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Lolita's Taco Shop
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
7305 Clairemont Mesa BlvdSte A
San Diego, CA 92111
Neighbourhood: Kearny Mesa
(858) 874-7983
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jill H. said: "Still one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in San Diego. Sure it's lost a lot of its charm and quaintness after leaving Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town, but it's still a good restaurant. Lots of complaints about it being a long wait,…" read more »
814 reviews for Lolita's Taco Shop
Review Highlights
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"The carne asada fries are sooo good." In 412 reviews -
"They are such awesome accompaniments to my burrito." In 364 reviews -
"they also have the BEST salsa bar." In 64 reviews
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811 reviews in English
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Review from shirley w.
San Diego, CA
5/21/2012
seriously THE BEST carne asada fries that i have ever had. AND it comes in two sizes! also awesome juicy carnitas burritos, quesadillas, and rolled tacos.
AND they take credit card, which is virtually unheard of at any other mexican "taco shop" in san diego.
but seriously. the carne asada fries. THE BEST. -
Review from Allie C.
Santa Ana, CA
5/23/2012
I was STARVING when I got here with the boyfriend.
We each got a california burrito and then I ordered a carne asada fries for us to share.
When the server lady rang me up for my burrito and the fries, it came to $14, which I was surprised by, but I hadn't looked at the prices.
I think she noticed I was surprised and then thought to ask me: "Wait did you want the large or small?" And I was like "Oh, the small!"
That brought my total down to $10!!
So she wouldn't have even asked me what size I wanted if I hadn't groaned a little when I took out my wallet??
That was a little weird.
So then, the food itself: the burrito and the carne asada fries were very tasty. The spicy red salsa they had on the side by the soda and some lime really kicked my burrito up a notch.
My two critiques are this (even though I might not know what I'm talking about):
1. The carne asada was over seasoned I think. Maybe it was just my batch? But it seemed like the meat in my burrito and my fries was VERY salty. The seasoning tasted good, but there was too much.
2. Conversely, I think the fries were under seasoned. Like when I ate a fry by itself it definitely could have used some more salt.
Perhaps I'm too nitpicky?
Feel free to ignore this review, but make sure you specify what size of things you want just to be safe! -
Review from Clark Y.
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Would you guys hate on me if I said I've had wayyyyyyy better because I did not not order the famous Carne Asada Fries? I got a burrito and it was bleh. Not enough rice and meat and all tortilla. It wasn't even hot. nott cool dude.
Still prefer Vallartas, Cotixans, Rigos, & Lucha. I kinda gave up on MXN after management changes. -
Review from Anri T.
San Diego, CA
I had a strong urge to try their shrimp tacos after hearing about it from my co-worker. And I'm glad I did.
$3 shrimp taco was totally worth it! The shrimp was cooked perfectly juicy and the lettuce was so fresh. After one bite, I became a fan of it. The downside is that the taco falls apart easily and makes a big mess. (I posted a photo of it)
Their carne asada fries are also good. $8 sounds kinda high but they give you A LOT of food. And I have to mention that the fries are super crispy instead of soggy or mushy. -
Review from Kellie H.
San Diego, CA
5/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Consistently delicious...of all the Lolita's Taco Shops in San Diego, this location is by far my favorite. I frequent this location for lunch and receive excellent customer service and delicious food with each and every visit.
My favorite meal: the pollo asado plate! The pollo is flawlessly seasoned, the beans are flavored to perfection and the guacamole side is generous. Lolita's salsa bar is always stocked and clean...carrots, limes, onion, and salsa are all tasty add-ons to an already tantalizing feast!
The restaurant is always clean and the outdoor patio seating is the perfect place to sit on a sunny afternoon. -
Review from Mike O.
