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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in San Diego

Expensive carne asada

You know that carne asada is defined by the quality of the beef and the skill of the grill. You are willing to pay for a version that refuses to cut corners.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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01
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Bright colors and beautiful decor create an inviting space with both indoor and outdoor seating, including a cozy patio with heaters and cover. Atmosphere feels authentic and relaxing, suitable for casual dining with fresh air and friendly energy. A standout feature is the fantastic salsa bar offering a range of heat levels.

Juicy, tender carne asada features perfect seasoning and a subtle charred flavor from the grill. It shines in burritos and tacos, pairing well with surf and turf or fish options.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada is tender and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Taco Time Cantina offers unique taco options not available anywhere else.

2

The chef makes everything daily from scratch with over 20 years of experience.

3

Expect a 2% credit card surcharge not listed on the menu.

02
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Bright walls showcase hand-painted murals and vibrant artwork that draw attention throughout the space. A self-serve salsa bar offers a variety of sauces and toppings, adding flavor options to meals. The atmosphere combines lively music with a casual, downtown vibe.

Carne asada here is cut and trimmed in-house, ensuring a tender and juicy steak with zero fat. It shines in dishes like fries and tacos, all seasoned beautifully and consistently excellent.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada tacos here are amazing and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available around the corner from the restaurant.

2

The restaurant does not have public restrooms for customers.

3

Expect no wait to order on Sunday nights.

03
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Mexican restaurant with open market seating and plenty of outdoor patio space creates a chill, cozy atmosphere. Shared seating in a food hall setting offers a casual vibe with some quieter indoor tables. Energy stays relaxed, making it suitable for quick, quiet meals or casual gatherings.

Carne Asada here features excellent meat served in tacos and plates with handmade corn tortillas. The hot cheeto carne asada burrito stands out as a unique option.

People are saying

"I was obsessed with the crunchy Carne Asada tacos."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $5 each, making them an affordable option.

2

The restaurant is located one block off Old Town Avenue.

3

Free public parking is available across the street.

04
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Rustic taco spot with a loud, informal atmosphere and a back patio for groups. Music features corridos tumbados played near the cash register, adding to the neighborhood vibe. Known for high-quality ribeye tacos and an authentic feel distinct from fast food joints.

Carne asada fries and the California burrito stand out with rich, savory flavors. The Vampiro with Carne Asada offers a tasty twist, and the arrachera closely matches the carne asada style.

People are saying

"I thought the Carne Asada was great and very tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

Reservations are not accepted, and ordering ahead is not possible.

3

The restaurant is located in the back of a bar.

05
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Small, clean space with about three tables inside offers a full salsa bar featuring a variety of fresh salsas. Burritos are large enough for two people and come in unique fusion flavors. Atmosphere feels cozy but can be uncomfortable due to limited seating.

Savory carne asada appears in several dishes like tacos, tortas, and fries. The Pacman Burrito mixes sweet tocino with carne asada for a flavorful combo.

People are saying

"The carne asada here is massive and very good."

Good to know

1

The regular size burrito costs $14 for a bean and cheese.

2

Hot Cheetos carne asada fries are $17.99, and two chicken taco plates are $18.99.

3

The portion sizes are generous, often enough for two people.

06
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Small Mexican restaurant offers clean interior and spacious patio seating with a pleasant outdoor vibe. Atmosphere stays cool and relaxed with good music and a comfortable setting. It attracts those looking for a casual spot to enjoy fresh, well-regarded tacos and burritos.

Carne asada fries stand out with strong flavor and quality. Burritos and tacos with carne asada come with amazing beans and rice and deliver consistent taste.

People are saying

"I thought the Carne Asada fries were bomb."

Good to know

1

$1.99 fish taco special is available, making it a great deal.

2

The taco shop has a drive-thru for convenient ordering.

3

Expect reasonable prices and good portion sizes.

07
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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.

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

"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.

