Pavlos Tacos quite literally serves THE BEST FISH TACOS I have EVER had in my ENTIRE life... and having been a pescetarian for 14 years, I have had a LOT of fish tacos -- believe me. You HAVE to stop by and try their fish tacos for $3/taco on Tuesdays! Somehow they are SO fresh, even though they are battered. A battered fish taco that somehow is insanely delicious AND also tastes kinda healthy?? And they were sizable too -- I only needed 2 fish tacos to get full. I didn't know that existed, but now that I do, this will certainly be one of my go-to spots! My boyfriend also said their surf & turf burrito was the best he's ever had... and if all that isn't enough, to top it all off, the customer service + atmosphere is 5 stars as well! Pavlos himself is the SWEETEST man -- so down-to-earth, genuine, and super duper cool... and when we walked in, my first thought (spoken aloud) was, "Wow, this place is so CLEAN!" I can now absolutely see why this is a neighborhood favorite. Go to Pavlos Tacos today. You won't regret it! Food: 10/10 Service: 10/10 Atmosphere: 10/10 Cost: 9.5/10 read more

Pavlos Tacos - Fish tacos -- best EVER! - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I rarely write reviews, but this meal was bad enough that I felt I had to share my experience. The Surf & Turf Burrito was confusing from the start. It contained crinkle-cut, Ore-Ida-style fries, a few decent shrimp, and dry carne asada. The pico de gallo had an overpowering flavor and a soggy texture. The burrito itself was large, and the toasted tortilla was one of the few positives. The fish tacos were equally disappointing. The tortillas were cold and rubbery, while the fish was this overly large, rectangular, store-bought frozen fillet rather than something freshly prepared. The rolled taco combo was arguably the worst item. They were extremely dry and topped with what tasted like processed, store-bought melted cheese. The avocado mash (not guac) was actually pretty good, which was one of the only highlights of the meal. The beans tasted like store bought, canned beans and the rice was okay. Most importantly for any taco shop, the red salsa was simply awful. The green salsa was decent, but the red salsa was honestly the worst I've ever tasted. The flavor reminded me of Ragu marinara sauce mixed with a dash of hot sauce...I kid you not! I don't enjoy leaving negative reviews, but I hope ownership takes this feedback seriously and makes some changes. There is potential here, but the food quality and ingredient choices need significant improvement. read more

Formerly Rico's, now Pavlos is still as good as it once was. The menu is extensive, the pricing reasonable and the portions generous. If you're new in town or visiting. This is the local spot that's managed to last through all the ups and downs in the economy due to the loyal clientele frequenting this establishment on the regular. You won't be disappointed. If you've never requested a crispy tortilla when ordering a burrito. Consider yourself in the know. read more

The tacos were pretty good, they were a little too crunchy for my liking. The beans and rice are definitely something I would order again. I look forward to ordering other items. read more

Pavlos Tacos - Taco combo - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

I have been to this place twice now and I really wanted to support independently owned business, but the food lacks of quality and taste. Plenty of seating inside. Staff is present but not very personable. The lack of a salad bar or even salsa options is disappointing. They do over 1 red salsa and several bottle hot sauce that you can buy at the grocery store. The cooked beef had a weird grey color to it. The fish in the taco seems like a pre-battered frozen fish stick deep fried with an excess of oil. The presentation is nice with fresh veggies on top and salsa Fresca, but the flavor falls short. read more

