I was riding my bike from SF back to LA taking the PCH. Coffee for breakfast, and a handful of almonds from the day before. I figured I ride as far as I could and eventually stop for lunch around noon. When my ass no longer wanted to take the abuse from the undersized Suzuki motorcycle, I found myself in Lompoc, near the Vandenberg AFB. Figured if they had SpaceX rockets, they'd probably have somewhat decent food. I was wrong. My only reasonable choice was Panda Express. And apparently entire town had same idea. The line was huge, so I said fuck it and kept on riding. Got back on 101, riding south. I was jittering from cold and starving, plus a 7+ hour ride, I was barely changing my gears in the right order. Then I saw a familiar exit where I spent the night coming back from a festival and decided to veer off to get a sweater and food. I went by a big plaza that had cvs and Albertsons, and lucky me there was a Goodwill. Got myself a thermal and was ready to keep on riding. Then saw a generic looking "Restaurant" sign, with a mention of tacos. It was this or another shitty permafrost meal from Starbucks. I went with the taco place, because I was craving salt and fat. The super friendly server greeted me and asked what I wanted. Me being on keto, again, I figured I'd just ask for a plate of meat and guac. While the food was being prepped, I went to the bathroom and put on my second hand thermal. Eventually food came and it was exactly that - meat and guac. Now normally I wouldn't write a review about a quick road meal, but after tasting these carnitas and guac, my energy levels shot up. Suddenly my sore muscles and eyes were a thing of the past. It was a huge plate too, for a reasonable $16. Perfectly crispy and slightly charred on edges, fat and salt. Perfect. A dash of hot sauce, and time froze still. I stuffed my mouth with as much carnitas and carne asada as I could, finished my water. Geared up and left. read more

El Taco Grande - Carnitas, Carne Asada, Guac - Mexican Near Me - Carpinteria, California

DO NOT COME HERE!!! I have been a life long customer and this place has gone down the drain! The cook undercooked my fish and refused to give me the side order of beans that is INCLUDED ON THE PRINTED menu. He actually refused to give me the beans I payed for after I just spent $20 on my order. One he is a jerk, and two he can't cook. Tons of other better places to go in carp. TACO GRANDE you're trash. read more

Burritos are crackin. That green sauce make you deaf. In a good way. Pastor and pollo asado for the win. read more

I came to this place at 9:10am, the door was still locked. I saw a worker inside and gave him a sign asking what time they open. He just shook his head as if he doesn't know what time, never gave me an explanation of any sort. Bad customer service! read more

El Taco Grande - Business hours - Mexican Near Me - Carpinteria, California

All the customers are Caucasian, I should have known better. Carnitas was very bland and horchata was watered down. Maybe I just don't know what to order. I probably won't come back and take a chance... Edit: service is good and staff is friendly. read more

The decor is kinda tacky, but I kinda like that. I need glasses to read the huge hanging menu. There are lots of choices. I like how you just walk in, stand in line and order rather than sit down and have a waitress. The service is fast and the food is really delicious. I especially love the chicken enchiladas. And the price is right. We fed a herd of teens recently and it was quite reasonable. Saved me doing dishes for an hour too! read more

We drove to a couple of food places only to find out they were closed before finally stopping here to eat. I ordered the #6 Carne Asada-Steak Dinner. I was not satisfied and wished I had order tacos instead. The meat was really hard, making it tough to chew. Rice and beans were okay. Ice machine was broken that day 1 Unisex bathroom Lots of parking read more

yes, grande, but overstuffed with rice and beans no matter what you order. They mixed up my order with a friends - so I ended up with a "Roberto's Especial" which was not so special - chicken, rice, beans, lettuce. No salsa inside, and I wasn't asked for a choice (no salsa bar), and given an amount that didn't cover my needs. (I also had to ASK for an actual to-go container with my foil wrapped burrito...) Did try the burrito I actually ordered because my friend was kind enough to save me half - it had the sour cream, guac, and cheese, which she thought made up for things, but I still thought it was a very average burrito. Even worse, my wife's vegetarian "garden veggie" burrito had a piece of chicken inside. Both my wife and I were disappointed, having had a BLAND experience. read more

