Tierra Santa Mexican Restaurant

501 reviews

5950 Santo Rd Suite E & F, San Diego, CA 92124

tierrasantamex.com

+18582773412

About

Tierra Santa Mexican Restaurant is a Mexican restaurant located at 5950 Santo Rd Suite E & F, San Diego, CA 92124. It has received 501 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday11AM-9PM
Tuesday10AM-8PM
Wednesday11AM-9PM
Thursday11AM-9PM
Friday11AM-9PM
Saturday11AM-9PM
Sunday11AM-9PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Tierra Santa Mexican Restaurant: 5950 Santo Rd Suite E & F, San Diego, CA 92124

  • Tierra Santa Mexican Restaurant has 4.4 stars from 501 reviews

  • Mexican restaurant

  • "My fiancée and I are new in the Tierrasanta area, and Tierrasanta Mexican was recommended to us by several different people in the neighborhood"

    "Tierrasanta is a decent place to eat Mexican fare"

    "I just got back from the beach off a long run and decided to stop by this place for burrito"

    "Well let's start off with a good points the service was excellent that's why they got it too presentation was excellent when the food came out it was presented very very nicely the dessert the churros and the ice cream very surprising and very good the surprising part was the churros had like a syrup and peanut butter mixture inside of the churro very very good okay, now we get on to some of the bad things after looking at the presentation I expected the food to be amazing well well, well the food was very bland the meat had no flavor no seasoning no nothing I had a chimichanga and supposed to be able to taste the flavors of the meat in the chimichanga because it it you know it's in its own juices it's good I had a beef chimichanga and it was terrible the meat was no flavor it was a big let down I thought it was going to be a bigger platter but it ended up being enough to fill me up so that part of it I'm okay with but just the flavor I can't get over how bad the flavor was there was no flavor you know when you go out to a restaurant you expect good service good food and you don't mind paying the prices well I did get excellent service I got good presentation but I got the food was below below below par it just tasted very very bland you can't be in a Mexican restaurant food they just don't cut it so Tierra Santa Mexican bar and grill gets a two star for me and that's all because of the presentation and the service the food I would not have there thank you very much"

    "Let me be forward and say there is nothing wrong with this place"

Reviews

  • Danielle B

My fiancée and I are new in the Tierrasanta area, and Tierrasanta Mexican was recommended to us by several different people in the neighborhood. Being they are less than 3 minutes up the road, we excitedly decided to try them out for Cinco de Mayo! Unfortunately- the excitement dwindled fast, as the rest of our experience was hardly recommend worthy. First let me say that I understand that for 'events' such as Cinco de Mayo, restaurants are inundated- and while great service is appreciated, I am empathetic with not receiving atypical top notch service when these places get slammed with customers all looking for the same thing on the same night. With this being our first time there- I had no idea what their "usual" service is like. There seemed to be absolutely no organization whatsoever from both the front and back of house. This became evident as we waited on a line (with only 1 person ahead of us) for 15-20 minutes just to put our name in (even though there were several empty tables outside waiting to be sat). When a hostess did come to take our name, she handed us her pen and paper to write down our information for her because "she's bad at that"... ...... with all due respect, I am not a crazy germ-o-phobe- but I then watched the same hostess instantly go down the remainder of the line handing the same pen to every customer to write their name on said waitlist- (AKA- 0 COVID PROTOCOLS BEING ADDRESSED) ....I'm all for their "PEACEFUL PROTEST" (as stated on their front door)- and it may seem really petty, but why is everyone sharing the same pen when everywhere is taking precautions to sanitize things being touched by other individuals? If you are going to stay open during these times, peaceful or not, PLEASE at least adhere to the sanitizing rules to keep YOUR BUSINESS and YOUR CUSTOMERS safe. Luckily, we only waited approx 10 min from that point to get a table, so I felt hopeful. There were chips and salsa already on the table, which was appreciated, and we got our drink orders within a reasonable time. The margarita was really yummy, as was the salsa. However- that was the last time we got a drink refill the entire night- because we were hardly seen again by a waitress, and when we did ask for a refill, it was forgotten. When we told the waitress we were READY to order, she told us no rush- because the kitchen was backed up.... so I guess our hunger had to wait. lol After we placed our order- it was a small eternity before we received our food. After an hour of waiting, we had 3 ppl check up on us to reconfigure our order, but every time they went back into the kitchen, they would disappear, never to be seen again. I can understand why the kitchen would have been backed up when we first got there as there was a steady flow of people ordering take out as well as being seated, but at this point it was after 8 pm (they close at 8), and the restaurant had a ton of empty tables- so at this point we were just confused and hungry. Finally our food made it to our table (impressively piping hot). The beans and quesadilla were great- but my fiancée's experience was quite different. He ordered 2 burritos- 1 shredded beef (which he ate with 0 complaints) and 1 shredded chicken (which did not go as well). As fast as he took a bite of that burrito, he spit it out right back out into his plate just as fast (which I've never witnessed him do in 5+ years). The look on his face spoke volumes- and in that moment he said he would never return it was so bad. At that point it was almost 9 pm, we had already gotten the check, and just wanted to be done and home, so we did not bring the dissatisfaction of the burrito to the restaurants attention. As previously stated, I know cinco de mayo can be really crazy for restaurants, so I am willing to give Tierrasanta Mexican another shot in hopes that this evening was simply a "one-off". But---this IS San Diego after all, and finding a good Mexican restaurant elsewhere will definitely not be hard at all.

