Rico's Taco Shop

I love this place! It's a must visit anytime I'm in San Diego. The staff is always friendly and the food is always on point! The bean and cheese burrito loaded up with their salsa is delicious!

Great food and Pavlo is a friendly, funny, good guy. One of those local spots that always does it right. When your burrito is toasted a bit on each side, you know they care about the details. Love this place!

Never disappointed. I love this place! I loved it when it was called Rico’s, and I love it now that it’s changed it’s name to Pavlo’s Tacos. One improvement I like is they brown the burrito on the griddle. They have two salsas, red and green. Both are delicious and unlike any salsas you get elsewhere, and there’s a lot of places to get good Mexican food around here! This one I have returned to many times over the last 30+ years. This place is an Encinitas icon.

Great little casual Mexican restaurant. I like that you order at the counter, pick up at the counter, and they don't expect a tip. Our food was authentic, delicious, and well priced. My mother saud best cheese enchiladas ever!

I had their machaca burrito, it was great! Maybe a little more grilled veggies they're heavy on the meat.

It's Rico's with a new name and ownership. Same food, same chef and kitchen staff. Still one of my consistent go to's and the best Flautas and BCR burrito anywhere.

Friendliest, most delicious Mexican joint around. Just look at the reviews and see how many people have been coming here for 15+ years. I drive down from LA simply to have a Justin burrito - they're that good. There will never be another Pavlo’s Tacos. Do yourself a favor and frequent this legendary pillar of North County; get yourself a Justin burrito and absolutely drown it in hot sauce.

Still has the Rico's flavor

Been eating here for over 20 years. Used to be 'Rico's' now it is Pavlos! But still same great food. The red hot sauce is the best around! This is where the Encinitas locals eat because they know it is the best authentic Mexican food around!

Everything is the same but upgraded! I think the food quality has improved also. Definitely amazing! I grew up on Rico’s so when I’m in town I always try to stop in. Definitely my favorite Mexican food place!

I drive by 14 taco shops to get to this one, and I eat there at least three times a week. I think that says a lot. Best beef taco in town. Salads are also excellent. The food is crazy delicious. The kindness factor is over the top, and that is key for me. Pavlos is usually behind the counter, and the way this lovely man interacts with the customers made a definite impression on me. It is so clean and cozy and the salsa bar has delicious and fresh snacks (and homemade brownies) that you would usually not find in a salsa bar. My sons and I have been known to go there to do homework. It's a perfect little zone to relax and fill up.

Best Mexican food in town. Prices are average, but the food is top-notch quality. Would highly recommend Justin Burrito (and it's vegetarian!); their California Burritos are also a personal favorite, but really, everything on the menu is pretty solid. Service is friendly, and while it can be a bit slow at peak times (But in all honesty, you can expect a ~15 minute wait tops, even at 6:30), it's definitely worth it. 5/5

Favorite Mexican restaurant, cannot go wrong with a Bacon breakfast burrito with avocado, the red salsa is my favorite.

My new favorite Mexican food! We shared a chili relleno and cheese enchilada combo. Quick, friendly service.

Every time I come from Utah, I have to go to Pablo’s Tacos. My Daughter introduced me to this several years ago and I absolutely loved this place. I wish we had one in Utah. My daughter gets the vegetarian burritos and I always go for the shrimp burrito. I’ve never been disappointed.. In my opinion this location ranks as one of the top five of my mexican places that I eat at…. And will continue to eat that 😁

I have been coming here for years. The owner is a wonderful man who takes pride in serving great food with a smile. I have been friends with the staff for years as well. I love this place, if I could give it more stars I would.

Holy cow! Stop by today while I was on a short road trip. These are the best fish tacos I've had in the San Diego area! They were delicious and only cost $2.50 each because it was Tuesday. I ordered three but two was all I could eat because they are huge! I would never eat an old fish taco, but I'm taking this one with me, and we'll eat it later for sure. Trust me, anyone in the area, I would highly recommend making a point to come here and try their fish tacos! customer service was wonderful. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Anytime I'm in the area, I will definitely come back!

The best of the best. From Rico’s to Pavlos - their food, especially their burritos, remains as real as it gets. The gold standard.

Tried the chicken chimichanga and it was so good. Its like a Mexican food restaurant mixed with Greek food. They have Gyros and tacos, their sauces are a great taste with the food. Make sure you ask for the carrots. They taste really good a whole different flavors with all their food. Its always clean at the shop and the staff is very friendly. Great spot 👍🏼

It's still Rico's!!! There has been a change in ownership and name but it is still the same Rico's we know and love! Everything tastes just the same as it has for the 20 years I've been going. Give them some love and enjoy some tasty burritos for me, since I'm out of state. Can't wait to go next time I'm in town!!!

