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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Santee

Mexican food

Authentic Mexican food that respects the tradition of the dish instead of catering to the blandest common denominator.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sayulitas Mexican Food image 1
Sayulitas Mexican Food image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers huge burritos like Bacon Wrapped and chorizo with a Filipino twist. Cozy indoor and fresh outdoor seating create a quiet, comfortable vibe. Don't miss the awesome salsa bar with many unique sauces.

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 salsa bar here is unlimited and fantastic."

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

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

Enjoy authentic corn tortillas and perfectly seasoned carne asada in a calm, welcoming spot. Fresh salsas and generous portions make meals satisfying and affordable. Spacious seating adds comfort to this genuine Mexican dining experience.

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."

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

"The salsa here bursts with freshness and spice."

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
Mr. Birria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers a cozy atmosphere with clean, bright space and great music. Birria tacos deliver authentic Tijuana flavor, while micheladas stand out as excellent drinks. Casual vibe suits groups inside and outside seating.

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 birria grilled cheese was so good it should be illegal."

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.

04
Estrada's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic burritos and special guacamole. Bright lighting and cramped seating create a cozy vibe. Affordable prices make it a great pick for tasty, classic Mexican food.

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.

05
Sorianas Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy carne asada burritos with large portions and tasty sides in a hole-in-the-wall setting. Moderate seating and clean surfaces create a simple, welcoming vibe. A self-serve soda station and TV add casual comfort without fuss.

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

"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.

06
Bad Hombres Good Mexican Food image 1

Mexican food shines with the Super Cali burrito and spectacular tacos like Red and Bad Hombres. The open, modern interior contrasts with a plain exterior, creating a unique vibe. Expect a loud atmosphere and strong smells, especially near the busy drive-thru with long lines.

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 will 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.

07
Ferny's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space buzzes with memorable tacos and great salsas that balance heat and flavor. Burritos shine with fillings like shrimp and carnitas, while Carne Asada Fries offer cheese, steak, and avocado. Parking fills fast, showing its popularity despite the basic vibe.

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."

"Parking is available, with additional spots in the back."

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.

08
Robertoโ€™s Taco Shop - Santee image 1

Small Mexican spot offers $10 burritos and carne asada fries with double meat. Quaint tables and a half bar with taps create a homey vibe. Fish tacos at $1.99 on Thursdays make it a budget-friendly choice for families.

$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.

09
Jack in the Box image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot buzzes with crazy busy energy and quick drive-through service. Mexican tacos come hot with ranch dressing in a 2 Taco Deal or tiny size. Sauces add varied flavors and generous portions to every meal.

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.

10
Cotijas Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space offers a quiet atmosphere with booths and a muted TV. Mexican dishes shine with birria and shrimp burritos, complemented by a notable salsa bar. Family friendly vibe and a well-designed drive-thru make take-away easy.

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
Los Amigos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot serves massive tacos and best local burritos with bold red salsa. Spicy dishes bring a good burn, especially the Carne Asada and fish tacos. Atmosphere stays peaceful and welcoming, with generous portions and fair prices.

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.

12
El Rancho image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot offers well-seasoned carne asada and large fish tacos with a lively, dog-friendly patio. Full bar with multiple TVs keeps sports fans happy. Recent remodel adds fantastic decor and comfy seating for a cozy or noisy vibe.

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 7 mares fish soup was amazing."

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.

13
Estrada's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican taco shop offers big portions of burritos and tacos with spicy hot sauces. Family-owned charm creates a calm atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. Notable dishes include California burrito and Carne Asada.

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.

14
Kravings fruit bar image 1
Fruit parlor

Small spot offers a relaxed vibe with fresh ingredients and authentic Southern California flavors. Tortas like chicken chipotle come warm and creamy, paired well with ube smoothies. Popular menu items sell out fast, showing a focus on quality and freshness.

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 aรงaรญ treat."

"I loved the warm, creamy chicken chipotle torta."

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
Janet's Cafe and Deli image 1

Enjoy green chilaquiles with carne asada for a standout Mexican meal. Outdoor seating offers a heated patio with park views and a dog-friendly vibe. Breakfast and brunch shine with generous portions in a relaxed, welcoming spot.

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."

"You have to try the chilaquiles; they're incredible."

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.

16
Prospect Plaza image 1
Shopping mall

Strip mall blends casual dining with fun activities like a gun range and bars. Mexican food shines with authentic burritos and fresh, spicy salsa. Visitors enjoy live music alongside shopping and drinks.

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.

17
Hilberto's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with breakfast burritos and roll taco specials offering bold flavors and hearty portions. Early hours and fair prices make it accessible. Seating feels outdated but the space stays clean and quiet for a calm meal.

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.

18
Cazadores Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright dining area features beautiful artwork and a clean vibe. Mexican dishes shine with large portions like Chile relleno burrito and carnitas tacos. Fresh salsa bar offers carrot slices and radishes, enhancing casual dine-in or drive-through experience.

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."

"The guacamole here is magical."

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.

19
Junction 52 Bar & Grill image 1

Walls lined with many TVs create a lively bar vibe perfect for sports fans. Tacos, especially carne asada and carnitas, shine on Taco Tuesdays with great prices. A dog-friendly patio adds a chill outdoor spot for locals and regulars.

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
Marieta's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Dining room shines with retro Mexican decor and a lively guitarist. Enjoy authentic Mexican food like mole chicken enchiladas and vegetable fajitas. Fast service and a friendly, authentic vibe make it feel like a family dinner.

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.

21
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with fast drive-thru and ample parking. Enjoy taco bowls and double chicken tostadas amid lively music. Food quality varies but fresh salads and queso burritos impress.

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.

22
Del Taco image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot serves huge portions of tasty tacos with crispy shells and flavorful fillings like chicken del carbon. Offers affordable specials on Tuesdays and Thursdays, including vegan options. Atmosphere is simple and clean, perfect for quick, no-frills meals.

Tacos stand out with crispy shells and flavorful fillings like chicken del carbon under $2. Vegan options exist alongside huge portions and affordable specials on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

People are saying

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

"I loved the crispy tacos here."

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

Good to know

1

Del Taco offers vegan options on their menu.

2

Tuesdays and Thursdays feature unbeatable deals at Del Taco.

3

I paid with debit and the transaction cleared instantly.

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Santee, California

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