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Burritos and tacos in Santee

Made for those who refuse to choose between a burrito and a taco and expect both to be handled with equal expertise.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 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.

Carne asada burritos come with special guacamole and red sauce that taste just like they did decades ago. The Destroyer breakfast burrito stands out as a large, flavorful option, often recommended alongside the California and Machaca burritos.

Tacos offer good flavors and come in options like mini birria tacos. Combination plates include items like fish tacos with beans and rice at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"I thought the destroyer breakfast burrito was amazing."

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

"The tacos here are delicious with great flavors."

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
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.

California burrito stands out with its rich flavors and satisfying size. Carne Asada and Carna Asada Supreme burritos offer a delicious, hearty option. Breakfast burritos are smaller but still tasty, and chorizo with eggs works well in burritos or plates.

Offers authentic street tacos with options like shredded beef and fried chicken. Prices stay low while delivering delicious beef tacos and a variety of burritos including the California burrito.

People are saying

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

"I found the beef tacos here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I've never tasted a better burrito in over 10 years."

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.

03
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.

Burritos come huge and full with plenty of fillings. Options like the surf and turf and bean, egg, and cheese burritos stand out for breakfast or any meal.

Tacos come huge and full of meat, with rolled tacos on point and generous portions. The shop offers a friendly vibe and solid traditional flavors.

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."

"I found the tacos here to be the best in town."

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.

04
Ferny's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining space with a basic, somewhat dreary atmosphere and a refurbished look. Offers quick, delicious Mexican food with notably great salsas and memorable tacos. Parking is often crowded, reflecting its popularity despite limited space.

Burritos come in giant sizes with creative options like the Chilaquiles Burrito and Surf and Turf. Breakfast burritos are done right and priced well compared to other taco shops.

Pollo asada tacos and shrimp tacos stand out for their flavor. Half-price tacos on Taco Tuesday make it a popular spot. The hot sauce and guacamole add memorable spice and freshness.

People are saying

"I thought the HLS burrito had the best flavors."

"I thought the tacos here were the best around."

"I thought the HLS burrito had a perfect combination of flavors."

Good to know

1

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

2

Taco Tuesday offers 50% off all tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

3

The restaurant has limited seating inside, which can lead to wait times.

05
Sayulitas Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with cozy indoor seating and outdoor tables for fresh air dining. Atmosphere stays quiet and comfortable, especially outside in warm weather. Features an awesome salsa bar and serves generous portions including unique burrito combinations and Filipino fusion dishes.

Burritos here stand out for their large size and variety. Options like the Bacon Wrapped Burrito and chorizo burrito offer bold flavors, while the Big A$$ burrito serves enough for two meals.

Rolled tacos stand out with their large size and solid flavor, especially the chicken roll tacos. Fish tacos feature fresh, hand battered fish and remain consistently delicious. Carnitas mini tacos also rank highly among the options.

People are saying

"These burritos are massive; I could usually eat on one for a couple of days."

"The salsa bar here is unlimited and fantastic."

"I loved their Taco Tuesday deals, especially the fish tacos."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

2

Wednesday is fish taco special night with discounted prices.

3

Free chips are provided with every meal.

06
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.

Burritos here come in great portion sizes with options like the Super Cali burrito featuring Adobada and Angus Steak. Breakfast burritos with bacon and egg pair well with sauces, and the shrimp and steak burritos are cooked perfectly.

Shrimp tacos stand out as unbelievable, while chicken tacos come with generous meat portions. Rolled tacos are light and crispy, and birria tacos remain a consistent favorite.

People are saying

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

"I thought their Birria tacos were the best in East County."

"I thought their breakfast burrito was a work of art."

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.

07
Mr. Birria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with cozy atmosphere and clean, bright, spacious setting. Vibe is casual and relaxed with great background music and seating for groups inside and outside. Known for authentic birria dishes and excellent micheladas.

Shredded beef burritos stand out with exceptional flavor and perfect cooking. The California burrito and bean and cheese options offer solid, enjoyable choices.

Birria tacos stand out with crispy, gooey cheese and juicy, tender meat. Other options like pastor and surf and turf tacos offer flavorful, well-balanced fillings with the right amount of onion and cilantro.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are crispy, gooey, and have juicy birria."

"I found the shredded beef burrito to be the best I had anywhere."

"The birria tacos are so juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers discounted prices on birria tacos.

2

Street tacos are priced at $3.50 each.

3

The restaurant is currently remodeling and serving from a food truck.

08
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.

