Las Olas

Unfortunately, this place significantly Mrs. the Mark when it comes to Mexican/Tex-Mex food. I will say that the spicy bean dip is pretty tasty. It is not spicy at all, but melted cheese mixed with refried beans is going to be good. I also enjoy their chips and salsa. The chips taste freshly made, and the salsa is a little spicy. Now for the bad parts. Do not order chicken here at any cost. It is so dry and impossible to eat. The burritos here are also tasteless. There’s absolutely no flavor and then they smother it in sour cream and their green sauce, which are also lacking a lot of flavor as well. It was tough getting that burrito down. Additionally, staff are not helpful. We asked multiple times for hot sauce, and the staff told us they would get it, but it never came throughout our entire meal. The venue itself is very crowded and extremely noisy. Overall, this is a place I would avoid, especially if you are looking for good Mexican food. There are many other options that provide several magnitudes better service and food.

The food here was delicious! The atmosphere was great! Right on the coast with the sea breeze. Service was okay, but quick. The chillitos and seafood enchiladas tasted great!

A good way to end an evening with a very laid back chill vibe . Restaurant is located right off the highway on the beach . Food is top notch Mexican classics with amazing fish tacos and ice cold beers . Not heavy or oily at all with the perfect crisp and crunch . Yum Staff is great : the guys do a super job to accommodate all needs and are fast ! Parking lot is large and free which was a nice plus considering how pricey San Diego parking can be . It does get loud as the evening progresses and may be hard to carry on a conversation towards the end of the meal for us , but the great food made this an after thought . Make sure you walk across to the beach for an amazing sunset and chill vibe A great place and looking forward to come back

Very tasty food, not too salty, just right. The food came fairly quick and was hot. There was lots of flavor to the whole beans and my Chile relleno burrito to which I added shrimp for extra money. The staff was very friendly and took our orders promptly. I look forward to coming back here again.

First time back since they transitioned back to full service, and it was phenomenal! Food was out very quickly, and was delicious! Hannah took phenomenal care of us!!

Been coming here since I was five I come for the potato flautas. Always get the chips and salsa. You can judge a Mex place by its chips n salsa, which are perfect here. Nice view of San Elijo. Walk the loop after you're done and go to Annie's Canyon to work off the calories. This place, along with VGs up the street is a north county institution.

Stopped in and had a great lunch here. Great menu that does not overwhelm with many vegetarian options available. Will definitely stop in again the next time we hit the beach. Both bartenders were patient and attentive.

Last Friday I used Las Olas to cater a special event in my life. They made it so simple so easy. I did it over the phone. They sent me the invoices and everything online they stayed in constant contact. They made a custom taco bar. It was outstanding I had over 40 people at this event every single person ran and raved how good the food was. We had multiple choice menu, everything that was supposed to be hot. The hot food was hot. The cold food was cold. They made the unpacking and set up very easy and they change the whole event from something. Just everybody was thinking about to an absolute pleasure and I can’t possibly recommend anybody better than the experience I had with Las Olas from start to finish.

I really liked this place! I wasn't sure what to expect but had heard good things, so thought I'd give it a try! The Great - The top shelf margarita was gooood! As were the chips! The food was great too! The Good - The chips were really good as was the service. The Bad - It seemed kind of dirty The Ugly - NA I would totally go back here and can't wait to do so. A little bit of a hike for me, but worth it.

Service was GREAT! Ambiance is Great! Across from the beach, pretty views and classic surf decor. Food was super disappointing. Fish tacos were ok, the salsa was good and the fry on the fish was nice but lacked flavor and kinda greasy. Potato taco had great lettuce and cheese but the potatoes tasted like flaky boxed mashed potatoes with no flavor. Cheese enchilada was ok, lots of cheese was good and yummy rice. Wish the chips and salsa came with your meal but $3 isn't expensive for them. Margaritas were DELICIOUS. Overall, fun vibe, go for the margaritas and service.

The food was awful. The restaurant was packed, so I expected it to be good -- but I think people must keep coming out of nostalgia, because the quality just isn't there anymore. I ordered the chicken enchiladas and couldn't have them with green sauce or refried beans because they contain gluten (I have to eat gluten-free). What I got instead was dry, cubed chicken wrapped in a tortilla topped with what tasted like plain tomato sauce straight from the can. Completely bland and unappetizing. I honestly don't understand how food like this makes it out of the kitchen.

