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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in El Cajon

Taco spots

A taco is the only thing that makes sense when the craving hits.

Based on 628 Opinions
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01
Ama’s taqueria y cocina image 1
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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 Mexico City-style Mexican food shines here with homemade salsas and a family-run touch. Every dish tastes delicious and truly homemade.

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 food here to be delicious and 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
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Mexican restaurant offers a quiet atmosphere with a clean, simple setup. Regulars come for authentic flavors and best shredded chicken burritos. Known for potato tacos and rolled tacos, it serves as a low-key spot for lunch or dinner.

Food features great quality and excellent taste with good portions served hot and well-presented. The menu offers authentic Mexican dishes in a clean, casual setting with reliable service.

Potato tacos stand out with a flavor that rivals any. Rolled tacos match the quality of those found in small Mexican shops, creating a truly authentic taco experience.

People are saying

"I loved the food; it tasted so fresh and authentic."

"I've never had rolled tacos this good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy lunch hours.

3

Credit cards and cash are accepted; no personal checks.

03
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Cozy Mexican restaurant with limited seating and a small free parking lot. Serves authentic dishes like carne asada fries and large, generous burritos. Atmosphere feels like a hole-in-the-wall spot with reasonable prices.

Food comes out freshly made and nice and hot with authentic flavors like green enchiladas and homemade Jamaica. Meals are served quickly and priced reasonably.

Offers adobada tacos, rolled tacos, and a potato and egg dish with very good portions. Serves authentic tacos in a small, comfortable, and quiet setting with limited seating.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and served nice and hot."

"I loved the delicious tacos and burritos with very good portions."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is small but free.

2

Seating is limited at Daniel's Taco Shop.

3

Prices are very reasonable for the food offered.

04
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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.

Food features excellent Middle Eastern cuisine with consistently super delicious flavors. The menu offers a fantastic dining experience with great service.

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 food here is fresh 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.

05
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Mexican restaurant with colorful traditional decor and beautiful stained glass windows creates a quiet, cozy atmosphere. It attracts families and locals seeking authentic Mexican food and excellent margaritas. Generous portions and affordable prices make it a popular spot for relaxed meals.

Food comes out hot and fresh, with authentic Mexican flavors that are consistently well cooked and nicely seasoned. Portions are generous, like the Gordo Plate with multiple items and sides, all at a reasonable price.

Crispy tacos stand out here, especially the crispy chicken tacos and beef hard taco on the Gordo Plate. Carnitas shine in both soft tacos and giant burritos, paired well with black beans.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I enjoyed the crispy chicken tacos."

Good to know

1

Expect a short wait on weekends, but weekdays are less busy.

2

Lunch specials are available Monday to Friday for $8.99.

3

Plenty of off-street parking is available for guests.

06
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Small Mexican eatery with bright lighting and colorful artwork creates a compact, quick-service environment. Space is limited with minimal seating, encouraging fast in-and-out dining. Food stands out with fresh ingredients and highly praised burritos and tacos.

Authentic homemade Mexican food shines with big servings and consistently fantastic flavors that satisfy every visit.

Tacos here stand out for their unique flavors and delicious quality. Options like carne asada, chicken, cabeza, and potato rolled tacos offer a variety that feels fresh and satisfying.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, hot, and delicious."

"I found the tacos to be delicious and uniquely good."

Good to know

1

Most burritos cost around $11, with tacos priced at $4 each.

2

Chuy's offers a large menu with various options for customization.

3

Expect a casual dining experience with no reservations needed.

07
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Mexican restaurant offers clean atmosphere with a well-stocked salsa bar and condiments bar. Food comes in large portions with standout dishes like carne asada fries and birria tacos. The setting suits sit-down dining without drive-thru service.

Food stays hot and flavorful thanks to a magic spoon. Mexican American dishes come out fresh and well prepared, matching the quality found in Mexico.

Meat tacos stand out with buche, carne asada, and fish options all tasting great. Birria tacos rank among the best in San Diego, and calamari tacos add a unique twist. Full-sized tacos cost $1.99, offering solid value.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"I came for Taco Tuesday and was pleased with the experience."

Good to know

1

They open at 9 am on Sundays.

