Pure Taco

4.2 (560 reviews)

ModerateTacos, Salad, Cocktail Bars

Open • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Updated 2 weeks ago

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Pure Taco - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Pure Taco - a person dipping a tortilla into a bowl of guacamole - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Nicole Erin B.

Impressed by the portion sizes and relatively moderate prices of these tasty tacos. The corn tortillas tasted fresh but were a little undercooked which led to a soggy bottom from all the filling. The chicken and pork tacos were both tender and flavorful with generous portions of guacamole. A lot of the seating is indoor/outdoor style which is a great place to enjoy fresh air but also stay shaded. The menu is clearly labeled with allergens including gluten free and vegetarian. Definitely will return!

Skinny Margarita, $12 and Pure Marg, $12

Elle C.

While I'd been to a few other restaurants and coffee shops on this street and in this area, I'm only discovering Pure Taco now -- perhaps because we usually don't seek counter-service eateries; desiring a small, quick bite, we decided to stop in. We learned, however, seated at the bar top, it's full service... and while I didn't plan on a cocktail, my thoughts are it's wrong not to order a cocktail seated at the bar top! I don't like cocktail mixes; appreciatively, no mixes were used in my Skinny Margarita ($12), which was quite (almost too) tangy but thankfully, not sweet. Hubby enjoyed his Pure Marg ($12) -- both cocktails surprisingly (and deliciously) strong. We started with their Corn in a Cup ($6.95) -- with an option to be served with chips (which were enjoyably thick & crispy, and learned that the tortillas are made daily). In addition, they use fresh fish (never frozen). The Baja Fish Tacos (2/$5) and their Grilled Fish Taco ($5.75) consisted of generous planks of fish, served within thick corn tortillas. We had the pleasure of being served by Osheana, whose positive energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of their menu items made our first visit a fun and enjoyable one! I like the open-&-airy, indoor/outdoor, casual vibe and reasonable prices. We're now fans of Pure Taco.

Cherilyn L.

Went in around happy hour on a Thursday. It is seat yourself setting and order at the counter. The staff was friendly and helpful. Food came out quickly. Ordered the Full Taco Flight. Happy hour deals are drinks, fries, a nacho, or quesadilla. No tacos are part of the current happy hour.

Ashley E.

I saw Pure Taco when I was across the street at a coffee shop. So we decided to visit on a taco Tuesday. The specials were amazing--buy three get one free for tacos, discounted beers, AND free chips and salsa w every order. It was lit... Now you know I'm a self proclaimed taco expert, so I have high standards. I ordered two Baja fish tacos and the green curry shrimp taco (sounded interesting!). The service was great, and the guy that helped us was really nice and friendly! Now for the tacos...I give the fish taco a 6 out of 10. The main issue is that they were not hot. Actually, none of the tacos were hot. They were all lukewarm...which is unfortunate. The second issue was the amount of liquid running off the tacos. I guess the slaw was in liquid and it wasn't drained prior to putting it in the tacos. So this made what was supposed to be a crispy fish taco into a soggy, lukewarm situation of a taco. And lastly, the tortilla was a miss for me. It was house made corn tortilla but it was either too thick or not all the way cooked. It had a chewy texture to it. All that aside, the seasoning and flavor of the fish taco was great. For the shrimp curry taco, I'd give that a 4 out of ten. There's actually nothing wrong with the taco--I just did not enjoy the sweetness of it. The presentation was also not great. It looked like a blob of white sauce on a tortilla (see photos). Adding the lime helped somewhat and elevated the taco to a 6, but if it was hot, it could have been a 7. The chips, salsa and guacamole were excellent!

Jan H.

Went to the Carlsbad street fair, and stopped off here to eat as they had open seats at the bar. If you sit at the bar it's full service, or if you are sitting at a table you must go up and order at the counter. It's not a huge place and most of the tables were for small parties. Thankfully it was just me so I had no problem finding a spot at the bar. It did take them a minute to take my order, but they were a bit busy. The server did offer to get my drink for me from the self-service station, which I really appreciated and took her up on. They have tacos, burritos, bowls, Etc. I ordered the battered fish tacos, and the steak taco, the cilantro lime rice, and the black beans. Both of the tacos were really good, but the rice was pretty bland. It didn't really taste like much, and seems more like a filler. The beans were black beans, they didn't have refried beans, but we're pretty good. They did kind of taste like they needed salt, but since you have to go get all of the condiments from a separate area I didn't want to leave my food unattended so I ate them as was. Honestly though they were fine even without the salt, I'm just a girl that likes a little salt and most of her food LOL. I would like to try one of their bowls, maybe the next time I'm in the area or at the street fair. I did notice they had a taco Tuesday, and a decent happy hour, which would be great if you live or work in the area. If you do I definitely say check them out.

RJ S.

It's a solid taco shop featuring a modern fusion of flavors! Pure's menu is a melting pot of various global cuisines, but delivered in classic Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, nachos and salads. The staff is great and the open air order-at-the-counter setup screams SoCal. I've a lot of menu items, but some of my favorites include the Baja Fish Taco, Korean Pork Bo Sam Taco, Salmon Bowl and Pure Greens Salad. If you're thirsty, they have a full bar, beer, wine and Dole Whip for those with a sweet tooth. Try their Pure Marg! It's made with an orange simple syrup that packs unique flavor. Don't miss out. Try it for yourself!

Pamela R.

2.5 stars... The hubs and I wanted Mexican food for lunch so we decided to try Pure Taco since we were in the area. The space is cute, mostly outside with inside bar seating. They have a full bar and a wide choice of tacos but its more like a fast food restaurant... Chips and salsa are not complementary, so we chose the nachos and added beef. We also ordered the avocado fries. To drink, we tried the Paloma and the Pure Marg. The service...our server/bartender seemed disinterested and preoccupied with finding the right channel on the TV. She only checked in with us after we were done eating. The food...everything looked/tasted like it came out of a can/bag/jar. Nothing was good. The drinks...also tasted like pre-made mixes and bottled juices...not good. Will not be returning and do not recommend.

Ray L.

I love that it's an affordable casual quick order place you go up to the register order. Find a cute seat. Seating is mostly outdoors and they bring the food to your table. They have a stellar deal of two fish tacos for five dollars every day and they are good sized! I would say this is a really affordable place for the area. You can tell the tortillas were freshly made. It seems like it's a California Mexican type place. I would definitely go there again for a quick bite! It looks like they also had a full bar.

Justin C.

This is a solid spot for global tacos in the heart of Carlsbad. You order at the counter, self serve drinks, and they bring the tacos out to you. I liked in the indoor outdoor vibes - classic San Diego surfer Carlsbad. I wanted to try as many flavors as possible so I ordered the traditional 1/2 flight. I got four tacos: grilled steak, pulled chicken, pastor, citrus braised pork. I really enjoyed the grilled steak and citrus braised pork. Tortillas were a touch thick for me. Also ordered chips with guacamole and salsa and enjoyed them as an appetizer. My tacos came out pretty quickly. Next time, I'm looking forward to trying the global 1/2 flight.

Nell C.

Salads were overdressed and salty today. Mixed greens salad was hard to consume and wish that I got the dressing on the side. Salad leaves were fresh and topped with grated cheese.

Leanne D.

