El Azteca is still number one in my heart. They have my absolute favorite dish at any taco place, the Rosarito plate, I've even gotten my mom hooked on it. It's delicious chicken with tomatoes, onions, and peppers served with rice and beans and your choice of tortillas, plus a drink. All at a reasonable price. It makes two meals for me every time. My son swears the quesadillas here are magical and always eats most of it in the car on the way home because he can't wait. Service is always great, it's a family owned restaurant and they're consistently friendly and fantastic. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a small business, but there's a few tables inside and chairs if you're getting takeout. They take phone orders too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There's plenty of parking in the lot and on the street. When I first started coming here a long time ago it was cash only, but you can use plastic now too. They do close early on Sunday, don't be like me and show up after 3 because you forgot.. read more

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The prices here are fair (compared to all these other places charging over $16 now), but the food was very bland and tired. I feel like the reviews are biased to the portions and price but not quality. I want to contribute my honest review without coming off as some food snob. I had no issues with the service (the staff seemed like people I could vibe with daily) and really wanted this place to be my loyal go-to. I've lived in the area for over 23 years and wanted to try something different after exhausting pretty much all butrriro options, so I checked out some online forums for recommendations. There are a lot of burrito spots around, so it's easy to overlook this one. Still, it kept popping up in people's suggestions, so it seems to have a loyal crowd. The California burrito and the breakfast burrito were mentioned as the best options. Maybe I'm late to the party, but after trying their California and breakfast burritos, I was surprised by how bland and dead the food tasted. The carne asada lacked flavor and freshness, and the potatoes in both burritos were very stale, mushy, and bitter (as though eyes / dark spots were present). Both burritos were missing something. People said the red salsa was supposed to be great, but it didn't add anything, and neither did the green salsa. Both just tasted flat. What really surprised me was the "famous" breakfast burrito that so many people rave about. It should be one of the easiest things to get right, but it tasted watered down. Maybe it was the onions and potatoes? I couldn't enjoy it unless I covered it in the bland red and green sauce just to make it edible. I even wondered if the eggs were processed or imitation (I'm no stranger to cafeteria food). I do understand that the majority are struggling, so this may reflect the quality and lack of taste. I've been all over San Diego and been in some financially rough areas that managed to stay afloat while still providing life and love by using locally sourced ingredients. So I feel like this place just lost motivation and wants to fill you up instead of giving you an experience. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Your locally loved taco shop that's always booming, especially around dinner time.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] El Azteca Taco Shop keeps it simple. Quick service, fast food, cheap eats. No frills, no thrills, just solid Mexican food. There's a reason it's been a local favorite for over a decade. If the regular menu prices aren't cheap enough, Taco Tuesday makes it cheaper. Who doesn't love mini tacos after a long work day. Especially $2.10 tacos. The plaza has decent parking and even when it's busy, you can usually find a spot. Most of the surrounding businesses are quick stop places, so you will find parking fast. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside, there's a large menu board and plenty of seating, though most people seem to grab takeout.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There's no salsa bar. When you order, the cashier asks how many salsa cups you need and tosses them into your bag. Taco Tuesday offers six meats: adobada, birria, buche, carnitas, cabeza, and pollo. Again, $2.10 (+tax) Up front, I would skip the adobada and birria. On past visits, both came out a bit dry and needed a lot of salsa to bring them back to life. The flavor was there, but texture matters. Everything else is solid, but the real star here is the buche. This is what keeps me coming back. Ever since I tried their buche tacos, I compare every other buche taco to them. It's super tender with a slight crisp on the outside. The flavor is rich without being greasy. The salsa they give pairs perfectly with it and the freshness of cilantro and onion pulls everything together. At $2.10 plus tax per mini taco, it's hard to complain. I will say tortilla consistency can vary. Sometimes it's sturdy, sometimes it breaks easily, and occasionally they double it up BUT the buche makes up for it every time. Now, it's not perfect. This visit, the carne asada missed the mark. Previously, it was tender and juicy. This time it was dry and chewy. Even with pico and guacamole, it was hard to chew. No amount of salsa helped. The horchata was also extremely sweet. It tasted like straight concentrate from a mix, almost overpowering. My four stars are definitely for the Taco Tuesday deal and the quick, friendly service. read more

