Craft and Taco Lounge

We stopped here on our way from San Diego to Palm Springs. Total gem! Everything was so fresh...best guacamole I've ever had! I ordered the Pollo and the Cauliflower. Truly, wonderfully delicious! The hostess was very welcoming and gave us a sample of the one drink that I wasn't familiar with. The chef brought out our order...he was so nice as well. Great place!

If your looking for a nice place to eat some bomb tacos and have a drink .. THIS IS IT! Mix and match your taco of choice down here at the craft and taco lounge. They have tacos for anybody wether your looking for a meaty, fishy, veggie , and non - dairy taco. I highly recommend coming to this place that’s been up and running for 7 years along with awesome tunes. Don’t hesitate GO! BOMBA💣🌮

Every bite I had here was packed with flavor, creativity, and serious attention to detail. I tried three tacos — the Surf and Turf, the Borrego, and the Coco — and I honestly can’t pick a favorite because each one brought something incredible to the table. The Surf and Turf was rich and satisfying — tender steak and perfectly cooked shrimp, layered with fresh toppings and just the right amount of heat. It was indulgent, balanced, and beautifully executed. The Borrego (lamb) taco was fall-apart tender and full of deep, savory flavor. It’s bold, earthy, and feels like something you'd find at a high-end restaurant — only better, because it’s wrapped in a tortilla. Then came the Coco. Unexpected, tropical, and absolutely delicious. The coconut element added a hint of sweetness that elevated the entire taco without overpowering it. It's one of the most unique tacos I’ve ever had — and it totally works. The vibe inside is fun and laid-back, the staff is friendly and clearly passionate about the food, and the menu is full of exciting options that make it impossible not to come back for more. If you’re in or near Escondido and you don’t stop here, you’re doing tacos wrong. 5 stars, no question. 5/5, no hesitation. I’ll be back. Probably tomorrow.

Excellent tacos, and a plentiful number of vegetarian options, some of the most flavorful tacos I've had. Each taco is about 5$ and 2-3 is typically enough for one person. Ample indoor and outdoor seating and quick service, very glad I found this place, and can't wait to go back.

Amazing tacos with just the right amount of unique ingredients that it doesn’t venture into “fusion”. Great presentation and value. My favorites are the Coco Loco (coconut shrimp) and the Borrego (lamb).

Been driving by this place for years and finally got to come in and try it. The menu looks so appealing and everything reads like it would be so good. But in all honestly, I didn't think very highly of their food.. We walked in and the restaurant had a very out dated and halfway trendy vibe to it. We odered at the counter right when you walk in. The women who took our order was very friendly and kind. We ordered the following tacos.. Blackened Mahi Mahi, the Fisherron, El Pescado, a Carne Asada, carnitas, and Chilie Relleno as well as an horchata. The Blackened Mahi Mahi was seasoned with a lot of spicy, it was too spicy and not in a pleasant way.. The Fisherron had a nice crunch and good seasoning to it. El Pescado was also fried nicely but the strawberry inside the taco was very foreign for me if I'm being honest. But it made for a more fresh flavor so I understand why people would enjoy it. The Carne Asada taco loaded with toppings.. everything fell out in the first bite and the meat was dry. Carnitas tacos were sweat with a spicy salsa that was honestly not an exciting combination.. The Chile Relleno I was most excited for. But there was no chile.. :/ I bit into it and it was just fried cheese.. no pepper inside.. When I took a bite out of each taco, it was pretty good but the more I ate the more unsatisfying the tacos were.. We had just come from the gym so I ate what I could to be satisfied. The food all came out warm, not hot or fresh and the tortillas also grew displeasurable the more I ate each taco. I dont know, it's hard to explain but the meal went from okay to bad.. and the missing chille was just unacceptable.. not even a cheese pull :( I did very much enjoy the horchata though. It was well made. Overall I think their spin on tacos is cute but also comical.. not for me though.

This is such a darling taco shop! I got the El Camaron taco, Heirloom taco, and Chile Relleno taco. They were delicious! The had mango Juneshine on tap. The elote bowl was great too!

Taco tour stop #7. Have been to this place several times in the past and am going to keep coming back. They have a good selection of meat, seafood, and veggies tacos. Not your traditional tacos which made it hard to compare the fish and al pastor; however, all are good and worth sampling. Went with a fish taco, a al pastor chicken special, and birria (I think) paired with a beer. We also ordered a quesadilla for the kids that came out extra cheesy. The salsas are fantastic. We always take them home, not going to waste it when it could be used on scrambled eggs. Decided to try the churro sticks. The team brought them out when we were finished so we didn't have to make a second order. The caramel sauce is amazing. Can't go wrong here!