We were spending the day in Carlsbad and wanted to grab a bite to eat. Walking down State Street Pure Taco caught our eye. At Pure Taco you place your order and pay at the register and then you seat yourself at a table and your order is delivered to your table. We opted to sit at the bar which is full service. We ordered the braised pork burrito and the Baja fish burrito. My fish burrito was more rice than fish but was still good but we did come pretty hungry. Adding some Tapatio to the burrito gave it more flavor as it was a bit bland for my liking. Based on our burritos the food was a 3-31/2 but the bartender's service and friendliness and ambiance bumped my rating to a 4. I would definitely try this place again but next time I would try their tacos since it seems to be their specialty given the place is called "pure taco".

Billie B.

The Caesar salad was enough for two or three and delicious. I had the halibut taco which was small but full of fish and very good. My husband had the California burrito but could only eat half. There is no table service. You order a they bring it to your table.

Zach H.

Food is actually very good, even for SoCal Mexican food standards. But it is literally crazy that they don't have in house salsa. Asked for salsa and was given pico... won't be back but service and food was good. Need to have salsa made from scratch in SD.....

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Jenna D.

Elite 26

191

739

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4 years ago

Tip: if you're coming to eat hear at a table, go find the cash register along the wall behind the bar. That's where you order! Took me awhile to figure that out. Staff wasn't proactive when we looked lost and were standing around. Food was great. My fav was the Korean pork taco and the cup of corn. Ambiance was casual / modern. Flip flops are acceptable :) read more

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Emily H.

So glad you could join us, Jenna! Sorry for any confusion around our…

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Christina M.

2 years ago

The food is amazing! The staff are professional, knowledgeable, courteous and kind! 10 out of 10! read more

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Serene C.

Elite 26

575

232

682

3 years ago

I recently went to Carlsbad for a work trip and as a self-proclaimed foodie and Yelper, I volunteered for the task of choosing a place for us to eat upon arrival in the area. Found this place on Yelp and I ventured to tried it. Let's just say it was a hit and everyone was satisfied! The ahi poke nachos were incredible and the tuna was so fresh! I loved the wonton chips as well. We all got a variety of things, mostly tacos. I stuck to my usual order of fish and pastor tacos. They were amazing! It's pretty evident that the tacos are homemade as they had a unique taste and texture. It certainly tasted fresh but texture wise it was a little gummy which I just found different and interesting. It was a little thick for my liking BUT I didn't mind it because with the filling overall it tasted good still. I also appreciated the global flavors featured on their menu. I got a mocktail of some drink with various juices which was super tasty. Also amazing service! read more

Pure Taco - Baja fish tacos and pastor taco - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Pure Taco - Ahi poke nachos - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Victoria H.

1 year ago

I used to like pure taco. I've been going here since first opened at least three times per month. The people were great and the food was great however I don't know if they changed ownership but all the people working there are new and the whole service changed so much. I ordered two tacos and it always takes about 10 minutes but tonight I went there and I ordered two tacos and after 35 minutes I went up to ask them where my tacos were. My friend had finished eating her food and table on both side of us who sat after us had received all their food. There was a guy named AJ, who was very rude and told me that they would bring my food when it was ready and IHe didn't look to see where my food was or why it was taking 35 minutes, but told me to go sit down which I found to be extremely rude. I asked another guy name Jose and he apologized for the wait, checked and saw that my order had been placed 35 minutes earlier and called back to the kitchen and asked to get my tacos made, and he was fantastic. My tacos came out and I had ordered green curry sauce with them, but apparently the green curry sauce was going to take an additional five minutes so I stood there holding my tacos as they were getting cold waiting for the green sauce and a manager came up and asked me why I was standing there. Her name was Rachel. I said I had been waiting 35 minutes for tacos and now I was waiting for the sauce. She told me that I needed to go sit down that I was in their way. I have stood in the exact same place at least 45 times waiting for tacos to go. It is a small place and that is where you stand to wait for your food. And since I was standing there holding a tray, it seemed like an appropriate place for me to stand and wait for my sauce so I wouldn't have to wait for another 15 or 35 minutes for delivery. She apparently was the shift manager, and she was extremely rude. I don't know if they got a new owner or just the entire staff left and they have new people but the people who used to work there were lovely and the food was good and we loved going there, but I don't see myself going back after the incredible rudeness of the staff and waiting 35 minutes to get two tacos at a to go place. Oh, and as we were leaving I told her I have written good reviews in the past but would be writing a negative one based on my experience tonight and she said I should write a negative review and she and called me a B#%! Hugely disappointed. read more

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Walter M.

Elite 26

2171

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667

5 years ago

Pure Taco feels like if Wahoo's and Rubio's had a baby and weren't corporate. The menu/flavor driven tastes of a chef operated place shows up as elevated fast coastal cuisine. Pure makes great tortilla's, the kind you get from whence they first came from. They emphasizes their tortilla's and it all starts with the nixtamalization of corn into masa and then into tortilla's. The cultural influence of using high quality tortillas as a delivery of global flavors is novel, like the KBBQ taco's of East LA, but I knew something was up when i saw the logo, like wait a minute, are there even Llama's in Mexico? A quick google search confirmed my suspicion. Then i thought well maybe they are using Peruvian or Chilean heritage corn varieties, still no. Since they are globalizing things it makes sense to say corn in a cup instead of esquites, but if you really want to shake things up why not serve it through a boba straw? Yes it's been done and it's not that weird. Like my popcorn i would have liked to see them layer the cotija cheese (rather than all on top) and me not have to order extra limes as 1 is never enough. It was solid, refreshing, light, balanced and the roasted corn is something not everyone takes the time to do. This is where i realized their highlighting of local ingredients which helps ingratiate themselves in the barrio as it's a bit tighter of a community than most areas. I don't recall any of their corn items to be not roasted. Guacamole was solid. Chips are excellent due to starting with good tortillas. Salsa is not hot and a little too chunky for me. Poke nachos are visually good looking, fresh tuna and ingredients, especially on top of the chips, but the price makes it out of line with the dozens of "chipoke" spots all over. The Cali Cobb looks good, but without bacon it's just something you make for yourself at the former Souplantation (RIP). TJ Cesar, i couldn't taste the anchovies or the creaminess of the egg yolk and those pepitas really unbalanced things. Tikka Masala bowl is at odds losing the char of the chicken, the tomato as color instead of in a sauce. I don't taste the coriander or cardamom. It needs work. Double cilantro on the rice and topping was too much. California burrito is very good, take it easy on the salsa fresca and it's what i'd want when i'm not hungover or drunk. It's not too big, not too much fries. The carne asada would use more earthy spices, but a true representation. The tacos are where the idea twinkles in your eye about the global flavors, but overall just needed a little more time and a little more r&d on the nuances of the dish they are trying to transport. The bo ssam misses a key ingredient without the ginger scallion sauce. Green curry shrimp makes sense, but mixed the wrong flavors together (should be a cooling sensation on the sauce over the cabbage otherwise the cabbage is unnecessary aside from texture and they should have used actual curried shrimp). Pork, pastor and chicken tacos were all excellent, balanced sauces and toppings. Pho beef wants to be guerrero tacos so bad or even a banh mi crossover would be nice with the straight hoisin, but ultimately lacks the star anise, the char, the onions and the umami. The bar is strange, built like a brewery tasting room, has so few spirits and options, and while not necessary to pair with the menu it seems a bit of a forced add on in the build out. Great service, the prices overall are in line with a few exceptions. Its actually a little crowded and the building design seems cool, but way less approachable than lofty. When there is a line it kind of backs up all over the place. A dedicated hostess stand would help. The shade awning does well at sunset and at keeping wind from sweeping through the restaurant. The music is eclectic. San Diego has alot of good taco spots. We have good Indian, Vietnamese, Korean food too. Carlsbad Village has none of that, so it's a great addition, but also in need of a clearer menu and vision on the flavors they want to transport. read more

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Clayton W.

