Casero Taqueria — Restaurant in Carlsbad

Two stars is very generous for this one experience. This used to be one of my favorite spots in bressi ranch but the meal today will keep me away for a while. I’m only rating two stars because I know what this place can be and what it has been in the past. I am a very patient person, however, 30 minutes to wait on one single appetizer and another 40 minutes to wait on your main course is excessive. My server, Lauren, was apologetic for the wait. I ordered the chipotle chicken quesadilla. It is usually my all-time favorite. The cheese is normally gooey, the chipotle dressing is phenomenal, the chicken is normally juicy and well-seasoned. Today it was the opposite. Tortilla burnt on the outside, the cheese was hardened on the inside and when I bit into the chicken it crunched. It was all charred all the way through. The two end pieces didn’t have any chicken in it at all. I showed my server and she even said it was “gross”. She did offer to have it re-made for me. At this point, I had been waiting for so long and had an awful feeling in my stomach from eating the chicken that was burned to a crisp- the last thing I wanted to do was order more food. I had eaten one whole piece of the 4 part quesadilla and picked a second one apart to show to the server. I even told her- I know it is not her fault because she didn’t cook the food and I do not ever complain at restaurants. I was there with two other people. One had ordered the fish tacos that were battered and deep-fried far too long. The other ordered Al pastor that was fat and cartilage only.

The server did send us over some churros. They were disappointing as well. Burned on the outside and batter on the inside. They were so greasy, but I didn’t want to come off as ungrateful for the gesture.

We got the bill and I was further frustrated to see that I was still charged for the quesadilla that was not even edible.

I will note the elote was good and the cocktails were good, but I am very disappointed with this...

Update 2 (3/2023): Their tuna ceviche is fantastic and well worth the visit! (new item for their Spring menu). I'll be back for that. Sadly the Carne Asada has never returned to the quality of their early glory days, but I can still wish...

Update (2022): After a couple of years (and post pandemic) the food quality has definitely suffered. I keep hoping for the old days, but on my last few trips the Carne asada taco was just mediocre. The meat is no longer juicy and flavorful, but rather dry and bland. I'll still try another time or two, but I don't think it'll improve if the meat quality isn't there.

Original post (2019):

Very good tacos that can stand among the best!

First time here and I tried the el pastor and carne asada tacos (as well as the complimentary chips & salsa). The verdict?

Chips & Salsa (roasted salsa) = 8/10 -- I always enjoy a good salsa and while this wasn't the best it was quite good. The chips were very good (made there possibly?)

El Pastor = 7/10 -- Tasty with the fresh pineapple, but lacking a bit in flavor (I'd prefer a little more spice). Thankfully they have bottles of a spicy red sauce that was a great addition.

Carne Asada = 10/10 -- This meat was tender and juicy, more like a shredded beef (none of the over-crisped carne chunks here). The taco was packed with flavorful meat and guacamole, no skimping. Hopefully they stay that way beyond the initial restaurant launch! I'd add a little cotija on top, but can't complain a bit with what...

I prefer the place next door, Giaola Italian Kitchen. I used to like this restaurant but they changed the menu. For one, the vegetarian tacos with zucchini and an amazing combination of veggies are gone. Also, if you order an entree you only have the option of beans or rice, not both. Who ever heard of such a thing at a Mexican restaurant! If you want to add either the rice or the beans you will pay an extra $3. Its just another way to make money and make customers feel like they need to pay extra for something basic. Not this time, but during another visit Peter, the manager was very rude. We had ordered our share of food and drinks and there were still people at the bar, but Peter comes over and tells us of "I can get you guys out of here. We are closed." When we commented on the obvious customers still remaining, he said that those were "people who work here who are celebrating someone's birthday." They were not wearing a uniform so we thought they were regular customers - who by the way were yelling and very rowdy. We were just conversing like regular people, yet we were the ones who recieved poor treatment. On my way out, I spoke with Peter about how unprofessional his remark was and he said, "that is the way I was trained." Peter did apologize but I was shocked to say the least. Peter looked like he was about 23 years old and lacked maturity, but that is no excuse. I know people who are that age and would never even think to respond in...