2

Taco Tuesday offers amazing prices and huge portions.

3

Expect no waiting in line on most days.

08
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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.

Food features high quality and homemade flavors with decent prices. Meals come fast and avoid fillers, served in a clean dining area.

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

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

"The food here is homemade, fresh, 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.

09
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Mexican restaurant with a chill vibe and friendly atmosphere offers authentic cuisine and generous portions. Interior includes plenty of seating and a TV, creating a casual dining experience. Menu features a wide variety of dishes with specials like $2 tacos on Tuesdays.

Authentic Mexican dishes come out quickly and consistently with great salsa and no nonsense flavors. The menu offers a fantastic selection that satisfies with solid quality and good value.

Tacos come in beef dorados, fish, and fight varieties, all tasty. Tuesdays offer a deal with tacos at just $2 each.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was awesome and great quality."

"I found the fish tacos to be very good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos each.

2

Prices have increased since before the pandemic.

3

Burritos with more than meat and pico de gallo now cost more than $10.

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Mexican restaurant with simple, clean decor and an attached Cantina sports bar. Atmosphere feels elegant but lively, with loud country music adding energy. Known for creative menu options and some of the best tacos and rolled tacos in the area.

Fresh Mexican food stands out with authentic flavors and large portions. Tacos are a highlight, served with fast and friendly service.

Big rolled tacos stand out with extra meat and come in both beef and chicken options. The menu also features taco lettuce wraps and adobada tacos, offering a variety of solid choices.

People are saying

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

"You've got to try the big rolled tacos here; they're awesome."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options for convenience.

2

Expect prices to be moderately priced, with burritos costing around $11.

3

The menu features a variety of options, including chicken roll tacos and adobada tacos.

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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.

Delicious Mexican food waits in the back of the market with various options for takeout. Staff in the hot food and meat/dairy departments prepare freshly made dishes that fill the air with inviting smells.

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 Mexican food here absolutely delicious."

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

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.

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Small indoor seating pairs with a covered outdoor patio, creating a casual dining space with an older but clean appearance. The atmosphere suits those seeking traditional Mexican options with fresh tortillas and grilled carne asada. Late closing times and a walk-up window add to the convenient, laid-back vibe.

Food stands out for its excellent quality and generous portions. Mexican dishes come out consistently well-prepared and satisfying.

Carne asada tacos come large and satisfying, with a consistent quality that stands out. The fish taco is very good, and the shop offers a unique fried tortilla big taco option.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"I thought the tacos here were amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay higher prices for tacos compared to other local shops.

2

Parking is challenging due to the small lot and surrounding buildings.

3

The walk-up window allows for quick service and outdoor seating.

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Mexican restaurant with quiet atmosphere and good music volume creates a relaxed dining experience. It attracts a local crowd, especially before lunch rush, offering clean, simple setting with excellent birria tacos known for freshness and flavor.

Food offers authentic flavor and consistently delicious taste. Waiting in line happens because the quality stands out.

Birria tacos come with plenty of meat and a good portion size. They taste like the ones from TJ, are not too greasy, and cost little.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really tasty and delicious."

"I thought the birria tacos were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on-site for customers.

2

Tacos are priced affordably, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Reservations are not required, but arriving early helps avoid long lines.

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Mexican restaurant offers clean environment with quick service and a rewards program featuring free food and promotions. The atmosphere feels good and the space looks nice. Popular dishes include breakfast burritos and carne asada fries, known for freshness and generous portions.

Breakfast burritos and salads stand out as tasty options. The food stays consistently really good with a clean and comfortable dining area.

Beef tacos come in a combo with green sauce that stands out. Crispy beef tacos, Cali tacos, and fish tacos offer plentiful, delicious options with sides like rice and beans.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and served quickly."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos every Tuesday.

2

They offer a free birthday burrito for loyalty members.

3

Expect longer wait times for well-done fries.

15
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Large open-air patio hosts live music and encourages dancing and singing in a loud, fun atmosphere. Plenty of TVs surround a cool bar area, with indoor and outdoor seating options. The vibe is energetic and social, drawing crowds for weekend entertainment.

Food offers a wide variety with great taste and reasonable prices. Dishes look amazing and satisfy many appetites.

