Garcia's Mexican Restaurant & Creative Catering

I love this place, it’s close to my work and easy to walk to on my lunch break. The staff are always friendly and the service is excellent. I also really enjoy the music they play, it's a nice atmosphere. So far, I’ve mostly ordered their wet burritos, I’ve tried both the chicken and shredded beef, and both have been just the right portion size, not too big or too small. I usually add sour cream and a few other extras. One of my favorites is their chicken tortilla soup! This is one of the best I’ve had! It’s hearty and filling, very tasty with a generous portion, and I love that it has potatoes and green beans as well. The salsa is also really good. Highly recommend this place!

I've been here before and really enjoyed my dinner. I returned with my family and not quite sure what happened. I ordered Taquitos and I've never had them look like a cross between lumpia and a rolled taco before, the mystery meat was exactly that. A "mystery" My daughter ordered a cheeseburger and loves cheeseburgers. Not this one though. She took two bites and passed on it. I took a bite as well and meat tasted a bit funky. NGL. My wife had the chicken tortilla soup. It looked real nice and hot when it came out however I've only seen one time a CT soup with green beans, and this was the place. The chicken was fatty and I chomped onto a bone. Not sure what happened with this place but... yeaaaa... Not what I remember 😕

Fantastic, delicious, well spiced Mexican food in downtown Carlsbad !! Huge portions. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Highly recommend the chicken fajitas and the guacamole. The salsa and chips were served warm and were very fresh with the perfect level of heat.

A rare gem. The dishes here taste like they come straight from a Mexican home kitchen rich, soulful, and rooted in tradition. In a world full of hybrids, it’s refreshing to find a restaurant that honors the real Mexican Food.

great restaurant!! they have a good albondigas that hits the spot. The server here was also kind enough to allow us to have a dog sit outside and he also offered the doggo a nice bowl of ice water! above and beyond service with good food. I would def recommend coming to this place.

**Update to review 01/03: Garcias sent us a gift certificate for $50 to give them another shot. We went this evening and it was much better. Tonight’s experience was much closer to the way I remembered it being! It hurts my heart to give this rating :( I used to LOVE this place. I hadn’t been there for a while and was finally able to go tonight with my family and we were really disappointed. We ordered the guacamole app which used to be a guac boat but now it’s a little under half cup on a small plate. Then, I ordered a chimichanga plate which I’ve ordered many times before and in the past they had really generous portions - but it looked like they deep fried a kids menu burrito that came with about a 1/4 cup of dry Spanish rice. So disappointing. I hope it was just an off night but for the $110 we spent, we definitely left feeling like we got ripped off.

My Husband and I walked around Carlsbad looking for a place for lunch. We came across Garcia's and I liked their decor outside. We ate on their outside patio because it was a beautiful day. We had good service and they had a great menu, a lot to choose from.They had a nice dining area inside. Great location, close to main street.

Very delicious food, amazing customer service. Very clean. Highly recommended!

We were a group of 5... they seated us right away... took our food and drink order... before they served our drinks... our food was ready..... portions are nice size... all of our plates were flavorful... we ordered 3 adult beverages... they were not that great... No parking in front but few on the street...

This was our first time to Carlsbad. We wanted Mexican and chose Garcia's. We were not disappointed. The service was excellent along with our food. We will definitely be back!!!!

jose is the best! food was great! ambiance was fantastic! we will be back soon! service was excellent.

Want to start off with the decor they have around the restaurant, super cute! I Sat myself & the waiter was very attentive. He started me off with some chips & salsa, which was just the right amount of spice & flavor. Was looking for a place with good enchiladas & definitely found it. I had the Arturo: green Enchiladas (w/ beef) & they were excellent. The rice & beans were great as well, reminding me of some good Mexican food from back home. Coming back soon for some more!

Food and service was awesome. Great flavors great cockttails. I would defiinatly recommend.. Authentic mexican vibe!

Service was amazing and the food was absolutely delicious. I got the beef flautas and my friends had really good food. I don't remember what they got, but I'll post the photos and it was just really nice. They didn't kick us out and it was almost closing.. we went the day after Christmas and not many people were there but usually it's pretty packed. Love the pic in the ladies room is says. Too glam To care Or something lol super cute.

