Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Kearny Mesa

Lunch spots for Mexican food

Made for those who prioritize a quick Mexican lunch that fits into a busy workday without sacrificing their cravings.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Chacho's Tacos image 1
Chacho's Tacos image 2
Chacho's Tacos image 3
View all
Restaurant

Food truck setup offers fresh Mexican tacos with homemade salsas and vegetarian options. Atmosphere feels homey and pairs well with the adjacent brewery, creating a casual spot for eating and drinking. Ordering involves a self-service kiosk, though it can be inefficient at times.

Tacos serve as the main lunch offering with options to pair with local beer from the on-site brewery. The spot draws people looking for a casual lunch after beach time or a quick bite during the day.

Tacos come with super juicy carnitas and flavorful pollo adobada. Burritos and shrimp bowls also stand out, paired with hot red salsa that adds a memorable kick.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada tacos here are really good and flavorful."

"The Mexican food here, especially the burritos, is amazing."

"The tacos here are flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Most tacos cost about $3.99, making it an affordable option.

2

The food truck has shaded outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying your meal.

3

Catering services are available for events, providing a convenient option for large groups.

02
Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa image 1

Pizza restaurant occupies a refurbished 90s Taco Bell building with Detroit-style pizza and a drive-through. Atmosphere blends retro arcade games and board games, creating a quirky, family-friendly vibe. Space feels welcoming and encourages hanging out beyond just dining.

Offers great lunch deals and specials that make it easy to grab a quick meal. Includes happy hour deals alongside lunch options.

Birria tacos stand out with their juicy texture and generous portion size. The Mexican food options arrive hot and fresh, fitting well among other varied dishes.

People are saying

"I thought their Detroit Style Pizza offered a taste of Detroit."

"This Lunch Spot's pizza has a perfect crust and delicious toppings."

"The birria tacos here are hot, fresh, and tasty."

Good to know

1

Angry Hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with $5 draft beers.

2

Happy hour offers a slice of pizza and a beer for $11.

3

Trivia night is held weekly and is engaging for guests.

03
Adrian's Surf n' Turf Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, family-owned seafood grill with hand-crafted furnishings and a fast casual setup where orders go at the counter. Atmosphere stays relaxing and friendly with a fun music selection and quiet pace. The place draws steady crowds despite its unassuming, modern storefront.

Lunch here draws regulars with its consistent quality and reliable service. Frequent visits show it serves well for midday meals.

Fish tacos stand out with swordfish, ahi, and blackened salmon options. Calamari strips and tuna tacos also appear frequently as favorites.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here are awesome and the chips are crispy."

"I found it to be a great lunch spot."

"I thought the fish tacos were excellent."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not have a bathroom, so plan accordingly before visiting.

2

Expect higher prices on the menu, with items averaging at least $4 more than expected.

3

Parking is ample and available near the restaurant.

04
Gualberto's 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers large portions with affordable prices and fresh tortillas. Atmosphere gets crowded during lunch hours, with limited parking nearby. Known for flavorful carne asada and spicy red salsa.

Offers good food for breakfast and lunch with a focus on quick service. The space is small and tends to get crowded during lunch hours.

Breakfast burritos here are large and hearty, using real potatoes instead of fries. Tacos come with a chunky mild salsa full of tomato, onion, and cilantro. Chilaquiles stand out as very good and well-prepared.

People are saying

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

"I had the best breakfast burrito ever; it was huge!"

"This lunch spot has simply good burritos."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight during dinner hours; consider street parking or back lot.

2

Prices are affordable, with large portions offered at a fair price.

3

They serve breakfast all day, making it a versatile dining option.

05
Rubio's Coastal Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an open, comfortable layout and beachy motifs creates a casual, relaxed vibe. The atmosphere stays active and welcoming, making it suitable for quick, affordable meals. Fish tacos stand out as a signature dish enjoyed by many.

Lunch specials offer a bargain that draws a steady crowd. Expect a longer line during Taco Tuesday, but the spot remains a regular choice for late lunch visits.

Fish tacos stand out with unmatched flavor, including beer battered shrimp and lobster options. Taco Tuesday offers specials all day, featuring items like the chicken bacon jalapeรฑo taco and grilled chipotle-lime chicken tacos.

People are saying

"This Diablo sauce for the tacos is so hot and flavorful."

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

"The lunch spot's Taco Tuesday specials are a great deal."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 original fish tacos all day.

2

Parking is ample and free at this location.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean dining area and restrooms.

06
Casa Machado Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Restaurant offers airport runway views with planes taking off and landing visible from inside. Atmosphere blends Mexican culture with airplane decor, creating a unique and lively vibe. Separate bar area features big screens for sports, attracting groups and company gatherings.

Lunch features Mexican food with flavorful seasonings and generous serving sizes. Weekday lunch specials offer good value and service is attentive.

Carne asada burrito and fish tacos stand out with strong, authentic flavors. Flour tortillas and mole have rich textures and deep seasoning, making the Mexican food here genuinely satisfying.

People are saying

"I love the Mexican food here; the view of planes is amazing."

"The flour tortillas at these dinner spots are the best I've ever had."

"This Lunch Spot's food is reliably good and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 9 pm with various drink specials.

2

Daily specials are available throughout the week, offering great value.

3

The restaurant is located on the second floor of Montgomery Airport.

07
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with authentic flavors and a lively, energetic design featuring hanging plants and an outdoor patio. Atmosphere is cozy with fantastic music enhancing the vibe. Popular for unique cocktails and well-balanced drinks alongside standout dishes like mojo fries and lomo saltado.

Lunch offers Latin American vibe with hanging plants creating a cozy setting. Dishes like tallarin verde and arroz chaufa come in generous portions, suitable for leftovers.

Tacos feature crispy shells, juicy marinated meats, and a smoky char that stands out. The pork tacos and grilled vegetable quesadilla with melty cheese and seasonal produce also highlight the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, full of flavor and fresh."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is amazing and delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

08
Bonchon Convoy image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious dining area with many big TVs showing sports creates a chill, low-key vibe. Music plays softly in the background, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. The place draws people looking for Korean fried chicken and casual meals with beer or soju.

Lunch offers $1 wings and decently priced specials during weekdays. Meals come fast, easy, and provide a relaxing, enjoyable break.

Bulgogi Tacos stand out with strong flavor. The menu includes a 3-item special featuring spicy wings, tacos, and seasoned fried zucchini.

People are saying

"You have to try the Korean fried chicken; it's so juicy and crispy."

"This lunch spot's chicken is juicy with a light, crispy batter."

"The soy garlic sauce here is sweet with excellent flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Thursdays with discounted drinks.

2

Enjoy $1 wings on Mondays and Tuesdays during happy hour.

3

A $22 gratuity is automatically added for parties of six or more.

09
Rolbertos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an extensive menu offers authentic dishes like carne asada burritos and fresh salsa. Atmosphere feels clean and casual but could benefit from updates. Popular during lunch hour, it draws those seeking reasonably priced meals with generous portions.

Quick service suits the lunch hour well. It handles family visits comfortably for midday meals.

Wild Burrito stands out with its stacked meat and a soft yet crispy homemade tortilla. Carne asada burritos, rolled tacos, and street tacos come with a tasty green salsa that complements the authentic flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and fresh."

"The Carne Asada burritos are stacked with meat and taste awesome."

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

Good to know

1

Prices for meals are generally around $12.

2

The restaurant is easily accessible off Highway 15.

3

Parking can be tricky due to unusual traffic flow.

Discover more

Kearny Mesa, San Diego

Area guide
Loading Map...