Photograph By: Melissa Montoya

Head to Carlsbad for Baja-Inspired Cuisine and the Cutest Outdoor Patio

Carlsbad’s Casero Taqueria Is Ready to Serve You Safely—Here’s How

Written By: Kaylin Waizinger Baja Food Carlsbad

Just over a year ago, Carlsbad’s Casero Taqueria opened its doors, offering San Diego a taste of authentic Baja cuisine. The restaurant’s wood-fired flavors and time-honored recipes quickly won the hearts of its guests—a testament to the cultural vision behind the concept.Casero was inspired by many surf trips to Baja California and Valle de Guadalupe,” explains Clayton Wheeler, president of Casero Taqueria. “Our wood-fired grill brings flavors to our dishes that you can’t find north of the border.” Until now! The menu consists of a selection of delectable braised, grilled and wood-fired tacos (served on housemade tortillas), fresh salads, sharable starters, and an assortment of soups, burritos and tortas. “Casero is a little piece of Baja in our backyard!” says Wheeler.

While Casero sets itself apart from other restaurants in a variety of ways, Wheeler and co-owner Craig Applegate continue to face the same pandemic-related challenges other San Diego restaurant owners currently face. For about six weeks, Applegate and Wheeler closed their doors to get their bearings and decide on the best way to move forward. After creating a limited menu for takeout only, they opened a curbside window and pickup option and implemented delivery options both in house and with partners like Doordash and UberEats. “It hasn’t been easy in the slightest; we still have to rethink our operations on a daily basis to keep it safe for customers and stay compliant with the ever-changing rules and regulations.”

Despite the current landscape of the restaurant industry, Wheeler and Applegate have confidence in their surrounding Carlsbad community. “Our guests have shown great support and are excited to get back into Casero. It’s clear they missed us, and that reminds us of why we love this industry and community,” says Wheeler.

In an effort to reciprocate the same love and support Casero has received, Wheeler and Applegate partnered with Encinitas Ford to deliver over 1,300 burritos to local hospitals and frontline responders. “We are continuing our outreach and have donated a few hundred more since. We are extremely thankful for this partnership with Encinitas Ford who was a huge part in our ability to give back to the community,” expresses Wheeler.

As of July 6, San Diego County closed indoor dining spaces for the next three weeks, but lucky for locals, one of Casero Taqueria’s highlights—aside from their delicious south-of-the-border fare—is the restaurant’s expansive (and oh-so-eye-catching) outdoor dining space. Booths filled with boho pillows, hanging wicker accents and desert landscapes combine to create the perfect spot for a post-surf sesh margarita, casual date night or happy hour with family. Open-air dining is everything right now, and Casero Taqueria is ready to serve you safely! Enjoy drinks at the full-service outdoor bar overlooking Carillo Canyon, along with new menu items and cocktails. “We are currently working on cocktail kits to go (stay tuned!) and we recently added burritos and a chipotle quesadilla to the menu (my favorite!),” says Wheeler. 

EBLAST AD DELETE 4/6

For more information and updates on the operations of Casero Taqueria, follow @caserotacos.

Casero Taqueria
2674 Gateway Rd, Ste 195
Carlsbad, CA 92009 Baja Food Carlsbad
760.405.4195 Baja Food Carlsbad

+ posts

Trending

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

INTERESTS

Related Content

Azure Palm Hot Springs
Skip to content