San Diego, CA
5/21/2012
This place is great! In san diego, there are a lot of options for good mexican good, Lolita's definitely is one of my tops. the food portion is sizeable, the price is fair and the service is outstanding. i love the optimism that this one latino cashier has. im not sure if he's the owner or not? if not, he is definitely a huge asset to that joint.
i go there quiite often for lunch. they usually have lunch specials (e.g. 2 tacos, beans rice and drinks for 6 bucks). The portion size is not overwhelming. their carne asada fries rock my socks! like all mexican food, it is a little heavy, and i am on a little diet, so i cant enjoy that as much nowadays.
i would highly recommend this place for anyone craving good mexican food in kearny mesa. -
Review from Kris A.
4/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Carne Asada Fries = Win!
This establishment is fairly new and the decor is very classy.
Took a couple friends from Sac and San Fran to Lolitas as a first stop, they LOVED the Carne Asada Fries and California Burrito. The Horchata is the only way to wash down the food, trust me.
What's Mexican food without some good sauce? Their red and green sauce is pretty much the best you can get.
Definitely THE PLACE TO GO for Mexican food! -
Review from Jeffrey H.
Escondido, CA
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm only giving this 4 stars instead of 5, because I can't review anything on the menu except the carne asada fries. However, those alone could honestly make this place 5 stars.
First off, the atmosphere. This place, relative to other mexican joints, is actually really clean on the inside and plays Country music (I'm a fan so no problems here!). The people that go here are usually college kids getting their college cravings satisfied. Overall, it's pretty nice in there.
Next, the service. I can't comment much about the service other then it is quick and they get the job done. They are pretty friendly here and I've had no problems. One thing I would like to mention is that when I asked for extra cheese on my carne asada fries, they gave me more than just extra cheese. They gave me extra everything! That was really kind and generous of them, and shows they care about the customer.
Now the price. Their carne asada fries are a bit pricey relative to other places (~$8 for a large), but their portions are also probably double what you would normally get anywhere else, so they are certainly fair.
Onto the food. I'll start with the salsa and say that it's not that great, in fact, it's rather bland. Fortunately, their carne asada fries are so amazing that it doesn't even need any salsa. First off, the fries. The fries are shoe string so they get extra crispy and provide that 'crunch' that is always nice. The carne asada is seasoned unlike most places (or if other places season it, it is hardly noticeable) and stands out right away, and leaves you craving more the minute you take your first bite. The mexican cheese they use also tastes awesome, as well as the parmesan they sprinkle on top. I'm picky so I don't get it with the guacamole or sour cream; however, my friends who do say that I'm missing out (and I probably am) but there is more than enough flavor with just the fries, meat, and cheese.
Overall, this place is awesome and I definitely recommend it. They have the best carne asada fries in town and make you never want to go anywhere else for them! -
Review from Rick C.
San Diego, CA
Grew up on Lolita's! I am a huge fan! I have to say though, that I give the Clairmont location 5 stars. The service is always friendly and the food is always consistently good. The red salsa is a unique taste that I so often crave.
The carne asada is marinated to perfection. Everything is made fresh to order.
You will not find better carne asada fries or nachos anywhere!
My favorite...Carne asada burrito! Remember, "Patience Is The Essence Of Fine Mexican Food." -
Review from Karen H.
Daly City, CA
4/10/2012
Yes big portions!
Beef french fries were good. They give alot of meat and toppings, but it acked flavor to me. I got shrimp tacos and the shrimp was huge, but by the time I got my order, it soaked through the tortilla so I could only eat the shrimp and nothing else. -
Review from Jim L.
4/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I think I may have found my new favorite taco shop. Why??? Because the carne asada is tender and VERY flavor full.
Obviously the carne asada fries are a hit here. Just take a look at the business photos and it doesn't take a genius to come to that conclusion. I fully intended to try them out but as I was alone, the portions looked huge, I opted to go with the burrito instead. Good call Jim.
The burritos are big but not the largest I've had and definitely made of quality products.
One of the deciding factors is the fact the the restaurant is impeccable as far as cleanliness goes. There is plenty of seating inside and out, tables are cleaned off quickly and as a nice change of pace goes, the floors are clean unlike many places I frequent.
The staff is friendly and service is quick regardless of whether or not this place appears to get busy at peak times.
So thank you to the nearly 800 other reviews for pointing me in a new direction. We could all use some guidance once in a while. -
Review from Ness L.
