Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
San Diego's best

Carne asada and churros

Carne asada that comes with a side of churros without the dessert feeling like an afterthought.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
La Perla #3 image 1
La Perla #3 image 2
La Perla #3 image 3
View all
Restaurant

Small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a mom and pop vibe and authentic atmosphere. Indoor seating feels cozy but congested, with a lively and loud environment during busy times. Tables arranged like a fast food spot, creating a casual, low-key dining experience.

Stuffed churros feature a light pastry with a carmelly, dolce core of cajeta. They have a substantive texture and work well as a dessert or even a meal.

Grilled tortilla wraps well-seasoned carne asada with crispy fries and balanced guacamole. Tacos and nachos feature packed meat with onion and cilantro for solid flavor.

People are saying

"I had the best California burrito I’ve ever had."

"I thought the Carne Asada burrito was packed with flavor and super filling."

"These stuffed churros have a perfect carmelly, dolce core."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.50 each with a discount.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours, especially on Fridays.

3

Parking is limited with only 5-7 spots available; street parking may be necessary.

02
Roxy’s Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with heated outdoor seating and picnic tables creates a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. Upbeat music adds to the chill vibe while friendly staff contribute to a comfortable experience. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant spot despite the surrounding urban grunge.

Crème filled churros stand out as a sweet option. The churros are very satisfying and come with a friendly touch from the owner who sometimes offers them for free.

Carne asada shines in quesadillas, fries, and tacos here, all tender and well-marinated. Burritos come large and flavorful, with options like Cali style carne asada and shrimp.

People are saying

"I had the best burrito I’ve ever had."

"You have to try the crème filled churros; they're the best."

"I thought the Carne Asada quesadilla was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in the downtown area, so arrive early.

2

Expect long wait times during peak lunch hours.

3

The restaurant does not have a restroom available for customers.

03
TACO CENTRO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with open kitchen and fresh tortilla making visible from inside. Atmosphere shifts from warm and inviting to loud music on busy days, with an outdoor patio offering a quieter option. Extensive salsa bar provides a wide variety of sauces to complement the food.

Fresh fried churros come out fluffy and exceptional with a quality that stands out. They satisfy sweet cravings and pair well with savory dishes like chicken tacos.

Carne asada stands out with generous steak portions and full flavor. The carne asada fries come with a green avocado sauce that adds a unique touch.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be spectacular."

"The Carne Asada tacos were delicious and flavorful."

"I've never had churros this good; they were warm and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 beers on Taco Tuesdays from 6 PM.

2

Taco specials are available on Tuesdays and game days.

3

Expect the restaurant to be busy on Taco Tuesdays, around 75% full.

04
Johnny Mañanas Ocean Beach image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers colorful storefront and outdoor seating with views of the pier. Atmosphere shifts from quiet early afternoons to a lively vibe later, enhanced by Mexican music and a self-serve salsa bar. Affordable drinks include $5 margaritas and draft beers, complementing well-regarded tacos and burritos.

Churros come out crispy and phenomenal. They pair well with other dishes like tacos and burritos.

Juicy, meaty Carne Asada tacos stand out with fresh, tender cuts. The Carne Asada quesadilla and nachos also feature this flavorful meat, making it a key part of several dishes.

People are saying

"The staff here are super friendly and attentive."

"I thought the churros were amazing."

"I loved the juicy, meaty Carne Asada taco."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, enjoy $2.50 street tacos and two for $5 specials.

2

Happy hour features $3 pints and $6 margaritas from 2 to 6 PM and all day on weekends.

3

Outdoor seating is available for dogs.

05
The Taco Stand image 1
Taco restaurant

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.

Churros here are consistently described as amazing and among the best ever had. They come highly recommended and are often enjoyed fresh and delicious.

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

People are saying

"These tacos are worth the wait; they're the best in San Diego."

"I found the churros here to be amazing."

"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.

06
El Sueño image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a spacious outdoor area with space heaters and a well-stocked bar inside. The atmosphere combines good music with a lively vibe, especially in the upstairs speakeasy bar where dancing happens. Tables are often close together, creating a crowded but energetic setting.

Warm, crispy churros come with ice cream for a sweet finish. The Churro shot offers a surprising twist on this classic dessert.

Carne asada tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. The carne asada burrito also delivers a satisfying, well-seasoned bite. Plates clear quickly when these appear.

People are saying

"The food here is really, really good."

"The carne asada tacos had a big portion of savory meat."

"The churros and ice cream for dessert were to die for."

