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Albertaco's Mexican Food
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
601 Sycamore Ave(at Shadow Ridge Dr)
Vista, CA 92083
Neighborhood: Vista
(760) 598-6047
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Mexico, Spain, Hawaii, Japan, Fusion
64 reviews for Albertaco's Mexican Food
Review Highlights
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"The carne asada fries are incredible." In 8 reviews -
"By far the best burrito joint this side the Mississip." In 6 reviews -
"OH OH OH, and the hot sauce is so key to your meal." In 8 reviews
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64 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah S.
Oceanside, CA
4/29/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Having lived down the street from Albertaco's for years, I have been enjoying their deliciousness for as long as I can recall. What's not to like? The employees speak English, they're open 24 hours (spent many post-homecomings, proms, birthdays etc here) and the food is good too.
Unfortunately I'm not a huge fan of anything from Albertaco's with chicken in it - I'm not sure what it is but the flavor and texture is never quite right and that puts me off a bit and I wouldn't recommend it. Everything else is great, especially my all-time favorite carne asada fries. There is only one other Mexican joint on the other side of Vista that surpasses the quality of the fries but I don't get over there often enough anymore :( Something else that is a must have for me on any Albertaco's plate is their salsa. It's red, pretty spicy and not chunky (authentic or not, it's a huge plus for me). I don't think they have any other kinds of salsa and I've heard some criticize it for being too watered down but I think it's the perfect blend of spicy and smooth.
Located just down the street is several small, up and coming breweries. Stop in for a brew and swing by Albertaco's to cut your buzz afterwards :) -
Review from Rachel S.
Vista, CA
3/22/2012
So, I can honestly LIVE off Albertacos. Besides the fact that it's really close to my house and 24 hour (yay), the food is also so good. I usually order a California Burrito, Carne Asada Fries, Bean and cheese burrito or 3 rolled tacos.
Sommmetimes, the carne asada can be a little bit chewy and they will often put more carne than anything else in my burrito, but that's on an off night.
The bean and cheese burrito can be a little bit bland, and usually the cheese is never melted (grosses me out).
The guacamole is authentic.
The tortillas are addicting, sometimes I order 2 flour tortillas (they're huge) and nice and thick.
Oh...but the hot sauce= AMAZING. I can't get enough of it.
The service is average, the people are never rude but they aren't exactly outgoing...but I don't go to drive-thru mexican expecting great service.
On the weekends, your food may take a looong time to come out, but it really is worth it usually :)
**They charge 50 cents for credit card transactions! -
Review from Steven M.
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
So not impressed. I know the drill at these fast food taco places but here's what went wrong.
* Rude counter person
* Food took an exceptionally long time to come out
* Carne Asada I ordered was tough, too well done and hard to chew
* Portion was small, very small
* Guy putting food in the container drops my carne in my beans, what?
Most of these joints are going to be 3 to 4 stars all day long but the above, earned this location 2 stars. Let's get it together guys. -
Review from Dorrie G.
Vista, San Diego, CA
4/15/2012
Been going here for years! They total got the order wrong instead of fixing it called us stupid idiots in Spanish! Surprised we understood!! Will not be back!!! There food was starting to go down hill!
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Review from Bashar A.
La Jolla, CA
11/17/2011
Coming back from a round of golf I was filling up gas across the street and I saw this little store: looks like a hole in the wall type of place... not encouraging to be honest but I decided to give it a try as looks are not always an indication of quality.
WAWAWEEWA... is all I have to say... the best California Burrito I think I've ever had... I absolutely loved it and it was filling on top of that! I was struggling to finish it which is not the usual for me. I thought the ingredients and quality was top notch for a fast food place... if I lived any closer I'd probably stop by every week.
I would highly recommend this place... I'm not picky to begin with, but I was impressed. -
Review from Trish C.
Vista, CA
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was hungry, and thought, "Three carne asada tacos and an order of fries'll fill me up."
