Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad

4.4

26 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 18, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

Experiences are available.

Charming
Good for business meals
Neighborhood gem

¡Bienvenido a Jalisco Cantina!

Inspired by the rich culture of Jalisco, Mexico—a region famous for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and birthplace of the world’s finest tequilas—we bring this spirit to every dish and drink we serve.
Our scratch kitchen uses the freshest ingredients to craft flavorful, authentic dishes like birria tacos, carnitas, and made-to-order guacamole.

Pair your meal with our extensive selection of premium tequilas and handcrafted cocktails, carefully curated to reflect the essence of Jalisco. Join us at Jalisco Cantina for a dining experience that’s as vibrant and welcoming as the Mexican sun. ¡Salud!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mexican
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
Phone number
(760) 841-8404
Website
https://thejaliscocantina.com/carlsbad
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual

Location
2961 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Neighborhood
Oceanside
Parking details
None
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Experiences

Taco Tuesdays
Multiple dates available
$8 Classic Margaritas $14 for 3 Taco's

GUACAMOLE$10.00
avocado, lime, salt, jalapeño, cilantro
CEVICHE*$20.00
cured mahi, lemon, lime, jicama, red onion, serrano, aji amarillo, cherry tomatoes, cilantro
GAUCHO PAPAS FRITAS$18.00
birria, fries, chihuahua cheese, pickled red onion, fresh jalapeño, lime crema, cilantro
TOSTADA DE ATÚN*$21.00
ahi tuna, corn tostada, avocado crema, mango, lime, red onion, marinated cucumber, tajin, tamari, sesame seeds

SOPAS & ENSALADAS

ESQUITES$18.00
roasted corn salad with roma crunch, cotija cheese, tortilla strips, tomato, jicama, red onion, chile-lime dressing, cilantro
- Chicken$6.00
- Carnitas$6.00
- Carne$6.00
- Blackened Shrimp$9.00
MERCADO$15.00
watermelon, red onion, cotija, spiced pepitas, cilantro lime vinaigrette, cilantro
CREMA POBLANO$13.50
corn & poblano chowder, potato, leek, tortilla strips, fresno sauce, cilantro oil
POZOLE$15.00
pork stew with hominy, cabbage, radish, lime, jalapeño, chile de arbol, tortilla strips, chilmole, cilantro

Tacos

PESCADO$21.00
masa-fried mahi, jicama-cabbage slaw, chipotle crema, cilantro
CARNITAS$20.00
crispy pork shoulder, pineapple-jicama pico, salsa taquera, cotija cheese, cilantro
AGUACATE$18.50
masa-fried avocado, red cabbage, jalapeno mayo, salsa mexicana, cotija cheese, fresno hot sauce, cilantro
POLLO ASADO$19.00
achiote-grilled chicken, salsa tinga, salsa mexicana, avocado crema, cotija cheese, cilantro
BIRRIA$20.50
adobo-braised beef, avocado salsa, shaved onion, salsa escabeche, cilantro
CARNE ASADA$22.00
grilled tri-tip, chihuahua cheese, roasted onion, chiles, salsa frita, cilantro
CAMARONES$23.00
blackened shrimp, guacamole, lime crema, fried red onion, cilantro

PLATOS FUERTES

BURRITO$19.00
black beans, achiote rice, lime crema, grilled onions, chihuahua cheese, salsa mexicana
- Chicken$7.00
- Carne Asada or Birria$8.00
- Blackened Shrimp$9.00
ENCHILADAS DE POLLO$27.00
achiote-grilled chicken, roasted poblano, chihuahua cheese, salsa guajillo, cotija cheese, cilantro, salsa mexicana, black beans, achiote rice
BIRRIA DE RES$28.00
adobo-braised beef, pickled red onion, yellow onion, cilantro, achiote rice, jalapeño jicama slaw, corn tortillas
CHILE RELLENO$25.00
achiote rice, salsa mexicana, and chihuahua cheese-stuffed chile with smashed black beans, salsa tinga, cotija, cilantro, avocado salsa
- Chicken$7.00
- Carne Asada or Birria$8.00
- Blackened Shrimp$9.00
ATÚN INCRUSTADO$40.00
pepita & tajin-crusted ahi, cilantro lime rice, grilled honey cayenne-glazed pineapple, avocado crema, fresno hot sauce, microgreen mercado salad

SIDES

ACHIOTE RICE$6.00
BLACK BEANS$7.00
ELOTES$8.00
corn on the cob, jalapeño mayo, cilantro, tajin
HAND-CUT FRIES$9.00
jalapeño mayo
- Achiote Seasoning$2.00

What 26 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.5Service
4.8Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

North San Diego
Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Jalisco Cantina in Carlsbad offers a "great atmosphere" and "excellent service." With standout menu items like the "best tacos around" and "amazing chips," it's a flavorful destination for Mexican cuisine. While some guests note occasional slow service, the "friendly staff" and "inviting ambiance" make it a must-visit spot.

