Juanita’s Taco Shop (Encinitas, CA) reviewed by tulrich (7/10)

I know it as Juanita’s Carnitas, in, yes, Encinitas (at 290 N Coast Highway). I visited three times, I think, over the course of a week in early 2006, while visiting family in the area. Juanita’s is friendly, likable, laid back and a …

I know it as “Juanita’s Carnitas”, in, yes, Encinitas (at 290 N Coast Highway). I visited three times, I think, over the course of a week in early 2006, while visiting family in the area.

Juanita’s is friendly, likable, laid back and a tad grubby. They have free self-serve carrot and jalapeno pickles to nosh on while you wait for your order. The place is often packed during prime eating hours.

I normally stick close to carnitas, when it’s on offer, but despite the name I varied my ordering here. The carnitas is good, but overall the burrito is greasier than ideal (don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the animal fat, but there are limits). Also I’m not a huge fan of the orange cheddar cheese they use.

I did greatly enjoy the chile relleno burrito — you take something delicious, and wrap it in a tortilla, and that gives it just a little extra boost. Sadly the orange cheese is involved, but the presence of a honest-to-goodness vegetable (in the form of the stuffed pepper) helps moderate it.

I also tried the fish burrito. It was pretty good; strips of deep-fried fish in place of land animal, though again slightly greasier than I prefer.