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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Lemon Grove's best

Mexican food spots

You have a specific standard for Mexican food, and you aren't interested in anything that falls short of that baseline.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Birriería La Lotería image 1
Birriería La Lotería image 2
Birriería La Lotería image 3
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Food truck setup with outdoor picnic tables offers a casual vibe. Birria shines with exceptional seasoning and generous meat portions. Family-owned kitchen serves authentic Mexican flavors in tacos and tortas, making it a must-visit spot.

Birria stands out with its exceptional seasoning and delicious tortillas. The tacos and tortas deliver authentic, flavorful birria from a family-owned kitchen.

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 salsa here has just enough heat and tastes great."

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.

02
CALI MEX COCINA & CATERING image 1

Outdoor seating creates a fresh, lively vibe. Tacos shine with homemade corn tortillas and tender beef birria. House-made salsas add distinctive mild heat. Large portions and fresh tortillas make every bite satisfying.

Tacos come with homemade corn tortillas that are flavorful and fresh. The beef birria is tender and juicy with large pieces in each taco. Salsas are made in house, each with a distinct taste and mild heat. The quesadillas are rich and satisfying, while the shrimp burrito stands out as well.

People are saying

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

"The fruit salad was loaded with a huge variety of fresh fruit."

"The handmade tortillas here taste of natural corn flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers only covered outside seating.

2

Three huge tacos with guacamole cost $12.

3

They accept credit cards.

03
The Godfather's Diner image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy diner offers fresh tortillas and authentic Mexican flavors like chilaquiles and carne asada fries. Colorful decor and lively music create a warm atmosphere. Comfortable booths make it a family-friendly spot perfect for casual meals.

Freshly cooked dishes like chilaquiles rojos and verde, chicken enchiladas, and carne asada fries showcase authentic flavors. The tacos come with perfect seasoning and salsa that has the right kick, all served in a warm, colorful setting with the aroma of fresh tortillas.

People are saying

"This diner's chorizo burrito is packed with flavor and generously sized."

"These biscuits and gravy are some of the best I've ever had."

"The Mexican Food here is served by super friendly and attentive staff."

Good to know

1

The diner opens at 8:30 am, not 8 am as posted online.

2

Expect the diner to get packed quickly, so arrive early.

3

Side dishes cost extra when ordering a sandwich.

04
Herrera's Mexican & Sea Food image 1

Small taco shop offers authentic Mexican cuisine with generous portions and low prices. Daily menudo and pozole add unique flavor. California burritos with grilled veggies and cheese shine alongside popular carne asada and rolled tacos.

Fresh, made-from-scratch Mexican food stands out here with California burritos featuring grilled potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and cheese instead of fries. The carne asada burrito and rolled tacos are consistently high quality and popular choices.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is made from scratch and truly fantastic."

"I loved the carne asada tacos and rolled tacos."

"You have to try their California burrito; it's so good."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 7 minutes for food during off-peak hours.

2

The restaurant has a $.50 fee for card payments, so bring cash if possible.

3

Portions are generous, making it a good value for the price.

05
Antojitos Tenampa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with handmade tortillas and birria tacos that pack real heat. Quiet, pleasant vibe suits focused dining. Menudo and chicharron quesadillas add authentic flair to the flavorful menu.

Tacos come with handmade tortillas and high-quality meat, paired with good salsas. Birria tacos and fries stand out, along with a handmade quesadilla with chicharron and menudo as specialties.

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 loved the handmade tortillas; they were the best part."

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
Pure Fruit Bar & Deli image 1

Family-owned spot shines with fresh ingredients and a cozy vibe. Tortas like milanesa burst with rich flavors and chipotle mayo adds a bold kick. Vibrant acai bowls and green juice offer fresh, healthy choices in a clean, welcoming space.

Tortas stand out with rich flavors like the milanesa and turkey options. The chipotle mayo adds a unique kick, and the pambazo torta pairs well with green juice.

People are saying

"The smoothies here are amazing, and the owners are so kind."

"You have to try their tortas; the pambazo is a perfect 10/10."

"Omar's welcoming vibe makes it a great spot for date nights."

Good to know

1

Everything is made to order, ensuring fresh food.

2

The place is kept clean and well-maintained.

3

There is plenty of parking available nearby.

07
El Pollo Grill - Lemon Grove image 1

Mexican dishes shine with bold flavors like tender carne asada and fresh fish tacos. Casual, lively vibe with sports TVs and a modern drink machine adds fun. Large indoor and outdoor seating fits crowds drawn by an awesome salsa bar.

