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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of San Marcos

Mexican and taco spots

Made for those who view a well-crafted taco as the only acceptable standard for Mexican cuisine.

Based on 838 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Puras Papas - Food Truck image 1
Puras Papas - Food Truck image 2
Puras Papas - Food Truck image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Food truck offers authentic Mexican dishes with large portions and affordable prices. Outdoor seating creates a casual, open-air vibe. The menu includes vegetarian options, making it accessible to different diets.

Birria tacos and consomé stand out with rich flavor and generous toppings like onion, cilantro, and cheese. The salsas are incredible and complement dishes like carne asada quesadillas, California burritos, and birria tamales well.

Cabeza tacos feature super juicy meat with a flavorful cilantro and onion salsa verde. Quesabirria tacos come with a rich consomé and stay fresh and hot, making them stand out among birria options.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"These quesabirria tacos are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"These birria tacos with consomé are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Puras Papas is a woman-owned food truck offering vegetarian options.

2

The food truck is located near In-N-Out burger with other food trucks.

3

Puras Papas is known for large portions at reasonable prices.

02
Tacos Mi Estilo Jalisco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck offers authentic Mexican tacos with high-quality ingredients and affordable prices. Outdoor setting creates a tailgating vibe with music, attracting a steady but not crowded crowd. Known for flavorful birria and al pastor, it stands out from typical taco shops in the area.

Authentic Mexican-style tacos come with spicy salsa, radishes, and jalapeños on the side. The birria and Cabeza tacos deliver rich flavor and texture, rivaling those found in Guadalajara.

Tacos here deliver authentic Mexican style with small, flavorful tacos served alongside spicy salsa, radishes, and jalapeños. Varieties like birria, cabeza, al pastor, asada, and carnitas stand out for their rich taste and quality.

People are saying

"The tacos here are packed with juicy, flavorful meat."

"The food here is delicious and made with high-quality ingredients."

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

Good to know

1

This is a food truck parked outside of the Harley Davidson, with no dedicated seating or bathrooms.

2

If there was a line, it wasn't a bad wait, averaging 5-10 minutes.

3

The prices range from $2.75 to $3.50, which is really hard to beat.

03
La Cocina del Abuelo - Food Truck image 1

Food truck with simple shaded outdoor seating on a quiet street offers a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. The crowd is drawn by highly praised birria tacos and quesabirrias, creating a popular lunchtime spot. Limited seating and occasional parking challenges reflect its strong local following.

Birria tacos stand out with generous meat portions and a satisfying taste. The menu also features quesabirria tacos, birria ramen, and a spicy habanero salsa that complements the dishes well.

Birria tacos come loaded with meat and served with broth, which is essential. QuesaBirria tacos and asada tacos feature amazing tortillas and great flavor, making them a solid choice.

People are saying

"You have to try the birria; it's some of the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"The birria ramen here is a must-try, so delicious."

"The birria tacos here are loaded with meat and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of street parking available near the food truck.

2

Most people take their food to go rather than dining at the truck.

3

The food truck has some outdoor tables for those who want to eat there.

04
Craft Coast Beer & Tacos image 1

Hip open-air brewery with extensive outdoor seating and a permanent taco truck creates a lively atmosphere. Loud music fills both indoor and patio areas, making conversation difficult. Frequented by those who enjoy top-notch craft beer and highly rated tacos in a relaxed, industrial park setting.

Tacos stand out with carne asada and al pastor full of flavor and perfectly prepared. Birria nachos come loaded and pair well with the craft beer selection.

Tacos here feature carne asada and al pastor with rich flavor and precise preparation. The birria-style tacos stand out alongside a solid selection of craft beer.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I've had in a while."

"I enjoyed the great selection of beer."

"I thought the tacos here were the best I've had in a while."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not serve burritos, nachos, or 'dillas'.

2

Parking is available around the back, with wheelchair accessible spots up front.

3

The place gets busy around 6:30 pm, so expect a wait for a table.

05
Ernes Mexican Food & Breakfast image 1

Small, authentic Mexican food spot with a welcoming vibe and family-owned atmosphere. Generous portions feature tender, flavorful meats and a well-stocked salsa bar. The place offers a casual, unpolished setting with a focus on hearty, traditional dishes.

Carne asada fries come hot, fresh, and crispy with a perfect balance of flavors. Tacos feature tender, juicy meats and generous portions, complemented by a salsa bar and authentic Mexican flavors.