Birria and calamari tacos stand out with rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Happy hour offers five dollar tacos, including fish, chicken, and carnitas options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and a great time."

"The birria and canitas tacos here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 5 pm with great deals on food and drinks.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere on popular nights, especially during live music events.

3

The venue has a dog-friendly outdoor seating area for pet owners.

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Hacienda Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina image 1
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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.

Food features delicious Mexican dishes with consistent quality and well-made margaritas. Service complements the food well, creating a solid dining experience.

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 delicious and authentic."

"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.

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Mexican restaurant offers crowded atmosphere with a salsa bar for snacking. It serves high-quality ingredients in dishes like surf and turf burritos and carne asada quesadillas. The vibe suits a relaxed meal with fair prices and flavorful options.

Food here stays consistently good and fresh with every order. Mexican dishes come out hot and full of flavor.

Rolled tacos come with guacamole and taste great. Carne tacos stand out as flavorful. Salsa tends to be mild or watered down, with no spicy option available.

People are saying

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

"I thought the rolled tacos with guacamole were great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours.

3

The average meal cost is around $30 per person.

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Bright red and white walls create a clean, upscale setting with renovated decor and ample parking. The atmosphere feels more polished than typical taco shops, highlighted by homemade salsa with a chunky texture that stands out. Patio seating exists but is less appealing due to outside surroundings.

Phenomenal quesabirria and best rolled tacos stand out here. Food comes out made to order quickly with chunky salsa that stays on the burrito. Prices are good and service is welcoming and efficient.

Rolled tacos stand out with their fresh off the grill heat and hot, tasty flavor. Al Pastor and Carne Asada tacos come with salsa fresca and guacamole, served in generous sizes that justify the price.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, some of the best I've had."

"I thought the rolled tacos here were the best in the world."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost about $5 each, offering good value for their size.

2

The restaurant has ample parking available for customers.

3

The patio dining area may be less desirable due to outside conditions.

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Barrel-shaped building offers a novelty design with a drive-through window for quick service. Atmosphere feels cozy but cramped, attracting those seeking large portions and late-night Mexican food. The place balances affordable prices with a reputation for generous servings.

Food features authentic Mexican cuisine with freshly cooked dishes served in big portions. The flavors stand out for their freshness and genuine taste.

Tacos come with huge portions and are really tasty. Rolled tacos stand out as extremely delicious and prices stay very low.

People are saying

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

"I found this spot to be great for a late night taco snack."

Good to know

1

Rosendo's Taco Shop is not actually open 24 hours as advertised.

2

Expect to pay around $50 for three items.

3

There is no option to tip on card, so bring cash.

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Mexican restaurant inside a shawarma shop offers a unique fusion of Mediterranean and Mexican flavors with a halal menu. The atmosphere feels welcoming and clean, suitable for quick lunches or relaxed dinners. Tacos and burritos stand out for their freshness and quality, drawing those seeking authentic halal Mexican food.

The menu features a unique fusion of Middle Eastern and Mexican cuisines with food made fresh to order. Dishes offer halal Mexican flavors that are consistently delicious and clean.

Tacos come with fresh ingredients and well-seasoned meat. The falafel tacos have a perfect crunch and prices stay affordable.

People are saying

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

"I found the halal tacos here to be fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's best to check for busy times.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of halal options, including tacos and fries.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $10-$15.

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Mexican restaurant open 24 hours with a drive-thru that allows quick service. Food includes best rolled tacos and chimichanga with carne asada, alongside some items that vary in quality. Community involvement supports social rehabilitation through work-for-food programs.

Food features fresh and clean flavors with plentiful portions. The chicken burrito with crispy taquito, rice, and beans stands out as a delicious choice.

Rolled tacos stand out with their good crisp and generous toppings of sour cream and cheese. Quick drive-thru service makes grabbing a Tostada Bowl or these tacos easy and satisfying.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and fresh."

"You've got to try the rolled tacos with extra cheese."

Good to know

1

Los Garcia's Taco Shop is open 24 hours.

2

The California burrito costs less than the carne asada burrito.

3

The price of 11 dollars for the bowl is unbeatable.

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