this place is amazing. the folks knocking it are likely paid to do so. 1000 times better than Rudy's down the street.

I'm very familiar with Mexican food around all of San Diego and this place is BY FAR THE BEST! Great food with solid prices. Great ambiance as well. Must try! read more

Honestly, don't waste your time. The last two times I went in there I've had horrible experiences. The cook in the back is awful. He proceeded to argue with me after I told him the California burrito said it came with guacamole and sour cream on the menu. All he gave me was cheese, fries and meat. Decided to give this place another chance the other night. I opted to add guacamole to my burrito which I paid extra for, he chose not to include it. La costa do yourself a favor, don't go here, just because it's convenient. I've never written a review in my life but the food is poor. read more

The best Carne Asada Burrito I've ever had. They marinate the meat in a special recipe and the meat is always tender and juicy. Great service too! I go out of my way to come here! read more

Maybe the food is good, but I walked in, ordered a burrito that was on the menu behind the counter for $6.45 and the robotic guy behind the cashier said "that will be $8.99". I pointed to the menu and said it should be under $7 with tax. All he said was "the menu is wrong". No, "sorry, we just adjusted prices" or anything. Sorry, your deceptive pricing, rude employee and possibly shady business practices will keep me from coming back. It looks like yet another restaurant is setup for failure in that spot... read more

Carlsbad needed and it came to our city. Valerie's. Nice people. Fast service, fresh food and we have become regulars.

Better call first this place closes whenever it wants. Went on a Sunday at 6pm. Says open till 8.

I'm not sure how I feel about this place. I can't say I love it. But I do come here often the staff is very nice I must say, and the food is always fresh. I prefer the carne Asada fries or I've got the Carnitas tacos both were good. But one time I got the Pollo Asada fries and they weren't good in my opinion. I'll keep trying different things on the menu. But the parking lot is ridiculous sometimes in this center is why I'm docking a star. read more

pretty good for a quick lunch or dinner. more like 3.5 stars...not open late on Sundays and they keep switching between 3 & 4 closing time. The Guacamole was better when they first opened...lately it's been a little less thick than it was. Also the attitude of the staff needs to be better as they are usually REALLY unfriendly. However they Carne Asada is better than Rudy's as well as the Taquitos and their salsa is very good, esp the 'Old School' Red sauce and the light green salsa (HOT). check them out read more

This place is amazing! Definitely a hidden secret in Carlsbad. Just order the California burrito and you won't be disappointed!

Carnitas tacos...I spit out every other bite due to fat and gristle. The worst taco I've ever eaten. Since I had to give 1 star, that star goes to the chips which were hot and crunchy. I would go to Taco Bell before I went here again. read more

Decent adobada and fish tacos. Not tacos el gordo or taco stand level, but fair for the area. Think I'd still hit Rudy's lengua tacos or cotijas al pastor if stuck in a 5 mile radius, but this place'll do in a taco jam. read more

Nothing special and not the most flavorful. The fish taco was pretty dry and the breakfast burrito seemed like something I am capable of making at home. read more

So far Best food definitely will keep coming,everything it's fresh,good the restaurants very clean the staff very friendly

Honestly, people reviewing this place badly is pissing me off. If you want fantastic so cal Mexican food this is your place. Great Carne as well as shrimp so good I haven't ordered anything else yet. I usually get the SD burrito but I've had many buddies get the tacos as well and they are always happy. I used to go out of my way to go to the emerald location so happy they have one North of the 78 and El Caminom. No other Mexican food compares, that's why they are expanding and everyone else is struggling. One suggestion is tell people what the SD burrito is on your menu don't just list it! read more

Tired for the first time. They were truly appreciative and very gracious. Homemade tortillas are excellent! Carnitas plate was fresh and hot. Salsas are really good and one has some serious heat to it. Fast and affordable. Good job guys; we'll be back soon! read more

Es medio déspota el wey de cajero and well this shop was the closest to eat where I was working pero pues no hay pedo

