(updated July 2024)
Tacos, burritos, fajitas . . . oh my! Are you looking for the best Mexican food in Carlsbad? You have come to the right place. Honestly, San Diegans are a bit pretentious about our Mexican food. With Mexico just across the border, we are spoiled with some of the best Mexican food in the world. If you love Mexican cuisine, visit Carlsbad to try the best Mexican restaurants around.
As a Carlsbad local for over 20 years and a Mexican food LOVER, I know the best places to get Mexican food in Carlsbad. This blog post shares our favorite local Mexican restaurants. Keep reading for the best Mexican restaurants in Carlsbad, California.
DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.
Best Mexican Food Carlsbad Village
(Note: All of the restaurants are listed by location, not in order of popularity.)
1. Norte Mexican Restaurant
In the heart of Carlsbad Village, Norte Restaurant, is a Carlsbad institution. Formerly called “Fidel’s Norte”, this family owned and operated restaurant opened in 1976. There’s a good reason, this is one of the most beloved Mexican restaurants in downtown Carlsbad. Our family has been customers of Norte for over 18 years because their food and service hit the mark every time. Norte has some of the best Mexican food in Carlsbad!
From massive margaritas, homemade salsas, and traditional favorites Norte offers everything Mexican food lovers crave. My personal favorite is the good old taco and enchilada combination or one of their giant burritos. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food in Carlsbad, visit Norte!
Choose Norte if you are looking for a family-friendly Mexican restaurant in Carlsbad. In addition, its spacious indoor and patio seating is perfect for large groups. Conveniently, Norte offers curbside pick-up or delivery through mobile apps.
Address For Norte Mexican Restaurant in Carlsbad Village:
- 3003 Carlsbad Boulevard Carlsbad, CA 92008
Norte Restaurant Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Thursday 11:30-9:00 pm
- Friday 11:30-9:30 pm
- Saturday 11:00-10:00 pm
- Sunday 11:00-9:00 pm
Seeking Stamps Tip: Make sure to grab a pint of red or tomatillo salsa to take home with you!
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2. Tortilla Mia
Tio Ernie’s Tortilla Mia Mexican Restaurant opened its doors in 2022. It’s another delicious place to get Mexican food in Carlsbad Village. Close to the beach and shopping, Tortilla Mia has a prime location.
If you crave made-from-scratch Mexican food, you will enjoy Tortilla Mia. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Tortilla Mia menu has favorites such as carne asada, soups, tacos and burritos. Yet, the homemade tortillas are the crowd pleaser.
Tortilla Mia is the place to go for a lively atmosphere. This casual restaurant is a great spot to meet for margaritas or beers with a crowd. It offers both indoor and patio seating.
Tortilla Mia has a convenient parking lot behind the restaurant. Reservations and online orders are accepted.
Address For Tortilla Mia Mexican Restaurant:
- 2939 Carlsbad Boulevard Carlsbad, CA 92008
Tortilla Mia Hours of Operation:
- Sunday-Thursday 10:00-9:00 pm
- Friday & Saturday 10:00-10:00 pm
- Brunch 10:00-2:00 pm
- Happy Hour is offered weekdays 3-6:00 pm with discounted apps and drinks
Seeking Stamps Tip: Tortilla Mia took over where Las Olas used to be. Although Las Olas in Carlsbad is permanently closed, you can still visit Las Olas in Cardiff.
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3. Fresco Cocina
For a refreshing twist on traditional Mexican flavors, try Fresco Cocina. This Latin fusion restaurant offers casual dining with modern decor. Their cuisine is a bold punch that pushes the gastronomic experience of Mexican cuisine. Some of our favorites dishes are the lobster tacos, empanadas, and the mole spiced salmon.
Choose from the streetside open air patio or indoor seating in the cozy 4,000 square foot space. Fresco Cocina is close to the beach and shops in the heart of downtown Carlsbad. Choose this delicious Carlsbad restaurant if you crave unique Mexican flavors.