  • Luis P.

Tierrasanta is a decent place to eat Mexican fare. The place is well decorated, the tables are sturdy wood, as so are the chairs. We were returning from Mexico at around 5:30 PM, and the traffic was, to say the least, claustrophobic on our way back to the Inland Empire in the 15 North. Vehicles moving at a snail pace, easy to tell that the 50 miles or so we needed to travel to our home base, was going to last at least 2 hours. So bright idea hit, check for a local Mexican restaurant with 4 Stars, or more. Tierrasanta was it, just a few miles away. Upon arrival we were greeted cordially, and seated without further delay. The place was about 60% full, and our table looked very nice. Sergio? and his artistic uncle David, who sang us a few songs, made our time more festive. What he made have lacked on raw talent, was widely compensated in wonderful personality. Looked like we landed in a warm, caring place, and our combined appetites (2 lovely ladies, and two average looking gents) took over from there. Food ordered: 1 Tamal Combination Plate, $10.95. Served with the traditional refried beans and rice, the tamal was there one moment in a healthy amount plate, and in no time our senior made it disappear. No complaints at all. 4 Stars. 1 Tamal, 1 Chile Verde, 1 Chicken Enchilada Combination Plate, $13.95. Good looking plate for our second female companion who did not seem fazed at all by the hefty plate. Ate part there, part home. Both times seriously pleased with what she ordered, specially the chile verde which she claimed was very pleasing to her voracious appetite, not a piece of food left. With beans and rice that were also very edible. 4 Stars. Pollo Tierrasanta, $14.95. Not one, two, three, four, but five pieces of chicken specially seasoned, with the above mentioned sides, and steaming hot corn tortillas. Young man eating it, and lucky me which obtained a small piece, after much pleading, agreed that it had its own Tierrasanta personality, crispy and adequately seasoned. 4 Stars. El Comal, $19.95. Grilled chicken, steak and shrimp in a bed of grilled onions, avocados and fresh salsa, beans and rice, and flour and corn tortillas. Only 3 large shrimp, but tasty all around. Took home half and enjoyed it twice. 4 Stars. Chips were fresh and warm, and salsas green and red, never ending. Big mistake, because by the time we came down to our senses, and refills stopped, we were kind of full. That is how good they were. David kept appearing and serenading us, and we kind of loved it! Needless to say, service was specially brilliant. Water, our main drink, unusually tasty. Bathrooms clean enough, and we thanked our lucky stars, or should I say Google maps? for introducing Tierrasanta to these weary travelers. Big hearted atmosphere, decent fare, I was invited so I only say 4 Stars!