This place is super legit. It's like a quality taco truck with a roof and an expanded menu. I ordered the "regular" burrito with lengua, which was everything I dreamed it would be and decently priced. My co-workers were all quite pleased with their meals as well. They also serve a pretty excellent horchata. Ladies, take note: horchata might be the key to my heart. read more

Let's just call it budget Mexican food made consistently and relatively quickly. I love their Taco Salad with Grilled Chicken. The refried beans are awesome! Service is good and on par with other Mexican restaurants in the area, not over the top, but they always seem to get my order right. I had their breakfast burrito on a previous visit and thought it was a bit of let down. Access is great being just off the 101 at Casitas Pass with plenty of parking. As a repeat customer, I really think El Taco Grande is successful just from the consistently good value they offer. Sure there are other chain restaurants that are cheaper, and other restaurants with better food, but more expensive. This place is the best compromise, period. read more

Small place but definitely hopping. We stopped by for lunch and they had a constant line of folks. Tables were cleared and made ready for the next group immediately. The food was awesome and the portions big. My boys shared a burrito and my daughter had a huge nacho plate which everyone mooched off. I had the carnitas taco plate and ended up digging around my plate to make sure I got every last piece of carnitas, it was that tasty. The salsa is amazing and has a kick but of course that didn't stop us. The folks working there were very friendly. We will definitely stop by again. read more

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I have been coming here for years; usually I take out. I disagree with the negative reviews. Authentic, and yummy! This is my "go to" for Mexican food! The restaurant is NOT fancy but clean. read more

MAGGOTS! MAGGOTS!! There was maggots in my food! I ordered the special which came with an enchilada and chicken taco I was about 80% done when I noticed the maggots ;( I did confront them about it they asked if I wanted something else I kindly declined and asked for my money back. I'm still sick to my stomach I have made a report to the city. read more

Worst Mexican food I've had in a long time, and some of the most expensive. Service was fine, the restaurant clean, but the food was awful so what's the point? This place used to be okay, (I've lived in Carp since 1994) but even then they never put a lot of care into their food. For example, all of the cheese and/or rice would be at one end of a burrito, and the cheese would be cold and not melted. This time, the beef in their tacos was tough and largely fat and gristle. It's been several years since I tried their food, and it's worse, not better. Last time I'll go here. There are other much better options. read more

My husband and son and I come here often. Customer Service is always great and comes with a smile. Even if it's busy your order comes quickly. FOOD IS ALWAYS GOOD. I personally like cheese enchiladas. ... And Taco Salad read more

Under cooked and over priced staff seemed eager to leave for the night. Asked for all my food well done multiple times through out my ordering and they still sent me a luke warm burrito. Should have just settled for taco bell across the street. read more

Been here a few times throughout the years while I'm in town. The food is pretty good but during my last visit I was shocked on the prices! They are charging sit down restaurant prices! No way! Sorry but it's not worth the current prices! Good luck... read more

I'm in agreement with fellow yelper Jim, this place is perfect if you want good mexican food but not the expensive seating or your grabbing to go. Food is great. I had carne asada burritos that were yummy and my buddy ordered the chile relleno and cheese enchilada. If you want the truly hot salsa, you have to ask for it cause they keep it away from the gringos. read more

Good food, fresh, crunchy taco is big, meat cooked fresh, salsa was good. Prices good.