San Diego, CA
3/28/2012
Have been craving a Chorizo Burrito for some time now.....and Lolitas hit the spot! The food time takes more than normal but thats because they cook everything fresh! Really not much else to say about this place besides that their food is delicisiously good!
ok now...back to my burrito..... -
Review from Michelle H.
San Diego, CA
Holy... I never even thought about reviewing this place despite the gazillion times I've been here and told everyone and their mamas to come experience Lolita's. I think it's cuz Lolita's is an automatic go-to for the best carne asada fries around.
You like crispy fries? You like meat that's flavorful on its own? You like heaps of food? You like fresh guac? You like plentiful amounts of cheese? You'll love the fries here.
There's not much else to say except that these carne asada fries will blow you out of the water. Service is sometimes slow, especially during lunch or when the awesome dude isn't working. I personally think he should grow that rad ponytail back, but regardless.. He never fails to remember what my bf & i order the moment we walk in thru the doors. :)
Regulars here will know, "you got it!" ;) -
Review from Philip L.
San Diego, CA
4/10/2012
Grew up eating at the Bonita and Telegraph locations, but this place is good too.
Best parts (in numerical order):
1. Guy with the ponytail. Seriously the nicest dude you'll ever meet.
2. Cali Bureet with guac. You will not be disappointed. -
Review from Aznboi S.
San Diego, CA
4/2/2012
Carne Asada Fries is sooo good here.
I do wished they had some salsa/tomatoes as part of the carne asada fries meal but that's just icing on the top.
I've been here many times already and one thing I like is consistency and great pricing. Always good anytime.
I also really like the staff here. Awesome friendly cashiers. You always feel very pleasant when ordering.
Some places around SD overcharge like crazy on the Carne Asada fries. I like that this place tries to make a reasonable profit but not total overkill.
Their tsunami burrito is also very delicious. If you are new to the Mexican cuisine, I think this place a pretty good place to try some delicious Mexican food. -
Review from An Y.
4/11/2012
The guy with the ponytail who took my order was so friendly, I feel bad for giving a 3 rating. The location/interior was pretty nice for a taco shop too.
But the food... =/ I ordered a Pollo Asado burrito, and didn't like the chicken or the tortilla. I don't think I've ever NOT liked the tortilla anywhere, so this was surprising. It just had a weird texture.
The carne asada fries didn't really stand out, but came in a big portion.
It does get props for being pretty cheap though.
I wouldn't mind coming back and trying some of their other stuff, but because there are so many other places to go for Mexican food around here, I'd probably just go elsewhere. -
Review from Marcus O.
5/8/2012
all i can say is...
holy carne asada fries - steak, sour cream, guacamole, and cheese. if you find yourself near this place and are not within a few cholesterol points of having a massive coronary, reward yourself with a stack of these. -
Review from Chanh H.
3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Carne Asada fries-get them!
I asked my friend, a San Diegan (is that what you call them?) for the best carne asada fries in the area and she took me here. I was not disappointed. Don't know about anything else on the menu and don't care. I could eat these fries all day. -
Review from Justin R.
San Diego, CA
3/24/2012
This place is alright..I guess. I tried this place twice and both times I was not impressed with the food or the service. The last time I was there it took 30 min for me and a coworker to get our food and it wasn't good at all.
Their slogan is something about patience for food. Well most people are their on their lunch breaks and we only had 30 min for lunch. It's hard to find a good taco shop in this area of Kearny Mesa but I'm going to keep on searching. -
Review from lena c.
San Diego, CA
5/12/2012 2 photos
Yummy! Best place ever!
-
Review from Justin W.
San Diego, CA
4/18/2012
Carne nachos, burritos, rolled tacos,.. and, as Philip L mentioned, the guy with the pony tail at the counter (who really is a friendly guy). They have good, good food and use cotija cheese instead of just a mix of shredded "whatever they happen to have" cheese. I have to recommend the nachos as my top fave here,.. BUT, the price adds up quick if you ask for extra anything! Before you know it you're shelling out $12 for a plate of nachos, and that's with no meat which is how my wife prefers hers (God help me understand why). Normally I rave on carnitas, but it's super dry and sometimes really fatty here (like big chunks of fat in the burrito), so I'd stick with the carne asada folks.