The service was good. We ordered vegetable fajitas without onions. The order came with zucchini, yellow squash, green peppers and carrots. The vegetables were cooked nicely however they didn't add mushroom (the waiter told us that they do). We also ordered black and pinto beans which had no flavor. The guacamole was bland. The flour tortillas were not great. The also gave us 4 corn tortillas even though I asked for the four ones only and I was charged for them! Overall I wouldn't recommend this restaurant for vegetarians! Since we didn't have any meat or seafood I can't add a comment.

I wanted to like this place but felt the food to be very average and expensive. I could have gone across the street and spent the same money and got much better food. Maybe an off Monday? I don't know but I am not willing to try again. I need to remind myself to stay off State street as it is too touristy. Anyway the food was fine per say just not fantastic enough to come back. I really like the place, it's cute and old school but food needs a boost in the flavor dept. They need to focus on local too. Not just tourist. Not safe for celiacs!

Excellent Mexican Food. Ordered Menudo, very delicious. Not to spicy but you're given plenty of side chili. The Salsa and chips were also good. The refried beans were absolutely delicious, just like homemade.

Great Mexican breakfast- fresh & very tasty. Chorizo-excellent, Carne Asada w/eggs- excellent. Bloody Marys- awesome Nice, cozy street side patio & great service! Highly recommend!

The food is good. Prices are reasonable. The tequila list is very bad. Aside from from the hostess, the service is very bad.

We went away for a staycation and happened to find this place. We were just thinking about sitting for a couple of drinks but can't help the smell of the fajitas that ringer over our table. Ending up ordering it. Omg, didn't know how good it was till the food touched our mouth. David, the server was super nice and courteous. I also love the authentic decor of the restaurant. It was giving me the Mexican restaurant vibe. The price was fair. Definitely come back to try other food on the menu.

Since moving back to Southern California, we've had the opportunity to visit Carlsbad on a few occasions. With all the options, we've eaten lunch or dinner at Garcia's 5X now and been impressed each time. The food is authentic Mexican food. It's not been "Americanized" like so many Mexican restaurants do now. We've taken friends there from out of town and each of them have remarked that it is very authentic. The service can be a little spotty, but we've always been greeted warmly when we arrive and usually receive our food quickly. The restaurant has tables outside as well as in the restaurant. The interior is a bit dated, but maybe that's the old school Mexican cantina look they want. If you want authentic Mexican food, I would skip the pricey place across the street and try Garcia's

I have always wanted to eat here and finally did! I was not disappointed! The food was delicious and the service was even better! Jose is the absolute best! They have an outdoor patio that's perfect for a sunny day! If you haven't been you need to go!

The best Mexican food! Nice ambience, can dine inside or out and excellent service! I've been going there for years. It's family owned and run.

This pains me, but hopefully it helps. I crave Chicken Tortilla Soup from time to time and I LOVE ordering it at different spots. The taste of the soup was a little too traditional for me. The chicken didn't taste cooked all the way and felt very soft and weirdly enough stringy in my mouth. The cheese was clumpy and I wasn't crazy about the assortment of veggies in my soup (and I love veggies). I ended up eating my soup and pushing the chicken to one side. The service took a little long and it wasn't a busy day. Our server wasn't the most pleasant - she seemed annoyed. Outside seating is small, but shaded and enjoyable. It's a semi-busy street which makes for great convos and people watching! Lastly, my father ordered a chimichanga and my mother ordered and wet burrito - they ate it all! The chips and salsa were a hit with the parents as well!

Food is complex and amazing. I keep coming back for the tortilla soup. The skinny margaritas a perfection.

Came in last night Friday 8/8 to try to have dinner. We got the menus and were sat by the hostess who had no menu knowledge and didn't seem to understand what a food allergy was which was concerning because I have a peanut allergy and am gluten free. I was told my server would be right with me; Salas was the server, but he didn't speak any English!! Couldn't understand that I wanted recommendations and looked at me confused. My family had been there before, but they think its most likely under new ownership? I recommend you have better quality people. We went to Jalisco's instead.

Food was okay, services not so much. Friend order shrimp ceviche but was not served with crackers or tostadas, and when we asked the server appeared to be annoyed. Also, throughout the meals no one filled our waters or asked how things were. Atmosphere was good, at bit loud with crowd - but bearable.

I have lived in Carlsbad a very, very long time. If I am going to eat Mexican Food in Carlsbad there is no better place to go than Garcias which has been in that very location a long, long time. I choose there because of the food and the staff. Jose (and the rest of the staff) is super and they give you a choice on the menu that includes ground beef. I normally have so much to eat I take some home and have a second meal. Chips are great, salsa has just the right amount of heat (might be a bit much for others). And, my meal is less than $20.