  • Charles Relph

I just got back from the beach off a long run and decided to stop by this place for burrito. little did I know that it's an actual restaurant and not a fast food, you'll see from my pictures that I took at a local park soon thereafter, that this is no ordinary burrito. I would say it's below average size for a burrito from San Diego, but just a little bit below-average you do not need to eat more than that you naughty naughty boy. I took out my huge knife cut the burrito in half to show you that there's a certain kind of sweet bean inside....... beans with a sweet sauce, please do not think that I said that they put beans in the burrito, I do not like burritos from San Pedro and Long Beach because everywhere up there they put beans and rice in your burrito. this burrito is much different than that because there's only a few beans and you can taste each of their textures and there's a sweet sauce with them, it doesn't stop there the carne asada was marinated to perfection and did not taste like fast food, furthermore it had plenty of guacamole that was just perfect. if I bring a friend to San Diego I would not brag about this burrito I would eat this burrito in private with a grin on my face knowing that I'm getting a good deal, but if I wanted to really impress them I would bring them to one of the fast food places like Los panchos Alberto's and the like. unless I was going to sit down and eat and which case I would most likely come here cuz it seems like they really put it all on the plate. dear goodness I can't wait to find a lady with firm forearms and soft hands and brunette hair dripping down her back and bring her here sit her down and have a sweet little date.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Burrito
Kid-friendliness
nestled in a booth was a gorgeous blond mother and her sister and her three blond children and her mom as well, the children seemed happy they may or may not have taken a swig of the aunties Margarita but nevertheless I said nothing my lips were sealed but my hands are writing this review because I know this place sure does find itself friendly with children

  • Flindel Mig

Well let's start off with a good points the service was excellent that's why they got it too presentation was excellent when the food came out it was presented very very nicely the dessert the churros and the ice cream very surprising and very good the surprising part was the churros had like a syrup and peanut butter mixture inside of the churro very very good okay, now we get on to some of the bad things after looking at the presentation I expected the food to be amazing well well, well the food was very bland the meat had no flavor no seasoning no nothing I had a chimichanga and supposed to be able to taste the flavors of the meat in the chimichanga because it it you know it's in its own juices it's good I had a beef chimichanga and it was terrible the meat was no flavor it was a big let down I thought it was going to be a bigger platter but it ended up being enough to fill me up so that part of it I'm okay with but just the flavor I can't get over how bad the flavor was there was no flavor you know when you go out to a restaurant you expect good service good food and you don't mind paying the prices well I did get excellent service I got good presentation but I got the food was below below below par it just tasted very very bland you can't be in a Mexican restaurant food they just don't cut it so Tierra Santa Mexican bar and grill gets a two star for me and that's all because of the presentation and the service the food I would not have there thank you very much

  • Jacob Boss

Let me be forward and say there is nothing wrong with this place. The staff was friendly, and the food was good but there is much better tasting Mexican food in San Diego. This places biggest problem is that they are in a city with a lot of stiff competition, especially when it comes to Mexican restaurants. If you put this restaurant in any other city in a state that does not share a boarder with Mexico and you probably have one of the better Mexican restaurants in town, but in San Diego there is just way better. But I really was not disappointed, I just feel their is much better options out there. I try to write either a one star or five star reviews as a thumbs up or thumbs down ideology, but there is no way I could give this restaurant a thumbs down.

  • Pamela Hardaway

Came to the restaurant today to use a coupon where you buy one entree (combination 1-16) and 2 drinks and get a second combination free. We both got the Chili Relleno and Taco combination. You can choose between a shredded beef or chicken taco, we both got shredded beef. The food was excellent. For our drinks we ordered small strawberry margaritas. They were plenty big and tasty. The service was great and the people were friendly and we will definitely be back
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Beans and Rice, Taco, Pickled Carrots
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

  • Amie

This is the only sit down Mexican restaurant in Tierrasanta. The staff are very friendly and the place is very clean. They have a full bar which is a bonus and quite a few tables besides seats at the bar. This is a local favorite so there may be a line at the door to get in during peak times. The menu is pretty typical - the food can be hit or miss sometimes depending on what you order. I recommend their Carnitas. Excellent and the portions here are large. On Sundays they have a brunch but not in the typical sense - not a buffet with all you can eat but instead a special menu with a fixed price that comes with mimosas. This place is kid friendly and is located in a strip mall so parking can be challenging at times. They close at 9 pm

  • Elizabeth

I tried this place for the first time today. My dad and stepmom live 5 minutes from there so I chose it for convenience. My stepmom has late stage Parkinson's and it is very hard for them to get out. The food was wonderful and the customer service even better! One of their employees, Joe, insisted on walking with us to my parent's car and pushed my step mom's wheelchair to the car and lifted her into her seat and put on her seatbelt on for her! My 82 year old dad was left speechless and he looked at me and said "When the fight starts I want that young man on our side!" So thank you Joe for showing such compassion and being such a testament that there are good people out there in this world!

