Phatties

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

Lourdes

4.2(282 reviews)

1.3 mi

My daughter's boyfriend brought this back for us when he came over for lunch. WOW! The Caldo de…read morePolla was absolutely delightful, with generous chunks of avocado, flavorful rice, and bits of onion, all blending beautifully with tender chicken, in a richly flavored broth that's simply amazing. It's all that I can think about. The perfect balance of spice and flavor has left me feeling uplifted and eager for more - this soup is truly transformative. Highly recommend! Didn't have time to take pictures

Lourdes is truly a gem. Their chicken soup is absolutely divine--rich, flavorful, and consistently…read moreamazing every single time. It's the ultimate comfort food, especially on a chilly day or when you're not feeling well. Truly a 10/10. We often order through DoorDash, and they always do an excellent job packaging everything so it arrives hot, fresh, and spill-free, which I really appreciate. Beyond the soup, we've also ordered the taquitos, burritos, and quesadillas, and all of them are delicious--but the chicken soup is hands-down the star of the show. I cannot recommend Lourdes enough. If you're looking for comforting, high-quality food that never disappoints, this is the place.

First bite into carne asada burrito

See all

Locations

Erickbertos

3.4(105 reviews)

1.6 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)

2.7 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)

0.4 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)

1.8 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)

0.5 mi

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!

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

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)

0.4 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)

0.9 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)

2.1 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!!!

See more unrecommended reviews

Dining room

Buffalo Chicken Fries - so tasty and so much chicken!

See all

Chips

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 …

26 reviews that are not currently recommended

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

Kristen K.

2 years ago

I can't say enough good things about this place! From the moment I walked in, the staff was welcoming and attentive, making the experience even better. I ordered the nopales salad and the adobada fries, and both were absolutely phenomenal. The nopales were fresh and perfectly seasoned, while the fries were bursting with rich, smoky flavor. The real showstopper, though, was the elote--perfectly roasted and topped with the most delicious vegan toppings. Every bite was a burst of flavor, and you could tell how much thought went into every dish. The ambiance was vibrant and inviting, and the food arrived quickly despite the restaurant being busy. Whether you're vegan or not, this place is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back! Five stars all the way! read more

Amy J.

3 years ago

Phatties is a fantastic restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a diverse menu. The dishes are delicious, made with fresh ingredients and well-balanced flavors. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a great dining experience. I highly recommend Phatties for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Worth a visit! read more

Alejandra P.

9 years ago

I went in for the gorditas since they are well known for having the best gorditas in town. They were good but the enchiladas just blew me away! Their lime cucumber agua fresca was delicious as well. I would totally recommend their enchiladas. The food truck itself is extremely clean:) great job Phatties!!! read more

Jeff B.

7 years ago

Great vegetarian food. Ordered the enchiladas with nopales and also the veggie enchiladas. They were more like tacos... but really good. They onion rings are bomb! Also the passion fruit drink is awesome. read more

Faith M.

8 years ago

Decent place! Food is really good. Have visited many times and have never been disappointed. Cost very reasonable for the quality which is received. Highly recommend. read more

Chris S.

6 years ago

Phatties burrito is off the hook. You can tell these are fresh and flavorful every single time. Wonderful place to get Mexican food. Top notch. read more

Luisa G.

7 years ago

Really good food, but I think the cashiers are shy!! The guy he dnt even ask if you want our food to eat there or to go!!.

Manny F.

150

8 years ago

Awesome food does take a while but worth it! It is in an odd spot but if you like good Mexican food give this place a try

Noe A.

105

7 years ago

Great authentic Mexican food and awesome customer service. Totally recommend it!! Restaurant also has great decor.

R J.

6 years ago

Good food with lots of flavor. Will definitely be back, also the best part about this place was the service.

Tanner A.

4 years ago

Love this place great service and great food! I come here at least once a week and i am never disappointed!

Scott M.

5 years ago

This place is out of this world! I highly recommend the enchiladas de Querétaro! I will be coming back!

Gloriani W.

310

8 years ago

This is some Mexican food I had never had before and it was so delicious!! I'll definitely be back. ^_^

Dianne T.

4 years ago

Outstanding! The "fish" tacos were fantastic, and the staff were beyond helpful! Can't wait to return!

Jared S.

4 years ago

Great food and really nice owner. Food portion sizes are great too. Will definitely be coming back.

David D.

121

4 years ago

So amazing. You must try the enchiladas!! We had the red and the green and both are outstanding!

Don E.

2 years ago

Vegan tacos no way, vegan tacos no way vegan tacos no way, vegan tacos no way vegan tacos no way

David K.

4 years ago

They do it right. Excellent service. Nice presentation and of course flavor and more flavor

Mike S.