The salsa bar is decent, although I wouldn't let the title "salsa bar" fool you into thinking there are dozens of styles to sample from. It's a small chill bar with red/green salsa and some other various sides such as lime, onion, peppers, carrots, etc. Standard fare at most of the mexican shops. -
Review from Sherry Y.
San Diego, CA
4/11/2012
If it were 5 years ago I would've given this place 5 stars!
I remember coming here when it first opened and the owner was super super friendly and nice and the food was flavorful and tasty. But as the years have gone by, I feel like the quality of food has gone down a bit too.
I came here two months ago and ordered my favorite carne asada fries. I was with my BF and told him this was the best in town because of the huge portions and the amount of meat and toppings they put on the crispy fresh fries! However, I was a little disappointed to find the carne asada fries tasting kinda bland and dry. :( This was the 3rd or 4th time I felt a little disappointed by their food within the last two years... I hope maybe it was just by accident because I really did love this taco shop!
Please bring back the fresh crispy flavorful carne asada fries you use to have 5 years ago!! I need you!! so badly! -
Review from Bonny K.
San Diego, CA
4/3/2012
YUMMMMMMMMMYYYYY!!!
Best carne asada fries here!! hugggeee portion for cheap!! Very good for students because you dont have to wait for a long time, cheap and big portion.
The burritos are super duper cheap, but they are not as good as the fries!!
They also have a great amount of drinks you can choose from and they are all free for refills. I like to try all their drinks because they offer a great variety, so I will know which one is my favorite the next time I go to a different place. -
Review from Serena C.
I like this place infinitely more than Albertos, Albertacos, Rigobertos, and all those other great (just not as great as Lolita's) bad-for-you Mexican fast food shops. My friend brought me here telling me that Lolita's was a pretty popular place and that they had amazing carne asada and pollo asado fries. When we got there, my friend's description of popular was quite the understatement. The line was nearly out the door and almost every table was occupied!! Must be some DAMN good food!!
Hungry chubby bunny that I was, I ordered a chorizo burrito and the small order of pollo asado fries. The chorizo burrito was exactly as I expected--chorizo mixed with bits of eggs. Tasty! The pollo asado fries were huge for a small order--definitely an order that's meant to be shared with someone else or perhaps one really hungry person could polish the whole thing off themselves. But my friend was right, the fries were really amazing. Lolita's wasn't stingy with the cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or chicken. So many giant chicken pieces in my fries. Well worth the $5 price tag. -
Review from Sophia Y.
3/14/2012 2 photos
I've been hearing about this place ever since I started college (like 5 years ago - eeks) and have never tried it until about now.
Got the ever so famous carne asada fries and 3 rolled tacos.
Carne asada fries: Good. Honestly, nothing too special that sets them aside from all the other places. No complaints though. Enjoyed a good plate of fries. One thing I thought was cool was that you can order half a plate of carne asada fries!
Rolled Tacos: I don't know what my sister ordered but it only had guac and lettuce. I wanted melted cheese, but it was okay. Not enough meat inside and too much tortilla stuff. Guac was good though. Especially if you add some salsa.
Overall, it was pretty decent. I enjoyed the food, but I think my friends overhype this place. I will have to come back and give it another shot. -
Review from Stephanie B.
South San Francisco, CA
2/27/2012
Don't get me wrong - carne asada fries are delicious. BUUUUT, let's be honest, fries topped with carne asada, guac, sour cream, tons and tons of cheese? Of course, in any place, in any kitchen, that shit is bomb.
While I enjoyed the fries here, I tried to think if there was anything special about it besides the basic ingredients that when mixed together would make any person die of intense food coma. And I thought of...nothing.
The fries were small (I think I prefer thick carne asada fries). Even if they were small, they also weren't crunchy. No amazing flavor too from the carne asada.