I got bloated after 2. And powered through the fries. I shoved the third individually wrapped taco in the fridge. Hopefully I won't forget it and it doesn't stale by the time I get around to it.
The tacos weren't remarkable, and the fries weren't anything to write home about, but DAA-UUM -- does this sh!t fill you up. This is coming from a big girl.
If you want some good ol' dirty Mexican food at 3:35AM, hit this place up. It does no damage to the image of the taco shop and is everything you could expect it to be (local homies sitting on the rear bumper of their impala included). It's a bit pricey, but when you've got the munchies, it does the job right. The only heat you need to pack is some chile. -
Review from Sarah E.
Vista, CA
1/1/2012 14 Check-ins Here
Go here all the time. The colorado burrito is a favorite (california burrito except with pollo asada)....live the chicken tostada. Not 5 stars because the drive through is crummy and they kind of take a long time.....but worth the wait for legit yummy mexican food!
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Review from Faye H.
San Diego, CA
1/29/2012
Horrible, rude service. The cashier person was annoyed that we asked for salsa!!! The carne asada was dry and just not tasty at all. What a waste...its in such a good location...be nice and spice up your food "Alber-not so good and rude taco"
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Review from Adam M.
Vista, CA
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Definately in the upper echelon of hole in the wall mexican food places in the area. Love it
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Review from MooShell H.
San Diego, CA
Probably not the best place to eat, but we came here because it was open 24 hours. We were dining in and overheard ALL the drive-thru orders---so be careful when you order drive-thru because EVERYONE inside can hear you. There were a couple of chuckles from the diners about some mispronounced items. :-) Food here was plain. Not much variety of chili sauces---I look for that when I eat at Mexican restaurants. Probably won't go there again, but only if it's after a night of going out and nothing else is open.
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Review from Jazmin V.
Oceanside, CA
10/5/2011
So we went here because we were hungry and it was close to the freeway, weren't expecting much to begin with.
The prices are fair, pretty cheap so that's why they get 3 stars instead of the original 2 that they deserve. I had cheese and "guacamole" fries, my husband had a carne asada torta and our friends had a chicken quesadilla and 3 rolled tacos!! The food was good and the place was clean buuuuuut their "guacamole" (notice the quotes) is sooooo gross and fake and made of food coloring and water because I did not taste and ounce if REAL avocados!!! That was the nights biggest disappointment because it ruined the meal!!! I mean cmon...fake guacamole??! That is just wrong and not a good representation of authentic Mexican food!! We live super close to Fallbrook, the avocado capital of the WORLD and you decide to be cheap and use fake guacamole??! NOT COOL!!!! -
Review from Sam F.
Murrieta, CA
2/8/2012
Horrible i took one bite into my california burrito and found a LONG strand of hair briaded inside my burrito!
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Review from Stacy H.
Boston, MA
7/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Their chile relleno burrito wasn't that great.. I've had much better. On top of that, their horchata had too much cinammon, which made it way too sweet.
Make sure you bring cash, because there's a $0.50 surcharge on all credit and debit card transactions. -
Review from Raymond W.
Vista, CA
1/15/2012
Legit place.
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Review from Shannon D.
Vista, CA
6/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not bad...the line is always really long so we tried it out...I liked it better than the taco shop by our house.
Good carne asada tacos. -
Review from Andrea K.
Poway, CA
2/4/2011
Before you get all excited with the 5 star... this rating is all bout the beef taco. Everything else is average at best. Their carrots are great too.
They have one of the best Beef Tacos around. The extra fresh lettuce makes it. Then you pour a river of there hot sauce over it to make it even better. You just have to try it.
I love a perfect beef taco. I've tried beef taco's everywhere, this is one of the best. I don't get to get it that often b/c I don't live in that area but I try to go there every time I drive by. It made a great late night snack on the way back from disneyland one night. -
Review from Kellen M.
Vista, CA
12/29/2011
The carne asada fries, california burrito, and the breakfast burrito are amazing. Their tortillas taste great and the taquitos are good too. This is a local favorite.
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Review from Kassy M.