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Food was great. Can't beat the price for taco Tuesday. Plenty of meat in the tacos and the tortillas were nice and chewy without being tough. Super friendly service. read more

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If you want decent service, don't come here. The man working the register was extremely miserable, rude, and dead wrong. They got my order wrong, I asked for a regular quesadilla, and he charged me $12 for the "El Azteca quesadilla." When I got a quesadilla full of meat, pico, etc, I told the man working the register I asked for a regular quesadilla. In response, he told me I was wrong. Apparently, I asked for an "El Azteca quesadilla"...? If you want a normal cheese quesadilla, please verbalize that, or expect an overpriced quesadilla with everything on it. He put my new quesadilla in a chip bag? And threw 7 dollars onto the counter instead of handing it to me like a normal person. Fuck that guy read more

Consistently great food and service! They always get our order right and their salsa is very good. read more

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Always amazing!! The best hot sauce, food, and service!! Been going here since I was in high school and still continues to be great!

I was looking for a different local taco shop as I have grown tired of the chain one I frequent. I had tried El Azteca many years ago and decided to try it again. I ordered a two item combo (beef taco and cheese enchilada) and was not at all impressed. The entire meal lacked flavor. I also did not care for canned soda and prefer a fountain drink. The service was fast but the man who helped me barely spoke. I was really hopeful, but the overall experience was just blah. I will try someplace else next time. read more

I went here for lunch yesterday around noon. Friday may the 1st I ordered a carne asada burrito to go when I got back to work. And went to eat my food. It had a weird fishy taste and smell i'm 100% sure whoever the cook was cooked my food on the same grill or pan right after cooking. Either. Some fish shrimp or some kind of sea food. Luckily i'm not allergic to seafood however thanks for the upset stomach and diarrhea that was a waste of $13 dollars and my time and it ruined my Friday and saturday. I will not be going back to this place period. read more

Solid place . Solid breakfast burritos , you won't have to eat again till dinner! Great service!

Best Mexican food I ever had, I've been eating there several years and it's constantly good, great quality of food specially their Carne Asada is so tender and perfectly cooked. And lately they have their lovely and tasty Birria Thank you so much El Azteca read more

Stopped in following the reviews for good carne. They did not disappoint! Super delish and the people are very polite and helpful. They honored my request for a carne asada burrito downsized (offered to pay the normal price) with rice/beans on the side. I hate to waste food! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Plenty of seating to enjoy your meal inside. Clean and welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Plenty of parking too! read more

If you have any concerns about ordering out and potentially having your food tampered with, cross this place off of your list. If not, at one point, I considered it the best breakfast burrito in SD for the last 25 years. I had taken burritos from here out of state for others, walked around with burritos in my bag, and brought them to conferences. Oh well. read more

Come hungry, leave happy (and maybe in a food coma). My beef chimichanga combo at El Azteca was basically a fiesta on a plate -- crispy, saucy, loaded with lettuce, tomatoes, guac, sour cream, and paired with cheesy beans and rice. Oh, and a free drink. All for under $11 in San Diego County! The portions are massive (hello, breakfast-lunch-dinner all in one), the flavors are fresh and bold, and the service is fast and friendly. Been coming here for years, and El Azteca always delivers the goods. read more

El Azteca Taco Shop - Beef Chimichanga Combo - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

I'm SO happy a friend recommended this place. I got a California burrito with beans instead of meat and it was BOMB! It is a huge burrito (that means two meals for me), it was done really fast (7 mins - the full order) and the staff was really kind. This is going to be my go-to every time I'm craving a burrito. read more

