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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Carne asada and al pastor in San Diego

Made for those who refuse to pick a favorite between the smoky char of al pastor and the savory depth of marinated carne asada.

Based on 727 Opinions
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01
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Small, charming Mexican restaurant with handmade tortillas and a varied salsa bar. Inside seating features traditional decorations like piñatas and mellow yellow lighting, creating a friendly, authentic vibe. The atmosphere feels lively and welcoming, reflecting a family-run, homely energy.

Juicy Carne Asada shines in both tacos and burritos here. Burritos come large, often lasting multiple meals, and beans can be added for extra filling.

Tender and flavorful Al Pastor tacos stand out alongside the Al Pastor burrito, which comes highly praised even without cilantro. Both options deliver a consistently phenomenal taste.

People are saying

"The carne asada tacos were packed with flavor and very good."

"The Al Pastor tacos are tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.99 each.

2

They have dedicated gluten-free fryers to avoid cross-contamination.

3

Parking can be challenging near the restaurant.

02
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Mini sports bar with indoor and outdoor seating offers a help-yourself salsa bar and free chips. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming with comfortable seating and lively music. Serves large portions of fresh Mexican food including all-day breakfast burritos and beer on tap.

Carne asada stands out for its tenderness and rich flavor. Dishes like the carne asada burrito and nachos come in generous portions with quality ingredients like melted cheese, beans, and guacamole.

Al pastor tacos come with fresh corn tortillas and pair well with salsa verde. The meat is flavorful and served alongside other options like carne asada and carnitas.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada here is so flavorful and tender."

"I found the Al Pastor tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Robert's Jalapenos serves breakfast burritos all day.

2

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on food.

3

The establishment is clean and well-maintained.

03
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Narrow space with rail seating and a self-serve salsa bar offers a casual, hole-in-the-wall vibe. Atmosphere feels humble and welcoming, though seating can be cramped. Outdoor tables provide a pleasant alternative when weather allows.

Carne asada features well seasoned, flavorful meat that stands out in tacos, burritos, and quesatacos. Tacos come stuffed to the brim and deliver a perfectly cooked experience.

Al pastor stands out with its full flavor and perfect grilling. It pairs well with other tacos but often steals the show on its own.

People are saying

"I had the best carne asada of my life here."

"The Al Pastor here is full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer a buy 2 get 1 free deal on tacos.

2

The restaurant is open until 3 AM for late-night eats.

3

Parking can be challenging since it's located in Gaslamp.

04
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Mexican restaurant with fresh, authentic flavors and a salsa bar offering various sauces. Interior feels cool and inviting despite simple seating, creating a casual atmosphere. Known for generous portions and well-prepared meats, it attracts those who value flavor and freshness.

Carne asada features perfect flavor and is well-seasoned. Tacos come perfectly cooked and deliver solid taste.

Street mini tacos come loaded with rich Al Pastor. The flavor stands out among favorites like Carnitas and cabeza.

People are saying

"The carne asada here has perfect flavor."

"The Al Pastor here was loaded with flavor."

Good to know

1

They offer 99¢ tacos on Tuesday and 3 for $7 all week long.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere on Taco Tuesdays due to the great deals.

3

Parking is limited, so consider street parking or arriving by rideshare.

05
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Remodeled space with open kitchen view and standing tables only creates a clean, inviting atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes bright yellow umbrellas and a bar area, encouraging a casual, social vibe. The place draws a crowd looking for freshly grilled tacos in a trendy, friendly setting.

Fresh meat stands out in the carne asada dishes here. The carne asada burrito and taco with fresh guacamole both deliver strong, tasty flavors.

Al Pastor tacos stand out for their rich flavor and tender meat. The Al Pastor burrito offers a satisfying, well-seasoned option with a good balance of ingredients.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada here is tender and flavorful."

"I thought the Al Pastor taco was the best I had ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Crest Taco offers a limited menu of high-quality tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

2

Fish tacos are available for $1.99, making them a budget-friendly option.

3

The restaurant is open late on weekends, perfect for late-night cravings.

06
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Outdoor seating dominates with four and two-top tables under an open door that warms the space. A salsa bar adds a lively touch, complementing the homemade tortillas and generous portions that define the menu. The atmosphere balances casual dining with affordable prices and a steady lunch rush.

Generous portions of tender carne asada come wrapped in fresh, well-toasted tortillas with real cheese. Carne asada tacos and burritos stand out for their amazing flavor and satisfying size.

Al pastor comes in a version that is not marinated as expected. Plates with al pastor and carnitas stand out. Salads with al pastor or chicken arrive in a freshly made, light tortilla bowl.

People are saying

"The carne asada here is tender and the portions are generous."

"The al pastor here is insanely good."

Good to know

1

Watch out for long wait times during the lunch rush.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions for the price.

3

Homemade tortillas are used in all dishes.

07
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Open, spacious dining area features bright murals and mounted TVs creating a casual, authentic vibe. A self-serve salsa bar with hot carrots adds interactive flavor options. The atmosphere suits relaxed meals with family and friends, blending modern comfort with traditional Mexican elements.

Marinated for three days, the carne asada delivers flavor-packed, tender steak wrapped in soft corn tortillas with fresh onion and cilantro. The carne asada fries feature perfectly seasoned steak and stand out as a flavorful must-try.

