36 Best Mexican Restaurants in Carlsbad

“I didn’t expect much but was surprised to get the tastiest food I ever ate in Mexican place. I suppose it was because the Taco Oasis shack was a first for me,beng used to restaurants, but those people know how to prepare the most tasty tacos I’ve ever eaten. They also add avocado no extra charge. Carne Asada Taco only $3.50 each. What a deal!“

“The food and service is always good, I was wondering what is their signature dish? And has the restaurant had a food critics review? I love you read it! See you soon Casa de Bandini!“

“We started with their Cadillac margarita straight up with an extra shot of tequila on the side. The margarita and tequila was very smooth. I usually get Patron Silver but this time we tried Cierto Blanco. We nibbled on the chips and salsa as we enjoyed our drinks. Then we ordered the chicken Fajitas de la Casa with all rice and no beans. The guacamole was bright green. They cover the chicken fajitas with a crema. I assumed the crema was on the side. Their corn tortillas are amazing. I could eat them separately by themselves. There’s no shredded cheese, just the crema which was different. I definitely prefer shredded cheese. Then there’s the grilled bell peppers, onions and a couple tomatoes. Excellent flavors. Great service from our server. The restaurant has a fun upbeat vibe with positive energies.
For me, the margarita was a 5, service a 5, corn tortillas, guacamole, grilled vegetables and rice were a 5. The crema on the grilled chicken was a 3.75. This is why the food score was 4 stars and not 5. Almost 5 stars across the board.
Suggestion: have the server inform the customer the crema usually is on top of the chicken and would they prefer it on the side.“

“Consistently delicious and friendly service.“

“Highly Recommended Miguel's Cocina Mexican Restaurants🥰“

“I come here at least once a week for fajitas, tacos and/or drinks. But it’s not only the delicious food or drinks that have me returning but their exceptional bartender, Gretta. She takes it upon herself to go the extra miles for not only her restaurant but her customers. She is a diamond in the rough and the perfect embodiment of a fun loving So Cal gal. Keep on pouring em girl. I’ll be back for you!“

“We were a little iffy about trying this place. It seemed to be more of a bar than an eatery. We were pleasantly surprised by everything about this place from the food, atmosphere to the service from Andy. Great breakfast. I suggest trying the verde chicken enchiladas topped with eggs. Our new favorite Carlsbad spot.“

“I love tacos El Pueblo!!!! A San Diego classic with the famous $1.39 fish tacos (at the time of this writing) their service is fantastic. The staff is friendly. The food is great. The salsa is awesome! And the complimentary pickled carrots are a classic. I sincerely hope you will read this review and visit this esteemed establishment to give them your business as opposed to visiting a crappiestablishment such as Chipotle.“

“What an amazing place to eat, fresh food and great service. Shout out to Mike, what an amazing gentleman always checking up on customers and making sure everything is top notch. Best food in the county.“

“Margaritas are always great. The one with the beer was a little strange but fun and surprisingly good- presentation was great. Love their chips and salsa. Food is consistently good. Never had a dish I didn't care for. Service is experienced and consistently very good. Ladies powder room... Gotta check it out girls! Have fun at Garcia's. I always do.“

“Just happened upon this place (new in the area). Sopes were fantastic, as well as their Margaritas. Will return, for sure!!!“

“I found this place by accident while walking to Jack in the Box. But I had been wanting to try some fish tacos in California, and yeah, this place has fish tacos.

It has amazing fish tacos. They're six bucks each and they're huge. The fish are in breaded chunks, and there's a lot of fish on these tacos.

This is a 24 hour place, and most people sit outside. The folks in the kitchen deserve a shout-out. Most seating is outside. The menu is huge. And of course in Carlsbad, the weather is always perfect for outside seating.

Update: I went back the next day and got a breakfast burrito. It's as big as a house.