Las Olas is a total MUST if you're in the area. Parking can be a little wild (dirt lot vibes), but grab a margarita to go and head across the street to George's for a killer view of the waves or sunset...Or just to watch the dogs go by. I had the nachos and the sour cream enchiladas. The margaritas are strong. Pro tip: if you're planning on more than two, just get a pitcher. Now, the "not-so-perfect" stuff: the bathroom always has a line and isn't exactly sparkling clean (sand gets everywhere), and it really sucks that they no longer let dogs on the patio. But honestly? None of that takes away from how great this spot is. Crowded, messy, sandy bathrooms and all, Las Olas is still a total winner. Bonus tip: if you have the time, check out some of the older pictures on the walls. they're pretty classic and really show how long this place has been a local favorite.

Unfortunately, this place significantly Mrs. the Mark when it comes to Mexican/Tex-Mex food. I will say that the spicy bean dip is pretty tasty. It is not spicy at all, but melted cheese mixed with refried beans is going to be good. I also enjoy their chips and salsa. The chips taste freshly made, and the salsa is a little spicy. Now for the bad parts. Do not order chicken here at any cost. It is so dry and impossible to eat. The burritos here are also tasteless. There's absolutely no flavor and then they smother it in sour cream and their green sauce, which are also lacking a lot of flavor as well. It was tough getting that burrito down. Additionally, staff are not helpful. We asked multiple times for hot sauce, and the staff told us they would get it, but it never came throughout our entire meal. The venue itself is very crowded and extremely noisy. Overall, this is a place I would avoid, especially if you are looking for good Mexican food. There are many other options that provide several magnitudes better service and food.

A popular Mexican restaurant. Has a Baja vibe with indoor and outdoor seating. The service was very good. Our waiter was excellent; very friendly and great at managing his tables. The food was good. The fish taco was good. The fish was crispy and soft on the inside. Personally I think the tortilla needed to be 2 because of the cabbage but it was good. The chile relleno was delicious (#14 Cardiff by the Sea Combo). Parking is available but it's popular at had to park in the spare lot which is a dirt. But didn't have a problem parking.

Haven't been here in 25 years and it still tastes amazing. Stella our server was amazing and the Margaritas were great!!! Mom loved this spot. I hope to be back here soon.

My niece recommended Las Olas during our trip to San Diego. We took the drive up the coast to Cardiff. Guava Margarita special, very refreshing. We had the Fish Taco Combo super tasty & it was a lunch special! Casual little spot on the other side of the coast highway, we sat in the alfresco area at the front. Staff was friendly. Food service was fast. Ample parking.

Visited for happy hour for their $5 fish tacos and margs. Also ordered the nachos with carne asada and that was absolutely DELISH! The service was a little slow at first but other than that I love eating at this classic spot near the water.

My girlfriend and I stopped by Las Olas in Cardiff for a late lunch and had such a great experience, thanks in large part to our amazing server, Liz! Hostess was also great too. Even though we didn't order much & took our time catching up (we hadn't seen each other in a while), Liz was incredibly kind, patient, and upbeat the entire time. We ordered fish tacos (delicious as always), and she kept our sodas refilled without us even having to ask. Her friendly and welcoming attitude made us feel so comfortable and taken care of. It's clear she really cares about her customers. Thanks, Liz, for making our lunch feel special, we'll definitely be back!

Woah! Okay this place is WAY better than a few years ago! The carne asada fajitas were so good and tasty. Order the black refried beans instead of regular refried so flavorful! Cant wait to come back! Good service and ambience.

Be prepared to wait at least twenty minutes on a Saturday night! The ambiance is pretty lively and the service was still great despite all the filled tables. The chips and guac were so yummy because they came out warm. I ordered the sour cream chicken enchiladas combo that came with rice and refried beans. The portions were great, but I felt like the chicken was really dry. While there was nothing else particularly wrong with my order, I feel like I've had better quality enchiladas elsewhere.

Moy Bien It was delicious, great price and location The fish tacos. Chips and Margarita were excellent.

Loved this restaurant right across from the beach. Great margaritas and guac dip. Friendly service and a laid back vibe. Don't let the exterior fool you. This place is amazing and fun.

Chips and guacamole here are fire and that's just the start. Great options for fresh ceviche and other eats, Right across from the ocean but can't see it from the place - it's hidden in a little oasis with dirt parking around. If you drive on by and don't stop, you're missing out.