08
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Large, modern grocery store with a well-stocked deli and butcher counter offers fresh produce and premade foods. Atmosphere feels friendly and pleasant with courteous workers, though the store is notably cold inside. Serves as a key neighborhood market with quality meats and flavorful deli items.

Carne asada tacos and burritos come packed with serious flavor and plenty of fixings. The burrito tastes delicious and the tacos are a favorite choice.

Good to know

1

The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, and pantry items.

2

Expect a clean and well-organized shopping environment.

3

The butcher counter provides high-quality meat options, including carne asada.

09
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Mexican restaurant with an open floor plan and large windows creates a bright, airy feel. Outdoor patio seating with heaters offers a comfortable spot even in cooler weather. The vibe suits a younger crowd, blending stylish decor with a lively atmosphere.

Steak comes out tender and flavorful in dishes like burritos, fajitas, and tacos. Meals often include jack cheese and chili sauce, making them filling and tasty.

People are saying

"I loved the carne asada tacos; they were my favorite dish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-4pm on weekdays and all day on Tuesdays.

2

The bar area offers a special happy hour menu with great options.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

10
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Mexican restaurant offers a self-serve salsa bar with house-made salsas in various colors and spice levels. Atmosphere feels quiet and family-oriented with casual interiors and friendly service. Regulars enjoy flavorful meats and breakfast burritos praised for consistency and taste.

Carne asada here is tender and juicy, never burnt or tough. The carne asada fries stand out as hot and flavorful, while the tacos and burritos come loaded with plenty of meat and taste.

People are saying

"I had the best carne asada fries I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Prices for meals are generally reasonable, with burritos costing around $12 each.

2

The restaurant offers a salsa bar with a good variety of salsas.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

11
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Rustic, hip Mexican restaurant with tiny indoor seating and pet-friendly outdoor patio offering a beach view. Atmosphere is laidback and authentic with lively music that can make conversation challenging. Popular for its highly regarded burritos and tacos.

Massive burritos pack grilled carne asada, crispy fries, and fresh guacamole. Carne asada fries stand out as well-seasoned and among the best in the area.

People are saying

"I thought this Carne Asada burrito was the best I ever ate."

Good to know

1

They close at 10 pm.

2

On weekdays, there is no wait to be seated.

3

Parking can be hard to find, but street parking is available nearby.

12
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Small space with counter dining and stacked chairs creates a simple setting. Atmosphere feels cold and outdated, lacking warmth or charm. Offers authentic Baja-style Mexican food with generous portions and fresh tortillas at reasonable prices.

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer 5 mini tacos for $10.

2

Parking is available in the strip mall lot, but can fill up quickly.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller orders.

13
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Mexican restaurant with Padres-themed decor and a baseball vibe featuring high ceilings and lots of TVs. Atmosphere feels positive and relaxing, making it a common spot to share drinks or eat before games. Menu offers a mix of deli and Mexican dishes with reasonable prices near the ballpark.

Carne asada torta stands out with strong flavor, though customization like no tomato may not be followed. The carne asada burrito is large and flavorful. Carne asada fries come with very hard fries that can break plastic forks.

People are saying

"I enjoyed my carne asada fries."

Good to know

1

They opened early, making it perfect for a pregame snack.

2

Their prices were better than inside the ballpark.

3

The location is great, right near Petco Park, with plenty of seating inside and outside.

14
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Small dining room with homemade tortillas and excellent street tacos creates a simple, casual vibe. Food features best-in-area carne asada and flavorful birria tacos, often served sizzling with spicy salsa. Patio and indoor seating offer alternatives to the quick-access drive-thru.

Carne asada stands out with tender cuts and rich flavor. Options include carne asada fries topped with cheese and sour cream, tacos, and nachos that all deliver solid taste.

People are saying

"I thought the carne asada tacos were delicious."

Good to know

1

Drive-thru service is available and quick to use.

2

There are no public restrooms for customers.

3

Prices are considered high for the quality of food.

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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.

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

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.

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