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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Mission Valley's best

Mexican food

Authentic Mexican food that respects the tradition instead of catering to a watered-down palate.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated June 2026
01
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar image 1
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar image 2
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar image 3
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Bar with outdoor seating under awnings and live daily music creates a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. Fans circulate air at the bar, while heat lamps warm the outdoor tables. Frequented by shoppers and solo visitors, it offers self-seating and a lively crowd.

Food features fresh ingredients and dishes like coconut shrimp and mahi mahi tacos. Drinks come at reasonable prices and pair well with the menu.

Fish and shrimp tacos stand out with excellent flavor and freshness. Margaritas arrive quickly and taste delicious.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the espresso martini."

"This bar has such a relaxing, vacation vibe."

"The Mexican Food here is served by a super friendly and welcoming team."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 6pm with great drink deals.

2

Mai Tai Mondays offer special pricing on cocktails every week.

3

Live music is featured on weekends, enhancing the dining experience.

02
Robert's Jalapenos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mini sports bar with indoor and outdoor seating offers a help-yourself salsa bar and free chips. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming with comfortable seating and lively music. Serves large portions of fresh Mexican food including all-day breakfast burritos and beer on tap.

Food here stands out for its clean quality ingredients and delicious Mexican flavors. The dishes consistently deliver great taste that draws people from far away.

Burritos come with extra meat and guacamole by default and pack a spicy punch. Fresh, large portions of Mexican food include ceviche trio, chilaquiles with salsa macha, and excellent chips with salsa.

People are saying

"The salsa verde here is great, and the staff is super friendly."

"I thought the food here was all great."

"The carne asada here is next level, seriously tender."

Good to know

1

Robert's Jalapenos serves breakfast burritos all day.

2

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on food.

3

The establishment is clean and well-maintained.

03
Pichudo Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor patio with fire pits and heat lamps creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Mostly outdoor seating blends with a full bar and fun music for a lively, comfortable vibe. Organic, fresh ingredients complement the modern, pleasant setting.

Food features fresh, flavorful ingredients with a spicy kick and a focus on clean health. Dishes come well priced and prepared with care, matching the comfortable dining setting.

Tacos stand out with pork belly and fresh, tasty ingredients. Burritos use blue corn masa and balance spicy salsa with sweet, savory sauces. Happy hour offers half-price tacos and draft beers every day.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh, organic, and delicious."

"This Mexican food is the highest quality I've ever had."

"I found the tacos to be so good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3-6 pm with half-price tacos and draft beers.

2

Taco Tuesday features 50% off tacos and $5 margaritas during happy hour.

3

Parking is limited with no street parking available.

04
The Remy image 1
Steak house

Modern twist on an old school steakhouse blends upscale yet inviting atmosphere with warm, rustic charm. Large, comfortable bar features glistening gold flakes and craft cocktails stand out. Space feels cozy but cramped, with lively energy and occasional distractions from a shaking floor upstairs.

Food here is consistently excellent and fantastic, offering a fine dining experience that feels exceptional in every aspect.

Seafood shines with tuna tostadas, marlin tostadas, scallops, mussels, and octopus featured during Happy Hour. Surf and turf tacos and pork chops add variety alongside various sauce choices for the filet.

People are saying

"I had the most tender and flavorful steak ever."

"I found the food here to be incredible and enjoyable."

"This Mexican food's chile relleno was exquisite and knocked my socks off."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with drink prices between $10 and $12.

2

Parking can be challenging; street parking is often necessary.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

05
McGregor's Bar and Grill image 1

Local pub atmosphere combines lively energy with friendly vibes and a cozy lunch setting. Multiple TVs and four pool tables create a space for watching games and socializing. Outdoor seating with a smoking patio and two bars add to the spacious, versatile layout.

Food includes a mix of Irish and Mexican dishes with consistently good quality and great flavors.

Enchiladas stand out with rich flavors and generous portions. Tacos come in larger sizes than typical street versions, and Taco Tuesday offers a notable deal.

People are saying

"It's a great spot to watch live sports with plenty of TVs."

"The food here is great for watching games on their many TVs."