But again, carne asada fries are bomb no matter where you got em. So although I wasn't floored with Lolitas, I'd return just cus you never say no to the fries. -
Review from Lea J.
San Diego, CA
4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
The carne asada may have been the only tasty thing I've had here as the chicken burrito and super rolled tacos were very disappointing. Service with a smile and pretty organized. Will come back and give it another try.
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Review from Sarah V.
2/9/2012
I got dumped and wanted to work on my body to get him to want me back. So I went to Lolitas.
I ordered the carne asada fries, unbeknownst to me they come in 2 different sizes, but they gave me a fat girl portion without asking. I would have ordered it anyway. I must've been wearing my "pathetic, desperate, and recently dumped' pin on my shirt that day. I wear my heart on my stomach.
I wanted to finish the entire platter just to prove to myself that I was worth it, but I gave up half way through when the woman behind me asked me to keep it down. Apparently I was sobbing while I was eating. If you believe her then Santa Claus is real.
Heck yeah, they have a salsa, radish, pepper, and lime bar. Horchata, which I find disgusting, and an array of other sensory unpleasing mexican drinks on tap.
I also ordered the 2 taco combo plate, with asada. Corn tortilla because the woman said they didn't have flour tortillas (simply unamerican if you ask me), which also comes with yummy yellow rice, and a delicious pile of refried beans. It's a plate of happiness. Not a fan of the hard taco shells. They're fresh made, but mine was waaay to hard, and way to hard to eat (that's what she said). Children were staring.
I don't know, is this authentic? We always find ways to americanize Chinese food, and other tasty culinary establishments. I'm not complaining, but I'm the wrong person to ask if it's authentic. It's just fricken good.
Mind the lines. It can get really crowded, and really annoying really fast. Some say it's worth the wait. But I'm always too hungry to put up with it. -
Review from Desiree G.
Bay Area
3/6/2012 3 Check-ins Here
First let me say, that my heart pitter patters when I think of this place. Ever-ree-time I am in Daygo, it is a must, must must that we come and eat here. For me, it's my absolute favorite shop in SD.
A vegetarian/vegan 90% of the time, I will get a shrimp california burrito (they made an exception for me as the cuzzo was preggers) here and by gawd is it heavenly. As I write this, my taste buds are sad.
A little pricey, but worth every penny. It's always busy when I come in, weekday, weekend, evening, daytime. It's a good sign.
The wait--eh, could be better but I've learned patience is good juju. -
Review from Christine S.
Lemon Grove, CA
5/3/2012
Chicken quesadilla with sour cream.. Everyday, and I would die happy. Seriously.. I have gotten people seriously hooked on this recommending it.. It will totally change your world.. It's like kisses from Jesus. (catch prase... Lol it's alright you can use it too.. You will)
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Review from Chris T.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here for the Carne Asada Fries. I thought it was decent, I've had better though. I did like that creamy cheese sauce though. The carne asada was pretty flavorful but the thing I didn't like too much were the fries. But the portions were great, the salsa/hot sauce were on point, and it wasn't that expensive. I'd come back here for another try though.
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Review from Arthur K.
San Diego, CA
3/25/2012
I first had this on one of my academy days (Kind of like a after school tutor) and I just foodgasmed like crazy. The fries were so crisp and the toppings were AMAZING.
It's been 7 years since I went back and I was wondering how this place was doing. I drove back down, ordered the Carne Asada fries (with extra guac and sour cream), and waited while I saw other people get their orders.
(Don't you hate when you think its yours so you get up but another person grabs your order? Instant depression : / )
Anyways Besides the wait, once you get your food it will be THE BEST Carne Asada fries you have EVER tried! Even after all these years the fries have not changed!
This is the taco shop to go to if you prefer those thin golden crisp carne asada fries. If you prefer bigger fries this is not the place for you.
Overall go here! Best Fries 7 years running! -
Review from Kristina P.
Garden Grove, CA
2/12/2012
PROS:
-AMAZING CARNE ASADA FRIES
-CLEANINESS
-great customer service
CONS:
-no complaints here :) -
Review from Catie R.