Walter, thank you for taking the time to leave this review. We value…

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Maria M.

107

3 years ago

Great gluten free options. Fish tacos for $1.99 are delicious. The service was pretty quick fir how busy it seemed. read more

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Miriam B.

2 years ago

Food and drinks were delicious! Our bartender oceana was super friendly and attentive. She took her time to share customer favorites If you are up for great food and delish happy hour with friendly faces then Pure taco is the place to go! Came in as strangers and left as friends read more

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Nathan K.

1 year ago

Great place to eat! The staff are amazing and super friendly. Would definitely recommend. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was welcoming, and everything came out quickly and fresh. read more

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Patrick R.

1 year ago

The bartender recommended us the 2 for $5 fish tacos and a California burrito--both were delicious! The place is super clean, the prices are great, and the vibe is solid. Definitely coming back! read more

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Jen C.

1 year ago

You would think with the cute atmosphere and inviting staff that the food would meet my expectations. However, on the menu, it says fresh tortilla chips and queso that couldn't be further from the truth. Over salted cold and absolutely leftovers. Worst Paloma. No wonder nobody was there read more

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Donald M.

1 year ago

Make sure to check out the pure taco super good California burrito for a extra kick add shrimp to it. Everything is made fresh daily love this place! Make sure to sit the bar full service! read more

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Clare M.

Elite 23

513

3 years ago

Stopped by for lunch today and enjoyed the veggie burrito. I loved that it had unique ingredients in it like mushrooms and squash blossoms. It was a tiny bit spicy for me, but I am a wimp. The guac was also great - good size serving! read more

Pure Taco - Veggie burrito - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Robert U.

Clare, thank you for the feedback. Yes the Macha Salsa is a bit spicy…

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Julia S.

Elite 26

429

229

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5 years ago

Newly open quaint taco shop located on State Street in Carlsbad right next door to the Cantina and across the street from Campfire. You order at the register or at the bar. Service is good. The quesadilla was decent but the guacamole was very fresh and tasty. I would highly recommend the Caesar wraps! We added shrimp but ours originally came out with no shrimp so it had to be remade. The drinks were well made. A reservation is not necessary and the price point is also decent. A great spot to venture to after a beach day. Casual attire acceptable. Will definitely be back! read more

Pure Taco - Food menu - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Pure Taco - Caesar wrap - add shrimp - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Pure Taco - Skinny margaritas 2 with tajin rim other with standard salt rim - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Pure Taco - Drink menu - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Pure Taco - Chips, salsa and guac and the chipotle steak quesadilla - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Clayton W.

Thank you for stopping by and giving our food a try, Julia! Our…

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Daryl W.

1 year ago

Our first time here. Walk-up ordering from a well-rounded menu. We ordered the Traditional 1/2 flight of tacos and the pork shoulder rice bowl. The tacos are very filling and taste great, especially the citrus marinated pork. Same with the rice bowl. Cocktail was an espresso martini, also very good! The tables and seating were spotless. The background music was low enough for easy conversation. Sports on TV at the bar. Our server-cashier Osheana was super nice and offered menu recommendations. Food delivery was quick and all the other servers were friendly and efficient. Price was a great value. We definitely recommend and will return! read more

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Robert U.

Hi Daryl. Thanks for the super review. Next time try our global 1/2…

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Janet P.

1 year ago

Food was yummy, atmosphere was good, service was good too. I got the vegan burrito and it was good

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Chelle L.

Elite 21

242

5 years ago

The best new hang out spot in Carlsbad Village!! The Pho taco was my favorite! Margaritas on tap, perfect location, great prices... Delicious :-D read more

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Clayton W.

Thanks for coming in Chelle! We appreciate your wonderful feedback.…

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K C.

Elite 24

101

230

5 years ago

Let me say YUM! The atmosphere of this location is so cute with a retro bohemian vibe? It was rad that's for sure. So, I'm giving 4stars because while it was tasty there were a few things that could've been a bit better (in my opinion) We got the veggie taco, Korean taco and pastor tacos. They were super tasty my favorite by far was the veggie the sauce/salsa they put down DELICIOUS. The pastor tacos were really good, comes with fresher diced pineapple and onion on top and the pastor was crispy yet moist. The Korean tacos was a bit of a let down I feel like it need a bit more of something, a sauce maybe more veggies on it? Not sure, then the tortillas themselves could've been cooked a bit longer. Overall delicious! You should check it out, it's so cute inside a decent amount of seating and a small parking lot behind the building :) read more

Pure Taco - Korean taco - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Pure Taco - Skinny Margarita - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Pure Taco - Veggie taco - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Pure Taco - Happy hour deals - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Clayton W.

Thanks for stopping by KC! We're so glad you tried a few of our…

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Jonny U.

2 years ago

Tacos that don't make you feel disgustingly full. Great drinks! Super friendly staff. Definitely one of my favorites in Carlsbad.

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Robert U.

Thanks Johnny. Glad we are on your Carlsbad favorites list

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Chris A.

5 years ago

Over priced tacos . Was hoping to catch some Sunday night football They only play surfing channels Nice people but really overpriced for Tacos . Cute restaurant The vegetarian tacos were the most expensive. My favorite were the shrimp Curry tacos . read more

Pure Taco - Chicken taco - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Pure Taco - Cali cobb - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Pure Taco - Vegetarian taco more expensive then others with meat - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Pure Taco - Curry shrimp tacos - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Clayton W.

We appreciate you stopping by and trying our tacos, Chris. Thankfully…

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Dj B.

1 year ago

Worst tacos I have had. Over priced and small portion and no taste. Do not order global tacos.

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Andrew G.

Elite 26

127

1084

603

5 years ago

The place was pretty good. It reminds me a bit of Tocaya. Trendy Mexican food seemingly aimed at the suburban upper middle class. They had a couple plant based options which is right up my alley. It's good as long as your not looking for traditional authentic. My veggie burrito was good. read more

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Clayton W.

Andrew, we're thrilled to learn you loved our plant-based options! We…

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Sara S.

Elite 26

170

119

4 years ago

Great concept but food is very subpar. Quesadilla is better at Taco Bell. Service was nice and friendly- they checked on us often but didn't have the heart to tell them their food sucks. read more

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Robert U.

Sara, Sorry to hear about your experience. I've sent you a direct…

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Danniele W.

123

3 years ago

The vibe was so welcoming. There's a small bar area inside, and seating outside on the patio. There's blankets and heaters available if it gets chilly. The fish tacos were delicious, and the tortillas were soft and fluffy. My husband and son shared the global taco flight, which had 7 tacos. It was a ton of food and they barely ate 3 of the 7. The chips were really salty, but the guacamole and salsa they came with were good. Would definitely come back for the fish tacos. read more

Pure Taco - The global taco sampler, fish tacos and chips, guacamole and salsa. - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Pure Taco - Chips, guacamole and salsa - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Robert U.

Thank you for sharing your experience Danniele. I am so glad you…

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Feri J.