"You have to try their fish tacos; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

3

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

06
KIKOS PLACE SEAFOOD image 1
Seafood restaurant

Food truck setup with outdoor seating and loud Mexican music creates a lively street food vibe. Friendly staff offer complimentary soup while waiting, enhancing the casual experience. Known for highly rated seafood tacos, it attracts seafood lovers despite occasional long waits and limited parking.

Food stands out for its freshness and flavorful Baja-style Mexican dishes. Prices stay affordable and the quality remains consistently great.

Grilled fish tacos come packed with fresh fish and flavorful salsas. Baja-style seafood tacos offer a fresh, affordable taste with options to customize seasoning and toppings.

People are saying

"I thought these fish tacos were the best I've ever had."

"I thought the fish tacos were perfectly crispy and fresh."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a special deal on tacos.

2

Expect long wait times for food during peak hours.

3

Parking is challenging due to the busy street.

07
Blanco Cocina + Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an open floor plan and large windows creates a bright, airy feel. Outdoor patio seating with heaters offers a comfortable spot even in cooler weather. The vibe suits a younger crowd, blending stylish decor with a lively atmosphere.

Food here is consistently delicious with a focus on Mexican flavors. The menu pairs well with excellent drinks and complements a nice outdoor dining area.

Fresh chips and salsa with just the right spice set the tone. The Crunchy Sweet Potato Taco stands out, along with a hefty chimichanga filled with tender short rib machaca and balanced green and red sauces. Creamy guacamole and a killer skinny margarita round out the meal.

People are saying

"Chloe was an absolute superstar serving our Mexican food."

"I ordered the fish tacos and found they had plenty of fish."

"The food here is delicious, especially the tacos."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-4pm on weekdays and all day on Tuesdays.

2

The bar area offers a special happy hour menu with great options.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

08
Sombrero Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers spacious seating indoors and outdoors with a well-stocked fresh salsa bar. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and pleasant to lively and welcoming, featuring traditional music that evokes a hacienda feel. Cleanliness remains consistent, supporting a comfortable dining experience.

Food here is consistently authentic Mexican with fresh sauces and generous portions. Every visit delivers very good, sometimes excellent, dishes that stand out for their flavor and quality.

Breakfast burritos stand out with generous portions and authentic flavors. The carne asada fries and steak fajita burritos also deliver consistent, delicious fast food Mexican cuisine.

People are saying

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

"The salsa bar here is amazing and offers a good selection."

"I found the food here to be excellent and a great price."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is easy and allows for customization of burritos.

2

Parking is easy with a large lot available for customers.

3

The restaurant is always clean and well-maintained.

09
Craft House Fashion Valley image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small space offers indoor and outdoor seating with a dog-friendly patio featuring woven lights and heaters. Live saxophone and singer performances create a lively atmosphere that can make conversation challenging. Crowd gathers for craft cocktails and burgers, enjoying a chic vibe in a mall setting.

Food comes with great taste and delicious flavors. Staff accommodate specific preferences, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Short-rib mini tacos stand out with juicy, flavorful meat and come with salsas on the side. Taco Tuesday specials add variety to the Mexican food options.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"You have to try the Mezcal cocktails here; they're a must."

"I loved the juicy, flavorful short rib mini tacos."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 10 pm, but the bar stays open until 11:30 pm.

2

Expect long wait times during busy evenings, especially on weekends.

3

They offer happy hour for starters and draft cocktails.

10
The Amigo Cantina image 1

Bar offers cozy, eclectic ambiance with quiet, comfortable atmosphere and background music that creates a chill, fun vibe. Patrons enjoy authentic Mexican food with reasonable prices, making it suitable for small gatherings or intimate evenings.

Mexican food stands out for its authenticity and spicy heat. Portions come large and the menu includes American classics like burgers and potato skins.

Grilled shrimp tacos stand out with authentic, hot flavors. Large portions like the mixed fajitas for two taste fantastic. Drinks include excellent horchata and margaritas.

People are saying

"The seafood portions here are generous and really good."

"The food here is delicious and tasty."

"The Mexican food here is tasty with awesome portions."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted appetizers and drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday features $1 tacos all day.

3

Hotel guests at the Kings Inn receive a 10% discount on meals.

