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Top picks in San Marcos

Mexican food and burritos

You are looking for a Mexican meal that centers on a solid burrito and doesn't make you jump through hoops to get it.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Puras Papas - Food Truck image 1
Puras Papas - Food Truck image 2
Puras Papas - Food Truck image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Food truck offers authentic Mexican dishes with large portions and affordable prices. Outdoor seating creates a casual, open-air vibe. The menu includes vegetarian options, making it accessible to different diets.

Juicy burritos come in large portions with good flavor. Options include a California burrito and an authentic veggie burrito priced around $12 for carne asada.

Birria tacos and consomé stand out with rich flavor and generous toppings like onion, cilantro, and cheese. The salsas are incredible and complement dishes like carne asada quesadillas, California burritos, and birria tamales well.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"These quesabirria tacos are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"The burrito was incredibly good and juicy."

Good to know

1

Puras Papas is a woman-owned food truck offering vegetarian options.

2

The food truck is located near In-N-Out burger with other food trucks.

3

Puras Papas is known for large portions at reasonable prices.

02
La Cocina del Abuelo - Food Truck image 1

Food truck with simple shaded outdoor seating on a quiet street offers a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. The crowd is drawn by highly praised birria tacos and quesabirrias, creating a popular lunchtime spot. Limited seating and occasional parking challenges reflect its strong local following.

Birria burritos come extremely hot and large, often including beans inside, which is unusual. They stay very moist without salsa, though a side of birria soup or sauce is available to add.

Birria tacos stand out with generous meat portions and a satisfying taste. The menu also features quesabirria tacos, birria ramen, and a spicy habanero salsa that complements the dishes well.

People are saying

"You have to try the birria; it's some of the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"The birria ramen here is a must-try, so delicious."

"This burrito was the best I have ever eaten."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of street parking available near the food truck.

2

Most people take their food to go rather than dining at the truck.

3

The food truck has some outdoor tables for those who want to eat there.

03
Nacho’s Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with authentic tacos and generous portions creates a friendly atmosphere where staff speak both English and Spanish. The place offers highly recommended carne asada burritos and a variety of flavorful dishes. Clean interior and fair prices contribute to a welcoming vibe.

Carne asada burritos stand out with reasonable size and delicious flavor. Options include shrimp, fish, chorizo with egg, and mixed beans and beef, all consistently tasty.

Carne asada burritos stand out for their juicy, grilled meat and reasonable size. The menu also features carnitas, shrimp burritos, and chilaquiles, all consistently flavorful and well-prepared.

People are saying

"I drove 60 miles for their carne asada tacos."

"I've been getting their juicy carnitas for over 10 years."

"I highly recommend the carne asada burrito; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens at 7:00 a.m.

2

Breakfast burritos are ready by 7:15 a.m.

3

The prices are good and affordable.

04
Ernes Mexican Food & Breakfast image 1

Small, authentic Mexican food spot with a welcoming vibe and family-owned atmosphere. Generous portions feature tender, flavorful meats and a well-stocked salsa bar. The place offers a casual, unpolished setting with a focus on hearty, traditional dishes.

Burritos come hot and fresh with generous portions like jumbo shrimp, carne asada, and guacamole. Options include bean, cheese, and egg or filling California and mar y tierra varieties.

Carne asada fries come hot, fresh, and crispy with a perfect balance of flavors. Tacos feature tender, juicy meats and generous portions, complemented by a salsa bar and authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The tacos here are packed and tasty."

"The Mexican food here is tasty, with delicious tacos and burritos."

"I found the burrito here fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

A taco and a soda cost about four dollars.

2

The restaurant offers beer and burritos.

3

Expect generous portion sizes.

05
Tacos Mi Estilo Jalisco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck offers authentic Mexican tacos with high-quality ingredients and affordable prices. Outdoor setting creates a tailgating vibe with music, attracting a steady but not crowded crowd. Known for flavorful birria and al pastor, it stands out from typical taco shops in the area.

Burritos come in nice and thick sizes, about the size of a hand. The al pastor burrito offers a taste reminiscent of Ensenada, but meat portions can be barely enough even when charged around $15.

Authentic Mexican-style tacos come with spicy salsa, radishes, and jalapeños on the side. The birria and Cabeza tacos deliver rich flavor and texture, rivaling those found in Guadalajara.

People are saying

"The tacos here are packed with juicy, flavorful meat."

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

"I found the burritos to be nice and thick."

Good to know

1

This is a food truck parked outside of the Harley Davidson, with no dedicated seating or bathrooms.

2

If there was a line, it wasn't a bad wait, averaging 5-10 minutes.

3

The prices range from $2.75 to $3.50, which is really hard to beat.

