Kotija Jr Taco Shop Carlsbad — Restaurant in Carlsbad

I really like the food at this location. I just wish the customer service was better. I visited the shop the other day and there were 0 people in the restaurant. I stood at the counter for a little while, as no one was there to take my order at the register. The cook in the back and I made eye contact, but he didn't say anything nor call anyone at all. Stood there for a bit more, and finally a young lady came out to take my order. When she came out, she didn't say hi, or my I help you. She just looked at me. This was an opportunity for me to overdue it with kindness, so I said hi, how are you? Having a good weekend so far? She them replied politely, but no smile.

I ordered the chile verde plate, which I highly recommend. The pork is extremely savory and tender, and swam in a super spicy, but flavorful green sauce. So good! The "gravy" was nice and thick, and had the perfect balance of tangy feom the tomatillos, spicy from the green chiles, had a nice hint of cumin, coriander, oregano, garlic, and onion. The rice that came with the plate was fluffy and light and full of flavor. The beans were okay, however, not hot. The cheese placed on top wasn't melted and still in shreds. (They needed to heat the beans longer) The tortillas, although not homemade, we soft, fresh, and pliable, enough to mop up the chile verde sauce feom the plate.

Overall not a bad experience. Just hoping they work on their people skills and also remember the food safety 🌡 and how they need to serve...

I was in the area for work for the week and dined in here three times. The food was very affordable with tacos (pretty large) around $3.49 - $4.99 and burritos $9.99 - $11.99. My Mexican boyfriend and I ordered fish tacos (pictured), burrito de cabeza, and tacos de carnitas (pictured) and al pastor. We both loved all the food, which always arrived super hot (in temperature).

The salsas were flavorful, with the yellow one not being spicy and the spicy red one having a smoky chipotle flavor. Everything we tried had an authentic flavor and my boyfriend approved. The customers at the table next to us ordered caldo de camarón (shrimp soup) which looked amazing.

The service was quick and friendly. You pick up your order at the counter (no table service). The atmosphere was very laid back and the space was very clean. The staff cleaned the tables with disinfectant after people left and kept the tray return empty. They also replaced the drink lids while handling them with napkins so as not to touch them directly which I greatly appreciated. They were also playing a Banda Los Recoditos album so you know this place is authentic. If I'm ever in the area again, I would definitely...

Had chicken salad. Lots of lettuce and very dry, tiny pieces of dried up flavorless chicken. The salad dressing was barely drizzled over the huge pile of lettuce and dried chicken pieces. The guy at counter first asked “How can I help you?” With his back to me. He asked a second time WITH HIS BACK TO ME. When he turned around and acknowledged me, I asked if they had salad because it’s hidden on the menu and I wasn’t about to read the menu verbatim to find it so he pointed it out like I’m a dumb a-word. He at least asked if I wanted salsa so I asked which is mild, red or green? (I’m a white girl that Loves mild, tasty salsa and lots of it) He said the green is mild but as you can see in the photo, it even LOOKS HOT and it IS. This is the second time I’ve been here. Last time was about a year ago and a female treated me with the exact same disrespect. Same ridiculous hot AF salsa so they apparently do Not carry mild salsa here. If you like mild salsa then you’ll have to try and enjoy all items Dry. No surprise there was no one in line both times. Don’t waste your time or money coming to this location. Much nicer crew...