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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of El Cajon

Authentic tacos

You are looking for a taco that prioritizes traditional preparation.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Ama’s taqueria y cocina image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Colorful, authentic Mexican decor creates a family-friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. The space feels like a small village taqueria, filled with great Mexican music and a warm vibe. It offers a hidden gem experience with strong cultural energy.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with homestyle recipes and Mexico City-style dishes. Every meal feels made with love and stays true to traditional flavors.

Tacos feature lean carne asada and generous toppings like guacamole, cilantro, and onion. Varieties include Al Pastor, adobada, tripe, and cabesa, all with rich, flavorful meats and satisfying portions.

People are saying

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

"I found the breakfast burritos here to be amazing."

"These tacos are authentic, flavorful, and fresh."

Good to know

1

There are no public restrooms at this taqueria.

2

The prices are very affordable for authentic Mexican food.

3

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

02
Tacos El Gallo image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco shop offers authentic tacos with homemade style and flavorful fillings like Al Pastor and Quesabirria. Atmosphere feels like a family-owned home kitchen, lively with good energy and laughter. Clean, basic dining area with affordable prices and easy parking.

Tacos here deliver authentic street flavors like those found in Mexico. The food stays fresh and flavorful, capturing true Mexican taco taste.

Tacos here offer authentic flavors with standout options like carne asada, birria, and cactus tacos. The menu includes unique items such as chile Relleno and carne asada nachos, all served with friendly and patient staff.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be authentic and delicious."

"I thought the tacos here were the best in the area."

"The handmade tortillas here are fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available.

2

The tacos cost around $4 each, and they were small like street tacos.

3

The menu consists mostly of tacos and is not very extensive.

03
Taco Azul, INC image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco shop with a clean, minimal seating area and an organized kitchen. Offers authentic Mexican food with blue corn and fish tacos that many find exceptional. Known for affordable prices and street tacos that attract a loyal local following.

Tacos deliver authentic, flavorful tastes with fresh ingredients. Sides like rice and beans also reflect genuine Mexican flavors.

Street tacos stand out with homemade tortillas that boost flavor. Fish and carne asada tacos offer great taste at affordable prices around $1.30 each.

People are saying

"The tacos and burritos here are delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"I found the fish tacos here to be delicious."

"The authentic Mexican flavors here are truly distinctive and delicious."

Good to know

1

Street tacos cost $1.25 each.

2

Fish tacos are priced at $3.00 each.

3

Taco deals include 2 fish tacos for $3.00.

04
THE BURRITO CITY - San Diego image 1

Modern restaurant space offers a fresh, clean interior with colorful, unique design. Energy stays relaxed and enjoyable, suited for casual dining with self-serve salsa bar featuring multiple options. Regulars fill the place, drawn by high-quality Mexican food and a well-executed setup that feels like a franchise.

Flavors and sauces match home cooking closely. This spot serves authentic Mexican food that feels genuine and traditional.

Rolled tacos come fresh, not greasy, and filled with beef. The surf and turf taco and carnitas tacos stand out for their quality and flavor.

People are saying

"The burritos here are juicy, flavorful, and not greasy."

"These tacos are fresh, not greasy, and totally delicious."

"I found the authentic Mexican food here tasted like my mom's home cooking."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of easy parking available in the shopping center.

2

The menu includes a variety of items like tacos, burritos, and seafood.

3

The establishment is very clean and well organized.

05
Tortillería Salsa image 1
Grocery store

Small, compact grocery store with a Mexican flavor and fresh tortillas. Atmosphere feels like a hometown market with a wide selection of authentic ingredients and salsas. Space is limited, making it cozy but cramped for movement.

Everything comes fresh and made on site. The food feels genuinely authentic in every dish served.

Tacos come with homemade tortillas and fresh, flavorful ingredients. Mini tacos pack a lot of meat, though service at the meat counter can feel rushed.

People are saying

"I found the tortillas here to be fresh and delicious."

"I really enjoyed the tacos, especially the homemade corn tortillas."

"Everything here is made fresh on site and feels genuinely authentic."

Good to know

1

The store offers a variety of fresh produce and tortillas.

2

Parking access is convenient for visitors.

3

Expect limited space, making it cramped for larger groups.

06
Mr. Shawarma El Cajon image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a spacious, clean interior with an open kitchen layout and traditional Middle Eastern decor. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with lively music and enticing aromas creating a comfortable dining experience. Families frequent the place, enjoying authentic shawarma and falafel in a friendly setting.

Shawarma offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors with satisfying Mediterranean cuisine. The dishes deliver delicious, genuine tastes throughout.