  • J S

Entrees seldom if ever arrive with all items for example, fajitas won't have the side of guac. Drink refills are consistently forgotten about, and orders come out wrong. You can tell them no beans and no rice, or no onions, whatever, and they'll mess up your order. You need to go flag someone down to get your check, and go pay for it at the bar because they'll just forget about you, and this is if they're not busy. The service gets negative 4 stars, the food is negative 2 stars. You're better off driving down to Old Town and going to Miguel's, you'll pay more but you'll get all your food, in a timely manner, from friendly knowledgeable staff and servers, made by excellent cooks.

  • Ian Tolentino

I can't believe I haven't done a review yet! I've been coming to this restaurant for over 20 years. At least once a month, oftentimes more. I always get the same thing: either the carnitas plate or the carne asada plate. It's become kind of a running joke between the servers and I. They'd see me and smile and ask, "Carne asada or carnitas today? Flour or corn? Iced tea or diet Coke?" They *do* make attempts to get me to try other things, but why mess with perfection? That's my thought. Anyway, great people, food that keeps me coming back and bringing people. I've been around so long, my favorite restaurants are closing down. I hope this one stays forever!

  • Sabrina Bauer

Servers are very helpful and kind. Drink selections are kind of limited (no mint for mojitos) no daiquiris. Slightly inconsistent. Like I ordered the fried ice cream 3 times (1st time was a scoop of fried ice cream on a saucer with a dollop of whip cream beside it. 2nd time it was presented in a fried cinnamon sugar tortilla bowl-YUM with hot fudge sauce whipped cream AND rainbow sprinkles!! 3rd time it was in the fried bowl but no whip or sprinkles just the fudge sauce :( ) sometimes flavors are unexpected (not described well in menu) but everything tastes great! Home made salads are wonderful and nice free crisp chips.

  • Rod Dillard

Went here to celebrate a birthday for a friend, the service was okay I say okay because at the end of the meal when we all we're about done with the meal we got attitude from the staff because it was closing time soon like we had 30more minutes before they were actually closed. The food was pretty good but our waitress and busboy were kinda rude. It was like we got rushed or something and it wasn't even a full restaurant at the time a dozen people were dining that night. Other than that nice restaurant but work on your employees customer service.

  • Don67

OK when you just want to stay local. Nice friendly staff. Generous serving of rice and beans, but combo dishes are overly smothered in cheese and sauce. If you prefer simple just get ala carte tacos. I like the carne asada and fish tacos. I tried shrimp tacos but the filling has a lot of sauce that makes the tortilla fall apart Chips are good, but there is something overpowering in the salsa that will have you still tasting it the next morning. Maybe too much garlic or onion, not sure what it is.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

  • Hope Caruso

Great food and generous portions. The service was excellent and the atmosphere is nice with comfortable seating. More of a sit down place to enjoy.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Burrito, Pickled Carrots, Enchilada
Vegetarian options
Plenty of vegetarian options and whole beans. Delicious!
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

  • Jeremy P

We decided to check out this restaurant based on a coupon we received in the mail for buy one entree and get the 2nd entree free! We were very pleased. First impressions are so important and upon walking into a busy dining room we were greeted with a big smile from a male server whom walked us to our table and wiped it down for us. The food was delicious, love the chips/salsa, and the decor was fitting and comfortable. Will definitely be taking my wife here for more Mexican food when we are craving for it!

  • Robert Powell

Food is off chart, AWESOME! Service is mediocre. Bartender Juan Carlos is a joke! Not only doesn't know how to, but he breaks the rules. Having our meal at the bar, he's making a Margarita for Waiter. The Waiter says no salt after the drink is complete. Juan puts his finger tip into the drink thumb on the outside & squeegees the salt 1/3 off the rim. Pours the drink into another glass. The Waiter was fine with it... Unbelievable! Too Bad... The food was great! I wonder what else was in my food?

  • Chad W.

