Serrano's Mexican Food

So good! This was recommended to us while we were visiting, and it did not disappoint. Very reasonably priced as well.

The best food ever and the burritos was big will come back again and cheep

Serranos is in my top 5 favorites for good Mexican. They have a good menu with a lot of outstanding options. I have only had burritos and tacos (because I am hooked), but I'm pretty sure everything else is as good. It's a bit of a drive for me to get there or I would visit more often, but it's definitely worth the drive!

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. My usual Mexican place, food is good and cashiers are nice. Not my absolute favorite but good enough that I'll just go here for convenience. The fries from this place are great and are what I usually get. Burritos are good but can have a bit of grease in them depending on the meat you get. Salsas are pretty good.

Yes! Finally a great, cheap place to eat between work and train! Rapidly becoming a favorite lunch destination for my coworkers and I as well. Really yummy $.99 tacos, fries, beer, burritos and so much more. Friendly, fast service every time, even on a lunch rush. This place is a new little gem, especially for those of us on a budget! Will be a regular for years to come I hope!

Really, really good. We got the California burrito, the Cali queso burrito and an al pastor quesadilla. Everything was very good but the quesadilla was our favorite. We would go back

Delicious!! The tacos and wet burrito were on special and yummy! We will be back!

Best Mexican food I’ve ever had. Great service, great quality food and amazing prices. Everything a college student could ever want.

+1

This place is very very clean and prompt. Well prepared food and good prices. Well spaced out for social distancing. Mexican cokes! $5 breakfast burritos all day every day. Good size too and stuffed with egg.

Good food, very busy, but they make the good fresh and fast! Prices were decent.

It was pretty good! Would definitely come back!

Ordered a carne asada nacho and surf and turf quesadilla, ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!! The service was great, nothing above and beyond but definitely friendly and welcoming! We spent a couple hours at the laundry mat across the way on our road trip and this was the perfect way to reward ourselves! Very clean too! No complaints!

The prices at this little restaurant or decent. They're dollar street tacos were amazing!

Great food clean establishment and flat-screen TVs to watch. Music was nice while I eat.

+6

IE native here who just moved to Encinitas recently! Serranos is our go-to spot for fast friendly service and delicious food. I love the breakfast burritos, chile verde, al pastor tacos, fish tacos, best taquitos everrrr, and of course their AMAZING salsas. Lucia and the kitchen staff are always kind. Thank you for always filling our bellies and the amazing prices. You can’t beat $8 burritos and $1 tacos.

This has quickly become my favorite joint around town- the food is classic and amazing, without a doubt some of the best bang for your buck in terms of quality and quantity! The service is very good, they’re super friendly and the food comes out fast. It’s in a nice spot so close to the beach and just off the highway so it’s always nearby! I never wanna see this place leave- 11/10!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars isn't enough. Serranos Mexican Food in Encinitas is an absolute gem! I'm still reeling from the flavor explosion that hit my taste buds, and I'm not alone. My wife and I, and our kids are from Texas we're in town on vacation with a passion for Latin American cuisine, were thoroughly impressed. As Texans, we're spoiled with amazing Mexican food options, but Serranos brings a whole new level of authenticity to the table. From the vibrant colors to the lively music, the atmosphere is perfect for a night out with family or friends. I've eaten here twice in the last 3 days, and I'm hooked. The customer service is top-notch...friendly, authentic, and genuine. Our server greeted us with a warm smile, made recommendations, and ensured we had everything we needed throughout our meal. The staff's attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm for the food and culture shone through in every interaction. The environment is perfect for families, couples, and groups. The decor is lively and colorful, with vibrant artwork and lively music that adds to the energetic atmosphere. But the real magic happens in the kitchen. The quality of food is exceptional – every dish is made to order, bursting with flavor, and cooked to perfection. You can taste the authenticity in every bite. I ordered a few dishes to share, but the three standouts for me were the Surf-n-Turf Fries, Moonlight Crunch Burrito, and mini Al Pastor tacos. The Surf-n-Turf Fries were a game-changer – crispy fries smothered in succulent shrimp, savory carne asada, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The combination of textures and flavors was absolute perfection. The Moonlight Crunch Burrito was a flavor bomb, packed with tender steak, crunchy tacos and veggies, and a whole list of other wonderful foods, and a hint of spice. And those mini Al Pastor tacos? Perfectly marinated pork, grilled to perfection, and served with a side of fresh pineapple and onion. Each bite was a masterclass in balance and flavor. What really sets Serranos apart is the love and care that goes into every dish. You can feel the passion and dedication in every bite. The chef's attention to detail and commitment to using only the freshest ingredients shines through in every dish. If you're a fan of Mexican food like us, do yourself a favor and get to Serranos. Be prepared for a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more. We'll be back, and we'll be bringing friends. Serranos, you've earned 5 loyal customers in us! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My family and I love this place. One of the few places not price gouging. We LOVE the $1 fish tacos, they have a lot of different sauces, and the chips and salsa are great.