We were driving home from Santa Barbara back to Long Beach and we were looking for a place to eat. We stumbled on to this place and I checked it here and with the 5 stars we decided to try it. Wow! I'm so glad we did. It was the best mexican food we've had. My husband had a chicken burrito and I had a chicken chimichanga. I only ate half of it. It was huge! The prices weren't that bad either. It was almost $40 for us and our three kids (one eats off our plates still) and that included three drinks. I think next time my hubby and I will share a dinner and the kids probably will too. We came back with a lot of left overs. But it's okay we ate them after the kids went to bed. I should also add the staff was very friendly. read more

I'm use to 1 buck or so tacos, but it seems the price goes up as I travel north of LA area. I paid 2.39 for decent size tacos at this place... It wasn't the best or the worst, but two tacos for 5 odd dollars is a bit much! read more

Ordered 2 tacos, 2 burritos and nachos somehow that was $40 I felt like that was a lot and looked at the menu. They charge $4.49 for one "crunchy" taco, the tacos were not good at all. They were not even crunchy they are served in a store bought Taco Bell type shell, super disappointing for $5 a taco. I would be fine with paying $5 for a great taco but these tacos should have been 50 cents. also the are stingy with salsa they ration it like it's going out of style. Give up the salsa man! Not good there's good Mexican food in carp right across the street and down linden. read more

Authentic burritos. Great service. Frijoles like my abuelas. Ordered 11 different burritos for surfing guys. Highly recommend.

Pretty good food, standard enchiladas with melted cheese and red sauce, beans and rice. Chips and salsa. Problem is it in a strip mall, kinda sketchy so you think you might get a deal, then you pay $11 and wonder what the deal is! Needs to be priced better, or offer some lunch specials! Friendly owner though. read more

El Taco Grande - 2 enchiladas w/ beans &rice $10 - Mexican Near Me - Carpinteria, California

I have been coming to Taco Grande since they opened. I used to live in Carpinteria and would come once or twice a week. Now I live in Oxnard and work in Goleta so while I still pass by I don't come very often. They have excellent chile rellenos but what I like the most is a tostada with tripas. I like tripas but I like them crispy, not soggy and chewy, which is why I put them on a tostada rather than in a burrito. It is soooo good!! The only thing I've had here that I didn't like is the chicken. I can taste the cinammon in it and I don't like it, but others do not seem to mind. Carnitas and chile verde are good. Prices are reasonable and the service is always good. read more

This place doesn't deserve a star or anything it's a zero.... My mom went the other day and she usually gets the soft tacos form there I mean the food is pretty ok but the customer service has been horrible like bad ... she did a phone order and when she got there to pick up her order no one was there and she literally was yelling and saying hello for 5 minutes with no answer! And the two ladies that we were working there they were just in the back talking with the other employees like come on ! Seriously what kinda of employees do they hire !!! So bad ! read more

We found this place by accident. If your looking for authentic Mexican food stop here. I ordered the jumbo burrito & poured the house salsa over it, yum yum. Thank you Sophia & Stephanie for your service & smiles. read more

This restaurant was the most disgusting place. It was not clean. The meat was a horrible texture and looked like organs. The woman working was standing on the counter while we were ordering. No one was wearing gloves while preparing the food. Had to leave halfway through my meal due to disgust. Never go here. Disgusting and dirty. read more

I love all meat burritos and they make a great one!!! Good thing Carp is only 17 miles from Ventura.....not that I need a reason to hang out in Carp but El Taco Grande is a good one! read more

DONT COME HERE! HORRIBLE ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! Completely unsanitary in every way. As we walked in they gave us dirty looks and completely disregarded us. After one employee handled our money and cleaned the disgusting counter she then handed us a bowl of salsa with her finger inside the salsa. How gross! The chicken inside our food was made up of what looked like all the leftover parts of chicken that shouldn't be consumed. Dirty counters and the food was so unappetizing and bad tasting. Would never recommend and not one single person enjoyed their food or ate more than a bite of it. DO NOT COME HERE!!! Also expensive for basic food. read more

Exceptional authentic Mexican food! Large portions, friendly staff. A+ all the way around!! When Im cruzing thru Carpinteria with a mexican food crave, this is now my go to place everytime! read more

Great Mexican food, friendly staff, and clean environment. Great food without the high end restaurant price. read more

El Taco Grande - Mexican Near Me - Carpinteria, California

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If your looking reeeeeally good Authentic Mexican food, this is the place to come. I'm live in Oxnard and trust me this place is worth the drive. This is my mine and my wife's second time here, and this place is so good and the workers are very friendly. A must place to come to. read more

