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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to La Jolla

Mexican food

Authentic Mexican food that respects the tradition of the dish without turning the experience into a tourist-focused caricature.

Based on 505 Opinions
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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.

Mexican food here stands out for its freshness and high quality. Dishes offer delicious flavors that work well for both dine-in and takeout.

Tacos here burst with fresh, quality ingredients and avoid seed oils. Standout dishes include the Birria Nachos and the Surf and Turf burrito, both packed with flavor and generous portions.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is bursting with flavor and generously filled."

"This food is delicious, packed with flavor and always fresh."

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.

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Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and laid-back atmosphere. Offers fast, affordable food with outdoor patio seating where people watch happens. Known for flavorful burritos and tacos that stand out in quality and taste.

Mexican food here is authentic and delicious with consistently excellent service. The dishes offer strong, genuine flavors that stand out.

Burritos stand out here, especially the Clairemont and California styles, both packed and flavorful. Fish tacos and shrimp burritos also deliver authentic, delicious Mexican flavors with generous portions.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be so authentic and delicious."

"I've never had Mexican food tacos this good before."

Good to know

1

The wait at Don Carlos Taco Shop is usually short, even during rush hours.

2

There is limited seating available at Don Carlos Taco Shop.

3

Don Carlos Taco Shop offers a variety of menu options, including vegan choices.

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Restaurant offers a relaxed beachy vibe with authentic Mexican energy and lively music that keeps noise levels comfortable for conversation. Interior features stunning, detailed decor and a spacious, dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere suits both family outings and date nights, blending cleanliness with uplifting design.

Food arrives surprisingly fast and tastes absolutely delicious. Service stays attentive throughout the meal.

Beef taco and surf & turf taco stand out as flavorful options. Homemade tortillas and salsa add an authentic touch to the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is super fresh and high quality."

"The Mexican food here is super fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is limited; expect challenges finding street parking nearby.

3

The restaurant has a dog-friendly patio for outdoor dining.

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Mexican restaurant with a cozy bar and relaxed, friendly atmosphere plays classic rock music, creating a Southern California vibe. The space is dark and loud, attracting a lively crowd. Pets are welcome, adding to the casual, inviting feel.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with nicely flavored enchiladas and good salsa. Portions are generous and the dishes deliver a delicious, northern Mexico style taste.

Authentic Mexican flavors shine through dishes like flautas, chimichanga, and northern-style enchiladas with good salsa. The menu includes plant-based options and standout items like the beer battered fish taco on a homemade flour tortilla, complemented by excellent margaritas.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The Mexican Food here is great, especially the margaritas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are not required, but the restaurant gets busy quickly.

3

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating available.

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Outdoor terrace offers a zen-like, relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of a family home, while the indoor space feels dim and cafeteria-like. Counter service supports a casual, affordable dining experience with freshly made tortillas and top-notch beans. The vibe balances simplicity with authentic Mexican flavors in a modest setting.

Food shows a masterful fusion of authenticity and artistry with careful preparation evident in every bite. Portions come generous and delicious while staying inexpensive and satisfying.

Fish tacos stand out with perfectly fried fish and awesome Baja sauce. Burritos, especially the California breakfast burrito, come huge and packed with quality ingredients at affordable prices.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and plentiful."

"The fish tacos here are awesome and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is no restroom available at this taco shop.

2

The prices are surprisingly low for the area, with generous portions.

3

This taco shop offers a limited vegetarian option.

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Small Mexican restaurant offers a family atmosphere with nostalgic cantina vibes and a lively, crowded energy. Outdoor patio provides wonderful ocean views that complement the relaxed setting. A salsa bar and food truck add to the casual, authentic experience.

Food comes out fresh and fast with authentic flavors. The menu offers a variety of genuine Mexican dishes served in a relaxed setting with no-frills, efficient service.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, stuffed meat and a tasty habanero salsa. Burritos come in large portions and churros are fried perfectly for dessert.

People are saying

"I found the fish tacos here to be amazing."

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best around."

Good to know

1

Street tacos cost $3 each.

2

A regular breakfast burrito costs $11.99, with extra charges for substitutions.

3

The two fish tacos and a drink cost under $10.

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Market combines local butcher shop feel with a full kitchen and organic fresh products. Atmosphere reflects a community vibe with booths offering unique items like hats and healing apothecaries. Offers high-quality meats and specialty produce, attracting those seeking premium food options.

Fresh foods and fine meats stand out here. The market offers a solid selection of pre-made foods and alcohol, all of high quality.

Marinated steak in the shrimp and steak bowls stands out for flavor. The surf & turf burrito serves as a common choice. Tacos vary widely, with some being notably poor and slow to prepare.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and high-quality."

"The tacos and Baja bowl here are excellent."

Good to know

1

The market offers a good selection of organic fruits and vegetables.

2

Expect a variety of specialty produce, dry goods, and high-quality meats.

3

Parking is really, really rough.

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Outdoor seating offers a laid-back beach atmosphere with a chill surfer vibe and views for people and bird watching. Music videos from the 80s add to the relaxed mood. Large portions of traditional Mexican food come at reasonable prices, with carne asada burritos and fries standing out.

Food features authentic Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients and large portions. Dishes include tasty vegetarian options served quickly with excellent service.

Tacos come packed with meat and cheese plus a full salad of lettuce and tomatoes. Burritos like the carne asada and Shrimp Diablo are stuffed with flavorful steak, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream, making them filling meals.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and tasty."

"You have to try the carne asada fries; they're incredible."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during the summer due to high traffic.

2

The restaurant offers large portions at reasonable prices.

3

Enchiladas cost $28.00, which is on the higher side for Mexican food.

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Outdoor seating offers ocean views with heaters and umbrellas for comfort. The atmosphere is lively and noisy with live guitar music and football highlights playing. Large, dog-friendly bar and fun, colorful vibe attract a diverse crowd.

Food comes out hot and well-seasoned with generous portions. Authentic Mexican flavors create a delicious and flavorful meal every time.

Fresh and authentic flavors define the menu with standout items like chicken fajitas, veggie burrito, and fish tacos. Drinks like the horchata and Caddy Margarita complement dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and nachos well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and perfectly cooked."

"I thought the Mexican food here was amazing and tasted very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with discounted drinks and snacks.

2

Discounted tacos are available until 7:00 PM.

3

A surcharge fee applies when paying with a credit card.

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La Jolla, San Diego

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