This place was great, our friends invited us for lunch as they are regulars. We had the house margaritas and a blended strawberry margarita which were all great. I had the toquitos which are cut in half to make mini toquitos which are always great here. Ask for your guacamole on the side otherwise you get it on a bed of lettuce, no bueno. It looks nicer, but I don't want lettuce mixed with my guacamole. Service was great, nobody was sitting inside on such a beautiful day but us.

  • Terri Day

Great place, food, drinks and service. Ordered a margarita and 1 entree, 1 perfect size appetizer. All delicious!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Beans and Rice, Burrito, Carne Asada, Enchilada
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

  • Denise Diamond

3rd time I've been treated for lunch. Marqueritas are $5 on M & T. We ordered one each and each ordered the El Comul. Delicious!! Plenty of leftovers for the evening & next day's lunch.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, El Comal Fajitas
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

  • Em A.

We enjoyed our dinner at Tierra Santa Mexican restaurant. The service was great and the food was delicious. We'll definitely be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Guacamole, Chips Salsa and the Carrot, Burrito, Pickled Carrots
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

  • R Micks

We have found a gem of a place to eat. The food was great, our server was attentive and took care of our entire group. The drinks were good .
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Chips Salsa and the Carrot, Burrito, Taco, Enchilada
Wheelchair accessibility
Parking out front and easy access into the restaurant.

  • Claire Hoffman

Sweet setting for a nice brunch with my mom. They were kind to adjust a recipe or two for her NO SALT request. What a super spot to have in Tierrasanta!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Dietary restrictions
Very considerate of my mom's requests!
Wheelchair accessibility
So very easy to have brunch here!

  • misty hansen

My husband and I have gone several times and the food has never disappointed. It taste great quick and service is quick and respectful.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Guacamole, Burrito, Taco, Enchilada
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

  • Jason Reeves

Absolutely love this place! Salsa, chips, and pickled veggies (carrots, onions, jalepeños) served as soon as you sit down. Everything is full of flavor. Great service by friendly people. Can't go wrong with coming here.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

  • Leslie Giannettino

NEVER again. Gave it a second chance but it was worse. There’s 6 shrimp in the shrimp salad, we got five, that they charge $14.95 for, we got . You get more at Rubios or chipotle. The albóndiga soup has all veggies over cooked well the one slice of potato and a few carrots all over cooked along with one of the two meatballs. The tortillas given with the albóndiga soup didn’t taste good either.

  • Heming Diep

I had the fish tacos and they were pretty good for the price. Tasty flavor and crispy breading made the experience memorable. The atmosphere is a plus and the employees are nice and thoughtful so I would definitely come again
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Vegetarian options
Got some veggie options
Parking
Decent amount of parking

  • Sara Conover

BOO. came with a few girlfriends to enjoy the all day happy hour...Margaritas were tasty but service was awful. The waitress came to our table 3 times during our 1.5 hour visit. Thankfully we moved next door where we had a fabulous time catching up and the most attentive and lively service. That was our last straw, we will not be planning girls night (or any night) here again.

  • Cate Bm

The waitress took a while to get to our table and was only there to take our order. She eventually checked back in but at the end of our meal to only drop a check. The food took a little longer than what would be expected and wasn't all that great, given the time we waited for it. Margarita was too sour and we never got the water we had asked for. All in all, not impressed.

  • Jayne

The food and staff are the best around. Everyone is kind and happy to see you. The menu is amazing and so many multi combos to choose your favorites or try something new! You could tell there were several locals / regulars and we all know that means consistency on quality food and service.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

  • Jill Kaplan

AWESOME FOOD!! Great place to go and you will be well taken care of. We have been the a few times and each time we left very full and happy!! Great food, great service, you are well taken care of here. Try their Chile relleno wonderful, so very very good. Oh did I not say the guacamole was the best ever!! IT IS!!! You will be glad you went there!! Go and See!!

  • Julianne D.

The first time I came here I thought the food was excellent! I ordered the cheese enchilada plate. The second time I came here I ordered their potato tacos and hated it, The potatoes tasted weird to me. My husband had a good experience with his food both of the times we came here. The service was always good here, Friendly staff and attentive.

