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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santee

Breakfast food

A morning meal that feels like a deliberate start to the day rather than just a quick way to fuel up.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated April 2026
01
Estrada's Mexican Food image 1
Estrada's Mexican Food image 2
Estrada's Mexican Food image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a quaint atmosphere and cramped seating offers authentic burritos and tasty hot sauce. Lighting is bright and the space feels inviting despite limited room. Prices remain affordable, making it a solid choice for satisfying Mexican food.

Food here has a very authentic taste and stays consistently delicious. The dishes are high quality and arrive hot, even when ordered by phone.

Destroyer breakfast burrito stands out as a large, flavorful option that many return for. Breakfast burritos, especially the Machaca variety, pair well with other favorites like carne asada nachos.

People are saying

"I thought the destroyer breakfast burrito was amazing."

"I found the food here to be really good and high quality."

"You have to try the destroyer breakfast burrito for breakfast."

Good to know

1

Each salad costs only $11.

2

Parking is available right in front of the restaurant.

3

They offer catering services.

02
Robertoโ€™s Taco Shop - Santee image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with quaint tables and a half bar with taps creates a homey, casual vibe. Atmosphere feels clean and comfortable, attracting those who enjoy authentic, satisfying food in a relaxed setting.

Food here has a homemade taste with solid Southern California taco shop fare. Portions match the price well, and dishes come out fresh and quickly.

Breakfast features several breakfast burritos including bacon and eggs, California style, and carne asada. These burritos come with good flavor and consistent quality.

People are saying

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

"I valued a good bean and cheese burrito for under $7."

"The breakfast burritos here are really good."

Good to know

1

Fish Taco Tuesday offers unlimited fish tacos for a great price.

2

Burritos are priced under $7, making them an affordable option.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to other locations.

03
Janet's Cafe and Deli image 1

Outdoor seating offers a heated, shaded patio with a park view and a dog-friendly atmosphere. Indoor space feels cozy but can be warm and stuffy. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, popular for breakfast and brunch with generous portions.

Food comes out quickly with generous portions that are both affordable and delicious. Consistently tasty dishes create a nice atmosphere to eat and relax.

Breakfast offers big portions with excellent quality and includes options like Build Your Own Omelette, Italian sausage and eggs, strawberry French toast, and country fried steak. The breakfast burrito is a popular choice among picky eaters.

People are saying

"I had the best breakfast in California here."

"The outdoor seating is breezy and comfortable with a great view."

"I found the food here to be awesomely good and scrumptious."

Good to know

1

The cafe closes at 2 PM daily, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect a wait during peak brunch hours, especially on weekends.

3

Parking is plentiful and free near the cafe.

04
Estrada's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican taco shop with ample seating and cute decor offers a calm atmosphere and family-owned charm. Tacos and burritos come in large portions with spicy hot sauces that stand out. The vibe stays relaxed, making it a solid spot for lunch or dinner.

Food stays consistently fresh and delicious with huge burritos and abundant portions. Prices are reasonable and the dining room is clean.

Breakfast burritos and rolled tacos stand out as the main breakfast items. The bean, egg, and cheese burrito is a common choice, often paired with hash browns.

People are saying

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

"You have to try their burritos; they're huge and so tasty."

"You have to try their breakfast burritos; they're the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has been family owned throughout the years.

2

The portions at Estrada's Taco Shop are fantastic.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

05
Hilberto's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers early morning hours and fair prices with a clean environment. Burritos and roll taco specials stand out for top-tier flavor and good portion sizes. Seating feels outdated, and the place is usually quiet with few customers.

Food arrives hot and ready with a taste that recalls 90s taco shops. Staff ensure everything is cooked perfectly and maintain consistent quality.

Breakfast features a bacon potato egg breakfast burrito that stands out for its flavor. Burritos serve as a reliable go-to option for a filling morning meal.

People are saying

"The shredded beef tacos here have top-tier flavor."

"The food here is amazing and of high quality."

"I considered the breakfast burritos here to be fire."

Good to know

1

They charge $2 to substitute salsa for cheese.

2

Prices are generally affordable for the menu items.

3

Hilberto's opens before 7 AM, making it one of the few early options in Santee.

06
Emma's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic handmade tortillas and fresh, flavorful salsas in a warm, inviting atmosphere with spacious seating. Food is prepared fresh after ordering, featuring generous portions and affordable prices. The vibe is calm and welcoming, suited for casual meals with a genuine taste of Mexico.

Food here features traditional Mexican flavors made with fresh ingredients and careful attention. Prices stay affordable, making it a solid choice for Mexican cuisine.

Breakfast options include burritos, tacos, and enchiladas. The breakfast burrito is smaller than expected but holds its flavor even the next day. Some may experience stomach cramps after eating it.

People are saying

"I thought Emma's Mexican Food was the best spot in East County."

"I thought the food was perfect and considered it the best Mexican food spot."

"I thought the breakfast here was perfect."

