Carlsbad is a sunny, coastal city near San Diego and 51 mi (82 km) away from Tijuana, Mexico. It is home to major attractions such as LEGOLAND California, The Flower Fields, and Oceanside Fishing Pier. Apart from tourist spots, what makes this city a must-visit destination is its vibrant culinary scene. Since it’s adjacent to the Mexican border, one can expect a multitude of Mexican restaurants serving authentic recipes with a twist. So if you happen to be in California and looking for ways to level up your gastronomic adventure, you should check out the offerings of Carlsbad. Keep reading to see our list of the best Mexican restaurants in Carlsbad, California. To complement your enjoyment, Carlsbad offers a variety of Airbnb and beachfront rentals you can rent.
1. Las Olas Mexican Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
With its iconic sign and facade, Las Olas Mexican Restaurant has been a staple in the community for over 30 years. Opening in 1981, the restaurant has been serving delicious Mexican food by the beach that is not too expensive or unhealthy. They have a long list of food options, including freshly caught fish tacos and healthy taco bowls. If you’re looking to indulge a little, wet your whistle with their long list of margarita specials.
Las Olas Mexican Restaurant
Address: 2939 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
Website: Las Olas Mexican Restaurant
Opening hours: 11:30am - 8pm (daily)
2. Pollos Maria
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Pollos Maria is another Carlsbad restaurant that has been around forever. The story of Pollos Maria started in Carmen Gastelum’s living room, where she began cooking and selling her Mexican-style grilled chicken to customers. She decided to transform her simple living area into an indoor dining area. Eventually, her entire home became a place dedicated to selling amazing grilled chicken. Although Pollos Maria has changed a bit, customers can still expect the same, old recipe for this grilled chicken. It is still as juicy and flavorful as they were in the 80s. Also, their menu has expanded to include other delicious Mexican favorites.
Pollos Maria
Address: 3055 Harding St, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
Website: Pollos Maria
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 9pm
3. Norte Mexican Food
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Which one is your Favorite? Get out of the Santa Ana winds & come grab a beer with us at Happy Hour!
Posted by Norte Mexican Food & Cocktail on Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Located just a block away from the beach, Norte Mexican Food is not only a perfect place to get some amazing Mexican food, but their long list of central and South American dishes is unmatched as well. Norte Mexican Food also offers customers a great selection of cocktails to choose from. They have daily specials, so there’s always a good deal to check out. Their restaurant dining space oozes a cozy and warm feel with rich, dark woods and Mexican-inspired decor.
Norte Mexican Food
Address: 3003 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92107, United States
Website: Norte Mexican Food
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 11:30am - 9pm; Wed: 1am - 9pm; Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm
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4. Casa De Bandini
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Macho Grande combines a variety of delicious dishes to create the ultimate entrée. Grilled carne asada, a chicken...
Posted by Casa de Bandini on Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Casa De Bandini offers a little taste of Mexico in the heart of Carlsbad. Although the restaurant’s exterior is reminiscent of Mexican architecture, the real reason why people frequent this place is its food. Enjoy the fun night and cozy atmosphere that Casa De Bandini offers coupled with great dishes and live music. Enjoy freshly prepared handmade tortillas, margaritas, and live mariachi music. The cherry on top is that this restaurant is kid-friendly, so bring your little tykes along.
Casa De Bandini
Address: 1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009, United States
Website: Casa De Bandini
Opening hours: 11:30am - 7:30pm (daily)
5. Cessy Taco Shop
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Cessy's Taco Shop on Monday, April 8, 2013
Cessy Taco Shop has been around for years, and they operate on the notion that simplicity is what’s important. The veteran taqueria is a casual dining place where you can get a taco before hitting the beach or a combo meal to gorge on while people-watching. Everything on their menu is under 10 USD, so you’re not breaking the bank here. The food is undeniably amazing - little wonder why locals keep raving about this little taco place on the beach.
Cessy Taco Shop
Address: 3016 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
Website: Cessy Taco Shop
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
6. Los Primos Mexican Food
Sometimes all you need is a simple, over-the-counter restaurant that serves burritos to satisfy your Mexican food cravings. Luckily, there’s Los Primos Mexican Food where you can order not just burritos but also other Mexican meals such as adovada and chipotle. Another thing that you will love about this restaurant is that it provides a cozy place for when you want to bond with your family over platters that you can assemble yourself.
Los Primos Mexican Food
Address: 2708 Loker Ave W, Carlsbad, CA 92010, United States
Website: Los Primos Mexican Food
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 8am - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 8am - 10pm
7. Miguel's Cocina
Bringing tons of authenticity and flavor to their dishes, Miguel’s Cocina is a casual eatery perfect for gatherings with friends or family. Here, you can enjoy sharing a plate of nachos with your companions. Miguel’s Cocina is a cantina-style restaurant so there’s no need to worry about dress codes and the price of each meal.
Miguel's Cocina
Address: 5980 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
Website: Miguel’s Cocina
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
8. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant & Creative Catering
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
It's Lunchtime folks!
Posted by Garcia's Mexican Restaurant & Creative Catering on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant & Creative Catering is owned by Ophelia and Abel Garcia. Two immigrants from Mexico who came to the United States in the 1930s and opened their restaurant in the late 1950s. For over four generations, the Garcias have been managing their restaurants the same way they did since their first opening 50 years ago. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant & Creative Catering serves simple and delicious Mexican plates as well as breakfast. There’s a reason why they’ve been open for so long, and it’s because they’re one of the best.
Garcia's Mexican Restaurant & Creative Catering
Address: 2968 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
Website: Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant & Creative Catering
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 9:30pm
9. Barrio Eat Mexican
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The sun is shining. Indoor dining is back, & brunch is ready for you at the Barrio. Join us today. #huevosrancheros #brunch #carlsbadvillage
Posted by Barrio - Eat Mexican on Sunday, March 21, 2021
Barrio Eat Mexican oozes casual vibes and aims to set itself apart from other Mexican restaurants in Carlsbad. How do they do that? Well, Barrio Eat Mexican is going to be a tequila lover’s favorite. With over 100 different brands of tequila here, the options are almost limitless. Moreover, they also are a dog-friendly restaurant with even a menu for dogs. So don’t hesitate to bring your furry companion along for your evening out here. If you love tortilla chips, theirs are homemade. They even have a salsa flight so you can sample a selection of dips.
Barrio Eat Mexican
Address: 530 Grand Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
Website: Barrio Eat Mexican
10. Señor Grubby's
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located just a short distance from the beach, Señor Grubby’s is a simple and casual eatery that serves tasty Mexican dishes as well as some American favorites. Enjoy everything like fresh breakfast burritos in the morning or stop by for an afternoon fajita. Everything here is made fresh and they also offer take-out.
Señor Grubby's
Address: 377 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
Website: Señor Grubby’s
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
Carlsbad's best Mexican restaurants
Carlsbad has the benefit of being close to the Mexican border and offers a ton of amazing places to get delicious and authentic Mexican food as well as a ton of fun things to do. While here, you can either hit the sun-kissed beach nearby, try some sushi nearby, or chill out on the patio with some tequila and a plate of nachos. Your food tour around Carlsbad will surely be exciting with all the Mexican restaurants here.
If you got the time, there are also more things to do in nearby San Diego. For a place to stay, there are Vrbo vacation rentals you can rent in Carlsbad.
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