  • Maria Harris

The food has no flavor. The queso fundio.. what in the world. It was disrespectful it looked like leftover cheese at the bottom of a pan. If you're Mexican you're not going to like it and end up upset for spending so much money.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3

  • Patrick Hilt

Very nice, cozy Mexican restaurant. Staff were super friendly and accommodating and prices were more than adequate!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Mole Chicken Enchiladas, Taco, Enchilada, Tortillas, Fajitas

  • Beth Brewer

Service here was very good and the food was delicious. The el patron margarita was super good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Beans and Rice, Burrito, Pickled Carrots, Tortillas, Fajitas

  • Gabriela Padilla

The food is excellent but each time they serve less, the prices go up and they serve less, it's silly. I don't understand if they changed management or some new step, because this was not the case before, comparing prices from other places. The dishes have very little food and the price is not worth ‍♀️ …

  • Christiane

Wish there were more places like Tierrasanta Mex! It is a comfortable, welcoming restaurant & patrons enjoy fresh food, good margaritas & tasty chips and salsa. I love that it isn't a chain like El Torito or On the Border. The staff here are great & you get to see the same friendly faces. Always happy to dine here!

  • Jovany D.

"White people" mexican food. No offense to white people. For what it is, it isn't bad I guess. Went on a Sunday, and they didnt have menudo. Michelada's was pretty weak. Dude who sat us down had a major attitude when I asked him what options they had to drink for my kids. Waitress was super nice though.

  • Jan Giacinti

This was our first time eating here & it won’t be our last. It starts with a friendly staff & excellent margarita & moves on to delicious food. I had the pork tamale & my boyfriend had a seafood dish - both were excellent. Can’t wait to go back.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Kai Odonnell

The ambiance. We loved the music, the decor, the size. People were here with large groups and whole families, and it is generally just a happy place. The service. The service was great! This restaurant is always swamped, but our waitress was as available as it was possible for her to be!

  • A B

Very homely atmosphere, friendly staff. I noticed that most customers who came in were regulars, the waitress knew their names. I took my food to go, family loved it and I will be back!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • mark bruton

This is our favorite Mexican food restaurant in San Diego.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, El Comal Fajitas, Mole Chicken Enchiladas, Enchilada

  • MA Taylor

Great service, the food was very good. Loved the beans and pickled carrots. The salsa was excellent.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

  • Jill Blackwood

Always fabulous food. We've been eating here for 13 years. You can't go wrong with this choice!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Yes

  • Jesse Velasquez

Pretty good Mexican food. I had the Chili Verde and asked for spicy. Over all a good experience.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pickled Carrots

  • Tom Cooper

This mexican food is soo soo soo soo good, I come here all the time and always order the chipotle burrito. It kills me how good it is, I literally go home and die while I remember how tastey it is, then I COME BACK TO LIFE, head back to the restaurant and have another.

  • Clifford Robbins

Food is always good. Service is great when you get there, they take your drink order and bring chips and salsa right away. The come and get your order quickly but after the food service is weak, we always have a problem getting the bill when we are ready to leave.

  • Arash Adami

Went in for a snack and came out stuffed. We are not creative when it comes to ordering so we ordered a California burrito and adobado taco plus cadillac margarita - highly recommend all.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

  • B. Johnson

Just left this place because the customer service needs some work. We weren’t ready to order and waited 20 minutes in a restaurant that wasn’t busy to order. This isn’t the first time but will definitely be the last.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

  • Kodan Armada

This is the best Mexican restaurant in San Diego! The service is quick, the food is excellent, and prices are very reasonable! Come, you will love it!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Rick Pernell

Just OK, it isn't great food and you could do a whole lot worse so it's just OK. They do have a bar and serve mixed drinks along with beer and wine. They also have several large screen TV that are usually tuned to local sports. Bar area seats approximately 8.

  • Lindsey Handley

This place is ALWAYS OPEN, which is great cuz most restaurants in Tierrasanta are not necessarily open on Sundays when you really want to go eat out! Margaritas & tamales are really excellent. Quality Mexican food at a good price. Service is pretty good too!