Horrible experience!!! I decided to stop and give a try... first the lady in the counter wasn't helpful, I ordered 2 Californias burritos and I added guamacole and sour cream, both were really cold, the meat was warm but the fries super cold and tortilla, I proceeded to eat my burrito because I don't like hot food but the second burrito was for my mom, obviously other peoples likes their food hot, the cheese on the burrito wasn't melted at all, I explained to the lady and she was like go tell the guy in the counter, and I was like aren't you the cashier?, she looked like she didn't care, and I was waiting for my turn to explain it to the guy, and she just told him, just refund her money in Spanish, I didn't want it my money I was just trying to explain them my experience but they didn't care, and the guy didn't hear what I was trying to say so I just left without a refund or a comment, or any apologize from them !!! read more

Valerie's has the best tacos I have ever had ! I am a regular every Thursday and I bring as least 1 -3 friends with me all my friends all agree the tacos and burritos are the best ! I am always in heaven eating carnitas and al pastor tacos ! Killer ! The carnitas burritos are huge and amazing . The have the best salsa s about 6-8 different flavors ! I am reluctant to tell any body about my killer secret Mexican resistant ! Please do not tell any body else about Valerie's ! Just enjoy it ! By the way my fav location is oceanside! It is the best one ! read more

I moved here in October from San Diego. I haven't found any good taco shop :( I was told to give this one a shot. It was ok. At least my fries weren't all greasy and soggy that was a good thing about it. It was small portion. read more

Unexpected gem, right next to our favorite library. Our family of three ate for under $20, with a soda too! The food has a lot of flavor but not too spicy. The service is friendly and quick and the atmosphere is warm, wonderful, and clean. Absolutely recommend this place, read more

food was average but the lady on the phone was incredibly rude will most definitely not be back!! I called in an order customer service is a thing of the past Anymore! read more

Ordered a california burrito, the menu says guac/sour cream. I got neither in my burrito. 2/5

I am from out if state and was recommended to this place for great food. First your website times are not correct, second I order three items which included a California burrito and cheese rice burrito and two Carne asada tacos no gauc and chips and salsa. They messed up the order and put gauc on tacos and missed the California burrito. I called them and remeber I am out of state and was feeding two kids. After 10 phone calls someone answered and said sorry dont know what to do except pick up money tomorrow. That didn't work so they said come pick up burrito. I said I would and drive 14 min. to pick up when I arrived I was given 10 bucks and a unfelt sorry by same person who answered phone. I ended up at a chain restaurant who fed my kid. I would not recommend this place I realize I came close to closing only because website listed in correct times. Pathetic customer service !! So disappointed.. read more

Messed up a simple order and waiting 25 minutes for a burrito isn't acceptable. Better off heading to one of the 20 other shops close by.

A hidden gem! Food is very good. Our favorites so far are the shredded chicken enchiladas and the grilled chicken soft taco. The grilled chicken is very tender. One taco is filling. Great value for the price. Good and friendly service. Give them a try! read more

Very disappointed. I really wanted to love this place but, alas ... On the plus side - the hostess/order taker was quite friendly and pleasant; food was out very fast; portions were substantial; cost was reasonable. But ... the food was nothing to write home about. The rice and beans were uninspired and the carne asada in my burrito was of poor quality. The taste of all these items was bland. Also - the "silverware" was cheapest, smallest, flimsiest plastic junk that likely sells for a package of 500 for a buck at the Dollar Store. And no napkins were available on the table. When I needed more, I had to go ask the hostess. The napkins, themselves, were on a par with the utinsels - thin, small, and cheesy. And finally, the sauces at the salsa bar are not labeled so a Gringo like me who doesn't know one from the other finds himself at somewhat of a loss when selecting a salsa. read more

this review is not about the food , its about the cook in the back 3/3/21 i have come in a couple of times to pick up food and i know its been the same cook on different occasions, he is extremely rude and talks mad sh!1!! arguing with the cashiers using profanity out loud i understand cuss words in Spanish not good to have someone working like this, The cashier couldn't take my order because he wouldn't shush , the women asked him twice to be quiet and let her do her job, he really needs to change his way. read more

Hands down- a must try! Fantastic quality and value! HUGE tacos! House made corn tortillas! Chips made to order! Flavorful salsa! Delicious rice, beans, love the carnitas! The SD burrito, nachos... can't wait to go back. Seriously - you won't be disappointed read more

Service was good, good deals for taco Tuesday's but the food was definitely bland. Lacked in flavor and amount of meat

Great service!! A little salty but better than the previous place that was located there before.

