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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santee's best

Mexican lunch spots

A Mexican lunch that feels like a complete meal rather than a rushed plate of leftovers.

Based on 555 Opinions
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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.

Efficient service stands out during the lunch rush, showing the spot's popularity. The place tends to be quiet in the afternoon, making it easy to grab a meal without a wait.

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."

"This lunch spot is super fresh and tasty, made right after you order."

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
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.

Large burritos like the Big A$$ and quesalumpia fill you up for lunch and beyond. Portions often cover multiple meals, making it a solid choice for a hearty lunch spot.

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."

"This Lunch Spot's burritos are huge, feeding you for days."

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.

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.

Lunch offers a favorite meal at Glespie Field Industrial Park. Meals cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner without needing to go elsewhere.

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
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.

Lunch offers a two tacos special with rice and beans for $10.99, which is a great deal. Service can be slow due to being understaffed, making lunch last around two hours for larger groups.

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."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious and well prepared."

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.

05
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.

Lunch specials include a grilled chicken sandwich and a slice of delicious pie. The spot offers a light lunch atmosphere with breakfast options also available.

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."

"This is an amazing lunch spot for breakfast too."

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.

06
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.

Lunch hours bring a busy crowd but seating happens quickly. Staff stay upbeat and attentive, and the menu offers excellent selections for lunch and dinner.

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."

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

"This lunch spot has great food with tons of flavor."

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.

07
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.

Plentiful options fill the lunch menu with great deals on specials. Lunch portions leave no leftovers, making it a solid spot for midday meals.

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 lunch spot here feels so authentic, like south of the border."

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.

08
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.

Lunch features 3 for lunch combos that offer variety and value. Sharing Chalula hot sauce adds a nice kick, and the service stands out as attentive and friendly.

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 sizzling fajitas here are an excellent choice."

"The server at this Lunch Spot was so friendly and efficient."

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.

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