Excellent authentic food, family service in a charming dining room. Should have five stars!

My husband and I came across Garcia's Mexican Cuisine when looking for a place to eat. I liked the decor on the patio and inside. The service was good and clean inside out out. The food was very good. We will return when we come to Carlsbad again. Good location, 1 block from Main Street.

I'm so addicted to their guacamole & chips. Everything is fabulous but I wake up at night craving the guacamole.

Really good traditional Mexican food like enchiladas and fajitas. The service is always swift and attentive. A wonderful place to dine outside on a beautiful day. The shrimp dishes were overpriced compared to the beef.

Came here to grab comida & omg when I grab the train back to the OC, I am gonna sleep haRd! (Food coma)! Graciias Garcia!

I love this place, I'm a regular here and always order the cheesy enchiladas which are by far my favorite along with the chips and salsa, I have been coming here for many years and finally decided to give a review. Service is friendly and prompt, food is Tex mex style.

Belynne the owner of the restaurant does her very best to please her customers. Her catering service is the best. Her food tastes extra special and I have thoroughly enjoyed the effort her staff puts in making the experience extra special.

We had a wonderful waiter and enjoyed our meal sitting outside enjoying the beautiful day - watching people stroll by. Every member of the staff was tuned into the patrons. I'm taking care of us offering to take dishes asking us if we need anything else. Drink refill need boxes. Everyone was focused on the pat. Not socializing with each other. Not just getting by fully engaged to give us a good time.

Perfect place for outdoor casual dining while checking out the cute shops in downtown Carlsbad. Just a few blocks from the beach, it is very close to Humble Oils and right next to a barber shop that's been in business for 70 years! The service was wonderful and the food was top notch!

I love this place... You wouldn't think to order vegetable soup, but it is super good. My favorite is the salmon tacos.

By far probably one of the absolute best chips and salsa I've ever had at a Mexican restaurant. The chips were warm, and the salsa delicious. It was a little spicy, but a pleasurable heat and flavor. I was there with my wife, and I had the wet burrito while she had the tacos. The burrito was a perfect size, and the tacos equally proportioned. Everything was super flavorful which in my eyes makes the meal even that much better. I attached a photo of their spicy Garcia margarita which to me was just OK (super sweet). The wife had their Paloma which again was just ok. The only downside is that now I am so full I have no room for dessert literally stuffed to the max. As in the past I do recommend this restaurant, and will be looking forward to the next time I go.

We went here for Father's Day brunch and I ordered the Chilaquiles with red sauce and scrambled eggs. They brought be chilaquiles with green sauce and fried eggs. At the point in time I realized the error, the waiter was nowhere to be found.? By the time he came back and asked how was everything it was too late. The rice and beans were only average.

Truly a Mexican fiesta in this small restaurant...lovely staff and tasty food.we will be back for sure.

This place always has people filling up the gorgeous outside area, so when we were at the Farmers Market it was a no brainier to check it out. This place is delicious! The drinks are great, the food has so much flavor, the ambiance is relaxing. I can't wait to go back. Definitely stop by when your in the area.

10/10 We have been looking for a place like this !! The salsa is amazing , the food is amazing and the service was great !! This will be our new go to Mexican Spot

So delicious I tried the carnitas taco and it was so very scrumptious!! Of course the enchilada was stellar as well ....so cheesy and flavorful!!

We had a fantastic evening as we ate outside at Garcia's on state street. We had the chili verde- delicious and carnitas- fabulous. The service was exceptional because we could feel the team were working together for the good of the customers. Skinny margarita yummy. Great place to eat.

Surprisingly good food and margaritas in this central Carlsbad location. The outside seating could use an update, but we're here for the food, right?

Tourist beware this is not the place to eat. The food is "OK", very uninteresting and uninspired. Chips were stale and crumbled like from bottom of bag. Side of guacamole was plopped on a plate straight from a can. My chimichanga was not crispy, refried beans and rice just ordinary was possible. The tostada was almost what you might get at a high school cafeteria. I'm not sure where to go in this town but avoid this place

You are coming to Garcia's because of the location. I am not going to lie, I have had better Mexican food but Garcia's has a certain charm that brings me back. The interior decor strikes just the right balance with bright walls in multiple colors, an oversized golden gilded mirror, and of course, empty talavera pottery hanging on the wall. I gauge Mexican restaurants with my own rating scale. I ask "Would I eat the fish?". Garcia's gets a hard pass on fish. The better question is "Would I like salt on my margarita". Enjoy Gracia's for what it is, a funky watering hole.