Amazing tacos! Tried a bunch and loved the coco loco the most! Very nice. Coco loco 10/10 El Pescado 8/10 Chile relleno 7/10 Skip: Choripapa

The chili relleno taco lives in my dreams. I moved away from 4 years and every time we'd visit I'd have to get my fix. Now that I'm home, I've already been a couple times since I got back and I am so happy to report that these tacos are the worlds greatest, consistently amazing, most delicious morsels I'm so lucky to be able to eat. I usually get two and a borrego which is also really really good but everything takes a number two in line to the chili relleno. I went to a fancy restaurant in downtown last night and it sucked so bad..on the way home I wished I'd spent the money on craft taco. Thanks to the team at Craft Taco for making such solid, consistent and dependable food!

The food was outstanding with a nice variety of options for all the picky people in my family. The meat and potatoes person, the vegetarian gluten free person, the one with the sweet tooth and the beer drinker. A true variety of meat and veggie options with different flavor profiles than you might expect at a taco shop. All were left satisfied and eager to come back another time. The tacos are large enough that you may need only two but the flavors are tempting enough to order more to feast upon. The staff is friendly and the vibes are good. Tacos arrive quickly and drinks are available at the counter. A lot of drink options to choose from and the cat art is cute. If you are on the fence.. try it.

Amazing tacos! I loved everything I ordered. The lamb had great flavor, but I did feel like it was too hard to chew for my liking. I like that they indicate the default for each taco - whether it's corn or flour. The corn was delicious and soft. The beer selection was also great!

I came in for a quick bite. The place was clean and very tidy. Well appointed menu with a variety of choices from steaks to vegan and vegetarian. I ordered 2 blackened mahi tacos. Boy was I in for a surprise. The food was AMAZING! Quick service too! I couldn't believe the taste! I will be back again.

Looking at reviews and pictures, we had high hopes. So sad that the expectation didn't meet the reality. We ordered 6 different tacos and elote. Elote came first, I don't think I've ever had such a sad version. They use white corn with tons of Mayo and a bit of the cheese and it's in water (I think it was water). I never get tajin as I can't do spicey. This was flavorless and disappointing. We didn't even bother to finish it. Our tacos looked amazing! We figured that this is where the redemption will take place. Nope. The lobster taco was lacking in flavor, the carnita taco was flavorless and the meat was dry plus hubby got a big piece of cartilage. Surf n turf we got mixed feelings on. I disliked it but hubby liked it. I found it to be bland while hubby loved the amount of meat to shrimp ratio (meat was over powering the shrimp for my taste). Carne asada taco was also lackluster. The taco with the strawberries, that was pretty good. This one had flavor and texture and even though it has a kick to it, it was manageable for me as there was a good balance of flavor. The chicken taco was also fantastic. Given that we didn't finish the elote and didn't like the majority of the tacos, we decided to put an order in for another Strawberry taco and we noticed there was a chicken and pineapple tacos. I stood in line as people in front of me ordered and when it was my turn to order, some lady just cut in front of me and the cashier started taking her order. I figured the cashier may have not realized this lady cut me so I didn't make a fuss. But then the cashier turns to me and asks if I needed anything to which I replied that I was just looking to put another order in. At this point, the lady that cut me realizes what she had done, makes a comment about cutting in front of me and then proceeded to put her order in anyways and the cashier still went on to give her service. I was a bit annoyed at this point and surprised as I don't think thats how this should have played out- felt like bad costumer service from my prospective. But even so, I continued to wait to put my order. The lady that cut in front of me did her thing and started to walk away and I approached the cashier ready to put this second order in but the cashier ends up going to the back or something so at this point I gave up. Went to my table to collect the hubby and leave. Between the poor service received and the food experience in itself, we will not be returning.

Ok here is the plain truth, if you are coming here thinking you're getting some tacos that are Tijuana style you will be very wrong. This is a gringo taco place, more of a modern twist, definitely not what I was expecting. The guac had pico and I really hate when it's mixed, but it did have a good taste. Overall the place is cute, staff is friendly, but it's small inside and there is a lot of traffic coming. I tried it, it was good but wouldn't necessarily go back.