  • Joanne Brausch

My sister & her husband eat here every Friday. Staff & food are wonderful. We enjoy this fantastic place everytime we visit.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Mike J

Just picked up my order of two burritos, breakfast and surf and turf. I can simply say, the food is gas station/7Eleven quality. I paid $35 for something i couldn’t eat.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50

  • Eric Saretsky

Very welcoming. Excellent service. Delicious lunch.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Burrito, Carne Asada

  • Bobby Tucker

This place is a TierraSanta gem!!! Great food, tasty margaritas, and amazing customer service! Definitely recommend a stop by and the jalapeno pomegranate margarita.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

  • Lisa Caputo

After 2 plus months of being locked up at home recovering from toe surgery I finally got an opportunity to go out for Mexican. We love going here before the dinner crowd as it's very relaxing and the food is very good. Enjoyed it very much.

  • Bo Jangles

I really enjoy eating here, but I'll be honest with you I am one of those people that only orders one thing and any given place. I have always ordered the steak fajitas and I really enjoy them so consider that my formal recommendation :).

  • Nicholas S

No happy hour Not enough restrooms Food took too long to come out of the kitchen Food has little flavor Food was overcooked Food was too greasy Do not recommend
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

  • David Romero

The restaurant services are what get my attention, and the food quality is superb. I had the pork tamale & my sister had a seafood dish - both were excellent. I'm excited to go back.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Bill Luna

Food was good. We had to find our Server to order and forourcheck. One meal came about 8 to 10 minutes after others had been served. Restaurant was not busy.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

  • Silverback_GMT410

Service was OK, they forgot my friends beer but no biggie... food was not bad but not to my Mexican standards... Burrito Ranchero was ok but the meat tasted sweet not savory like its supposed to be... Huge let down... beer is good tho

  • Rod Gullo

Got the Carne Con Camarones and the El Comal. Both entrees were very tasty. The Carne Con Camarones steak was smaller than expected, but tender. The bacon wrapped shrimp were very good. The El Comal shrimp, chicken, and steak were a

  • Marya Chuong

Great local spot. Standard Mexican restaurant fare - I like the chicken and bean tostada and the fajitas. And, of course, gotta get the house margarita - they are strong. This is where we head after a long day and need to unwind.

  • Paul Bell

Nothing special. Usual Mexican fare, competently prepared in a cozy environment. You could easily do worse if you are looking for straight up Mexican.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

  • Sean Giles

Carlos is THE BEST. Been coming here with family and friends for YEARS! Ask for Carlos, he will take care of you. If you like heat, get the Camarones de la diabla(Devils shrimp) in a Plata o burrito. You won't be disappointed.

  • KJ

Chips and salsa are good! Food comes out quick and is exactly what you would expect for a similar style Mexican restaurant. Recommend.
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Enchilada

  • Peggy Schipper

Great food, staff is very friendly. A nice spot for a good meal.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Chips Salsa and the Carrot, Beans and Rice, Taco, Enchilada, Carnitas

  • Gary Milam

This is our neighborhood family owned and run restaurant that we frequent often for food and drinks. I highly recommend it!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

  • Tedd Staub

Camarones al la Diabla was the best in town ... Help was a little sparse... Needed napkins and a drink refill... The worst part was I had to pay $3.95 for soda water ... Not a good business practice!

  • Amardeep G

This was the worst Mexican food I have ever had. The horchata had way too much sugar in it and my tamales were drenched in sauce. There was no flavor in the food. I would never return to this place.

  • Benjamin Covey

$15.95 for a carnitas "plate". Barley any food, took it as takeout, so didn't see until we got home. Totally lame and feel ripped off. Never again.... ......and they didnt include our carrots

  • Aaron Luna

Fast service and amazing food, what more could you want! The staff are also always friendly and welcoming. The drinks here never disappoint, which is nice with the few options in the area.

  • Ej Munoz

Good food, great service.! I was looking forward for menudo, to no avail. Settled for some authentic Caldo de Res. it was delicious and on point. Quiet atmosphere and comfy. Recommended.

  • martha mckinley

Always a destination for lunch or dinner with my daughter when in san Diego from Big Bear. Love the chips and salsa...true test of any Mexican restaurant. Amazing food and selection!

  • Israel Solano

The food is good, but the customer service is horrible. The waiters/waitresses are rude. They do not open at times advertise online or at the times posted in front of the restraunt.