Tacos come packed and tasty with tender, juicy meats like carne asada and chicken. Options include carnitas and fish tacos, all served fresh and flavorful.

People are saying

"The tacos here are packed and tasty."

"The salsa bar had a fantastic variety and tasted freshly made."

"The Mexican food here is tasty, with delicious tacos and burritos."

Good to know

1

A taco and a soda cost about four dollars.

2

The restaurant offers beer and burritos.

3

Expect generous portion sizes.

06
Taqueria El Patron image 1

Large, open dining space offers a clean and comfortable setting with spacious seating and cool decor. Atmosphere feels lively yet relaxed, supported by a fantastic salsa bar and a menu known for authentic, highly praised tacos. No alcohol service inside, but specialty mules are available.

Tacos here stand out for their soft tortillas and fresh, flavorful meat, especially the asada and pastor varieties. The salsa bar offers a fantastic green salsa that complements the dishes well.

Tacos feature perfect meat and flavor with standout options like carne asada, pastor, and tripe. They come out fresh and quickly, offering authentic taste that compares well to other spots.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be pretty damn delicious."

"The food here is delicious and cooked to perfection."

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be pretty damn delicious."

Good to know

1

Tripe tacos cost $3, and other tacos cost $5.49.

2

They charge a 4% fee for credit card payments.

3

They don't serve beer or any other alcohol.

07
Tony's Fresh Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant open 24/7 with drive-thru and big TVs playing soccer. Atmosphere is cool and clean, sometimes freezing inside. Known for fast, authentic burritos and unique salsa options, it serves as a reliable late-night food spot.

Carne asada fries and Golden Egg Burrito stand out as favorites. Freshly made salsas and waters complement a strong selection of Mexican dishes including breakfast tacos and rolled tacos. The salsa bar and chips add to the late-night burrito appeal.

Potato tacos come with a salsa verde that adds a nice kick. Machacha breakfast tacos offer fresh, bold flavor and become a go-to choice. Fish and carne asada tacos provide solid, classic options.

People are saying

"I loved the huge supreme burritos with great filling."

"The Golden Egg Burrito was the best breakfast burrito I had ever had."

"The machacha breakfast tacos have tons of great, fresh flavor."

Good to know

1

Tony's Fresh Mexican Food is open 24/7, making it a great late-night option.

2

The restaurant has a drive-thru for quick service at any hour.

3

Paying cash gives a 4% discount on your order.

08
Mariscos Oceanos Food Truck image 1

Small food truck offers authentic local fish tacos with crispy, tasty seafood and best mayo chipotle sauce. Lines form regularly, so ordering online helps avoid wait times. Prices provide good value for generous servings.

Fish tacos come with pico de gallo, cabbage, and mayo and offer good value. They are crispy and tasty, often overflowing with meat and fixings. The chipotle salsa stands out as a flavorful addition.

Fish tacos come with pico de gallo, cabbage, and mayo and offer good value. Tacos overflow with meat and fixings and taste crispy and solid.

People are saying

"I thought these were the best fish tacos in North County."

"These food trucks serve the best local fish tacos."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they're so crispy and tasty."

Good to know

1

Two fish tacos cost about $7 in total.

2

The prices are fair for the quality and serving size.

3

Online ordering is available for those in a rush.

09
Sayulitas Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers huge portions with a focus on meat-filled burritos and a variety of fresh salsas. The atmosphere is comfortable and clean without being fancy. Pricing tends to be higher than average, reflecting the size and quality of the meals.

Burritos stand out for their large size and rich fillings like carne asada, guacamole, and queso. Tacos come with fresh salsa and generous toppings, and fries get loaded with guacamole, sour cream, meat, and salsa.

Mini tacos stand out with large portions and a variety of menu items. Specials like happy hour and Taco Tuesday offer combos including tacos, rice, beans, and beer.

People are saying

"This burrito is gigantic, easily big enough to share."

"The Mexican food here, especially the burritos, is huge and delicious."

"The burritos here are so big, I had to take some home."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features a special for $7.99, including 3 tacos, rice, beans, and a beer.

2

Happy hour offers discounted food and drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Weekly specials are advertised on their Instagram account.

10
Señor Panchos Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small Mexican restaurant shaped like a choo choo train with a drive-through and recently remodeled dining area. Atmosphere feels cozy and relaxed despite occasional heat during the day. Known for large portions and reasonable prices offering strong value for authentic Mexican food.

