Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Mexican food in Santee

You are looking for a meal that delivers the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Sayulitas Mexican Food image 1
Sayulitas Mexican Food image 2
Sayulitas Mexican Food image 3
View all
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.

Mexican food here features huge burritos, including a Bacon Wrapped Burrito and a chorizo burrito praised for size and flavor. The salsa and hot sauce bar offers a variety of distinctive salsas, and some dishes include a Filipino twist.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican Food here has huge, fantastic burritos."

"The food portions here are huge and plentiful."

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.

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.

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 and fresh, authentic corn tortillas stand out here. The menu offers a variety of dishes like rich mole, enchiladas, and street tacos, all priced affordably in a family-run setting.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here bursts with freshness and spice."

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

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 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.

Burritos with special guacamole and red sauce keep the same flavor from decades ago. Breakfast options like the Destroyer and Machaca burritos stand out for their authentic taste and quality.

People are saying

"I thought the destroyer breakfast burrito was amazing."

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

"I've been eating their amazing Mexican Food for over 30 years."

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
Roberto’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.

$10 burritos and carne asada fries with double meat stand out here. Fish tacos come at $1.99 on Thursdays and feed a family of four for $20, with a subtle habanero salsa kick available.

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 carne asada fries here are decent, and the fish tacos are 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.

05
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.

Simple but authentic Mexican food shines here with consistently fresh flavors. The dishes stay reliably good, making it a solid spot for tacos and classic Mexican fare.

Massive tacos pack about a quarter pound of meat each, with Carne Asada standing out as a local favorite. Burritos come with a spicy sauce that leaves a good burn, and the red salsa is fresh and flavorful. Fish tacos feature large, flavorful pieces of fish, and extra salsas are readily available on request.

People are saying

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

"I found their burritos to be really good."

"You have to try the chilaquiles; they're the best Mexican food I've ever had."

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.

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.

Super Cali burrito features Adobada and Angus Steak, making it a standout. Tacos like the Red and Bad Hombres are spectacular, and the carne asada chips and cheesy rice add solid sides. Portions are generous, with items like the red quesadilla providing leftovers.

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

Birria tacos stand out as the most delicious and authentic, evoking a strong Tijuana vibe. The menu also features birria grilled cheese, birria ramen, and a notable surf and turf taco, all rich in birria flavor.

People are saying

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

"The birria ramen here is so flavorful and tender."

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

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
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.

Burritos come with a variety of fillings like shrimp, fish, and carnitas, often praised for their flavor and value. Carne Asada Fries feature cheese, steak, and avocado with careful preparation. The salsas balance flavor and heat well, enhancing dishes like tacos and taquitos.

People are saying

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

"The tortillas are hot, fresh, and homemade with a supper soft texture."

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

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.

09
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.

Green chilaquiles with carne asada stand out as an incredible dish and a favorite. The breakfast burrito and wrap both offer tasty salsa and solid flavors that invite repeat orders.

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.

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.

Birria stands out as a signature dish, often praised for its flavor. The menu features shrimp burritos, Carne Asada, and combo plates like Beef Taco with Cheese Enchilada, all served with a salsa bar inside.

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 thought the salsa bar was very good and tasty."

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
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 stands out with its well-seasoned flavor, not just grilled. Fish tacos come with large pieces of fish, and burritos often include French fries inside. Traditional dishes feature special touches like picked onions on rolled tacos, and warm tortillas and rice arrive promptly.

People are saying

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

"You can enjoy pretty patio seating and watch the traffic go by."

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

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
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.

Big, full, and tasty burritos and tacos stand out here, especially the California burrito and breakfast burritos. Rolled tacos and Carne Asada dishes are also notable, with spicy salsa adding a nice kick.

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 thought their Cali burrito was one of 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.

13
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 burritos stand out for their consistent quality and large portions. The menu also features crispy and soft carnitas, chicken rolled tacos, and tasty fish and shrimp burritos, all served with good rice and beans.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be very, very good."

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

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.

14
Kravings fruit bar image 1
Fruit parlor

Small and unassuming space offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu features authentic açaí bowls, tortas, and fruit salads reflecting Southern California culture. Frequent item shortages highlight its popularity and focus on freshness.

Food features high quality ingredients and tastes absolutely delicious when available. Service complements the top notch food experience.

Tortas here come in varieties like chicken chipotle, asada, and milanesa, often served warm and creamy. Smoothies like the ube** blend well with half torta combos, though quality varies across visits.

People are saying

"The staff here is super friendly and helpful with your smoothies."

"I loved the fresh, organic ingredients in my healthy açaí treat."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Kravings fruit bar offers a huge selection of smoothies, fruit bowls, and sandwiches.

2

They use real fruit and not syrup in their offerings.

3

The price of the fruit bowl is $16, which some may find high.

15
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 burritos stand out with bacon potato egg and hashbrown options. The shredded beef, guacamole, and sauces deliver strong flavors. Roll taco specials and the machaca plate offer solid variety.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought their Mexican food burritos were some of the best."

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.

16
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.

Rolled tacos come with lettuce, cheese, guacamole, and fries. The salsa bar stays full with carrot slices and radishes. Large portions include items like the Chile relleno burrito and carnitas tacos.

People are saying

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

"The salsa bar had a great variety and was always full."

"I thought the food here was really 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.