Shrimp and fish burritos stand out with generous portions and a salsa cooked with meat that adds rich flavor. The hashbrown burrito offers a well-proportioned mix with meat and cheese options tailored to preference.

Rolled fish tacos and birria tacos stand out with rich flavors and perfect preparation. The potato tacos and surf and turf options add variety and depth to the menu.

People are saying

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

"I considered their carne asada burrito and rolled tacos the best."

"You have to try the shrimp burrito; it's the best choice."

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.

09
Sorianas Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Typical hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with moderate seating and clean surfaces. Atmosphere includes a TV at reasonable volume and a self-serve soda station without customary Agua frescas refills. Menu features quality tacos, burritos, and breakfast tortas with generally good prices.

Fish, shrimp, and carne asada burritos stand out for their very tasty flavors. The fajitas burrito includes zucchini, and the burritos inspire strong cravings despite causing overeating issues.

Rolled tacos come as mini taquitos with cheese if ordered without guacamole. Options include Carne Asada chips and carnitas tacos. Meals often pair tacos with rice and beans, like the #20 combo with two tacos.

People are saying

"The carnitas tacos were a perfect blend of crispy and soft."

"I dream of their burritos; they're worth hundreds."

"I ordered a second carne asada torta because the first was just way too good."

Good to know

1

Indoor seating is available for customers.

2

The tables, floors, and countertops are all clean.

3

The restaurant closes at 3pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

10
Los Amigos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere with a K.I.S.S vibe. Food features massive tacos and best local burritos, known for bold red salsa and spicy dishes. Portions are generous and prices fair, attracting those seeking authentic flavors.

Burritos come with good spice levels, especially the Diablo shrimp variety. Custom orders are accepted, and some include raw egg without added salt.

Tacos come with a massive quarter pound of meat each. They taste delicious and the shop stays clean.

People are saying

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

"I found their burritos to be really good."

"I found their tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect fair prices for generous portion sizes, around $12 for a meal.

2

The restaurant has maintained consistent food quality over the years.

3

Bilingual staff is available to assist customers.

11
El Rancho image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with dog-friendly patio and full bar featuring multiple TVs for sports. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and comfortable to lively and noisy during busy times. Recent remodel adds fantastic decor and more comfortable seating.

Burritos come in large sizes with options like carne asada and California style. Varieties include wet burritos and those with French fries inside, all made fresh and flavorful.

Fish tacos come with large pieces of fish and shrimp tacos are also available. Rolled tacos feature picked onions for a special touch. Chicken tacos and chile rellano stand out as crispy and flavorful options.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and worth the price."

"The tacos here have large pieces of fish and good flavor."

"I found the carne asada burrito to be outstanding."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait for food during peak hours.

2

Parking availability is limited; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Carry-out orders are prioritized over dine-in service.

12
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.

Burritos come in large sizes with a good amount of bacon and are priced under $7. Options include made-to-order Carne Asada, California breakfast, and surf and turf varieties, all satisfying and well-prepared.

Fish tacos stand out with their huge size and filling portions, especially on Taco Tuesday when they cost $1.99. Beef rolled tacos and shredded beef options offer solid Southern California taco shop fare that satisfies.

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 fish taco here is huge and delicious."

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.

13
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.

Breakfast burritos open early and come in decent sizes for the price. Options include a bacon potato egg burrito and a machaca burrito. Some burritos have shrunk in size and cheese can be cold and clumped in the center.

Tacos here have a 90s taco shop vibe with options like the Special #3, which includes four rolled tacos with guacamole, rice, and beans. The roll taco specials work well for sharing and come alongside plates like carne asada.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the burritos here were some of the best I've had."

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.

14
Santana's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic Mexican music at high volume, creating a lively but loud atmosphere. Interior is very clean with a nice building design for takeout. Known for Tijuana tacos and carne asada fries loaded with well-seasoned meat and toppings.

Burritos come in large sizes with options like Cali, machaca, chorizo, and Caritas. Veggie burritos use fresh ingredients and the staff sometimes mix rice and beans inside instead of serving them on the side.

Rolled tacos come crunchy with just the right filling and pair well with guacamole. Carnitas and chicken tacos taste very good and stay affordable, with adobada meat cooked well and chopped small.

People are saying

"I thought the veggie burritos were really good and fresh."

"I found the TJ tacos here to be excellent and delicious."

"The carne asada fries are loaded with tender, well-seasoned meat."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $2 on Tuesday and Thursday.

2

They only offer the fries deal on Wednesdays.

3

Expect a 15-minute wait for food during busy hours.

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Santee, California

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