The food was pretty good. The folks that worked there are friendly. The restaurant was clean and well lit. I came here to bitch. So it's not against the food or the management, or the employees. It's about life. I went to HS in Carlsbad in the early 90s. This place was Alberto's. Then I came back and visited. It was Roberto's. Now I'm back and it's Vallarta express. Look at my pictures. When I was in HS in 1993, a carne asada burrito was $2.75. A bean and cheese burrito was $1.75 (when we were broke we would buy that and split it between three HS football players, it weighed 2.5lbs, we called it a "wet sock") These prices are insane. A carne asada burrito is now $13.90. A SINGLE TACO IS $7.00! It's the same fast food drive through! Compared to today: $2.75 in 1993 has the same buying power as approximately $6.17 today (late 2025) I realize that I moved to the free state of Florida. But dang. The cost differential for everything here is totally lopsided. read more

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I've been here 3 times and food is legit good. I was surprised the ratings are not higher. Their burritos are big and filling and you get what you paid for. My wife loves their hard shell tacos, which are also filling. Service has been good and they have out door seating. They do have one television inside. I highly recommend this pllace read more

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First time here, did a take out order. $40 for 2 items of just okay food. I live 8 minutes from here and my burrito had a huge split down the middle. Had to eat it with a fork and knife. Other spots have a sturdier burrito wrap. The nachos fell soggy really fast as well, I was racing against time trying to eat them before they all turned back into corn tortilla flaps. For the price, and the amount of food you get, it was good but the chip and tortilla quality just aren't there for me. Meat was tender and flavorful, not full big strips like other Mexican spots, they were smaller and thinner than I'm used to. Giving 4 stars for cleanliness, taste, and service. Don't feel like they deserve a three star but I won't be going back read more

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Filling and cheap, a great place to come when hungry or after a night of drinking out. My fiancé and I stopped by here for an early lunch. We ordered inside and got our food within 10 min. Most people drive through so we were the only ones inside. I got the shrimp burrito ($14) and my fiancé got the California burrito ($15). Shrimp burrito was packed with rice beans and shrimp, wasn't the best shrimp I've had but very generous, the red sauce is bomb. My finances burrito was stuffed with steak and fries, with plenty of guacamole. Overall solid Mexican eatery with dank Fud. Wish there was one in OC read more

Vallarta Express - Shrimp burrito - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I was starving, very hangry. Chicken and beef taco and the beef taco was so damn good. I couldn't even believe it. Definitely recommend and I will definitely be back next week. The lady at the counter was super sweet and I thanked the cooks before I left. Super clean inside too read more

The food here is always amazing! The burritos are huge and absolutely delicious. On top of that, the service is quick and the restaurant is always clean. We will definitely be back! read more

Vallarta express is a regular stop on the way home from fishing trips out of San Diego. My go to is the carnitas burrito, but everything there that I've ordered is good. The orange hot sauce is habanero based, great taste but can be pretty hot. Use it sparingly until you have a sense of the heat. Order at the counter and pay the cashier. Your number is called when your food is ready. Tables out front when the weather is nice. read more

Amazing salsa, great staff, fast service, and great breakfast burritos. Bonus: delicious free water (unlike Starbucks) read more

Vallarta Express - Water cup - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Unfortunately, this place has really gone downhill. I used to love coming here, but today on the very first bite I found a hard, sharp object in my breakfast burrito. Luckily I didn't chip a tooth, let alone eat whatever that was, because I threw the rest out. After seeing other recent reviews mentioning plastic and foreign objects in their food, that seals the deal for me; won't be going here again. Hopefully this safety issue is addressed, because at these prices, there are much better options elsewhere. Super disappointing. read more

