Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Kearny Mesa

Carne asada spots

Carne asada that respects the cut of the meat rather than masking it with heavy seasoning.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Cali's & Fries image 1
Cali's & Fries image 2
Cali's & Fries image 3
View all
Mexican restaurant

Minimalist taco shop offers a clean, comfy vibe with cafeteria-style seating and a self-serve salsa bar. Carne asada is lean and served over crispy fries, especially in the huge Surf & Turf plate. Known for authentic California burritos and staying open late when others close.

Carne asada here is lean with no gross fat trimmings and served over super flavorful, crispy fries. The Surf & Turf Carne Asada fries come in a huge plate and stand out as a go-to choice.

People are saying

"The salsa bar has awesome, tasty salsas and spicy carrots and jalapenos."

"The carne asada fries here are amazing and crispy."

"It's a great late night spot, fast and affordable."

Good to know

1

$2 taco Tuesdays offer a budget-friendly option for visitors.

2

Cali's & Fries has plenty of parking available in front.

3

The restaurant is known for its clean bathrooms.

02
Soto's Mexican Food #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot serves fresh carne asada with huge portions and a varied salsa bar. Quiet, laid-back vibe suits quick meals. Albondigas soup and chimichangas show strong flavors and quality.

Fresh meat stands out in the carne asada fries. Plates like the #7 carne asada and #12 Chimichanga show solid preparation and flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the huge burritos and carne asada plate."

"I found the food here to be quick, excellent, and of high quality."

"The carne asada here is really good and on point."

Good to know

1

Expect quick service, with some orders ready in under five minutes.

2

Prices are not displayed on the menu, so be prepared for surprises.

3

The restaurant offers a self-serve chips and salsa bar with six salsa options.

03
Gualberto's 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot serves large portions of juicy, flavorful carne asada with fresh tortillas. Affordable prices make it a great lunch choice despite crowded atmosphere and limited parking. Spicy red salsa adds a bold kick to every meal.

Carne asada comes cooked to perfection with extreme flavor and juiciness. The plate serves a large portion with rice, sides, and five tortillas, enough for two people.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and a great value."

"I had the best breakfast burrito I've ever tasted here."

"The Carne Asada is so flavorful and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight during dinner hours; consider street parking or back lot.

2

Prices are affordable, with large portions offered at a fair price.

3

They serve breakfast all day, making it a versatile dining option.

04
Brother’s Mexican Food 3 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers free chips and salsa bar with hearty meals and fresh salsas. Carne asada shines in the breakfast burrito and tacos, though the California burrito has little meat. Seating is limited but the casual vibe suits quick, flavorful bites.

Carne asada breakfast burrito stands out with its rich flavor. Tacos come with both al pastor and carne asada options. California burrito has very little carne asada inside.

People are saying

"I found the California burrito to be outstanding and perfect."

"I found the food here to be delicious and bursting with flavor."

"I found their carne asada breakfast burrito to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes not typically found in local Mexican restaurants.

2

The portion sizes of the dishes are generous.

3

The pricing is considered good for the quality of food offered.

05
Rolbertos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with carne asada burritos that locals love for their flavor and size. Fresh salsa adds a bright touch to the authentic dishes. Clean, casual vibe suits quick lunches with generous portions at fair prices.

Carne asada burritos stand out as a neighborhood favorite, consistently tasty and satisfying. The carne asada tacos and quesadillas also deliver solid flavor and quality.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and fresh."

"The Carne Asada burritos are stacked with meat and taste awesome."

"The food at this lunch spot is delicious and fulfilling."

Good to know

1

Prices for meals are generally around $12.

2

The restaurant is easily accessible off Highway 15.

3

Parking can be tricky due to unusual traffic flow.

06
Castañeda's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open 24 hours, this Mexican spot serves large portions with a tasty salsa bar. Juicy carne asada shines in tacos and fries, especially the best carne asada fries in town. Cozy vibe feels lived-in but welcoming.

Juicy carne asada appears in tacos, fries, and chips, all cooked properly. The carne asada fries stand out as a favorite, fitting needs perfectly and noted as the best in the city.

People are saying

"The salsa bar had a delicious variety of fresh options."

"I loved their Carne Asada fries; they're the best I've had."

"This is a great late night spot, always open 24 hours."

Good to know

1

Castañeda's is open 24 hours for convenient late-night dining.

2

Expect large portions; carne asada fries weigh over 2 pounds.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $17.

07
Chacho's Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Fresh Mexican tacos shine with homemade salsas and vegetarian options. Carne asada impresses with balanced shrimp and meat. Casual vibe pairs well with the adjacent brewery, though self-service kiosks can slow ordering.

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."

"The shrimp tacos here are flavorful and not fishy at all."

"The burritos here are huge, messy, and delicious."

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.

08
Casa Machado Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy fresh carne asada in a lively spot with airport runway views. Mexican culture blends with airplane decor for a unique vibe. A separate bar with big screens draws sports fans and groups.

Carne asada dishes come fresh and flavorful, especially the carne asada burrito with just asada and pico. Plates and quesadillas highlight the freshness and solid taste of the meat.

People are saying

"I love the Mexican food here; the view of planes is amazing."

"The flour tortillas at these dinner spots are the best I've ever had."

"I loved the Carne Asada plate; it was great and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 9 pm with various drink specials.

2

Daily specials are available throughout the week, offering great value.

3

The restaurant is located on the second floor of Montgomery Airport.

09
The Taco Stand image 1
Taco restaurant

Space is narrow and lively with Mexican music and a salsa bar. Carne asada is smoky and juicy, served in tacos or fries. Guests watch fresh tortillas made on site, adding to the authentic vibe.

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."

"You must try the California burrito; it's excellent."

"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.

Discover more

Kearny Mesa, San Diego

Area guide
Loading Map...