4/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Albertaco's was a huge disappointment to me, as I kept hearing that Mexican food in California is phenomenal. I did have high expectations, but I don't think that was the issue here.
This place has a lot of tables and seats, but it was completely empty when I came in. They have really ugly paintings on the walls too.
My beef taco was a disaster. The tortilla was super hard and so it kept breaking and creating a huge mess. The taco itself was flavorless and memorable in all the wrong ways. -
Review from Andy H.
10/19/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I agree with Gus L. and Maria C. on this place. While this joint has been here forever... like since I was in elementary school, it is slow as heck!
I will only come here for their deliciousness, cheeseness (lactose-intolerant person here), ridiculously, yum-o-licious breakfast burrito.
While this 24/7 joint plays host to local high-schoolers in the evenings, I come here at the crack of dawn to get their greasy breakfast burrito.
Filled with eggs, fries/potatoes, bacon, cheese and practically whatever you like. This burrito hits the spot. I find that every bite I take, is a new layer of something delicious. And while I absolutely loathe spicy foods, I can't help but to want to add their house-salsa to it.
But let me assure you, in no way is this fast food. Expect to wait a ridiculously long time in the drive thru for your food. After eating the other items here, like Carne Asada Fries or Cali-burrito, I've gotten a bit sick from it each time. Perhaps I can't seem to handle the other stuff they offer here. It was bleh and flavorless.
But I shall return here for my love of the breakfast burrito. Oh and bring cash cuz they charge a fee for using your credit/debit card. -
Review from John S.
Vista, CA
7/2/2011
The Pollo Asado Burrito or the Shredded Beef Tacos seem to be what sets them apart from other Mexican food choices. Never had any health issues or regrets after a meal here. Good food & value.
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Review from toni b.
Oceanside, CA
10/23/2011
Awwww hang over food!!!!
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Review from Nika T.
12/12/2010
This is the best corner taco joint around.
I do not visit this location (right by Dominos) during peak times apparently. We've come in the afternoon, night and late night. It's rarely super slow, as some reviewers indicate. Sometimes I go inside and others we drive thru. Once when there was a line of 4-5 it was a little slow... but I am not sure who's fault that was. I think the people in front ordered a ton cause they had two giant bags given to them.
Here's my opinion on slowness: You get what you are willing to wait for. If you want some fast junk-- hey taco bell is there for you. If you want something that was probably cooked just before you pulled up to the window: Go to Albertacos.
Wish they didn't charge almost a dollar to pay with a credit card. My boyfriend used to sell credit card processing to businesses so I know they could get a better deal. Maybe the owner/manager doesn't know that though.
Annnyway... onward to the food.
The carne asada fries are incredible. We've gotten them probably over 10 times now. A friend got us addicted to them. She says they're even better after a night on the town, which I can absolutely believe.
Of the 10... 1 time the meat was not as grilled and yummy. Another time the fries were a little cooler than I'd have liked. But every OTHER time the fries were hot... the portion was HUGE and the steak was out of this world delicious. So grill-y and yummy. It is my favorite thing to get. When my guy and I share this (he has a big appetite) we ALWAYS have left overs. Every single time. Usually I toss the remaining stuff on a cookie sheet and bake it or its soggy and crazy. This does make the sour cream and guac melt into stuff. No harm in that though.
The salsa they include with each order isn't as good as some I've had but its usually pretty delicious. The most recent time it was super spicy though. I liked it better then. ;)
The tostadas we've gotten were large and yummy and cheap.
The Horchata is always pretty good there. Not as cinnamony as the all night mexican place in Oceanside serves... but good never the less.
And in summary I'll say this last little jewel of info:
My boyfriend hated sour cream before we came here. The carne asada fries changed him as a person. He ventures into the world with a wider scope of acceptance of sour creamy goodness.
Thanks Albertacos. I needed that. -
Review from Chad S.
Carlsbad, CA
9/28/2011
The best fish burrito at a cheap taco stand. Fried fish fillet. Cabbage. Tartar sauce and what I think might just be a homemade tortilla
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Review from Empee P.