17
Prospect Plaza image 1
Shopping mall

Strip mall combines entertainment and shopping with a gun range, bars, and a liquor store. Atmosphere mixes casual dining with recreational activities. Visitors find a variety of options including fast food and live music venues.

Mexican food stands out with strong flavors and authentic taste. Pizza and alcohol options also appear alongside the main dishes.

Burritos stand out with rich flavors and generous portions. Salsa complements the dishes well, adding a fresh, spicy kick. The overall Mexican food here offers authentic tastes and satisfying meals.

People are saying

"This mall has a great liquor store and a Jack in the Box."

"I found the greatest Mexican food around."

"I found the greatest Mexican food around here."

Good to know

1

The bar offers happy hour specials from 5-7pm on weekdays.

2

The liquor store has a wide selection and is open until midnight.

3

Jack in the Box serves late-night food until 2am.

18
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers fast drive-thru service with clean, well-kept facilities and ample parking. Atmosphere features awesome music and a lively vibe. Food includes well-prepared chicken and fresh salads, with occasional variations in dish quality.

Food stays fresh and healthy with consistently delicious flavors. Offers great value and good service, especially with app deals.

Taco bowls and queso burritos stand out as popular choices here. Tostadas often come with double chicken, though sometimes the chicken is dry and salsa options vary in accuracy.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and very good."

"I always come here for the taco bowl."

Good to know

1

The facility is always neat and clean.

2

There is plenty of parking available.

3

The drive-thru service is fast and efficient.

19
Junction 52 Bar & Grill image 1

Walls covered with many TVs ensure every seat has a good view, creating a vibrant bar atmosphere with lively but not overwhelming background music. The crowd includes older regulars and locals, contributing to a chill, fun vibe that suits watching multiple sports simultaneously. A dog-friendly patio adds a relaxed outdoor option.

Food here is consistently good quality with noticeable improvement over time. The menu offers great flavors paired with excellent service.

Tacos come in carne asada and carnitas varieties priced around $3 to $5 each. Taco Tuesdays offer a surf and turf option with most tacos at $3. Margaritas complement the menu well.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and worth the cost."

"They have a huge beer selection on tap."

"You have to try the tacos; they're amazingly good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos all day, making it a popular choice.

2

Happy Hour runs all day, offering great drink specials.

3

The patio is dog-friendly, perfect for pet owners.

20
Jack in the Box image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant buzzes with crazy busy energy and steady flow of mobile orders. Sauces play a central role, enhancing meals with varied flavors and generous portions. Drive-through operates with fast, accurate service, making it a reliable spot for quick snacks or casual meals with others.

Food arrives fresh and hot, even late at night. The flavors are consistently tasty and fresh tasting with a friendly, attentive service that handles orders well.

Tacos come in a 2 Taco Deal and as tiny tacos. They arrive hot and always with ranch dressing.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, warm, and delicious."

"I thought the tacos were a great deal and very good."

"I loved the Mexican food here; the tacos were always hot."

Good to know

1

The drive-through service is fast and accurate.

2

Mobile orders may take longer due to high demand.

3

A military discount is available for eligible customers.

21
Marieta's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Dining room showcases retro Mexican decor with a lively guitarist playing skillfully at tables. Atmosphere feels like a family dinner with a friendly, authentic vibe and a busy kitchen's hustle. Space is large and well-loved, offering traditional Mexican food with fast service.

Food here is consistently authentic Mexican with excellent flavors and great service. The atmosphere buzzes with people enjoying traditional dishes and margaritas.

Authentic Mexican food features mole chicken enchiladas and vegetable fajitas that are perfectly made and delicious. The atmosphere is lively with people enjoying traditional dishes and strong margaritas.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mexican food here was absolutely amazing."

"The food here is fantastic, like homemade family food."

Good to know

1

The prices at Marieta's are reasonable, which is helpful given the inflation happening elsewhere.

2

There is ample entrance-level parking, and it is handicapped accessible.

3

Marieta's offers great deals on lunch specials.

22
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Restaurant offers a lively bar area with multiple TVs showing sports and a fun vibe. Atmosphere tends to be loud and energetic, especially near the bar, with families and groups adding to the noise. Updated decor and tablet games for kids add modern touches to the space.

Food comes out hot and includes varied burgers that appeal to many. Combos offer good quality at prices similar to other spots.

Sizzling fajitas come with shrimp, grilled chicken, and steak options and stay consistently good. The chicken bacon ranch quesadilla stands out as a favorite. Chips and salsa are fresh, light, and crispy, paired well with blended margaritas.

People are saying

"I thought the food was great, especially the burgers."

"The chips and salsa here are fresh, light, and crispy."

"The sizzling fajitas here are an excellent choice."

Good to know

1

The 3 for lunch options cost $10.99 and include a drink, appetizers, and a choice of sandwich.

2

There was a 20-minute wait on a Saturday night.

3

My food was ready in 15 minutes.

23
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.

Food comes out hot and fresh with good portions. Mexican dishes stay dependably tasty even late at night.

Tijuana tacos stand out with well-cooked, chopped adobada and tender carnitas. Burritos come large and fresh, especially the veggie and machaca versions. Carne asada fries load crispy fries with well-seasoned meat and toppings. Salsas are fresh and spicy, and rolled tacos pair well with guacamole.

People are saying

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

"I love their carne asada fries and Cali burritos."

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

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.

Discover more

Santee, California

Area guide
Loading Map...