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The worst Mexican food I've ever had. MY mom is Mexican, and I too know how to make good, homemade Mexican food. I have never tasted such lack of flavor in my life!! That is NOT Mexican food! No peppers,onions, cilantro, salt, and HORRIBLE salsa that tastes like dirt. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice ambiance![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Decent costumer service! (The lady was not very welcoming but not rude either) An average Mexican/American customer interaction.. ( What you want? This much cost... type of thing) But is the food (Breakfast burrito, on Thursday morning , 10:00am) that really disappointed me most! The "French fries" are mushy.. have a waxy texture : 1. Either are old and have been covered for long enough to have extensive moisture! 2. Incorrect cooking techniques (like the oil not to hot and they absorb oil and they get soggy) The "bacon" again.. soft and fluffy! But also tasteless! Sorry for this time.. but if I am on your way again.. I will give you an other chance! Really.. improve quality ingredients (may cost more of right now.. but is the heart of your business) Second: the cook .. must really give some more care to what is doing! If is under to much pressure must hire a helper so you don't loose the quality you guys used to have 5 years ago! read more

El Azteca Taco Shop - The "French fries" are mushy / soggy / waxy texture! - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I ordered a breakfast burrito which was ready in just a few minutes. It was delicious but rather small compared to other places. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place itself has a few tables to eat in. Nothing too special.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Don't order from this place when the owner is not here Paid $14 for something that tastes horrible and it's going to the trash! Old guacamole that tastes horrible!! Icome here all the time what a shame. When I called in to explain what they are selling all I heard was well we made it today. Maybe they should taste what they are selling. read more

El Azteca Taco Shop - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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This place is great. Often when I'm home ,visiting family, my amazing brother will pick up breakfast burritos. They are big, protein filled, deliciousness. I haven't tried anything by else but I can promise you that you can't go wrong with the meat lovers breakfast burrito, and it's enough for 2 people. read more

El Azteca Taco Shop - The size of my arm! - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Their breakfast burritos are huge and their red salsa is the ideal pairing. My family has been coming here for their Ham breakfast burritos for more than a decade, since cash the only accepted form of payment! We don't live as close by as we used to but when we're in town we always make sure to stop by. read more

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These guys are kind. I knew it since the first time I came in here when I was not even a customer and just needed to use the restroom. They were courteous and allowed with joy. The food is tasty and good prices as well. It is a little hot inside so maybe getting some AC‍ read more

El Azteca Taco Shop - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Old lady in the front is the rudest lady ever. Food is okay. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance is decent.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Spot across the street is better. read more

Redemption from my last visit. Always big burritos, great flavors, solid value. I'll never stop going here as long as they keep it up. read more

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El Azteca taco shop in La Mesa is truly a class act. I've been going there for years for their delicious tacos, burritos, and pretty much everything else. The service is impeccable, and the family that runs the restaurant is amazing. They remember their customers, they're friendly, efficient, and produce some pretty delicious Mexican food. Today, we ordered lunch for my daughters school on Friday through the parent teachers group. El Azteca, and their outstanding staff, prepared hundreds of items and had it packaged and ready to go on time. The kids loved it! Entire time I was there, a constant stream of customers was behind me, enjoying the delicious breakfast burritos, andlunch items. I would recommend something specific, but my opinion is that everything here is delicious. read more

Came here twice in the same week, once for taco Tuesday and second time for their "famous" breakfast burritos. Breakfast burrito I got did not disappoint. They had fries in there which I was surprised about but it was tasty. The burrito was big and I felt like a good size for the price like $8 something and made fresh in the morning. Taco Tuesday was hot damn spicy. The deal is mini street tacos on the menu for $1.25 each. The cabeza and birria were way too spicy for me and i didn't add salsas. Good deal for taco Tuesday, wish they had carne which was what I originally wanted but it wasn't on special. I'd be back for their breakfast burritos, worth every pound. read more