Went for Taco Tuesday and they have all day happy hour menu. Margaritas for $5 and it was delicious!! There was a bit of a wait, but you can order at the bar and sit outside and wait to be called. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. We went at sunset and had the best time! Nachos are a must!

Nice little spot with solid Mexican food - a little Americanized but not by much, just across from the beach... the vibe is great. The service was fast and cordial. They also sell t-shirts at decent prices and they just hit the spot for a local souvenir. Don't expect the hard spice of a fully authentic Mexican truck or spot... but it's pretty close and the quality of the food is very good. Great beach stop, especially at night. But it gets busy.

LAURA IS THE BEST SERVER!!!! She was so attentive and patient with my grandma who has trouble hearing. We always come here for our grandma/granddaughter dates and this was by far the best experience so far. We absolutely love this place and love it even more now we know who to ask for when we come in . Drinks are always amazing such good happy energy around. Great view and vibe and great tacos lol. Thank you thank you thank you!

You cannot be at this lunch spot located right on PCH. Locals and tourists were enjoying the lunch specials with great prices and food. The fish taco was super crispy and the beans tasted of pork lard and were sooo goood. Not oversalted...which is often a complaint if mine at Mexican restaurants. Great service and clean bathroom as well.

We still love Las Olas! Great place for old-school southern Californian Mexican food! Not Tex-Mex, go to Texas for that...this is the real deal! Homemade chips with fresh homemade salsas and guacamole...not hot, just full of flavor! Cold beer, including NA and delicious Margie's! Everything is good, including the fish and shrimp soup, the cabbage salad, you really can't go wrong!

Love the location and the atmosphere, but man the food really needs some help. Ordered a chile relleno and it had cubed chicken on top instead of shredded chicken stuffed in it. The enchilada was filled with cubed chicken instead of shredded chicken and it was super rubbery. Almost like some pieces were pure fat. The whole plate was a pile of slop. The margaritas were great though and the bartender was really nice. I want to love it but it was not worth $90 for 2 people.

Great spot for a quick lunch. Got there with only one couple ordering in front of us. Ordering was fast, efficient and easy. Lots of seating and a really great salsa bar. We sat down and had our food within 10 minutes. Great for a weekday work lunch. Ordered a spicy margarita which was very delicious. Great flavor and a great kick. The fish tacos were OK, the flautas were very good. Loved the different salsas you can try. The view is pretty nice of both the lagoon and the ocean. If you sit on the patio, you get a great ocean breeze. Fun little spot for lunch and drinks!

Los Olas 3.0 I have been to Los Olas multiple times. In the past we have enjoyed their lunches and dinners. We were unlucky last week with very slow service and not the food quality that I have enjoyed in the past. We were seated for over 10 minutes before we were noticed by the hostess who said our waitress would be with us shortly. She did take our drink order and provide chips and salsa for the table. It was another 10 minutes before our waitress came to take our order. We ordered the tacos; and we were surprised that they were mostly filled with cheese and very little chicken. Clearly not to the quality of our previous experiences. We also had a lot of difficulty finding our waitress to pay the bill. If you don't need to be next to the beach, you might try Fidel's or Tony's Jackal.

Good ol' fashioned Mexican food in a beach like setting. (Ok so you are arias from the beach). For this area, the prices are good but if you are visiting from Milwaukee, it is expensive. The food is excellent and appropriate proportions. It's very tasty and the bar is excellent. This is not the Ritz but a local favorite. Eat enjoy and pit your toes on the sand across the street.

My all time favorite Mexican food restaurant! Margaritas, so good! And, the bean dip, yummmm! Everything I've tasted has been good!! Happy hour seems too good to be true, but it really is that amazing! Everyone working is always awesome! Right across hwy 1 from the ocean!

Las olas...where did you go wrong??? Oh that's right! Covid. If this is your first time and it's after 2023, you'll enjoy it as there is nothing to compare it to. You order at the counter and find a seat. Drinks are pre-mixed and service is fast. Super casual ambiance 5 stars! Now if you've been here before covid...this is where the star deduction happens. Back then it was a sit down restaurant with strong margaritas, great service, great food and delicious food. Overall, it's still good but I do miss the old las ols

Came here recently (second time in a couple months, which I'm not complaining about) for what we called a "senior dinner" at around 5-5:30 on a Saturday. Because we were at the onset of the dinner rush, we were immediately seated on the front patio which was nice with the heaters. Our server was friendly, attentive, and patient since we got margaritas and chips before ordering our entrees. I was very happy to hear that lobster was available (it was sold out last time), and my tacos plus marg hit the spot. I will say that $40 for a half lobster was steep but I gave into my craving.