Vallarta Express - Not sure what this was in my breakfast burrito... very sharp and hard, bone like, though could have been a piece of plastic too. - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Vallarta Express has multiple locations across the San Diego area and like the other ones, this location in Carlsbad is also open 24/7. This location has both indoor and outdoor seating with a small parking lot and drive-through. Since I don't come here as much now, when I do I always get the same thing: christian fries ($18.25). Christian fries are basically carne asada fries with bacon and fried eggs on top. It has all the toppings: carne asada, cheese, guacamole, pico, sour cream, bacon, and eggs. On top of that, I'm obsessed with their red sauce and drench it on every bite. Their red sauce is slightly sweeter than red sauces at other places but it's seriously addicting. Prices have gone up over the years but that doesn't stop me from coming back again and again. Other people have their opinions on what their favorite carne asada fries spot is and this one is mine. read more

Vallarta Express - Christian fries ($18.25) - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Second time here. Went to Lego land and on the way home the kids requested we stop here again. We switched it up a little this time. Food was great! Big portions , definitely left us full and happy! Great drive thru service , casual ambiance. You can take it to go, or eat in. read more

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The most authentic Mexican food in Carlsbad period. Yes, it's pricey cost more than casual fast food, but it's authentic flavor of Mexico. I read a comment suggesting Grubby's was better, do not fall for it, not even in the same league, that place is bleached washed garbage. read more

There has been way too many instances of getting drive thru only to find parts of my burrito aren't cooked when I get home, usually the cheese. I know it gets busy but you actually need to cook the food for all customers consistently. I'm done. read more

I'm not trying to be mean here but Vallarta is not what a Taco shop in San Diego should taste like. We were recommended Vallarta by my nephew's fiancé and he is no longer allowed to marry her. The carne asada was bland and in desperate need of seasoning. The tacos dorado were in Taco Bell shells, and the quesataco is only offered in asada and the queso wasn't crispy. The prices are outrageously high. Now I will say that they are open 24 hours so if you're drunk at 3 in the morning it might hit right. read more

Price is affordable, but Personally this place is not for me!! Carne asada was too dry and after made my stomach hurt.

We had take-out from here with friends, which was my first time trying a Vallarta. Overall assessment was "will not return". I had a Carnitas Burrito that was dry...dry...dry. Ordering was easy, and getting the order was pretty quick. read more

Great customer service & phenomenal looking plate very very great tasting Carnitas plate read more

Vallarta Express - Carnitas Plate - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We stopped by the drive-thru on our way back to LA and I ordered one fish taco since I wasn't too hungry. The taco was a good size, perfect for a light meal. The line was busy but moved quickly. Great experience overall! read more

Vallarta Express - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We've been here often. Never had this experience: used the drive thru to pick up up 3 orders of refried beans. Used a ccard, and later discovered they hand wrote $5 tip to the total. Sorry, enjoy your good fortune, never to see us again, cabrones read more

I used to love this place. Used to be a go to for our easy to grab Mexican food, especially a on-the-go breakfast burrito. My issue is the quality seems to have gone down, more than is worth putting up with. But last week I gave them a last shot on a breakfast burrito. Pulled up and noticed their prices went up or at least on this item (12 bucks for a breakfast burrito & it's not like it's huge) however, I don't get meat in mine, & I used to get a buck or two knocked off the price, since it's less for them to make since there's no meat. But this time around, they refused, but didn't tell me u til I was already paying, not even a dollar cheaper. (So if you order it that way ask it for the meat in the side even if you just trash it.. they're charging you for it anyway). Anyway, unfortunately due to both the lower quality, and higher prices, that will be the last time I go. Which is a bummer it used to be a great easy grab and go. read more

They are over priced but they are in the Village of Carlsbad so what can you expect. They are our go to drive thru fast mexican food place. There are much better places around but not a drive thru........ read more

Ok, that's it. This was my favorite fast mexican food place for the past couple years, but I am done. Never again. I gave you chances multiple times and no more. The last time I grabbed a bean and cheese burrito and ended up finding some plastic and fibers in the burrito. I wonder how many pieces I consumed without even knowing because I just happened to spot these pieces when I randomly looked at my burrito after eating half of it. I have to search for the picture I took at that time. I forgave them after that. Today I waited 20 minutes in the drive thru. They were busy but that's too long. Then i ate 3 of my rolled tacos before finding hair at the bottom of one of my rolled tacos, mixed in with the guac and sour cream. Tired of it. This place sucks. read more

