Food & Drink

Fry-Yay! Indulge in San Diego’s Top 15 Carne-Asada-Fry Spots!

San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, perfect weather, and laidback lifestyle. However, one of the lesser-known gems of this city is its incredible food scene.

When it comes to Mexican food, San Diego is a haven for foodies. And if there's one dish that has become synonymous with San Diego's Mexican food scene, it's carne asada fries.

For the uninitiated, carne asada fries are a delicious and hearty dish that consists of crispy French fries topped with juicy, marinated carne asada, melted cheese, guacamole, and sour cream.

It's a dish that's both satisfying and indulgent, and it's no wonder that it has become a staple in San Diego's food culture.

But with so many options for carne asada fries in San Diego, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's where we come in. We've scoured the city to find the best places for carne asada fries, and we're excited to share our findings with you.

From hole-in-the-wall taco shops to fancy restaurants, we've got you covered. So whether you're a local or a visitor, get ready to discover some of the best carne asada fries in San Diego.

1. JV's Mexican Food

Jv's Mexican Food
1112 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110 (Google Maps)

JV's Mexican Food is a hidden gem for those looking for authentic Mexican cuisine.

Their carne asada fries are a must-try and come in generous portions. The menu is extensive, and the prices are very reasonable.

The staff is friendly and attentive, and the service is quick. The restaurant may get busy, but the wait is worth it.

JV's Mexican Food is a great spot for a delicious and affordable meal.

2. La Puerta

La Puerta
560 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

La Puerta is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious carne asada fries.

The restaurant is always busy, but the wait is worth it. The atmosphere is great, and the service is quick.

The shrimp quesadilla and guacamole are also highly recommended. The drinks are good, and the sangria margaritas mix is a unique twist.

The staff is friendly, and the decor is fun. La Puerta is a perfect spot for tacos, tequila, and a good time.

3. Chuy's Taco Shop

Chuy's Taco Shop
6663 El Cajon Blvd G, San Diego, CA 92115 (Google Maps)

Chuy's Taco Shop is a must-visit for anyone seeking delicious carne asada fries.

The portions are large and the prices are reasonable. The food is excellent and the tortillas are fresh.

The salsa bar is impressive, offering a variety of options. The staff is friendly and helpful, making for a great overall experience.

The only downside is the small seating area, but the food is worth it. Highly recommended!

4. Humberto's Taco Shop

Humberto's Taco Shop
1136 S 43rd St, San Diego, CA 92113 (Google Maps)

Humberto's Taco Shop is a must-visit for carne asada fries lovers. This no-frills, around-the-clock eatery serves up delicious Mexican staples such as burritos and tacos.

The carne asada fries are the star of the show, however, with perfectly cooked meat and generous portions.

The staff is friendly and the service is fast, making it a great spot for a quick bite.

Don't let the simple space fool you, the food at Humberto's Taco Shop is worth the visit.

5. California Burritos

California Burritos
7752 Starling Dr, San Diego, CA 92123 (Google Maps)

Looking for the best carne asada fries in town, look no further than California Burritos. This counter-serve Mexican spot serves up jumbo burritos, tacos, and complimentary chips and salsa.

The food is fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. The staff is friendly and provides fast service.

From the breakfast burrito to the soyrizo and California burrito, nothing disappoints. The Habanero salsa is a bit watered down, but it's hard to complain when it's free.

If you're looking for good quality Mexican fast food, California Burritos is the place to go.

6. Jimmy Carter's Mexican Cafe

Jimmy Carter's Mexican Cafe
3172 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (Google Maps)

Jimmy Carter's Mexican Cafe is a must-visit place for carne asada fries lovers.

The food is delicious and cheap, with generous portions. The decor is beautiful, and the atmosphere is authentic and welcoming.

The menu offers a variety of sauces to choose from, and the service is friendly and fast. The outdoor seating is a great option for those who want to enjoy their meal in the fresh air.

If you're looking for authentic Mexican food in San Diego, Jimmy Carter's Mexican Cafe is the place to go.

7. Las Hadas Bar and Grill

Las Hadas Bar And Grill
558 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Las Hadas Bar and Grill is a fantastic spot for anyone craving carne asada fries. Their California-style Mexican food is fresh and full of flavor.

The marinated skirt steak, jack and cheddar cheese, sour cream, and guacamole all come together perfectly on top of crispy fries. The portions are generous, leaving customers feeling satisfied.