If you remember Rico's Taco shop then.... Pavlos Tacos is the same lucky... Some of the people who used to work at Rico's bought the business and are reopening it under Pavlos.. The menu is pretty much the same.. and like I said a lot of the staff came back so the food tastes the same and it is so good let me tell you.. since they have opened I have been back and tried the breakfast burrito a chicken burrito and my favorite their fish tacos.. Yummy 😋🤤.. everything has been so good so to anybody looking for a good Mexican place if new to the area then I definitely recommend this place 🙂 you will not be dissatisfied and for those who remember Rico's Taco shop well this is your place👍.. I look forward to many more years of good memories and good meals at the now newly reopened Pavlos Tacos 🦊❤️

Rico's has reopened under new ownership/management of long-time Rico's employee Pavlos. Yes, the Justin burrito is still on the menu. Yes, the sauce is the same. It's my favorite taco shop in Encinitas.

I can confirm the news, Rico’s has been replaced by Pavlos, but the new owners didn’t skip a beat. Anyone who’s been going for 20 years will recognize the interior, and more importantly the food quality! As always, a Justin (single wrapped)

Best burritos in SD, high quality, fresh, good prices. Original and authentic!

I got the chicken and beef, fried rolled tacos and they were very good! The guac was perfectly fresh. I ordered a cheese quesadilla for my extremely picky five year old. When one of the workers noticed my son was just picking at his quesadilla and not eating it, he brought him complimentary French fries that he did eat. Now that’s the customer service that’s above and beyond- noticing if your customers are satisfied without them even asking. Give this place a try. We stopped here on our way back from Legoland en route to San Diego.

This place is an Encinitas gem. Super welcoming environment, friendly staff, salsa bar with fresh watermelon and CLEAN!!! Food is tasty if you’re looking for a tasty, quick bite. The burritos are huge!

Great local Mexican! A friend of mine introduced me to Rico's (he's been going for 15 years). They door an excellent California Burrito. Really friendly staff tops off a great meal.

David Hughes

Holy cow! Stop by today while I was on a short road trip. These are the best fish tacos I've had in the San Diego area! They were delicious and only cost $2.50 each because it was Tuesday. I ordered three but two was all I could eat because they are huge! I would never eat an old fish taco, but I'm taking this one with me, and we'll eat it later for sure. Trust me, anyone in the area, I would highly recommend making a point to come here and try their fish tacos! customer service was wonderful. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Anytime I'm in the area, I will definitely come back!

hunterburress

The best of the best. From Rico’s to Pavlos - their food, especially their burritos, remains as real as it gets. The gold standard.

Mario T

Tried the chicken chimichanga and it was so good. Its like a Mexican food restaurant mixed with Greek food. They have Gyros and tacos, their sauces are a great taste with the food. Make sure you ask for the carrots. They taste really good a whole different flavors with all their food. Its always clean at the shop and the staff is very friendly. Great spot 👍🏼

Ashley A

It's still Rico's!!! There has been a change in ownership and name but it is still the same Rico's we know and love! Everything tastes just the same as it has for the 20 years I've been going. Give them some love and enjoy some tasty burritos for me, since I'm out of state. Can't wait to go next time I'm in town!!!

Hustling_Hill

Best burritos in SD, high quality, fresh, good prices. Original and authentic!

Randy F

If you remember Rico's Taco shop then.... Pavlos Tacos is the same lucky... Some of the people who used to work at Rico's bought the business and are reopening it under Pavlos.. The menu is pretty much the same.. and like I said a lot of the staff came back so the food tastes the same and it is so good let me tell you.. since they have opened I have been back and tried the breakfast burrito a chicken burrito and my favorite their fish tacos.. Yummy 😋🤤.. everything has been so good so to anybody looking for a good Mexican place if new to the area then I definitely recommend this place 🙂 you will not be dissatisfied and for those who remember Rico's Taco shop well this is your place👍.. I look forward to many more years of good memories and good meals at the now newly reopened Pavlos Tacos 🦊❤️

Clay Walker

Rico's has reopened under new ownership/management of long-time Rico's employee Pavlos. Yes, the Justin burrito is still on the menu. Yes, the sauce is the same. It's my favorite taco shop in Encinitas.

Jeff Grimm

I can confirm the news, Rico’s has been replaced by Pavlos, but the new owners didn’t skip a beat. Anyone who’s been going for 20 years will recognize the interior, and more importantly the food quality! As always, a Justin (single wrapped)

Heidi H

I got the chicken and beef, fried rolled tacos and they were very good! The guac was perfectly fresh. I ordered a cheese quesadilla for my extremely picky five year old. When one of the workers noticed my son was just picking at his quesadilla and not eating it, he brought him complimentary French fries that he did eat. Now that’s the customer service that’s above and beyond- noticing if your customers are satisfied without them even asking. Give this place a try. We stopped here on our way back from Legoland en route to San Diego.

Dawn Hill

This place is an Encinitas gem. Super welcoming environment, friendly staff, salsa bar with fresh watermelon and CLEAN!!! Food is tasty if you’re looking for a tasty, quick bite. The burritos are huge!

Kieran Wright

Great local Mexican! A friend of mine introduced me to Rico's (he's been going for 15 years). They door an excellent California Burrito. Really friendly staff tops off a great meal.

