34 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!“

“Matt delivered phenomenal service, as soon as we sat down he was very warm, had great recommendations for every course. He was very attentive for our entire time. I would recommend to ask for him to be your server ! I would give him 100 stars if I could!y favorite appetizer was the octopus !!!“

“Highly Recommended Miguel's Cocina Mexican Restaurants🥰“

“Consistently delicious and friendly service.“

“True authenticity is so rare to find but their commitment to pressing fresh tortillas every day changes everything. I was almost in tears taking my first bite of the carnitas since it tasted exactly like my childhood. It feels amazing to support a brand that actually cares about preserving culinary traditions.“

“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.“

“We shared a birthday celebration for a party of seven. This was my first visit to this restaurant and the food, and the service were first rate the atmosphere was very pleasant and not too loud very comfortable and very appealing! I would say if you’re looking for really good Mexican food served at a reasonable fair price. This is the place to go in Carlsbad. The salsa and chips kept flowing and they were homemade very delicious! The bar menu was outstanding, even though I don’t personally imbibe my family did and they all enjoyed it! I say give it a try you won’t regret it!“

“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.“

“Fabulous Cadillac Margaritas!!“

“Amazing veggie fajitas and mango margaritas 😋“

“Last two times I went the carne asada was very tasty and crispy in the burrito. However I can’t say the same for the third time I went because the B team happened to give me a chicken burrito when I had ordered a Cali burrito no sour cream..“

“A tasty and casual Mexican spot known for flavorful tacos, hearty burritos, and a great salsa selection. Many diners love the Cali‑style Mexican classics and generous portions, though service and consistency can vary at times. Overall, it’s a solid choice for satisfying, laid‑back Mexican eats with bold flavors.“

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

“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!“

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

“This place is high quality. I got a chicken burrito and added fajitas and guacamole. So good. Chicken was breast as well, not dark meat. That is not common among Mexican restaurants, typically you’ll get thighs so this was a great surprise. Chicken was tender and seasoned perfectly, not too salty and not bland. Burrito wasn’t even greasy either which is nice, there were maybe a few drops of grease in the paper the burrito came wrapped in.

Salsa bar is great, good selection. Verde and Habanero did not disappoint. Habanero was spicy yet still kept the flavor.

I would totally come here again.“

“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!“

“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 🙏“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“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 ❤️“

“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...“

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

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

“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.“

“We visited Le Papagayo for the first time during the 52nd Village Faire, and it was easily the highlight of our day. We originally had a 6:30 PM reservation, but after walking the fair and getting hungry early, we decided to see if they could seat us sooner. The staff graciously accommodated us at 4:30 PM.

A huge shout-out to the hostess, who deserves massive props for her friendliness and hospitality; she made us feel welcome the moment we walked in.

The three of us (my wife, our pup, and me) were initially a little bummed to find out only the Happy Hour menu was available, but that feeling didn't last long. We ended up ordering quite a spread: the Smash Burger with Truffle Fries, Mahi Mahi Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Calamari, and the Short Rib Birria Nachos with Guacamole. They even looked after our service dog with a dog patty and rice!

Everything was delicious. I also really enjoyed trying a local IPA, the Burgeon Treevana, which was excellent. We were incredibly impressed with the quality of the food and the top-notch service.

While we came for the dinner menu, the Happy Hour completely won us over. We will definitely be back next time we’re in Carlsbad to try that dinner menu, we have no doubt it’ll be just as satisfying!“

“Their specialty burritos are phenomenal. The meat is tender and very well seasoned. Portions are pretty generous. Everything is fresh and cooked perfectly. I love how they grill the tortilla slightly as well. Definitely check this place out; there's few places like it in the area.“

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

“It was amazing we are going to come back“

“Trendy but relaxed and really good margarita!“

“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.“