Parking: Plenty in plaza Ambience: Traditional Mexican fast food with the Mariachi playing Service: The cashier taking my order was very welcoming and offered great recommendations. Food: I ordered 3 fish taco 2 white sauce, 1 Chipotle, and their Encinitas Surf & turf burrito. All were Amazing! Military Discount: Not anymore Overall: The food and service is always great here. I would say their surf and turf here is one of the best I’ve had in San Diego but it is pretty small.

You can taste the freshness of the food, including the tortillas. Warm chips too. Great heat levels and flavor to the salsa. And cinnamon sugar chips to top it all off. Clean spacious inside. Definitely will be a regular.

We went there multiples times over 3 days, food was delicious, pricing was decent as well. My wife really enjoyed their Tripa soup

Exactly what I was craving! So good. I got the CA burrito. The tortilla was homemade, the carne asada was perfectly cooked and not too fatty. Mm!

Had chicken tortilla soup and it was amazing. Chunky, delicious and they give all the yummy fixins. Thier chicken tostada is also fabulous. Always clean in the restaurant and superb customer service.

Really good food. The chorizo was cooked great. And the carne asada was as well. The biarra tacos were full of flavor

Tyler Duran

This has quickly become my favorite joint around town- the food is classic and amazing, without a doubt some of the best bang for your buck in terms of quality and quantity! The service is very good, they’re super friendly and the food comes out fast. It’s in a nice spot so close to the beach and just off the highway so it’s always nearby! I never wanna see this place leave- 11/10!

John Thomas

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars isn't enough. Serranos Mexican Food in Encinitas is an absolute gem! I'm still reeling from the flavor explosion that hit my taste buds, and I'm not alone. My wife and I, and our kids are from Texas we're in town on vacation with a passion for Latin American cuisine, were thoroughly impressed. As Texans, we're spoiled with amazing Mexican food options, but Serranos brings a whole new level of authenticity to the table. From the vibrant colors to the lively music, the atmosphere is perfect for a night out with family or friends. I've eaten here twice in the last 3 days, and I'm hooked. The customer service is top-notch...friendly, authentic, and genuine. Our server greeted us with a warm smile, made recommendations, and ensured we had everything we needed throughout our meal. The staff's attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm for the food and culture shone through in every interaction. The environment is perfect for families, couples, and groups. The decor is lively and colorful, with vibrant artwork and lively music that adds to the energetic atmosphere. But the real magic happens in the kitchen. The quality of food is exceptional – every dish is made to order, bursting with flavor, and cooked to perfection. You can taste the authenticity in every bite. I ordered a few dishes to share, but the three standouts for me were the Surf-n-Turf Fries, Moonlight Crunch Burrito, and mini Al Pastor tacos. The Surf-n-Turf Fries were a game-changer – crispy fries smothered in succulent shrimp, savory carne asada, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The combination of textures and flavors was absolute perfection. The Moonlight Crunch Burrito was a flavor bomb, packed with tender steak, crunchy tacos and veggies, and a whole list of other wonderful foods, and a hint of spice. And those mini Al Pastor tacos? Perfectly marinated pork, grilled to perfection, and served with a side of fresh pineapple and onion. Each bite was a masterclass in balance and flavor. What really sets Serranos apart is the love and care that goes into every dish. You can feel the passion and dedication in every bite. The chef's attention to detail and commitment to using only the freshest ingredients shines through in every dish. If you're a fan of Mexican food like us, do yourself a favor and get to Serranos. Be prepared for a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more. We'll be back, and we'll be bringing friends. Serranos, you've earned 5 loyal customers in us! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nicole Hales

My family and I love this place. One of the few places not price gouging. We LOVE the $1 fish tacos, they have a lot of different sauces, and the chips and salsa are great.

Max C

We went there multiples times over 3 days, food was delicious, pricing was decent as well. My wife really enjoyed their Tripa soup

Tony Tran

Parking: Plenty in plaza Ambience: Traditional Mexican fast food with the Mariachi playing Service: The cashier taking my order was very welcoming and offered great recommendations. Food: I ordered 3 fish taco 2 white sauce, 1 Chipotle, and their Encinitas Surf & turf burrito. All were Amazing! Military Discount: Not anymore Overall: The food and service is always great here. I would say their surf and turf here is one of the best I’ve had in San Diego but it is pretty small.

Camden Hodges

You can taste the freshness of the food, including the tortillas. Warm chips too. Great heat levels and flavor to the salsa. And cinnamon sugar chips to top it all off. Clean spacious inside. Definitely will be a regular.

René

Had chicken tortilla soup and it was amazing. Chunky, delicious and they give all the yummy fixins. Thier chicken tostada is also fabulous. Always clean in the restaurant and superb customer service.

Brianna Fisher

Exactly what I was craving! So good. I got the CA burrito. The tortilla was homemade, the carne asada was perfectly cooked and not too fatty. Mm!

