Lourdes

Yummy carne asada burrito…read more We started out sharing a burrito and the plan was to order a carne asada fries after the burrito, this way it's freshly made. By the time we finished the burrito, half each, we were already full! It was meaty goodness! The beef was tender, juicy, and flavorful! Will go back here again next time we're in the area. Definitely recommend.

It'd been a couple years since the sad limp rolled taco encounter. So given how often these places…read moreturn over ownership or management, I figured it time to give That Mexican Place anonymously go. I ordered a #1 combo (shredded beef taco, cheese, enchilada, beans/rice) for myself, and two shredded beef tacos à la carte for Mom, to eat at home a half mile away. Upon opening, the combo looked good, although the tiny smattering of pico on the taco and particularly the super skimpy portions of both beans and rice immediately stood out - a real bummer as I REALLY love Mexican beans and rice. So presentation was quite disappointing. Then, the second I picked up the taco, it was apparent it didn't survive the trip, having completely disintegrated on the bottom. This appeared to be from using a thinner than usual tortilla to make the taco, which was then set directly in a puddle of unusually watery enchilada sauce. So that was strike 2. As for the cheese enchilada, there was so little cheese had I not known what I was eating I wouldn't have been able to tell you. In addition, it was swimming in the same watery enchilada sauce that caused the demise of the taco. As for the à la carte beef tacos, mom reported they were good. So at least she was happy (Whew! Thank goodness!). The good news is, the food all tasted good, with the issues all relating to quantity and plating, not quality or taste. So despite the low rating, I'll be back at least once more to give them another go, if only because it's so conveniently close to home. Fingers crossed...

Drinks, salsa, utensils, etc are not self serve

Adobada Burrito is now tiny, notice the right side is all tortilla too...

See all

Carne Asada Chips

Erickbertos

3.4(105 reviews)

0.4 mi

Efficient Mexican food in the area. Quick service. Love their carne asada curly fries. Atmosphere…read moreis a little condensed as far as seating but still good. Would recommend.

There isn't a single area of this business that couldn't be improved by a landslide…read more The place is small, dingy and cramped. The girl that takes, the orders is an unfriendly sourpuss. And most importantly, the food is really substandard in quality and taste, with hardly any meat in the tacos, watered-down guacamole, thin uninteresting enchilada sauce, old, stale tortilla chips, thin tasteless refried beans with no cheese, and bland barely-seasoned Mexican rice. Mom and I gave it two separate visits, just to make sure the first wasn't a fluke. But we won't be back for a third try, which tells you everything you need to know. So when you want Mexican takeout, give just about any of the other gazillion Mexican places in Escondido a try, and you'll do far far better than you'd do here.

Menu Board and Order/Pickup Counter

Carne Asada Fries

See all

Great day for Chicken Soup

Cenote Grill

4.3(956 reviews)

1.5 mi

I've been coming to lunch here for a few years now. I get a craving for their poblano soup, and I…read morehave to, have to, have to order it. Usually a cup, sometimes a bowl. I honestly haven't tried too much on their menu because I can't finish their generously portioned entrees after a cup of the poblano. I usually go for one of their salads, the Asian chicken or the spinach salad. Or I'll get a la carte street tacos, the chicken or pork. I like the salsas that come with their complimentary chips. To this day I can't decide between them. The salsa verde has more of a kick but not too much heat. The salsa rojo is milder and thicker with nice flavor. Lots of retirees in the area coming to dine. It can get busy, especially Thursday and Friday lunchtime, and then you have to be patient for your food. Lisa in the front always has a sparkle and a kind word, and Guillermo remembers my drink order.

