I've been on a quest to find the best Carne Asada in San Diego County and I believe I've found a hidden gem. This small mom and pop taco shop isn't the fanciest when you see it from the street and same when you get inside. You're not paying for ambiance... you're paying for a damn good meal. Never judge a book by its cover or in this case a taco shop by its facade. The rectangular dining area is a mix of old and older furniture fixtures that's adequate and clean. There are a few Mexican Murals too. There isn't a salsa bar as there isn't really room for one but they offer whatever you ask for in terms of grilled chilis and hit carrots. Yes please! I decided on a Carne Asada Burrito and I was literally blown away at how good it was. I've had my share of over cooked and either bland or extremely salty meat... theirs was nothing close to any of the listed. In fact their meat was perfectly marinated and juicy. It's a good size and large enough to share... seriously I ended up eating the entire thing forcefully yet freely just because it was so damn good and it was my cheat day. The perfect combo of guacamole, cheese and light pico was again... so damn good. I believe I've found the holy grail of Carne Asada. If you've never tried this place, I suggest you do and get here before it gets super busy because it will. I'll be back soon for sure. read more

See all

Ever since we moved to Escondido, this place has been our go-to. Food is always good and very tasty. Staff is not super friendly but still courteous. The ambience makes it feel very homey due to it always having people dinning in. I would recommend their cabeza fries and flautas. Only negative thing about the place is that they almost never pick up the phone for phone orders. Still love this place though. read more

Nice, family-owned taco shop. Not overly fancy, but some of the dishes like the chilaquiles are fairly authentic. I mostly order the breakfast burrito with bacon. I like that it's not fries, but sliced, skin-on breakfast potatoes in the burrito. Everything in the burrito tastes fresh, which is good because it tastes gross when someone recooks the eggs. The burrito is really big, and I usually have at least a third of it leftover. I've also had the carnitas plate, and rolled tacos. Both were very good, and the carnitas plate was enough to feed 2 of us. They don't have a salsa bar, but they are happy to give you carrots, limes, salsas, whatever you need. They also have a decent selection of no bottled Mex sodas, as well as the soda taps and aguas frescas. It's not a very big place, so it can get crowded on the weekends. I'm always a to-go, so that isn't really an issue. And the staff are all very friendly, I've never had an issue at all. Parking isn't too bad, because Carl's Jr has some spots across the way. read more

Arriero's Mexican Food - Rolled tacos, so good - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

This is a small place tucked away in a strip mall. The service was friendly and fast. Definitely a local spot. The menu has plenty of options (burrito, taco, enchiladas, sopas, breakfast). I think anything you get will be delicious. The pico and guac are wonderfully fresh. The carne asada was simple but very good, especially when covered with the red and green sauce they give you. There are some tables so you can eat in if you want. Most were taking food to go though. read more

Arriero's Mexican Food - Carne Asada plate - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

Not bad for a quick stop Mexican food place. My go to was the two cheese enchilada plate. It takes a lot to screw this plate up and you'd be surprised at the many places that have. This little hole in the wall is fantastic. Food is good, service is quick, horchata is hands down my fave drink here. Try a breakfast burrito if you stop by in the morning hours. They are ridiculously big. read more

Arriero's Mexican Food - This place is the best!!!! So homey! - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

This is a review of dinner at Arriero's Mexican Food. http://tinyurl.com/lzm7sw8 The ambiance is about as plain as it can get. There is the one obligatory Mexico style mural. Bu that is it. The tables are very cramped. It has a bit of a ramshackle feel to it. The tables aren't aligned. It just doesn't seem like the small things are not done to keep the feel cohesive. The staff is disengaged. They seem more interested in talking with friends than serving new customers. It felt almost as if we were interrupting. http://tinyurl.com/n8z6vjv The food was actually pretty good. Everything seemed freshly prepared. http://tinyurl.com/kf8bkzc Carne Asada Burrito - It was not rolled very tight. This made it a little difficult to eat. However, the flavour of the meat was very nice and the other ingredients melded well. I enjoyed it. http://tinyurl.com/ku42gq6 Rolled Tacos with guacamole - These were very good. Super crisp, hot, and then the mild guacamole (and lots of it) brought it all together. http://tinyurl.com/lw6uapc Chicken Taco - My brother had this. He thought it was decent but not amazing. There was also way too much lettuce. If you take it off, you lose the cheese. Plus, without the lettuce, you really aren't left with that much taco. http://tinyurl.com/mmegqfl The cost (dinner for two) was around $16. Note: The drinks are served in old-school styrofoam cups. I mean really. Who uses these anymore? Overall - The food is good. However, with there being so many great Mexican restaurants to try in Escondido, there is no reason to frequent one with poor service and a dowdy ambiance. read more

See all

Carne is good. I'd go back. I definitely got the gringo price difference as mentioned in other posts. It's a local spot, and I'm sure they know who is who. read more

