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Authentic chimichangas

A proper chimichanga should be fried to order and filled with ingredients that don't rely on shortcuts.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Don Carlos Taco Shop։ image 1
Don Carlos Taco Shop։ image 2
Don Carlos Taco Shop։ image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and laid-back atmosphere. Offers fast, affordable food with outdoor patio seating where people watch happens. Known for flavorful burritos and tacos that stand out in quality and taste.

Food delivers authentic Mexican flavors with simple, well-made dishes. Beans and rice come packed with full flavor that matches home-cooked meals.

Shredded chicken and soyrizo fillings stand out in the chimichangas here. Carnitas versions also appear alongside other Mexican staples like burritos and enchiladas.

People are saying

"I thought this burrito was the best I had ever tasted."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic and delicious."

"I enjoyed the shredded chicken chimichanga."

Good to know

1

The wait at Don Carlos Taco Shop is usually short, even during rush hours.

2

There is limited seating available at Don Carlos Taco Shop.

3

Don Carlos Taco Shop offers a variety of menu options, including vegan choices.

02
Molcajete Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, clean space offers a comfortable and quiet atmosphere with ample room. Mexican dishes feature authentic flavors, generous portions, and fresh ingredients like olive oil in refried beans. Known for excellent fish and shrimp tacos, the place serves affordable meals with consistent quality.

Mexican dishes taste fresh and authentic with quick service that keeps flavors vibrant.

Giant chimichangas come crispy and nicely cooked with a generous amount of chicken inside. They serve it as part of combo plates alongside tamales and fish tacos.

People are saying

"The food here is so good and authentic."

"The salsa here is flavorful and balanced in spice."

"I thought the food tasted fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portion sizes that are shareable.

2

Prices are reasonable compared to other local options.

3

To-go orders do not include chips and salsa.

03
Ronaldo's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a 50s diner vibe and modern interior offers an authentic menu featuring wide salsa bar options. Atmosphere includes a lively, slightly loud setting with an open layout and late hours. Food focuses on tasty tacos and burritos with satisfying meat portions.

Mexican food here is delicious and authentic with a legit salsa bar that stands out. The menu offers authentic Mexican cuisine throughout.

Chimichangas come out crispy and flavorful. They taste delicious and pair well with other hearty dishes.

People are saying

"The staff serving the Mexican food here are the sweetest guys."

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the chimichanga to be delicious and it killed my cravings."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late, closing at midnight.

2

Expect a variety of salsas available at the salsa bar.

3

Prices are very reasonable compared to other taco shops.

04
Los Reyes Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic homemade dishes with family-friendly music and a warm, chill atmosphere. Seating is comfortable despite a humble interior, and the environment includes a somewhat loud TV. Prices are reasonable, attracting a steady crowd seeking genuine flavors.

Menudo served daily stands out as a signature authentic dish here. The menu focuses on genuine Mexican flavors throughout.

Chicken and carnitas appear as common fillings in the chimichangas here. They serve them both grilled and fried, often alongside other Mexican staples like burritos and tacos.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I took my family here for a great chimichanga."

"I loved this place for its authentic Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Los Reyes Mexican Food serves authentic menudo daily.

2

Prices are generally lower than most Mexican restaurants.

3

Expect quick service during lunch hours.

05
Tacos Por Favor image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large interior with authentic Mexican aesthetic and plenty of seating creates a casual, warm and welcoming atmosphere. Noise levels rise during busy times, reflecting a lively vibe. Offers a great variety of Mexican dishes, including many vegetarian options.

Tacos here deliver authentic Mexican flavors with generous portions. The food feels genuine and not gentrified, capturing classic tastes well.

Shrimp chimichangas feature perfectly cooked shrimp and a cheesy filling that stands out even without cheese sauce on top. Rice and beans inside add a unique twist, and the chorizo burrito version offers a flavorful alternative.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was authentic and amazing."

"I thought the Mexican food here was great and very authentic."

"The chimichanga was fried to perfection and amazing."

Good to know

1

Street parking is the only option available, with limited metered spots.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian choices on the menu.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, but wait times are generally short.

06
El Cholo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large dining room with historic decor and a courtyard-like interior creates a warm, festive atmosphere. Outdoor patio and family room add to the kid-friendly, lively vibe. Strong margaritas and classic Mexican dishes complement the authentic, nostalgic setting.

Offers authentic Mexican cuisine with a home-style feel. The food delivers a genuine dining experience true to southern California flavors.

Chimichangas come in generous portions and stand out as a meal highlight. They pair well with other dishes like enchiladas and are consistently flavorful.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious, especially the salsa."

"I found the Mexican cuisine here to be truly authentic."

"I thought the chimichangas were the best I had ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult; consider using valet services.

2

Happy hour offers two drinks for $44, providing a good ambiance.

3

The restaurant accommodates large groups of 15-20 people easily.

07
Taqueria Las Palmas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a dive vibe and cozy atmosphere offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The place draws a steady local crowd and features authentic ingredients in generous portions. Music plays in the background, adding to the warm and welcoming energy.

Food features original ingredients and stays authentic across visits. Tacos stand out as excellent and true to tradition.

Chimichangas come very large and crispy with great flavor. Options include a spicy shredded pork version and others cooked nicely to order.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, flavorful, and filling."

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and delicious."

"The chimichanga was big and cooked nicely."

Good to know

1

Chips are free if you buy more than one taco.

2

They charge $2 for extra salsa and 50 cents for salsa Verde.

3

The portions are ample, making it a good value.

08
Castillo's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large dining areas combine classic and remodeled sections with a warm family-friendly atmosphere and honest Mom and Pop vibes. Busy and inviting, the space suits both large gatherings and intimate dinners. The vibe stays pleasing and relaxing despite the crowd.