3 years ago

Wow ... I just had my early dinner at this cute restaurant out of state st in Carlasbad I ordered chicken burritos and some homemade chips and salsa The food was so delicious and their chips and salsa was absolutely fantastic They have a great bar with a very friendly atmosphere They have all day Tuesday tacos and are planning to have music on Wednesday s night As I was leaving the restaurant I met Robert the restaurant manager He was so kind and welcoming and super generous with packing my leftovers salsa and chips Thanks Robert for being so wonderful I definitely will eat at Pure taco again and i am going to tell my friends and family So happy you are in Carlasbad read more

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Amy V.

Elite 13

233

4 years ago

I don't understand why this place gets good reviews.... It's expensive and relatively bland. There's so many other authentic and delicious places to get a burrito! I wouldn't go there again. read more

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Robert U.

Amy, sorry to hear about your experience. Sending a DM to get more…

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Wendy J.

3 years ago

Loved the salsa, plenty of homemade chips. Global tacos and margs on special all day for taco Tuesday and loved the pho taco. Margs we're tasty too! Big pieces of meat! read more

Pure Taco - Patio - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Regina G.

188

108

2 years ago

We tried the Traditional 1/2 Flight. The Grilled Steak, Pastor and Citrus Braised Pork were very good. The Shredded Chicken was okay. We also tried the Grilled Steak, which was good. read more

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Robert U.

Thanks for the kind words Regina. Next time try the global 1/2…

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stacy h.

3 years ago

A tale as old as time.... Was amazing but it has gone downhill. The wait staff has been extremely rude, the food quality has gone down, and the tables are always dirty. Got a margarita 30 minutes before closing and the bartender refused to put salt on the rim because she had already put it away It's just not the same as it was. Which sucks cause I really loved it before read more

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Clayton W.

We are not just any other taco place, Stacy, and we are so glad you…

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Grace P.

2 years ago

Really enjoyed our brief visit to Pure Taco. We were in the area for a theatre event directly across the road and with just a half hour to spend. Pure Taco looked inviting and we ordered chips an salsa, fish and chicken tacos. My companion is not dating so we chose traditional tacos but based on how awesome these were, I'd definitely indulge in the lure exotic offerings. The salsa I must say was superb and on our table within a minute of ordering. The tacos are Street size and perfectly filled with delicious-ness. A new favorite spot! read more

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Robert U.

Hi Grace, Im so glad you enjoyed your first visit. Cant wait for you…

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Howard S.

1 year ago

The food was amazing. All tortilla chips are made at the restaurant along with the salsa. They were delicious. I had the taco flight which included 4 different tacos. The corn taco shells are also delicious. I sat at the bar and it was fast and great service. Nice atmosphere in the restaurant. Highly recommend. read more

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Eric V.

3 years ago

Light, fresh & tasty. Cool breeze and wonderful cocktails. Service was quick! Great time! read more

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Shanelle J.

3 years ago

What a great little taco joint! Order at the front, so it's casual and laid back. Had the citrus braised pork burrito. It was delicious! Pork was very tender. Also, I tried the grilled fish taco, which was great as well. Staff was friendly and attentive. I will certainly be back. read more

Business owner information

Robert U.

Thank you for your kind review Shanelle. Look forward to seeing you…

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Valerie D.

2 years ago

I like the chicken tacos, the fact that they have a bar with my favorite organic tequilas by Solento, they have my dad's (God rest his soul) favorite hot sauce-Tapatio, and they have a few cute sidewalk tables, but the music absolutely sucks. We would spend so much more time here eating more and for sure drinking more if they turned off this whiney pop music and played something that actually went with the food, style, and drinks. Something like Gypsy Kings/ flamenco guitar, Jimmy Buffet/steel drums, Bob Marley/reggae, mariachi, etc. Owners: make us feel like we are on vacation, not like we need ear plugs. read more

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Pau R.

186

2 years ago

The fish tacos here are so good! Flavorful and with a little spice kick to it . Great location and easy to park outside. Nice hangout spot for lunch read more

Business owner information

Robert U.

Thank you Paulina. Glad you enjoyed our place!

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Patty P.

3 years ago

Superb food, drinks and atmosphere. Watched a football game while enjoying some seriously addicting carnitas fries. Liquor selection is interesting and creative and I loved the grilled fish taco. Next time I'm bringing more friends to see their live music nights on Wednesday. read more

Business owner information

Meryl W.

Thank you Patty for the amazing review! We put a lot of thought into…

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Drew H.

3 years ago

My wife and I visited there on Memorial day. Sat at the bar. There were about 7 people total at the restaurant. The person behind the bar clearly did not want to be there. We were in a good mood and tried to talk with him. It definitely seemed like he was doing his best to wipe any smile we had off of our faces. My wife even commented that that was the rudest server we have had in a while. The situation got worse when the Celtics started losing the game on the TV to Miami. His attitude got even worse. The food was just OK. I love the concept of this place but we tried the 10 pack and all the tacos were bland and all very much the same. I guess the standout was the Pho. If there was one. I'd stay away. Find a place that is happy that you are eating there. read more

Business owner information

Robert U.

Drew, I deeply apologize for the service you received. I have sent…

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Rex D.

2 years ago

The tacos are pure! Not artificial, but authentic. Never had a bad experience here. The food is full of flavor. I've tried every taco now and I think the Korean bbq and grilled fish are my favorite. And the 1.99 Baja fish taco is incredible. All day happy hour on Tuesdays! No one else does that. Big Rob and his staff are holding down this establishment. Olivia is always attentive. Service and food are top notch! Guarantee you'll go back again and again. read more

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Live Love Laugh R.

2 years ago

My three teens loved it here! Very affordable menu with great variety of fish, pork, shrimp and chicken tacos, bowls and burritos. It's self serve and sitting area is very airy so you can enjoy the sun. Cute and comfy place for families like ours. Highly recommend! read more

Business owner information

Robert U.

Thank you. So glad you enjoyed our place. See yah soon!

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Danny L.

3 years ago

Great food, amazing service. Hands down hella good night! I would highly recommend to anyone that likes good food. read more

Business owner information

Robert U.

Danny, Thank you so much for your nice review. I will definitely…

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George L. L.

2 years ago

Super beautiful tacos with new tangy twists. Wish i had taken a picture of my food before i eat it. A masterpiece!

Business owner information

Robert U.

Thanks George. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your stay in Carlsbad!!

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Page 6 of 14

2742 State St
Ste 102
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Directions
(760) 841-7873
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://www.mypuretaco.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Pure Taco open?

Pure Taco opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Pure Taco close?

Pure Taco closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Pure Taco closes at 9:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.Pure Taco closes at 8:30 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Thu 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 9:30 PMSun 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Pure Taco take credit cards?

Yes, Pure Taco takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Pure Taco have catering options?

Yes, Pure Taco does have catering options.

Does Pure Taco have a drive thru?

No, Pure Taco does not have a drive thru.

Does Pure Taco serve alcohol?

Yes, Pure Taco serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Pure Taco allow dogs?

Yes, Pure Taco allows dogs.

Does Pure Taco have TVs?

Yes, Pure Taco has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Pure Taco have bike parking?

Yes, Pure Taco has bike parking.

Does Pure Taco have outdoor seating?

Yes, Pure Taco has outdoor seating options.

Does Pure Taco have parking?

Yes, Pure Taco has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Pure Taco wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Pure Taco is wheelchair accessible.

Does Pure Taco allow outdoor smoking?

No, Pure Taco does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Pure Taco have free WiFi?

