Valerie’s Taco Shop

6986 El Camino Real Suite B, Carlsbad, CA 92009, United States
+1 760-448-5446
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(248 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Valerie’s Taco Shop sits just off El Camino Real in Carlsbad, offering a straightforward, welcoming spot for those craving authentic Mexican flavors without fuss. This is a casual restaurant where quick service meets consistent quality, making it a reliable stop for both locals and visitors passing through.

The atmosphere is clean and spacious, with a dining area that’s well-kept and easy to navigate. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll find regulars dropping in for a quick lunch or families grabbing takeout after a day out. Parking is convenient, which helps during lunchtime rushes when the shop sees a steady flow of customers.

The menu leans into classics with a few crowd-pleasers like Carne Asada Fries, Two Fish Tacos, and an Al Pastor Burrito that locals often come back for. The Carne Asada Rice Bowl stands out for packing in generous portions without skimping on toppings, especially if you’re someone with a healthy appetite. Other dishes like rolled tacos with guacamole and chimichangas add variety, and there’s a good salsa bar with unique house-made options that spice things up and keep fans returning.

Service here moves quickly even on busy days, although occasional slowdowns happen. Staff generally keep things friendly if you’re dining in or picking up to-go orders, which contributes to the neighborhood feel. Valerie’s is also appreciated for its evening hours, staying open until 10pm, making it a solid choice for a late taco run after exploring the area.

Ideal for anyone looking for straightforward Mexican fare without the formality of sit-down dining, Valerie’s works well for solo lunches, casual family dinners, or quick bites before heading elsewhere in Carlsbad. If you're in town and want something filling, affordable, and flavor-forward, it’s worth considering, especially if you’re a fan of good carne asada and a lively salsa selection.

Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Quick bite
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

248 Reviews
Crawford Clan

22 Dec 2025

We have had take out here a couple of times. Clean, well kept up dining area and easy to find parking. Tacos and burritos are on point and the staff are very friendly. Its a regular spot for us now.

S. Scott

27 Nov 2025

Went here twice in two days during a recent Carlsbad visit. A year ago I went there twice in two days as well...need I say more??

Max Allen

25 Nov 2025

I'm here once every two weeks for lunch. Fast service, even when it does get a little crowded at lunch hour. I normally get a carne asada rice bowl, and the thing is PACKED. I definitely get my moneysworth. They don't flake on the meat or toppings. Plenty of guacomole. I usually get a side of chips to dig into the bowl, and it's a filling combination, which is saying something - I have an appetite working 12 hr days. At least a dozen salsas to choose from. Several meat options. Wide variety of drinks to but I'm stuck on the horchata. I get it to go most of the time, and it's still hot when I reach my destination. Even the chips are still warm. The place is definitely worth a shot.

Jay Gee

23 Nov 2025

The service wasn't that good. The cook had to ask the order taker to come three times and it took about 10 minutes. She came with her phone in her hand. The food was really good and still was prompt. They have a great salsa collection that is unique to their own. Not my total top favorite but I definitely will come back here again for the salsa and quality of food.

Jason S

29 Sep 2025

A spacious, clean and friendly taco shop serving a diverse menu of flavor and quality. This was a wonderful, passing-through-the-neighborhood discovery for me - and they're open until 10pm, which perfectly fit my need at the time. *Loved* their "spicy" salsa from the little salsa bar - the reddish, coarsely textured stuff - very tasty and with a nice kick that left a pleasant afterglow. The spicy green variety was also memorable as well as the "extra spicy" red salsa. All were delicious. Excellent carne asada burrito - my close-to-closing-time sample had a generous portion of beef that was quite tender and lightly seasoned (not overly salty, not heavily greasy and essentially no gristle at all) - definitely above the norm for chopped beef quality. Very enjoyable. Rolled tacos were equally satisfying. Putting the appeal of their burrito and tacos together with the punch of their tasty salsa pretty much guarantees I'll be "passing through" again soon. My dining partner was equally impressed. Kudos!

scott risch

21 Sep 2025

Amazing food amazing service got shredded chicken burrito and a bean and cheese for my wife .salsa was green guacamole one it was tasty.i don’t write that many reviews but i had to say something .food tasted authentic and spicy …just sayin

Darcy Scott

15 Sep 2025

The green sauce is amazing, I would put it on anything - it is delicious on my chilaquiles!

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