This is a pretty standard taco shop. It's a rectangular space, the menu is not that extensive but it has all the usual items. Staff is alright. Prices are about average. I ordered a breakfast burrito, the potato, egg, bean, cheese one. It's a good size, not the largest burrito you'll see. The potatoes are chopped and slightly grilled. It was served hot, so that's always a plus. The red salsa is pretty good, but a tad salty. They also offer cooked peppers on the side. read more

See all

I will preface this tongue lashing by saying, the food used to taste really good here. But 2 separate tastings later, the food sucks now. Idk if the cooks changed, but the food is so, so painfully bland. And to add insult to injury, I ordered a breakfast burrito and chicken rolled tacos and the rolled tacos had zero meat in them. They rolled the tacos and fried them with next to nothing inside of them?! I could barely see a sliver of chicken inside. They were then slathered with old avocados- the guacamole looked grey not green. I really tried, but I can't eat here anymore. The empty rolled tacos was the last straw! read more

I come here to satisfy my rolled taco cravings whenever I visit from the bay area (where there are none).

Best breakfast burritos in Escondido. Hands down. They make their food with love and care. The ingredients are always fresh. The service is always fast too. read more

Not fancy at all and to be honest probably not a great spot to bring family to dine in. Walked in with wife tonight to get some take out and all I noticed was a bunch of guys eating by themselves and they were all staring at her. Not cool but they didn't get out of line so I didn't have to regulate. The service is pretty great. The couple of times ive been here the employees are really nice. I didnt expect that from a place that looks so runned down but its nice. The food. The food is excellent here. Weve had the Mebudo here on sunday and it is one of the best around. It is spicy and savory. The portions are great. Tonight my wife got Cabeza and adobada tacos and surprisingly they were terrific. The tortilla and the meat were nice and warm. The meat was nice and juicy but wasn't squirting juices from the sides. The green salsa was a little watery but was still tasty. Not as spicy as I like it tho. I will be coming soon again. read more

Arriero's Mexican Food - The tacos are surprisingly tasty. - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

So far this is one of the only places that makes chilaquiles the right way and they're not shy with the spice. Their chilaquiles are the type your abuelita used to make for the family, you know, the type that prior to cooking them, everyone in or around the kitchen would clear out because she had to roast the chili's over an open flame to get the flavor out. That stuff was like tear gas... but there she was, right next to the stove, saying things like "ay como exageran!" implying you are weak because you run away from the piercing smoke that's causing all your sinuses to leak, like a broken faucet... but I digress... the food has a lot of authentic flavor that many other places lack and for that reason I'll definitely be a return customer, can't wait to try other dishes on their menu. read more

Just had their carnitas taco and I must say it was not too shabby. Filled generously with carnitas, topped with guac, onions and cilantro. If anything it could have used a bit more salt but other than that it was well worth the visit because I was contemplating on going to Carl's Jr. next door. The guy behind me ordered the carne asada fries which looked gorgeous. I'll have to order that next time. A shout out to all Mexican joints, please make a hot salsa that's hot, really hot. read more

Arriero's Mexican Food - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

This was the only taco shop I could find open on a particular holiday this year, so in I went. Unfortunately this is just another average mexican fast food joint that really excels at nothing. Of course that was based on the breakfast burritos that we ordered. Maybe the more traditional offerings might be more delectable. Hot sauce was nothing to remember. Tried it, but probably won't ever go back. read more

I recommend the chicken asada quesadilla with salsa fresca and lettuce. This place is in an excellent location and I have been eating@ arrieros for about 26 years read more

This place is terrible! Tried to call ahead for a pickup order but no one answered. Got 3 plates and a side for $42!!! Ordered a beef chimichanga that had nothing but onion and pepper fillers with little to NO beef. Their beef tacos were insane dry and bland with old taco shells that fell apart. read more

I usually don't like to write reviews but today I decided to write one, I went to arrieros and got a chile relleno, the price was outrageous I was charged $6.75 for a 6 inch chile relleno. I don't consider myself a cheap person but definitely the chile relleno was not worth the price. There is a female cashier that inflates the prices when costumers ask for extras. I have been there before and other cashiers are more reasonable, I had paid $3 for a chile relleno before and today I was charged $6.75 for a small chile relleno with less than an ounce of cheese, the price was more expensive than a sit down restaurant. I will never buy again from this place and I hope management update prices and place them on the menu for all customers to see, and please don't cheat customers. read more

Great Carne Asada, this is my go to place for some Carne asada nachos. Portions are more than fair!