Yes, Pure Taco has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We have made it our mission to deliver a twist to the standardized taco and globalize our hand-pressed tortillas with influence from cultures around the world. Check out our flavors to see what what all the hype is about.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Pure Taco

Is this place dog friendly?

Yes we are!!

View 3 more answers

Do they accept Apple Pay?

Yes I believe they do, but best to call the location.

View 2 more answers

Do you serve fry bread?

No - not to my knowledge but they have delicious food.

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Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Same Same

We had been aimlessly looking around for a spot that was open since our flight got in late at night…read more& we were starving. Places like the restaurant below were closing when their times were supposed to be open still. Kitty and Nate were awesome with their customer service! Super nice and accommodating, even when the food was a little too spicy for my mom. There were things like the drinks they made differently to accommodate for what we were looking for. Love the ambiance and the food was great. Whoever commented on having a midlife crisis, karmas going to kick your ass when you are that age. At least the owner has something going for themselves & has been really creative in the whole experience.

I've been here twice in the past week for happy hour and it's sooo good every time…read more The happy hour is Mon thru Thursday every week from 3-5 pm. I don't quite remember the prices but I think everything priced was fair/good value seeing as their food and cocktails are amazing and very high quality. I love the chicken gochujang sandwich. It is sweet, tangy, spicy, and the perfect portion. It is part of their happy hour but also their regular menu so it's great that I can enjoy at a discount. The happy hour was house cocktails only, but they do them really well. Their original cocktails are fun, delicious, and one of a kind. I tried a few and you can't go wrong. Lastly, the bartenders and servers are exceptional. They are kind and fun and definitely help to make the experience and environment a lot more enjoyable. I really enjoy this place and look forward to coming many more times and bringing more friends and family in to enjoy as well!

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Indoor decor

HOT POTATO (fried fingerling potatoes, Thai spicy rub, pickled red onions, and lime aioli)

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The guests of honor: it is, after all, National Margarita Day

Frankie’s

Just a great place to get cocktails! North County tend to close a bit early, so having this place…read moreto go to is awesome. There seems to be a good number of regulars and they are always friendly and happy to chat. I also love that the bartenders (I would only do this on nights that aren't super busy) are able and willing to create drinks for you based on your preferences.

With so many places to imbibe in Oceanside, I realize how competitive these places have to be to…read morestay in business so I have to admit, my standards are fairly high. My husband and I stopped in to Frankie's on a recent Saturday at 5pm. Our kiddo had a performance down the street at 6pm so we had a little time to kill beforehand. The neighboring spots looked busy so we decided to go with Frankie's, seeing as they were less inundated at the time and we had a time constraint. Another allure was the sandwich board at the front door advertising discounted cocktails - sold!! Inside there were a handful of patrons at the bar, another table with two additional patrons and maybe a couple on the patio so it was fairly quiet and slow, so it looked promising. We headed up to the bar and hung out behind two empty barstools, the single female bartender greeted us and said she'd be right with us, but then continued chatting up the seated patrons, serving them and their friends that had just joined (AFTER we'd arrived). We moved a little further down to the handoff area where she was making drinks to save her having to come back to us again, and stood there for probably 10 minutes while she took orders and made all the drinks. We commented that she looked like she could definitely use a hand, and she said they were still adjusting into summer hours and determining whether more coverage was needed at this time - I figured 5pm on a Saturday should be primetime, so I'm not sure in what universe having a single bartender makes any sense. Finally we placed our cocktail orders, waited while they were made, and then put our card down for the tab. After we'd paid, I noticed the cocktails were more expensive than advertised on the sandwich board out front - I couldn't find a disclaimer anywhere that said only certain cocktails were included, so while it was a bummer I wasn't about to wait another 10-15 minutes to catch her attention and ask for clarification. Just a heads up to beware of whatever is advertised that might summon you in from the sidewalk, and make sure you ask before you make your selection. Drinks were very subpar, nothing special to write home about. While I can appreciate the Gatsby-esque vibe they're trying to uphold at Frankie's, they really should increase their staffing especially during prime weekend and evening hours, and be more transparent about their specials and what's included and what's not. Hindsight is 20/20, and the low volume of patrons when everything else around it was going off was probably a sign, so we'll skip Frankie's our next go around.

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Ladies Love Outlaws

4.3

(3 reviews)

0.9 mi

I'm so glad the Heritage crew decided to utilize this space. Urge had the vision, but not the…read moreexecution to make 101 Proof really shine. They had fantastic bartenders and menu, but the speakeasy concept has been outdated for a while. Now, a Honky Tonk is a very different, good thing. The tunes are something North County has been wanting, but been missing in favor of larger venue DJ's, but the juke box here has been curated with classics. It's far too small to dance unless you're slow or maybe 2 stepping in the corner. The ambiance is dim, relaxed, fun. The drinks are just as good as some of the top bars around, helmed by Wyatt who you may remember from Switchboard and KNVS is a staple in Oceanside. Prices are excellent, staff is great. While you can get a cocktail here, you don't have to. A classic shot and a beer is just as likely to be had here as a stemmed glass proper cocktail. When it's jamming it is near a standing room all the way around. No doorman asking for a password, no re-entry on nights when Heritage are open (Monday is this exception). It's funny to watch South O locals wander in here and realize maybe it's time to stop trying to change places to be like other places and enjoy the experience shown.

Drinks are solid and served in kitschy mugs or fun appropriate to their name glasses. The…read morebartenders were as good looking as the drinks and knew how to make them, but the ambiance is lacking in a huge way. Cheaply done from the tables to decor and even though we went on a Saturday night the place was slow. Music was also good, but the DJ stopped playing about 20 min after we'd gotten there. That was a bummer. One round and we moved on.

Photos

Mac and cheese with Tri Tip

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Tower39 Rooftop Lounge

4.3

(189 reviews)

0.4 mi

It's the 1st day of Summer and I wanted to spend a lot of time outdoors soaking up the sunshine…read more What a perrrfect time to finally go to the Tower39 Rooftop Lounge! I wanted to go there for the longest especially for Happy Hour. When I got up there, I was amazed at the ocean views and pleasantly surprised it wasn't crowded during this beauuutiful late afternoon. I picked my spot to sit then stood in line while looking over the front-n-back menu. Everything sounded good but I wanted something fresssh and summery. The friendly staff was very knowledgeable about the menu and helpful in my decision to keep it Summer related. Not too long afterwards, my order came out. Looove the quick service! Both female bartenders were slaying it as soon as the line grew. It was niiice to see the world cup on the t.v. screen. I enjoyed watching it while I ate my yummy food and watched the magical sunset. More people showed up closer to the golden hour. Overall, I had a wonderful experience. Highly recommend this coastal hot spot to the Yelp Community!!

Great spot, but no service. You have to go up to the bar to order which is a bummer. It would be my…read morego-to spot if they had servers. They recently updated their seating as well, to super comfortable seats. The food was really good as well! We had the shareable fondue, the prosciutto flatbread, the quesadilla, and one of their salads, and the food was delicious! Overall recommend this spot, but really wish they would add service or bring back the QR codes to order from the table. Plus you can't beat that gorgeous view of the beach and palm trees.