Vallarta Express - Hair in food - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This was the only late night spot in CB that you could grab a quick cheap bite at that was super fresh. As I'm writing this review a day afterwards to ensure there wasn't any issues involving the porcelain Gaaawd. Y'all know what I mean. All clear! Fresh mex food late night. Friendly service from the employee at the drive thru window. I had a tostada and rolled tacos the salsa was good as well. read more

If you're craving a California Burrito theirs is what you're thinking of. All of the contents you'd want are included when you order and they are all evenly distributed. read more

I would say this is seriously a required stop for me every time I go down to San Diego. Just their hours, their consistency, and their portions. The parking lot is relatively small, but it shouldn't be a problem since most people do drive-thru. It's right by the 5 so it's a perfect pit stop to or from SD. Ordering is a fast process, and they crank out the food pretty quickly. I ordered the usual - a Cali burrito and fries on the side. The fries are awesome, but best when you eat them right away, since they can get soggy in the box. They give a large portion, the same as they would with angel fries. They're super good with the salsas. I would say the burrito is always the star of the show. The size and filling is just amazing, with the right amount of carne asada and a good helping of fries. I always leave super happy and full. read more

Vallarta Express - Interior - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Most consistent Mexican food nearby. Great salsa options and the portions are huge. I always get the bacon breakfast burrito of the steak & egg burrito. There's never too long of a line and the food is prepared quick every time. read more

Food quality is low, prices are high. I stopped by on my way traveling home and I wasn't impressed at all.

Carne asada burrito: Get This is a meaty boy and you'd have to be pretty hungry to finish it. It's not as saucy or cheesy (does it even have cheese?) as I would have liked but you can always fix that with salsa. For 12 dollars I'm not complaining. Fish burrito: Get! At 10 dollars it's so worth. It's a little less filling than the carne asada but only because meat is a little more hearty. Other than that it's the same thing and some could argue that their battered fish is even better. Fish taco: Also get! So juicy and saucy I loved it. I was wondering how a taco could be over 5 bucks but it's huge for a taco. Two would probably do the job and fill you up. Would definitely get it again Food: 7/10 Value: 7/10 read more

Vallarta Express - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Food is good Service is good Highly recommend Tacos burritos nachos menudo family friendly read more

This is my go-to spot for Mexican food, it's some of the best I've found in the county. Open 24/7 with a drive-thru. I always get the Carnitas quesadillas, or rolled tacos with guacamole and cheese. I've been going to this spot weekly for at least a year now and it never disappoints. read more

We came here on Sunday morning to get a quick bite before hitting the road back to LA and this place truly exceeded my expectations! My friends got breakfast burritos and carne asada fries- the fries are huge! I really enjoyed the California burrito with fries inside and the value you get here is real! I do wish the salsa could have been a bit more spicy though. I was only able to eat half. Everything tasted pretty authentic and it was super cheap too. They also have a drive thru. If you're looking to get a quick bite, I highly recommend this place! read more

Vallarta Express - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Menudo and carne asada fries are 10/10! Service 10/10 ! Very clean, best 24/7 drive thru ! I love this place ! read more

Food has been consistently fresh and they give large portions. Carne asada fries are hot with great flavor. Soft tacos are some of my favorite, especially the carnitas. Love eating here and appreciate the good service! read more

Vallarta Express - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I love getting the super fries here. They really load up your fries with a ton of meat and toppings. There's a salsa bar so you can add extra salsa to your food. They have a drive through here and outdoor seating that is dog friendly. I personally like adding eggs and bacon to my super fries for extra crunch and protein! read more