Great Carne asada burrito! 🌯 I don't live near here but if I did I would come here more often

I’ve been coming to this spot for over 20 years—back when it was Rico’s—and it’s still just as good. The Justin Burrito remains my go-to, and it never disappoints. I recently had a family get-together here and the staff was so kind and accommodating—we pushed a few tables together and they didn’t blink, just made it happen quickly and with a smile. The food came out fast and was absolutely delicious. Service was excellent, and parking is always easy. I live in Escondido now, but it’s still worth the drive whenever I’m craving really solid, satisfying tacos and burritos. A long-time favorite that keeps living up to the memories.

Started going here for over 30 years ago (back when it was Rico's) and I've never had a bad meal! This is an amazing Taco Shop

An amazing local place! Delicious food, authentic. I only wish the plates were

I don’t say this lightly—this place is hands down one of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve ever been to. The décor is colorful without being over-the-top, and the music added just the right energy to the dining experience. Now, the food—absolutely incredible. We started with the super nachos, the guacamole inside was perfectly seasoned with just the right kick of lime and jalapeño. For the main course, I ordered the carne asada tacos, and they were out of this world. The meat was tender, juicy, and full of flavor, served on soft, handmade corn tortillas. My friend had the enchiladas verdes, and she couldn’t stop raving about the tangy green sauce and how everything was cooked to perfection. What really stood out, though, was the attention to detail and authenticity. You can tell everything is made from scratch and with love. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive without being overbearing—our server even recommended a house-made horchata that turned out to be the best I’ve ever had. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine that’s both comforting and flavorful, this spot is a must. I’ll definitely be coming back—and bringing more friends with me next time!

The burritos and their salsa are delicious. Pavlos is also one of the friendliest owners you'll ever meet!

Nick Zigich

An amazing local place! Delicious food, authentic. I only wish the plates were

Eric Morell

Started going here for over 30 years ago (back when it was Rico's) and I've never had a bad meal! This is an amazing Taco Shop

Paul Buschmann

Great Carne asada burrito! 🌯 I don't live near here but if I did I would come here more often

Roger Evans

I don’t say this lightly—this place is hands down one of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve ever been to. The décor is colorful without being over-the-top, and the music added just the right energy to the dining experience. Now, the food—absolutely incredible. We started with the super nachos, the guacamole inside was perfectly seasoned with just the right kick of lime and jalapeño. For the main course, I ordered the carne asada tacos, and they were out of this world. The meat was tender, juicy, and full of flavor, served on soft, handmade corn tortillas. My friend had the enchiladas verdes, and she couldn’t stop raving about the tangy green sauce and how everything was cooked to perfection. What really stood out, though, was the attention to detail and authenticity. You can tell everything is made from scratch and with love. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive without being overbearing—our server even recommended a house-made horchata that turned out to be the best I’ve ever had. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine that’s both comforting and flavorful, this spot is a must. I’ll definitely be coming back—and bringing more friends with me next time!

Kimberly

I’ve been coming to this spot for over 20 years—back when it was Rico’s—and it’s still just as good. The Justin Burrito remains my go-to, and it never disappoints. I recently had a family get-together here and the staff was so kind and accommodating—we pushed a few tables together and they didn’t blink, just made it happen quickly and with a smile. The food came out fast and was absolutely delicious. Service was excellent, and parking is always easy. I live in Escondido now, but it’s still worth the drive whenever I’m craving really solid, satisfying tacos and burritos. A long-time favorite that keeps living up to the memories.

Ehh, better flavor than I expected and the people were very friendly.

Nice place for a quick bite or pick up. I had the chile relleno and enchilada combo plate. I like the salsa and the beans here as well.

The food is amazing! I love the Justin and California burrito. I just wish I could still eat them. Hopefully, they will get gluten-free tortillas for burritos soon! I would eat here often if they did...

D Carey

Nice place for a quick bite or pick up. I had the chile relleno and enchilada combo plate. I like the salsa and the beans here as well.

Great service, but the food lacked flavor and the red salsa in the squeeze bottle tasted a bit like ketchup.

ACR

Great service, but the food lacked flavor and the red salsa in the squeeze bottle tasted a bit like ketchup.

Formally Rico’s, this place had been a top burrito shop for 20+ years. The Justin Burrito (beans, rice, cheese, guacamole, lettuce, fries, double wrapped) had been my go-to since I was in high school many years ago. Unfortunately, now, it’s hard to justify paying $30 for one veggie burrito and one CA burrito (neither which come with guacamole). Their prices have skyrocketed and there are simply so many other (more affordable) spots that match their quality.

Check for mold! This was the same evening we picked up our food.

Alex

Formally Rico’s, this place had been a top burrito shop for 20+ years. The Justin Burrito (beans, rice, cheese, guacamole, lettuce, fries, double wrapped) had been my go-to since I was in high school many years ago. Unfortunately, now, it’s hard to justify paying $30 for one veggie burrito and one CA burrito (neither which come with guacamole). Their prices have skyrocketed and there are simply so many other (more affordable) spots that match their quality.

T. W.

Check for mold! This was the same evening we picked up our food.

Use to be great but not anymore. Must be under new ownership or something. Food is very underwhelming. California burrito is not what it use to be.