26 Reviews

T
Terry
San Diego
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The atmosphere in the restaurant was Carlsbad casual and the food was very good. Pricing was on the plus side, however the portions reflected to price. Would recommend going there for lunch or dinner.
Is this helpful?
T
Ty
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Server was amazing! We came for a birthday party and we were all so impressed and happy with our waitress she was amazing
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N
Norm
San Diego
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Very limited menu. Drinks were poorly prepared. Overall service was good.
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J
John
San Diego
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food was disappointing for mexican in southern california. Can get better from any corner mexican place. Service and atmosphere was good
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M
Michael
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have been twice to Jalisco and it has been great both times. Great service and the food is excellent.
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s
susan
San Diego
15 reviews
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I really wanted to love this place. Everything seemingly went well the skinny margarita had a great taste although after two I didn’t have a buzz. Although it was a little bit chilly and they had all the windows open the ambience was phenomenal. The decor was very impressive .I thought our waiter Benny was pretty knowledgeable and super personable. I was really hoping that the food quality would be great, but unfortunately it just felt like they plated the food from food that had been cooked previously in the day without warming it completely. The cheese on my enchiladas were still Glazed and hardened over and it was just really mediocre on the inside.sane for the rice and beans The chips were good but the guacamole was tasteless . I think if they step up the food experience this could be a great spot Also if they added a live music element !
1 person found this helpful
T
Thomas
VIP
Portland
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great ambience, food and service. Definitely a place to return to.
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B
Barry
VIP
San Diego
137 reviews
3.0
137 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Holiday shortage of adequate staffing. Guacamole was terribly thick and tasteless. It was cold and drafty where we sat. Clean bathrooms and OK ambiance. Liked the salsas. Parking in downtown Carlsbad is a nightmare. Not the best avocado tacos I’ve ever had. Bland. The chili relleno concoction was just OK. Will I go back? Not likely.
1 person found this helpful
j
joey
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Overall it was ok. Server was nice but busy. Drinks were good - food was average - nothing special mesh was a little tough and dry and sucks lacked significant flavor.
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R
Richard
VIP
Chicago
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our first experience at Jalisco Cantina. We loved it. The flavors were amazing. The chips and salsa was very upscaled. We tried the Cadillac Margaritas and they were the best we ever tasted. My brother and I had Burritos and my husband had the Enchiladas. We ordered a couple of side of the refried black beans. Those were great. We split the Churro Cinnamon Donut. It was heavenly. We visit Carlsbad every year and December and we will definitely be back for some delicious Mexican food.
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FAQs

Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (760) 841-8404.

Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad is rated 4.4 stars by 26 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 18, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad

2961 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Additional information

Neighborhood
Oceanside
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Website
https://thejaliscocantina.com/carlsbad
Phone number
(760) 841-8404

Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Taco Tuesdays

BOTANAS

GUACAMOLE$10.00

CEVICHE*$20.00

GAUCHO PAPAS FRITAS$18.00

TOSTADA DE ATÚN*$21.00

SOPAS & ENSALADAS

ESQUITES$18.00

MERCADO$15.00

CREMA POBLANO$13.50

POZOLE$15.00

Tacos

PESCADO$21.00

CARNITAS$20.00

AGUACATE$18.50

POLLO ASADO$19.00

BIRRIA$20.50

CARNE ASADA$22.00

CAMARONES$23.00

PLATOS FUERTES

BURRITO$19.00

ENCHILADAS DE POLLO$27.00

BIRRIA DE RES$28.00

CHILE RELLENO$25.00

ATÚN INCRUSTADO$40.00

SIDES

ACHIOTE RICE$6.00

BLACK BEANS$7.00

ELOTES$8.00

HAND-CUT FRIES$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad restaurant rated?

Is Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information