Absolutely loveeeeeeee!!! Every taco I've tried has been delicious. Very unique combos. Strawberry fish taco was so refreshing. Love the coconut shrimp, packed with flavor and I'm a Thai food girlie so it hit the spot for me. One thing - I wish there was an option for corn tortilla instead of the flour ones, personally I find the white flour very thick and doughy but at least it is filling. Had the salt and pepper beer from Stone Brewing and it hit the spot with the tacos! Onion rings unexpectedly good - hot & fresh - and even better with the sauce. This is Probably one of my new favorite taco places!

Came for lunch on a Sunday and was amazed by all their vegetarian/vegan options! The eggplant taco was so good, surprisingly good. Loved the variety of tacos here. Also enjoyed the breakfast taco. Indoor and patio seating and a few parking spots in their lot. It's located in the corner of the intersection.

Friends and I were up for a new place and found this one. The tacos are amazing! We tried the Escondido coco loco, el pascado, surf N' turf, rib-taco, carne asada and eggplant. They were all amazing! We also tried the elote, it didn't have much flavor so I'll pass on that next time. The staff was friendly and the decor is lively and fun! We all really enjoyed everything about this place.

I first came here after a CCA conference in Escondido with some work friends. We loved it upon entering the restaurant. Great vibe! The food was awesome and we couldn't stop raving about for days afterwards. Since then, I've been here about 3 more times with my hubby. We love Cassandra and she just knows people and how to pivot when needed. Love her style! The taquitos, surf n turf and pescado tacos are our favs! The chips and guacamole & churros should not be missed either! Yum! The service and food keep bringing us back!

Best place to eat in town. The tacos are nothing like you've ever eaten before. Take a look at the menu, so many meat and vegan choices. Just absolutely delicious!!

Oh my gosh!! Everything we've ever had here, has been AMAZING!! Kind of pricey if you're wanting to order a bunch of tacos but they are really filling due to the ingredients/flavors and so so so yummy!!

It's lowkey dangerous that this cute spot is right next to my friend's place because I will be going here every time I'm in SD without fail. There is such a diverse selection of tacos, more than any other taqueria I've seen, and they're such creative flavor combinations that surprisingly work well together. I like to try different ones each time, but from what I've sampled, I really loved the blackened mahi mahi, el camaron, el pescado, al pastor, and the carne asada. The pescado in particular is a nice blend of sweet and savory with fresh strawberries and raspberry salsa + chipotle aioli slathered on top of a deliciously tender rock fish (heh, a bit of an oxymoron). I could probably eat that one for days if I could. You really can't do wrong sampling to your heart's desire here though. And the service is always warm, reliable, and quick. There is also ample free parking along the street and you definitely can't miss the opportunity to sit outside on the patio when the weather is perfection.

Overall, good experience. Decent size restaurant. They have a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. It's an order at the counter and find a table type service. They do provide patio seating. The guy behind the counter was nice and patient with us. We sat outside and it was fairly quiet as it was only us out there. Inside was packed. Average noise. I ordered the beans with chicken and the surf and turf taco. I gave the beans and the chicken 10/10. The beans were delicious and fresh. The broth had a nice taste. Would definitely order this again. I honestly didn't think much of the surf N turf taco. It was ok. I didn't really care for their choice of shrimp. The meat was good though. Gave this taco an 8/10. Salsa 10/10. Chips were overcooked. They looked burnt. Didn't really care for them. Will definitely come back.

very casual, good tacos (slight bigger than street tacos), indoor and outdoor seating, beer on tap & good salsa.

If you find yourself on the highway and you need a place that's quick, easy & delicious .. you've found the right place. There is something for everyone here ... for meat lovers, vegetarians , pescatarians , paleo , keto and more ! Such a great menu ! No complaints here !

Wow!! One of my favorite meals is tacos and beer and this place does not disappoint! The Carnitas tacos and the chicken tacos were out of this world as well as their chapis. The sauces were authentic and delicious! The service was second to none and the beer is cold. This is a must, if you are in the area!