Cenote Grill is a casual Mexican grill decorated with stack-stone pillars and lighted topiary. It…read morehas a busy take-out counter, regular table service and ample complimentary parking. The menu was varied and the food was really good. The Thai chicken burrito was large and very tasty. My husband had a combination plate and said it was the best enchilada he's ever had! Complimentary chips-n-salsa was provided with not one, but two different salsas! The service was slightly slow, but friendly. The menus were a little sticky and there was food splashed on the wall at the table and a used napkin under one table. They seem to have a loyal local following of regulars, particularly an older crowd. We drove 15 miles to exclusively visit this restaurant as it had been on our list for a while. We would return if we were in the area. If their service was a little quicker and the cleaning was a little more sparkling, they'd get the extra star. (April 2026). Helpful?

Counter

Shrimp Burrito in Spicy Sauce

See all

Chicken teriyaki bowl

El Paisa Mexican Food

4.6(154 reviews)

1.6 mi

This taqueria is GENEROUS!!! Chips and beans to munch on while you wait for your food, salsa bar…read morewith endless spicy carrots, and generous portion sizes. A great spot in the heart of Escondido. Can't wait to come back and bring people with to also enjoy! Will also keep them in mind for catering

Unexpected find after making a stop nearby around lunchtime…read more Great food and SUPER friendly staff.

Five Rolled Beef Tacos

See all

Sayulitas Mexican Food

3.9(392 reviews)

1.4 mi

"The King of San Marcos Mexican Food"…read more I had no idea that this gem was just a few blocks from Rigobertos and I was lucky to find it. The portions cannot be beaten. The meat is just excellent, and they have a nice little section for sides to add on (sauces, lime, radish) The service is very nice and is mostly welcoming every experience. The lady who works at the cashier is very nice to me anytime I come in and always is the best. As for ambiance, its a very cute little store and they have a nice amount of furnishing to make it cozy while making it a place to stop-and-go.

The Service is exceptional. The workers are legit…read more I recommend my Doctor and staff to enjoy Sayulitas in San Marcos..... Ms. Reem is coming to get food using my nickname, so please serve her well, as well as you serve everyone. Jersey Mikes has nothing on Sayulitas. And that's on everything.....

Big burrito!!

A peek inside the CONGA (refried beans, rice, and carne asada) burrito

See all

Esperanza's Tortilleria

4.3(108 reviews)

1.4 mi

They cocina makes some of the best Mexican food in Escondido. My favorites are the carne asada…read moreburrito and the chilaquiles.

I saw this place featured in San Diego Magazine as serving some of the best handmade tortillas!…read more It is a specialty Mexican grocery store with a variety of goods- a salsa/beans/rice section, a plethora of meats by the weight in the back & fresh, packaged corn & flour tortillas of all sizes. The flour tortillas were soft & tasty!

Variety of Tortillas Made in House

Close up of the machaca burrito.

See all

Hot Fresh Tortillas in the Ice Chest by the Front of the Meat Case

Mi Rancho Market

4.4(267 reviews)

1.3 mi

I'm giving this place 3 stars for now because my first experience was genuinely great, but my…read moresecond visit was disappointing enough that I almost rated it 2 stars. The first time I visited a few weeks ago, I had a really positive experience. The location was a little hard for me to find, but once I got there, it seemed worth it. I walked in craving a breakfast burrito and was helped by a very nice, slender gentleman at the counter. I asked for a ham, bacon, and sausage breakfast burrito and also requested that it be cut in half. He was friendly, said no problem, and within minutes I had exactly what I ordered. That burrito was delicious. The salsa station was stocked and convenient with self-serve cups readily available, and the atmosphere was nice. The people around me were friendly, and one gentleman even mentioned this was the place that used to be near Peterson's Donuts. Overall, it was a great first impression and I left happy, already planning to come back. Fast forward to today, Saturday, April 25, 2026 around 10:30 AM, and unfortunately, my second experience was the complete opposite. This time there was a young woman working the register, and from the moment I approached, she didn't seem very welcoming. I told her I wanted to order a breakfast burrito but wasn't sure what kind I wanted today. She told me the only options were bacon, egg, cheese and tater tots, or egg and cheese. I politely asked if I could add ham and sausage and pay extra, since that's what I had ordered before. She immediately responded that they "didn't have that type of breakfast burrito." That response confused me because I had literally ordered one there before. I wasn't going to argue, especially because her tone and attitude made me feel like I was bothering her just by asking questions. I then asked if the burrito could be cut in half and never really got a clear response. I also noticed the salsa station no longer had the little self-serve cups available, so I had to ask for those too. The same cashier asked how many I needed, and I said two. A few minutes later, another woman called my name and handed me the burrito. I sat down and realized it wasn't cut in half like I requested. At that point, I had to go back up and ask for a plastic knife and fork just to cut it myself. Which was not a problem or issue for me. I ate half of the burrito, but honestly, it wasn't nearly as good as the first one. The taste was underwhelming, and by the time I left I was just so disappointed. I ended up throwing the other half away after I left. Consistency matters, especially when the first experience set the bar high. The food was great the first time, but the service and quality were lacking the second time around. My honest opinion: if someone is having a bad day, they probably shouldn't be the first face customers interact with at the register. I may update this review depending on how management responds, because I know this place can do better based on my first visit.

