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Mexican food and tacos in Lemon Grove

Made for those who seek out the specific combination of traditional Mexican flavors found in a well-made taco.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
CALI MEX COCINA & CATERING image 1
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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.

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.

Tacos come with fresh homemade corn tortillas and large tender pieces of beef birria. Three huge tacos with guacamole cost $12, offering better quality than typical taco shops.

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."

"I thought the tacos were crazy good 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
The Godfather's Diner image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy diner blends classic American style with Mexican food fusion in a clean, intimate space. Warm atmosphere features colorful decor and lively music, with enticing aromas of fresh tortillas and breakfast dishes. Seating includes comfortable booths and counter spots, creating a quiet, family-friendly vibe.

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.

Tacos come with perfect seasoning and a salsa that has the right kick. Fish tacos stand out alongside other tasty options like green enchiladas and rolled taco plates.

People are saying

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

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

"The staff here is so friendly and genuinely passionate about your Taco experience."

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.

03
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.

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

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Pickled onions with habanero add a spicy kick that complements the tacos well.

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 birria tacos here are delicious with good seasoning."

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.

04
Herrera's Mexican & Sea Food image 1

Small taco shop with worn booths and a low-key, clean interior offers a friendly atmosphere. Known for authentic Mexican cuisine with generous portions and low prices. Menudo and pozole are available every day, setting it apart from typical Mexican restaurants.

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.

Carne asada stands out with both tacos and burritos. Rolled tacos come crisp and flavorful, often noted as a favorite. Fish tacos offer great flavor, and chicken tacos fold with a satisfying crunch.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try the rolled tacos; they're fantastic."

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 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.

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.

Tacos feature homemade tortillas and perfect salsas that complement high quality meat. Varieties like Birria, Tj street, and longanisa tacos stand out for their great taste.

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 longanisa taco to be very tasty."

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
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.

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.

Tacos feature juicy carne asada, fresh fish, and shredded beef options. They come with sides like rice, beans, and housemade guacamole, plus fresh salsa that is mild and flavorful.

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 chicken tacos delicious and fresh."

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.

07
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.

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.

Tacos here come with fresh seafood that stays succulent and juicy. The Gobernador tacos and fish tacos deliver excellent, abundant flavors.

People are saying

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

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

"The fish tacos here are 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.

08
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 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.

Massive tacos come packed with meat, including adobada, carnitas, and chicharrón varieties. Rolled tacos and birria tacos offer tasty, satisfying options that leave you stuffed for around $10.

People are saying

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

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

"I was stuffed after just one of their huge tacos."

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
Rosarito's Mexican Food #7 image 1
Mexican restaurant

White-washed decor sets a simple scene with friendly atmosphere and plenty of seating. Food offerings include large portions and unique beef broth, with a focus on fast Mexican dishes. Prices remain budget-friendly compared to other local options.

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.

Rolled tacos stand out as the favorite dish here, especially the 9 roll taco special. The menu also offers combos with tostadas and burritos, making it easy to try different items in one visit.

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.

10
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.

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.

Rolled tacos stand out with perfect preparation and great flavor. Fish tacos and the guacamole taco offer unique tastes, while shredded beef tacos and bean tostados add variety. Salsa roja enhances all taco options consistently.

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.

11
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.

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.

Rolled tacos stand out with juicy, perfectly seasoned meat and a taste that feels straight from Mexico. Beef, carne asada, and al pastor tacos come with excellent flavor and pair well with rice and beans.

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."

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

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.

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Lemon Grove, California

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