Mexican

---

Escondido   |   Website

Food Rating: 10/10

TJ Tacos is the best taqueria in North County and one of my all-time favorite taquerias. Their adobada tacos are immaculate; each bite is an explosion of flavor. Top it off with their avocado salsa… chef’s kiss! This has been one of my favorite meals of 2022.

Encinitas   |   Website

Food Rating: 10/10

This was my favorite spot of the trip! And this is my new favorite California Burrito. Each component was excellent, but the chipotle salsa sealed the deal. I highly recommend the tacos as well.

Encinitas

Food Rating: 10/10

These tacos are AMAZING. It’s a close call between the Carne Asada and Al Pastor, but I had a slight preference for the Al Pastor because it was so flavorful. I still recommend trying both though.

Encinitas   |   Website

Food Rating: 10/10

I was so excited to try Agave Birrieria in Encinitas because I love birria. Their Quesabirria Tacos were a hit for me! The meat was so tender, flavorful, and juicy—the juices oozed out after each bite. And dunking the tacos into their consomé…chef’s kiss!

Oceanside

Food Rating: 10/10

I loved the Quesabirria Tacos at Birrias El Padrino in Oceanside! It’s one of my favorite foods because of the tenderness of the meat and all the flavor from the tacos and consomé. This one met my expectations! The only drawback of ordering them takeout is that the tortilla isn’t as crispy. 

Oceanside, San Marcos   |   Website

Food Rating: 10/10

I love Craft Coast Tacos & Beer in San Marcos—truly one of my favorite places in North County. Their Birria Tacos are heavenly. The beef is so tender, juicy, and flavorful and dipped into the consome is perfection. I also highly recommend their Carne Asada and Al Pastor Tacos. Their beer also pairs so well with the tacos. It’s one of the best brew pubs in the area!

Escondido

Food Rating: 10/10

The El Pescado taco blew me away! I’ve never had strawberries or raspberry salsa in a taco and it was surprised by how well it worked here. Each bite was like an explosion of flavors. The fish was also fried perfectly. The meat in the Rib-Taco was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. It went so well with their salsa roja, which had complex flavors and such a nice zing. Highly recommend!

Escondido   |   Website

Food Rating: 10/10

This is one of my new favorite carne asada fries. The thick, high-quality cuts of steak were grilled to perfection and had a nice marinade. The fries were a surprising highlight because of how well seasoned and crispy they were. All the toppings went so well together and yielded such a delicious meal. Highly recommend!

Oceanside   |   Website

Food Rating: 9/10

Taco Tuesday! I ordered their Fried Fish, Surf & Turf, and Beef Short Rib Tacos. My favorite was the Surf & Turf. They loaded it with delicious carne asada and shrimp… need I say more? Plus, they had great margaritas and complimentary chips and salsa!

Carlsbad   |   Website

Food Rating: 9/10

Fresco Cocina is a great spot in Carlsbad for Mexican food! I loved the Short Rib Tacos. The meat was so juicy and flavorful and the chipotle aioli was a nice touch. I just wish the tacos were a bit bigger because they were so good! 

Oceanside, Vista, Escondido

Food Rating: 9/10

On my first visit, I like to sample different tacos and went with the Adobada, Asada, and Quesabirria. My favorite by far was the Quesabirria because the meat was so tender and juicy. The Adobada and Asada were delicious, too. I slightly preferred the Adobada because it was more flavorful. Highly recommend!

Del Mar   |   Website

Food Rating: 9/10

Salt & Lime is an upscale Mexican restaurant in Del Mar. They had an interesting take on a Quesabirria Taco! While Birria is usually my favorite, I surprisingly preferred their Taco Mi-Rey, which came with grilled shrimp, melted cheese, and bacon.