I give this place an A+“

“I ordered the 2 piece meal with brocolli, pinto beans, and corn tortillas. I had a side of the avocado hot sauce and the red hot sauce. The chicken was tender and moist, not dry, flavorful, and well marinated. The broccoli was not overcooked and soggy but steamed just right with a little bit of crisp to it. My pinto beans had a great flavor with a little bit of a spicy kick, which I love.The cashier was attentive and engaging. He was polite and had a smile when saying hi and bye. The speed of service was amazing, as they cut my chicken and got my meal to me quickly. Great experience at this location!“

“Amazing veggie fajitas and mango margaritas 😋“

“Amazing food amazing service got shredded chicken burrito and a bean and cheese for my wife .salsa was green guacamole one it was tasty.i don’t write that many reviews but i had to say something .food tasted authentic and spicy …just sayin“

“El personal es muy amable súper súper limpio 🧼 se esfuerzan por agradarte la comida no se diga súper deliciosa muy típica al estilo Oaxaca 💯 en lo personal lo recomiendo todo 🙏“

“My rating is based off their chicken soup! That soup is phenomenal. Do yourself a favor and grab some of their habanero sauce and drop it into the soup, obviously only add what you can handle. The flavors are amazing and so nice on a nice fresh evening.“

“Araceli is amazing! Every time I come to Valerie’s Taco Shop she’s super friendly, fast, and always gets the order right. You can tell she really cares about the customers and keeps the place running smoothly. The food is already great, but her positive attitude makes the experience even better. Definitely one of the reasons I keep coming back!“

“Great food…. I went here once a few years ago and said for my 50th is was coming back here and ordering from Rudy’s and I live In North Dakota, So around my birthday for 2 years I have been coming and ordering my favorite…. ❤️ Love Rudy’s Taco Shop ❤️“

“Always nice & clean. Friendly staff and the food is always plated beautifully. ;)“

“We wanted some good Mexican food after Legoland and found this hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant. The food was delicious and hot. The cashier was very nice and welcoming. My kids loved their food which is a plus for me. I had the carne asada nachos. The chips were nice and crispy, plenty of toppings, and generous on the meat. The horchata was awesome. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Oceanside.“

“Wonderfully delicious vegan restaurant. We had their Mexican fare the first time (got some tacos and nachos), then tried the buffalo chicken sandwiches the next time, which were exceptional. The restaurant is very well maintained with a good atmosphere, and all of the staff are exceedingly friendly and happy. Does it speak to the quality that we went there 3 times in the week we were visiting? And obviously, bonus marks for being fully vegan!

Vegetarian options: Fully vegan, so fully vegetarian“

“best fish taco ive ever had :) very reasonable. nice staff“

“Always nice & clean. Friendly staff and the food is always plated beautifully. ;)“

“Followed a stray sign in the Costco parking lot for a free taco.
It was indeed, a free fish taco. 🌮
It was tasty. The menu had traditional Mexican tacos like pastor, asada, cabeza, lengua, ceviche. Whoever came up with the free taco to get people in the 🚪 door needs a raise...“

“The Hibiscus Margs are super unique and delicious, worth every penny!“

“This place gets great reviews and they are well deserved.

Food was outstanding, Marcos was an outstanding server with super recommendations. No rush, very relaxed service and general atmosphere. Live music was a plus, but a little too loud.

Go there. You will not be disappointed. Ask for Marcos for superior service.“

“best fish taco ive ever had :) very reasonable. nice staff“

“Trendy but relaxed and really good margarita!“

“Yum! Yum! The veggie burrito is the best. Don't get me wrong, I love their meat options. But the veggie has plenty of protein and you can add guacamole for free. Or if you don't want it in the burrito you can opt for it on the side.“

“Love this place!!!!! Go #hawkaroundandfindout about Lola’s“

“A solid choice for pretty authentic fast Mexican food. Not quite there inconsistency and tacos, which are fixed one way one week will be slightly different the next week. Good food nonetheless. Service and ambience are typical fast food. Love the free chips and salsa.“

“Ordered a large lunch order for a meeting and there were definite modifications to some of the items.

Everything was prepared as ordered, it was ready by my pick up time while still timely - I arrived about 5 mins prior to the designated time and it was not sitting there getting cold or mushy, rather it was ready briefly after I arrived.

Everyone was friendly and offered their assistance rather than me having to ask.

And the food was great! Everything well prepared, nothing over or undercooked. Everyone ate their entire meal and there were no left overs.

WELL DONE!“

“It was amazing we are going to come back“

“First timer ... Love the food and rhe Bloody Mary's!! what made the place and will be coming back for sure .. is the atmosphere ... very friendly inside and out and they welcome all 4 legged friends and how they are treated when welcome in. 🐕“

“Fast, friendly service. Great fresh food with 2 menus to choose from. Never didn't like my trip here.

Vegetarian options: I substitute black beans for meat. Tastes better anyways.

Parking: Small cramped lot. Go for the drive thru. It's fast.“