06
Sayulitas Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers huge portions with a focus on meat-filled burritos and a variety of fresh salsas. The atmosphere is comfortable and clean without being fancy. Pricing tends to be higher than average, reflecting the size and quality of the meals.

Burritos come huge and packed with meats like carne asada, sausage, and chorizo. Options include a bacon wrapped breakfast burrito and a Diablo shrimp burrito, all wrapped in foil to stay warm for the drive.

Burritos stand out for their large size and rich fillings like carne asada, guacamole, and queso. Tacos come with fresh salsa and generous toppings, and fries get loaded with guacamole, sour cream, meat, and salsa.

People are saying

"This burrito is gigantic, easily big enough to share."

"The bacon-wrapped burrito is a little slice of heaven."

"The Mexican food here, especially the burritos, is huge and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features a special for $7.99, including 3 tacos, rice, beans, and a beer.

2

Happy hour offers discounted food and drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Weekly specials are advertised on their Instagram account.

07
Señor Panchos Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small Mexican restaurant shaped like a choo choo train with a drive-through and recently remodeled dining area. Atmosphere feels cozy and relaxed despite occasional heat during the day. Known for large portions and reasonable prices offering strong value for authentic Mexican food.

Surf and turf burritos come loaded with tons of shrimp and high-quality carne asada. California burritos are huge and packed with carne asada, offering great value and flavor.

Carne asada fries stand out with amazing flavor, paired with surf and turf burritos loaded with shrimp and high-quality carne asada. Tacos like carnitas and beef cheek come lean, crispy, and packed with taste.

People are saying

"I thought the carne asada burrito was the best I'd ever eaten."

"You have to try their tacos; they're delicious and I've never been disappointed."

"The carne asada here is juicy and seasoned perfectly."

Good to know

1

The prices are reasonable, offering great value for large portions.

2

Expect big portions that are worth the price paid.

3

The drive-thru is super convenient for quick takeout.

08
Tony's Fresh Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant open 24/7 with drive-thru and big TVs playing soccer. Atmosphere is cool and clean, sometimes freezing inside. Known for fast, authentic burritos and unique salsa options, it serves as a reliable late-night food spot.

Breakfast burritos stand out with the Golden Egg Burrito offering a great portion and tasty flavor. Burritos often include beans, rice, potato, pico, guacamole, and light onion, and they hold up well even at car temperature.

Carne asada fries and Golden Egg Burrito stand out as favorites. Freshly made salsas and waters complement a strong selection of Mexican dishes including breakfast tacos and rolled tacos. The salsa bar and chips add to the late-night burrito appeal.

People are saying

"I loved the huge supreme burritos with great filling."

"The Golden Egg Burrito was the best breakfast burrito I had ever had."

"This late night spot is open 24 hours, which is super handy."

Good to know

1

Tony's Fresh Mexican Food is open 24/7, making it a great late-night option.

2

The restaurant has a drive-thru for quick service at any hour.

3

Paying cash gives a 4% discount on your order.

09
Chile Tacos N beer image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic vibe and homie atmosphere offers seating inside and outside plus a separate bar area good for watching games. Music plays consistently, creating a low-key party energy that suits casual dining and socializing.

California burrito blends tender meat, avocado, and melted cheese for a savory mix. Beans add great flavor, making burritos and nachos tasty. Veggie and breakfast burritos also stand out with fresh ingredients.

Small, family-owned spot serves fresh street tacos like lengua, tripa, and suadero with great flavor. Affordable deals on $1.25 tacos on Tuesdays and Thursdays pair well with three salsa choices including a spicy habanero.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be excellent and fresh."

"I thought the food here was the best, especially the authentic Mexican flavors."

"The California burrito's savory blend of tender meat and melted cheese impressed me."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature $1.25 tacos, making it a great deal.

2

The restaurant is family-friendly, suitable for all ages.

3

Parking is available on the street and in a private lot behind the building.

10
Tacos Alex image 1
Mexican restaurant

Tiny Mexican restaurant with cozy decorations and a small outdoor area offers authentic tacos known for their fast cooking. Limited seating and few parking spots create a compact, intimate vibe. Tacos stand out for quality despite the modest space.

Birria and asada burritos stand out with their freshness and rich flavor. Burrito sizes vary but remain filling without any Cali burritos offered.

Tacos come with fresh tortillas and beans that taste great. Options like al pastor cooked on the trompo, carnitas from the copper pot, and grilled asada offer authentic, flavorful street tacos.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I ever had."

"The birria burrito here is amazing and so fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited with only about five spots available.

2

Expect long wait times during rush hour; arrive early to avoid crowds.