Carne asada fries stand out with amazing flavor, paired with surf and turf burritos loaded with shrimp and high-quality carne asada. Tacos like carnitas and beef cheek come lean, crispy, and packed with taste.

Tacos stand out with lean and crispy carnitas and spectacular asada with onions and roasted chile. Mini tacos like 3 Cabeza and Pollo asada offer tasty, satisfying bites.

People are saying

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

"You have to try their tacos; they're delicious and I've never been disappointed."

"The carne asada here is juicy and seasoned perfectly."

Good to know

1

The prices are reasonable, offering great value for large portions.

2

Expect big portions that are worth the price paid.

3

The drive-thru is super convenient for quick takeout.

11
Chile Tacos N beer image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic vibe and homie atmosphere offers seating inside and outside plus a separate bar area good for watching games. Music plays consistently, creating a low-key party energy that suits casual dining and socializing.

Small, family-owned spot serves fresh street tacos like lengua, tripa, and suadero with great flavor. Affordable deals on $1.25 tacos on Tuesdays and Thursdays pair well with three salsa choices including a spicy habanero.

$1.25 tacos on Tuesday and Thursday offer great value. Street tacos like lengua tripa and suadero stand out for their fresh, excellent flavors.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be excellent and fresh."

"I thought the food here was the best, especially the authentic Mexican flavors."

"I loved their flavorful pastor and carnitas tacos."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature $1.25 tacos, making it a great deal.

2

The restaurant is family-friendly, suitable for all ages.

3

Parking is available on the street and in a private lot behind the building.

12
Tacos Alex image 1
Mexican restaurant

Tiny Mexican restaurant with cozy decorations and a small outdoor area offers authentic tacos known for their fast cooking. Limited seating and few parking spots create a compact, intimate vibe. Tacos stand out for quality despite the modest space.

Tacos come with fresh tortillas and beans that taste great. Options like al pastor cooked on the trompo, carnitas from the copper pot, and grilled asada offer authentic, flavorful street tacos.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic flavor and fresh ingredients. The carnitas and carne asada tacos pack rich, satisfying taste with a touch of fat that adds depth.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

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

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited with only about five spots available.

2

Expect long wait times during rush hour; arrive early to avoid crowds.

3

Tacos are priced at $3.50 each, which some may find expensive.

13
El Palenque Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small and humble Mexican restaurant with a quiet atmosphere. Offers authentic tacos, delicious red salsa, and silky fries alongside a variety of flavorful dishes. Serves amazing burritos and well-prepared meats in a modest setting.

Tacos come with fresh vegetables and lemons and include options like fried fish, fried potato, Lengua, and Al Pastor. The red salsa is tasty and complements the authentic flavors well.

Tacos come with fresh vegetables and lemons and are well-proportioned. Options include fried fish, fried potato, fried beef, Lengua, and Al Pastor, all tasting authentic and delicious.

People are saying

"I loved the fried fish and potato tacos; they were delicious."

"The tacos here are delicious and authentic."

"The Bistek con Papas Mexican Food is just right."

Good to know

1

Restroom availability may be limited; plan accordingly.

2

The restaurant is small, which may affect seating capacity.

3

Expect shorter wait times during off-peak hours.

14
Germán Seafood Food Truck image 1
Seafood restaurant

Food truck offers large portions of seafood with fresh shrimp and best fish tacos known for their flavor and size. Atmosphere feels ordinary, but food quality stands out with savory seafood cocktails and a variety of choices. Prices vary, sometimes high, but many find the experience worth it.

Fish tacos come battered and fried to order, fresh and flavorful with a habanero salsa option. Shrimp tacos, shrimp ceviche tostada, and carne asada tacos also stand out for their size and taste.

Fish tacos come battered and fried to order, fresh and flavorful every time. Shrimp tacos and ceviche tostada also stand out with big portions and solid taste.

People are saying

"The fish tacos here are fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly."

"I thought the fish tacos were the best I ever had."

"I thought the fish tacos were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The price of each taco is $3.75.

2

The grilled fish burrito costs $18.

3

Portions are large enough to share; a medium-sized portion can feed two.

15
Mariscos La Baja image 1
Seafood restaurant

Luxurious interior and colorful decor create a spectacular Baja California atmosphere. The place offers fresh, high-quality seafood with standout fish and shrimp tacos. Seating is first come, first serve, and salsa options add variety to the experience.