Good 'ol Vallarta Express . . . usually doesn't disappoint. lol My son loves their Christian Fries - man, that's a lot of food! Worth every penny ... I usually end up sharing it with him. Yummy! The burritos are huge, good enough for 2, so we're always full after. That's a plus with boys in the house! It's pretty quick as far as the drive-thru is concerned. But we always laugh at how many salsas/sauces they give (handfuls!) - even if we ask for only 1 or 2. Everyone's got their favorite Mexican dive, this isn't my ultimate favorite but a close 2nd or 3rd. read more

Came at 2am for some late night Mexican food. Food was great , got a California burrito and it was well packed with plenty of meat and everything else that comes in it. Very big size too. read more

This place must be a hit or miss based on the 1 and 5 star review distribution. Based on what I read here, they may have a consistency problem. It was a hit for me! **5/5 sauce** Red sauce (more of an orange) is almost exactly like Cotixan's in Encinitas which is my favorite. Actually, this one may even be a bit better! This might be my new favorite hot sauce from any taco shop Ive had in San Diego County! If you eat in, you can help yourself to as much as you need, which IMO, is way better than having to ask for more prepackaged tiny little wasteful plastic containers. Another dude there filled up a water cup with sauce LOL **4.5/5 Burrito** I ordered the sausage breakfast burrito with sour cream which was a fair $11.37 total. Burrito might have been the largest breakfast burrito I've ever eaten. If I had to ding them at all, maybe just a little less beans and more potato, but I don't feel strongly about this. Tortilla was perfectly cooked/flaky. Also very similar to Cotixan's super breakfast burrito **5/5 sour cream addition** This has been a sore spot for me at taco shops. Either it's too expensive (anything more than $1.50 is too much), not enough SC on the burrito, or they entirely forget to put it in, or a combo of those. The additional $1.15 for the SC is reasonable and definitely had enough on there. **5/5 restaurant** Food was made pretty fast, dining room seemed pretty clean, and I really like the plentiful outside seating. 24hr drive through is a good bonus for late nights or just to simply know you don't have to worry about them being closed when you get there (also a bit of a sore spot for me lately). read more

Vallarta Express - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Holy breakfast burritos, Yelpers! Vallarta Express (at least this one) has the best breakfast burrito I've been able to find anywhere so far. Aside from being absolutely huge, they are made to order, fresh, and tasty as can be. And the price is super reasonable! There are three options of burrito goodness - bacon, ham, or sausage. I've tried ham and bacon, and so far bacon is the best. The burrito will come with an orange spicy sauce and green salsa, both of which are good in their own way. This location is open 24/7 and so far all I've done is the drive-thru, which has been quick, efficient, and hassle-free. It is located about one block from the freeway so if you are on a trip somewhere this is an easy stop. Five stars. It's on my regular list as well as the breakfast burrito hall of fame. read more

Got a Bacon breakfast burrito with no cheese Overall score: 7/10 (it was fine) No Paul Hollywood handshake :( Size- good size! Ate 1/2 didn't feel like shit so that's a good sign Tortilla-pretty good and good size, I like a lil crispy tortilla tho Ratio of ingredients- lots of eggs but needed more beans and fer sure smaller crispy potatoes, potatoes were too big and made it taste bland Flavor-lacking not really flavorful. The bacon tasted funny like microwaved turkey bacon but good red salsa! Distribution- kinda weird, all beans on one side and so many eggs which usually isn't a problem but in this case it was a lil too much compared to the other ingredients Establishment- too chain like, but good vibes in there. Super clean too. read more

Vallarta Express - Breakfast burrito with bacon and no cheese - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I Found not one but two blonde or grey hairs in my California burrito not even half way into it like 1/4 into it bc I just cut a tiny bit off to eat tonight and save the rest for tomorrow now I'm so grossed out the meat was also really fatty I threw it away... I even added beans for like $5 extra I wasted my money and lost my appetite read more

Vallarta Express - Hair in my California burrito - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, California