After I moved from San Diego, CA I have been trying various Mexican restaurants around Jacksonville. San Diego shares its borders with Tijuana, so Mexican cuisine and culture had been constantly influencing each other food scene. So Rigoberto's and Alberto's style "mom and pop drive-thrus can be found on almost every corner but they are no where to find in JAX!
"Taco Bell is not Mexican food!" Any Mexican Foodie person will totally understand and agree with this statement.....
"Torta, gordita, tamale, ceviche, chorizo, taquitos, tacos de birria, chile relleno, menudo....."
I had no clue what these words were 10 years ago. Today, I speak Spanish, I love Hispanic culture and I enjoy cooking Mexican meals for my family. And I frequently encounter those days when I really crave Cali-Mexican food choices in Jacksonville, FL.
Original Mexican food options in JAX - Carne Asada Fries
This first post is a guide to discover Carne Asada Fries options around Jacksonville, FL.
If you have never tried it let me tell you, this Cali-Mex style meal is addicting. It is the perfect combination of crisp fries, grilled meat seasoned with Asada, topped with fresh lime pico de gallo salsa, guacamole, and sour cream that makes this dish so flavourful.
So let's review how does Carne Asada Fries scene looks like in the JAX area....
CARNE ASADA FRIES IN INTERCOASTAL & BEACH AREA
Taco Libre
14286 BEACH BLVD, JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL 32250
&
1001 A1A BEACH BLVD, St Augustine Beach, FL 32080
There are 2 beach locations. I have visited only the JAX beach location and portion was super generous for the price of $9.99. I really enjoy the decor and mural painting. I felt I am back in San Diego at some hipster Mexican joint close to the beach.
Casa Leon
2260 MAYPORT RD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32233
At the price of $12.99, these are the most expensive Carne Asada Fries I found in Jacksonville. Located close to the Mayport base I am sure this place gets a significant west coast crowd of military families. Their reviews are almost 5 stars. When I read multiple reviews, they mentioned this restaurant as one of the most authentic Mexican spots in town. These sure look very authentic with everything they should include, yummy!
CARNE ASADA FRIES IN MANDARIN, SOUTHSIDE & ORANGE PARK AREA
703 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32257
&
1861 WELLS ROAD, ORANGE PARK, FL 32073
One Night Taco Stand at Beauclerc area was the first place to try "Carne Asada fries ala Jacksonville." Priced at $10.99, the portions are big, their guacamole and salsa are fabulous.
I also like that whenever we come here, there is good Latin Music playing, and people sometimes dance on the outdoor patio. I am sure that different happy hours and the colorful vibe of this place attracts very young crowds. Although we haven't been to their Orange Park location the reviews are more than super positive.
3546 ST JOHNS BLUFF RD S, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32224
You can choose from 2 sizes. Small Carne Asada Fries for $8.99 or a large portion for $11.99. The minus point is for not including guacamole - it cost $1 extra. People say "these are the BOMB!" And I do agree, they were loaded with meat - but still, guacamole should be automatically included. Plus point is for their self served salsa bar. Don't forget to try various house salsas. The colorful decor brought me back to West Coast. Suddenly (plus 2 margaritas later) I forgot that I am not eating Mexican food in San Diego but in Jacksonville.
10915 BAYMEADOWS RD, ACKSONVILLE, FL 32256
For $10.99 you will get delicious Carne Asada fries portion with amazing friendly service. I enjoyed the authentic Cali-Mexican taste, large portion and colorful look of the restaurant. You can not beat the convenient location of Baymeadows and plenty of parking.
Another way to get carne asada fries is to check if the restaurant offers a popular "JAX-Mex dish" that is often called Nacho Supreme or Loaded Nachos. You can ask the server if the cook can substitute the chips for fries. Several Mexican restaurants were accommodating to our request and prepared "Carne Asada Fries ala carte".
I hope your mouth is watering by now. Or maybe you are heading to one of these Mexican food heavens located around Jacksonville. If you know of any other Carne Asada Fries options in JAX, or if you discover a new one, please write a comment with your suggestion.
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