The small town ambiance is still here. I’ve driven by this old building many times. It’s not as crowded here as the new hipster places further down the road.
That’s fine with me as I don’t like paying hipster prices.
Tacos are $3 for a full size taco. 2 of them are a good size lunch or 3 make for a big dinner. They come on a soft corn tortilla which has a nice mild corn flavor.
Carne asada was tender and had a nice beefy flavor with a hint of sweetness. Carnitas was tender, juicy, and full of savory pork flavor.
Al Pastor taco had tender marinated pork. I like the flavor which was a bit like the al pastor tacos from Tacos El Gordo. Beef taco was deep fried. Hard crunchy shell had a nice fried corn flavor while the shredded beef was tender, moist, and had a nice beefy flavor.
Chicken taco was also deep fried. Good amount of chicken with light chicken flavor. I would prefer this taco if chicken was marinated with more seasoning.
Fish taco came with a big piece of fried fish. Batter was crunchy and the fish had a light flavor like cod.
You can get fresh flour tortillas here. I tried one. It was fresh and hot. It had a rich flavor and one of the best tasting tortillas I’ve had. I guessing it was cooked in lard.
Mango smoothie had a nice texture with tiny icy bits like a Slurpee. I liked the mango flavor which tasted like Naked Juice Mango.
I like my tacos with just meat and the meat here is delicious except for the crunchy chicken taco. Grab a seat by the window and you can watch as the train goes by.
The dining room is surrounded by a lovely mural. Service is fast and the employees were nice.
Juanitas Taco Shop 290 N Coast Hwy 101Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 943-9612
Best chicken soup ever! Such a deal for me as it’s usually two meals. The mural painter has talent. Wonder if they painted murals elsewhere? Great pictures. :>)
Thanks! Next time we go we can ask about the murals.