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Carne asada and quesadillas in San Diego

Carne asada that makes a quesadilla feel like a deliberate choice instead of a way to hide the meat.

Based on 850 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.

Quesadillas come in large portions with options like carne asada, chicken, and gobernador shrimp. The cheese quesadilla stands out as especially flavorful and well-loved by all ages.

People are saying

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

"I believed the quesadillas here were the best."

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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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.

Quesadillas come in large portions that are good for sharing. Options like Pollo Adobo and xtra-cheesy giant stand out for flavor and size.

People are saying

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

"The quesadillas here are giant and xtra-cheesy."

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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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.

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.

Carne asada quesadillas stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Chicken quesadillas also offer a great taste. Both options come highly recommended.

People are saying

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

"I've never had a carne asada quesadilla this good."

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.

04
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Stylish interior combines with live music and a small bar to create a fun, relaxed vibe. The atmosphere feels like a family gathering with authentic Mexican flavors filling the air. Known for pork and cochito tacos, the place offers a casual, authentic dining experience.

Carne asada dishes come with authentic border-style flavor and are cooked perfectly. Options like carne asada fries, tacos, burritos, and mulitas all deliver rich, packed taste and are served hot.

Quesadillas come with cochito tatemado and asada options. The asada quesadilla stands out as a solid choice.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada service was so friendly and attentive."

"You have to try the cochito tatemado quesadilla; it's a must-try."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a Tuesday 3x1 deal on mini cochino tacos.

2

Expect a 10-minute wait for taco orders during busy hours.

3

The menu features a limited selection of authentic Mexican dishes.

05
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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.

Quesadillas come big and cheesy, often made with white cheese. The birria quesadilla stands out as a flavorful choice. Mushroom quesadillas also appear on the menu when available.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada is tender and perfectly seasoned."

"You have to try the birria quesadilla; it's incredible."

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.

06
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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.

Quesadillas come with tender carne and a buttery, cheesy filling. Options include carne asada with avocado and birria quesadilla tacos, often served with salsa and guacamole.

People are saying

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

"The quesadilla's carne was so tender and delicious."

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.

07
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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.

Huge quesadillas come with a good flour tortilla and a balanced amount of cheese. Both chicken and cheese quesadillas stand out as excellent and well-portioned options.

People are saying

"The carne asada here has perfect flavor."

"The quesadillas here are huge and not too cheesy."

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.

08
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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."

"The steak quesadilla really embraced homemade Mexican food."

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.

09
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Food truck setup offers fresh Mexican tacos with homemade salsas and vegetarian options. Atmosphere feels homey and pairs well with the adjacent brewery, creating a casual spot for eating and drinking. Ordering involves a self-service kiosk, though it can be inefficient at times.

Carne asada comes with a good amount of shrimp and meat, balanced without being oily or fishy. It stands out as really good, just behind the top-rated pollo adobada.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada tacos here are really good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Most tacos cost about $3.99, making it an affordable option.

2

The food truck has shaded outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying your meal.

3

Catering services are available for events, providing a convenient option for large groups.

10
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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.

Offers a variety of quesadillas including birria, soyrizo, and mushroom options. Al pastor meat pairs well with cheese in their quesadillas, delivering satisfying flavor combinations.

People are saying

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

"I found the birria quesadilla to be amazing."

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.

11
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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.

Steak quesadillas come packed with flavor and the shrimp quesadillas taste fantastic. Carne Asada quesadillas stand out as awesome options.

People are saying

"The quesadillas here are packed with flavor."

"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.

12
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Small Mexican restaurant with limited indoor seating and a sunny outdoor patio featuring tables under umbrellas. Atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with a clean and modern design. A standout feature is the self-serve salsa bar offering a wide variety of options to customize meals.

Carne asada burritos come in large portions and taste authentic. The carne asada fries feature crispy fries loaded with plenty of meat, guacamole, and cheese.

Huge quesadillas come with soft, juicy carne asada that can be greasy but tasty. Chicken and cheese quesadillas include peppers and onions, which might surprise some.

People are saying

"I found the Carne Asada burritos to be among the best."

"The carne asada quesadilla was huge, soft, juicy, and delicious."

Good to know

1

There are only 6-7 parking spots on site, and street parking is often full.

2

The price for a large California burrito is $11, which is reasonable.

3

They offer a large selection of Mexican dishes beyond just tacos.

13
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Outdoor patio with fire pits and heat lamps creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Mostly outdoor seating blends with a full bar and fun music for a lively, comfortable vibe. Organic, fresh ingredients complement the modern, pleasant setting.

Carne asada fries stand out with a crispy texture and rich flavor that avoids greasiness. The menu also features a Pichudo Burrito and tacos combining chicken and carne asada for varied options.

