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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 530 Opinions
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01
Emma's Mexican Food image 1
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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."

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
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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

"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.

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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."

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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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

"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.

05
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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

"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
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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

"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.

07
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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

"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.

08
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Enjoy generous burritos and freshly grilled meats with all-you-can-eat salsa in a casual, affordable setting. Classic dishes like California burritos and breakfast options offer hearty, straightforward Mexican flavors. Service stays attentive and welcoming throughout.

California burritos stand out with freshly grilled meat and generous portions. Breakfast burritos, street tacos, and chips with all-you-can-eat salsa offer solid variety and fresh flavors. Service is attentive and accommodating.

People are saying

"You have to try their breakfast burritos; they're so good."

Good to know

1

Restrooms are available for customers only.

2

Making a small purchase helps them.

3

Prices are generally lower than other taco spots in the area.

09
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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."

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.

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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 thought the Mexican food here was absolutely amazing."

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.

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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."

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.

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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

"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.

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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 loved the crispy tacos here."

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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