Shrimp tacos come with a little kick and a crunchy texture. Birria tacos offer a rich, flavorful experience. Multiple wrap options create a cross-cultural taco variety.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing and authentic."

"The Mediterranean food here is authentic and delicious."

"I found the birria tacos amazing and well-presented."

Good to know

1

Expect a special deal on Wednesdays that could save you money.

2

The restaurant is open late, making it a good option for night owls.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but check for any additional fees.

07
Kaelin's Market image 1
Grocery store

Grocery store combines full-service butcher, salsa bar, and hot prepared food counter in a compact space. Atmosphere stays quiet and organized, with occasional lively moments around tacos. Offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican products and fresh bakery items.

Offers authentic Mexican food with fresh produce and corn tortillas. Includes a bakery, piñatas, and Mexican liquor for a full cultural experience.

Tacos here come with carne asada and carnitas options that are both tasty and affordable, with some priced around $2. The spot offers quick service, making it easy to grab a bite during a lunch break or with family.

People are saying

"This grocery store has the best authentic Mexican food and fresh tortillas."

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

"I thought their carnitas tacos were the best."

Good to know

1

Kaelin's Market offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican products.

2

Prepared food is available both hot and cold for immediate consumption.

3

The store maintains a clean and organized environment.

08
El Culichi - Birriería y Cenaduría image 1

Small, cozy space with a home-like atmosphere and family-friendly vibe. Clean and inviting environment with traditional Mexican dishes and regional specialties. Staff create an easy warmth, making it feel like visiting friends.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with a homemade style and focuses on quality and freshness. Dishes like Sinaloa machaca and birria offer well-seasoned, traditional tastes without cheddar cheese.

Tacos feature birria in many forms like stew, cabeza, lengua, and chivo. Crispy beef and tongue tacos stand out as delicious options. Shrimp tacos have just one shrimp with cheese, which is less than usual.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the birria."

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

"I found the crispy beef and tongue tacos delicious."

Good to know

1

Check your bill carefully as prices may differ from the menu due to tax.

2

The restaurant gets busy during lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

3

They offer to-go options with a broad menu selection.

09
La Casita's Grill & Seafood image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with excellent decor and plenty of seating creates a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Customers order at the counter and find a homey vibe inside. The place often feels quiet during midday hours.

Food features fresh ingredients and authentic Mexican flavors. Burritos stand out for their delicious, genuine taste.

Rolled tacos stand out with exceptional flavor and quality. Fish tacos also impress, while shrimp, asada, and chicken tacos tend to be bland or lack flavor.

People are saying

"You have to try their burritos; they're huge and so good."

"The salsa here has a great kick and is delicious."

"I don't think I'll find a more authentic burrito anywhere else."

Good to know

1

You order at the counter and sit down to receive your food.

2

There’s plenty of seating inside for families and groups.

3

Karaoke happens on Friday nights from 4 to 7 pm.

10
Hacienda Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina image 1

Stonework, stucco, and hanging tin lanterns create an authentic hacienda atmosphere with quirky, unique décor. Live music fills the space on certain days, adding lively energy that can be quite loud. The crowd enjoys excellent Mexican food and a variety of margaritas in a friendly, inviting setting.

Architecture and design reflect an authentic hacienda style. Food delivers authentic Mexican flavors with a consistent, delicious taste and a spicy twist.

Fish tacos stand out with both battered and grilled options delivering excellent flavor. Potato tacos and shredded beef tacos also offer tasty variety with top-notch quality across the board.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here is great, and the service is excellent."

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

"The Sunday brunch taco bar had a wide variety of options."

Good to know

1

The brunch costs $36 per person for all-you-can-eat.

2

Happy hour specials are available, making it a great time to visit.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

11
EL CILANTRO MEXICAN GRILL image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern, colorful space with a patio lit by string lights creates a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Loud music fills both dining area and patio, making conversation difficult. Daily one-dollar tacos and fast, affordable food draw a steady crowd.

Food offers bold, authentic flavors with fresh ingredients. Burritos stand out for their true Mexican taste that feels genuine and satisfying.

Carne asada tacos come on hand-crafted tortillas with perfect seasoning and strong flavor. 99-cent Tijuana-style tacos on Tuesday offer great value with excellent taste.

People are saying

"You have to try the tacos; they're fresh and generously filled."

"You can get dollar tacos on Taco Tuesday."

"The carne asada tacos are packed with bold, authentic flavors."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru hours are 24/7 for convenience.

2

Taco Tuesday offers dollar tacos, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

The restaurant is open until 3 AM for late-night cravings.

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El Cajon, California

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