Sam’s Kitchen

4.9 (158 reviews)

ModerateMexican

Closed • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Updated 3 months ago

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Sam’s Kitchen - The avocado sandwich with extra veggies on sourdough - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - Condiments near pickup - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - Pulled pork bbq on fresh brioche bun w fries - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Sam’s Kitchen - The restaurant is clean and neat! - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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SAM’S KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

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Casual

Moderate noise

Good for groups

Outdoor seating

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Erick M.

Unique spot with a lot of burrito options! I went with the Jefe Burrito with egg added on. The jefe has good quality rib eye steak! It was overall good, next time I'll need to ask for the meat to be cooked medium or medium rare, I think it'll conserve more flavor. But it was a good burrito!! They have a lot of different options it's worth checking out if you're in the mood for a good burrito! Service: they were friendly! Ambiance: casual spot and easy going Overall I would recommend!

The el jefe with egg. There was more rib eye but we ate most of it.

Jennifer B.

We came straight here from Santa Clarita and yelped breakfast burritos. Came across this place which is located in an industrial center and was greeted by a sweet young lady who told us we could order anything on the menu even if it was for lunch/dinner. (We arrived at 9am and my husband was wanting to try the El jefe which had rib eye.). We were able to order it and added eggs to make it more breakfast like. It was amazing! My kids and I ordered the Grand Slam and the Carls Good! All delicious!! The sweet lady also offered us fresh salsa and chips even though it was early in the morning. The chips were warm, dusted with tajin and the salsa super fresh. The rib eye in the burrito was great quality steak! And the prices were reasonable. Definitely coming back!

The avocado sandwich with extra veggies on sourdough

Jeremy D.

Asked for the avocado sandwich and cashier quite literally offered pretty much all the veggies. Swapped in sour dough and add mayo and I couldn't be more content. $8.50 for this magnificent veggie sandwich is so good!

First time and last time. If you can't get my order correct on my 1st visit than than there's no good memory recall to visit again. I paid $2 xtra for potatoes and beans + $5 tip. Total spent here-$40 51 for two burritos and side of chips. There were no potatoes and beans added, making the burrito taste eggy and bland.

Cassidy S.

Ordered the el gaucho burrito after seeing all the great reviews for this place. The burrito was good it definitely wasn't the best burrito that I have ever had but for the price it was a good choice. The service was quicker than a sit down restaurant but there was still a wait for the food, as you can see directly into the kitchen and know they are making your food fresh to order. The place is sparsely decorated and has a very utilitarian feel.

Carls-good burrito with steak and fries. Very filling.

Craig W.

This little restaurant has been on my list to try forever. They are only open on weekdays so if you do most of your food exploring on weekends, like I do, you will miss out. Fortunately, I had an opportunity to swing by on a random weekday. It feels like a mom and pop shop. It's located in commercial center and it's no frills. But the food is really good. We tried the El Camino burrito (made with chicken and lots of lime) and the Carls-good burrito (made with steak and fries). Both orders came with a small bag of some of the freshest and most delicious chips I've ever had. They were heavily seasoned with salt and lime and they were terrific. I'm almost always on Team Steak but the El Camino chicken burrito had a lot more flavor than the Carls-good one. Both burritos were very hefty and filled with good ingredients and not filler. This place is popular so be prepared to wait a little bit while your food is cooked to order. They have plenty of seating inside to eat and they also do takeout. I'd score them a 4.5 but I'm rounding up because I respect small businesses and hard work.

Angelina S.

Love this family owned business. Today I got the small Tuna and chips. The tortilla chips are seasoned and amazingly good. The tuna is also yummy. I usually come here for the burritos which are my favorite but I've been trying to be a little healthier with my choices haha. I'd recommend Sam's kitchen, they have excellent customer service and always have my food ready when I ordered a head.

Paul K.

Tried this burrito place tucked away in a business park in Carlsbad on lunch break. They have a number of burritos, I tried the chicken/lime one which was reasonably priced at around $12 and included a little bag of chips and salsa. The burrito was quite filling and a good portion size for the money. While solid I just didn't think it lived up to 5 star; the chicken was on the drier side and the rice inside could have been fresher. I went a bit before the lunch rush around 1130 on a weekday and had no wait, burrito was out within 5 min. The staff were wonderful. Overall would put this in the 4 star category, while not unbelievable it's a solid burrito at a solid price.