San Diego, CA
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Amazing every time!
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Review from Angela Y.
Red sauce, green sauce, onions, cilantro, and... whole stocks of green onions? What? Excuse me but I'm from LA, what's with the green onion? Seriously... Hello?
Aside from the hour long confusing predicament with the green onion (eat it raw? dip it in salsa?), my dinner at Lolita's Taco Shop was a success. A fish taco and an order of carne asada fries to share.
Alright alright, geographically speaking San Diego is closer to the boarder so no wonder the general consensus would be that the Mexican food is superb and that much better than anywhere else, right? Wrong. The asada was tender but lacking in flavor and the fries used for the plate gave me a complex. I've had better carne asada fries in Orange County, but I guess for the standard down in SD, this place is bomb. Don't get me wrong though, it was delicious, but not up to all the hype.
+ The fish taco on the other hand was flaky, perfection. The reason for the 4th star.
- Not being an SD local, the establishment was a tad confusing to find.
+ + Super clean bathrooms, I mean WOW.
Overall: I will definitely be back my next trip to San Diego. And since I finally figured out what to do with the green onion, I'll be sure to ask to have them fried next time.Listed in: Hyped Up and Failed, Further down South.
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Review from Annie N.
San Gabriel, CA
3/5/2012
This place is pretty good. I love the quality of the thin cut crispy fries. The quality and cut of the meat is okay though it's not the best type of meat I had but the fries makes up for it. This place is probably one of the best carne asada fries in SD. The only sad thing about it is it's like close at like 10.
It's quite packed with college students though. I normally eat it when I'm drunk but it tastes amazing when I'm sober. Probably since they make it right.
Carne asada fries in SD for sure beats anyway else. I eat carne asada fries in LA and OC all the time but it's always thick cut fries which I am not a fan of. -
Review from Lena N.
San Jose, CA
3/21/2012
Hands down one of the best Carne Asada Fries ever!
Every time I visit SD, this is the only place I go to get Carne Asada Fries. The fries are small and crispy, covered with meat, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
Love it!!! -
Review from Karen L.
2/20/2012
I'll keep this review short and simple. Cotixan is better.
I'm all about a good burrito and Lolita's was decent but paled in comparison to Cotixan's both in portion and in flavor. Let the never-ending debate continue for the best Mexican in San Diego! -
Review from Mike G.
Rosamond, CA
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Looking at all the reviews and the overwhelming mention of the carne asada fries I had to try them. My wife and I walked in on a saturday around noon and it was super busy. No place to sit, looked outside saw seating but the chairs stacked off. People having to set up their own seating. Oh well, got our fries and they looked delicious. Whats not to like with crispy fries topped with carne asada, cheese, sour creme, guacamole. Good stuff but as we were digging in the guac lacked seasoning, the meat was kinda bland, needed salt. Tasted really good but did not knock my socks off that I expected. I know its not fair to judge the whole menu on one item so ill be back to try something else. As for the fries ...meh, its ok! The service was great and the workers are super nice.
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Review from Ricardo M.
Pacoima, CA
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Moved to San Diego about 2 1/2 years ago. First thing I heard about the food here was that the Carne Asada fries were awesome. I've lived in Los Angeles all my life so I couldn't figure out what the whole craze over some fries with carne asada over them was all about. I decided to try them out myself, googled "best carne asada fries in la jolla," and behold Lolita's Taco Shop was the most recommended.
I went with a friend because after reading about the portion of the food, I knew I couldnt finish it all by myself. So we ordered the fries. At first, I didnt think there was anything special. I mean fries, layered with carne asada, sour cream, and cheese, doesnt really seem like a classic Mexican dish. But I must admit, they were pretty good. Maybe they are just fries with carne Asada, but the meat and the fries were good, so both together was just that much better. I'd recommend it to anyone coming to San Diego for a weekend, a tip, or for school. And if you want to try some of that carne Asada fries in a burrito, order the California burrito. Same thing as the fries but in a burrito, personally my favorite.
Read more reviews for this business:
French (1),
Spanish (2)
