We were seated shortly after arriving for our 6:30 reservation on a Saturday evening. Miguel's is quite large with many seating areas. The restaurant was full & busy. They bring hot chips, salsa & queso to the table. Delicious & addictive. I could fill up on just those. However, we ordered regular meals. Two got the adobada (pork w/ pineapple) tacos. Lots of meat on corn tortillas. My husband got ranchera enchiladas w/ ground beef filling. I got the chile relleno which was a poblano chile laid out with ground beef & cheeses on top. Unusual, delicious & healthier than the usual deep fried ones. The two boys got bean & cheese burrito & nachos off the kid's menu. Everyone enjoyed their meals. We will definitely be back. read more

If you are craving a great cheese sauce with chips, or are craving really good but junky Mexican Food, this is the place. When I say Junky, it's not that it tastes bad. It's just not the kind of Mexican restaurant where the veggies are organic and they are not using seed oils. And it works if you've got young kids in tow because the staff is nothing but friendly. I would say it's a very family friendly restaurant perfect for that little strip of Chick Filet, In and Out area of the 101 in Carlsbad. Funny. I am sure Chick Filet is not spelled that way .... but I've never eaten there, and don't really pay attention to fast food restaurants. In and Out is delicious too, but when I got to the bottom of the fries and it said they clearly use seed oils.... I was done. I understand that America is poisoning us ..... so I can't really applaud Miguel. But I also understand that many of us have young kids and less money. It's more about the gathering or being comfortable going for a meal. So it's definitely an option for many people. Plus we're stressed so comfort food is a nice break. I did not go for a salad. I did not go for things not fried. So I would say Miguels is good for a break from eating healthy. Not to deny yourself. Just not to do it as a regular thing. One last thing: My 3 year old grandson ordered fruit. Hmmm..... With gusto, garlic and gratitude, Chef Marian   San Diego Foodies Carlsbad Foodies read more

We visited this restaurant for the first time while celebrating our wedding anniversary. The waitress was genuinely friendly and attentive, which we appreciated. Unfortunately, the food did not meet expectations. I ordered a chicken taco with a cheese enchilada, while my husband went with two crunchy chicken tacos. His tacos were disappointing--overloaded with onions and what seemed like a messy combination of ingredients--and lacked appeal or good flavor. Despite asking for a simpler, standard version, the second attempt still tasted off. My chicken enchilada seemed microwaved and lacking freshness, and the taco was soggy and overloaded. We left feeling quite disappointed. Sadly, we both felt unwell afterward; my husband especially had a rough evening, vomitting throughout. While the service was friendly and the restaurant was clean, the subpar quality of food means we probably won't return. It was an unfortunate experience, especially after such a special occasion. read more

We arrived and I parked in the first handicap open spot. I was thinking how lucky and next to the door. Well, we walked in and it was the "to-go" entrance but we were able to walk to the front of the restaurant and get a seat. We were seated quickly and my picky mom was able to choose where she wanted to sit. It was a little cold for me, and since we opted to sit in the way back it was a little dim. We were seated and served chips, salsa, and queso blanco dip. The sip was a nice touch. The chips were warm. Of course we had a lot of questions about the menu and our server was very helpful in helping us decide. After eating so many chips and queso, I decided on an appetizer for my meal. I had the empanadas. Mom ordered a bowl of albondigas and a combo plate with cheese enchilada and a taco, with the taco on a separate plate. The albondigas came out first. They were not very hot. Maybe lukewarm. We asked for them to be heated. They did. They had a nice flavor. I think I enjoyed the broth the most. For me, it was missing potatoes and had too much tomato, just a preference, there is no wrong way to make albondigas. I asked for all the condiments in the side and they did put everything on the side. The empanadas were okay. Seemed like they were made ahead of time and then slightly warmed. Again, I was missing the potatoes in the picadillo. Mom said her tortilla from the taco was very tuff and hard to eat. It seemed pre fried and old. She opted to eat the inside of the taco with tortilla chips. She's picky about her enchiladas. The cheese in the enchilada was slightly melted. The enchilada looked freshly made which, for me, can be a bad thing because making it fresh and heating in the salamander versus in the oven doesn't allow the cheese to fully melt. Now, the enchilada sauce was good and the rice was very good. Mom did complain about the lack of fullness in her plate. I reminded her that her taco would have sat in that empty spot. . . lol. . . On our way out, we noticed they were making homemade tortillas and wondered why we didn't get any lol. . . I think if I was in the area again I would stop in, especially for the albondigas. read more