Tiffany B.

Came 2 days in a row because I really want to try all their items. This visit got the El Jefe. Let's just say it was a major disappointment. I bit into it and it was huge chunk of meat & not the tender meat that melts in your mouth, but the kind that spills out burrito because you can't get entire piece in your mouth. Equally huge under cooked & un seasoned red potatoes. Maybe in a bowl with beans & rice, no potatoes this dish would be tasty. I came at 8 so they had just opened. This item failed to meet the mark & glad it wasn't the first item I tried or else I wouldn't return. They're very generous with the salsa, I like the reds.

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Mila D.

2 years ago

Amazing food. It's worth the five stats that most reviewers have given. I've only had the Grand Slam breakfast burrito, but I've been here twice. My husband and I shared the burrito, and we were still stuffed. I look forward to trying the other items. The food is prepared fresh, and only two people are working here, so patience is well worth the wait read more

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Lulu D.

1 year ago

Amazing food! I ordered via Uber Eats the Vegan Burrito bowl and added black beans and avocado and was not disappointed! Wow! Delicious! The serving size was huge too! I will defintley be coming back to this place. read more

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Saeed M.

2 years ago

beautiful and colorful ribeye salad with their amazing chimichurri best in town So many options from vegetarian dishes to their magnificent burritos and salads Amazing service and food read more

Sam’s Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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K S.

302

3 years ago

What a hidden gem! Was visiting Carlsbad and came across this place. They serve amazing burritos, sandwiches and tacos, and they also have all-day breakfast. If you are a vegetarian/vegan, they also have plenty of options. Everything is made-to-order. The service is excellent too! And there is plenty of parking. The Sweet Smoky Sam burrito is SO good, and the Birria tacos are flavorful. BUT the main highlight for me is the Birria Ramen (it's a secret menu item)! Would definitely come back again whenever I'm in the area! read more

Sam’s Kitchen - Birria Ramen - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - Sweet Smokey Sam burrito - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - Birria taco - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - Chips & salsa - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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J R.

1 year ago

Excellent burritos. I recommend the Carls-Good. Note the wait time can run a bit long.

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Phillip W.

2 years ago

Delish Burritos and what the heckin heck chips/salsa. Really enjoyed my El Jefe Burrito it was great food! Sam and her daughter are great to chat with. Cafe is clean and comfortable but I was picking up for take out. Highly recommend! read more

Sam’s Kitchen - El Jefe burrito! House made chimichurri sauce was perfect! - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Tim C.

2 years ago

I went for breakfast before a day at legoland. This little gem is tucked away in an office/commercial area, but it is fantastic. Service was friendly and the food was excellent. I tried two of their breakfast burritos and the only downside is I don't have room in my stomach for more! I will be back to legoland just to be near Sam's Kitchen to get these burritos! read more

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Jonathan A.

113

2 years ago

This is my favorite lunch spot in Carlsbad! I know there are many great establishments, but the home-cooked vibe is amazing. Their burritos are top notch, well made awesome ingredients and their meat is always seasoned the fries are great. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The staff is friendly and accommodating and their sandwiches are amazing too! This is a must try! read more

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Z D.

2 years ago

Great tasting food and value! Very convenient location and the lady who took my order was very kind and professional.

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Karen W.

202

2 years ago

Delicious every time! From soups to chili rellenos everything is always consistently so good and so fresh. They always greet you with a big smile and are ready to take your order. I highly recommend stopping by to grab a bite from Sam's Kitchen. read more

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Patricia S.

1 year ago

Took us a minute to find this spot but so glad we did. Hubby and I were hungry for a late breakfast and were on the hunt for a good breakfast burrito near Carlsbad. I was impressed when I asked to alter the menu items and they were so accommodating and didn't seem to mind at all. By the way they serve breakfast/brunch burritos all day. Hubby ordered Veg Out off the lunch dinner menu and added eggs and breakfast potatoes. Hubby is a big guy and was impressed with size of burrito and he finished it like a champ. I ordered the El Jefe burrito also off the lunch dinner menu and added eggs and breakfast potatoes. Burrito was delicious and so big I had to hold it with 2 hands but was barely able to finish half. The rib eye was tender and generous portions of meat. We were both impressed to say the least and so glad to find this gem of a spot. They also serve salads and sandwiches too. Definitely will be back. Price of the burritos was amazing for the size and quality. Doubt you will find breakfast burritos of this size and caliber in area. Went to wash my hands afterwards and the bathroom was spotless. I always appreciate a clean place with clean bathrooms as it says a lot. All the ladies from the counter to the kitchen were sweet as well. Highly recommend you find this gem! read more

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Wendy G.