El Taco Grande - This a photo of the Carnitas Super Nachos and across is the Chili Verde. Both soooo GOOD !!! - Mexican Near Me - Carpinteria, California

Nice little Mexican family owned restaurant just off the freeway. Great alternative to the fast food available at this offramp. Food is delicious and people were very friendly. Viva la Great Food! read more

I go here pretty frequently for the burritos. I always order chicken, rice, and beans, and it's delicious. For simple, fast, no-fuss Mexican food, this is the best place I've found. I never really eat in here so I can't say much about service, but I've never had any trouble with the cashier. One time, however, I had ordered my regular chicken, rice, beans burrito and when I got home and opened it, there wasn't any beans...oops? I still ate and enjoyed it nonetheless, but be sure to be clear when ordering. Bottom line, if you're looking for some quick Mexican food, I'd recommend. read more

They don't seem to care about people safety when asked about were a mask they shrugged their shoulders and didn't seem to give a blank this type of service to me seems very unacceptable they Seem to think everything is a joke or maybe they don't understand last time I go there read more

Great food, but bad customer service. Cashier doesn't know how to give eye contact or smile. The lady worker with glasses is not nice at all. Would recommend for take out just don't expect nice people. read more

The large Roberto's especial burrito was full of veggies and flavor. $10.20 for a huge burrito and soda. It's a good deal. Not quite 5 stars but definitely 4. The salsa tasted good but was not hot. read more

This place infuriated me!!!! I had to return my food 3 times and after the third time I simply asked for a refund and left without eating. There is something very wrong going on with this place. BE AWARE! I was excited at first seeing a veggie burrito with actual veggies in it labeled the Garden Burrito. So I ordered 2 of them and was stoked there was cauliflower and zucchini and carrots and not just the standard rice and beans and pico de Gallo with some lettuce. On the menu the garden burrito is labeled vegetarian, and can be vegan without cheese and sour cream. Being a plant based eater I opted for these being vegan and exclaimed no cheese or sour cream and lots of veggies please. After ordering I got a funny feeling I should confirm the vegan-ness of my meal. I asked the girl at the front if the rice in the burrito was vegetarian, she said yes without hesitation but I felt she might not even know what that means so I clarified the definition to her and she said "yes yes" to get me to go away. 1 minute later when the burritos were ready, I asked her to please confirm with the cook that there was no "caldo de pollo", chicken broth used when making the rice. So she did reluctantly with an annoyed attitude and then I see the cook nodding his head yes. So the rice has chicken broth and is not vegetarian. The girl didn't apologize and continued to be arrogant. So they start to remake the burritos with no rice. I get the new burritos and drive home. I take a bite, I'm excited. It's full of cheese an sour cream. AHHhHHHHHhh!!!!!!!! So I drive back super annoyed call them on my way and they apologize and remake them again. When I arrive to exchange the burritos I ask the girl at the counter what happened and she blames it on the cook. So I grab the newly made supposedly vegan garden burritos and drive home. The third attempt at making a vegan garden burrito is a flaccid pour excuse and is half the size and barely has anything in it but whatever , I'm starving and this whole debacle has taken over an hour. I start eating and then the wife spits out a bit and says I think that's meat. Sure enough a chunk of grey meat. I am so disgusted and mad I drive back and show the girl the meat. And she shows the cook and he says yes he cooks the beans with pieces of meat. How the heck do you serve a vegetarian burrito that had rice made with chicken broth and beans cooked with chunks of meat. So the manager girl comes out of the back to approve my refund I ask for and she doesn't do anything but say oh well and give me my 20 bucks back. Will never return here and highly advise everyone to stay away. Something is seriously wrong with food quality here! Even you meat eaters I would be worried about the food quality read more

Had the 2 enchilada plate with beans and rice. Very filling. Service was on point. Only giving them 4 stars because while we're there the tvs were on a channel that was playing a sex scene between a couple that was pretty inappropriate but they quickly changed it when they realized. I had two kids with me...but it's a good place overall with good food. read more