Escondido has one of the best hidden gems taco places in all of North County. The menu is deep yet simple. You have a lot of good options but you will never feel overwhelmed. The draft beers are also a solid selection with everything going well with tacos. The service and staff here are incredibly salt of the earth kind of people. You'll feel like you're at home with people you've known for years, even on your first visit. The al pastor, camaron, blackened mahi mahi, and the Escondido coco loco are MUST HAVES for any visit. Also, the chips and guacamole are gonna make you feel like you're back at your abuela's on a nice afternoon. The atmosphere here is laid back and is exactly what Escondido is defined by: authentic food made by authentic people. Make sure to check this place out on your next pass through the town. You'll enjoy yourself and will soon have yet another reason to enjoy Esco.

These tacos are off the chain! So delish and unique. I loved the Avotaco and breakfast taco! Super friendly chill employees . Will for sure be coming again!

We recently started coming here and have been impressed with the variety of tacos, there seems to be a little something for everybody. Most of the taco offerings have been delicious with very few that we thought fell a little short in the flavor department. The staff is lovely.

These just may have been the best tacos I have ever had in my life. Wow. Service was quick and kind. If I lived here, I would be eating these every week. Incredible.

The food is the best and most unique tacos you will ever get. Vegan menu that makes my wife really happy. I've eaten the vegan menu and it's incredible too. I'm a surf and turf kinda guy. So definitely order that. But the portabilini mushroom taco vegan or with goat cheese is awesome and you have to try it. It's messy but unbelievable. The staff and family that own and run the restaurant are great people and so nice to talk to. Did I say onion rings. Sounds crazy but they are really good. Anyways. Don't miss the opportunity to try this place. It's always worth it.

Great selection of tacos. They are each unique and described beautifully in the menu. I got the pollo asada and fish tacos. They were flavorful and lived up to the hype. I ordered couple of hazy ipas and it was the perfect lunch.

Delicious, fun and very friendly hidden gem in Escondido. My co-workers and I came and ordered a variety of tacos and craft beers and had a blast. Beautiful presentation of tacos and cold tasty beer. Great flavor combinations and unique. Casual atmosphere with servers who care. Love it...swing by and give them a try, a great way to change to change up your routine and please your palette!

First visit here. Family of seven(4 adults and 3 kids). We started with chips and guacamole, made fresh and very tasty. We ordered several tacos: breakfast, carnitas, lobster, chicken & adobada, each were warm and delicious. Kids had fish and chips they loved them. We ended with fresh and warm churros served with caramel and chocolate sauce, so yummy. The place was clean. The staff friendly, helpful and organized. We will definitely be return customers. Highly recommend.

Different than the normal taco shop. Food was excellent and I will definitely be a returning customer.

Food A+ healthy reasonably priced and unique menu choices. I had the bean bowl and had to try the zucchini taco which was delicious! Staff were super friendly and on top of it. atmosphere cozy, great artwork to ponder and I need to return to inquire if the Ford Ranger Mustang that kept getting my attention might be for sale! No, I've already been back to try other taco flavors. New favorite restraunt for me!

Always great food, beer and friendly staff! Makes me think it's time for another visit !!!

I like this place. They put a lot of effort into making innovative, high quality tacos. I was surprised that I didn't care much for the Al pastor, considering that it's my go-to everywhere else. Also didn't think the rib taco wasn't really working and a bit soggy. Two of my favorite things: Blackened Mahi and Pollo Asado are both good. Wish they had a 2 taco combo plate with rice and beans for $11.50- I'd get that every time. The sides can otherwise be really expensive. Basically they're "appetizers" like the special onion rings for $12! There are too many flies on the back patio. It's an issue. Eat inside or on the front patio.

Food was delicious and hit the spot. Very nice and friendly service, on top of everything. Clean area outside and inside. Great inside details and will be coming back again.

This is a great place to eat. Yummy everything sitting outside is nice. The parking is not the best

A gem in Escondido. The tacos here are made to perfection. We have ordered take out a few times and dined in as well and every single time our experience is pleasant. Staff were super friendly and made great recommendations.

The workers are so great and very friendly. I love the red salsa so much! It's one of the best salsas I've had at a restaurant. The tacos are also very delicious

UPDATE: Just went yesterday so good! El pescado and the surf and turf are the tacos range in price from $5-$7 but they're filling. An order of chips and salsa are a must and don't forget to add on the guac

I was in Escondido for work and had to stop by a taco place before leaving! I found this gem on Yelp and was pleasantly surprised! I ordered Al pastor taco and el pescado taco. This is not your typical Mexican taco spot but their fusion take on the taco was so nice! I loved el pescado taco! The fried on the fish with the mix of the sauce and the strawberries had a tasty combination of flavor. Al pastor taco was tasty as well. If you've ever in Escondido, def try this place out! Service was good! PS: this week was very very hot, it didn't seem to have AC inside their place. I ended up sitting outside but in the shade!

