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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Escondido

Mexican food

Made for those who have a deep-seated preference for Mexican food and seek it out at every opportunity.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
El Paisa Mexican Food image 1
El Paisa Mexican Food image 2
El Paisa Mexican Food image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot serves authentic dishes like birria tacos and menudo with rich flavors. Cozy interior and self-serve salsa bar create a warm, family vibe. Outdoor patio offers a casual place to enjoy meals under the sun.

Authentic Mexican dishes like milanesa torta, birria taco, and menudo stand out for their rich flavors. Varieties of tacos, rolled tacos, and burritos such as the California and carne asada offer a satisfying and flavorful experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and bursting with flavor."

"The salsa bar has a great variety, including a really good green jalapeรฑo."

"I think their breakfast burrito is the best I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

On Fridays, they make tacos outside with their taco stand.

2

The restaurant can accommodate larger parties with pop-up tents.

3

They offer flexible combination plates with various options.

02
Mi Reyna Tortilleria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Handmade tortillas and fresh tamales create an authentic Mexican vibe. Cozy, family-run space offers generous tacos with quality meats like birria and carnitas. Clean, open setting invites guests to enjoy carne asada burritos bursting with flavor.

Fresh tortillas made on site complement generous tacos filled with high-quality meat like birria, carnitas, and adobada. Moist tamales come with creamy green and red sauces, and the carne asada burrito stands out for its flavor and size.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tacos here were absolutely incredible."

"Their homemade tortillas are so fresh, they're the best I've had."

Good to know

1

All tortillas are made by hand and made to order.

2

You have to pre-order the masa a day in advance.

3

The restaurant had a perfect health inspection report.

03
Tamales Jovita image 1
Tamale shop

Small shop offers a family-friendly vibe with cozy, quiet seating. Fresh, moist tamales come in variety of flavors like beef and queso con rajas. Affordable prices and authentic hot sauces make it a great spot for Mexican food lovers.

Tamales come fresh and moist with a nice variety including beef, pork, and queso con rajas. Hot sauces complement the flavorful tamales, which stay moist and never dry.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales were the most delicious I've ever had."

"The food here, especially the tamales, is delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the tamales were the best Mexican food I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

EBT is accepted for payments at this location.

2

Prices are affordable, with many options under $10.

3

The shop is usually closed on Sundays.

04
The Villa on Grand image 1

Modern Mexican spot shines with fresh chilaquiles and battered fish tacos. Spacious, airy dining feels welcoming and relaxed. Friendly owners add to the chill vibe that matches the flavorful food perfectly.

Chilaquiles with carne asada stand out for their freshness and quality. The menu features battered fish and shrimp tacos that are consistently flavorful and perfectly cooked, along with carnitas and carne asada burritos that offer unique and high-quality Mexican flavors.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas and guacamole at these Date Spots are fresh and tasty."

"The chilaquiles and eggs here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

2

Parking is available on the side street near the restaurant.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

05
Lourdes Mexican Food To Go image 1
Mexican restaurant

Counter service inside a gas station offers Mexican-style chicken soup with big chicken pieces and fresh avocado. Well-seasoned carne asada shines in burritos and quesadillas. Casual, welcoming vibe suits quick stops, though parking is tight.

Chicken soup stands out with big pieces of chicken breast, rice, avocado, onions, and cilantro in a tasty broth. Burritos and quesadillas feature well-seasoned carne asada and soft cheese, with options like the breakfast burrito with grilled chicken and avocado.

People are saying

"I thought the burritos and salsas here were really good."

"I thought their chicken soup was the best in town."

"Their chicken soup tastes like something your grandma would make."

Good to know

1

Lourdes Mexican Food To Go is located inside a gas station.

2

There is no place to sit down; it's a to-go counter.

3

Parking can be difficult due to the busy gas station.