When you walk in, you can go right, which is where you can order food and the left is a market with…read moreMexican ingredients, meats, seasonings and canned goods. There is a table of baked goods available. There is a seating area inside where you can enjoy your meal. I ordered the El Pastor tacos and they were ok. The meat could've been more flavored. And I ordered a side of guacamole for $0.85. I rate the tacos 6/10. The salsa bar was clean and had an option of mild, hot and very spicy. The heat was good on the mild. The area was clean and the server was nice and friendly.

Carnitas with creamy mild green salsa, Adobado in the middle with no salsa needed, and Asasda with hot chile, which it needed.

See all

Ordering counter

Mi Guadalajara

3.6(726 reviews)

2.1 mi

Excellent food and margaritas! I've eaten here probably 20 times and have never had a bad meal. My…read morego-to orders are the cheese enchilada combo plate with rice and beans, or the steak fajitas. Portions are large enough I typically get 2-3 meals per order.

Gave this place a second try during happy hour and didn't change my mind…read more Service was decent. We were at the bar area this time. Again liked the decor, they need to curate it down a little. Music and better lighting would elevate it so much. We got two different menus and got confused but apparently one was the old menu. Drinks... 6/10. My mangoneada needed more mango and tajin, it needed more flavor. My friends thought their drinks were also just ok as well. One had to ask for more hot sauce for her michelada, they only had tapatío. She said it was bland. Foods also just ok. The birria tacos were the best part, def would order again. Tortilla didn't split, good portion and the consomé was good. Cheese dip tasted like velveta. Nachos with beef were decent. Fried ice cream was not good. I've had this dish many times and it was stale and didn't taste fried. Idk if the cereal was stale or the ice cream was so frozen but it was not good. The salsa that comes with the chips is more of a tomato based and we weren't offered other salsas. We asked and got two others but the flavor was just not there. Paid about 60 bucks with tip for two happy hour items, a mangonada and dessert. Again, if the flavors were there, it would be worth and I would be back. It's such a unique space, easy to get to, plenty of parking, beautiful art in the center portion, they are so close to getting it right.

Main circular dining area above.

Sunday Brunch Buffet

See all

Shrimp dish

Chicken Lisa's and Your Mexican Favorites

4.2(724 reviews)

0.9 mi

We absolutely love this place tonight. We try to potato taco and it was amazing. And I think it's…read moreour new favorite thing. Have to try the carrots. Those are always on point and the atmosphere and the family vibe. Add to the flavor.

Chicken Lisa's is a wonderful place to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in this part of Escondido…read more Large parking lot in the front and back, they can accommodate large parties easily. My favorite is the chicken flautas, tender juicy chicken with crispy tortilla wraps. Seasoned well and delicious. Recently discovered the cinnamon sugar coated fried tortilla chips. Absolutely addictive!!! Front counter provides friendly and helpful service, does not rush you as you contemplate what to order. Basically, you order and they will deliver to your table. Kitchen is quick and the food is served hot. Definitely a return visit call!!!