Miguel's Cocina - Taco, enchilada, rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Went to this location as we were told the food was good. My guest ordered a paloma and I ordered a raspberry mojito. Chips with salsa and a cheese was placed on the table complimentary and it was pretty good. Actually the best part of the meal. We ordered calamari and not very tasty and shaped not in rings but in 2 inch by 1/2 inch pieces. Never saw this prior. I had the 3 tacos and my guest had the race special which is 2 shrimp tacos with beans and rice. mine also came with beans and rice. Both of us agreed that the rice was very dry and not much flavor. Same with the beans. Tacos also has not much flavor. I cannot recommend this location. read more

Miguel's Cocina - 3 tacos - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Wow, surprised the rating is currently 4 stars only! We made reservations a week or so in advance for a Sunday night around 730, and it did not seem very busy. Restaurant is very close to the 5 freeway as well as the Carlsbad Flower Fields and Legoland. I enjoyed the food and fancy-casual ambience. Seems like a fairly large stand-alone restaurant with it's own parking lot. Service was attentive and friendly. We came at the recommendation of a local and loved it! We chose this spot also for the queso that comes with the complimentary chips and salsa. So tasty and not too spicy--like a fresher/?healthier/whiter version of nacho cheese. Mango margarita 4.5/5 (with tajin rim) was enjoyable. Strawberry margarita (blended, virgin) 3/5 was good, but reminded me of candy, so probably just not for me. Trio burrito was outstanding. Loved the sourness of the green salsa over the carnitas, the carne asada with red salsa, and even the shrimp burrito (I don't usually love shrimp!). It tasted lighter than typical Mexican food. Portion was impressive, and it came with a side plate of rice and beans. Chile relleno was 3+/5 imo but my fiance enjoyed it as one of the better ones he has had. To me, it just paled in comparison to the burritos :)). Overall high quality, nice-ish (not too fancy) dinner spot for groups and more! Would recommend to others to add to their Carlsbad/SD area trip. read more

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This is always a solid place to grab some good food and drinks! It's clean and the service is always fantastic! The salsa and queso is a def must! Their habenero sauce is pretty spicy but has good flavor to it. I liked the salad! It's got a limey sauce to it and comes with some avocado. You can't go wrong with the fajitas! It comes out piping hot, I like how you can choose different proteins to come with it. I got mine with carne asada, shrimp, and chicken. Check this place out if you're in the area! read more

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We were staying at the Lego Land Hotel and decided to go off property to have dinner and found Miguel's not too far away. They share a large parking lot with a few other restaurants so parking isn't an issue. We arrived right at the end of Happy Hour during the finals for the World Baseball Classic so it was a little busy when we got there. Other than that service was very fast and our server was very helpful with the menu. We ordered way too much food, probably enough to feed us for two meals, but our favorites were the fish and carnitas taco. The meal also came with complimentary chips, salsa, and queso that was great. Overall it was a great meal and would love to come back the next time we are in the area. read more

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We sat at the bar to watch the soccer match. We started with a margarita and it was fantastic. Alex, the bartender, said they do not use sour mix and instead they use triple sec and grand marier. Excellent margaritas Alex! We ordered the chicken fajitas and they were delicious. The chicken was tender and seasoned well. I like the grilled bell peppers and onions. The guacamole was fresh and the rice and beans were tasty in my fajitas. Alex is a great bartender. He's very personable and friendly and engaging. The vibe in the bar area was electric. Great experience! read more