2 years ago

A laid back place with friendly service and great burritos. They have other menu items, but we got burritos. I got the El Camino without aioli. My husband got the Carlsgood with rice instead of fries. The burritos tasted fresh and delicious. They had plenty of well seasoned meat, and were big. They came with salsa. I preferred the green. The red was a little watery. We also tried the chips and salsa. The chips had a special seasoning that was tasty. And we tried the fruit empanadas. We took them to go as we were so full. They were good as well. read more

Sam’s Kitchen - El Camino burrito - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - Fruit empanada - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - The Carlsgood with rice instead of fries - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Ashley B.

Elite 24

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2 years ago

After a long day of hard work, my crew of hungry workers were practically rioting for breakfast - so I DoorDashed Sam's Kitchen to fuel up. I've gotta give this place 5 stars for somehow getting a rather burrito order outh the door! Sam's is greased lightning when it comes to service. As soon as we slammed our metal freight of burritos, you could hear a pin drop while the guys inhaled their food. I ordered my usual - the breakfast burrito with eggs, potatoes, cheese and a half pound of tri-tip. Yeah, you read that right - half a pound! Let me tell you, there was nothing left when I crumpled up my tin foil. Even the biggest guys on my team were left satisfied. While everyone else was full, Ol' John still had room for more. He ordered another breakfast burrito for dessert - plus a side of hash browns the size of my head! I tell ya, after watching John put away Sam's kitchen, part of me hoped we wouldn't have any more movements for the day as these burritos put them to sleep! So if you need to feed an army, or just a black hole like John, swing by Sam's Kitchen for the best breakfast burritos in town. But be warned - you better come hungry! This locally owned joint piles the plates high and serves them fast. read more

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Josh M.

2 years ago

Highly recommend this place! High quality and fresh ingredients made with care. I got the vegan breakfast burrito and it was 10/10! read more

Sam’s Kitchen - Best vegan breakfast burrito with egg whites and s cheese! - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Peter C.

1 year ago

Everything Sam's makes is perfection. You have to try their molé when it's available. It's absolutely fantastic. Their burritos are massive and delicious. read more

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Laura E.

Elite 24

3 years ago

This place is amazing, so so good. It reminded me of the meals we would cook at home when I was younger. It made me so nostalgic and happy, it's cool that food can do that. Definitely try it out, the chile relleno is my favorite. read more

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Steven S.

3 years ago

Love this place! Great food and friendly service Breakfast and lunch burritos are my go to read more

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Sandra C.

2 years ago

The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The food was delicious. We had the breakfast burrito with Tri-tip, eggs, pepper Jack cheese and pico. My husband and I split it and we were both full! We will definitely come back and try one of the salads next time too! read more

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Jason P.

190

3 years ago

I had the Carls-good burrito with sour cream and it is the best Cali burrito I've ever had! The fries had a perfect crisp, the tri-tip is cooked to perfection and the tortilla was delicious! From the first to the last bite it was perfectly balanced. I will be returning to try El Jefe and their breakfast burritos. read more

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Taylor E.

3 years ago

This place is a gem. Stopped in to a quaint, clean, spacious, welcoming environment. Was greeted with a smile by friendly staff who were very accommodating and offered recommendations on their food/salsa (something I always appreciate). I bought two ginormous Sunrise breakfast burritos for ~$10.50. Could have easily been breakfast for four, as half a burrito was filling. Absolutely delicious. Packed with flavor. Fresh ingredients. Homemade tortilla. Amazing. Will 100% be back and anytime I come through in the future I'm stopping here. 6/5 stars. read more

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Israel L.