Food comes out hot, fresh, and authentic with excellent, flavorful quality. Breakfast and other dishes reflect truly authentic Mexican cuisine that locals favor.

Huge chimichangas come with guacamole and sour cream. They taste delicious and stay affordable.

People are saying

"I thought their Mexican food was the best in the valley."

"I found the Mexican food here to be truly authentic and delicious."

"I found the chimichanga to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially with ongoing construction nearby.

2

The restaurant closes early at 5:30 p.m., so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Prices are very reasonable, with meals for a family of five around $80.

09
Cotija's | Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant offers homemade tortillas and authentic dishes like carne asada and chimichanga bursting with flavor. Atmosphere feels friendly and warm but can be a bit chilly and quiet inside. It gets busy on weekends, with some popular items selling out.

Food offers incredible Mexican flavors with a friendly and warm atmosphere that feels very authentic.

Carnitas Chimichanga comes out well-prepared and flavorful. The dish stands out for its authentic Mexican style and satisfying taste.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is incredible and authentic."

"The corn tortillas here are freshly cooked and delicious."

"The tortillas and chips are homemade and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends due to high customer volume.

2

Some agua frescas may sell out quickly, so arrive early.

3

Complimentary chips and salsa are provided with meals.

10
Adolfo's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a friendly, family atmosphere and a miniature bar with sports TV at the entry. Offers beautiful outdoor patio seating surrounded by greenery, creating a relaxed vibe. Known for affordable, authentic food with generous portions and a strong local following.

True authentic Mexican cuisine shines through with tasty, affordable dishes. The flavors stay genuine and rich throughout the menu.

Large portions stand out with both shredded beef and chicken chimichangas available. The chicken chimichanga pairs well with other dishes like fajitas and fries.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I found the shredded beef chimichanga to be large and pretty decent."

"I loved the authentic Mexican cuisine here."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and free for customers.

2

There is ample seating both inside and outside.

3

The restaurant is dog friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

11
Carrillo's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Three rooms decorated in Mexican style create a warm, homelike atmosphere filled with friendly energy and occasional kitchen singing. The place stays busy yet peaceful, welcoming families and offering authentic Mexican cuisine with large portions and affordable prices.

Food delivers authentic Mexican flavors with a taste that matches traditional cuisine. Dishes consistently reflect genuine recipes and delicious authenticity.

Chimichangas come out crispy and flavorful. They pair well with burritos and quesadillas, all tasting delicious.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be great."

"I found the Mexican food here to be truly authentic and delicious."

"I'd recommend the chimichangas; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is usually full, especially during busy hours.

2

Prices are very reasonable, with meals costing less than $20.

3

Expect a wait for food, particularly for to-go orders.

12
Mr. Ruribertos Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with outdoor seating and a rustic, bright atmosphere near the beach creates a casual vibe. Country music plays softly while a salsa bar adds a lively touch. The place draws a mix of locals and late-night diners seeking authentic Mexican flavors.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with spicy heat and large portions. Flour tortillas taste genuine, adding to the overall authenticity.

Fried to perfection, the chimichanga is huge and filled with chicken. It stands out as a favorite menu item alongside fish and rolled tacos.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best Mexican food in Mission/PB."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food and the great flour tortillas."

"I thought the chimichangas I ate there were the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens at 7 am, but check for any delays.

2

There is no restroom available for customers on the premises.

3

Sufficient seating is available both indoors and outdoors.

13
Don Ricardo's Bar & Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with old-school decor and an inviting bar featuring plenty of TVs. Atmosphere feels like a cantina in Rosarito Beach with loud Mexican music that fills the space. The vibe is fun and happy, attracting those looking for a lively hangout.

Some dishes offer a fresh and authentic taste that stands out. However, other items feel similar to typical Mexican food and lack true authenticity.

Chicken chimichanga comes in a generous size and packs a flavorful filling. It stands out among other entrees like chicken fajitas and vegan burrito.

People are saying

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and well-seasoned."

"I found the food delicious and authentic."

"The chimichanga was the size of a small child and filled with everything delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Sunday brunch offers bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys for $24.95.

3

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos all day.

14
El Indio Mexican Restaurant and Catering image 1

Classic Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating including a garden patio. Atmosphere mixes a 1940s vibe with occasional loud order announcements, creating a unique but sometimes startling environment. Features a salsa bar and homemade tortillas, adding to its traditional appeal.

Mexican food here stays true to authentic Southern California flavors with dishes that reflect traditional recipes. The meals consistently deliver a genuine taste that satisfies those seeking real Mexican cuisine.

Chimichangas come with an excellent crispy tortilla wrap and balanced spice. Portions are very large and can be a bit greasy due to frying, but they remain satisfying and flavorful.

People are saying

"I thought the shredded beef tacos were the best."

"The chimichanga wrap was perfectly crispy and had just the right spice."

"I found the Mexican food here to be really authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu includes $3.50 for two street tacos and $5 margaritas.

2

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

3

Parking is available across the street in a dedicated lot.

15
Blanco Cocina + Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an open floor plan and large windows creates a bright, airy feel. Outdoor patio seating with heaters offers a comfortable spot even in cooler weather. The vibe suits a younger crowd, blending stylish decor with a lively atmosphere.

Mexican dishes here have authentic flavors and a vibrant atmosphere. The food tastes excellent and stays true to traditional recipes.

Hefty chimichangas come with fried perfection and tender, juicy meat inside. Options include short rib machaca and braised chicken, served with red or green sauce on the side.

People are saying

"Chloe was an absolute superstar serving our Mexican food."

"The Mexican food here tastes authentic and is a must-visit."

"The chimichanga here is really tasty and filling."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-4pm on weekdays and all day on Tuesdays.

2

The bar area offers a special happy hour menu with great options.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

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