Valerie’s Taco Shop

6986 El Camino Real Suite B, Carlsbad, CA 92009, United States
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(248 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're in Carlsbad, CA, and craving authentic Mexican cuisine that doesn't skimp on flavor, look no further than Valerie’s Taco Shop. Nestled conveniently at 6986 El Camino Real Suite B, this taco haven offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a remarkable dining experience.

Upon entering Valerie's, you'll be welcomed by a vibrant and clean space that perfectly complements the culinary delights that await you. The friendly staff is eager to serve, making sure you feel right at home as you dive into their diverse menu filled with mouthwatering options.

The highlight of Valerie's is undoubtedly the savory soft tacos, featuring a spectrum of choices like the Carne Asada topped with fresh guacamole and pico de gallo, or the succulent Carnitas that melt in your mouth. For seafood lovers, the Battered Mahi Mahi taco adds a delightful twist with its crispy texture and refreshing cabbage slaw. If you prefer something lighter, the Veggie Taco, brimming with beans, lettuce, and guacamole, is sure to leave your taste buds dancing.

For those who crave a crunch, the crispy tacos are a must-try. Imagine biting into a crispy shell filled with shredded beef or shredded chicken, generously topped with crisp lettuce and cheddar cheese—a simple yet satisfying combination. And if you're feeling particularly indulgent, treat yourself to their loaded fries, featuring Carne Asada, melted cheddar, and rich guacamole, all for an enticing price point.

But it isn't just the food that has locals raving. Reviews from patrons like Jason S highlight the clean environment and outstanding salsas that pack a punch of flavor. Meanwhile, Max Allen appreciates the generous portion sizes, stating he always leaves satisfied. From the scrumptious green sauce that Darcy Scott can’t get enough of to the spicy salsa that leaves a delightful afterburn, Valerie's taco creations resonate with anyone who enters.

While some reviews note occasional service hiccups, the quality of the food consistently shines through, proving that the drive for great flavor carries this gem. Jay Gee emphasizes that even with minor service issues, he plans to return for the unique salsa collection that makes Valerie’s a standout.

Whether you drop in for a quick taco on-the-go or settle in for a meal with friends, every bite at Valerie's Taco Shop is designed to deliver the authentic Mexican experience you've been longing for. Don’t miss out on the delicious journey waiting for you just off El Camino Real.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Trending
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

248 Reviews
Jason S

14 Sep 2025

A spacious, clean and friendly taco shop serving a diverse menu of flavor and quality. This was a wonderful, passing-through-the-neighborhood discovery for me - and they're open until 10pm, which perfectly fit my need at the time. *Loved* their "spicy" salsa from the little salsa bar - the reddish, coarsely textured stuff - very tasty and with a nice kick that left a pleasant afterglow. The spicy green variety was also memorable as well as the "extra spicy" red salsa. All were delicious. Excellent carne asada burrito - my close-to-closing-time sample had a generous portion of beef that was quite tender and lightly seasoned (not overly salty, not heavily greasy and essentially no gristle at all) - definitely above the norm for chopped beef quality. Very enjoyable. Rolled tacos were equally satisfying. Putting the appeal of their burrito and tacos together with the punch of their tasty salsa pretty much guarantees I'll be "passing through" again soon. My dining partner was equally impressed. Kudos!

Darcy Scott

06 Sep 2025

The green sauce is amazing, I would put it on anything - it is delicious on my chilaquiles!

ragothaman ramesh

27 Jul 2025

I ordered two soft tacos on Taco Tuesday. One taco had two soft tortillas but the other one had only one tortilla. No lemon was given. But food was good.

S. Scott

03 Jul 2025

Went here twice in two days during a recent Carlsbad visit. A year ago I went there twice in two days as well...need I say more??

Max Allen

02 Jul 2025

I'm here once every two weeks for lunch. Fast service, even when it does get a little crowded at lunch hour. I normally get a carne asada rice bowl, and the thing is PACKED. I definitely get my moneysworth. They don't flake on the meat or toppings. Plenty of guacomole. I usually get a side of chips to dig into the bowl, and it's a filling combination, which is saying something - I have an appetite working 12 hr days. At least a dozen salsas to choose from. Several meat options. Wide variety of drinks to but I'm stuck on the horchata. I get it to go most of the time, and it's still hot when I reach my destination. Even the chips are still warm. The place is definitely worth a shot.

AshleyRae Hilts

08 Jun 2025

I just popped in for a taco. Place is clean and the stuff is friendly. My El Jefe taco looked fire, and it was reasonably priced. The main issue is the meat tastes like it was cut on the same cutting board as fish / shrimp. I am super aware of flavors and everything is fresh and distinctive, But I definitely can't shake the fish flavor in a carne taco. Doused my taco with salsa sauce from the shop and put an egg on it when I got home to try and mask the flavor, but it's still very much there. Super bummed. Hopefully, they read this and reserve certain cutting boards + kitchen towels for specific meats / foods

Jay Gee

06 Jun 2025

The service wasn't that good. The cook had to ask the order taker to come three times and it took about 10 minutes. She came with her phone in her hand. The food was really good and still was prompt. They have a great salsa collection that is unique to their own. Not my total top favorite but I definitely will come back here again for the salsa and quality of food.

scott risch

01 Jun 2025

Amazing food amazing service got shredded chicken burrito and a bean and cheese for my wife .salsa was green guacamole one it was tasty.i don’t write that many reviews but i had to say something .food tasted authentic and spicy …just sayin

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