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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to La Mesa

Mexican food and taco spots

Tacos that prioritize authentic preparation over the usual fast-food shortcuts.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
El Veganito image 1
El Veganito image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Mall food court setting offers a bright space with a clerestory but limited ambiance. The energy is casual and typical of food courts, with a focus on 100% vegan Mexican cuisine. Generous portions and eco-friendly to-go boxes stand out in this tucked-away spot.

Big servings of vegan Mexican food feature shredded jackfruit "carnitas" and a Veganito Burrito with adobada. Carnitas tacos and fish tacos also stand out for their quality and flavor.

Vegan tacos stand out with options like jackfruit and potato that deliver strong flavor. Carnitas and fish tacos offer great portions and flavorful profiles matching many San Diego spots.

People are saying

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

"These tacos are just damn good, vegan or meat."

"I thought this vegan burrito was the best I had in San Diego."

Good to know

1

El Veganito is located inside the food court of a mall.

2

El Veganito is open on Tuesdays and closed on Mondays.

3

The burrito costs $16 after taxes.

02
Sierra Market image 1
Liquor store

Liquor store with handmade tortillas and adobada tacos served by a taco stand outside. Offers reasonably priced tacos with good meat portions from Thursday through Sunday. Also stocks a variety of tourist gifts alongside many meat options.

Tacos feature handmade tortillas and generous meat portions with a strong flavor profile. Adobada tacos stand out and prices stay reasonable, available Thursday through Sunday.

Tacos feature great flavor and good meat portions with a focus on adobada style. They come at a reasonable price and are served Thursday through Sunday by the taco guy out front.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is super good and flavorful."

"I found the tacos here to be super good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Tacos are available from Thursday through Sunday.

2

Tortillas are handmade for better quality.

3

Tacos have generous meat portions.

03
Los Tres Potrillos Mexican Food image 1

Family-run Mexican restaurant offers authentic dishes with a positive vibe and free chips for takeout. Limited parking and dining space create an intimate setting, while a TV plays during meals. Known for consistent quality and quick service, it stands out as a hidden gem in the area.

Mini tacos come fresh and fall apart easily, especially the adobada variety. Burritos like the Carne Asada and Surf and Turf offer tender, flavorful meat with balanced toppings like Pico de Gallo and avocado.

Mini tacos stand out for being very fresh and falling apart with flavor. Al pastor street tacos and the El Pastor burrito offer tasty options alongside fish tacos and the Cali Hot Cheetos Burrito.

People are saying

"The burritos here are so well-balanced and flavorful."

"This family-owned place has a genuine atmosphere and pride in its food."

"I had simple but flavorful mini tacos with marinated meat."

Good to know

1

Cash is preferred as there is a surcharge for card payments.

2

Expect a 10-minute wait for take-out orders.

3

The restaurant has limited parking available in front.

04
La Mesita Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican dive spot with spotless cleanliness and free parking in a strip shopping center. Atmosphere is casual and family-friendly with indoor seating. Known for best bacon breakfast burritos and outstanding potato tacos at affordable prices.

Offers a bacon egg cheese bean and potato breakfast burrito under $10 and potato tacos that stand out for flavor. The shrimp tacos and street tacos come highly recommended, with fresh tortilla chips served hot.

Potato tacos stand out for being cheap and very good. Fish tacos come crispy and light with amazing tortillas. Shrimp and beef tacos also rank highly, with street tacos and carne asada nachos popular choices.

People are saying

"The tacos here are the best I've ever had."

"The Cali Burrito was crunchy and very flavorful."

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

Good to know

1

The parking is free but can be difficult during busy periods.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

3

The place is family-friendly with seating available inside.

05
Nachos Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old school drive-up shop with drive-through service and a modest exterior hosts a great energy and outstanding Mexican food. Indoor tables and an outdoor patio with dusty plants create a casual vibe. Known for giant, flavorful burritos and authentic California-style dishes.

