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Mexican carne asada spots in Kearny Mesa

A place for carne asada that treats the dish with respect rather than just another item on the menu.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Cali's & Fries image 1
Cali's & Fries image 2
Cali's & Fries image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Minimalist taco shop style sets a clean, comfy, and quiet atmosphere with cafeteria-style seating. A self-serve salsa bar and free hot carrots add to the casual vibe. Known for authentic California burritos and consistent quality, it stays open late when others close.

Carne asada fries stand out with a Surf & Turf twist and crispy fries inside the California burrito. The salsa bar offers spicy carrots, jalapenos, and tasty salsas. Burritos come in generous sizes, and quesadillas pack more food than expected.

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."

"The carne asada and California burritos are solid."

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
Gualberto's 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers large portions with affordable prices and fresh tortillas. Atmosphere gets crowded during lunch hours, with limited parking nearby. Known for flavorful carne asada and spicy red salsa.

Breakfast burritos here are large and hearty, using real potatoes instead of fries. Tacos come with a chunky mild salsa full of tomato, onion, and cilantro. Chilaquiles stand out as very good and well-prepared.

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 ever; it was huge!"

"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.

03
Soto's Mexican Food #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers quick service with huge portions and a varied salsa bar featuring about six options. Atmosphere is laid back and quiet, suitable for a casual, fast meal. Food quality stands out, especially in dishes like carne asada and Albondigas soup.

Carne asada stands out with fresh meat and great flavor. The menu includes shrimp cocktails, Albondigas soup, and a Del Mar burrito with fried fish and shrimp. Free chips and salsa come with many dishes, and salsa selections are plentiful.

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.

04
Chacho's Tacos image 1
Restaurant

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.

Tacos come with super juicy carnitas and flavorful pollo adobada. Burritos and shrimp bowls also stand out, paired with hot red salsa that adds a memorable kick.

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 Mexican food here, especially the burritos, is amazing."

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.

05
Brother’s Mexican Food 3 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers free chips and salsa bar with wide menu options including dishes not usually found nearby. Seating is limited and no-frills, with a casual atmosphere. Food features large portions and fresh salsas, attracting those seeking hearty, flavorful meals.

Carne asada stands out as a highlight, paired with fresh salsa that complements dishes well. Burritos like the salsa verde pork and chile relleno are well stuffed and flavorful, while tacos and chilaquiles offer authentic Mexican tastes.

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."

"You have to try their Mexican food; the burritos are outstanding."

"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.

06
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.

Tacos stand out with Al Pastor and shrimp options that many find unmatched. Burritos, especially the California style, come highly praised for their flavor and quality.

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.

07
Casa Machado Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Restaurant offers airport runway views with planes taking off and landing visible from inside. Atmosphere blends Mexican culture with airplane decor, creating a unique and lively vibe. Separate bar area features big screens for sports, attracting groups and company gatherings.

Carne asada burrito and fish tacos stand out with strong, authentic flavors. Flour tortillas and mole have rich textures and deep seasoning, making the Mexican food here genuinely satisfying.

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.

08
Rolbertos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an extensive menu offers authentic dishes like carne asada burritos and fresh salsa. Atmosphere feels clean and casual but could benefit from updates. Popular during lunch hour, it draws those seeking reasonably priced meals with generous portions.

Wild Burrito stands out with its stacked meat and a soft yet crispy homemade tortilla. Carne asada burritos, rolled tacos, and street tacos come with a tasty green salsa that complements the authentic flavors.

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."

"I thought the fish burrito was the best I ever had."

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.

09
Castañeda's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant open 24 hours with large portions and a tasty salsa bar. Atmosphere feels cozy but shows some wear and tear. Popular for carne asada tacos and carne asada fries considered among the best in the area.

Tacos Al pastor and carne asada fries stand out with fresh salsas and well-cooked carne asada. Burritos like the San Felipe and California offer generous fillings at reasonable prices.

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."

"I thought the Mexican Food, especially the California burrito, was the best."

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.

10
Burros & Fries - Kearny Mesa image 1

Mexican restaurant offers inventive menu with wide variety and notable burritos praised for flavor. Atmosphere includes loud kitchen noise and presence of tiny fruit flies, with no air conditioning but an open door for airflow. Salsa bar stands out as clean and fresh feature.

Burritos stand out with great texture and flavor, especially the surf & turf and shrimp Cali options. The menu includes birria tacos, rolled tacos, and potato tacos, all served with a clean, fresh salsa bar.

Carne asada offers great texture and flavor with decent portions on the plate. Carne asada fries score lower, around 5 out of 10, and come with less positive staff energy.

People are saying

"I thought the burritos here were the best I ate all year."

"I loved the surf and turf burrito; it was the best I ate all year."

"The Carne Asada here has great texture and flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant maintains a clean and neat environment for diners.

2

Expect a variety of inventive menu items that cater to different tastes.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with some dishes exceeding $20.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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