OMG! First off their salsa is AMAZING . It has just enough kick. The chunks of green onion makes it so tasty! Now onto the libation, the Paloma. I am very picky when it comes to these. This one was to die for!!!! Not to sweet, not bitter and they used actual grapefruit with a blood orange garnish! I can't wait to come back for dinner!

I just want to start by saying that I thought my family and I had stumbled across a little gem... the employees working there were nice people and they had good selection of music playing, fairly low. The lights were bright... maybe dimming the lights and turning the music a bit up wouldn't be a bad idea. My family and I were instantly impressed by their salsa and chips. We figured the food would be equally the same. My husband got an asada burrito, my son got chicken nuggets and a taco, and I got cheese enchiladas. I could easily tell that the sauce on my cheese enchiladas was canned. Which for me was not really appetizing at all.. rice was alright, beans were flavorless. My husband ended up eating the rest of my food because he was still hungry from his burrito. My sons "kids meal" was 17 dollars.. it came with literally 4 nuggets and a couple of curly fries. His asada taco came with "Pico de gallo" but really it was onion and cilantro literally topped with like 4 chunks of tomato. The taco was 10 freaking dollars!! Never in my life have I ever paid for one, singular taco for ten dollars. EVER. And for the meat to be so bland... I couldn't believe that this place considers itself to be "Mexican food". I asked for hot sauce and was told that they didn't have any hot sauces besides Tapatio... what Mexican food place doesn't have salsas besides Tapatio?? the food at this place is seriously insulting and is not real Mexican food at all. Pretty mediocre. First and last time ever hitting this place up, should've just ordered a pizza.

AMAZING!! Loved this place so much! Food was absolutely delicious! Along with great service from the staff! Kept clean! Highly recommended for anyone visiting out of town!

Great food and the end of a long day at legoland. Need to stop for dinner that was on the way home Garcia's pop up on the way home. The family wanted to sit outside, service was great food was filling just what everyone needed for a long trip home. After eating everyone fell asleep on the ride home... except me I was driving. Which also ment I couldn't try any of the alcoholic beverages which sounded so good on the menu. Guess that means I will have to come again to try them out. Till next time.

I had the chili colorado and it rocked. My wife had a bowl of chicken tortilla soup and it was huge and awesome, she only ate half took to rest to go. I will go back! If you want fancy drinks, it not the place to go, but for great food and a beer in a frozen glass it's not to be missed. The service was very good as well. P.S. I rarely write reviews and only for great places.

The food is awful considering how much money you're paying, they clearly cater to older people considering the lack of integrity and flavor. Sub par and over-rated. Also have heard plenty of things about staff members being aggressive or violent or making false claims so keep your wits about you when you're in this restaraunt.

Carpets inside the restaurant, Are you kidding me? It makes it look and feel dirty. The food is not good at all. And the carpets probably need to be cleaned cuz even with the low lights inside, they look filthy. I can't even imagine how bad the kitchen would be. To top it off, once I had parked at the back and saw a big rat coming out from their kitchen. I'll never go back. Period. I get chills even walking past the front of the restaurant now. I cannot understand how people could rate this place a 5, they must not know what is Mexican food or not even care about cleanliness of a place.

Wifey was craving chilaquiles and we wanted to try something new. We decided to give Garcia's a try. We came in around 10am and were the only ones in the restaurant, that usually has me worried but my wife said just relax we are already here (she actually said all that with a look), fine, fine. We sat and were greeted by the waiter. We put our order in and snacked on the chips and salsa they had brought to the table. The salsa was great. A few other couples came in while we waited for our food. Took a long time for the food to come out but my guess they had get the kitchen prepped and going, since we were the first order. Chilaquiles- were a bit of a disappointment due to the chips being extremely soggy. The sauce and flavor were good but the soggy chips kinda ruined it. Chorizo- the Chorizo and eggs were pretty good. Served with rice and beans plus your choice of tortillas. There are so many Mexican restaurants around that serve amazing food that it makes for tough competition which is why I decided on a 3.

Inside or outside eating - always a plus! Chips and salsa were fresh -- my husband really liked their flavor! I'm fairly basic and just got the two shredded tacos combo plate.. very good! He ordered the combo plate of enchiladas and tamales - also very good. Server was prompt and friendly. Food came out quickly and right temperature. Definitely would return on our next trip.