This place has gone down hill as far as service, ambiance and pricing but the food is still so good that I will keep going back. Expected a wait on a Sunday afternoon during summer but it took an hour to get our food after being seated. The weird thing was watching tables getting seated and served, and quite literally leaving before we even got our entrees with no recognition or apology. Hard to get beverage refills and they leave the silverware and napkins on the table to grab yourself, so if it's not being managed regularly you'll be left with only one knife and a couple napkins. Bummed that they charge for chips and salsa now, which would have been okay if we were given a refill of either. It's a tough location because beach goers will park in their dirt lot and run across the street to the beach, and then return to use their restrooms. The back section leading to the bathroom had wet floors and bathroom line went outside the back door just to wash my hands before eating. In spite of the less than ideal situation, the food is still really delicious with fresh ingredients and minimal grease compared to other authentic Mexican food restaurants. Their green sauce for wet burritos is so so good, I will literally scrape the plate to every drop. I wouldn't call Las Olas fast paced casual dining by any means, but if you have the time to spend and are looking for a really good meal, the food is always consistent.

I absolutely love this place. Can't get any closer to the ocean. Every time I'm in town we go!! The service is quick. The food and drinks are very tasty. The only downside for me is it's now full service. It was great for groups before full service because you could order and find your own seat with a large group. Now that it's full service they seat you and the outdoor space is small and very loud. But the food and location are great.

Had been wanting to try this place forever! A dear friend took me and I'm so glad she did! I mean, who has a chile rellano with shrimp inside? Delicious! Food was excellent, service was great. A bunch of nice to look at surfer guys work here ;-) salsa, and chips were addicting! And you can choose to walk Cardiff Beach before or after your meal. What else can you ask for? Can't wait to go back.

What a great little spot!! We were wanting good local tacos and Las Olas did not disappoint! Great staff, view and even better tacos! Will be back!!!!

Las Olas returned to table service and is back where it belongs as one of my favorite local spots. No more standing in line to order food. Hallelujah!

We came here on a Saturday evening at 6 pm. The wait was 45 minutes for a table for four. The hostesses encouraged us to grab a drink at the bar, which was packed. Luckily, you can drink outside as you wait for your table. Our waiter was great and the food was really good. The margaritas were divine. The parking is a bit of a nightmare. They have a VERY small paved parking lot with only a handful of spaces, and then a dirt lot where people park however they want to. We had to circle for 15 minutes before getting a spot in the dirt lot. I saw some reviews that this is a tourist trap, and I can definitely see that. It's right across the street from the beach and gives off touristy vibes.

These are the best fish tacos in San Diego! They have the most incredible chips and salsa as well. The only reason for four stars is the weight is normally very long. The service is always great I do wish they had more vegetarian options but it's definitely a go to place when we're at the beach!

What an awesome spot in a great location! Fish tacos were really tasty and so was the margarita I ordered. Went on a Saturday during lunch and it was busy but we were able to get seated right away. There is an asphalt parking lot but also a dirt lot next to it for overflow parking, which was filling up. I really liked this spot and definitely will be back to try more items on the menu!

Solid burritos to go. Chili relleno with shrimp was good. Our guests liked theCarne Asada, Carnitas and the chicken chimichangas. Hot sauce Was good. Food was ready as promised on time.

We had such a great meal during happy hour the other night. Our waitress was so sweet and our food was great! Also, the happy hour prices were wonderful so it was an affordable meal for my husband and I. We will definitely be back soon!

A longstanding traditional Mexican restaurant right next to the beach. One of our friends has been coming here for years and wanted to visit. Plentiful parking and a walk light to go across the road to the beach.

Best Margaritas in San Diego! Great Service too! Jayson, Micheal, Davis, Slader, Trevor & Brandon always make you feel like a long lost friend.

I hadn't been here for years. Used to go several times a year--since the 80s! Tonight I got fast, friendly service. The chips and salsa were delicious. I think 2.50 for good chips and salsa is very fair. I had a bean and cheese burrito served dry, without sauce and cheese on top. It was very good. I chose to use salsa on it instead of the sauce that came on the side, but that sauce was okay too. Just not my thing. I have no idea how the other items they serve now are--but the b&c burrito was A-ok! All in all, perfect. And there was a lagoon with ducks outside my window.