06
Five Star Market image 1
Grocery store

Grocery store blends fresh tortillas and pre-seasoned carne asada for authentic Mexican food with mini bank services like money transfers and check cashing. Quirky, fun vibe with busy parking at peak times makes it a lively spot.

Street tacos come with fresh, pre-seasoned carne asada and really good tortillas. The tacos smell great and offer authentic Mexican flavors at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I thought the street tacos were really good."

"The Mexican food, especially the street tacos, is really good."

"The tortillas here were really good and tasted great."

Good to know

1

Parking can get crazy during busy hours.

2

Driving into Five Star Market requires careful attention due to tight parking.

3

You can cash checks and send money internationally at the store.

07
Mexico Lindo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small diner offers authentic Mexican food with standout birria tacos and generous burritos. Vintage decor creates a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Lean, flavorful meats make every dish memorable.

Burritos come with generous servings and strong flavor, especially the fish and vegetarian options. Tacos like birria, tripa, and carne asada stand out for their authentic taste and careful preparation.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so traditional and tastes wonderful."

"The diner staff here is super sweet and helpful."

"It's a cozy little diner with old school taco shop vibes."

Good to know

1

There is a small charge for chips and salsa.

2

The dish alone costs over $16.

3

The restaurant has been around for over 40 years.

08
Fridas Street Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large open patio with outdoor taco bar and lively Frida-themed decor sets a festive mood. Birria and al pastor tacos shine, especially on $1.99 Tuesday street tacos. Loud music fills the space, making conversation tough but adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Tacos stand out with birria and al pastor options that many find delicious. Street tacos cost $1.99 on Tuesdays, and the Adovada Torta is also available.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and very filling."

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be shockingly delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult; plan to arrive early or find alternative options.

2

You can order ahead to avoid long waits on busy nights like Thursday to Saturday.

3

On Tuesdays, enjoy $1.99 street tacos all day.

09
That Mexican Place image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic Mexican food with fresh shredded beef tacos and generous portions like Carne asada fries. The hole-in-the-wall vibe offers a relaxed but lively atmosphere with colorful decor and fresh flowers. Prices stay affordable, making it a great spot for casual dining.

Home-cooked Mexican food features fresh shredded beef tacos, Carne asada fries, and house-made Spanish rice. Burritos come in large portions with options like surf n turf and bean & cheese, all tasting rich and clean.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, especially the fajitas and enchiladas."

"You have to try the fish burrito; it's phenomenal."

"You have to try the fish burrito; it's phenomenal."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat chips and salsa with your meal.

2

The portions at the restaurant are generous and provide good value.

3

The parking lot is small and often full during peak hours.

10
Valley Plaza image 1
Shopping mall

Shopping mall blends casual vibe with huge fish tank and diverse food spots. Dollar tacos shine with carne asada and pollo asada options, paired with tasty salsas. Expect quality seasoned meats despite slightly higher prices in an older setting.

Dollar tacos stand out with carne asada and pollo asada options. Salsas complement the tacos well, though the birria taco tends to be salty.

People are saying

"I thought the carne asada was really, really good for BBQ."

"I found the salsa here to be the best I had ever tasted."

"The Mexican food's carne asada is really good and well-marinated."

Good to know

1

Appointments are recommended as the owner often gets busy.

2

Valley Plaza has a variety of stores, including a taco shop and BBQ restaurant.

3

Parking is generally acceptable at Valley Plaza.

11
Jilbertos Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican dishes shine with carne asada fries and menudo offering bold flavors. Salsa bar boasts unique hot sauces like jalapeno and guacamole. Atmosphere stays clean and lively, perfect for hearty, flavorful meals.

Menudo stands out as a signature dish here, alongside carne asada fries that come in hearty servings. Tacos offer a crunchy texture without greasiness, and the salsa bar features unique hot sauces like jalapeno and guacamole.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is huge and super delicious."

"I always get the green salsa in a big container."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required for dining at Jilbertos Mexican Food.