11
Los Panchos Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Small dining area offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with loud festive music and self-serve salsa bar. Plenty of seating suits large groups, creating a lively yet relaxed vibe. Clean and open space feels like a home away from home.

Food here is consistently delicious and high quality. Small complimentary soup arrives while waiting, adding to the overall great experience.

Tacos and burritos come big and flavorful with a top notch salsa bar featuring fresh, spicy options. Carne asada quesadillas and Birria soup offer tender, delicious meat that stands out.

People are saying

"The birria tacos and soup here are amazing."

"I loved their awesome selection of tasty salsas."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals that attract many guests.

2

Parking frequently gets tight in this strip mall.

3

There is a 50-cent fee to use debit cards.

12
QDOBA Mexican Eats image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large space offers varied seating options including booths, tables, and bar-height seats with indoor and outdoor areas. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly, with local laughter and staff interaction. Free guacamole, queso, and chips come with generous portions, supported by a freestyle drink machine and a convenient walk-up pickup window.

Food features very tasty and flavorful dishes with fresh ingredients. Portions come generous, including bowls and tortilla soup.

Build-your-own meals include tacos, burritos, and bowls with generous portions of meat. Free sides like guacamole and creamy queso come with orders. The birria and tortilla soup stand out as well-made and flavorful.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and the portions are generous."

"The Mexican food here is great because the staff is so friendly."

"Parking is plentiful and shared in a large plaza."

Good to know

1

All toppings, including guacamole, are included with no extra charge.

2

Parking is free and plentiful in the shared plaza with other businesses.

3

QDOBA provides larger portion sizes than many competitors.

13
Kings Inn San Diego image 1

Mid-century architecture shapes a retro hotel with stylish decor and well-kept grounds. Atmosphere blends familiarity and comfort with a quiet, clean environment despite proximity to a highway. Amenities include a beautiful pool and jacuzzi, plus convenient laundry facilities.

Mexican dishes come with a great happy hour and an attentive bartender. Breakfast and brunch shine with stellar options at the connected waffle spot.

Dinner features authentic Mexican food like molรฉ enchiladas and chicken burritos. Taco Tuesday offers a lively vibe with a big margarita and live music at the bar.

People are saying

"The hotel rooms were clean and spacious."

"The food here is good, especially the comfort food."

"The staff here makes the Mexican food experience so helpful and friendly."

Good to know

1

Check-in is at 4 PM and check-out is at 11 AM.

2

Parking costs $15 per night.

3

Kings Inn is conveniently located near attractions like the zoo and Balboa Park.

14
Crack Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Spacious interior with Dia Los Muertos themed dรฉcor creates a relaxed confidence and a bright, clean atmosphere. Music varies from chill to loud, influencing the vibe from calm to lively. Seating offers comfort and space, welcoming solo diners and lunch breaks without pressure.

Food features authentic Mexican recipes made with high-quality ingredients. The team focuses on consistent quality and delivers great taste any time of day.

Tacos here stand out with adobada (pastor) and crack tacos that deliver strong flavors. Homemade tortillas and quality meats like in the Birria Taco add to the authentic Mexican food experience.

People are saying

"The tacos have fresh, house-made tortillas and generous guacamole."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and made with high-quality ingredients."

"I thought the Mexican food here was authentic and high-quality."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers $3 tacos from 3 to 5 pm.

2

Ask about food if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

3

The restaurant has a rewards program for discounts on future visits.

15
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar image 1
American restaurant

Large space with warm lodge-like decor and a dog-friendly outdoor patio featuring heaters and a fire pit. Atmosphere feels homey and lively, suitable for both casual meals and social gatherings. Busy environment often requires reservations, with a mix of bar seating and dining booths.

Food comes with consistently great taste and perfect service. Every meal offers a reliable, satisfying experience.

Tacos here match homemade quality with fish tacos standing out. The birria noodles and queso dip appetizer also deliver strong Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented."

"The American Food here, especially the steak, is amazing."

"The Mexican food's fish tacos tasted a little sweet and sour."

Good to know

1

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar allows customers to bring their dogs during Sunday brunch.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

3

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

16
Rubio's Coastal Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican fast food spot with a clean, well-run environment and a busy, lively atmosphere especially on Taco Tuesdays. Staff camaraderie creates a happy vibe despite limited dine-in seating. Known for fresh, flavorful fish tacos and an excellent salsa bar.

