32 Best Mexican Restaurants in Carlsbad

We've rounded up Carlsbad's top Mexican spots for you to try.

Lola 55 Mexican • $$
7720 El Camino Real suite N, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Mesquite Chicken Taco
Baja Style Fish Taco
Steak Caesar Salad
Pork Belly Adobada
Smoked Fish Tacos
Carnitas Taco
Al Pastor Taco
Steak Taco
Quesadilla
Pozole

“Amazing food. Delicious & unique drinks. All very reasonable. Will definitely return & highly recommended!!“

4 Good158 Reviews
Le Papagayo Carlsbad Bar • $$
660 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Spicy Macadamia Calamari Strips
Arugula Prosciutto Flatbread
Roasted Hawaiian Kalua Pork
Barcelona Traditional Paella
Lobster Bisque with Sherry
Luxury California Burrito
Skillet Filet Stroganoff
Miso Chilean Seabass
Crispy Chicken Wings
Chopped Wedge Salad

“We shared the papagayo salad, coconut prawns and house made butternut squash ravioli and everything was flavorful and delicious! Service was attentive and atmosphere was great. We sat on outside patio. After a long drive from San Francisco it was a great stop. First time here and I would definitely recommend!“

4.1 Good325 Reviews
PureTaco Tacos • $
2742 State St suite 102, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Citrus Braised Pork Taco Pastor Taco Korean Pork Bo Ssam Taco
California Burrito and Baja Fish Tacos
Braised Pulled Pork Burrito
Grilled Fish Taco
Salsa and Chips
Ahi Poke Nachos
Pho Beef Taco
Chips & Salsa
Chips & Queso
Shrimp Tacos

“Trendy but relaxed and really good margarita!“

4.3 Superb118 Reviews
Fresco Cocina Mexican • $$
2858 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Whole Roasted Red Snapper Veracruz
Brazilian Prime Skirt Steak
Beer Battered Fish Tacos
Braised Short Rib Tacos
Charred Spanish Octopus
Chipotle Avocado Salad
Brazilian Skirt Steak
Brazilian Coconut Soup
Course 4 Creme Brule
Short Rib Enchiladas

“Fresco Cocina is delicious and fun! We hosted a farewell brunch for a wedding weekend there...the buffet was fresh and beautifully displayed --chorizo, eggs, a variety of salsa and toppings, homemade tortillas, fresh fruit and mimosas. The ambiance was sunny, open and chic. Nadia, their event coordinator, pulled this together for us on just a few week's notice. She is very professional, accommodating and creative. Michael and his wait staff made sure our guests had a plenty of food and drinks no matter what time they arrived. The event exceeded our expectations. And we can't wait to go back for dinner the next time we're in town. Thank you Fresco Cociina for the perfect ending to a great wedding weekend!“

4.4 Superb414 Reviews
Casa De Bandini at The Forum Mexican • $$
1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Taco Sampler Platter w 2 Carne Asada & 2 Carnitas Tacos
Carne Asada and Shrimp Combination
Carne Asada & Shrimp Combination
Traditional Margaritas 27oz
Carnitas a La Michoacán
Tostada De Bandini Salad
Side Order of Guacamole
Carne Asada Tampiquena
Fish Tacos De Bandini
Concha De Guacamole

“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!“

4.5 Superb223 Reviews
Sam's Kitchen Mexican • $
5670 El Camino Real H, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Carls-Good Burrito
Birria Ramen

“Consistently delicious and friendly service.“

4.8 Superb87 Reviews
Miguel's Cocina Mexican • $$
5980 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Ensenada-Style Shrimp Tacos
Chicken Taquitos Appetizer
Poblano Chile Relleno
Enchiladas Rancheras
Skirt Steak Fajitas
Combination Fajitas
Carne Asada Plate
Shrimp Quesadilla
Pork Belly Tacos
Miguel's Sampler

“Highly Recommended Miguel's Cocina Mexican Restaurants🥰“

4.3 Superb196 Reviews
Tacos Oasis Mexican • $
5600 Paseo Del Norte A130, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Al Pastor Burrito
Chicken Tacos
Street Tacos
Quesadilla
Tamale

“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!“

4.5 Superb92 Reviews
Tortilla Mia Mexican Restaurant Mexican • $
2939 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Shrimp Taco Soft Chicken Quesadilla
Olas Margarita House Special
Chile Relleno Burrito
Carnitas Quezadilla
Chips & Salsa to Go
Refried Beans & Rice
Chicken Enchiladas
Carnitas Burrito
Margarita Flight
Chips and Salsa

“Wonderful atmosphere, the food was excellent ?. The service however, was outstanding. We were all laughing and enjoying the wonderful staff. They really made us feel like family. It was my first enjoyable moment of my trip. Just a little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant,but it's an overall great experience. I would come back to California just to go there.“