Good to know

1

For Taco Tuesday, all appetizers and select tacos are 50% off.

2

The grilled fish tacos cost only $4 during happy hour.

3

Happy hour at El Sueño offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

07
City Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Rustic decor and plenty of outdoor seating create a cozy, laid-back vibe with a nice view. Office employees frequent the spot during lunch, leading to busy periods and occasional lines. The menu offers wide taco variety with fresh, flavorful options and unique handmade tortillas.

Churros come out hard and chewy here. They pair well with the birria tacos and have a fantastic flavor.

Authentically delicious carne asada stands out with its rich flavor. The tacos come with fried cheese that adds a tasty twist, making them a solid choice for cheese lovers.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be very good with lots of flavor."

"The outdoor space here is really nice and there's plenty of room."

"The carne asada tacos were just delicious and I'd order them again."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers an extra discount on tacos.

2

Expect a line of 15 people deep during busy lunch hours.

3

Two tacos cost $9, which is filling for most diners.

08
Mr. Ruribertos Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with outdoor seating and a rustic, bright atmosphere near the beach creates a casual vibe. Country music plays softly while a salsa bar adds a lively touch. The place draws a mix of locals and late-night diners seeking authentic Mexican flavors.

Churros come crispy on the outside and soft inside with a warm texture. Sugar coating varies, sometimes light, and they often serve churros as a sweet dessert or alongside burritos.

Carne asada tacos and burritos stand out with solid flavor. Carne asada also shines in the fries and pairs well with rolled tacos and carnitas.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best Mexican food in Mission/PB."

"I thought the Carne Asada tacos were great."

"I enjoyed the warm churros for dessert."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens at 7 am, but check for any delays.

2

There is no restroom available for customers on the premises.

3

Sufficient seating is available both indoors and outdoors.

09
Tony's Fresh Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with 24-hour drive-through and outdoor seating offers a cozy, simple atmosphere with a fast food vibe. The space includes a large saloon bar and standard furnishings that could use updates. It attracts late-night diners looking for hearty, sizable burritos and flavorful green salsa.

Churros come out hot and fresh, often filled with cream cheese for a rich twist. They pair well with warm flan and offer a sweet finish after savory tacos.

Carne asada burritos come huge and packed with flavor. The carne asada torta pairs perfectly with delicious salsas. Carne asada chips arrive in generous portions, great for sharing.

People are saying

"I found the carne asada burrito to be huge and amazing."

"I thought the green salsa here was the best."

"I enjoyed their huge and delicious Carne Asada burritos."

Good to know

1

Tony's Fresh Mexican Food has a 24-hour drive-through for late-night cravings.

2

Parking is limited, but a drive-through is available for convenience.

3

Expect high prices for portion sizes; sides can cost an extra $2.

10
Hasta Mañana Cantina image 1

Lively restaurant with colorful decor and upbeat Latino music that creates a high-energy atmosphere. Spacious layout includes a large bar offering a wide selection of drinks. Outdoor seating provides a shaded area for a more relaxed experience.

Churros come with a caramel dipping sauce and pair well with Mexican chocolate ice cream or gelato. They arrive as a decadent dessert that complements the meal nicely.

Skirt steak shines in the carne asada taco and plates, showing up fresh and flavorful. Burritos pack in overflowing carne, especially the Cali and carne asada versions.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"The Carne Asada, especially wagyu skirt steak, was amazing and flavorful."

"You have to try the churros with ice cream."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on drinks runs from 3-6pm daily.

2

Expect a $6 charge to add meat to quesadillas.

3

Generous portions are served, so come hungry or plan to share.

11
CLOSED - Tacos el Cabron image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers self-serve salsa bar and large screen volleyball displays creating a casual, laid-back vibe. Music plays loudly, adding energy but making conversation difficult. Outdoor seating is plain and slightly unkempt, contrasting with the cool interior decor.

Churros come with chocolate sauce and serve as a sweet finish after meals. They cost less than $20 with dinner, but sometimes require a wait or can be forgotten in orders.

Carne asada comes tender and well-seasoned with good portions. It appears in tacos, fries, and burritos, often made fresh and paired with soft scrambled eggs or crunchy fries.

People are saying

"These tacos have lots of flavor and tender meats."

"The carne asada fries had good meat and crunchy fries."

"The churros with chocolate sauce are a nice treat."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 3 tacos for $10.

2

They close at 3AM on Saturday and Sunday.

3

The place is very tiny and has limited seating.

Discover more

San Diego, California

Area guide
Loading Map...