Carlos's Tijuana Tacos

Saw this place on TikTok that they were doing a valentine's day tacos tray. My wife and I love to try new taco spots and what a better day to try some tacos than on V-Day right! The special valentine's tray comes with 8 tacos at a whopping $50 (I thought about just ordering the tacos without the nice heart shape tray as that would save me about $20 more or less as each taco there cost about $3 and change). I would like to note that the tortillas are freshly made hecho a mano corn tortillas which is a plus. Given that this was V-Day i decided to pay $$. Also ordered a vampiro de carne adobada and the tacos were half de asada and the other half were de adobada. Best salsa here was their habanero salsa. My wife and I liked the tacos and the vampiro. The carne asada had that smokey flavor as they cook the meat over a wood fire grill. Tacos were good and different from the usual tacos you get at some other places.

Update 8/15/22

Still baffled at some of the 1 star reviews. I think their food is solid, especially the asada and the free beans. Service can be slow at times and they did run out of jalapeños which happens from time to time, but the place was clean, service solid and food very good.

Their system does need some work though. With a crowd, it can be very slow. There was only one group ahead of us on a pretty slow night and still took about 10 mins from the time we ordered to the time we got our number called, which isn’t too bad, but if it were busier, no way their system would keep up unless they had multiple taqueros.

About the food. Tried the buche, adobada, and asada. All were good, but stand out is the asada. The mesquite flavors in the meat really is special. Some parts can be chewy, but it’s the cut of meat and typical with many of the TJ taco stands. Anyway, ordered an extra burrito to go and had my three tacos along with the free frijoles de La olla and left happy and fed. Always love a salsa bar too!
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Not sure why the reviews are so bad. The style of taco calls for the type of meat that can be a bit chewy, but in my opinion, part of the TJ street taco experience. Flavors were on point, salsas were fire and service quick and friendly. Happy the place wasn’t too busy when we tried it. Had a different experience with service at the Whittier location when there was a line and their system was overwhelmed.

I think the most under appreciated menu item is the asada burrito. Packed with meat and can easily feed two with a taco or two just in case. Also tried a few asada tacos which were really good. The adobada and birria were just ok and a pass for next time, but the consommé was pretty good. What’s going to keep me coming back is the salsas. The habanero was my fave due to heat, but green and chipotle were very tasty options. The mild red is a pass for me though. They also have free beans, grilled jalapeños and scallions, so make sure to check it all out.

The Carne asada was extremely bland, the salsas needed more flavor and spiciness. The bread on top ofthe torta was falling apart. Tacos adobado and Carne asada nice presentation but the taste once again was off. The staff was extremely nice and helpful.