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Miguel's is the best Mexican restaurant. Incredible chips, salsa and queso. I had the Plato Azteca with cooked to medium. My wife had El Jeffe combination. All the food was exceptional. Service is always excellent and friendly. It is nice decorated and clean. We'll be back for sure read more

Miguel's Cocina - Dinning room - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We were back for another lunch in Taco Tuesday. I still think this is one of the best taco deals in town, especially if you like fish tacos. I love their fish taco and the calamari tacos. This location always has great size portions and sometimes I can only eat one taco. We went to celebrate my kids, birthdays, they indulged in surf and turf burritos. A large slice of mud pie was delivered with a candle for their birthday as well. This restaurant is consistently delicious, great service, and a family friendly environment. The bar typically has lots of people sitting at it, watching a game on TV as well. We will be back read more

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I've been here a few times during day but never in evening. Nice atmosphere. Dark ambience and nice setting. It wasn't too busy when I stopped by but I believe the restaurant was closing in an hour. I feel you can never go wrong with Miguel's. Their chips and white cheese deep alone can keep me occupied. Fatima was my server. It was late so we did not really interact besides me ordering. I was solo and ordered the chicken chimichanga with extra rice. It was really good. I had so much chips and dip that I couldn't finish my meal. I ended up taking the rest home. read more

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Oh my gosh--this place was fantastic. I came in after seeing great reviews and it absolutely delivered. I can confidently say this was the best margarita I've ever had. It was sweet, packed with flavor, and the mango with tajín combination was incredible. I didn't need a reservation, which made it an easy stop. My waiter was so kind and helpful, which made the experience even better. The fajitas were perfectly cooked with great flavor and generous portions. I also really loved the queso. Overall, a 10/10 experience and I will definitely be back! read more

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This place is the worst Mexican food place I've ever visited and eaten. The food is already premade waiting to be served, meaning the food is over cooked. I ordered the carna sada taco and the meat wasn't what I expected. I know what Mexican food tastes like and my girlfriend and I didn't get that experience. No, I'll never come to this place. read more

Amazing food and service. Our waiter was super attentive and the food was brought out promptly. Got got a free basket of chips with a spicy jalepeno type sauce in addition to the salsa. I normally don't like spicy dips but this one was addictive. Got we got the three taco combo, enchilada combo, and a kids quesadillas. The chicken mole taco was really good even though im not a big mole fan, the shrimp taco was the best one of the three, while the pork belly was somewhat tough but still good. Highly recommend this place for any gatherings or just a casual meal. read more

Miguel's Cocina - Taco combo - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

After Legoland, my husband wanted to eat at Miguel's Cocina. We found a parking spot right in front of the restaurant. The decor inside was beautiful. It was a warm and inviting environment. The service and staff were incredible. Our waiter, Austin was so attentive and friendly. We were a big party of eight (4 adults and 4 kids) and he was patient and helpful. Can't say enough good things about him. I ordered the Classic Fish Tacos and swapped one of my tacos with one of my friend's Carne Asada Tacos. Both were good, but I was surprised to see shredded cheese in my fish taco. They usually don't come with cheese. It was different and I wasn't used to it. For dessert, we all shared the mud pie. Since it was my husband's birthday, it was on the house. Love me some dessert, especially free dessert. I was full, but I made room for at least a bite of it. Thank you for making our first time at Miguel's Cocina such a pleasant experience. read more