Food comes out hot and fresh with perfectly cooked chips. Meals are quickly prepared and consistently tasty even during busy times.

Fish tacos stand out with well balanced, flavorful fillings that are not greasy. The salsa bar and sides like chips and pinto refried beans complement the tacos well, especially during the Taco Tuesday deal with affordable specials.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try the fish tacos on Taco Tuesday!"

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature $2.50 regular fish tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

2

Expect long lines on Taco Tuesdays, especially during peak hours.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout.

17
Novo Brazil Brewing Mission Valley image 1

Massive space with huge TV screens inside and outdoors creates a sports-focused atmosphere. Large patio with kid-friendly playground and family-friendly environment attracts groups and families. Energy shifts from relaxed to loud and crowded during popular games, offering a versatile setting.

Food and drinks come with vegetarian and vegan options and taste great. The menu suits large groups and kids, making it a solid choice for casual dining and watching games.

Carne asada fries stand out with their generous toppings and strong recommendation. Carne asada nachos offer tender, well-seasoned meat but sometimes arrive cold.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good."

"It's a great spot to watch live sports on the big screen TVs."

"You have to try the carne asada fries; they're the best Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-6pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The venue is dog-friendly, allowing pets both indoors and outdoors.

3

Large parties of up to 80 people can be accommodated for events.

18
Burritos Santana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers giant-sized burritos with perfect ingredient ratios and a salsa bar featuring six varieties including avocado and nacho cheese sauces. The space is simple and clean with spacious outdoor seating and menu photos displayed on walls. Atmosphere stays quiet and chill, open 24 hours with a big screen TV showing documentaries during lunch.

Plates include authentic Mexican dishes not found elsewhere. Food quality is consistently top notch and staff are friendly and helpful with ingredient questions.

Burritos come huge, with perfect ingredient ratios and authentic flavors like Carne Asada and machaca. Menudo, flautas, and street tacos offer variety, while six salsas add extra spice options.

People are saying

"I thought the burritos here were pretty good and flavorful."

"I thought the burritos were pretty good."

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

Good to know

1

They are now open 24 hours, which is a huge plus.

2

It's best to call ahead and place your order during busy times.

3

They have a daily special from 2pm to 4pm where any burrito costs $10 with a small drink.

19
Roberto's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright and clean Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, featuring music and TVs. Atmosphere is casual with a salsa bar that stands out for its cleanliness and flavor. Menu offers Americanized Mexican food with larger portions and prices on the higher side compared to typical taco shops.

Food comes out fresh, hot, and authentic with generous portions served quickly. The menu offers Americanized Mexican dishes that taste great and provide good value.

Burritos come in large, homemade tortillas with fillings like carne asada, chicken, and chorizo egg. Tacos and enchiladas feature fresh ingredients and a clean, tasty salsa bar with mild salsas.

People are saying

"The food here is so good, especially the tacos."

"The salsas here are tasty and not too spicy."

"I always get the carne asada burrito; it's different than anywhere else."

Good to know

1

Most items on the menu cost between $15 and $20, with a bean and cheese burrito at $8.

2

A breakfast burrito with potatoes, eggs, cheese, and bacon costs $9.99.

3

Roberto's Taco Shop offers large portions for the price.

20
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Large space with multiple TVs at every table creates a strong sports bar vibe. Lighting is low, casting a soft glow on mahogany tables, supporting a family-friendly atmosphere. Noise levels tend to be high, especially during busy times, with a mix of casual diners and groups.

Food arrives hot and fresh with ribs cooked to perfection. Staff like DeAngelo and Ashley ensure great service and handle special requests carefully.

Bottomless chips and salsa come hot, crispy, and salted just right, with the chips being thin and light. Guacamole servings are twice the usual size, and the fajita plate stands out as super good.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"I forgot how good their chips and salsa were; they came out hot and crispy."

"The Mexican food here is so juicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample, including wheelchair accessible spots.

2

The restaurant is extremely busy, with a half-hour wait common during peak hours.

3

Chili's offers a generous happy hour with daily wing specials.

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Mission Valley, San Diego

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