Every dish bursts with bold flavors, like tender carne asada in the California burrito and fresh fish tacos. Sauces stand out, especially the green sauce with a bright, spicy kick and the milder red sauce that pairs well with the pollo quesadilla.

People are saying

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

"The tortillas here are warm, soft, and taste homemade."

"I found the grilled chicken here to be the best in San Diego."

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.

08
Carnitas Uruapan Mexican Food #1 lemon grove image 1

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic carnitas and massive tacos. Busy at lunch, it offers great value with generous portions and a classic joint feel. Drive-thru adds convenience to flavorful meals and a lively atmosphere.

Carnitas here are flavorful and tender, often considered the highlight. Massive tacos and burritos like the Urupan and carne asada options come with generous portions and satisfying sides like rice and beans.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the Mexican food carnitas were really solid."

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.

09
Lemon Grove Cafe image 1

Old school diner with Route 66 booths offers a nostalgic vibe and family-friendly feel. Mexican dishes shine with fresh fish tacos and spicy chilaquiles with carne asada. Enjoy a varied menu and mellow 80s hits on a large covered patio.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh ingredients. Burritos, especially the Chorizo and breakfast versions, combine fresh and delicious components. Chilaquiles with carne asada offer a spicy kick, particularly with green salsa.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and the portions are generous."

"The food and service at this cafe were fantastic."

"I thought the chilaquiles verde were the best I had ever had."

Good to know

1

The cafe is small, so expect to wait for a table during peak hours.

2

There is ample parking available right next to the cafe.

3

The menu features a variety of Greek, Mexican, and American dishes.

10
El Cata Mariscos Sushi & Cortes image 1

Seafood shines with succulent fish tacos and fresh chips with salsa. Live music and a full bar create a lively vibe. Spacious indoor and patio seating make it a family-friendly spot perfect for fun and relaxation.

Succulent fish and shrimp tacos stand out, especially on Taco Tuesday. Fresh tortilla chips come with awesome salsa, and the menu includes mariscos, burritos, and micheladas that are very good.

People are saying

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

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

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is so juicy and delicious."

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.

11
Rosarito's Mexican Food #7 image 1
Mexican restaurant

White-washed decor creates a friendly atmosphere with plenty of seating. Mexican dishes shine with carne asada fries and salsa Verde adding bold flavor. Large portions and budget-friendly prices make it a great spot for fast, hearty meals.

Carne asada fries and nachos stand out with rich flavors and generous portions. The salsa Verde and hot sauce add a zesty kick that complements burritos and tacos well. Menudo and beef broth come in hearty servings, and the fish burrito is notably flavorful across regions.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great tasting and delicious."

"I found the rolled tacos to be amazing."

"I found the carne asada fries and nachos to be the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers large portions, typically 2-3 pounds of food per plate.

2

Prices are generally budget-friendly, with meals costing around $15.

3

The restaurant is open until 11 pm, except on Sundays.

12
Cotijas Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Lively spot with outdoor patio and great music draws crowds for perfect rolled tacos and hearty burritos like carne asada. Cash-only and limited seating add to the authentic vibe.

Rolled tacos come out perfectly prepared and stand out as a longtime favorite. Burritos like carne asada and surf and turf offer hearty, flavorful options. The salsa roja and horchata add authentic touches to the menu.

People are saying

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

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

"I considered their rolled tacos my favorite of all time."

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.

13
Nando's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic burritos and tacos in a warm family atmosphere with covered picnic tables. Large breakfast burritos packed with sausage and bacon cost under $10. Drive-thru adds convenience to this cozy, laid-back spot.

Breakfast burritos come large and under $10, filled with sausage, bacon, potatoes, and lite beans. Tacos like carne asada and al pastor feature juicy, perfectly seasoned meat, while the California burrito shines with tasty green salsa. Rolled tacos and shrimp quesadillas stand out as well.

People are saying

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

"The carne asada fries were fresh, juicy, and packed with flavor."

"The drive-thru staff here are super friendly with huge smiles."

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.

14
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican dishes shine with table-served salsas and grilled chicken specialties. Salads are fresh and vibrant, perfect for health-conscious diners. Quiet, inviting atmosphere suits families and individuals seeking peaceful dining and quick, wholesome meals.

Food arrives with fresh salsas served at the table, a unique touch here. Signature grilled chicken pairs well with vibrant salads like double chicken and chicken & shrimp tostada, all tasting notably fresh.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh, especially the salsas."

"This Mexican food is so fresh, juicy, and flavorful."

"I loved the double chicken and chicken & shrimp tostada salads."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and well-kept environment.

2

Expect quick service with food often ready by the time you reach the window.

3

They offer family dinner deals that can save you money for larger groups.

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Lemon Grove, California

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