2 years ago

Stumbled across this place on Yelp for the first time only yesterday. Fast forward one day and my work just happened to want burritos! So so glad this was the first place I thought of. This awesome place is tucked in the business park on Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real. You MUST take the chance and come here if you're in the area! My general rule of thumb is any cafe located in an industrial park never disappoints, and I struck gold with this place! Ordered 10 burritos for my team and holy moly! These burritos were massive they made sure we got our monies worth for these! Some of the burritos we got included El Jefe, El Camino, La Bomba, The Grand Slam and the Carls-GOOD. Every single one of these burritos were made with love and my crew greatly appreciated it. Even more so they appreciated all the chips that the Sam's Kitchen crew added! Please make sure to ask for ALL of their salsas! Their habanero salsa is killer!! Everyone at my work was extremely happy and most asked where they came from and now they know! We will definitely be back often! Thank you so much! read more

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Janine Z.

2 years ago

Today was our first of many visit's to come! Sam's daughter Jasmine was very accommodating on the phone, helping me select our lunch items while driving! Sam was just as sweet, charming, and hospitable making our lunch with the help of Abuelita, and her nephew. It was great to see a 3 generation family working together to create delicious dishes. The grilled chicken Sope's (no onion by request), rice and bean plate was plenty to share. We saved the Birria Ramen (caliente y picante tambien) for another meal. Thank you for a wonderful experience, from you varied and eclectic menu offerings! Alfonso and Janine Zuniga read more

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Renee H.

3 years ago

Found this place with a Yelp search. The food menu flavor, quantity, quality all excellent. Clean and comfy vibe. Friendly fast service. My mom and I both loved our taco salads!! Grilled chicken for her soy chorizo for me. Vegetarian friendly!! read more

Sam’s Kitchen - Half eaten taco salad yum! - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Joshua B.

4 years ago

I've been ordering from Sam for years and she never disappoints. I've loved everything I've had so I can't say one bad word. And now I'd like to share a quick word about her chimichurri sauce: Your chimichurri is so good I'd put it on every meal if I could To eat it makes me feel like a king I want to put it on everything Five stars all the way! read more

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Mike Q.

4 years ago

Had the Carls-Good (California burrito), El Jeffe, and Italian Wedding soup. Everything was delicious! Large burritos so you'll likely have left overs. This was a soft open but very promising food. Will be back again! Great lunch spot. read more

Sam’s Kitchen - Carls-Good Burrito (California Burrito) - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - Italian Wedding Soup - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Kathryn K.

Elite 25

135

627

4 years ago

I was back again to try lunch. Called my order in again and it was ready when I showed up a few minutes later. El Camino burrito was delicious and filling. It did seem to be missing avocado that's listed on the menu, but no hard feelings. I was also offered home made tortilla chips (yes, if course). Nicely crisped and spiced! Also found out there are 2 kinds of red salsa, a milder one with some veggies in it and one that's more hot sauce-style. Even though I like spice I liked the milder one that's more like a saucy Pico. Daily specials! Lots of them ! Mostly the same each day, but the top one on the list, the soup and the sandwich rotate. Love this new addition to the area. Great taste and value - perfect quick takeout. read more

Sam’s Kitchen - Bag of chips, El Camino burrito, 2 types of salsa - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - Fresh House Made Tortilla Chips - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - Daily Specials board - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - El Camino burrito - chicken was not dry. Missing avocado though - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - El Camino - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Alvin C.

131

199

4 years ago

I had the CarlsGood burrito. Huge and hearty. Very filling. Half would make a good meal. Only the brave and extremely hungry would finish the whole thing in one sitting. Generous in portion and tasty. read more

Sam’s Kitchen - CarlsGood burrito. - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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John F.

301

3 years ago

Went here for lunch around 12:30pm or so and it was busy! The folks that work here are quick and are very nice and can keep it up with the busy lunch time rush. Even though it was busy, they got folks their food promptly and everyone seemed to be in a good mood, so good vibes! I got the carls-good burrito which is basically a cali burrito and it was good! It was massive! The tri tip was flavorful and I believe it was marinated with black pepper. They give you chips on the side and their red mild salsa is really good! Will definitely come back, which will be on a weekday since they are only open weekdays! read more

Sam’s Kitchen - Carls-good - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Kim P.

1 year ago

We ordered one dozen tamales for the holidays....they were delicious! The salsas that came with them were yummy too. Picked up two burritos to try...steak and chicken. Delicious. High quality. Met Sam and her daughter...super kind. Will definitely be back to try more!!! read more

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Ray P.

