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Carne asada in Pacific Beach

Made for those who judge a kitchen by the quality of its carne asada and refuse to accept anything less than perfectly prepared grilled beef.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Diego’s Street Tacos image 1
Diego’s Street Tacos image 2
Diego’s Street Tacos image 3
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Taco restaurant

Family-run taco spot offers authentic street-style Mexican food with handmade tortillas and generous portions. Atmosphere feels homey and inviting, reflecting a neighborhood vibe rather than mass production. Flavors focus on well-seasoned meats like carne asada and adobada, paired with fresh salsas.

Fresh corn tortillas hold up tacos packed with flavorful carne asada and al pastor. Burritos come loaded with generous steak and steak fries, while green salsa offers a perfect acidity and a hint of spice.

Carne asada here is very flavorful and made with good cuts of meat. It pairs well with fresh guacamole and stands out in tacos and burritos.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is the best in PB."

"The tortillas here are fresh and hand-made."

"The carne asada here is so flavorful and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

The portions are generous and offer great value.

2

The price is reasonable for the quality of food.

3

Parking is a bit tight, so arrive early.

02
Saco's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Street mini tacos like Al Pastor, Carnitas, and cabeza stand out with authentic flavors. The California burrito is generously sized and highly praised. Quesadillas come large without too much cheese, and tortas feature fresh, toasted bread with a soft, sweet texture. A wide variety of salsas complements the dishes, and corn tortillas and quinoa options cater to dietary needs.

Carne asada features perfect flavor and is well-seasoned. Tacos come perfectly cooked and deliver solid taste.

People are saying

"I found the California burrito to be amazing and five stars."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is the best I've had."

"The carne asada here has perfect flavor."

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.

03
Taquería Los Ruiz image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Burritos stand out with flavorful ingredients and great charred tortillas. The nopal tacos offer authentic taste, paired with fresh corn tortillas and well-spiced horchata.

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

"I had the best authentic tacos and burritos ever."

"The tortillas here are fresh and well-toasted."

"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.

04
La Perla Cocina #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall taco shop with a simple setup and freshly cooked meat defines the space. Atmosphere feels unassuming with a no frills vibe and long wait times due to made-to-order preparation. Prices lean toward the higher side, but the quality California burritos stand out as a signature offering.

California burritos stand out with juicy carne asada, perfectly cooked fries, and plenty of guacamole. Breakfast burritos and the surf and turf burrito also offer generous portions and fresh, hot ingredients.

Juicy carne asada shines in burritos with a great mix of ingredients, including perfectly cooked fries and plenty of guacamole. The meat stays lean and fresh, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

People are saying

"The California burrito here is massive and amazing."

"I'd eat the California Burrito here weekly; it's amazing."

"The carne asada burrito was so juicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The burrito costs $14.00 without tip.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours.

3

Parking is almost nonexistent at both locations.

05
El Rey Moro Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Lively taco restaurant with two TVs playing shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and a spacious dining area filled with many tables. The vibe is random but enjoyable, attracting a crowd that appreciates authentic Mexican food with generous portions and reasonable prices near Pacific Beach.

Burritos come in large portions with consistent quality, especially the carne asada and Al Pastor varieties. Soft shell chicken tacos and chilaquiles with chicken stand out for flavor and size, while the horchata balances sweetness well.

Seasoned properly, the carne asada shines in both the burrito and fries. The burrito mixes pineapple, ham, jalapeno, and cheese with the meat, while the fries offer a very filling option.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and has great flavor."

"I loved the pineapple and jalapeno in this Carne Asada burrito."

"The Mexican food here is gigantic and tasty."

Good to know

1

The prices at El Rey Moro Taco Shop are reasonable for the Pacific Beach area.

2

Ordering through Grubhub offers the best prices as menu prices may vary.

3

There is plenty of parking available near the taco shop.

06
Woody's Breakfast And Burgers image 1

Cafe overlooks ocean and boardwalk with breathtaking views and laid back outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels cozy and lively, enhanced by great music and a dog-friendly vibe. Popular spot for watching waves and people, especially from the upstairs patio.

Breakfast burritos stand out with carnitas and carne asada options praised for their quality. The salsa verde and potatoes complement the burritos well, and the menu includes a tasty "Benji burrito" for kids.