Pavlos Tacos - Nice looking beef taco, but not that tasty - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I started coming to Rico's 20+ years ago and when they rebranded as Pavlos and kept most everything the same I didn't expect much to change menu wise, which I thought was kind of a shame. Why not upgrade some of the aging furniture, design, infrastructure? oh well, just a name change. Why not take the chance to make changes since ownership was staying the same? Some of those items were stale and new r&d items could be added, but maybe too much change would drive customers away. To update my old Rico review I started coming here 20+ years ago and since that review is 15 years old I have changed my mind on the Justin burrito. Why was I eating 4 different types of carbs? Why even have lettuce? Also why no sour cream since were throwing everything in the kitchen sink in there (sans meat). The justin burrito is like seeing a fat vegetarian, sorry not sorry. I think I was just eating becuase I was bored and hungry and had a fast metabolism, always eating beyond satisfied. I'd much rather eat perfect bites to a satisfying amount rather than overindulge on chasing balance. I still haven't met Justin, but my fear is after all these decades of eating these massive burritos maybe he's no longer around. The decor is mostly the same, the menu is mostly the same, the staff, etc. etc. Prices have gone up and to me more than the times. 20% on the Justin and 30+% on breakfast burritos. How is the Calidilla (quesadilla wrapped CAB) $17? i'm fairly certain the quesadilla portion isn't equal to an equivalent price increase versus the standard $7 cheese quesadilla becuase I weighed a CAB and quesadilla and the Calidilla and 1+1 does not equal 2 and the price difference isn't proportional Something that I did notice is that my usual favorite California burrito has waned. I don't think anything specifically has changed, but probably my level of love for it. I found the fries to be a little less crispy, the meat a little greasier, tortilla a litte dryer, hot sauce a little milder. The nostalgia is hard to recreate and even harder to explain to others, but alot of things were amazing just becuase I was in my early 20's. I still feel like it's not a taco shop or an ertos. I call them Mexican fast food leaning more towards a restaurant now. $13 breakfast burritos is wild. read more

Not bad, not great. Just decent. I've had better burritos for less money. Ordered the calidilla. California burrito wrapped in a quesadilla. The steak was tender and cooked nicely but wasn't as flavorful as other places. Not that much asada inside either. The green salsa was good but the red salsa tasted almost like tomato sauce. Different I guess. The workers were friendly, inside was clean, and the food came out quick, so that earns them an extra star. Food alone it's like 2. Overall, I'd try somewhere else before going back. read more

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Ordered the California burrito. Service was fast but sadly, the meat appeared to be cooked a while ago and quickly reheated, so it tasted cold, dry, and salty. The fries were not crispy, the cheese not melted, the red salsa not hot. It was overall disappointing and hard to finish. read more

We like coming here for dinner after a good workout at the gym nearby! The owner even blended up their chicken soup up for me because of an orthodontist appointment that left me kinda achy and all rubber banded up. That was so nice of them! & it was good too. Much easier to eat. He even checked up on us to see how everything was. I joked and thanked him for my baby food. I'd get that way again regardless. Haha. Always a friendly experience when we come here. They have a nice mural on the wall and this month (July looking very patriotic) Even a welcome back sign for someone obviously special to them. read more

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Easy parking, comfortable indoor ambiance, good menu, good service. I enjoyed two chicken flautas with cheese and upon request a red enchilada sauce only and the saltiness was good. The carne asada burrito with cheese and the house bottled red sauce is actually better than the Tapatio and orange habanero sauces. I got the large Horchata 24 oz with free refills. read more

Very gracious team! THEY'RE Hiring cashier, prep and dishwasher! Located (east Solana) off El Camino Real School for Rock strip mall. So I ordered the Carne Asada. Wrapped beautifully and LOADED with MEAT! Along with Canada Dry drink. $20 Decent flavor, did I mention the wrap and that my tortilla didn't bust?!? It was a little wet from the lettuce, but a huge tasty project I took pleasure in destroying! Check them out or Uber eats this place and keep our beach community thriving! Stayinyurlane read more

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Was near Grocery Outlet and hungry. Saw PavlPablo's. Stopped in for a lunch late and ordered the supreme tostada with shredded beef. Some places call it a taco salad in a shell or a flying saucer. Loved everything about it...plentiful, great flavors, fresh salad. Crispy flour taco shell, hot and tasty. Beans were homemade refried! Poured their special sauce to kick it up. Fast and friendly service with counter service, lots of seating and entertainment watching people drive into the parking lot. read more

I love Mexican food... And yes, I'm a white guy, but I still know that Mexican food should be flavorful, delicious, and heartwarming. Unfortunately... My meal was nothing of this sort. The fish burrito was barely considered made of fish. The fillets were very small and thin, and the flavor was very very fishy. To add to that, the breading was not crunchy at all. It seemed like they had been sitting for a while, and they just threw into a burrito and hoped that I wouldn't notice. The tortilla was very hard and dry, and the salsa that was provided was obviously old, maybe even over a week old because it was in the form of almost gelatin like substance... Very offputting, and I was forced to eat it anyway, because the burrito was so dry and the flavor was Really ranked. That being said, the food did come out quickly, which was a nice surprise. I would recommend spending less time money and effort on the Christmas decorations, and more time effort and investment into the quality of the food. Thank you for the meal, though, it filled my belly enough for me until dinner. read more