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I met a friend here for happy hour. It was my choice to come back. I arrived early and was promptly greeted and seated. She asked if we were okay with high top seating and that was fine. I was immediately brought chips with salsa and queso whilst I looked over the happy hour menu and waited for my friend to arrive. I ordered an ultimate margarita. It was much better than the last time I was there. The staff checked in on me several times while I waited. As soon as my friend arrived, our server checked in to see what she wanted to drink. She ordered a glass of Pinot noir and he had it to her in lightning speed. Our order was taken and our requested waters were brought. We both got the albondigas soup, and shared guacamole. Everything tasted good. She liked her soup so much that she ordered one to go for lunch tomorrow. This experience was so much improved from my last. The staff was very friendly and attentive and everything tasted really good. It's a good happy hour deal and we will come back. read more

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Loved celebrating my birthday here! Thank you so much! We sat at the bar and the lovely bartender was attentive, kind and helpful! Thanks To your email I saved a little on our bill and was offered a sweet treat at the end of our meal! Our drinks were made fresh and delicious- and we even enjoyed tacos, enchiladas and don't get me started on your fresh chips, salsa and the white cheese sauce!!! Omggg it's so good! Thank you feeling so happy read more

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The staff up front and waitress was so accommodating. They did there best to seat us right away even though they were busy. They were all so polite. Amazing customer service. Thank you. Oh the food was delicious too. read more

I wrote a review of Miguel's Cocina a couple of years ago. Most of what I said there is still true. What prompts me to write this update is that there seems to be a new edition of the menu, which has fallen victim to the current fashion in the graphic-design world of using a small low-contrast type face, which makes it almost impossible to read. The purpose of text on a menu is to be readable, not to look pretty or win design awards. Here is a photo I snapped of a section of their menu, showing the thin light-grey lettering that explains what the dish might be to those people who can actually read it. Tonight I had planned to try something new on the menu but I couldn't read it even with a flashlight, so I ordered an old standby whose name I knew. It was delicious, but I had been anticipating some variety. As I look at this photo, I think it actually is easier to read than was the original. Maybe the secret to being able to read the menu is to take a picture of it on your phone and then read it on your phone. Slow but probably effective. Black ink, people, not light grey. And don't go smaller than 9 points. (I edited this review a week after I posted it to re-insert the photograph, which had somehow vanished.) read more

we've gotten dinner at miguel's before but never visited earlier in the day. for the first meal of the day, the food was really good and fresh with large portions. can't stop thinking about the orange juice because I didn't expect it to be freshly squeezed! also the servers are always super nice and welcoming. we love miguel's! read more

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The servers were so quick! Very polite and sweet. The music was great, the restaurant was clean. The food was 10/10 no complaints at all! read more

Miguel's Cocina - Shrimp ceviche appetizer and Queso Fundido Mar y Tierra - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I usually stay away from Mexican restaurants that claim to be authentic, until a couple of years ago that I decided to try Miguel's Cocina. This establishment is the exception that has kept me coming back over the years. From the beautifully decorated hacienda style to the queso dip and endless menu options you are bound to keep coming back as well. The service is standard and rather quick, the food is ultimately what stands out. I can say that they truly do serve authentic dishes. If you do anything please pleaseeeee order extra queso, you will not regret it! read more

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ROXY!!! We frequent Miguel's every single week at least once because we love it so much. This was our second time with Roxy as our server. She simply walked up and remembered what we ordered the first time so we didn't even need to order! She brought my iced tea without me even asking right when she approached the table for the first time. What a rockstar! I had to write a review for her because yes, the food was perfect... But who does that? What an absolutely amazing person who is so thoughtful and attentive and hard-working! She gets 20 gold stars! Talk about impressive! Thank you! read more

We loved coming here for Sunday Happy Hour. The hostess found us a high top table for 4 where we could all watch the game on their many screens. The drinks were good. We had mules, beer and well drinks. All were on the special Happy Hour Menu. We ordered food off the Happy Hour menu, too. Calamari, nachos, ceviche, and flatbread. When we go back we will order all of those minus the nachos. You already get chips, salsa and white cheese sauce when you sit down. Alex was a funny and attentive server who kept us aware of the Happy Hour time. The restaurant has a huge bar with many screens as well as other seating areas in the back. It's a good place from r families, too. read more

