettuce only if you want it. Plates and sopes offer good versions of carne asada.

Salsa here has a strong reputation, often elevating the food experience. Free salsas come in small portions, with some finding them too bitter and others wishing for a spicier option.

People are saying

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

"You've gotta try their $1.50 tacos on Taco Tuesday!"

"The carne asada here is always good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $1.50 tacos, making it a great deal.

2

Expect generous portion sizes with every order.

3

Prices are reasonable, typically under $15 for a meal.

08
Rigoberto's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with 24-hour drive-thru and fresh salsa bar featuring chiles in a heating tray. Interior walls display colorful murals of horses and women, creating a lively atmosphere. The presence of a loud leaf blower outside can affect the overall vibe.

Carne asada dishes come with meat loaded generously and often include guacamole. The beef in the burritos is free of gristle, and the carne asada fries stand out as a well-done, flavorful option.

Fresh salsas come from a salsa bar with a variety of options including a molcajete and a very hot Abanera habanero salsa. Chiles stay warm in a heating tray, and the salsa selection adds flavor that balances the meat seasoning.

People are saying

"I found the California burritos here to be amazing."

"I loved the fresh salsa bar with chiles available."

"I found the carne asada fries loaded with meat and guacamole."

Good to know

1

Rigoberto's Taco Shop is open 24 hours for late-night cravings.

2

Expect to pay around $17 for a burrito, which some find expensive.

3

The breakfast burrito offers a good portion size for $13.00.

09
Tita's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small indoor space with limited seating and several outdoor tables creates a quiet, welcoming atmosphere. Mexican dishes feature bold seasoning and flavorful sauces that elevate many items. The spot draws those seeking quick, reasonably priced meals with a family-owned feel.

Carne asada here varies in quality, with some servings being rubbery and under seasoned while others hit the mark. The carne asada burrito focuses on the meat as the main feature.

Red salsa comes in a bottle and tastes tasty and bottled-worthy. Green salsa also stands out as delicious and fresh.

People are saying

"You have to try this Mexican food; the burritos are worth the wait."

"The red salsa here is pretty good."

"The Carne Asada meat was on point."

Good to know

1

The tacos cost $23 for four, which is slightly more expensive than average.

2

The tamales are available and advertised on the window.

3

The meal is reasonably priced at around $7.

10
Macho's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

No-frills Mexican restaurant with a family-friendly and clean atmosphere. Seating area is decent and the place offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. Food includes well-regarded burritos and delicious tacos, with some standout items like the surf and turf burrito and chile verde burrito.

Carne asada comes well seasoned and perfectly grilled in the burritos, which include cheese and guacamole. Carne asada fries tend to be soggy and pricey, while the carne asada taco lacks flavor.

Chunky red salsa from the salsa bar stands out with its fresh flavor. The bar also offers carrots and tortilla chips for dipping, but portions can be limited.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is packed with flavor and fresh ingredients."

"The seafood burrito was full of flavor and packed with meat and shrimp."

"I found the Carne Asada Burrito to be wonderful."

Good to know

1

Macho's Taco Shop offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner items.

2

Prices are about average for a taco shop.

3

There are many parking spaces available.

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