Really like this place. The carne asada burrito and California burrito are my go to choices. The rolled tacos are a family favorite too. Food comes up fast and the people who work here are nice. Also the food comes up faster than some of the other places we like. read more

I don't know what the other guy was talking about. This is a taco shop and he's comparing it to places that are strictly street tacos. My family has been in the taco shop business(Roberto's) for almost 60 years. They're the largest and pioneered the industry. I have no problem trying out other places and giving my honest opinion. This place stuck to me. The food was amazing from the combination plates to the aguas they serve. I'd definitely come again next time I'm in the area, heck might even come just for the food. Their seasonings were great, flavors blended well and so on. And I tried Rudy's. Not a big fan of much of their food. And as for the taco stand. To high of a price for not that good of food. I'd rather go to Mexico and pay for some tacos or even make them myself... Overall. This place deserves to stay and grow. read more

Best taco shop in the area, love the shredded chicken burrito.

yummy Mexican street food. we went here with the kids after legoland. only 5 minutes from our hotel. small but yummy. we tried tacos, burritos and tortas and all were good. kids and adults satisfied and reasonably prices. read more

Omg amazing food! So yummy and fresh and very affordable. I visited twice now and both times I was very impressed. My last visit was especially satisfying. I found something I am yet to find in any other taco shop: a real pollo asado salad! no shell, no beans, no corn, I mean an ACTUAL salad, but with pollo asado. Valerie's has it! Delicious freshest veggies: lettuce, tomato, avocado, amazing freshly grilled Mexican style chicken, freshly crisped tortilla strips, enough to fill 2 people, for under $7! I was so excited to see that on the menu last time when I was specifically craving a chicken salad, I ordered it and was wonderful! I drizzled about a 3rd of the dressing, the quality of the ingredients was so high that it didn't need any real flavor boost. I added a little of their amazing green salsa for extra kick and enjoyed half of it for dinner and the rest for lunch next day. I loved the quality, the price, and the portion size. Definitely money well spent, I will for sure be back! read more

This place is great! Near my house, friendly staff, anxios to help. The foos is consistantly very very good. My family n I have tried m9st everything, but very pleased every time. There are always Machaca burritos in the freezer, sliced in half, for my hub and i to share for a snack, or half for a meal. Great stuff! read more

Great taquitos! Our kids really like them! Enjoyed the burritos too! The staff is wonderful! Good location.

I frequent this place kinda often and usually the lovely ladies that ring me are gracious and kind but when I ordered 2 tacos and asked for a little extra cheese not only did he charge me $2 dollars but they didn't tell me. It was when I got my change that I realized he charge me without telling me and the EXTRA cheese I got was less that the normal amount. read more

I ordered two meals one was chilaquiles with extra sour cream and a chorizo plate with overhard eggs on the side when i got to my place and open the bag they eggs that i asked overhard we're scrambled and the chilaquiles were like half the portion that i usually get and they were literally plain tortilla chips with green salsa they didn't have any cheese or sour cream that i paid extra for. I called to let them know that my order was wrong and they asked me if i wanted to go back, i took the chilaquiles back to show them how poorly they were and i asked them if they could put me some more and the cook told me in a high voice that he was new and that he was not going to give me more because he was going to get yelled at by the boss. Besides he told me that the chilaquiles plate that cost $10 has only three tortillas and the salsa(really three tortillas?)You should train your staff on how to handle unsatisfatied customers due to wrong prepared orders. read more