Baja Fish Taco
$7.99Crisp beer batter, cool crema and bright salsa fresca on a tortilla made in-house.
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Bressi Ranch · Carlsbad, California
The Baja-inspired taqueria in Carlsbad
Baja inspired. Carlsbad made.
Handmade corn tortillas, beer-battered Baja fish tacos, al pastor carved from the trompo and a tequila-forward bar — open daily in North County San Diego.
Casero means homemade
Baja flavors, made from scratch in Bressi Ranch
Casero Taqueria was born from a love of Baja surf trips, farm-fresh ingredients and regional Mexican traditions. Founders Clayton Wheeler and Craig Applegate brought those flavors home to Carlsbad, and today the Swami's Café family carries the kitchen forward with the hospitality San Diego knows them for.
Everything starts with corn tortillas made by hand in our kitchen. Al pastor is rubbed with achiote and cooked on a vertical trompo, carne asada and pollo asado are char-grilled, and our Baja fish tacos are beer-battered and finished with cilantro slaw, crema and salsa fresca — the way they're served along the Baja coast.
Behind the bar you'll find the Casero Margarita (our Cadillac, with Grand Marnier), mezcal cocktails, Southern California craft beer and wines from Valle de Guadalupe, Baja's wine country. Happy hour runs 3 PM–6 PM every day except Tuesday — because Tuesday belongs to $1.99 tacos.
Signature dishes
Start with these
The tacos, burritos and cocktails guests come back for — every one on handmade tortillas or shaken to order.
California Burrito
$17.95Steak, fries and guacamole in one tortilla: San Diego's signature burrito.
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Casero Margarita
$13.00Blanco tequila, fresh lime, orange rind syrup and Grand Marnier. Our Cadillac margarita.
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Shrimp Ceviche
$11.50Shrimp, serrano, tomato and avocado: a bright coastal starter for the table.
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Esquite
$9.95Charred corn, chili aioli, Tajín and Cotija: Mexican street corn you eat with a spoon.
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Birria Taco
$7.99Slow-braised beef, two cheeses and a side of consomé made for dunking.
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Carne Asada Taco
$7.99Marinated grilled steak, creamy guacamole and a sharp hit of salsa verde.
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Al Pastor Taco
$6.99Achiote pork from the trompo, finished with fresh-cut pineapple and salsa verde.
Discover this dishTaco Tuesday
$1.99 tacos
All day, every Tuesday
Carne Asada · Pollo Asado · Carnitas · Al Pastor
Taco Tuesday detailsCatering & private events
Feeding a crowd? We've got you.
Taco bar packages and burrito trays for offices, weddings and backyard parties across North County — or bring everyone to us for a patio party or full buyout.
Reviews
What guests are saying
Our favorite California burrito! Delicious flavor, and a perfect blend / ratio of ingredients.
— Casero guest
Every item was very good and we will reorder again. Friendly service. Good food
— Casero guest
Delicious veggies! Our vegetarian friends were excited to add them to their tacos! Cooked perfectly!
— Casero guest
Hours & location
Visit Casero in Bressi Ranch
Hours
- Every day
- 11 AM – 9 PM
Kitchen closes at 9 PM. Happy hour 3–6 PM every day except Tuesday.
Cities we serve
Serving Carlsbad & North County San Diego
Casero Taqueria sits in Bressi Ranch, Carlsbad — close to the neighborhoods and cities below for dine-in, pickup and catering.
Bressi Ranch
Our home — in the Bressi Ranch Village center on Gateway Road.
La Costa
A short drive for La Costa families, offices and weekend plans.
Aviara
Tacos, margaritas and catering for Aviara neighbors.
Carlsbad Village
Worth the trip from the Village for Baja fish tacos and happy hour.
Calavera Hills
Pickup and catering for Calavera Hills and north Carlsbad.
Oceanside
Catering and pickup for Oceanside offices, parties and families.
Encinitas
Baja-style tacos for Encinitas — pickup or catering delivery.
Vista
Taco bars and burrito trays for Vista teams and celebrations.
San Marcos
An easy run from San Marcos for tacos, burritos and catering.
North County San Diego
Catering across North County — just ask about your address.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is Casero Taqueria located?
Casero Taqueria is at 2674 Gateway Rd #195, Carlsbad, CA 92009, in the Bressi Ranch Village shopping center in North County San Diego. Nearby neighborhoods include La Costa, Aviara, Calavera Hills and Carlsbad Village.
What are Casero Taqueria's hours?
Casero Taqueria is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM for lunch and dinner. Holiday hours may vary, so call (760) 405-4195 if you're planning a holiday visit.
What should I order on my first visit to Casero?
Start with three tacos: the Baja Fish Taco ($7.99), the Al Pastor Taco ($6.99) cooked on our vertical trompo, and the Birria Taco ($7.99) with consomé. Share an order of Esquite ($9.95) and try the Casero Margarita ($13), our Cadillac margarita.
When is happy hour at Casero Taqueria?
Happy hour runs 3–6 PM every day except Tuesday, with $10 margaritas and $7 draft beers. On Tuesdays, Taco Tuesday takes over with $1.99 tacos all day.
What is Taco Tuesday at Casero?
Every Tuesday, all day, carne asada, pollo asado, carnitas and al pastor tacos are $1.99 each. If you plan to order for pickup or delivery, call (760) 405-4195 to confirm how the special applies to your order.
Does Casero Taqueria take reservations?
Yes — you can reserve indoor or patio tables online for parties of up to 8. For groups larger than 8, call (760) 405-4195 or email Management@casero-taqueria.com.
From the journal
Baja food, explained
Sep 8, 2026
Baja Wine and Local Craft Beer: What to Drink at Casero
Our drink list reads like a map of the region, from Baja California's wine country to breweries in Carlsbad, Vista and San Diego. Here's what's pouring and what to pair it with.
Sep 1, 2026
Taco Catering in Carlsbad: How to Plan a Taco Bar for Any Crowd
From a 3–4 person Family Style kit to the 12–14 person Let's Party package, here's how to size, stock and schedule a taco bar for an office lunch, wedding or party in North County.
Aug 25, 2026
Baja Fish Tacos vs. Grilled Fish Tacos: How to Choose
Two fish tacos, one seasonal white fish, two very different directions. Here's how our beer-battered Baja Fish Taco and char-grilled Grilled Fish Taco compare, and which one to order.
Casero VIP
Secret menus, events & birthday treats
Join free to hear first about new dishes, tequila dinners and member-only offers — plus a little something for your birthday.