Address of Fresco Cocina in Carlsbad Village:
- 2858 Carlsbad Blvd , Carlsbad, CA 92008
Fresco Cocina Hours of Operation:
- Monday- Thursday 11:30-9:00
- Friday-Saturday 11:30-9:30
- Brunch Saturday & Sunday 10:30-3:00
- Daily happy hour
4. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
As you continue to eat your way around Carlsbad Village, stop by Garcia’s Mexican. You can’t miss the colorful patio at Garcia’s Mexican restaurant. This family-owned Mexican restaurant opened in 1960 and has survived over four generations.
Garcia’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Choose from a wide variety of 1 or 2 item combinations, enchiladas, burritos, and tasty house specialties. In addition to their Carlsbad Village location, Garcia’s Carlsbad offers Mexican catering for your private event or party.
Address For Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant:
- 2968 State Street Carlsbad, CA 92008
Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Friday 11:00-9:00 pm
- Saturday & Sunday 10:00-9:00 pm
5. Señor Grubby’s
Señor Grubby’s is a no-frills location to grab local Mexican food. They have locations in either Carlsbad or Oceanside. What it lacks in size, Señor Grubby’s makes up with flavor. Some of my favorites are their street tacos, tortas, or cheesy gringo dip. Wash those down with craft beer, wine, and cocktails. They also offer vegan items and kids’ menus.
Come to Señor Grubby’s to watch Padres games. During the game you can nosh on “Pawd’s Dogs” and sip Silver Slugger cocktails. Or visit on Margarita Mondays or Taco Tuesdays.
Grubby’s has online ordering and catering too!
Seeking Stamps Tip: Make sure to check out the murals on either side of the Señor Grubby building for Instagram-worthy photos.
Address For Señor Grubby’s Mexican Restaurant:
- 377 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008
Señor Grubby’s Mexican Restaurant Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Thursday & Sunday 8:00 am-11:00 pm
- Friday & Saturday 8:00 am-12:00 am
- Daily happy hour 3:00-6:00 PM
- Sunday-Thursdays Social Hour 8:00-10:00 PM
6. Barrio Eat Mexican
Next, try the Mexican food at Barrio Eat Mexican. Sample one of their spicy salsa flights or fresh ceviche. Their menu has several taco choices, “Big, Bad Burritos”, tamales and more. In addition, they have a bar with over 100 tequilas!
Barrio Eat Mexican is a dog-friendly location. Dogs are welcome on their sidewalk and outdoor patio. Barrio even has a dog menu for your pup.
Carlsbad’s Barrio Eat Mexican serves brunch, lunch and dinner. They offer takeout and delivery, including margaritas. For large groups and events, check out their party menu.
Address For Barrio Eat Mexican Restaurant:
- 530 Grand Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008
Barrio Eat Mexican Restaurant Hours of Operation:
- Daily 11:30-9:00 pm
7. Pure Taco
Pure Taco is a recent addition to the food scene in Carlsbad Village. Order at the counter, or grab a seat at the bar for this casual dining experience. Vegetarian options and kids menus are available. Pure Taco also has a dog-friendly patio.
This Instagram-worthy restaurant offers $1.99 Baja fish tacos all day, every day. You can’t beat that price, right?! They also have a selection of fresh salads, bowls, taco flights, and burritos. This is one of my favorite new restaurants with Carlsbad’s best Mexican food.
Address For Pure Taco Carlsbad:
- 2742 State Street Carlsbad Suite #102, CA 92008
Pure Taco Hours of Operation:
- Sunday-Thursday 11:00-9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday 11:00-10:00 PM
Seeking Stamps Tip: For a healthier meal, order your tacos lettuce wrapped!
8. El Puerto Mexican & Seafood
El Puerto in Carlsbad Village is a local “hole in the wall” restaurant. Don’t let its humble aesthetics deter you from trying their delicious Mexican food. Their menu has burritos, tacos, tortas, seafood plates, and vegan options. One of the best parts of El Puerto are their affordable prices. They have kids menus and breakfast too.
