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La Mesa's best

Carne asada and taco spots

A warm tortilla filled with perfectly grilled carne asada is the only thing that makes sense right now.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
La Mesita Mexican Food image 1
La Mesita Mexican Food image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican dive spot with spotless cleanliness and free parking in a strip shopping center. Atmosphere is casual and family-friendly with indoor seating. Known for best bacon breakfast burritos and outstanding potato tacos at affordable prices.

Carne asada tacos come with a straightforward, satisfying flavor. The carne asada fries combine beef with crispy fries and cheese for a hearty dish.

Potato tacos stand out for being cheap and very good. Fish tacos come crispy and light with amazing tortillas. Shrimp and beef tacos also rank highly, with street tacos and carne asada nachos popular choices.

People are saying

"The tacos here are the best I've ever had."

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

"I enjoyed the carne asada tacos; all the dishes came out great."

Good to know

1

The parking is free but can be difficult during busy periods.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

3

The place is family-friendly with seating available inside.

02
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.

Mini tacos stand out for being very fresh and falling apart with flavor. Al pastor street tacos and the El Pastor burrito offer tasty options alongside fish tacos and the Cali Hot Cheetos Burrito.

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."

"I had simple but flavorful mini tacos with marinated meat."

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.

03
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.

Tacos here feature flavorful carne asada and great carnitas with huge portions. Fish rolled tacos and carnitas street tacos stand out for their taste and freshness.

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."

"I found the rolled tacos to be perfectly crispy and delicious."

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.

04
Kotija Mexican Food image 1
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.

Tacos here come with bold flavors and include options like beef and potato. Some rolled tacos contain bones, which happens repeatedly in meat dishes.

People are saying

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

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

"These rolled tacos are bigger and more satisfying than most."

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.

05
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.

Taco Tuesday offers $1.50 mini tacos with six different kinds to choose from. Carnitas and Buca tacos stand out, with reasonably sized portions and great service.

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.

06
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.

Tacos come packed full of meat with flavorful carne asada and adobada. The potato taco stands out as unique, and the folded beef taco plate includes Serrano chiles for extra kick.

People are saying

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

"I thought this was probably the best taco shop."

"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.

07
La Esquina Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating near busy streets creates a casual dining atmosphere with drive-thru convenience. The menu features authentic Mexican dishes like burritos and street tacos praised for flavor, though portions tend to be small. Pricing leans toward the higher side, balancing quality and quantity.

Carne asada shines with crispy chips, large portions, and fresh toppings like guacamole, onions, and cilantro. Options include fries, burritos, and mini tacos with cheese available.

Street tacos stand out with carne asada, birria, and rolled tacos offering rich flavors. Fish and chicken tacos also appear regularly, often served with guacamole, onions, and cilantro.

People are saying

"The carnitas and fish tacos here are fire."

"I thought the breakfast burrito was the best I ever had."

"I really enjoyed the carne asada and rolled tacos here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only offers outdoor seating near the streets.

2

Guacamole and sides cost an extra $3.00.

3

Reservations are recommended to save time during busy hours.

08
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.

Tacos come with very good amount of ingredients and strong flavors. Varieties like lengua, tripas, and cabeza stand out for their tenderness, crispiness, and authentic taste.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tacos here were the best I've ever eaten."

"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.

09
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.

Tacos come in Mexican sopes and rolled potatoes varieties, both well made. Plates often pair with agua de horchata for a classic touch.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"You have to try the carne asada tacos with guacamole."

"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.

10
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.

Quesobirria tacos and fish tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings. Friendly staff serve Mexican comfort food including burritos and homemade horchata in a casual setting.

People are saying

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

"These Birria tacos are so cheesy and flavorful."

"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.

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