4.3 Superb117 Reviews
El Pueblo Mexican Food - Carlsbad Mexican • $
7720 Rancho Santa Fe Rd, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Fish Tacos Combo Plate
Carne Asada Burrito
California Burrito
Breakfast Burrito
Cheese Quesadilla
Shredded Chicken
Chicken Flautas
99¢ Fish Tacos
Bean and Cheese
Chips and Salsa

“In town Camping at South Carlsbad State Beach and drove to check this place out. I had read they have really good fi as h tacos at s great price ( 11/7/24 $1.30). They definitely are good & filling ! I left happy & full. My wife got a Carne Asada Burrito that she really liked. Nice friendly prompt service and a Salsa Bar too ! 👍 it’s a smallish walk up and order type restaurant in a strip mall but that doesn’t distract from the good food at all with indoor & outdoor seating. We were there on a Thursday evening and the place was busy with lots of take out orders from the locals. We’ll definitely be back when in town“

4.3 Superb105 Reviews
Casero Taquería Mexican • $$
2674 Gateway Rd #195, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Cobb Salad
Carne Asada Taco
Chips and Salsa
Al Pastor Taco
Rice and Beans
Shrimp Tacos
Street Tacos
Birria Taco
Empanadas

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

4.2 Good164 Reviews
Señor Grubby's Mexican • $
377 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Grubby's Famous Street Tacos
Chicharrones & Fish Tacos
Shrimp Diablo Burrito
Cheese Steak Burrito
California Burrito
Breakfast Burritos
Draft & T Wo Tacos
Al Pastor Burrito
Carlsbad Burrito
Grubby's Nachos

“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.“

4.1 Good243 Reviews
Barrio Eat Mexican Mexican • $
530 Grand Ave, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

1 Carnitas & 2 Carne Asada Street Tacos
Baja Fish Tacos
Homemade Chips
Chile Relleno
Chips & Salsa
Enchiladas
Guacamole
Al Pastor
Fajitas
Nachos

“Amazing veggie fajitas and mango margaritas 😋“

4.2 Good75 Reviews
Lourdes Mexican Food Carlsbad Mexican • $
1040 Carlsbad Village Dr ste 105, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Chilaquiles Con Pollo
Grilled Chicken Taco
Quesadilla de Pollo
California Burrito
Carne Asada Tostada
Carne Asada Plate
Chicken Soup
1 Taco
Salsa
No

“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.“

4 Good83 Reviews
Garcia's Mexican Restaurant & Creative Catering Mexican • $$
2968 State St, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Guacamole Dine in: Yes Outdoor seating: Yes Takeout: Yes
Luis Combination Dinner
Deep Fried Ice Cream
Enchiladas Rancheras
California Burrito
Carne Asada Taco
Chips and Salsa
Chicken Fajitas
Steak Fajitas
Quesadillas

“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.“

4 Good75 Reviews
Valerie’s Taco Shop Mexican • $
6986 El Camino Real suite b, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Carne Asada Fries
Breakfast Burrito
Bean Burrito
Rolled Tacos
Chips Salsa
California
Mini Tacos
Guacamole
Cabeza
Surf

“The tacos are really good. Meat it seasoned great, and the homemade tortillas are insane. This place used to be a dry cleaners which is probably why people don’t like the atmosphere, but I personally don’t care about atmosphere when I’m trying to just get a good taco.“

3.9 Good58 Reviews
El Pollo Loco Mexican • $
7120 Avenida Encinas Unit 104, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

2 Piece Meal with Rice and Beans as the Sides
3pc Combo with Rice or Black Beans
Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito
Double Chicken Avocado Salad
Taco Complete Family Combo
Chicken Avocado Bowl
Chips and Guacamole
Chicken Nachos Combo
Original Pollo Bowl
Rotisserie Chicken

“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!“

3.9 Good52 Reviews
Tortilla Beach Carlsbad Mexican •
889 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad

“Great food and server she was on top of it“

5 Superb1 Reviews
Vallarta Express Mexican Eatery Mexican • $
2952 Harding St, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Carne Asada Quesadilla
Sour Cream and Cheese
Chicken Rolled Tacos
Carne Asada Burrito
California Burrito
Christian Burrito
Breakfast Burrito
Surf &Turf Burrito
Carnitas Burrito
Christian Fries

“From Missouri where there is a big presence of Mexican eateries that are authentic. I had the adobada burrito and it was outstanding. From the flour tortillia to the exquisite pork adobo inside. Flaawless. Sauces were absolutely perfect!! Gonna miss this place.“

3.8 Good217 Reviews
El Tejate Restaurant Mexican • $$
3050 Pio Pico Dr, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Black Beans and Cheese
Chile Relleno Plate
Quesadilla Rellena
Chilaquiles Rojos
Seafood Cocktail
Burrito Mixteco
Mojarra Frita
Chips Salsa
Enchiladas
Memelitas