Best vegetarian friendly Mexican food I've found in all of San Diego!!! Clean, friendly staff, Pavlos himself is an amazing chef with a Greek background and a real talent for flavor!! Thanks for keeping me full! :) read more

Quick service, large indoor area with plenty of tables, and vibrantly painted walls Got the carne asada burrito and it was massive! The ingredients all felt fresh and each bite was a good mix of things. The tortilla was warm and toasted which gave it a yummy crunch. The meat was soft and didn't have any of the unchewable fatty parts. I wish there had been a bit more flavor in the guac but that's what their whole table of all different kinds of hot sauces is for :) Despite its size, this burrito was on the lighter side since I was able to finish the whole thing. But it still was a great filling meal for ~$13! read more

Pavlos Tacos - Carne asada burrito - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I grew up going here when it was Rico's, this place has always been phenomenal. So happy Pavlos kept it the same, this place feels like home every time I come in. Been coming for over 20 years! Food always has me leaving very happy read more

Ambiance..standard walk up taco shop..TV loud basic tables and chairs...parking lot outside..service was courteous but not especially friendly..food was very basic and the beef tasted like out of a can. Chunks and not fresh .very little cheese on top...not like I remember from just a few years ago..don't bother read more

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I've been enjoying these bean, cheese and rice burritos for over 25 years and I still come back for more. The sauce is the cherry on top! Not like tour regular taco hot sauces! read more

My first time at this restaurant. I got 2 breakfast burritos, they were ok... I prefer a softer, fluffier flour tortilla. The reason I won't be going back isn't the food, it's not even the service. The kid that took my order was great. The reason I won't be going back is because the way the employees were being yelled at and scolded. I don't know if it was the manager or owner but he was yelling at the employees and my 5 year old grandson was stunned. I had to explain to him on our drive home that employees work better & more efficiently when they are treated kindly. This "macho hard boss" ego does not create better employees. If y'all decide to eat here, please leave a nice tip to the employees as they have to put up with the yelling. read more

First time going to pavlos had to try out a staple. The bean rice and cheese burrito. Nearly impossible to screw up, some may think. Service was fast however after my first bite I was made aware that the most vital part of the brc burrito (the cheese) was entirely unmelted and had just been tossed in still cold. Mind you I paid 10$ for this, I went back to the restaurant and report my findings which I rarely ever do. They remade my burrito and righted the odious crime. All is well however cant say I will be going back again anytime soon. read more

Pavlos Tacos - My 2nd bean rice cheese burrito - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

First time here. Nice greeting. Great service! My Nachos Supreme was okay. A lil on the small size. Love the picnic tables! read more

Pavlos Tacos - a car parked in front of a restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I eat here every week. It is the BEST Mexican food in this area! and very affordable. Plus, Pavlov is wonderful. Barbara

Always great food! Carne Asada California Burrito is always my first choice, my wife loves the Justin Burrito read more

Pavlos Tacos - California carne Asada Burrito is 10/10 - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

The food was good in the owner is super nice try the greek food mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I was very excited to try a New Mexican place but it was veryyyy disappointing, no flavor doesn't even taste like real Mexican food, shredded lettuce in a carne asada burrito? Their fish tacos looked like some frozen fried fish nugget.... Pricey and terrible! First and last time buying here. Never again! read more

Great rolled tacos and the salsa is the best in the area. Pavlov has excellent service

It was white people Mexican food but tasted fine for what it was. The other diners were annoying, some with uncontrolled children. Had stomach troubles after eating here which I never have with Mexican food normally. Just not the vibe. read more

Amazing food as always! I've been coming here for over 15 years and the quality is still amazing. The salsa is perfection. The best red salsa in the game. Thank you Pavlos! read more

