Carlsbad isn’t shy about its glamour. The Land & Water Company presides over the main drag in a grand Victorian-era building. State Street overflows with polished eateries and boutiques. The Park Hyatt and Four Seasons Residence Club are neighbors. But there’s another side to the sparkly coastal city that embraces its laid-back, surfer-dude charm.
For that, you should head away from the hubbub to Lola’s Seven-Up. The mini-market and deli, a local favorite that opened in 1944, is tucked in a residential area just a few blocks from Carlsbad Village Drive. Besides condiments and liquor, Lola’s has a bustling counter service deli that serves breakfast all day, enchiladas, tortas, and chile rellenos.
The taco selection is small but mighty. And we love the simplicity of the carne asada taco. Inside a hard shell (a novelty!) is a handful of freshly grilled beef with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. On top is a hefty dollop of sour cream. You can devour it on Lola’s small outdoor patio, but we prefer eating indoors where the action happens.
3292 Roosevelt Street, Carlsbad, 760-434-2191
Very Important Taco: The Carne Asada Taco at Lola’s Seven-Up Mexican Market Deli