Fish and shrimp tacos stand out with their large size and single tortilla. The menu includes octopus tacos, ceviche tostada, and a surf and turf burrito. Lime wedges and chipotle sauce accompany the dishes.

Shrimp and fish tacos come Baja-style with large portions and just one tortilla each. The fish tacos are grilled and served with plenty of limes and chipotle sauce.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were unbeatable and very tasty."

"The fish and shrimp tacos here are huge and delicious."

"I loved their fish tacos; they were unbeatable."

Good to know

1

Expect a $1 fee for credit card use at checkout.

2

Fish tacos cost $3 each, and shrimp tacos cost $5 each.

3

Seating is first come, first serve; arrive early to secure a spot.

16
Taco Bar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers nice seating with some small outdoor tables and a varied menu including seafood and multiple meat options. Atmosphere features great vibes complemented by a solid beer selection that pairs well with tacos. Tacos like Al Pastor and Birria stand out for quality and flavor.

Al Pastor on the spit comes in a proper roll with authentic flavors from childhood. Tacos and ceviche stay fresh and flavorful, with options like diablo shrimp burrito and killer lengua and cabeza tacos adding variety.

Tacos feature real deal El Pastor on the spit served in a proper roll with options like killer lengua and cabeza. House salsas and toppings like roasted onions, jalapenos, and pickled habaneros add incredible flavor to each taco.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were delicious and great."

"The tacos here are authentic and melt in your mouth."

"I thought the tacos here were great and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer tacos for $2.99 each.

2

They charge for bottled water; no complimentary water is available.

3

Expect to pay for spicy carrots and limes.

17
Frida’s Taqueria San Marcos image 1

Mexican restaurant with a cafeteria-style setup and an open, multi-unit space near a movie theater creates a lively, casual atmosphere. Freshly made tacos offer authentic TJ style flavors with generous portions at affordable prices. A well-stocked salsa bar adds to the street taqueria vibe.

Tacos here capture the essence of Mexico City with authentic TJ style street tacos priced at $1.99 each. The Al Pastor and Carne Asada tacos stand out, often served with melted cheese or a side of consome for dipping.

Tacos come with authentic TJ style and fresh toppings made right in front of you. Options like Papa Asada and Al Pastor offer rich, bold flavors at affordable prices.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best with lots of good flavors."

"These nachos are huge; you'll need a container for leftovers."

"The tacos here are delicious, especially the carne asada."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $1.99 each on Taco Tuesdays and Thursdays.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere on Taco Tuesdays.

3

Cash payments are preferred due to a 3% surcharge on credit cards.

18
Nacho’s Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with authentic tacos and generous portions creates a friendly atmosphere where staff speak both English and Spanish. The place offers highly recommended carne asada burritos and a variety of flavorful dishes. Clean interior and fair prices contribute to a welcoming vibe.

Carne asada burritos stand out for their juicy, grilled meat and reasonable size. The menu also features carnitas, shrimp burritos, and chilaquiles, all consistently flavorful and well-prepared.

Tacos come with authentic flavors and stay very fresh. Varieties like carne asada and carnitas offer great taste at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I drove 60 miles for their carne asada tacos."

"I've been getting their juicy carnitas for over 10 years."

"I found their tacos to be a gem."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens at 7:00 a.m.

2

Breakfast burritos are ready by 7:15 a.m.

3

The prices are good and affordable.

19
Kotija Jr. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a well-stocked salsa bar featuring cucumbers, carrots, and limes offers a friendly atmosphere despite a warm, stale environment without air conditioning. Food includes notable birria tacos and California burritos, with portions smaller than usual and prices on the higher side.

Birria tacos and California burritos stand out with strong flavors. A well-stocked salsa bar offers fresh cucumbers, carrots, and limes that complement the fish tacos and burritos.

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor. Fish tacos often come discounted on Taco Tuesday and draw repeat orders. Roll tacos, Pastor, and Carne Asada options appear regularly, though handling sometimes lacks gloves.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos and California burritos were perfect."

"I couldn't stop getting the fish tacos, especially with the Taco Tuesday deal."

"I thought the birria tacos were the best."

Good to know

1

Prices have increased by 30% in the last 6 months.

2

Portion sizes may be smaller than expected.

3

They offer a Taco Tuesday deal with discounted fish tacos.