SoCal style Mexican food shines here with huge portions and decent prices. Favorites include carne asada fries, California burritos, and rolled tacos, all delivering authentic flavors and excellent customer service.

Tacos here feature flavorful carne asada and great carnitas with huge portions. Fish rolled tacos and carnitas street tacos stand out for their taste and freshness.

People are saying

"I thought the fish burrito was the best I've ever had."

"I highly recommend this Mexican food."

"I found the rolled tacos to be perfectly crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The drive-through is convenient for quick meals.

2

Parking is available and easy to find.

3

The base price of a quesadilla is $5.11, with guacamole costing $1.50.

06
Tita's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small indoor space with limited seating and several outdoor tables creates a quiet, welcoming atmosphere. Mexican dishes feature bold seasoning and flavorful sauces that elevate many items. The spot draws those seeking quick, reasonably priced meals with a family-owned feel.

Burritos and tacos stand out with great flavor and well-cooked ingredients like shrimp and chicken. Tamales and horchata are also available and highly recommended, with the horchata tasting authentic. Service is friendly and kind, enhancing the overall experience.

Quesobirria tacos and fish tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings. Friendly staff serve Mexican comfort food including burritos and homemade horchata in a casual setting.

People are saying

"You have to try this Mexican food; the burritos are worth the wait."

"I thought the bacon Breakfast Burrito tasted homemade and exceptional."

"These Birria tacos are so cheesy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The tacos cost $23 for four, which is slightly more expensive than average.

2

The tamales are available and advertised on the window.

3

The meal is reasonably priced at around $7.

07
Kotija Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating complements a lively atmosphere with plenty of clean, well-kept tables. Burritos stand out for their generous portions and fresh flavors, especially the California burrito and meat lovers burrito. The space keeps doors open, creating an open-air feel without temperature control.

Huge Cali burritos stand out with spot on taste and texture. Tacos and carne asada nachos come fresh and flavorful, with tasty meat and vibrant salsa.

Tacos here come with bold flavors and include options like beef and potato. Some rolled tacos contain bones, which happens repeatedly in meat dishes.

People are saying

"I found the California burrito to be great and huge."

"I highly recommend the delicious Cali burrito."

"These rolled tacos are bigger and more satisfying than most."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of seating available for customers.

2

The place is clean and organized, providing a pleasant dining experience.

3

The dish arrives at the table smoking hot, indicating freshness.

08
Rosarito's Mexican Food #1 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Simple interior with basic seating and a video game machine sets a casual tone. Atmosphere feels informal and suited for quick bites or takeout, with some background noise from music and conversations. Known for $1.50 tacos and large portions, it attracts those seeking affordable, straightforward Mexican food options.

Burritos come with homemade flour tortillas and avoid excess rice and beans. Taco Tuesday offers $1.50 mini tacos in six varieties. Dishes like carnitas tacos and carne asada sopes stand out for flavor and quality.

Taco Tuesday offers $1.50 mini tacos with six different kinds to choose from. Carnitas and Buca tacos stand out, with reasonably sized portions and great service.

People are saying

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

"You've gotta try their $1.50 tacos on Taco Tuesday!"

"You have to try the burritos; they're huge and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $1.50 tacos, making it a great deal.

2

Expect generous portion sizes with every order.

3

Prices are reasonable, typically under $15 for a meal.

09
Momentos Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Mexican food with indoor and outdoor seating in a clean, quiet atmosphere. Food preparation allows for customization to dietary needs, and portions are generally generous. The setting supports relaxed conversation with a calm vibe.

Authentic Mexican dishes like chilaquiles, sopes, and rolled potato tacos stand out for their quality and flavor. The food avoids greasy fast food style and offers a well-made, delicious experience.

Tacos come in Mexican sopes and rolled potatoes varieties, both well made. Plates often pair with agua de horchata for a classic touch.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

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

"You have to try the carne asada tacos with guacamole."

Good to know

1

The burritos cost around $17, with extra charges for rice and beans.