Walnut Creek, CA
2/28/2010
I know SD is supposed to have the best Mexican food that's not in Mexico..but man, were we disappointed. Perhaps we chose the wrong place. Literally after landing and being in SD for less than 5 minutes..we knew we wanted one thing: A California burrito. We were pleased to see this one on our way to our hotel and were uber excited to eat an SD California burrito.
BOOO!! The tortilla literally tasted old and paper thin. The carne asada was not flavorful, the fries were not cruncy, and the guac was mehhh. We ordered rolled tacos and even those didn't impress us. And the hot sauce wasn't that great either.
So far, Nor Cal CA burrito: 1, SD CA burrito: 0. -
Review from Juan R.
Vista, CA
2/8/2009
Oh Albertacos.... how many late weekend nights I have spent with you throughout the course of my youth....
Growing up in Vista, and attending Rancho Buena Vista HS basically makes me predisposed to enjoying this place. Being open 24/7 is a huge plus for those late night drunken urges. The california burrito is one of the best I've had, as well as the carne asada fries, and breakfast burrito.
The only qualms I have with this place sometimes is the consistency. For the most part this place is among the best for fast food mexican, but there are a few times where the meat isn't cooked well, or just old. Also sometimes they skimp out with the meat for the breakfast burritos. I will still go here late at night though, partly for nostalgia, and partly for the food.
During the daytime I would prefer to go to Valentina's, because it's better overall and just on the other side of the freeway.Listed in: SD county
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Review from Jay D.
San Diego, CA
1/20/2009
Everyone has a favorite little taco shop that resides in a warm spot in their heart. A place that they first frequented as a child, then a drunk loud teenager and finally as a college student before/after and possibly during finals.
This is not mine.
Don't get me wrong it's good AND it has a drive through, which is quite rare these days. I appreciate that they finally accept credit cards, for some reason my girlfriend refuses to eat inside; I believe this odd stance to be unrelated to the AMEX/VIsa payment option. Actually I'm going to add a star because they never question the exorbitant amount of hot sauces I request and my friends who grew up near here call this place their favorite. -
Review from Leonel V.
Los Angeles, CA
8/14/2010
The carne asada fries were nothing special. It was midnight and the fries were fresh (i've gotten stale fries on multiple occasions when i make a midnight run) and there was an ample amount of guac. The presentation of the fries were on par with all the other mexican joints.
The portions were the same as any other mexican place as well but the food simply did not hit the spot. I'd say it was slightly bland.
I would probably not go again for the carne asada fries. -
Review from Maria C.
This place has been here FOREVER and is open 24/7. Came here for after-party grub and the usual Carne Asada Fries run.
Andy H. and I split the CAF. I was a bit disappointed. The cheese wasn't melted and the meat was def overcooked. The portion was generous, but the whole experience was just BLAH...
Note: Be mindful if you decide to come here in the middle of the night. Noticed some strange lookin' peeps... SCARY!!! -
Review from James W.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2009 1 photo
I'm a fan because of reasons both bueno y malo. First, the malo:
1. Possible crime in progress 50% of the time after dark
2. Always a cook outside kicking boxes and/or trash
3. As said by Juan R., consistency is an issue, including that the hot sauce may or may not be 99.6% agua
Now the bueno:
1. Open 24 hours 365 days
2. Drive thru guy always says "ayneeteeng else?"
3. Their logo involves an erotic avocado
4. Melissa's mom calls it Albertson's tacos
5. Their beans are usually muy bueno
6. If you have lived in Shadyridge, it's either Albertacos, Armando's (run by preteens, no drivethru), the one by Walgreens (expensive, no drivethru), or the one across the street from Albertson's (187 locos, no drivethru). The choice is clear my amigos. ALBERTACOS. -
Review from Andre A.
Vista, CA
2/9/2009
I eat here a lot but usually way late at night. Awesome fast food mexican for the price. Bean & Cheese burritos (sometimes with rice), quesadillas, and the rolled tacos are good here.