“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 🙏“

3.8 Good76 Reviews
Más Veggies Vegan Taqueria Mexican • $
965 Palomar Airport Rd #100, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Smokey Mushroom Burrito
Crispy Baja Fish Taco
Smokey Mushroom Bowl
Carne Asada Bowl
Mas Nachos

“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“

3.4 Good8 Reviews
Rubio's Coastal Grill Mexican • $
2604-A El Camino Real, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Baja Beer-Battered Shrimp Two Taco Plate
Seasonal Chicken Tortilla Soup and Salad
Fish Taco Especial Two Taco Plate
Original Fish Taco Two Taco Plate
Langostino Lobster Two Taco Plate
Grilled Shrimp Tacos Platter
Fresh Guacamole & Chips
Two Original Fish Tacos
Roasted Chipotle Salsa
Bean & Cheese Burrito

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

3.7 Good64 Reviews
Kotija Jr Taco Shop Carlsbad Mexican • $
961 Palomar Airport Rd Suite 112, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Carne Asada Burrito
California Burrito
Chile Verde Plate
5 Rolled Tacos
Mini Tacos
Fish Tacos
Carnitas
Pastor
Cabeza
Salsa

“𝙸 𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚛𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚕𝚘𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚢.

(𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮)

☞ 𝒜𝓁𝒶𝓃 𝒱𝑜𝓃 𝒮𝓃𝒶𝑔𝑔𝓎 𝙸𝙸𝙸 ☜

(𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦)

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙺𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚓𝚊 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚎…

…ƑΘⱤ 𐤠 ⱤƸ𐤠ⳜΘƝ“

3.7 Good73 Reviews
Mexico Viejo Mexican • $
2508 El Camino Real D, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

From Shrimp Plate in a Corn Tortilla
Carne Asada Tacos Hard Shell
Carne Asada Quesadilla
Carne Asada Burrito
Breakfast Burrito
Machaca Burrito
Mexican Salsas
Cali Burrito
Enchilada

“Quick take out service (5 minutes) on a Tues at 7:30pm. Excellent crispy beef tacos, really good. Crunchy, rich, and savory. Spicy salsas from the self-serve bar are tasty with a lot of zing. Carne asada burrito weighed in at 22oz! Nice. Enchiladas are just fantastic - very large and stuffed with shredded beef, green bell pepper, tomato, onion, and jalapeno. Wow.“

3.7 Good75 Reviews
Alejandra's Fine Mexican Food And Cantina - Carlsbad, CA Mexican • $$
6996 El Camino Real, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Chips and Guac with Salsa
Steak Fajitas Con Huevos
Alejandra's Chilaquiles
Camarones a La Diabla
Horchata Cheesecake
Chicken Enchiladas
Enchiladas Rojas
Enchiladas Verdes
Chips and Salsa
Tangerine Flan

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

3.7 Good239 Reviews
Rubio's Coastal Grill Mexican • $
5620 Paseo Del Norte #128, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Fish Taco Especial - Two Taco Plate
Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl
Chopped Salad
Salsa Bar

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

3.6 Good53 Reviews
El Puerto Street Tacos Mexican • $
890 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Al Pastor and Birria Tacos
Al Pastor Carne and Asada
Carne Asada Fries
Veggie Burrito

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

3.6 Good63 Reviews
El Puerto Mexican & Seafood Mexican • $
1065 Carlsbad Village Dr D, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Asada Fries with Cheese Nachos
Mixed Seafood Tostada
Carne Asada Taco
Carne Asada
Quesadilla

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

3.2 Average32 Reviews
Rudy's Taco Shop Mexican • $
7662 El Camino Real #102, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

2 Street Tacos Al Pastor
Carne Asada Burrito
Mexican Street Tacos
California Burrito
Super Quesadilla
Carnitas
Rolled
Fish

“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 ❤️“

3.4 Good61 Reviews
Rubio's Coastal Grill Mexican • $
2675 Gateway Rd #104, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Ancho Citrus Grilled Shrimp Burrito
Beer-Battered Wild Alaska Pollock
California Bowl with Shrimp
Carne Asada Taco Plate
Classic Fish Burrito
Smokey Shrimp Bowl
Family Taco Kit
Shrimp Tacos

“This place is always epic from service to food. It's the great equalizer when my family gets into the whole "what do you want for dinner" game and has 6 different answers. I can say Rubios? And get a unanimous YES!! And that reason alone folks is why you should eat here.“

3.2 Average38 Reviews
Los Primos Mexican Food Mexican • $
2708 Loker Ave W, Carlsbad

Customers` Favorites

Carne Asada Burrito
Breakfast Burrito
Monster Burrito
Street Taco
Fish Taco
Carnitas
Nachos
Salsa
Fries
Torta

“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.“

3.3 Good63 Reviews
Lola's 7 Up Market & Deli Mexican • $
3292 Roosevelt St, Carlsbad

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

4.3 Superb56 Reviews

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