The staff is knowledgeable and accommodating, making it a great place for those with dietary restrictions.

The prices are a bit higher than some may prefer, but the quality of the food makes it worth it. Las Hadas Bar and Grill is definitely worth a visit for anyone in search of delicious carne asada fries.

8. Mauricio's #1 Mexican food

Mauricio's #1 Mexican Food
3200 Adams Ave #102, San Diego, CA 92116 (Google Maps)

Mauricio's #1 Mexican food is a must-visit spot for anyone craving delicious carne asada fries.

The portions are generous, and the meat is cooked to perfection. The friendly staff ensures that you are well taken care of while you enjoy your meal.

The prices are reasonable, making it an excellent option for those on a budget.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to try their mouth-watering carne asada fries.

9. Cali's & Fries

Cali's & Fries
5150 Murphy Canyon Rd #109, San Diego, CA 92123 (Google Maps)

Cali's & Fries is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious carne asada fries. The food is served hot and quickly, and the portions are generous.

The staff is friendly and helpful, making the dining experience even better. The shrimp and carne asada are cooked to perfection and have great flavor.

The salsas are a standout, with each one having a unique and delicious taste. The prices are reasonable, and the menu has a wide variety of options to choose from.

Don't forget to try the marinated carrots, which are the best in the area. Cali's & Fries is definitely worth checking out and will leave you wanting more.

10. Benny's Mexican Food

Benny's Mexican Food
1244 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102 (Google Maps)

Benny's Mexican Food is a popular spot for those seeking delicious carne asada fries.

This small, informal counter-service kitchen serves up traditional Mexican eats like burritos and tacos.

The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The food is fresh and zesty, and the refried beans are some of the best in town.

Benny's is a hidden gem that locals love, and once you try their carne asada fries, you'll understand why.

11. Don Tommy's Mexican Food

Don Tommy's Mexican Food
4145 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107 (Google Maps)

Don Tommy's Mexican Food is a must-visit for anyone looking for the best carne asada fries in town.

Their fries are always crispy, and the carne asada is cooked to perfection. The California burrito is also a popular choice, and the homemade tortillas are a must-try.

The friendly staff and homemade salsa add to the overall experience. Although parking can be a challenge, the quality of the food makes it worth the effort.

Don Tommy's Mexican Food is a great option for those looking for authentic Mexican comfort food in a casual setting.

12. El Rodeo Taco Shop & Grill

El Rodeo Taco Shop & Grill
5149 Waring Rd, San Diego, CA 92120 (Google Maps)

El Rodeo Taco Shop & Grill is a hidden gem for those who love carne asada fries. The carne asada is cooked to order and the pico and guac ratio is on point.

The dark red salsa is the perfect complement to the dish. The chips are amazing and perfectly salted.

The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. It's a great spot for indoor eating or to go.

If you're in the mood for something different, try the potato tacos or the shrimp burrito. El Rodeo Taco Shop & Grill is definitely worth a visit.

13. El Papas Fritas Taco Shop

El Papas Fritas Taco Shop
5413 Redwood St, San Diego, CA 92105 (Google Maps)

El Papas Fritas Taco Shop is a must-try for anyone looking for delicious carne asada fries in the area.

This small taco shop offers a crazy variety of fries, including the Hot Cheetoe Fries and Curly Carne Asada Fries, which are both super tasty.

The portions are huge and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for money. The staff is friendly and the service is quick.

The menu is extensive and has something for everyone. The food is authentic and full of flavor, making it a great spot for Mexican food lovers.

14. Papas & Tacos Mexican Food

Papas & Tacos Mexican Food
2239 First Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Papas & Tacos Mexican Food is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious carne asada fries. The fries are perfectly crispy and topped with juicy, flavorful carne asada, melted cheese, and fresh guacamole.

The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for the money.

The staff is friendly and the service is fast, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, Papas & Tacos Mexican Food is definitely worth a visit for their mouth-watering carne asada fries.

15. Senor Taquero

Senor Taquero
435 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Senor Taquero is a small, no-frills Mexican joint that serves up some seriously delicious carne asada fries.

The meat is tender and flavorful, the fries are crispy, and the toppings are generous.

The salsa bar is a nice touch, offering a range of options to spice up your meal. Service is quick and friendly, making this spot perfect for a quick bite or takeout.

If you're in the mood for some satisfying, authentic Mexican food, Senor Taquero is definitely worth a visit.