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This place is the best. LOCALS ONLY lol Shoutout to guy on register. Best customer service- in the world. Best carne asada burritos with sour cream, best carnitas with easy beans burrito, Best breakfast burrito with ham and guacamole Best quesadillas. Thank you for feeding us once a week- jones fam read more

Apparently, you should only go here when they have birria available. Four people came in asking about it while we waited for our food. Beans cheese burrito and carne asada burrito with cheese was meh. Casual atmosphere, typical taco shop except no taste. read more

Been coming here for several years but lately the food is bad. We placed a large order and everything was awful. Birria tacos were scarce and cold. The worst were the rolled tacos. They were hard stale and the avocado spread was dark. No lettuce or sour cream on them. Cali burrito mostly fries with little meat. Very disappointed read more

I stumbled across this place by accident, after getting my nails done nearby. I got a carne asada and an adobada taco. Both were really good, meat seasoned well, and with plenty of meat and toppings in each tortilla. I would definitely stop by again if I'm in the area. read more

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I've been here multiple times and they have been hit or miss. I've ordered the Carne Asada burrito and the Carne Asada fries which they were mid. The service was great and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the Ambience is what u normally get when u eat at a taco shop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's a 3.75 stars for me. read more

Always the best! Can't beat a family owned business with quality food and fair prices.

We bought pans of rice and beans for a recent party. Everyone I encountered was friendly and helpful , they were flexible with my late order and I was told by many that the rice and beans were really good. Many even raved about the beans. We will definitely be back and now we have a new go to taco shop. Thank you!!! read more

Stopped in on a late Wed morning. Was hungry, so the large breakfast burrito was what I was looking for; even though prices were above average. Very friendly service and helpful to understand options. Place looked a bit dated, but seemed clean (takeout, so only at front chairs). Only complaint I have was the amount of fries. California style burritos should have a 3:1 ratio of meat to fries. read more

I have been going here for probably 15+ years. Breakfast burritos fantastic. Their hot sauce and spicy carrots on point. Breakfast burrito 10/10: i get mine with ham. Its the best in town. Their hot sauce pairs so well with the breakfast burrito not so much on the carne imo for some reason. Hot sauce 10/10: i remember i ended up using like half a bottle in a burrito and the mom and her friend were just shocked lol. Its that good. Spicy carrots 10/10: i dont know how it can be so different than other places, but its just so much better than others and a small baggy is free with the order. Atmosphere 9/10: parking can be hard esp if you follow 7-11's tyrant rule that they basically own all the spots. Service 10/10: family shop style service. Price $: ~$10 pretty standard, but their burritos are quite large read more

El Azteca Taco Shop - Breakfast burrito; i pan toast mine when i get home. - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Excellent! My new hole in the wall Mexican food place! Got the Teca bowl with carna asada deal and one chicken soft taco. All made well and with care! 2019 prices in 2025! Will visit again very soon! read more

The food was absolutely nasty. The entire order was terrible. The tacos, potato rolled tacos and French fries. Soggy, with no flavor. Half of the food went into the trash. Next day I woke up with stomach issues. read more

El Azteca Taco Shop - Nasty limp fries. - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Love their Carne asada burritos, and the service is always good. The Carne asada fries are so good. All the food that I have tried has been excellent. read more

I've been coming here for decades since the 90s. Really awesome taco shop with friendly service, great prices and delicious food. Every. Single. Time. Consistency is key here. They have humongous burritos and really tasty food. Their red sauce is fire. So dang good. I had their taco special today on a Tuesday afternoon. I ate 4 tacos and was stuffed. I love all their food here. The only thing I wish they did was stay open later on Sundays. But I can understand that employees and owners need some time off too. Great family owned taco shop. Come here you won't be disappointed! read more

Worst tasting Mexican food , tastes like it was frozen for a while and we heated . And expensive. The staff is friendly