Breakfast burrito features great steak mix, eggs, beans, potatoes, and cheese. Carne asada breakfast burrito stands out as awesome and highly satisfying.

People are saying

"The breakfast burritos here are amazing."

"The breakfast burritos here are amazing, especially the carne asada."

"I thought the Carne Asada breakfast burrito was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during weekend brunch, especially on sunny days.

2

Parking is limited; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Bottomless mimosas are available on weekends for brunch.

07
Harry's taco club image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating on a street patio creates a hole in the wall vibe with a lively atmosphere. A bar with pool tables adjoins the space, offering two-for-one margaritas and other drinks. The spot draws crowds seeking highly rated burritos and tacos in a casual setting.

The California burrito stands out for its size and flavor, often considered the best around. Tacos come in large, street style portions with options like steak and shrimp or octopus, all served quickly with friendly service.

Carne asada burrito stands out for its large size and flavorful meat. Carne asada fries come with guacamole and pico on the side, offering a unique twist, though the meat can be a bit salty.

People are saying

"I thought the burritos here were the best I've ever had."

"These burritos are the most flavorful Mexican food I've ever tried."

"I found the carne asada to be amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Harry's Taco Club accepts only cash payments.

2

The line at Harry's Taco Club is always long.

3

There was no space inside for dine-in, and only a few tables were outside.

08
Valerie's Taco Shop - Pacific Beach image 1

Mexican restaurant operates primarily as a 24-hour drive-thru with limited seating and a constant flow of cars. The atmosphere is hot inside but the place stays very clean. Known for affordable, satisfying burritos and tacos, it attracts locals looking for quick, reliable meals any time of day.

Breakfast burritos stand out with their fattest size and consistent quality. Tacos like carnitas street and crispy chicken offer satisfying flavors and quick service supports late-night cravings.

Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito features steak, cheese, eggs, and hot sauce. Mini carne asada street tacos and Carne Asada Fries are also available, with fries priced at $10.55.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and tasty."

"I thought the breakfast burritos were delicious."

"I recommend the Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito; less is more."

Good to know

1

Valerie's Taco Shop is open 24 hours for late-night cravings.

2

The taco shop offers affordable prices for quick meals.

3

Cleanliness is a priority, with an A rating from health inspectors.

09
Baja Beach Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Beachfront setting offers magnificent ocean views and a laid-back vibe with outdoor heaters and dog-friendly patio. Music spans from 80's to early 2000's, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The spot draws people who enjoy sitting by the sea while sipping margaritas and enjoying casual Mexican fare.

Carne asada nachos feature impressive layering. Chilaquiles come with scratch-made salsa daily. The 32 oz margaritas offer over 20 flavors, mostly on the rocks, including a notable Diablo spicy option.

Carne asada here comes with shredded cheese on nachos and fries instead of melted cheese. The layering on carne asada nachos stands out, and the meat tastes delicious. Carne asada fries are available but nachos are recommended over chips.

People are saying

"The outdoor patio is awesome, right on the beach."

"The Mexican food here has a great atmosphere and ocean view."

"I found the carne asada to be delicious and yummy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7 PM on weekdays with 2 for 1 drink specials.

2

Enjoy buy one get one free cocktails until 7 PM during happy hour.

3

Expect a service fee of 3.9% on your bill.

10
Vallarta Express Mexican Eatery image 1

Mexican eatery with 24/7 service and a drive-thru option offers large burritos and clean kitchen and dining areas. Atmosphere is basic and convenient for quick meals. Popular for breakfast burritos and fish tacos with a neighborhood taco shop vibe.

Burritos here have exceptional flavour and come in hefty portions that are about 1.5 times larger than other spots. Fish tacos and surf & turf burritos stand out as delicious and filling options, with the breakfast and vegetarian burritos also highly regarded.

Carne asada fries come in a large portion with meat, cheese, and sour cream but no refried beans or pico de gallo. The Christian Burrito combines carne asada, bacon, fried egg, fries, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo for a hearty mix.

People are saying

"I loved the massive burritos and loaded fries here."

"I always asked for the big, chunky salsa with my meal."

"I forgot how great their Carne Asada fries are."

Good to know

1

Vallarta Express is open 24/7 for convenient dining.

2

The restaurant offers a drive-thru option for quick service.

3

Parking is very limited at Vallarta Express.

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Pacific Beach, San Diego

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