2

I paid $12.44 for two green chicken enchiladas with rice and beans.

3

The wait time for food is usually just a few minutes.

10
Los Pinos Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with warm, welcoming atmosphere and family-run service creates a relaxed vibe. Walls display interesting art pieces and a TV shows nature videos, adding to the cozy feel. Known for flavorful, meat-packed tacos and unique hidden menu items, it stands out despite slightly higher prices.

Tacos come packed with meat, especially the carne asada and adobada which are very flavorful. The steak fajita burrito and pollo asado quesadilla stand out, along with the habanero salsa and fresh-made horchata.

Tacos come packed full of meat with flavorful carne asada and adobada. The potato taco stands out as unique, and the folded beef taco plate includes Serrano chiles for extra kick.

People are saying

"The food here is well made with fresh ingredients."

"I thought this was probably the best taco shop."

"The Mexican food here is so filling, I couldn't finish it."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 50% off on tacos.

2

The first customers of the day receive a free burrito.

3

The shrimp burrito costs $12.50.

11
Señor Taquero Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with a modern interior and clean, sleek design offers a full salsa bar featuring hot carrots and fresh radishes. The atmosphere stays chill and casual with comfortable seating and a projector menu visible from outside.

Breakfast tacos and burritos stand out with high quality authentic flavors. The carnitas torta and carne asada burrito offer rich, packed tastes. A full salsa bar adds variety and freshness to the meal.

Tacos come with very good amount of ingredients and strong flavors. Varieties like lengua, tripas, and cabeza stand out for their tenderness, crispiness, and authentic taste.

People are saying

"The tacos here are amazing, especially the lengua."

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is amazing and flavorful."

"I thought the tacos here were the best I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited near the taco shop due to construction.

2

Free street parking is available nearby.

3

Prices for food are reasonable, with burritos being a good size.

12
Señor Burro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a clean, cheerful space and TVs playing 90s MTV or The Simpsons. Atmosphere feels barebones but inviting, with great daily specials and notably good burrito deals. Regulars appreciate consistent quality and satisfying portions at reasonable prices.

Huge burritos stand out, especially the California Burrito and shrimp burrito, both consistently delicious. The $1 fish tacos and pozole also offer authentic Mexican flavors with great value.

Fish tacos stand out with a $1 price and mini size. Thursdays offer 5 rolled tacos for $5, including tasty chicken rolled tacos. Street tacos and a kids meal add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"I loved the food here; it was delicious and high quality."

"This Mexican food is among the best I've ever had."

"The rolled tacos here are delicious and perfect."

Good to know

1

The burrito special today is $6.19, normally $10.39.

2

Señor Burro offers great daily specials worth checking out.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and fast service.

13
Nancys Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, unassuming Mexican restaurant with reasonable prices and generous portions. Ambience feels basic and not very inviting, reflecting a no-frills hole-in-the-wall style. Food features consistently tasty breakfast burritos and well-seasoned carnitas.

Bacon breakfast burritos and moist, crispy carnitas stand out here. Portions are generous and prices stay reasonable, with tacos and quesadillas offering solid, tasty options.

Tacos offer fair prices and nice portions with the carnitas taco standing out as good. Carne asada tacos may vary in quality, as some find them questionable.

People are saying

"I love their delicious breakfast burritos."

"I found the food here to be very good."

"I love their delicious bacon breakfast burritos."

Good to know

1

The shop has convenient parking.

2

Prices at Nancy’s Taco Shop are reasonable.

3

The portions were great for the price.

14
El Azteca Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Old school taco shop with a busy, straightforward atmosphere. Known for large portions and affordable prices, it draws a steady crowd looking for breakfast burritos and authentic Mexican flavors. The vibe is simple and unpretentious, focusing on value and traditional offerings.

Breakfast burritos come in huge portions at low prices, with a red salsa that stands out for its flavor. Carne asada tacos are juicy and flavorful, making this spot a solid choice for Mexican food lovers.