2 years ago

First time here. It's like one of those hole in a wall restaurant. The place looks plain, simple and very clean. Foods are delicious with adequate portions and reasonably priced. The lady who served us was very nice and friendly. I would definitely go again. read more

Sam’s Kitchen - La bamba burrito - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Sam’s Kitchen - Steak burrito - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Joe N.

3 years ago

Drove around looking for breakfast and accidentally came across Sam's kitchen. Initially I wanted a bagel sandwich. But since I was running out of time and I needed to get to work, I stopped at Sam's kitchen. The burrito is perfect and the pricing is great. The lady at the counter was awesome as well. The salsa was also perfectly hot. read more

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Catherine S.

2 years ago

Great food, excellent service! I love going here on my lunch break. They're quick and the quality is excellent.

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Josselyn M.

227

2 years ago

Love love their burritos! The people there were working so hard and I didn't mind waiting for my food. Really nice people. Can't say enough about how much I enjoyed the veggie burrito! Muchas gracias muchachas!! read more

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Victoria G.

2 years ago

Not only was this place, totally clean, but the food was absolutely delicious and so fresh. If I could afford it, I would come here every day.! read more

Sam’s Kitchen - Cucumber salad - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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S. M.

111

3 years ago

Super nice family run joint. The lady up front was so nice and accommodating. We had rolled tacos and a vegetarian burrito that were really good. Prices were super reasonable as well. Just a great spot to grab a quick bite. read more

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Clover S.

1 year ago

The people are really nice-- The food is so good and they have such large portions for such low prices! There's never really a long wait so you can order immediately and easily. The bathrooms are always clean and so is the restaurant itself and I love to just sit and sketch while eating the rolled tacos. read more

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Stuart L.

2 years ago

Super high quality, you can tell the staff really cares about making tasty food. Every employee I've interacted with there is very kind. The Carl's Good burrito is the best California burrito in the area, and everything else I've tried is of equal quality. The rolled tacos are insane too. Delicious salsa options too! Can't recommend this place enough. read more

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Justin G.

2 years ago

You can just tell when a place is going to be great I've been looking for a new lunch spot this place definitely feels like home cooked food and they care. Service was great fast and friendly definitely recommend this place I'll be back also prices are great! read more

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Megan R.

2 years ago

The food is so good here! Very fresh tasting and family owned. I just found this place with my coworkers and we've been back two days in a row! The service is great and staff is super friendly. There is lots of seating to enjoy your food or take your order to go. I like that you can order online for pickup or delivery as well! read more

Sam’s Kitchen - Birria tacos - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Cody W.

3 years ago

Awesome food great staff honestly I haven't even been able to explore the menu because every time I get something new it's so good I have to order it again... I eat here at least a few times a week luckily they have great salads too... I highly recommend this place or maybe call your order in ahead it can get pretty busy read more

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Page 2 of 4

5670 El Camino Real
Ste H
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Directions
(760) 394-6044
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.samskitcheninc.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Sam’s Kitchen open?

Sam’s Kitchen opens at 9:00 AM on Monday.Sam’s Kitchen opens at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

What time does Sam’s Kitchen close?

Sam’s Kitchen closes at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Sam’s Kitchen is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Mon 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMTue-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMSat-Sun Closed

Food & Alcohol

Does Sam’s Kitchen have catering options?

Yes, Sam’s Kitchen does have catering options.

Does Sam’s Kitchen serve alcohol?

No, Sam’s Kitchen does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Sam’s Kitchen allow dogs?

Yes, Sam’s Kitchen allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Sam’s Kitchen have outdoor seating?

Yes, Sam’s Kitchen has outdoor seating options.

Does Sam’s Kitchen have parking?

Yes, Sam’s Kitchen has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Sam’s Kitchen have free WiFi?

Yes, Sam’s Kitchen has free WiFi.