I came in here looking for some breakfast and they delivered. The place is a little small, but in more of a cozy than claustrophobic way. The decor is great, murals depict the Mexican golden age and other bits of traditional art adorn the walls. The food is great. I had a bacon, potato and egg burrito. Being lactose intolerant I asked for no cheese, an order most McDonalds can't follow, however Arrieros was able to deliver on this front. My first bite into the burrito felt like breakfast heaven. The salty bacon was balanced by the creamy scrambled eggs and the potatoes let off a glorious steam as I bit into them. Needless to say I scarfed that burrito in record time. All things considered, Arrieros is now one of my favorite places for breakfast in Escondido. I haven't tried their whole menu, but it's shaping up to be one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the area. read more

Best breakfast burritos. #3 bacon breakfast burrito add guacamole. Locals place. Popular for menudo but I haven't tried. A few tables to sit down. No restrooms. read more

Arrieros has to be the best Mexican food spot in Escondido. They have the crispiest rolled tacos that don't get soggy on the way home and their portions are generous and affordable. I love their enchiladas, quesadillas and burritos as well. Staff is friendly and prompt. read more

I've had the California burrito, and the ham breakfast burrito. Both were stellar!!! Asada was cooked to perfection. The breakfast burrito wasn't too heavy either. There's 2 really nice cashiers that work there as well, especially the younger lady she was really nice. Will definitely be coming back for more!! read more

No Bueno! I frequented Arriero's many times and lately the food quality has gotten worse. My favorite, tacos de cabeza, are proof of this. The meat used to be consistent and of great quality, lately it is full of fat and the portion is less. I will not return. La calided de la comida en Arrieros esta muy mal. Los tacos de cabeza estan llenos de grasa y no ponen la misma cantidad de carne. Ya no regresare. Caro y no vale la pena. read more

I live in Escondido for over 12 years, arrieros has the best California burrito than any other Mexican restaurant. The only bad thing about arrieros is that they put a little bit of sour cream inside the burrito. In order to get more sour cream, I have to pay a high price for a cup. The sour cream should be a reasonable amount inside the burrito. Anyways, Arrieros is a really great restaurant do eat in. BEST CALI burritos. read more

Ok...seriously, folks! The place has a B rating from the health department. The food is bad, and very low quality. The space is very small and very far from clean, with nasty grime all over surfaces, the grill doesn't look like it gets more than a cursory look on occasion, and there is all sort of crap being randomly stored in the public areas, like they don't even care. The employees don't care, and that's obvious. The burritos have more onion in them than meat. Yuck! And their hot sauce is freaking terrible, perhaps the worst in town. read more

Went back, tried the red chilaquile which aren't as hot. Still crisp and good. Large serving with 2 fried eggs, rice, beans and topped with sour cream. Menudo, all meat well worth the price $6. My mom said the broth was great and the meat fresh ( and shes picky as hell) Had lengua mini tacos again, tortillas really good. I upped to a 4 star because we had good food.both times and good service. The place could use an a/c unit though, we tried to come in last night and it felt over 100 but going to a few other businesses in the area there are many that don't use a/c. read more

Today I went here with my parents and sister for brunch and it was relatively ok. I had two carne asada mini tacos and a cabeza (head) mini taco as well. They don't hold back on giving you meat, and for my taste it was cooked well enough. My favorite thing was that they don't give you the tiny salsa receptacles you usually would get elsewhere, they give you a bottle of both green and red sauce so you can have as much of each as you want! and they were good salsas!! What I did not like what that their "horchata" was so watered down that I simply thought I was drinking sugar water... so don't get that if you go here... The service is ok, we went at a time when it was starting to get busy but we still got our food quickly enough. read more

I've tried Arrieros a couple of times now. I've only gotten cheese quesadillas, but there was one day last week that I ordered a bean tostada and the man ordered a carne asada burrito. We ordered take-out, but it took a VERY long time to get our food. Our house is not very far from this place, but the beans on the tostada were cold and the shell was super greasy. Blech. The man said the carne asada was not the worst he had, but it also was not the best. This place DOES have a cool array of peppers and chilies that you can bag yourself and add to your meal. But if you can, drive further into Escondido and get food from a different location. read more

The staff was friendly but their food was another story. I ordered the carne asada fries, which were a bit more expensive then other Mexican food restaurants. The portion size was nice and big, but the food lacked tast. I felt like i chewing overcoooked unseasoned meat and oily fries. Definitely not the place for me. But who knows maybe I'll give them another chance in the future. read more

Arriero's Mexican Food - Carne asada fries not good at this restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

The lady was nice. The food was a bit disappointed. Stop by here since we were doing laundry next to it and I got the 4 rolled taco and fish burrito. The fish burrito was dry. It look like they just stuff fried fish fillet from the store in it so it wasn't fresh at all. The 4 rolled taco was okay. I like how the rice and bean was better than other mexican restaurants I've gone to in the past. read more

Arrieros. Their carne asada fries are bomb. They're burritos not so much. Everything is at a good price. The employees are super nice. :) read more

Been coming here for years and food is good, but when trying to place an order over the phone nobody ever answers. I always have to go in and wait. I'd rather not wait in my car and would prefer if my food is ready once I arrive. Called multiple times and seen someone inside but no one seems to ever pick up the phone. read more