3

Tacos are priced at $3.50 each, which some may find expensive.

11
Rigoberto's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a 24/7 drive-thru and a well-stocked salsa bar offering about seven types of salsa. The atmosphere is cozy but run down, with giant portions and a variety of flavorful burritos and tacos. The place stays quiet with ample seating and accessible parking.

Carnitas burritos have a rich flavor that stands out. Burritos come loaded and large, like the California and Bandito options. Some include bacon, egg, and cheese with pico de gallo, but guacamole inside is often missing despite requests.

Freshly made salsa stands out with exceptional variety and fantastic taste. Large portions include carnitas burritos with rich flavor and rolled tacos that are consistently outstanding.

People are saying

"You have to try the huge, loaded burritos; they're amazing Mexican food."

"The Drive Thru line here gets busy quickly."

"I found the huge California burritos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Rigoberto's Taco Shop is open 24/7.

2

The drive-through is available 24 hours.

3

The portions of the quesadilla are large.

12
Rancho Las Palmas Mexican Grill & Seafood image 1

Mexican restaurant with a modern layout and bright, clean interior feels like a sports bar with TVs showing games and a bar serving draft beers and margaritas. The atmosphere carries a small neighborhood vibe, blending casual dining with lively energy.

Breakfast burritos come with eggs, carne asada, and cheese. The surf and turf burrito offers a mix of flavors and is popular. Veggie and carnitas options also taste good.

Chips and salsa stand out with crispy chips and a balanced spicy salsa that doesn't overwhelm. Green chilaquiles and beef rolled tacos offer authentic flavors. Veggie burrito and chicken flautas add tasty variety.

People are saying

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

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

"The breakfast burrito with carne asada was really good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 10pm for late-night dining.

2

Parking is ample and includes ADA access.

3

The restaurant offers a kids menu, making it family-friendly.

13
Kotija Jr. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a well-stocked salsa bar featuring cucumbers, carrots, and limes offers a friendly atmosphere despite a warm, stale environment without air conditioning. Food includes notable birria tacos and California burritos, with portions smaller than usual and prices on the higher side.

California burritos stand out with solid flavor and size. Fish burritos come out perfect while green chile burritos show smaller portions and higher prices recently.

Birria tacos and California burritos stand out with strong flavors. A well-stocked salsa bar offers fresh cucumbers, carrots, and limes that complement the fish tacos and burritos.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos and California burritos were perfect."

"I couldn't stop getting the fish tacos, especially with the Taco Tuesday deal."

"I thought the California burrito was great."

Good to know

1

Prices have increased by 30% in the last 6 months.

2

Portion sizes may be smaller than expected.

3

They offer a Taco Tuesday deal with discounted fish tacos.

14
Lourdes Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Low key Mexican restaurant with affordable prices and consistent quality. Atmosphere suits takeout rather than dining in, attracting locals who appreciate classic dishes like chicken soup and burritos. Portion sizes tend to be small, and the vibe is straightforward without fancy touches.

Breakfast and carne asada burritos come with balanced ingredients and solid flavor. The California burrito stands out as the largest option, often ordered with extra meat for more heft.

Soft, chewy tortillas pair with dishes like Carne Asada Fries and mole burritos that balance flavors well. A salsa bar offers a great collection of spicy condiments, and vegetarian options like the veggie tostada are available.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and top-notch."

"I ordered the California Burrito and it was delicious."

"I loved their breakfast burritos and carne asada burritos."

Good to know

1

Lourdes Mexican Food is primarily a takeout-only place, not suitable for dining in.

2

Parking is easy and accessible near the restaurant.

3

Prices are generally high, with burritos costing around $18.

15
Frida’s Taqueria San Marcos image 1

Mexican restaurant with a cafeteria-style setup and an open, multi-unit space near a movie theater creates a lively, casual atmosphere. Freshly made tacos offer authentic TJ style flavors with generous portions at affordable prices. A well-stocked salsa bar adds to the street taqueria vibe.

Burritos come in gigantic sizes, often bigger than a kid's head and hard to hold. Fillings lean heavily on refried beans over chicken, with meat kept warm in bins for quick assembly.

Tacos here capture the essence of Mexico City with authentic TJ style street tacos priced at $1.99 each. The Al Pastor and Carne Asada tacos stand out, often served with melted cheese or a side of consome for dipping.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best with lots of good flavors."

"These nachos are huge; you'll need a container for leftovers."

"This burrito is gigantic, bigger than my kid's head!"

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $1.99 each on Taco Tuesdays and Thursdays.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere on Taco Tuesdays.

3

Cash payments are preferred due to a 3% surcharge on credit cards.

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San Marcos, California

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