Tacos here offer juicy carne asada with rich flavor and come at fair prices. Portions balance well with quality, making tacos a favorite dish for many.

People are saying

"These tacos are so delicious, especially with their amazing green sauce."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and high quality for date spots."

"I love their huge breakfast burritos for Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable, especially for large portions.

2

A 'jr.' breakfast burrito costs about $6.

3

Parking can be difficult near the 7-11.

15
La Esquina Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating near busy streets creates a casual dining atmosphere with drive-thru convenience. The menu features authentic Mexican dishes like burritos and street tacos praised for flavor, though portions tend to be small. Pricing leans toward the higher side, balancing quality and quantity.

Carne asada stands out with crispy chips and large portions. Burritos, especially the potato burrito, and birria tacos offer original and flavorful Mexican food. Fish tacos and horchata add fresh, tasty options.

Street tacos stand out with carne asada, birria, and rolled tacos offering rich flavors. Fish and chicken tacos also appear regularly, often served with guacamole, onions, and cilantro.

People are saying

"The carnitas and fish tacos here are fire."

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

"The Mexican food here is always fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only offers outdoor seating near the streets.

2

Guacamole and sides cost an extra $3.00.

3

Reservations are recommended to save time during busy hours.

16
Jack in the Box image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with 24-hour service and a clean, quiet atmosphere. Menu offers crispy chicken strips, natural cut fries, and jalapeno poppers that stand out for quality. Beverage options may be limited, and lines can form during busy times.

Tacos come in various sizes including tiny tacos and standard ones, all generally good. Jalapeno poppers also appear consistently on point.

Tacos come in tiny sizes and regular portions, both tasting good. Jalapeno poppers and tacos stay consistently on point.

People are saying

"The drive-thru employee Elizabeth made me feel so welcome."

"This fast food place was always our go-to spot."

"I loved the Jack in the Box Taco."

Good to know

1

Jack in the Box is open 24 hours for late-night cravings.

2

The bathrooms are reported to be very clean.

3

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

17
El Torito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a festive atmosphere features loud music and sports on TV with sound down. Seating options vary for small and large groups, including private areas. The vibe can shift from quiet to lively depending on crowd size and room acoustics.

Authentic Mexican food shines with dishes like shrimp enchiladas, birrias, and steak burritos. Handmade tortillas and made-to-order tacos stand out, paired with tableside guacamole and house-made tortilla soup. Drinks include tasty margaritas like the Cadillac and mango varieties, alongside free chips and salsa.

Variety includes steak, chicken, pastor, and carnitas tacos with handmade tortillas on Taco Tuesdays. Options let you pick meat for tacos or caldos, prepared fresh on the spot.

People are saying

"The food here was good and served hot."

"The Mexican food deals during happy hour are really good."

"I'd recommend their happy hour tacos; they're good for the price."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour Specials are available in the bar area, including booths in the upper part of the restaurant.

2

The Sunday buffet brunch runs from 9:00am to 2:00pm with bottomless mimosas.

3

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday brunch due to high demand.

18
Sombrero Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers an immaculate dining area with a quiet, clean atmosphere and pleasant temperature and music. A salsa bar with many options adds variety, while the food is consistently solid and affordable. The place stays comfortable with air conditioning and remains open late.

Mexican food here features clean, not too oily dishes with consistently good flavors. The bean and cheese burrito and crunchy chicken taco stand out, alongside a salsa bar with flavorful options.

Free tacos come with quick pickup and no questions asked. Rolled tacos and California tacos stand out, with the crunchy chicken taco offering a nostalgic flavor. Breakfast tacos and carne asada options also feature prominently, though crispy fish tacos receive mixed reactions.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was very tasty and always fresh."

"I'd get the bean and cheese burrito again; it's pretty good Mexican food."

"I usually always got the roll tacos."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is always clean and well-maintained.

2

They offer a generous birthday burrito for celebrations.

3

Parking is convenient and readily available.

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La Mesa, California

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