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3.1 mi

•$$

We were back for another lunch in Taco Tuesday. I still think this is one of the best taco deals in…read moretown, especially if you like fish tacos. I love their fish taco and the calamari tacos. This location always has great size portions and sometimes I can only eat one taco. We went to celebrate my kids, birthdays, they indulged in surf and turf burritos. A large slice of mud pie was delivered with a candle for their birthday as well. This restaurant is consistently delicious, great service, and a family friendly environment. The bar typically has lots of people sitting at it, watching a game on TV as well. We will be back

I've been here a few times during day but never in evening. Nice atmosphere. Dark ambience and nice…read moresetting. It wasn't too busy when I stopped by but I believe the restaurant was closing in an hour. I feel you can never go wrong with Miguel's. Their chips and white cheese deep alone can keep me occupied. Fatima was my server. It was late so we did not really interact besides me ordering. I was solo and ordered the chicken chimichanga with extra rice. It was really good. I had so much chips and dip that I couldn't finish my meal. I ended up taking the rest home.

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The bar

Sangria, Strawberry margarita, chips, queso and salsa

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Happy hour all night!!!!

Casero Taqueria

3.7(849 reviews)

1.4 mi

•$$

We are very impressed with our experience at Casero Taqueria! The hostess was super friendly and…read moresat us right away. Next, we received our waters and chips and salsa immediately. The whole staff was very helpful and friendly. Our server was always right at our table when we needed her and our drinks arrived within minutes. Same with our dinner! The chips are so fresh and I swear I could drink the salsa as a soup! So good!! We had the chicken enchiladas with a green sauce, a couple of street tacos and the guacamole. The flavors were simply amazing, and we had to make ourselves slow down and experience the meal! The drinks were absolutely delightful too! The atmosphere is pleasant with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. We will definitely make this restaurant part of our "Go To" restaurant's!

Love this place!…read more New owner, New Vibe and amazing service! The bar in itself is reason to come here

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Bar area

Shrimp Tacos

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Best Patio Dining in Carlsbad

Tortilla Mia

4.0(344 reviews)

4.7 mi

•$$

Walked right in on a sunny afternoon and got a table with friends right away. The servers were…read morereally polite the whole meal. I like the indoor/outdoor vibe the restaurant has. It was definitely good chill place to grab some food. I got a carajillo to start and a carnitas burrito. The carajillo was just ok. It honestly did not taste like a carajillo and it tasted like an espresso martini because I didn't taste any licor 43. I think they just mixed up my drink but it was ok. The carnitas burrito was delicious and was the perfect portion size for me to be able to finish but also large enough for me to feel very full and satisfied. I do wish they gave more pico and maybe some salsa with it. Overall a nice meal in the village.

I decided to close out the year by coming back to 1 of my regular chill spot. Carlsbad Inn…read more For dinner, the location of my resort made this very easy because there are quite of a bit of option in walking distance. I was feeling for some Mexican food and then i spotted Tortilla Mia. Me and my mother had a great dining experience. Our waitor was fast and attentive. Our food was spot. I had my favorite. Steak fajitas and my mom had a birria ramen. What amazed me was that we got there as the 3rd last table and we only had about 30 mins before closing. Our waitor provided great service til the very end. Thank you.

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32 oz To Go Margaritas!

Churros made from scratch in house daily!

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Tortilla Mia. Flour & Corn Tortillas made in house daily!

Señor Grubby's

Taco Tuesday is awesome! I basically tried one of…read moreeverything off the taco Tuesday menu and was filled by the end of dinner. I also appreciate the many beverage options in the fridge, lots of non alcoholic options. Friendly service! Everything is so uniquely flavorful. Don't forget to get salsa and lime behind the register area, you're gonna need it! Restaurant is brightly colored and fun to be in. Upbeat music playing and the outdoor seating area in the back is nice too [this review was written in connection with a Toast promotion]

Good late night taco run! Very interesting restaurant set up, they have a nice dinning room and a…read morefull bar in the patio. We decide to sit at the bar and ordered a few their most popular tacos with beer on tap. The condiment bar has different types of fresh made salsa, and let me say, when they say spicy, they mean it!

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Burritos

Tacos

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Salsa bar

Tacos Oasis

4.7(106 reviews)

2.8 mi

Always a solid meal at Oasis Tacos! We stopped by for a quick bite and grabbed the chicken tacos…read morealongside a fully loaded burrito. The chicken in the tacos was super flavorful and tender, and the burrito was generously sized and perfectly balanced with fresh ingredients. The service is fast, the food is consistently great, and it always satisfies that taco craving. Five stars!

