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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Santee

Carne asada

Carne asada that is the focus of the plate, not just a filler buried under a mountain of cheap toppings.

Based on 493 Opinions
+490
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Updated May 2026
01
Emma's Mexican Food image 1
Emma's Mexican Food image 2
Emma's Mexican Food image 3
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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.

Perfectly seasoned carne asada stands out with a delicious flavor in both the supreme and burrito versions.

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 found the carne asada to be perfectly seasoned and delicious."

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.

02
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.

Food features crispy and fresh textures with large serving sizes. Burritos stand out as very good and satisfying with great prices.

Carne asada burrito stays consistently great. The carne asada torta impresses enough to order twice and pairs well with onions. Carne asada also appears in chips and 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 found the food here to be very, very 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.

03
Estrada's Mexican Food image 1
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.

Carne asada dishes come with special guacamole and red sauce that stand out. Burritos and nachos feature carne juice and sour cream, creating rich, memorable flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the destroyer breakfast burrito was amazing."

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

"This Carne Asada burrito with special guacamole is like a delicious dream."

Good to know

1

Each salad costs only $11.

2

Parking is available right in front of the restaurant.

3

They offer catering services.

04
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.

Food features huge portions and unique flavors with a Filipino twist on Mexican dishes. Sauces and salsa stand out for their taste and quality.

Carne asada here is tender, well-seasoned, and grilled to smoky perfection, delivering a juicy and bold flavor. Burritos and fries feature generous portions of this meat, often paired with rich, creamy guacamole that balances the savory taste.

People are saying

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

"The food portions here are huge and plentiful."

"The Carne Asada portions are huge; you'll need to bring an appetite."

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.

05
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.

Carne asada burritos come hot and tasty with options like extra guacamole. Carne asada chips add a nice touch, though the flavor can vary.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food here was really great."

"I had the most delicious carne asada burrito."

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.

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.

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.

Carne asada appears in several dishes like burritos, fries, and chips. Salsa comes in both green and red varieties, complementing the carne asada burrito well.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their Carne Asada burrito; it's the best."

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.

Food stands out for its freshness and flavorful quality. Dishes consistently deliver excellent taste and freshness.

Carne asada appears in tacos, fries, and quesadillas here. The carne asada tacos stand out as good and flavorful.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious, bursting with flavor and tender meat."

"I found the Carne Asada tacos to be amazing."

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
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.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with phenomenal quality and reasonable prices. The dishes consistently deliver great flavor and genuine taste.

Carne asada here is well-seasoned and not just grilled, showing clear care in preparation. Dishes like the carne asada fries, burritos, and nachos stand out for their flavor and quality.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is delicious and served hot."

"I thought the carne asada fries were really good."

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.

09
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.

Carne asada fries stand out with options like double meat and no extras. Burritos come made-to-order, including breakfast and regular versions, alongside bowls and tacos featuring carne asada.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the carne asada fries were the best."

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.

10
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.

Huge Carne Asada tacos come with great meat seasoning and can be split into multiple servings. The Carne Asada Burrito and Carne Asada fries stand out, with options to cook salsa with the meat for extra flavor.

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."

"You have to try the carne asada burrito; it's the best I ever had."

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.

11
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.

Mexican food here is consistently fresh and delicious, offering solid comfort food portions at good prices. Every dish tried maintains great quality despite a basic atmosphere.

Carne asada dishes come with generous portions of steak and fresh guacamole. Options include flavorful burritos, tacos loaded with chopped onions and cilantro, and fries topped with steak and cheese.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mexican food here was amazing and fresh."

"I found the carne asada very tasty and flavorful."

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.

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Santee, California

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