Juanitas Taco Shop

This is OG Leucadia at its finest. Used to come here after a day of surfing and it never disappoints.Their carnitas are the thing to get - can't speak to anything else. If it says carnitas on the sign...you order THAT. Don't come here for a vegan tostada.My go to is a carnitas burrito with refried beans, sour cream and pico (I'm allergic to guacamole). It's usually the size of a baby's arm and just as juicy!It's a dive, to be sure. Small, a few tables, religious calendars for sale, a menu board from the 1970s. But you go there for the food, period.Pro tip - they have a small parking lot in back since parking on PCH is generally a challenge.

Embarrassing to admit that after decades, I finally pulled into Juanita's and had a meal. Then I came back a couple times more. That this small taco stop on the 101 is so quintessentially Old Guard Leucadia--an honest-to-goodness hometown institution--compounds my crime. And in principle, I like everything about the place. The family working there, the spartan quality of its establishment, the controlled menu, the friendly and expedited service: everything about JTC feels right. The prices are perhaps a bit high, but not so much so that I found myself objecting. But that said, it didn't greatly impress. I have now had an opportunity to try several dishes here and they just don't quite add up. The food is well prepared and cooked with a fair degree of skill. No objections there. But the actual materials used are where this small taqueria falls short. The meat is gristly, and both taste and texture leave something to be desired. The cheese seemed to be of a coarser quality. Lastly, the various sauces available in their small fridge also seemed to be made of cheap ingredients.I hate to land so hard on a local fave. It wasn't that I have not enjoyed my meals. But if the owners hadn't skimped on quality, Juanita's would be 5 stars in my book and arguably the best spot in town. As it is, it's an OK place for a carb load after a night of drinking or a surfing sesh.3.5 stars.

Had to try this staple Leucadia Mexican spot! I've heard the locals rave about it, and flavor wise I really enjoyed my cali burrito with rice and beans. I am biased and usually judge Mexican joints based on their rice and beans, which definitely satisfied my craving for them. I liked that the burrito opted for cream cheese instead of sour cream - same flavor, better burrito consistency. I was a little disappointed in the high prices given that it's a mostly take-out spot, but that's the world we're living in I guess... prime real estate and ingredients come with a cost! Alternatively, I'm happy to spend my money on a local business, especially a classic 101 Leucadia spot.

If not paying attention you'll drive right past Juanita's on the 101. A small taco shop serving up delicious tacos. This was some of the better carne asada tacos we've had. The carnitas was good as well. I had a surf and turf burrito to round it out which was a great mesh of flavors and the right amount of spice. I definitely recommend and it provides a good value for a meal.

Very friendly and fast service.Easy parking in the lot out back and they have indoor as well as outdoor seating.Both the red and green salsa were tasty, the green is spicy.Prices are pretty high at almost $5 per taco and over $10 a burrito.The crispy tacos were not very good, though large in size the shell was stale and both the chicken and beef were not great and lacked flavor.The burritos are definitely the way to go here.

Wait, why did I wait so long to come to Juanitas?! Stopped in for a machaca breakfast burrito on a weekday and it was DELICIOUS. Plenty of machaca with great flavor, the tortilla was the perfect texture, and yes it was super filling. Lots of locals say that Juanitas has the best burritos and I really can't argue with them!

Sigh. All good things must come to an end. There are now far better taco places in the area.

This is a small, casual, local spot, that has been here for years. It's simple and basic Cal-Mex food. Service is friendly and accommodating. The red and green salsas add spicy punch to the food. Most people get food to go, so no shortage of seating. Parking in back is a plus for the location.

this place is usually good. However, I got 2 al pastor tacos & there was a rock inside of it. When I took a bite I almost chipped 2 teeth. I have eaten here before & I ABSOLUTELY loved it. But this time I was very disappointed! please be better

8.3/10. It kind of went downhill as of late which sucks, but it is still one of the best places in Encinitas