Good to know

1

Emma's Mexican Food closes at 3 pm daily.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions at affordable prices.

3

Food is prepared fresh after ordering, ensuring quality.

07
Ranch House Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Old school diner with 70s decor and a small town feel creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Large back room accommodates parties or meetings, adding to its family-friendly vibe. Seating arrangements support a comfortable, down-to-earth dining experience.

Classic diner food offers a homemade feel with reasonable breakfast pricing and generous portions. Service stays consistently excellent alongside the tasty, familiar dishes.

Breakfast offers great value with reasonable pricing and generous portions. The selections provide a satisfying start to the day.

People are saying

"I loved the breakfast selections and portions."

"It's a classic diner with traditional food and a small-town feel."

"I enjoyed the great food here."

Good to know

1

Parking is slightly limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Breakfast pricing is reasonable with generous portions.

3

Dinner portions are very good and satisfying.

08
Bad Hombres Good Mexican Food image 1

Mexican restaurant with an open, modern interior contrasts with a plain exterior. Loud atmosphere inside, especially during busy times, with strong odors that can be off-putting. Popular drive-thru often has long lines, serving highly regarded fast Mexican food.

Excellent Mexican food comes fast and fresh from a family-run spot. The tortilla chips stand out as some of the best around, and the smell at the window makes the wait worth it.

Breakfast features big breakfast burritos with fresh, hot tortillas and a strong bacon and egg combo. Sauces complement the burritos well, and breakfast tacos taste fresh and satisfying.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing and made fresh."

"I found the food here to be really good."

"I'll have a hard time finding a breakfast burrito that beats it."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines at the drive-thru during dinner hours.

2

Online orders may take longer than walk-in orders due to processing delays.

3

Check your to-go orders carefully, especially during busy times.

09
Cazadores Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright dining area showcases beautiful artwork and maintains a clean atmosphere. A well-stocked salsa bar offers fresh accompaniments, complementing a menu with large portions and diverse options. The vibe leans casual, blending dine-in and drive-through styles.

Mexican food here offers large portions and a varied menu with plenty of options. The dishes taste better than expected and the service is friendly.

Breakfast features a variety of breakfast burritos including chorizo and bacon n eggs. Other options include campechanas, chicken quesadilla, carnitas tacos, and vegetarian quesadilla.

People are saying

"The carne asada burrito here is super tasty and hot."

"I thought the food here was really great."

"I loved the breakfast burrito; it was great."

Good to know

1

The price of the burrito has increased to $16.

2

The menu items listed for this location on Google were not accurate.

3

The portions at Cazadores Mexican Food were larger than at other restaurants.

10
Einstein Bros. Bagels image 1

Bagel shop offers clean, comfortable seating and a coffee bar in an open space. The atmosphere stays pleasant when not crowded, though it often has long lines and gets busy on weekends. Menu includes dairy-free and vegan options, with a variety of bagels and spreads.

Food offers amazing taste with a variety of shmears and cookies. Coffee pairs well with the good quality dishes and snacks.

Bagel breakfast sandwiches come in a good variety and stay fresh. Bagels work well for making breakfast sandwiches at home too.

People are saying

"These bagels are amazing and delicious."

"I thought the food here tasted amazing."

"I loved the fresh bagel breakfast sandwiches here."

Good to know

1

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

The place is very busy on weekends, especially in the morning.

3

They often run out of bagels before 11am due to low stock.

11
Cotijas Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with booths for dine-in and a quiet atmosphere featuring a muted TV with captions. The vibe is family friendly and chill, with a well-maintained interior and a notable salsa bar. An outside window and a well-designed drive-thru add convenience for take-away.

Mexican food here has very good taste and consistently amazing service. The dishes stand out for their excellent quality and leave a strong impression on visitors.

Breakfast features hash brown burritos and carne asada breakfast burritos filled with beans, ham, and sour cream. Cheese can be added selectively, and the burritos contain no eggs.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

"You have to try the shrimp burrito; it's the best Mexican food here."

"I loved the hash brown burrito for breakfast."

Good to know

1

The dining area is clean and spacious, suitable for family dining.

2

Parking is limited and shared with other businesses nearby.

3

Prices are considered high for the portion sizes offered.

12
Oaks Bar & Grill image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with golf course views and a comfortable patio offering outdoor live guitar music. Atmosphere ranges from quiet afternoons to lively evenings with a fun, relaxed vibe. Seating includes indoor and outdoor options, often enjoyed after golf rounds.

Food comes with a slightly higher price but matches quality found at many golf courses. Staff offers helpful service, including bringing food to the patio, making it easy to enjoy a drink and meal outdoors.

Breakfast happens on a patio with views of a beautiful golf course. Groups gather here to enjoy the morning meal together.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible and delicious."

"The outdoor seating has a beautiful golf course view."

"I enjoyed breakfast with a view of the lovely golf course."

Good to know

1

Happy hour only offers select beers or house wine.

2

There is plenty of parking available.

3

Trivia night happens regularly and is a fun activity.

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