Pavlos Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

I had the worst Mexican food of my life today. The #4 combo plate ($20.69 with a soft drink) was largely inedible. They use a tomato sauce (I'm guessing that is what it is supposed to be) that tastes like some chemistry experiment approximation. And the rice is quite distasteful and curiously bitter. I could finish only the taco, although the content was dry and the shell greasy, and tossed the rest of the plate. My experience is doubly disappointing since the restaurant is clean and practically furnished with 1+1 and 2+2 wall mounted tables and wooden picnic tables in the center. This is a place I would comfortably return to if the food were not so awful. read more

Excellent beef tacos. The meat is nicely seasoned. All tacos are pretty-well stuffed with ingredients. Good good - we have eaten there several times It's very very casual. I see lots of "To Go" orders going out the door They have a good selection of salsas to choose from. read more

Very disappointed with this meal. 3 rolled tacos / enchilada plate. Almost $17. (What a joke) if you're going to charge that much the food better be right. I'm sorry to say this was the worst enchilada I've ever had and the rolled were to big and dry as sawdust! Gross I was hungry but struggled to eat 2 1/2 rolled tacos and a couple bites of the nasty enchilada. Couldn't even come close to completing the meal. I had to stop by 7-11 and grab a protein bar. read more

Pavlos Tacos - 3 rolled taco / enchilada plate $17 - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

You know a review is important when you haven't written one for 13+ years. Rico's Taco Shop closed, and I was devastated. It was like losing a family member. Then I found out our friend and savior took over and created Pavlos. We went on Friday, same menu, the same great food, and most importantly, the same unworldly hot sauce. Iliadis, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for keeping one of my favorite restaurants in the world open. read more

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This restaurant has been known In Encinitas for many years but it just changed to Pablo's tacos ! New and improved ! Same great owner though . This is my son's favorite place for Mexican cuisine He loves the bean and rice burritos! Still great too ! The inside I Has been spruced up , looks much cleaner , we look forward to coming back read more

Pavlos Tacos - Front of shop - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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No easy to find potato tacos and the rolled potato tacos at Pablo's are the bomb!! Always crunchy and delicious guac

This place is great. Food is great. Place is clean and staff is friendly. I got the crunchy chicken tacos and cheese enchiladas. They were terrific. I'll be back. read more

Everything is great; the food is delicious; the service is friendly & fast; & the ambiance is lovely!! If you've not tried it yet, what are you waiting for?? read more

Recently taking on a new name. Previously Rico's and now Pavlos and in the transition not missing a beat! This is maybe my favorite taco shop in Encinitas. Definitely top 3 and I can't come here without eating a tremendous amount of food. California burritos are delicious. Fish tacos are great and the red sauce is ridiculously amazing! Must try! Also, tip - ask to have the tortilla done crispy when you get a burrito. read more

Pavlos Tacos - 2 California burritos - lots of sauce! - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I ordered the California Burrito. It was less than stellar, bad really. Both the French Fries and Meat were cold and the Meat was very tough. The Salsa Bar was a bunch of bottles of sauce. Nothing homemade. Even the Salsa in the little Squeeze Bottle tasted ketchup-y and canned. At $12.75 I went ahead and ate the Burrito and that was a huge mistake. I was about 40 minutes away from my Office and before I could make the drive back my stomach was rumbling and grinding. I had terrible pain. To make a long story short I flushed the burrito down the toilet, that thing ran thru me like a locomotive. I will not be going back to Pavlos....... read more

Growing up with Rico's since middle school, every once in a while I'll re-visit this taco shop to re-live my younger days... recently upon heading over to the shop I noticed a different name on the business. MY HEART SUNK... upon closer observation I looked inside and the man that's been at the register since child hood was still at the register... this man's name is Pavlos! Pavlos has been serving up the community awesome north county coastal Mexican food for years! Now he has officially became the owner of my childhood taco shop and I could not be happier! Fear not the infamous Justin burrito still stands and Pavlos is as charming as he ever was. Support this business, support this family, support this town, support this man! You will not be disappointed. read more

The nachos at Pavlos are incredible! The employees are all very, very nice and courteous and went out of their way to be helpful with everything I needed. The atmosphere was super chill and just really down to earth, I really enjoyed this place. read more