  • PerisAnn Riley

Always yummy. Delish chips and salsa!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Burrito, Carne Asada

  • Henry Chen

Good food and kind staff. They have good drinks to accompany the endless barrage of chips and two dips and your food. Food choices are very flexible and realistic for any portion.

  • Jonnie Santos

Excellent service, tasty food and large servings. The overall vibe is warm and inviting. What a gem.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

  • Bficjkdf Hdnxjmxm

I am moving next month and feel the need to give this place some credit. The staff are always wonderful, the bar is great, and the fish always brighten my mood. A peice of home.

  • Scott Kreger

Great ambience, great food. Open by peaceful protest thank goodness, both inside & outside seating. Hot carrots came with chips & salsa. Had the Enchiladas del Mar. Very good!

  • Allison Bailey

Amazing food, great customer service, clean, reasonable prices and they offer military discount!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

  • Jared

This place used to BE AMAZING!! Now if you get there on a good day and they have the Skilled cook in the kitchen it will be great, otherwise you're better off at Taco Bell ...

  • Sunny McLernon

The best mexican place I know of in San Diego. Mole was great. Margaritas are good too. Definitely will go back. Service slow, but really nice. Salsa much spicier than most.

  • James Miller

I love this place. Our neighborhood Mexican food restaurant. Very friendly employees. Mango Margaritas are the best. Great food. Large menu that has everything and more.

  • Maria Robles

The food was excellent! The atmosphere pleasant. The waitress could have been a little more attentive. The owner or manager at the cash register wasn't pleasant at all!

  • Amol Fish

I only stopped by for a drink. But the complimentary chips and salsa were good enough to return for a meal.
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

  • Bob Hood

Good sit down Mexican food spot. Food is authentic and well prepared. Staff is friendly and helpful. Is a place for locals, but could become a destination spot.

  • Ray Lebron

2 of 4 our orders were wrong. I blame it on the server's not writing down the order. The meat on my carne asada burrito was of poor quality - lots of grizzle.

  • Michael Grudziecki (recursiveloop)

Fairly standard Mexican restaurant that you could find pretty much anywhere in the country. Sub-par quality for San Diego, but the service was decent.

  • busterandbud

The food is excellent. The help was friendly. Nice family restaurant with small bar and of course a Mexican theme. Very nice, comfortable atmosphere.

  • Kelly White

Small place big portions ,big beers ,love the chips and salsa plus spicy carrots . Love the fajitas and they have the best bacon wrapped shrimp !!!

  • Paul Hillery

The steak casadilla was delicious, and the quacamole was very good!
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Paul Nishiyama

Nice local Mexican restaurant with average food. Extremely well maintained and clean. Service can be hit or more depending on how busy they are.

  • Evelyn Aviles

This restaurant is amazing the food is great and the guest service is excellent I recommend this place in San Diego CA. I love this place .

  • pat brindley

This place was awesome we celebrated my son's accomplishment there the food was good the staff was awesome and we had a really good time

  • Rick Nelson

Just stopped in this evening for dinner, and we were very happy with the service, the speed of our order to arrive. Food was very good.

  • Echo Amburn

Super friendly people. Got me in and out in 5 minutes. And they have indoor seating at the moment too with a very cozy atmosphere

  • Ed Peters

Very pricey for a Mexican restaurant. $10 for a cheese quesadilla - c’mon. More than 1/2 the price a mile down and just as good.

  • erick chevez

Nice place. Indoor dining. Not enough workers the wait for the food was a bit too long. Food was bland. Just wasn’t worth it.

  • geoffrey dunlap

I've been there twice. The first time was fine but the second time wasn't. The food took more than 30 minutes and was soggy

Similar places

La Puerta

4021 reviews

560 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

King and Queen Cantina

3492 reviews

1490 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

El Indio Mexican Restaurant and Catering

3273 reviews

3695 India St, San Diego, CA 92103

Ed Fernandez Restaurant Birrieria

2657 reviews

2265 Flower Ave D, San Diego, CA 92154

El Chingon

2504 reviews

560 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp

2425 reviews

322 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Miguel's Cocina

2212 reviews

2912 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

The Blind Burro

1783 reviews

639 J St, San Diego, CA 92101

Lolita's Mexican Food

1698 reviews

7305 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111

Pokez Mexican Restaurant

1619 reviews

947 E St, San Diego, CA 92101