Make sure to check our their newer Windmill Food Hall location located across from the Flower Fields and near the Carlsbad Strawberry Company.
Address For El Puerto Mexican & Seafood Restaurant:
- Carlsbad Village Location: 1065 Carlsbad Village Drive Suite D Carlsbad ,CA 92010
- Windmill Food Hall location: 890 Palomar Airport Road Carlsbad, CA 92011
El Puerto Mexican & Seafood Hours of Operation:
- Daily 9:00-8:00 PM (in Carlsbad Village)
- Monday-Wednesday & Sunday 11:00-8:00 PM (Windmill Food Hall)
- Thursday-Saturday 11:00-9:00 PM (Windmill Food Hall)
9. El Tejate Restaurant
On the eastern side of Carlsbad, check out El Tejate Mexican Restaurant. This humble restaurant specializes in Oaxacan-style cuisine. Sample rich moles to tlayudas (similar to tostadas). If you are daring, try a delicacy from southern Mexico, chapulines (grasshoppers)!
Address For El Tajate Mexican Restaurant Carlsbad:
- 3050 Pio Pico Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours of Operation for El Tejate:
- Daily 9:00-9:00 PM
10. Pollos Maria- (Update Carlsbad Location Closing)
Visit Pollos Maria Mexican restaurant for the ultimate Mexican comfort food! It was founded by Carlsbad locals in 1985. Pollos Maria’s claim to fame is their fire-roasted, Mexican broiled chicken.
Food at Pollos Maria is fresh and locally sourced. It’s handcrafted from family recipes passed down through the generations. You must try their citrus based chicken that is both crispy and juicy. It tastes like something your abuela made!. In addition to roasted chicken, Pollos Maria serves tacos, burritos, tostadas and more.
After 35 years, the Carlsbad location has shut its doors. However, you can still visit this family run establishment in Oceanside.
Address For Pollos Maria Mexican Restaurant Carlsbad: CLOSED 9/5/23
- 3055 Harding Street Carlsbad, CA 92008
Pollos Maria Oceanside:
125 Old Grove Road Oceanside, CA 92057
Hours of Operation for Pollos Maria:
- Monday-Friday 9:00-9:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday 8:00-9:00 PM
Seeking Stamps Tip: In November and December, buy tamales by the dozen to take home with you. Yum!
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Best Mexican Food Carlsbad: La Costa & Bressi Ranch Restaurants
11. Miguel’s Cocina
Miguel’s Cocina is another large, family-friendly Mexican restaurant in Carlsbad. It features “Cali-inspired Mexican food”. Miguel’s’ Mexican restaurant is conveniently located close to the freeway and minutes from Legoland.
One of our favorite parts of eating at Miguel’s is the complimentary queso dip! Some favorite Mexican dishes are their sizzling fajitas, grilled fish tacos, and pollo asado burrito. Miguel’s has some of the best Mexican food in Carlsbad!
Address For Miguel’s Cocina Mexican Restaurant:
- 5980 Avenida Encinas Carlsbad, CA 92008
Miguel’s Restaurant Hours of Operation:
- Sunday-Thursday 11:00-9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday 11:00-9:30 PM
Are You Craving Something Sweet? Check Out the Best Places to Get Dessert in Carlsbad!
12. Casero Taqueria
If you are looking fo the best Mexican restaurant in Bressi Ranch, try Casero Taqueria. There’s no need to dash south of the border when Casero serves all your favorites. They recently added exciting new items to their delicious “Baja inspired” menu. Casero is has the best Mexican food in Carlsbad’s Bressi Ranch.
We visit Casero Taqueria often. Some of our favorite dishes are the Mexican cobb salad, chicken tacos and al pastor tacos. Wash those down with a Solento paloma or spicy margarita! Their bar is a great place to meet for drinks with friends.