4 years ago

The food was amazing and the staff was very nice and friendly. We will definitely be back.

Briana J.

6 years ago

Amazing food. They're not kidding when they say their food is FRESH. My favorite for sure

Phatties - mexican - Updated September 2026

Browse Nearby

BEST of Escondido, California Restaurants near Phatties

BEST of Escondido, California Coffee near Phatties

BEST of Escondido, California Desserts near Phatties

BEST of Escondido, California Things to Do near Phatties

BEST of Escondido, California Tacos near Phatties

BEST of Escondido, California Cocktail Bars near Phatties

BEST of Escondido, California Parking near Phatties

BEST of Escondido, California Burrito near Phatties

BEST of Escondido, California Thrift Stores near Phatties

BEST of Escondido, California Shopping near Phatties

Best of Escondido

Things to do in Escondido

Browse Brands

Brands by name

Browse Articles

Articles by date

People who viewed Phatties also viewed

Elote

4.2

(166 reviews)

Love the street tacos they have in the evenings Thurs-Fri. Also had the esquite & agua frescas, it…read morewas all really good. Will definitely be going back.

Elote piqued our interest because they offer Elote and esquites that is made with corn that is…read morefreshly fire roasted outside the restaurant. The corn itself was cooked great and had a tasty fire roasted taste. Everything is made fresh to order because the waitress went outside to the machine and took out a fresh cob for us! It has the standard toppings but they do add freshly squeezed lime on top and a spicy limey sauce. This made the taste of the Elote overall very acidic so we weren't able to taste the other toppings with the corn. They had a lot of seating and clean bathrooms. Parking was also super easy for us. Overall, Elote was great to try once and we had an enjoyable experience. I just wasn't wow'd enough to want to come back to try other items.

Puras Papas

4.6

(34 reviews)

Best quesabirrilla tacos ever!! Please try. I've tried several and none compare! Note related it…read morepaid, but really enjoy. Way better than the red truck!

Had a yummy yummy chicken quesadilla loaded with nice white chicken & cheese. Salsas, carrots &…read moresour cream on the side. The truck is parked on Linda Vista near the Business Costco in San Marcos. Not super scenic spot for dining. A couple simple tables if you want to eat there. I took it to go as were most of the customers. I will be back!!!!

Lourdes

4.2

(282 reviews)

Craft and Taco Lounge

4.6

(1.1k reviews)

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.

Que Tortas

4.4

(81 reviews)

This is my favorite torta place! The best bolillos I've had. I get the torta special, usually the…read morehalf with pico but when I'm really hungry I just get the full sandwich. Their chipotle sauce is fire and the lettuce and tomato are still a good crunch texture even though it's a hot sandwich. I hate it when my lettuce and tomato are soggy in a hot sandwich. I love their fruit and juices, so sweet and tasty. Highly recommend to anyone who wants fruit and tortas!

I understand that businesses are struggling but you raise the prices and reduce the ingredients?…read more My torta only had on slice of meat....

Lourdes Mexican Food

3.7

(219 reviews)

Love this place but SO expensive. Quick service and great food. Been going here since I was younger…read morebut way too expensive for a burrito. $18!!

Food was cold, along with my burritos being nearly empty. Too small for the price and mostly…read moretortilla. Sadly i was very disappointed. Usually bean and cheeses burritos are hard to mess up but congratulations you somehow did it. Look at this California burrito very poor as well

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!

Serranos Mexican Food

3.9

(143 reviews)

Best cali burrito I've had in a while! Wow. Been coming here for years and this was the first time…read moreI tried one, if you like cali burritos you definitely gotta try theirs!

Enjoy good food, fast service, and a reasonable price. I stopped by here on lunch, the rolled tacos…read morewere delicious and came out quickly. The cabeza mini tacos had a lot of collagen. Overall, good and friendly service.

Tacos Alex

3.9

(331 reviews)

Great al pastor tacos, the corn tortillas are amazing, so fresh and tasty. Alex and his family…read moreserve up the best tacos in San Marcos and beyond. The green avocado salsa is my favorite. The restaurant gets busy at lunchtime so I try to go around 1pm when it has cleared out a bit. Five stars for sure, I drive all the way from Ocean Beach for Tacos Alex!

Man, I was just praying there was room in the parking lot and there was one parking spot open just…read morefor me! I ordered two Carnitas tacos and they were bomb as always. The place was really busy and I got my food super fast. It was probably about 5 o'clock. One thing that was really nice was the cashier. I think it's the Daughter of the owner tiny little girl, but super super nice, kind eyes, very welcoming. I actually decided to sit and eat my dinner there. Last time I was there probably six months the cashier wasn't very nice at all, but this girl was fantastic.

Frida's Taqueria

4.1

(427 reviews)