Dining room

Buffalo Chicken Fries - so tasty and so much chicken!

See all

Chips

Craft and Taco Lounge

Great local spot, that I want the world and yet no one to know about, all at once…read more I had a craving for fish tacos. Sir we ventured here. I have the El Pascado, TallGirl had the Adaboado and the Coco Loco. For good measure we also got chips and guacamole. They have stubborn cola, which is always a hit for me. The chips were fresh and crisp and perfect amount of salt. The guacamole had a lovely lime hit. It was very good (from a non guacamole lover) and I especially like it with the chipotle salsa. My tacos were so yummy! I love how each taco had some fresh fruit on it. Each bite made my mouth happy!! The service was friendly, quick and personal. I felt like we were in a place where everyone knows your name. There is outdoor seating in the front and rear patio. And about 11 tables inside. This is on the list to come back to again and again!!

The first time I came here (few months ago) I ordered the Vegan Avocado taco and the Vegan Al…read morePastor taco. Both were amazing! I enjoyed the avocado the best. When ordering my food customer service was great. I sat own and received chips and salsa. These were great as well, the chips were amazing! Today I ordered the Vegan Avocado, Vegan Al Pastor and the Vegan Zucchini tacos. I was really looking forward to the chips and salsa but I didn't receive anything :/. Since I was the only one that just ordered in the restaurant I just figured maybe they don't offer them anymore. My food came out quickly but it was nice last time to have the chips to scope up my fallen fillings. Another customer came in and ordered and within minutes they received chips and salsa. Not sure why I didn't receive anything. I was disappointed I didn't receive any because I really enjoyed them my last time here. Atmosphere is great and a nice quiet place to enjoy your food.

Homemade corn tortillas

See all

El camaron Pescado Coco loco Choripapa Rib taco Borrego Al pastor Elote Churros

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

19 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Loan N.

Elite 26

381

198

533

8 months ago

Don't let the gas station location fool you. Lourdes is a North County hidden gem. Parking can be a bit tight, but the food is well worth it. Known for their Chicken Soup. Do yourself a favor and order the full bowl with extra avocado a total game changer. If you're not in the mood for soup, their Surf and Turf burrito is another solid choice. It's mostly a order and go spot, so I usually call ahead for a quick pickup. The service is always friendly and the food is consistently amazing! read more

paul y.

9 years ago

Best chicken soup in San Diego. Nothing else compares. Quick pick up. Don't let the gas station location fool you. There is still a little seating inside and outside patio by the car wash. And this station more craft beers and wines than your average wine cellar. Having just moved back to Escondido, Lordes will be for dinner at least once a week! read more

Tiara S.

11 years ago

If you ever stay here after a long hot day at the Safari park and don't feel like dragging the kids out to eat. Lourdes the little Mexican shop inside of Shell restaurant (not the one right across street from hotel) has the best chicken soup ever! So filling, and tasty. I won't try their chips and fish taco though. They are just okay. read more

Mario T.

12 years ago

Absolutely hand's down phenomenal chicken soup and other foods. We travel to San Diego to see friends and absolutely love this place. It's a must stop when near Escondido. The chicken soup is amazing but I would say the food overall is quite tasty as well. This is a five in my book! read more

Mike R.

15 years ago

The soup is the best! Everything else is marginal. It seems they use cheap ingredients? The guacamole we ordered that was $3 for a little bowl look like it came out of a squeeze tube. And the red sauce on my wet burrito was pretty bland. But, the soup!? So good! read more

Chris C.

12 years ago

If you didnt give this place 5 stars there is something wrong with you. The chicken soup is epic and everything else I have had is just as good. Great mexican food joint especially if you dont want to spend $20 a person. read more

Norma H.