-- 4/5 Tacos Oasis…read moreis a great stop when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying, especially if you're in the middle of a shopping run at the Carlsbad Outlet Mall and want a fast bite without slowing down too much. The tacos were really good -- flavorful, fresh, and exactly what you want when you're craving something simple and tasty. The tamales were also excellent, soft and well-seasoned. Everything also felt reasonably priced, which is a nice bonus! Friendly service as well. There's outdoor seating right by the stand, making it easy to sit down, take a quick break, and enjoy your food before getting back to your shopping extravaganza. Overall, it's a convenient, tasty, and reasonably priced option when you want a quick taco fix between stores.

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Selection of salsa's and toppings

This burrito was so big that came up to two people I recommend this spot

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El Tejate

4.2(260 reviews)

4.2 mi

•$$

I've lived in Carlsbad for 10 years and only found this place tonight by chance…read more First, my son and I arrived late--like 30 mins before close. The owner Tomas let us know it was almost close time, but was still very hospitable. He let us know that the menu was Oaxacan style, so it was a little different than the typical Mexican local restaurants we are used to. My son ordered two beef tacos. They were clean and delicious. I ordered the chicken fajitas and they were some of the freshest, tastiest fajitas I've ever had. Their food is the perfect blend of freshness and flavorful! It's safe to say that this is our new favorite local Mexican restaurant, thanks to not just the food, but to the service provided by the owner and his staff!

Still the best fresh Oaxacan food in North County. Their handmade corn tortilla are nothing but…read morewonderful. Service can be a little slow, but only because they make everything fresh. Our go to whenever we have a hankering for chili rellenos. Check out the beautiful wall paintings!

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Little bar area

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Mango margarita.

Cancun Mexican & Seafood

4.3(552 reviews)

4.5 mi

•$

Talk about a HIDDEN JEM. Right next to a gas station isn't usually someplace you find AWESOME food…read morebut this is one of those exceptions. Having set my Apple Maps before reading the description of the restaurant, my wife and I set our course on the way back from the San Diego Zoo. I didn't want to get home too late and the parking situation for the better restaurants near the zoo didn't look promising so we decided to go further away from San Diego to find a place on the way home near the 5 freeway. Cancun may not look like much but the food is pretty freaking amazing. My surf and turf burrito filled with generous amounts of shrimp and carne asada was incredible. Adding sour cream and guacamole just put it on another level. No burritos like this near my home. My wife's shrimp plate was also a winner. Lots of shrimp. My wife's only gripe was not enough rice and beans. Even the side of corn tortillas was moist and tasty. I'm not sure if they make their own tortillas but it seemed like it. Even the french fries are incredible. Nice and crispy but not dry. I thought I'd still be hungry after just the burrito but I had no idea what a monster it is. Even after eating 3/4 of it, the remainder was still heavy. The older lady working the register is so sweet. A little hard to understand since she has a thick accent but very nice and helpful. The cook was cool too. Very happy when I stopped before leaving to tell them the food was "delicioso". Don't let the gas station scare you away. The food is jammin'! I plan on stopping by again when I attend Comic-con next year.

Big time hidden gem. Fried sea bass is the only way I want seabaas from now on. Solid beans and…read morerice. I might prefer flour tortillas. Also fairly big shrimp. That pineapple yellow sauce is really good. Nice and spicy green sauce top

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Awesome food quality service

Crispy chicken tacos. Great price!

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Carna asada burrito. Soooo goooood

Alejandra's Mexican Cantina

3.8(234 reviews)

2.5 mi

•$$$

Ruben was awesome!!! Great food, drink atmosphere and…read moreservice!! Glad to have this open again! A++++ If you're in the neighborhood we recommend you stop by...Ruben will put a smile on your faces!!!

This place is where Crazy Burros uses to be and other restaurants can't seem to survive here. I…read moresure hope Alejandras does. They have fantastic service and delicious food. I'm a fan of their chicken and rice soup and I love their tacos. Especially smitten with their chili relleno tacos. They have a full bar and make a mean cocktail. I had a wonderful Expresso martini. They have a great ambiance and view. Also a front patio that would be great in the nicer weather. They also have I've music on some Saturdays on the patio. I hope they open earlier once summer starts. Right now they open at 5.

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Ceviche Pescado

Seafood bar

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Camarones

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Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

9 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Dan B.

