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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Pacific Beach's best

Carne asada and salsa

The combination of charred carne asada and fresh, spicy salsa is the only flavor profile that matters.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
Diego’s Street Tacos image 1
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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.

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.

Green salsa stands out with perfect acidity and a hint of lingering spice. It offers legitimate heat that can be added inside the burrito or on the side for control over spice level.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is legitimately spicy with a perfect acidity."

"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.

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

Salsas come in a wide variety and are clearly homemade with vibrant flavors. The salsa bar offers plenty of options to mix with dishes like burritos.

People are saying

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

"I found their tacos to be authentic, fresh, and flavor-packed."

"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.

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.

A salsa bar offers a variety of options with a standout avocado salsa verde and a popular green salsa. The salsas are consistently delicious and well-crafted.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the burritos here were incredible."

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.

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.

Salsas here stand out with green and red varieties that are excellent. The habanero salsa adds a spicy kick that warms without overpowering flavor.

People are saying

"The California burrito here is massive and amazing."

"The seafood burritos here are outstanding and juicy."

"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.

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.

Salsa here is spicy and flavorful with a good heat level. The green salsa adds great flavor to dishes, and the habanero salsa is worth trying for extra kick.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is spicy and has a great tangy taste."

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
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.

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.

Multiple types of salsa come with the food. These salsas are delicious and pair well with the burritos.

People are saying

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

"I thought the California burrito was the best I'd ever eaten."

"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.

07
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.

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.

Salsas come in multiple varieties and are great in flavor. Staff provide extra servings when asked, noting some may already be included in the order.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and tasty."

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

"The salsa here was really great."

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.

08
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 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.

Salsa here features fresh, scratch-made flavor with a hot salsa that has great taste but mild heat. It pairs well with chips and guacamole, enhancing dishes like chilaquiles and beef tacos.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is so good, I could bathe in it."

"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.

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Pacific Beach, San Diego

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