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Tower39 Rooftop Lounge Seating

Tower39 Rooftop Bar

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Tower39 Rooftop High-Table Seating

The Shore Room

Wanted to find a place that was near the beach, had good food/drinks and could view the sunset…read more This place checked all the boxes. As soon as we came in for the reservation we were seated immediately and got to sit next a fire pit with a great view of Oceanside pier. The server was such a good guy too. Very friendly and very funny. We were deciding what drink to get and he recommended the pineapple suite since it matched my shirt and I'm glad we got it because it was very refreshing. We also got the fish and chips to snack on. The fish was so crispy and yet so soft and adding the lemon and tartar sauce made it even better. The fries were also very crispy, which I loved. We got to enjoy the fire pit and relax while watching the sunset. Would come here again.

Beautiful venue great music, lovely room. The food and drinks are overpriced.My fancy hibiscus…read morechambord drink was a bit too sweet. Our server was nice. Loved the atmosphere though! Just gorgeous!

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Craft Cocktail at The Shore Room

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Caymus Vineyards 50th Anniversary, Napa Valley, CA 2019

The Plot

Absolutely delicious! The food was incredible, and Austin, our incredibly hospitable waiter,…read morerecommended some of his favorite dishes. One of them was the chicken shawarma, and it was so good! We were able to grab a charming spot outside near their garden, where they actually grow some of the fresh ingredients used in the dishes. Such a cool touch! They also offered a variety of sauces, all of which were delicious. Even the habanero sauce was surprisingly approachable, full of flavor without being overly spicy. The atmosphere was beautiful, the aesthetic was amazing, and the overall experience was fantastic. I would definitely come back.

We go and do Restaurant Reviews & attend special events at The Plot quarterly with my groups San…read moreDiego Foodies and Carlsbad Foodies. This time around, it's just the family for Mother's Day. Since I know my food, the table let me order. Fresh hand cut thick long French Fries without a ton of seasoning or oil arrived: one with a cashew cheese truffle sauce, one with no salt, and one salted as requested. My daughter loved her reuben. I loved my blt. The two Caesar salads for the table disappeared quickly because their dressing is unbelievable! Let's see .... what didn't we eat is probably smarter than what did we eat. Beet ketchup, The C Word (braised cabbage), a couple of cronic sushi rolls, and there was a special lemon creme brûlée. Everyone enjoyed everything they ate, including my almost 3 year old grandson (they brought out a specially sliced fruit bowl for him). They offered many choices for kids, but he just wanted fruit. Hope you had as wonderful a Mother's Day as I did. Yes. We appreciated eating healthy and not walking away stuffed but instead satisfied. They were selling plants. So I bought 4 and planted them today! The gift that keeps on giving! We will be back for sure! With garlic, gusto & gratitude, Chef Marian

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Sausage and biscuits

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Fries with sauce

Sound by the Sea

I'll admit, I'm never in Oceanside since it's a bit of a drive compared to the other beach towns…read more My girlies and I decided to stop by here on the way home from being in OC, and the vibes did not disappoint. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by the host (I forgot his name, but it starts with a V?). Super friendly and helped all of us feel at home; Would occasionally check-in to make sure our needs were taken care of too. Sometimes you walk into bars and deal with judgy/pretentious people or service workers and we didn't get that impression at all from any of the staff here. My girlies and I ended up sitting in the outside area, which honestly was a great choice due to the humid weather AND we got a great view of the beach sunset. It's a bit stuffy (when it's hot), but still nice inside the establishment. We also ordered some drinks and tiramisu to make the most of our time there. Overall, Sound By The Sea is a great spot to catch-up and unwind during one of those longer summer nights (cue the Summer Nights song by Lil Rob lol). I hope you also enjoy the same fun experience my friends and I shared yesterday. Thank you. :-)

My friend organized a '70s-themed beach party in Oceanside, and we ended up at this cool spot for…read moreappetizers and drinks. This was my second time here, and I love everything about this place. First of all, kudos to the bartender--I forgot her name, but she was incredibly generous and kind. She accidentally forgot my drink and kept apologizing, but I told her it was totally fine since we had a large party. To make up for it, she gave me two shots instead of one and even added a big discount. The ambiance of this place is unique and very artsy. If you're looking for a cool, one-of-a-kind spot to hang out, this is it. There's so much attention to detail throughout--even the restroom door is thoughtfully designed with a modern, creative touch. My friend ordered a variety of cocktails, and everyone enjoyed them. The food was great as well. I ordered the hummus plate, and it was the best I've ever had--so fresh and served in a generous portion. My friends tried the pizza and a few other items from the menu, and everything got a thumbs up. If you're in the area looking for a cool place to hang out or planning a party, this is the spot. I'll definitely be back again soon.

Photos

Food: Prosciutto Flatbread. Drinks: Tropical Princess

Preparing for the DJ/live music collaboration.

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Dean Martini

Pour House

First time there this Saturday night & had a blast. Great drinks, great bites, great staff, close…read morelocation and the band. B.I.G is a must see!

We were here for the final game of FIFA soccer and they had the sound…read more Coco was the bartender, she was very busy, but still attentive and friendly. She did a great job of multitasking and working hard! She is the best!

Photos

A mixologist thst knows how to run a restaurant and bar

Smash Burger and fries.

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Taps

The Space Pad

Whimsical speakeasy inside Killowatt Brewing in Oceanside. SMALL but incredibly detailed and…read moreentertaining atmosphere. Reservations suggested. Doors at the end of the hallway past the bathrooms. This is a FUN speakeasy. There are moving parts, visual effects, beautiful dioramas and hallucinogenic black-light effects. Drinks are good. I have been here 4 different times in various capacities (with 2-3 friends or with dates) and I found the staff inside a bit stoic and unwelcoming each time. I'm not expecting Puppy-dog enthusiasm but it definitely feels you are invading their space by being the room and I find I tend to apologize for my presence. That perception aside, if you aren't trying to chat the bartender up for lively conversation there is plenty to see in the cleverly themed bar. There are just a couple U-booths and a handful of bar stools. So you're on a time-limit for your stop in this portal.

Usually 5 star. Last night they let so many people in tha they were standing everywhere. We had…read morebutts in our face, the two servers were overwhelmed, and for a while no one was at the door so people just walked in. Noisy. Crowded and not fun. Left after one drink.

Photos

Ambassador Scones & Reverse Paloma

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Merenda

4.4

(92 reviews)

0.9 mi

What a gem! Came for…read morea relaxing Friday evening with girlfriends and we loved the rosé flight. The wine menu is pretty excellent with a great variety. Love that their flights change as well, so lots of fun wines to explore. The food menu was interesting and paired great with the food. Overall this is a fun addition to the quieter side of the block.

I've walked past this place plenty of times and finally decided after work to stop in, was around…read more7:30pm and was greeted by Micah, he was so kind and so easy to talk to. Helped me try a few wines and landed on the draft sparkling, which paired really nicely with my food. The kitchen is definitely on top of the products that come out and have high standards for their food. I left very happy with my experience, especially with the bar being filled with other kind folks, who loved to chat! Overall, the Merenda was a beautiful space, ambience was lovely. This is going to be my hidden gem that i bring my friends to and officially part of my boyfriend and I's date night list! Thank you Micah & see you soon!!

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Tin fish plate - Olasagasti Anchovies with House Red Wine and Orange Wine (on tap) for Happy Hour

Happy hour menu

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Bathroom is even cool

Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant & Market Carlsbad

Such a great experience! We came here while on vacation, and it ended up being the perfect dinner…read morespot. The Alaskan king crab was some of the best I've ever had, and it was my son's first time trying it, which made the meal even more special. Our server was kind and attentive. We had the pleasure of meeting the manager and he was incredibly kind!!!! Excellent food, outstanding service, and an all around memorable experience. Highly recommend!