15 years ago

Tried this place for the first time, and I have to say best soup I've EVER had! Who would of thought about putting shrimp in to soup. Its a must try! read more

Earl D.

9 years ago

This is a nice small taco shop that specializes in chicken soup. It is good I think, not great but all in all they have good food. read more

Lisa L.

13 years ago

My family has been going to Lourdes for years--- best refried beans, chicken soup and I love their carne asada burritos as well.

Brett M.

218

14 years ago

Good Carne Asada topped with onions. Refried beans are pretty good too. Not the best place for guacamole or salsa

Maria F.

12 years ago

I had forgotten how good the food here is!!!!!!! And the cook is super friendly and the cashier is nice!!!

Jandm P.

7 years ago

Seriously best chicken soup ever! Call your order in...they have never made an error when I do this.

Loren I.

5 years ago

Love the chicken soup. It is amazing when you are not feeling well. Love the smiles and service

RS L.

15 years ago

Best soup ever! Always worth the wait! Tortillas are excellent too!

John J.

15 years ago

Best Chicken soup ever! The wait is worth it.

Kevin B.

10 years ago

For a Mexican fast food - this is the place!

Ebony W.

14 years ago

best chicken soup in the world!!!!

Tim C.

11 years ago

Best soup in town!

Avid G.

14 years ago

Yum! Nuff said!

Lourdes - mexican - Updated September 2026

Browse Nearby

BEST of Escondido, California Restaurants near Lourdes

BEST of Escondido, California Coffee near Lourdes

BEST of Escondido, California Desserts near Lourdes

BEST of Escondido, California Things to Do near Lourdes

BEST of Escondido, California Tacos near Lourdes

BEST of Escondido, California Breakfast near Lourdes

BEST of Escondido, California Parking near Lourdes

BEST of Escondido, California Burrito near Lourdes

BEST of Escondido, California Smoke Shop near Lourdes

BEST of Escondido, California Shopping near Lourdes

Best of Escondido

Things to do in Escondido

Browse Brands

Brands by name

Browse Articles

Articles by date

People who viewed Lourdes also viewed

Lourdes

3.9

(733 reviews)

I ordered the # 5 burrito today and my husband got the chicken soup. It was all amazing. The…read moreambiance was great. Good music, kind customer service and the food was brought to our table. I appreciate the bottomless refills of fountain drink and horchata. The chips and green salsa are a must. Definitely recommend.

I had a cold so my friend brought me some soup from here and it was delicious! I love that it even…read moreincluded tortillas too. I've never been to this place so I can't review the location or any other items yet, but the soup made me want to visit. (I had already eaten most of it before the photo and poured the rest into a bowl, but the takeout container was large and provided 2 portions). I enjoyed it at work for lunch then dinner later that same night. Hot chicken rice soup was just what I needed. It had all white meat chunks. Yum!

El Paisa Mexican Food

4.6

(154 reviews)

Unexpected find after making a stop nearby around lunchtime…read more Great food and SUPER friendly staff.

El Huarache Taco Shop

4.0

(30 reviews)

Ordered a cheese quesadilla and they treated me right!!!! came with a side of lettuce a chile fried…read moreup and some guac for 7$ sheeesh that's getting my moneys worth

Me and my family came here to eat. The food was delicious. We had a Carne Asada burrito. We had two…read morefish tacos and they were delicious. The customer service was very well. Place is very clean and we really recommend this place to everybody in the neighborhood.

El Palenque Taco Shop

3.7

(33 reviews)

Excellent food and customer service. Employees are so nice…read moreand hard workers. Fast service always.

