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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santee

Taco spots

Made for those who have a singular focus on finding the most reliable taco in their immediate vicinity.

Based on 542 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

Enjoy authentic handmade tortillas and fresh salsas in a calm, inviting space with generous portions. Street tacos like shredded beef and fried chicken stay affordable and tasty. Perfect for casual meals with a genuine Mexican flavor.

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."

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

"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 spot shines with authentic burritos and mini birria tacos. Bright lighting and cramped seating create a cozy vibe. Affordable prices make it a great pick for tasty Mexican food and satisfying taco combos.

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

"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
Ferny's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with a basic vibe serves memorable tacos like pollo asada and shrimp. Great salsas and spicy hot sauce add bold flavor. Parking is tight but reflects its popularity, especially on Taco Tuesday with half-price tacos.

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.

04
Mr. Birria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers a cozy atmosphere with clean, bright space and casual vibe. Birria tacos shine with crispy cheese and tender meat, while micheladas are excellent and refreshing. Seating suits groups inside and outside, perfect for relaxed dining.

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
Jack in the Box image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot buzzes with crazy busy energy and quick, accurate drive-through service. Tiny tacos arrive hot with ranch dressing and a 2 Taco Deal. Sauces add generous portions and bold flavors, perfect for quick snacks or casual meals.

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."

"The drive-thru worker was so polite and friendly."

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.

06
Cotijas Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space offers a quiet atmosphere with family-friendly vibes and a salsa bar that stands out. Rolled fish and birria tacos deliver rich flavors while the well-designed drive-thru adds convenience for take-away.

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.

07
Bad Hombres Good Mexican Food image 1

Mexican spot offers shrimp tacos that amaze and generous chicken tacos. Inside, expect a loud atmosphere with strong smells. Drive-thru lines show its popularity for fast Mexican food.

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.

08
Junction 52 Bar & Grill image 1

Walls lined with many TVs create a vibrant bar vibe perfect for sports fans. Shrimp tacos offer amazing flavor, especially on Taco Tuesdays with great deals. A dog-friendly patio adds a relaxed outdoor spot, blending fun and chill atmospheres seamlessly.

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."

"They have a huge beer selection on tap."

"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.

09
Sayulitas Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers cozy seating and a quiet vibe. Rolled tacos shine with large size and bold flavor, while the awesome salsa bar adds zest. Unique Filipino fusion dishes round out generous portions for a tasty, fresh experience.

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."

"I loved their Taco Tuesday deals, especially the fish tacos."

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.

10
Robertoโ€™s Taco Shop - Santee image 1

Small Mexican spot offers huge fish tacos and solid beef options. Casual vibe with half bar taps adds to the relaxed feel. Clean, comfortable space draws fans of authentic food and good value, especially on Taco Tuesday.

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."

"I valued a good bean and cheese burrito for under $7."

"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.

11
Los Amigos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot serves massive tacos with a quarter pound of meat each and bold red salsa. Enjoy best local burritos in a clean, peaceful setting. Portions are generous and prices fair, perfect for those craving authentic flavors in a simple, welcoming place.

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.

12
Estrada's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican taco shop serves huge tacos with spicy hot sauces in a calm, family-owned setting. Ample seating and cute decor create a relaxed vibe perfect for lunch or dinner. Traditional flavors shine in every bite.

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 found the tacos here to be the best in town."

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
Santana's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant buzzes with authentic Mexican music and a clean interior perfect for takeout. Tijuana tacos and carne asada fries shine with well-seasoned meat. Rolled tacos stay crunchy and pair well with guacamole, while carnitas and chicken tacos offer great taste at an affordable price.

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."

"The carne asada fries are loaded with tender, well-seasoned meat."

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.

14
Sorianas Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy quality tacos like carne asada and carnitas with rice and beans in a clean, casual setting featuring a TV and self-serve soda. Burritos and breakfast tortas offer good value. Expect a hole-in-the-wall vibe with moderate seating and no agua fresca refills.

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 ordered a second carne asada torta because the first was just way too good."

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.

15
El Rancho image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot offers fish tacos with large pieces and a dog-friendly patio for relaxed dining. Full bar with multiple TVs creates a lively atmosphere during games. Recent remodel adds fantastic decor and comfy seating for a cozy yet vibrant experience.

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.

16
Del Taco image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot serves huge portions of fresh tacos with great deals on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Atmosphere stays very clean and simple, perfect for quick, affordable meals. Service varies but keeps a no-frills vibe throughout.

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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