First time at the Carlsbad location. Went to the one in Little Italy years ago and wanted to try…read morethis one out. It's great. We ended up sitting at the bar because it was a bit crowded and we didn't have reservations. The bartenders were amazing. They were all friendly and attentive to everyone at the bar. The food was very good! I really enjoyed the trout where you can ask for different sides if you didn't want the scallops potatoes and green beans that it comes with. I don't love green beans so I substituted it for sautéed spinach. The fish was cooked to a nice temperature and it was moist and flaky. The complimentary sourdough bread with butter was delicious. The sushi roll was ok. I would skip that unless you don't want any of their other entrees.

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Bluewater Grill, Carlsbad.

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Crab Cake perfection!

Via Vai Cucina Italiana

Eat their lobster ravioli, I pray you! Delicious and so nicely trimmed with shrimp. And let…read moreAntonio pick your wine too! Marvelous!

This is my 4th trip to Via Vai. The food is amazing, the service is excellent and sitting on the…read morepatio is so relaxing. I love this place!!!!

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Inside Seating

Tagliatelle Sea Scallops and Porcini

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Inside Seating

Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Always a must stop while I'm in San Diego!…read more We got there on a fairly quiet day and we're able to sit pretty much anywhere. Our server was very kind and answered out crazy amount of questions on the deals. We ended up with the pretzels, tuna Nachos, and pub Burger with the drink deal. All of it was fairly good, but I would highly recommend those nachos if you like tuna. It hit that sashimi craving with the crunch from the chips.

Service was great, the manager was nice and made extra effort for our party of 8. There was some…read moreconfusion in the beginning when we talked to the front desk about high chairs etc but he came and quickly did great customer service skills to fix it. I appreciated it a lot. Our server was also super great and attentive. I wish I could give a higher review but the food just wasn't that great for us. Kind of pricey and just tasted blah. I got the chicken chop shop salad, my husband got the Korean ahi poke bowl tasted kind of meh had to add a lot of sauce on the side to make it taste good, and my kids got their butter pasta with Parmesan that I had to try to salvage by adding extra salt, it didn't work there didn't eat it. It was also on the pricier side, just for pasta and butter it was $10.5 and a fountain drink. I mean at least add fruit or fries something on the side. My salad honestly tasted like those pre mixed ones you get at Costco but for $21 dollars. The place is nice and huge, it's loud and great for kids and families bc of the size. It was convenient for our large party. The parking can be hard if they're busy as it is right next to a hotel and it's prolly hotel parking too.

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View from the open patio area

Beer-Brined Pork Chops

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Fish and Chips

Dini's By The Sea

This is one of my favorite places to dine. Get a table on the patio around sunset, and you won't be…read moredisappointed. Anytime I have friends or family visiting from out of town, I bring them to Dini's! They have really great clam chowder, hands down the best around! They have a very large variety of seafood, but also have sandwiches, salads, and breakfast anytime. They have a really delicious infused margarita too, and an extensive wine and craft beer list. Something for everyone. Happy hour mon-fri 4-7pm

Not friendly or welcoming. Approached hostess for a table and was told that there was a 2 hour wait…read morealthough many empty tables inside and outside at patio. We would be seated after the restaurant closed and therefore couldn't even be added to waitlist. How about adding our name should the empty tables (that were visible from hostess stand) not get filled? Seemed like they didn't want or appreciate the patronage. Hard pass. Going a few doors down to a more hospitable restaurant. (Also- peep their health score review linked in Yelp. Didn't see it until I came to post this review and think it was God's way of preventing a cleanliness/food safety issue by having not eaten here.)

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Alaskan King Crab Legs- Every Friday @3pm. MP

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Board & Brew - Carlsbad Village

Excellent food and very reasonably priced. Thanks. It was yummy. The sweet and sour sauce really…read moremade the sandwich with all fresh ingredients.

Board & Brew is located across the street from the hotel we stayed in. It is in a small plaza…read morecalled Tower 37. There is a limited parking lot shared with other businesses. We stopped by to try it. They offer specialties sandwiches, sandwich board, grilled sandwiches, house salads, and of course great selections of beer. The place has both indoor and outdoor seating. We ordered : - Chicken Club 5/5 Chicken, bacon,melted jack cheese, mayo, lettuce & tomato in toasted French Baguette - Tom's Choice 5/5 Turkey breast, roast beef, cheddar, onions, tomato & lettuce in French Baguette - Vegi Supreme : 5/5 Tomato, sprout, onions, avocado, cucumber, cheddar & jack cheese on toast. The sandwiches were rich, flavorful and huge. The ingredients were fresh and savory. They were individually wrapped neatly. The service was fast. I will go back to try different sandwiches.

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Turkado with Secret Sauce

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Left coast pastrami

Jalisco Cantina

Food is Amazing. Location is great…read more Excellent menu options Very trendy decor - I love it Server had great recommendations! Highly recommend

Ambiance..love the decor and plenty of seats Service..fast…read moreand friendly Food..Taco tuesday deal.was 3 for 14 and 8 dollar magarita..loved my chicken tacos and the salsas and guacamole and chips..good flavours and perfect size. The habernero balsamic salsa was good

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Burrito

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Wet burrito

Cicciotti's

The reason me and all my buddies go to lunch at C's is the food, ambience and Mariana Cabrera…read more She's a great waitress and always has a smile. We are not easy to wait on! Did you know that Wednesday everything on the menu is $20? I had the Mediterranean salad with salmon and it was great especially for $20

I came for the oyster happy hour. The happy hour menu was much more extensive than most, which is…read morewhat drew me in. I ordered the salmon carpaccio, but it was subpar. It was served with old, wilted arugula. The calamari was average. The first round of oysters was okay, but during the second round, both my daughter and I each ate a bad oyster. We were ready to gag at that point. The only reason I didn't give this place one star is because our waiter removed the last dozen oysters from our bill, which I appreciated. Looking around, the dishes served to the tables next to us also looked pretty basic. Unfortunately, I won't be returning.

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Interior

Complimentary Bread & Tasty Bruschetta

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Bruschettone

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Guacarita G.

3 years ago

The atmosphere at Pure Taco is relaxed and inviting, with a laid-back vibe that perfectly complements the restaurant's focus on fresh, healthy ingredients. The interior is tastefully decorated with vibrant colors and natural elements, creating a warm and inviting space that feels both modern and cozy. The seating options at Pure Taco include both indoor and outdoor areas, giving diners a choice between a more intimate indoor setting or an al fresco dining experience in the beautiful Southern California weather. Let's cut to the chase - the margaritas at Pure Taco in Carlsbad are a must-try. They're flavorful and well-balanced, with just the right amount of tequila and citrus. I highly recommend trying the Pure Marg which includes Blanco tequila, orange rind, fresh lime juice and Grand Marnier. The margaritas at Pure Taco are simply outstanding! They have the 'Pure Marg" and 'The Skinny". The presentation of the drink is just as impressive as the taste, with the margaritas served in a salt-rimmed glass and garnished with an orange wedge. One sip of their margarita and you'll be hooked! The perfect balance of sweet and sour, with just the right amount of tequila to make it a truly memorable drink. However, the guacamole was a bit of a letdown. While it had a nice flavor and texture, it was served in a substandard plastic container, which detracted from the overall presentation and quality. I would suggest serving the guacamole in a nicer dish that's not made of plastic to match the quality of the margaritas. Overall, if you're looking for a great margarita in Carlsbad, Pure Taco is definitely worth a visit. Just don't expect too much from the guacamole presentation, but the guacamole taste is a 3.5 out of 5. read more

Rachel N.