People are saying

"The carne asada fries are crispy, rich, and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3-6 pm with half-price tacos and draft beers.

2

Taco Tuesday features 50% off tacos and $5 margaritas during happy hour.

3

Parking is limited with no street parking available.

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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.

People are saying

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

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.

15
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Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic tacos and tortas with handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients. Atmosphere stays casual and quiet, fitting for quick meals in a clean, family-friendly setting. Prices remain reasonable, making it a popular spot for flavorful, traditional dishes.

Carne asada torta offers good value and solid flavor. Other options with carne asada, like the TJ Special and carne asada with ham, show lack of freshness and leave a weird aftertaste.

Carnitas quesadilla stands out with its juicy filling and delicious flavor. Quesadillas here consistently deliver satisfying taste.

People are saying

"I thought the Carne Asada tacos were better than many in Tijuana."

"I found the quesadillas delicious."

Good to know

1

The prices at Tj Tortas & Tacos are reasonable for the quality of food.

2

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

3

Tj Tortas & Tacos offers a variety of tortas and tacos.

16
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Sports bar with ocean views from a rooftop Sky Deck offers a laid-back, energetic vibe reflecting SoCal beach culture. Music plays to enhance the chill atmosphere where people gather to watch sunsets and enjoy drinks.

Carne asada comes with exceptional flavor and appears in street tacos and nachos. Portions vary, with options like the TKO style taco priced around $17.

Breakfast quesadillas come in a large portion and pack a flavorful punch, especially with jalapenos added. Chicken quesadillas pair well with drinks but may require a wait for extra pico de gallo.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada here is exceptionally flavorful."

"The breakfast quesadilla is enough for two meals."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM.

2

Taco Tuesday is popular and considered one of the best in the area.

3

A 4% surcharge is added to all bills, which may affect your total cost.

17
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Small space with simple decor and a self-serve salsa bar offers a fresh, lively atmosphere. Background music keeps energy up while seating accommodates a steady flow of guests. Known for authentic street tacos and generous burritos, it stands out for quality and variety.

Carne asada here stands out with great meat quality and appears in various dishes like carne asada fries offered in two sizes and the Malibu burrito with shrimp and Serrano peppers. Burritos and plates include classic combos of rice, beans, cheese, and sour cream.

Quesadillas come in generous portions, with the Birria pizza resembling a large birria quesadilla sliced into about 10 pieces. Pricing matches the guacamole at $6, making the quesadilla a solid value option.

People are saying

"I thought the Carne Asada burrito was the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Californias Taco Shop is takeout only, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect to pay around $28 for a dinner for two.

3

Parking can be tough during busy weekday lunch hours.

18
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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.

Quesadillas come in large portions with options like the Carne Asada and Sonora, which includes chicken, cheese, guacamole, bacon, and Ortega chiles. The menu also offers adventurous choices like the tuna quesadilla.

People are saying

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

"This quesadilla is gigantic; I had to eat it with a fork."

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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Small dining area offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with loud festive music and self-serve salsa bar. Plenty of seating suits large groups, creating a lively yet relaxed vibe. Clean and open space feels like a home away from home.

Carne asada comes with rich toppings like cheese sauce, guacamole, onions, tomatoes, and sour cream. The portions are generous, especially the quesadilla, and the meat tastes great.

Carne asada quesadillas come in large portions and can be hard to finish. Corn tortilla quesadillas, or mulitas, are available for gluten-free diets. Some quesadillas receive mixed reviews, but options include surf and turf varieties.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada fries are topped with cheese sauce, guacamole, and meat."

"I found the quesadillas here to be absolutely fantastic."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals that attract many guests.

2

Parking frequently gets tight in this strip mall.

3

There is a 50-cent fee to use debit cards.

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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.

Grilled chicken quesadilla includes guacamole and sour cream inside, not on the side. Chicken pieces are small, with most filling from the toppings. Menu lists protein, cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo as ingredients.

People are saying

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

"I found the grilled chicken quesadilla to be delicious and 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.

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Hole-in-the-wall Mexican eatery with a small patio off a main road offers a chill atmosphere and easy parking. Large portions and a 24/7 open schedule attract those seeking generous servings and fast Mexican food. A salsa bar adds a fresh touch to the straightforward setup.

Quesadillas come in a wide variety here, including the adobada quesadilla. They serve as a meal unto themselves with hearty fillings.

People are saying

"This quesadilla is perfect for a late-night meal."

Good to know

1

Vallarta Express is open 24/7, making it convenient for late-night cravings.

2

Parking is ample and easy at Vallarta Express.

3

Drive-through service is available for quick orders.

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