20
Rancho Las Palmas Mexican Grill & Seafood image 1

Mexican restaurant with a modern layout and bright, clean interior feels like a sports bar with TVs showing games and a bar serving draft beers and margaritas. The atmosphere carries a small neighborhood vibe, blending casual dining with lively energy.

Chips and salsa stand out with crispy chips and a balanced spicy salsa that doesn't overwhelm. Green chilaquiles and beef rolled tacos offer authentic flavors. Veggie burrito and chicken flautas add tasty variety.

Beef rolled tacos stand out with their amazing flavor. Street tacos and chicken flautas offer solid, classic options alongside a chili rellenos and enchilada combo.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and fresh made."

"The service here is great and the staff are smiling."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 10pm for late-night dining.

2

Parking is ample and includes ADA access.

3

The restaurant offers a kids menu, making it family-friendly.

21
Rigoberto's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a 24/7 drive-thru and a well-stocked salsa bar offering about seven types of salsa. The atmosphere is cozy but run down, with giant portions and a variety of flavorful burritos and tacos. The place stays quiet with ample seating and accessible parking.

Freshly made salsa stands out with exceptional variety and fantastic taste. Large portions include carnitas burritos with rich flavor and rolled tacos that are consistently outstanding.

Rolled tacos stand out as hot, fresh, and large, often served with guacamole, cheese, and pico de gallo. Beef, chicken, and adobada tacos come in generous portions and are priced around $14 to $17 for multiple tacos with drinks.

People are saying

"You have to try the huge, loaded burritos; they're amazing Mexican food."

"The Drive Thru line here gets busy quickly."

"These rolled tacos are outstanding, hot, and fresh."

Good to know

1

Rigoberto's Taco Shop is open 24/7.

2

The drive-through is available 24 hours.

3

The portions of the quesadilla are large.

22
Shores Bar + Kitchen image 1

Bar and grill with a beach vibe and multiple TVs showing sports creates a lively atmosphere. The space feels chill and welcoming, with an outside patio that offers a quieter alternative to the loud indoor area. It attracts a mix of people enjoying games, live music, and a dog-friendly environment.

Fish tacos stand out with affordable prices and a casual vibe. Taco Tuesday offers a decent selection, paired well with Pacifico beer.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh flavors and pair well with a Pacifico beer. Taco Tuesday offers quick, affordable options but rates around 3 out of 5 in quality.

People are saying

"You'll find a great selection of draft beer here."

"I had the best fish tacos I've had in a long time."

"I had the best fish tacos I had in a long time."

Good to know

1

Shores Bar + Kitchen is dog friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

2

Musical bingo happens every Wednesday night, a fun event to join.

3

Expect average wait times during busy hours like Sunday football.

23
Lourdes Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Low key Mexican restaurant with affordable prices and consistent quality. Atmosphere suits takeout rather than dining in, attracting locals who appreciate classic dishes like chicken soup and burritos. Portion sizes tend to be small, and the vibe is straightforward without fancy touches.

Soft, chewy tortillas pair with dishes like Carne Asada Fries and mole burritos that balance flavors well. A salsa bar offers a great collection of spicy condiments, and vegetarian options like the veggie tostada are available.

California burrito and hard tacos offer balanced bites with all ingredients. Fish taco, carnitas taco, and flautas also stand out as superb.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and top-notch."

"I loved their breakfast burritos and carne asada burritos."

"The tacos here are always delicious and perfectly made."

Good to know

1

Lourdes Mexican Food is primarily a takeout-only place, not suitable for dining in.

2

Parking is easy and accessible near the restaurant.

3

Prices are generally high, with burritos costing around $18.

24
Oscar's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a 24-hour drive-thru offers a quiet, clean atmosphere even when busy. The salsa bar adds a fresh, interactive element. Known for large, flavorful burritos and consistently crispy carne nachos.

Huge portions of carne asada burrito and 3 rolled tacos with guacamole stand out. The salsa bar and epic tortillas add to the solid Mexican food experience available 24 hours.

Rolled tacos stand out with plenty of filling and a unique grilled chicken soft taco adds variety. Mini tacos with adobada and cabeza offer flavorful options alongside classic enchiladas and tacos.

People are saying

"This late night spot's drive-thru is always open."

"I found the tacos seasoned so well, they were delicious."

"The Mexican food here is huge, like my forearm."

Good to know

1

Oscar's Mexican Food offers a 24-hour drive-thru service.

2

The price for two BRC burritos with sour cream is $26.00.

3

I was charged $27.22 for a single breakfast burrito.

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