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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Lemon Grove

Salsa spots

Made for those who believe the complexity of a house-made salsa is the defining factor of a meal.

Based on 518 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
CALI MEX COCINA & CATERING image 1
CALI MEX COCINA & CATERING image 2
CALI MEX COCINA & CATERING image 3
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Outdoor seating defines the space with a clean, inviting setup. Energy feels fresh and lively, drawing many soon after opening. Food stands out for fresh homemade tortillas, large portions, and distinctive house-made salsas.

Food comes fresh with great quality and generous portions. Every bite tastes delicious, backed by attentive service and unique recipes from a passionate cook.

Salsas come homemade and distinctly different with a mild heat in the red variety. They taste fresh and authentic, matching the quality of high-end restaurants.

People are saying

"The carne asada fries here are perfectly charred and flavorful."

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

"The carne asada was super tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers only covered outside seating.

2

Three huge tacos with guacamole cost $12.

3

They accept credit cards.

02
Birriería La Lotería image 1

Food truck setup with outdoor picnic tables and umbrellas creates a casual dining spot in a parking lot. Atmosphere feels relaxed with moderate crowd levels and some wait times. Known for exceptional birria dishes and generous meat portions, it draws those seeking authentic flavors.

Food stands out for its consistent quality and amazing flavor. Portions offer good value, and the overall experience includes reliable customer service.

Salsas offer just enough heat with flavorful and spicy profiles. The orange salsa stands out and the small salsa picante packs real heat.

People are saying

"I found the birria delicious; it's the best I've ever had."

"I loved the ramen with so much meat and great consomé."

"The food here is amazing and definitely worth it."

Good to know

1

Birriería La Lotería often sells out by 10pm on weekends.

2

The food truck charges $5 per taco, offering good portion sizes.

3

Reservations are not accepted; expect to wait during peak hours.

03
El Pollo Grill - Lemon Grove image 1

Mexican restaurant with large indoor and outdoor seating and an open dining room layout. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, enhanced by sports TVs and a modern drink machine offering customizable flavors. Known for tasty grilled chicken and an awesome salsa bar, it draws crowds despite a simple, truck stop-like exterior.

Mexican food here is consistently flavorful and fresh with a homestyle ambiance that feels like dining in a kitchen. The dishes are delicious and satisfying, often chosen for family gatherings.

An awesome salsa bar offers a variety of options. The salsa is good and hot, often served with meals like chicken, rice, and beans.

People are saying

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

"The food here is so tasty and flavorful."

"I thought their salsas were the best."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free on Wednesdays.

2

El Pollo Grill no longer accepts cash payments.

3

On busy weekend days, expect a 30-45 minute wait.

04
El Cata Mariscos Sushi & Cortes image 1

Seafood restaurant with live music and a full bar featuring TVs for games creates a lively and inviting atmosphere. Spacious interior includes indoor and patio seating with a clean, modern bar area. The vibe is family oriented and vibrant, blending fun and relaxation.

Food stands out for its great quality and quantity with a focus on Mexican dishes. Meals come at an affordable price and pair well with drinks, all served with attentive service.

Lots of fresh tortilla chips come with the order. The salsa served is awesome and pairs well with tacos.

People are saying

"I thought the food was terrific, especially the ceviche."

"I found the seafood tacos to be succulent and juicy."

"The salsa here is very tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-6 PM Monday through Friday and during Padres' games.

2

Enjoy 2-for-1 16 oz beers during happy hour, including IPAs.

3

Live music is available on weekends, enhancing the atmosphere.

05
Antojitos Tenampa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic handmade tortillas and flavorful salsas with noticeable heat. Atmosphere stays quiet and pleasant, ideal for focused eating. Menu features birria tacos and menudo as standout dishes, attracting those seeking genuine Mexican flavors.

Food here is authentic Mexican with large portions and high quality ingredients. Salsas complement the dishes well, making the meals both delicious and satisfying.

Good salsas come with the food, especially complementing the homemade tortillas. The salsa is tasty and works well for tacos, though a chunky red salsa with onions would add variety.

People are saying

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

"You have to try their handmade quesadilla de chicharron."

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

Good to know

1

They offer a free beverage with each birria order.

2

The Cuban sandwich costs $21.00.

3

Most items are handmade, and I could taste the difference.

06
Nando's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a warm family atmosphere with a cozy, laid-back vibe that feels like home. Covered picnic tables and a convenient drive-thru add to the relaxed experience. The place is known for authentic, well-regarded burritos and tacos.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with consistently amazing quality. Aguas frescas complement the dishes well, making the menu both delicious and reliable.

Homemade salsas bring a perfect kick with both green and red varieties. The salsa verde stands out as crazy good and pairs well with burritos like Machaca and California.

People are saying

"I thought the rolled tacos here were the best Mexican food I'd ever had."

"The food here is authentic, flavorful, and made with love."

"The salsa here has the perfect kick."

Good to know

1

The taco shop has a drive-thru for convenience.

2

Nando's Taco Shop is family owned and has been in business for over 20 years.

3

The portions are large and the prices are fair.

07
Carnitas Uruapan Mexican Food #1 lemon grove image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with a classic joint feel and drive-thru service. Atmosphere is nice and perfect, often busy at lunchtime with full tables. Known for authentic carnitas and reasonable prices offering great value.

Carnitas stand out as a delicious highlight with fresh and flavorful ingredients. The food consistently offers excellent Mexican dishes that serve as a great alternative to cooking dinner.

Starter chips come with good salsa. The tomatillo salsa stands out. Salt, lime, and salsa improve the carnitas. Advice on which salsa pairs with a burrito is very accurate.

People are saying

"I found the food to be fresh and flavorful."

"I found the carnitas to be really good and super tasty."

"The carnitas were tasty, especially with the salsa."

Good to know

1

The prices at Carnitas Uruapan Mexican Food #1 Lemon Grove are lower than most other places.

2

Parking is limited, with only two spots across from the post office.

3

The drive-thru can have a 45-minute wait during peak hours.

08
Cotijas Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with outdoor patio seating and nice music. It draws a crowd looking for affordable, flavorful burritos and well-prepared rolled tacos. Cash-only policy and limited seating shape the experience.

Food here is consistently hot and delicious, with a focus on authentic Mexican flavors. Prices stay reasonable, offering generous portions like Carne Asada Burritos and refreshing horchata.

Salsa roja stands out with a fiery kick that pairs well with burritos, rolled tacos, and regular tacos. It adds essential flavor, preventing dishes from tasting bland.

People are saying

"The food here is consistently great and always hot."

"The carne asada here is tender and well-seasoned."

"The salsa roja here is the best, complementing everything."

Good to know

1

There is easy parking available in the lot next door.

2

They only accept cash or card payments, with a fee for card use.

3

There isn't a lot of seating available, so plan accordingly.

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