3 years ago

If you're in the Carlsbad area and have a hankering for authentic Mexican food, do yourself a favor and drop by Sam's Kitchen. The moment you walk in, you'll feel like you're part of the family. The first thing that strikes you is how immaculate the place is. Clearly, cleanliness is a priority here, from the spotless tables to the polished floors. You could practically eat off them! As for the service, it's top-notch. The staff really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. It's a family-owned and operated joint, and you can tell they put their heart and soul into it. They're quick to recommend their favorites if you're a first-timer and are genuinely interested in how you find the food. Speaking of food, it's evident that they use the freshest ingredients. Everything tastes clean and flavorful, a testament to their commitment to quality. Don't just take my word for it; visit Sam's Kitchen and experience this hidden gem for yourself. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! read more

Brandon H.

3 years ago

I recently dined at a Mexican American fusion restaurant and was blown away by their amazing burritos! This restaurant seamlessly blends the bold flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the modern and creative twists of American cuisine. The star of the show was undoubtedly the burritos. Each bite was a delicious explosion of flavor and texture, with tender meat, perfectly cooked rice, creamy beans, and fresh vegetables all wrapped in a warm tortilla. The portions were generous and every ingredient was clearly of the highest quality. Overall, I highly recommend this Mexican American fusion restaurant to anyone looking for amazing burritos and creative, delicious cuisine. Whether you're a foodie looking for a new favorite spot or just in the mood for some seriously tasty eats, this place is definitely worth a visit! read more

N T.

11 months ago

My wife and I stopped by Sam's Kitchen in Carlsbad for breakfast and had a fantastic experience. We both ordered the Gaucho Burritos, and every bite was peaceful and satisfying -- perfectly balanced flavors that really hit the spot without being overly heavy. We also ordered a burrito bowl for our two-year-old with eggs, ham, and potatoes. He enjoyed it just as much as we did -- always a win when the little one is happy and full! The atmosphere was welcoming, and the food came out fresh and well-prepared. It's clear that Sam's Kitchen puts care into their ingredients and presentation. I'll definitely be returning for another breakfast soon -- this place is a great addition to Carlsbad's food scene. read more

Jazmin G.

4 years ago

Driving past it and still has the pickles deli sign up.Under further investigation seems the place has a new owner and is now going under the name "Sams kitchen". A Daily's special board outside and couple more options on the wall. After being greeted by the owner Samantha, I ordered the lentil bowl! And wow! It might be my new favorite thing! comes with a cucumber salad that is sooo good! I was told to try the Chile rellenos by the lady that was infront of me.. so I guess that will be next! Deff recommend this spot if you like supporting small businesses! read more

MICHELLE B.

131

4 years ago

Between everyone in my house we have vegan, low carb, gluten free and every other possible food restriction under the sun. But with sam's menu we all found something that was tasty. What a quaint place with fun things to try between the daily specials and hearty burritos! read more

Elizabeth J.

4 years ago

Everything Sam makes is delicious. My favorite burrito is the Carls-Good. And boy is it good! Add some of Sam's homemade salsa and you have heaven in your mouth. Great place to get a hearty meal and feel totally satisfied. read more

Sue K.

4 years ago

My new favorite breakfast burrito place! Great food, fast, all for a reasonable price. Our breakfast burritos were super tasty. Ingredients were fresh, well balanced, savory and filling. Can't wait to go again! read more

Kelsey H.

4 years ago

After coming back and trying some of the other items. I had to come back on here and change my rating from a 4 to a 5! I haven't had something I yet to not like! read more

Emy S.

2 years ago

Lovely people working here, the food are absolutely yummy!!! My partner and I will be back soon. Thank you for your hospitality!!!

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Sam’s Kitchen

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SAM’S KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

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SAM’S KITCHEN VIDEOS

Recommended Reviews - Sam’s Kitchen

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Other Amenities

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Fresco Cocina

Casa De Bandini at The Forum

Miguel's Cocina

Casero Taqueria

Tortilla Mia

Señor Grubby's

Tacos Oasis

El Tejate

Cancun Mexican & Seafood

Alejandra's Mexican Cantina

9 Sam’s Kitchen reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

9 reviews that are not currently recommended

Sam’s Kitchen - mexican - Updated May 2026

Best of Carlsbad

People found Sam’s Kitchen by searching for…

Trending Searches in Carlsbad, CA

Browse Articles

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