2

Expect generous portion sizes; one burrito is filling enough for most.

3

The restaurant offers both dine-in and take-out options.

12
Chicken Lisa's and Your Mexican Favorites image 1

Cozy spot with fire pits and lively live music sets a chaotic nightclub vibe. Authentic Mexican dishes like beef flautas shine alongside a hot sauce bar and custom salsas. Indoor and outdoor seating blend comfort with energy.

Authentic Mexican dishes include beef flautas, carnitas with rice and guacamole, and chicken with tortillas. Salsa options stand out with custom and homemade varieties that complement the meals well.

People are saying

"The chicken tacos and carne asada burritos are delicious."

"Their salsas are really good and they make their own."

"The food here is amazing and my kids loved it."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in front and back of the restaurant.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant serves generous portions, perfect for sharing.

13
Taqueria Morelos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy generous portions of flavorful Mexican food like breakfast burritos and tacos with tasty salsas. Interior is cute and simple, perfect for casual dining. Outdoor seating exists but can be less comfortable due to occasional disturbances.

Breakfast burritos cost 7.99 and come with free chips and salsa when dining in. Tacos, especially chicken and steak, are served with generous tortillas and have very good flavor in the salsas.

People are saying

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

"I thought the burritos were very good, a must-try."

"I thought the Chille Relleno Burrito was a must-try."

Good to know

1

Breakfast burritos cost $7.99 and are considered good.

2

Portions at Taqueria Morelos are generous.

3

The food is priced very reasonably.

14
Birrieria Ay Jalisco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic goat birria with handmade tortillas in a lively spot filled with beautiful wall art. Expect a noisy atmosphere with multiple music sources and convenient parking. Clean space with some worn furniture adds to the charm.

Birria here uses traditional goat meat with a spicy, flavorful profile. Thick tortillas, tender birria tacos, and dishes like chilaquiles with fresh cheese and green salsa highlight authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"I found the birria tacos to be delicious Mexican food."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas; they're like the ones from Mexico."

"I loved the tasty, authentic Mexican soups here."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is available nearby, making access convenient.

3

Prices for dishes range from $10 to $20, depending on the selection.

15
Escondido Square Shopping Center image 1

Large shopping center offers varied Mexican foods like tamales and carnitas with fresh tortillas. Friendly vibe shines through a glam Cine de Oro theme at La Takiza. Plenty of parking supports a busy, diverse crowd enjoying dine-in and to-go options.

Several spots offer tamales, pozole, and carnitas with fresh tortillas. Tacos come from various small shops, providing a range of flavors. Some prepared items like pozole may spoil quickly.

People are saying

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

"I found everything I needed for Mexican food here."

"I got incredible produce at this Market."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful and easy to find at the shopping center.

2

The supermarket offers a good selection of Mexican products.

3

Northgate Market has great quality produce available.

16
Hernandez Hideaway Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant offers strong margaritas and classic dishes like shrimp quesadilla and chicken enchilada. Retro 1970's decor with dark red leather booths creates a warm, family-friendly vibe. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy pleasant weather while watching widescreen TVs.

Strong margaritas flow freely and come perfectly chilled. The food features shrimp quesadilla, chicken enchilada, and a greasy shredded beef taco, with homemade salsa and chips served on the side.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, hot, and flavorful."

"You have to try the margaritas; they're good and strong."

"This bar has a warm, welcoming vibe with a lot of character."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for parties of six or more.

2

Expect high prices, with some dishes like the carnitas plate costing $24.

3

Prices for sides, like guacamole and sour cream, can be surprising.

17
Tacos El Portal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space offers a warm atmosphere with generous tacos filled with moist beef and flavorful refried beans. Breakfast burritos with bacon or asada are big and tasty. Authentic drinks like horchata add to the local Mexican food experience.