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This is the first time I have been to this location, and I came with a few family members. I love that they still do the free Queso and chips and everyone enjoyed that. Parking here was very plentiful which was great. The food here definitely isn't that authentic but is pretty solid for a chain. I ordered the surf and turf burrito which had a sauce over the top making it "wet" which I don't see often on menus, so try to order when I do. It was good but not the best I've had and wasn't that much of a fan of the sauce they used, as it tasted like something that could have come from a jar. Someone in our party ordered the chicken tortilla soup, and they said it had a lot of flavor and they enjoyed it. Another in our groups had the credit asada tacos which they said were good. We all enjoyed the beans as they had a lot of flavor in them. The rice was okay, pretty much standard of what she would get that most restaurants, not a lot of flavor, we add salsa to it to give it more flavor. Overall not the worst for a sit down chain restaurant. Id say with a try at least once if you are in the area. read more

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Stopped by Miguel's Cocina after the USA match, and it was the perfect way to end the day! The food was absolutely amazing--everything was fresh, flavorful, and came out quickly. Even with the post-game crowd, the wait wasn't long at all. The staff was incredibly friendly and made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. We'll definitely be back! read more

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I want to thank Liv, Ashley, Jessica and Hannah for such a wonderful evening! These individuals made life so easy for me and my son who is on the spectrum. My son has a problem with going into restaurants, especially ones that have music playing in the background. It triggers him. But management allowed us to sit in an area that was much more quiet and my son was able to sit the whole time while we visited family from the area. I am so grateful to Miguel's cocina and staff for treating me and my family with such respect. As far as the food goes, it is nothing less than amazing! I ordered the Carne Asada dinner plate. The meat was so tender it melted in my mouth. The beans- oh my gosh -they were so awesome! Not to mention the rice and the homemade corn tortillas! If you're ever in the area, you'd have to visit this place. The food is amazing and the staff is even more amazing! read more

Miguel's Cocina - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Automatic tips for large groups equals piss poor service from Juan who is too busy watching the game on the bar TV to refills or take a picture. Just a joke read more

Gotta love their white queso dip! They still have a great happy hour menu! We ordered beef nachos, flautas, and sopes. The best was the beef nachos. Wasn't a huge fan of the sopes, and the flautas were okay. You can't beat $7 each though! The server was nice and came by many times to check on us. We were in the lounge area but I like that the lounge area is still considered bar area for the happy hour price. Great place for group setting and family dinner. read more

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We went twice the week we were down in Carlsbad. We really love tacos and Miguel's has the best in town. Our server was Ashley W she was awesome so friendly very helpful and she made both times special. Great lady she gets 10 stars!! read more

Worst restaurant experience ever. Went there on sunday for my birthday. 1. One plate of food had a hair on it that even the waiter said Yikes !! 2. Our meal carnitas for two had the wrong meat in it. It was birria. And it was not good !! Their signature margarita was god awful !! The ultimate Margarita was another disaster. Needless to say we will not be coming back to this one. The Miguel's on harbor drive in San Diego is by far the best. I will not stray from that one ever again. Lesson learned. read more

Thursday Date night dinner was the husbands' choice...Not a bad idea. Since I wanted to fuel up on some protein anyhow. Mainly n preparation for me going to donate some blood tomorrow and I was for sure hungry after working out at the gym! We were greeted with smiles and kindness by everyone we encountered. We were seated quickly in a booth near the hosts station. Much more comfortable of an experience when it isn't the hustle bustle of the weekend. Tonight I decided to switch up my regular routine order. I got the cup, instead of the bowl, of Albondigas soup and ordered the Mexican Chopped Salad for the first time. It comes with a choice of chicken or steak. I opted for the steak. Pre-dressed. Maybe next time I'll get the dressing on the side just in case I don't finish all the greens. Salad just isn't the same as leftovers anyway. I did share too. So it's a generous portion. Appreciated that. Fatima was our lovely server for the evening and she was wonderful to us. She checked on us in perfect harmony to our meal & even brought us refills when our drinks were dwindling. I enjoyed my Lemonade very much. We left very satisfied and this visit everything went smoothly. I highly recommend coming on a less busy weekday! They had fun Mexican music playing and with my happy tummy & mood of the music I was doing a little wiggle wiggle in my seat. read more