Casero has indoor and patio seating. If you are lucky, you can catch a view of the sunset. Reservations are accepted online. Reservations are accepted online.
Address For Casero Taqueria Mexican Restaurant:
- 2654 Gateway Road #195 Carlsbad, CA 92009
Casero Taqueria Hours of Operation:
- Sunday & Monday 11:00-8:00 PM
- Tuesday-Thursday 11:00-9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday 11:00-10:00 PM
Seeking Stamps Tip: Parking can get crowded. There is a valet near Giaola’s or additional parking near Sprouts.
13. Alejandra’s Fine Mexican Food and Cantina
Alejandra’s is one of the newest Carlsbad Mexican restaurants. This spacious restaurant has a large interior, lively bar scene, and open air patio. I have only visited for happy hour, but I loved the decor and craft cocktails.
Unlike other Mexican restaurants in Carlsbad, Alejandra’s serves upscale entrees with both traditional and unique dishes. Try seafood options such as mussels with chorizo, oysters, or ceviche. For heartier dishes order mole, carnitas, al pastor pork chops. Importantly, Alejandra’s is only open for dinner.
For Mexican catering and large events, check Alejandra’s website. Skip the line by making a reservation for Alejandra’s.
Address For Alejandra’s Mexican Restaurant:
- 6996 El Camino Real Carlsbad, CA 92009
Alejandra’s Hours of Operation:
- Sunday-Thursday 4:00-9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday 4:00-10:00 PM
- Happy Hour Daily 4:00-6:00
- Live Music Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Seeking Stamps Tip: Kids eat free on Monday nights!
Find The Best Places In Carlsbad For Live Music Here!
14. Casa de Bandini
Casa de Bandini is the best Mexican restaurant in the Carlsbad Forum shopping center. Owner Diana Powers, presides over four Mexican restaurants and Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town, San Diego. So, she clearly knows Mexican food and culture! It’s no wonder Casa de Bandini has won numerous awards and named the “Best Mexican Restaurant in San Diego“.
With over 80 entrees, everyone will enjoy the Casa de Bandini menu.Chef Ignacios keeps the menu fresh with seasonal items too. Some of our favorites are the oozy queso fundido dip and chicken with avocado tacos.
If you are looking for a fiesta-like environment, Casa de Bandini is the place to go. With music, a lively bar scene, and giant margaritas, this is a great happy hour location. It has the best patio of all the Carlsbad Mexican restaurants. Casa de Bandini is one of my top picks for the best Mexican food in Carlsbad!
Casa de Bandini offers take out, curbside pick up, group “Express Meals” and catering.
Address for Casa de Bandini:
- 1901 Calle Barcelona Carlsbad, CA 92009 (in the Carlsbad Forum Shopping Center)
Restaurant Hours of Operation:
- Daily 11:00-9:00 PM
Read These Blog Posts for the best Carlsbad coffee and places for ice cream in Carlsbad after dinner!
Best Mexican Food Carlsbad: Small Taco Shops
Last but not least, I can’t leave out Carlsbad’s tasty taco shops. Even the smallest taco shops have some of the best Mexican food in San Diego. Here are some favorite “no frills” taco shops in Carlsbad.
- Lola’s 7 Up Market & Deli Carlsbad Village
- Jose’s Taco Shop (East Carlsbad in the Island at Carlsbad Center)
- Primos Taco Shop (Bressi Ranch area)
- Rudy’s Taco Shop (La Costa)
- El Pueblo Carlsbad (La Costa)
- Roberto’s Taco Shop (on the border of Carlsbad and Leucadia)
Seeking Stamps Tip: Cessy’s and Cotijas taco shops are permanently closed.
Best Mexican Food Carlsbad: Final Thoughts
As you can see, the contenders for best Mexican food in Carlsbad are endless. From tiny taquerias to large Mexican restaurants, Carlsbad has everything you crave. The next time you want authentic Mexican cuisine, you don’t have to go all the way to Mexico– just visit Carlsbad, California for fabulous Mexican food.