Breakfast burritos come with bacon or asada and are big enough for a full meal. Tacos feature moist beef and generous meat fillings, paired with flavorful refried beans and smooth textures. Horchata and menudo add to the authentic Mexican food experience.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and fresh."

"I thought the breakfast burrito was a perfect 10."

"I loved the breakfast burritos; they were so good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

2

There are many salsas to choose from, ranging from mild to hot.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

18
El Tejate Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with authentic Oaxacan food like Tlayudas and handmade tortillas. Cozy atmosphere gets lively when busy. Prices reflect quality ingredients and specialty dishes.

Tlayudas stand out as a signature dish, combining unique flavors and textures. Carne Asada tacos and handmade tortillas also highlight the fresh, authentic Mexican food offerings.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and really delicious."

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

"I found the Mexican food, specifically the tlayuda, to be perfect."

Good to know

1

Expect higher prices, with main dishes averaging around $30 per person.

2

Chips and salsa are now charged separately at $4.

3

Service may be slow during peak hours, especially around 6 PM.

19
Kotija Taco Shop Mexican Food image 1

Mexican food shines with perfectly crunchy tacos and generous portions of burritos and carne asada fries. Atmosphere feels grimy with unclean floors and tables, but many order to go despite 20-minute waits. Prices are higher, matching the mix of quality and value.

Tacos come perfectly crunchy and huge, with options like beef and chicken rolled tacos standing out. Burritos feature generous portions and fillings like menudo with chorizo or potato, egg, and cheese, while carne asada fries and shredded beef rolled tacos are common favorites.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good and plentiful."

"The shredded beef rolled tacos were the highlight."

"I found the breakfast burritos to be perfect Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait up to 20 minutes for takeout orders during peak hours.

2

Prices for burritos start at $13, with additional charges for extras.

3

Refills on soda are charged separately, so consider this when ordering.

20
Chito's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican shop serves authentic flavors with creamy guacamole and salsa roja that packs depth. Intimate, cash-only spot offers generous portions in a cozy space perfect for traditional dishes.

Chicken rolled tacos and a California burrito with guacamole stand out for their consistent flavor and creamy guacamole. Salsa roja offers exceptional depth, while carne asada and beans deliver solid, authentic tastes.

People are saying

"I thought the burrito here was the best I ever had."

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

"I thought their burritos were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Chito's Taco Shop accepts cash only, so be prepared with cash.

2

Expect long wait times during peak lunch hours.

3

Taco Tuesdays are a highlight of the week.

21
Cocina del Charro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic tamales and fish tacos with fresh salsa. Indoor and outdoor seating includes a covered patio with comfy chairs. Known for a flight of margaritas and a lively, sometimes noisy atmosphere near central tables.

Carnitas family deal and fish tacos stand out for their flavor and freshness. The menu includes authentic tamales, inventive appetizers, and a flight of margaritas that pairs well with fresh, homemade salsa and chips.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, and the service was fabulous."

"I loved sitting on the patio on a lovely day."

"I loved the fantastic margaritas during Happy Hour."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM, Monday to Friday.

2

Sunday brunch is available until 2 PM with a wide variety of dishes.

3

Parking is wheelchair accessible.

22
Santa Ana Fresh Mexican Food image 1

Enjoy authentic Mexican food with standout tacos like adobada TJ and surf and turf. Relax in a homey atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Don't miss the amazing salsa bar featuring sautรฉed peppers and onions for a true flavor boost.

Offers authentic Mexican food with a variety of tacos like adobada TJ, surf and turf, and potato fry. Features an amazing salsa bar with sautรฉed peppers and onions, plus hearty dishes like menudo and cheese enchilada combo plates.

People are saying

"I thought the surf and turf tacos were the best I ever had."

"I loved the flavorful grilled shrimp in the burrito."

"The shrimp in the Mexican food burritos is so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $14.99 for a small portion of carne asada fries.

2

The restaurant has a drive-thru for quick service.

3

A medium drink refill costs $2.50.

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Escondido, California

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