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My family and I came here from out of town. I ordered the carne asada tacos and substituted the lettuce for pickled red onions. My mother got a burrito and my father got the carne asada fajitas. My food, the tacos, were honestly the worst tacos I've had yet. Very very greasy, pickled red onions were old, and had such a weird sweet taste to them? I couldn't eat the second one. I started to feel sick. I'm not sure how they cooked it, almost like it was cooked in a crock pot and sat overnight. My mother said her burrito was the same way with her steak in her burrito. She was severely disappointed. My father was the only one who got good food. Carne asada tasted great to him. If you're looking for a restaurant based on ambiance and service, then go here. If you want AUTHENTIC Mexican food then go to a typical hole in the wall. read more

Miguel's Cocina - Carne asada tacos substituted lettuce for pickled red onions - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I've been coming to Miguel's for over a decade. Whenever I'm in the San Diego area, I make it a point to stop in for dinner. My first visit was amazing and every visit since has lived up to the same quality of food and service that keeps me coming back (even one memorable trip when COVID restrictions started to ease). That first time was a happy accident and one that has led to this anniversary review some 12 years on, sitting in the picture window tables, and enjoying the atmosphere that I have come to expect and Miguel's has always delivered. read more

Stopped by here on a Saturday night and it was pretty busy but there was no wait time . I wish I could have remembered our waiters name but he was great , very attentive. They had a margarita that sounded so good but I don't drink so I got the virgin version . It was the mango chamoy margarita and it was pretty darn good . My wife had the spicy margarita and she loved it . The food was great , starting with the free queso that comes with chips and salsa . I got the Ensenada shrimp tacos and they were amazing ! I might get that again but ask for grilled shrimp instead of fried, but it was top notch . My daughter got the carne asada tacos and said they are new favorite tacos . This was our 1st visit at this location since moving to the area , but this might be our new fav local spot for Mexican food ! read more

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Good food, as usual, good service and a good experience over all. This Miguel's Cocina in Carlsbad doesn't disappoint! read more

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Staff greeted and seated us immediately. The restaurant is very large so they have plenty of seating for small and large parties. Chips and salsa are complimentary and the chips were still warm. We ordered the following: kid's cheeseburger with fries kid's chicken tenders calamari appetizer- strips only but they were average. It's a texture thing and I prefer mine crispy and with the tentacles 3 item fajita (pork, shrimp, steak)- plenty of grilled veggies but the pork was mostly gristle and fatty so I didn't have much. Taste of the food was fine and it was perfectly seasoned Beef ribs- a tad too salty but flavor was okay portion size was good read more

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Tried this place on a high recommendation from the concierge at the Marbrisa. Didn't receive my discount as they are on the list of recommended restaurants but it's ok. To the food, tried the nachos (up charge for just white meat) they seemed like microwaved nachos with the ingredients just in the center plenty of chips naked. Didn't really have much flavor the guacamole was decent. The salsa I wasn't a fan or that queso was bland. Figured I'd go with nachos as a first try but I was disappointed, safe to say I probably won't try anything else. Service was friendly so that's why it's gets a 3 star. read more

Miguel's Cocina - Chicken Miguels Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

One of our favorite spots to visit in Carlsbad! The bean, rice, and cheese burrito with sauce, as well as the black bean and corn enchiladas never disappoint. The chips, salsa, and queso dip are also amazing. read more