2 years ago

We absolutely loved the Carlsbad location--it's incredibly easy to find right along the main strip. As we were strolling along looking for a place to grab lunch, this spot immediately caught our attention. The ambiance had a light, fun vibe with a modern and cross-cultural flair. A perfect 5/5 for the atmosphere! We ordered at the counter and snagged a spot at one of the high-top tables outside. It was surprisingly quiet for lunchtime, which we appreciated. The staff, as always, was exceptional--friendly, welcoming, and attentive. A solid 5/5 for the service! To start, we ordered the Chips, Salsa, and Guac. The chips were fantastic--crispy, salty, and totally addictive. I could've easily eaten an entire basket on my own. The salsa was thick, flavorful, and had a nice balance of spice. The guacamole, however, didn't quite hit the mark for us. It was a bit bland and had an odd aftertaste. Even after squeezing some lime and mixing it up, it didn't improve much, so we'd skip it next time. For the main event, we tried the Baja Fish Tacos and both rated them 5/5. The fish was perfectly seasoned and the tacos were fresh and delicious. My husband also had the Pulled Chicken Tacos and gave them a 5/5 as well. Both were great choices! The Pastor Taco had good flavor, but it wasn't quite as spicy as I expected for this classic dish. I'd give it a 4/5--still tasty, just not as bold as I'd hoped. read more

Mike H.

199

2 years ago

As a regular customer of Pure Taco, I've always enjoyed good food and service here. However, my recent visit was unfortunately a letdown. The evening started promisingly as my wife and I ordered drinks, an appetizer, and two main courses. But things quickly went downhill with the timing and order of service. My entree, a burrito, arrived first - before our drinks, appetizer, and my wife's meal. This put us in an awkward position of either eating separately or letting the food get cold. When I explained this to the young woman running the food, her response was dismissive: "We bring out food in the order that it's made," delivered with an unwelcome attitude. The drinks finally arrived about 10 minutes later. My wife's entree came 15 minutes after mine, with the appetizer following even later. By this point, my burrito had gone cold, significantly impacting the dining experience. While the food quality has been consistently good in the past, the poor service and lack of coordination in the kitchen overshadowed any culinary merits this time. The staff's inability to properly time the meal courses and their dismissive attitude towards valid concerns were disappointing. Given our previous positive experiences, this visit was a stark contrast and leaves us hesitant about returning. Pure Taco must address these service issues to maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty. read more

Marie G.

154

124

229

4 years ago

I have been here about a dozen times since this place opened and it's taken me a while to write this review. This is partially because when they first opened the food was great but the service was mediocre and partly because I'm finally ready to proclaim that this place has replaced Las Olas as my top pick for Mexican in the village. The service turnaround in the kitchen has improved dramatically in the past 4 times I have been over to eat, and I think they have found their groove. The fish tacos for 1.99$ are unbelievably delicious, with handmade tortillas and perfect amounts of crema, pico, lettuce, and fish aplenty. The salads are also one of my top picks! The skinny margarita is also my go to for a refreshing treat to relax and take in the ocean air. My kids love the patio and decor, which offers a modern take on the Mexican coastal vibe. If you don't try this place, you will be missing out!!! read more

Sandi C.

5 years ago

Enjoyed a fun evening at Pure Taco! New casual dining in Carlsbad with lots of vibrant energy! Very open concept dining with the bar in the center of the dining venue. The pure Margarita was awesome! Lots of interesting menu items. Corn in a glass was a delicious side veggie...Mexican Elote you can eat with a fork! The beef and fish tacos were excellent. The presentation of Guacamole, Salsa and chips was inviting and the salads looked awesome. Can't wait to go back and try the Pastore taco and some of the other offerings! Put this restaurant on your list!! read more

Sukhpreet S.

Elite 26

143

1 year ago

Pure Taco offers a delightful experience with its fresh and flavorful cuisine, inviting ambiance, and attentive service. The food stands out with a variety of creative taco options, each bursting with vibrant ingredients and perfectly balanced flavors. From classic carnitas to inventive vegetarian choices, the menu caters to diverse tastes while maintaining high quality and authenticity. read more

Jenn M.

1 year ago

Authentic Mexican food, coming from a Mexicana this gem is great for quick & good food, with Great customer service!! Once we discovered it, it's been a new go to!! they have a variety of hand made tortillas that get paired really well with depending on your order!! This place is also really clean with heaters outside! I appreciate how well thought out this place is! read more

Jack W.

3 years ago

Never done a yelp review before. But Amy was so kind and patient with me tonight. Couldn't figure out what to get she recommended her favorite Curry Taco and boy was she right so tasty. Also had a veggie that was amazing! The house margarita was perfection. Guacamole tasted fresh and delicious. This is my new go to for Taco Tuesday!!! read more

Devon P.

5 years ago

This place is awesome! I was walking by and noticed that they just opened. Brought the family in and everyone enjoyed their meals. The tacos are off the chart not your traditional Taqueria! Green curry shrimp is phenomenal! Salads are great too, try the cobb salad! Bar is beautiful and the margs were great! Great Vibe lots of fun! read more

James D.

8 months ago

BAD food, weird service , BAD food. be careful if you want any seafood here. ordered 3 different tacos . Grilled Shrimp cooked on 1 side only , over cooked battered fish taco {all batter }. and a grilled fish taco that was like eating jerky. what a waste. and the "vibe" just off ...owner / mgr was weird and cold . read more

Dean S.

5 years ago

Awesome unique tacos that will keep you coming back for more. Make sure you try the Pho beef taco and Green curry tacos! Insanely delicious... oh, the Carnitas fries deserve your attention as well. Wife had the Cali Cobb salad and was smitten.. will be back as soon as possible. read more

Brandon H.

5 years ago

Really awesome spot with great food and perfect ambiance. We had the quesadilla and poke nachos and they were both amazing. Also had the Korean pork tacos and it was filled with flavor. Definitely will be back to try more on the menu. read more

David R.

5 years ago

A refreshing and delicious approach to the Taco. Great staff, clean, courteous, and great service. I could not believe that quality of food exists at such a fair price. I highly recommend this spot to anyone!! Two thumbs up!! read more

Kinuko W.

2 years ago

The food here is great. Fun, friendly atmosphere. The shrimp tacos are to die for! I like the ease of ordering up at the counter. It makes it easy and quick for the family. They are also dog friendly. read more

Tommy G.

6 months ago

If you can find a better deal than 2 (really good) fish tacos for $5, Let me know. I've had other tacos here and they were good as well, but the fish tacos are like... Before COVID good deal. read more

Kara R.

3 years ago

Second time I have been here. Don't know why it took me so long to come back. Curry Shrimp and Pho Beef are simply amazing. Guac is fresh every time. Very reasonable prices. read more

Maria P.

2 years ago

Great service / delicious food, super clean restaurant, convince location and parking lot, in general super good experience I will most definitely coming back! read more

Sherry G.

Elite 25

247

5 years ago

It was a great experience overall! Customer service was really nice, and the food is great, the fire time is even better. I'll definitely be back! read more