No more "free" chips (they must be saving some serious $$ by doing that) . The outside seating is gone as well, along with the beachy vibe. Now it's a full service establishment but the service part is just ok. I'd prefer the old system where you order up front and they just bring your order to the table. The salsa station has been removed and when asked to bring salsa it took them long enough that I had almost finished my dish. So in short they are cutting costs at the expense of customer's experience. Disappointed.

Hadn't been to Las Olas in years, it kind of went downhill during C19, had lunch there today it was so great, food was amazing and they've cleaned it up without losing its old school beach charm. My 11 year old says it's his new favorite Mexican in San Diego

Yummy food, awesome happy hour deals. Staff is friendly and efficient. Ado a margarita and a taco a la cart.

Ive lived in the area for over 10 years but never made it here despite the fact that it was an institution. Finally made it there yesterday. I didn't except to order in line so it really is a taco shop with seating. Not a restaurant. Prices were quite reasonable. The cashier was not rude but she was quite cold and unkind despite our efforts to be nice/smile etc. you need someone with a smile to greet masses.. We had to pay for chips. What?! And the salsa was a little picante and had canned tomatoes in there. I hate that. But the chips were hot which i love. We ordered a cheese crisp to share thinking it would be small but it was humongous - and good. My enchiladas were sooo salty. We also ordered a fish taco plate which was huge but the fish was grilled and good (they had baja style option). It was quite dark inside and the guys who brought the food out all looked like they were high. I don't think ill be back! Oh and the lemonade tasted like a fish tank because it came from those dirty pipes.. I cant believe an institution like this doesnt even have agua frescas

This is not a sit down restaurant. You order as you come in and take a number and go find a seat. Came here on a Friday before 5 p.m., and it was just starting to get busy. The parking area is a dirt lot next door, and it gets busy trying to get in and out because of the street light /left turn into the lot. So come early and with patience. We ordered a dip sampler, and it came with chips. It was 4 containers 1 with refried beans that were yummy, a cold sourcream questo type dip that was not good, what looked like some premade neon green guac that was flavorless and the last container was not a dip but 2 Jalapeños with pickled carrots. Save yourself the money and just order chips and go for the free salsas at the salsa bar. Those were better. My kids ordered carnitas and a kids' plate beef taco. Both were not tasty at all. The carnitas were dry and flavorless. My daughters kids' taco was like a hardshell, not like a corn tortilla taco. But the issue was that the meat inside was hard/dry, and she took one bite and left it. I ordered two happy hour fish tacos (battered baja style), and those were good and a decent size. My tortilla kept falling apart, so they should have doubled up on the tortillas. Margaritas were poured via tap which is weird BUT they were actually pretty tasty. Just wish they were lighter on the ice of course. The patio area was packed and lively but wish they would have played spanish/latin music. The music did not match the restaurant. Not sure I would go back other than to order a margarita and some fish tacos to go and just walk to the beach.

A OK All margs are premade and on tap ... yet still tasty Chips cost a small amount ($1/$2) Self serve salsa bar Good lunch specials Happy hour deals

We have been coming here many times before, during and after Covid. Sadly it's not what it used to be as far service is concerned. Now you wait for a table to be seated. The server comes and takes your order and if you're lucky you'll get to see them once more before it's time to pay the check. Sadly they got rid of their salsa bar to make room for more seating. Less of an experience for customers and more money in their pockets. Their menu has also shrunk over time. The food is good but the service is slow. We still go here but not as often. Views of the beach and ocean are great to enjoy on warm days.

Las Olas was our family's favorite restaurant for over 20 years. Back in the day this restaurant was a casual, inexpensive restaurant that served good Mexican food in a fantastic location. Fast forward to 2023. Now people wait in line to order from an inferior menu. The strong drinks are now watery and overpriced. The ambiance of a fun restaurant is gone and most of the seating is outdoors on a parking lot. My favorite dish of years past was an appetizer called chilitos, a decadent sharable dish made from deep fried jalapeños smothered in cheese and served with chips and toppings. It was magical and when they took this off of the menu several years ago they would still make them on request which is what brought me back again and again. I am so sad that I can not enjoy Las Olas any more, but there is nothing left of the Las Olas that I loved. Just reading my review from 2013 puts tears in my eyes, what a loss.

Great service (we had 2 babies they were very accommodating to), great atmosphere, and yummy food!