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About
Vallarta Express Mexican Eatery
Welcome to Vallarta Express Mexican Eatery, a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of Carlsbad, California. Located at 2952 Harding St, Carlsbad, CA 92008, Vallarta Express is your go-to spot for authentic Mexican cuisine that resonates with the sunny SoCal spirit. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this eatery promises a delightful culinary experience with a menu that showcases the best of traditional flavors.
Customers rave about the menu offerings, highlighting standout dishes such as the surf and turf burrito and perfectly seasoned tacos. Debra Maginn, a loyal patron, reminisces about her favorites and expresses her desire for a dine-in option, emphasizing the quality that keeps her coming back. This sentiment is echoed by The Curious Critique, a top food reviewer who appreciates the authentic taste combined with fast, friendly service. Vallarta Express embodies the true essence of a classic taco shop, complete with crisp taco shells and rich, flavorful fillings.
One of the highlights is undoubtedly the California Burrito, praised by many for its generous portions and exceptional taste. Taylor “Ray” Derebery notes the impressive quality even in fast food, a testament to the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence. The fish tacos, suggested by Micaela El Fattal, are a must-try for seafood lovers, boasting a delightful size and flavor that keeps customers returning for more.
Not to mention the classic refried beans and Mexican rice, which are crucial components of any Mexican meal. Patrons like Sam Rapp adore the nostalgic touch they bring, reminiscent of cherished childhood memories. For those who love a little kick, the house-made red hot sauce adds a perfectly smoky flavor that complements their offerings wonderfully.
With a drive-thru for convenience and a cozy atmosphere, Vallarta Express Mexican Eatery invites you to indulge in a true taco experience that celebrates the vibrant culture of Mexico. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite at the beach or enjoying a laid-back meal with friends, Vallarta Express is a worthy destination for anyone craving authentic Mexican fare.
For more information or to place an order, don’t hesitate to call them at +1 760-453-7178. Prepare for a delicious adventure that awaits at Vallarta Express!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Our experience was wonderful! The food is always excellent! I can't wait to go back! You truly should open an actual dine in restaurant, then open one in Charleston, SC! I miss your food since I moved away from Carlsbad. I had the #5 and my kids had the surf and turf burrito and the shredded beef burrito. They were so tasty. You really make top notch Mexican food an I appreciate it. I've been coming to this building since, it was my favorite, Bakers Tacos! ”
“ Taco Shop 101.... The iconic idealism of what a SoCal taco shop is.... Great food... Decent pricing... Good variety of choices... Authentic taste... Great taco shop vibe... Winner winner taco combo dinner. The taco shells were on point crispy, light and had great bite. the meat was seasoned well. Great amount of cheese and lettuce... The beans were just perfectly cooked and had great flavor. The rice was classic mexican rice taste and was not dry or flavorless. The enchiladas were delicious and the sauce had a perfect mix of tomato and seasoning. The breakfast burrito was big and was packed full of flavor. Plenty of seating... Drive thru.. Fast ordering.. Quick service... Close to beach... This is a great classic taco shop spot. ”
“ It’s a taco shop, so I used to live right next to this place when it was another taco shop dive. It’s was my favorite kinda taco shop, sketchy but never got sick. Now it’s a bit nicer looking so I was apprehensive that the food would be any good. They did not disappoint. I have been eating hardshell beef tacos since I was a little kid and these were some of the best I’ve had. Super crispy and the meat was almost smooth, if that makes sense. Their beans tasted like good old school refried beans. The green salsa in the pump! All on point. ”
“ Just because it's fast food doesn't mean it lacks quality! Really excellent California Burrito. Their Red hot sauce had an awesome smoked flavor to it. Highly recommend. ”
“ Such incredible fish tacos! I have been here many times, since I was a teen, but someone recommended the fish tacos to me. They were huge and filled me up. I also tried the shredded beef burrito whcu was so delicious. I would order both again. They also have great Cali friends, but we didn't order them this time. ”
“ First time here and we are pretty picky to find authentic tasting food. This was pretty good. Best we've found so far in North county area. Chicken chimichanga and carnitas tacos, very big portion sizes, fresh ingredients, cooked well. We will be returning to try more! Also some inside and outside seating. Private locked bathroom. TVs. Update: Our absolute favorite! And 24hr drive through. Favorites: Chicken abodada burrito, carnitas tacos, beef tacos, carnitas tacos!!! We prefer chicken and carnitas over the steak. That's the only thing that we wish was more seasoned. ”
“ My husband and I go on vacation in Oceanside a few times a year and wanted food in the middle of the night. Vallarta was one of the few places that opened at 3 am. So we went to eat there. Loved the food (that was Nov 2024). We came back in May 2025 and had dinner there 2 nights in a roll. We plan on visiting again in a few months. The food was good and the people were really nice. ”
“ I found this place by accident while walking to Jack in the Box. But I had been wanting to try some fish tacos in California, and yeah, this place has fish tacos. It has amazing fish tacos. They're six bucks each and they're huge. The fish are in breaded chunks, and there's a lot of fish on these tacos. This is a 24 hour place, and most people sit outside. The folks in the kitchen deserve a shout-out. Most seating is outside. The menu is huge. And of course in Carlsbad, the weather is always perfect for outside seating. Update: I went back the next day and got a breakfast burrito. It's as big as a house. I give this place an A ”