I was driving to San Marcos from L.A. for a meeting and it was 9:30am on a Tuesday. I looked up…read morefood places for breakfast and I saw a bunch of places to eat in the area. I was tempted to find a drive thru since it was raining but I'm so glad I chose to brave the rain and support a local mom and pop business. There was one customer eating his soup that morning. I came in and wanted a breakfast item. I chose the Burrito con Huevos y Papas and added rice and beans for extra. It was huge and it was soo delicious! I had to save some for my husband in L.A. because I wanted him to try it. It was a simple burrito but the potatoes were the perfect texture, the rice and beans were good. Not too salty. The flavor was amazing! It sounds like I'm exaggerating but it was freaking good! Plus the old ladies at the shop were so sweet! One was the cook and the other was the cashier. I hope everyone wanting Mexican food can give this place a try!

Taqueria Morelos

3.3

(23 reviews)

Came back to try the asada fries. At $13 it is extremely fairly priced compared to other Mexican…read moreplaces. It comes with beans, guac, cheese, and carne asada. The topping to fry ratio is a little off, as you have a lot of fries leftover at the end, and they don't really salt them so they don't stand well on their own. They give you their salsa on the side, still tons of heat but not tons of flavor. My opinion remains the same that it's a decent place for a quick bite of Mexican food, hits the spot well enough, all for a very good price. I haven't had any problems with speed or service the two times I've gone, the woman at the counter was perfectly nice.

Came in looking for a meal same server that was cuddling up with boyfriend in the corner of the…read morerestaurant server was cuddled up with her boyfriend in the corner last time I was here felt like I was bothering her at lunch time asked for the enchiladas & was charged for items that are already on the meal such as onions when the meal came she got into an argument with me when I told the server seemed she was bothered by the complaint of onions being additional this was my favorite place for a numerous years the staff seems to be in a bad mood most of the time I assumed she was bothered by me walking into the establishment and purchasing a meal must have bothered her even tho there was not one soul around lunch time. As long as she works here the clientele will not be coming back with their attitude.

Casa Reveles Restaurant

3.1

(87 reviews)

I havent dined here in 10 years.....to speak the least they still uphold an outstanding reputation…read more Their staff is extremely helpful and courteous. I ordered the chicken enchiladas and a margarita. It was scrumptious and the beans and rice paired perfectly together. Stop by here for your afternoon drive by. Never disappointed.

We have eaten here several times on our way to Valleyview Casino. Don't expect anything fancy as it…read moreis somewhat rundown, so you won't be disappointed. You will probably wanna sit in the bar because its cooling system is better than the restaurant if it's a warm day. They always have a daily special of some type of Mexican food. The Mexican food is always good sometimes great with nice size portions. Prices are reasonable, but not cheap. The House margarita is made well and reasonably priced. They have a good selection of beers with Mexican beers on tap. Service can be spotty. Because of the location, they always seem to have a sign out looking to hire someone and always are running short of staff. They work hard though, and we've never had an unacceptable wait to get drinks or food. This isn't the spot you'd go out of your way for, but looking for something that might be convenient as you're heading out to the casinos near Valley Center it works.

Chicken Lisa's and Your Mexican Favorites

4.2

(724 reviews)

La Habanera Catering

4.8

(6 reviews)

Stopped here for a quick late night bite.. This taco truck was a fantastic find. The truck itself…read morewas spotless, nice, and clean, which always makes a big difference. The staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly from the moment we walked up--great vibes all around. Service was attentive and cheerful, though our order did take a little longer than expected. That said, it was 100% worth the wait. The food came out fresh and piping hot, packed with flavor. I got 3 street tacos, 2 de Asada & 1 chicharrón. The meat was perfectly tender, the tortillas had that ideal soft-yet-toasty texture, and the toppings were fresh and well-balanced. Everything tasted delicious and homemade. We'll definitely be back soon. Highly recommend if you're craving quality tacos!

La Habanera experience was 5 stars for us! We ordered their classic burgers, food was delicious and…read morefresh. Staff is very friendly and accommodating of dietary restrictions. Their mobile schedule is displayed on their website so it's easy to know when they're serving. Thank you Team Habanera Catering!

Frida's Taqueria

4.1

(427 reviews)