Always love coming here. My girlfriend and I get tacos, bring our own wine and enjoy the food! Cooks and cashiers are so nice! It's in a very busy corner of E. Valley PKWY, but it's such a cute small spot!

HOLY MOLY, have you stopped by here yet? If not, what're you waiting for? If you see my photos, we tried out a bunch of different tacos. They were ALL amazing. Truly, a hidden gem. Babes and I agree that the fish and shrimp ones are our favorites. So much flavor in one bite. Highly recommend this awesome taco lounge for your taco cravings!

Very good fresh food! The staff was friendly and accommodating. Will be back multiple more times!!!

Great food! Helpful and kind service. I love the large selection of veggie options. Love supporting small businesses.

Had an urge for tacos, wanted to include and surprise a few family that were working so I thought of this place, for take-out. Hadn't been here in about a year. I picked up 2 ea of 4 different types of tacos. My favorite was the lamb (can't remember their name). But don't assume the other's were bad. Each one, as we worked our way through them were better than the first. The surprise was the Piscado Tacos, a tempura battered fish, which had a very sweet taste, with strawberries and marsh mellow cream! We loved these as well, we saved these for desert and we're not disappointed. Very fast and friendly service. I will go back more often.

Came here yesterday for lunch with our son on his recommendation. Excellent food. I had a grilled mahi taco and a carne asada taco with a Modelo Negra. The person who took our orders was professional and friendly. We'll be back. Cheers

This is my second review here and this time is no different. I can't say enough good things about this place . The tacos and fun and creative but most importantly delicious!!!! They have tacos for all dietary styles .

Ok best tacos if you want something unique! Their menu is pretty extensive and their tacos aren't like tiny street tacos which is nice. Def worth the price! Everyone who works here is super kind and helpful with any ordering questions which is great! Love this spot and will definitely be back!

Love this place and the staff are all cool. Creative tacos choices. And a nice relaxing vibe. It's one of my regular spots. Authentic Mexican cuisine

This review is only for the Carne Asada and Al Pastor tacos chosen from the extensive menu of standard and unusual tacos. The corn tortillas are about as good as they get and probably house-made, as are the delicious chips. Only two salsas: one green and one red of no particular distinction. The Asada taco had a decent amount of under-seasoned beef cubes the size and texture of pencil erasers, sprinkled with bits of inedible fat/gristle. It was topped with a nice dollop of guacamole and the usual onions and cilantro. I can't image why there were pinto beans in it, and assume it was an error. The Pastor was well-seasoned and very tasty, but the pork was too chewy and also had a few too many inedible pieces. I suspect other tacos on the extensive menu are worth eating; the fish/seafood section looked very interesting.

The food is great! We loved the avotaco, chips and guacamole, and the flan. Highly recommend this place!

My first time here and Everything was excellent, I had the vegan chile relleno and that was my favorite . I also had the avocato and portabellini tacos that were also very good. My husband had the surf and turf, longosta, and the fish taco, his favorite was the surf n turf, he ordered a 2nd surf n turf , that's how much he liked it. The corn tortillas are hand made and delicious. The guac and chips were some of the best I have had. The chips are thick and crispy and guac is creamy. The cashier and cook are very friendly. I had the fountain soda that is made with natural sugar, it was delicious. Overall, it's a 10/10 experience. Def coming back.

This is a cool spot for Mexican Fusion! The place looks like your average taco joint, but they make really unique and interesting tacos. It was so hard to limit myself to 3! I got the Escondido Coco Loco, Blackened Mahi Mahi, and Fisharron. We also got some chips and guacamole. The chips and guacamole were really good. They make a slightly thicker style tortilla chip, which was tasty, but I wish they were fresh out of the fryer. The guac was fresh and simple. The Escondido Coco Loco was very tasty, with lots of texture and toasty coconut flavor. I think it just had a touch too much of the sweet sauce. The Blackened Mahi Mahi was my favorite- super fresh and bright flavors balanced with the well seasoned, blackened fish. The Fisharron was like a fish fillet sandwich in taco form. The fish was crispy and flaky, and the lemon aioli was great. I thought there was a little too much tartar sauce but otherwise, a good taco. Service was great! They were friendly and the food came out fast.