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Mexican tacos in Santee

You want a taco that stays true to the roots of Mexican food.

Based on 604 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.

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.

Offers authentic street tacos with options like shredded beef and fried chicken. Prices stay low while delivering delicious beef tacos and a variety of burritos including the California burrito.

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 found the beef tacos here to be delicious and flavorful."

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
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.

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.

Tacos offer good flavors and come in options like mini birria tacos. Combination plates include items like fish tacos with beans and rice at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"I thought the destroyer breakfast burrito was amazing."

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

"The tacos here are delicious with great flavors."

Good to know

1

Each salad costs only $11.

2

Parking is available right in front of the restaurant.

3

They offer catering services.

03
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.

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.

Rolled tacos stand out with their large size and solid flavor, especially the chicken roll tacos. Fish tacos feature fresh, hand battered fish and remain consistently delicious. Carnitas mini tacos also rank highly among the options.

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.

04
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.

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.

Birria tacos stand out with crispy, gooey cheese and juicy, tender meat. Other options like pastor and surf and turf tacos offer flavorful, well-balanced fillings with the right amount of onion and cilantro.

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 tacos are so juicy and flavorful."

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.

05
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.

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.

Pollo asada tacos and shrimp tacos stand out for their flavor. Half-price tacos on Taco Tuesday make it a popular spot. The hot sauce and guacamole add memorable spice and freshness.

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 tacos here were the best around."

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.

06
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.

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

Tacos come in tiny size and arrive hot. They serve them with ranch dressing and offer a 2 Taco Deal.

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.

07
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.

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.

Rolled fish tacos and birria tacos stand out with rich flavors and perfect preparation. The potato tacos and surf and turf options add variety and depth to the menu.

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 considered their carne asada burrito and rolled tacos the best."

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.

08
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.

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.

Shrimp tacos stand out as unbelievable, while chicken tacos come with generous meat portions. Rolled tacos are light and crispy, and birria tacos remain a consistent favorite.

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.

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.

$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.

Fish tacos stand out with their huge size and filling portions, especially on Taco Tuesday when they cost $1.99. Beef rolled tacos and shredded beef options offer solid Southern California taco shop fare that satisfies.

People are saying

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

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

"The fish taco here is huge and 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.

10
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.

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.

Tacos come with a massive quarter pound of meat each. They taste delicious and the shop stays clean.

People are saying

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

"I found their burritos to be really good."

"I found their tacos to be delicious."

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.

11
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.

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.

Tacos come huge and full of meat, with rolled tacos on point and generous portions. The shop offers a friendly vibe and solid traditional flavors.

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.

12
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.

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.

Rolled tacos come as mini taquitos with cheese if ordered without guacamole. Options include Carne Asada chips and carnitas tacos. Meals often pair tacos with rice and beans, like the #20 combo with two 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 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.

13
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.

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.

Shrimp tacos stand out with amazing flavor. Taco Tuesdays offer all tacos at $3 each, except surf and turf, making it a solid deal. Carne asada and carnitas tacos show authentic taste.

People are saying

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

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

"Taco Tuesdays were well worth visiting for the deals."

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.

14
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.

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.

Fish tacos come with large pieces of fish and shrimp tacos are also available. Rolled tacos feature picked onions for a special touch. Chicken tacos and chile rellano stand out as crispy and flavorful options.

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 tacos here have large pieces of fish and good flavor."

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.

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.

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.

Tacos here have a 90s taco shop vibe with options like the Special #3, which includes four rolled tacos with guacamole, rice, and beans. The roll taco specials work well for sharing and come alongside plates like carne asada.

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
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.

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.

Rolled tacos come crunchy with just the right filling and pair well with guacamole. Carnitas and chicken tacos taste very good and stay affordable, with adobada meat cooked well and chopped small.

People are saying

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

"I found the TJ tacos here to be excellent and delicious."

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

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.

17
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.

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.

Rolled tacos come hot and fresh with lettuce, cheese, and guacamole, often paired with fries. Carnitas and beef tacos stand out for their rich flavor, while breakfast burritos and quesadillas add variety to the taco offerings.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try the beef rolled tacos with guacamole."

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.

18
Del Taco image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant offers huge portions and tasty tacos with unbeatable deals on certain days. Atmosphere is simple and very clean, making it a quick stop for affordable meals. Service and food quality vary, but the place maintains a straightforward, no-frills vibe.

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.

Tacos come with huge portions and fresh ingredients. Specials on Tuesdays and Thursdays offer great deals on chicken and beef tacos, all served with flavorful fillings and nice service.

People are saying

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

"I loved the crispy tacos here."

"I thought the tacos here tasted really good."

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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