If you want a lot of extra hot sauce, make sure you specify an amount instead of just asking for extra! -
Review from Emily M.
San Francisco, CA
7/23/2010
Friday in North County high school routine:
1. Go to school
2. Go home to get dressed up
3. Football game during the season, if not...
4. House party
5. Get drunk
6. Find the one designated driver at the party
7. Make them drive you to Albertacos -
Review from Deanna C.
San Marcos, CA
Updated - 7/5/2010
I used to really enjoy the food from here when I did my late night run on the way home.
They must have gotten a new cook. I gave it 3 months and I think last night was my last visit.
The quality and flavor of the California burrito is gone. It's different every time and whelp, just not any good. It used to be really good!
Last night I decided to get a carnitas taco and a california burrito.
The carnitas had NO flavor at all and it was so bad. I took the meat off and tried it with the guac and salsa. I threw it away.
So I ate some of the cali burrito. (I've thrown away the last 3)
So... I'll have to say..... buhbye!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/12/2009
I often hit this place on my way home... I like it better then Filibertos or Oscars. The food is… Read more »
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Review from Chris W.
Escondido, CA
12/11/2008
Albertacos. You can see it from the freeway. The drive thru is always packed. But...they are not the best Taco shop in the area. You will have to head a little bit east to find two of the better taco shops in the area.
Their Carne asada burritos are good, but usually dry. The pollo asada is good, but not the greatest.
Albertacos is good at 2am when you are on your way home after a night out, but otherwise seek out better. -
Review from Julia R.
4/24/2010
Between the ages of 20 and 22 I gained a ridiculous amount of weight. I can blame Albertaco's for a large part of it, the other part was alcohol. These two things are not mutually exclusive.
The tacos, burritos, nachos, and taquitos, are all really good. I usually choose to go through the drive through because its convenience and there can be questionable characters there at 2 am. Minus one star because the drive through is always slow. I understand that its made to order, but really. I do love this place, its must go when I visit from SF. -
Review from Jonathan M.
Oceanside, CA
4/30/2010 13 Check-ins Here
Awesome, greasy, great tasting hole in the wall Mexican food with good prices.
The chick that take the drive through orders is pretty cool too. I eat here maybe 3 times a week, either California Burrito or Carne Asada Nachos with everything. I am never disappointed.
Not the healthiest thing but its full of flavor and the portions are big.
**TIP** Order the half order of Carne asada fries or nachos, they are the same size as the regular order but around $2 bucks less. -
Review from Free A.
Oceanside, CA
12/18/2011
best cali and breakfast burrito
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Review from Tracy H.
Fallbrook, CA
11/13/2008 3 Check-ins Here
BEST TORTILLAS EVER!!!
The location in Mission Viejo is delicious too!! This place is SOOOOO delicious! -
Review from T H.
San Diego, CA
1/9/2009
"I've been going a long time, now.
They have a great breakfast burrito available all day.
It is also great for the late night tipsy meals! They are open 24/7 and it hits the spot.
The actual building is really old, and you can tell. But the food is very good. I always get the carne sada fries. Just be careful if you pay with your card...... they might overcharge you.
Overall..... yummy!" -
Review from Alex R.
Providence, RI
12/23/2010
Awesome Mexican AND open 24/7, Albertaco's is a local favorite. San Diego has our famous "Carne Asada Fries" and Albertaco's has one of the best in the area. What really makes Albertaco's stand out against the rest of the other taco spots in the area is no matter what time of the night or morning the food is always prepared fresh. I always go here when I come back from school on the east coast.
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Review from kendra s.
Vista, CA
6/22/2008
Ok - this is the best cheap mexican food ever!!!!!!!!!!!! I have lived here since i was 8 and i hands down remember several late nights there in HS, coming home from college and having to get a burrito.....and when i move to boston - and come to visit home - this will be my first stop.
Cheap, yummy, and a drive through. best tortillas for burritos