Al pastor tacos come with corn tortillas and offer a delicious flavor even without pineapple. The al pastor appears in tacos and burritos, both noted for being very tasty and affordable.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada fries are so good, the fries stay crispy."

"The Al Pastor tacos here are especially tasty."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers four tacos for $7 starting at 2 PM.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 8 PM with fish tacos at $1.29 each.

3

They accept credit cards only; no cash payments.

08
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Small space with stainless steel tables and a flame grill creates a lively, inviting atmosphere. Patrons enjoy authentic Mexican tacos with fresh handmade tortillas and a self-serve salsa bar. The vibe feels like home despite limited parking and simple surroundings.

Fresh and full of flavor, the carne asada shines in various dishes like burritos, tacos, and fries. The fries come cut a bit thicker, and the tortilla in the California burrito is just right.

Al pastor tacos come with mixed reviews here. Some find them excellent and traditional, while others feel they lack strong flavor compared to other tacos.

People are saying

"I preferred the carne asada, especially the fries with a good amount of meat."

"I thought their Al Pastor tacos were the best in the area."

Good to know

1

Street parking is extremely tough during peak hours.

2

Parking can get tricky when the restaurant gets busier.

3

There is a surcharge for card use, so I recommend bringing cash.

09
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Walk-up window with outdoor seating creates a casual, lively vibe with authentic streetside décor. Small tables on the sidewalk invite a simple, inviting atmosphere near the beach. The place draws people looking for generous portions of highly regarded burritos and tacos.

Tender, succulent carne asada features a delicate balance of spices and a just right level of smokiness. It appears in dishes like carne asada fries, burritos, and tacos, often paired with guacamole, sour cream, and potatoes.

Tender, juicy al pastor tacos offer perfectly balanced flavors that stand out. The al pastor burrito packs even more flavor and often replaces the tacos as a preferred choice.

People are saying

"The carne asada here is tender, succulent, and perfectly smoky."

"The Al Pastor tacos were tender, juicy, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has limited seating capacity, so plan accordingly.

2

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.49 each, a great deal.

3

Sara's Mexican Food is open late for late-night cravings.

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Space is extremely narrow with limited seating, mostly standing room and a small counter. Atmosphere feels crowded and lively, with Mexican music playing and customers often brushing shoulders. Guests can watch homemade tortillas being prepared and enjoy a serve-yourself salsa bar.

Carne asada comes perfectly seasoned and grilled to smoky perfection. Options include carne asada fries and tacos with juicy, flavorful meat.

Rich and slightly sweet al pastor comes topped with a slice of pineapple. Tacos and burritos offer exceptional flavor and pair well with the sauce bar for added taste.

People are saying

"The Al Pastor tacos have crispy, caramelized edges and remain tender."

"I found the carne asada here to be amazing and grilled to perfection."

Good to know

1

The Taco Stand operates as an order-and-go type place with no seating available.

2

Parking can be challenging at The Taco Stand.

3

I recommend ordering ahead because they get busy.

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Open air design with huge windows creates a spacious feel. Live mariachi band and large bar add lively energy, though music can be loud. Crowd varies from easy-going to rowdy, especially near entrance at dinner.

Carne asada here melts in your mouth with tender, juicy flavor. The carne asada fries come in generous portions and taste amazing, making them a standout dish.

Al Pastor tacos offer solid flavor and good quality. The al pastor burrito stands out with excellent taste and a satisfying blend of ingredients.

People are saying

"The Al Pastor tacos here are excellent."

"You have to try the carne asada fries; they're the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and tight.

2

You must order tacos in sets of three, similar to Tijuana style.

3

Expect higher prices than advertised.

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Small hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with canteen-style seating and outdoor tables offers a lively, authentic atmosphere reminiscent of old 70s establishments. Noise levels rise at night, creating an inviting, energetic vibe. Known for excellent tacos and burritos with freshly made tortillas and standout lengua tacos.

Simple but flavorful Carne Asada tacos stand out here. The meat has a solid, consistent taste that pairs well with other items like al pastor sopes and horchata.

Al pastor tacos deliver rich, savory flavor in every bite. They pair well with delicious tortillas and stand out alongside shrimp and Pollo options.

People are saying

"I loved the carne asada tacos; they had great flavor."

"The al pastor tacos were delicious and hit the spot."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash payments; Zelle and Venmo are also options.

2

The establishment closes at 3:00 am, catering to late-night visitors.

3

Parking is available, but the lot is very small.

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Colorful interior with bright decorations and big screens showing sports creates a lively yet laid-back vibe. The space feels authentic and welcoming, offering plenty of seating without any pretension. Regulars enjoy huge, flavorful burritos and house-made salsa in a clean, casual setting.

Carne asada here is tender and tasty without fat or gristle. Large portions come in dishes like Carne Asada fries and a huge quesadilla, plus options like a Surf and Turf Burrito with shrimp and guacamole.

Tacos and burritos feature al pastor with a delicious flavor that stands out. The al pastor ranks better than many other spots but varies slightly from top favorites.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada fries were delicious with nacho cheese."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 3 tacos and a drink for $6.

2

Expect large portions, often enough for two or three meals.

3

Credit cards accepted, but there's a $0.30 fee for using them.

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