Jordan Walker

Really, really good. We got the California burrito, the Cali queso burrito and an al pastor quesadilla. Everything was very good but the quesadilla was our favorite. We would go back

Abraham Guevara

Really good food. The chorizo was cooked great. And the carne asada was as well. The biarra tacos were full of flavor

K T

Good food, very busy, but they make the good fresh and fast! Prices were decent.

We love this place! The food is fresh, delicious, and very well priced! The restaurant is always clean and the staff makes you feel like they're glad you stopped in to eat! We have ordered a variety of different items from the menu and it's all been amazing - including the salsa bar! Their carne asada, shrimp, and mahi mahi are definitely standouts. The carne asada is flavorful and not greasy like some Mexican food restaurants. I also recommend giving the breakfast burritos a try. This is definitely a great place to grab some excellent Mexican food!

Absolutely amazing food. The best mexican food AND for such a great price. The staff are always very friendly along with giving generous portions. This is the perfect Mexican restaurant for any locals, ANYONE tourists from other countries, or any people visiting San Diego hoping to get an authentic and VERY tasty meal. I recommend the Tijuana taco. It's my favorite taco. 10/10 also the burritos are amazing. Try any of them and you'll love it. Give it a try, you won't regret it

I've passed this restaurant so many times and wondered how good a $1.00 taco al pastor could be. Then a friend mentioned that he liked it, so I actually stopped in and loved it. The cutest, most delicious little tacos, I had a couple and they were the perfect mid-afternoon boost. The lady behind the counter was super nice and helpful. Highly recommended, it is going to a go-to from now on.

I come to Serranos every time I am in this area of Encinitas. Their burritos are some of my favorite. Maybe it’s the owner or general manager, the woman who is always there is unbelievable sweet. I have seen her multiple times display acts of kindness to her customers and even to me. She remembers me every time I see and it means the most. I will continue to support her and Serranos!

Christine G.

We love this place! The food is fresh, delicious, and very well priced! The restaurant is always clean and the staff makes you feel like they're glad you stopped in to eat! We have ordered a variety of different items from the menu and it's all been amazing - including the salsa bar! Their carne asada, shrimp, and mahi mahi are definitely standouts. The carne asada is flavorful and not greasy like some Mexican food restaurants. I also recommend giving the breakfast burritos a try. This is definitely a great place to grab some excellent Mexican food!

Bindu Chandrabose

I've passed this restaurant so many times and wondered how good a $1.00 taco al pastor could be. Then a friend mentioned that he liked it, so I actually stopped in and loved it. The cutest, most delicious little tacos, I had a couple and they were the perfect mid-afternoon boost. The lady behind the counter was super nice and helpful. Highly recommended, it is going to a go-to from now on.

Mukunda Leahy-Paragiri

Absolutely amazing food. The best mexican food AND for such a great price. The staff are always very friendly along with giving generous portions. This is the perfect Mexican restaurant for any locals, ANYONE tourists from other countries, or any people visiting San Diego hoping to get an authentic and VERY tasty meal. I recommend the Tijuana taco. It's my favorite taco. 10/10 also the burritos are amazing. Try any of them and you'll love it. Give it a try, you won't regret it

It's a counter service Taco Place with pretty good food. Chorizo with Eggs was good and good portions.

The food was OK but not a rave. I ordered 5 rolled Tacos and a Chile Relleno Burrito. The menu is big but it seems the items lack normal traditional ingredients. For instance my burrito came with a Chile Relleno and beans (mostly beans) . Most Mexican restaurants add rice, lettuce, and pico de Gallo standard. I inquired about Menudo but it was simply Hominy and tripe with no pata( cows foot). Overall it was convenient. The Rolled Tacos Supreme is what traditional rolled tacos used to be and were good. I added my rolled tacos toppings to my chilled Relleno so I could eat it otherwise I was going to toss it as it was so dry and mushy. Be aware what is stated on the menu are the only ingredients it comes with.

99 cent FISH 🐟 and ADOBADA 🐖 tacos. Ice cold bottled beers and sodas plus fountain drinks on tap Salsa bar Picture here is 2 fish tacos 3 adobada

This place has a good taco shop vibe, just like the spots you find in Mexico. The food is solid, and the portions are big enough to share. I tried the shrimp burrito special—it was only $8, and it was packed with shrimp, fresh cabbage, and pico de gallo. They also have a decent salsa bar. I'd definitely go back to try something else

Ordered a California burrito which was pretty awesome tasting. Fries were not under cooked like a lot places and the meat was decent quality. Decent looking restrooms too. The only negative thing was the wait. I must have been there close to 30 minutes. Seems to be a common theme in some of the aforementioned interviews.

Wow...simply wow. 1st time here and tried the Moonlight crunch burrito. That thing is HUGE. Easily 3 meals. Also, I had to try the surf & turf fries. Be sure you have a friend to share with. Again, HUGE. The wife had one fish & one shrimp taco. Highly recommend this place. We will return.

The quantity is there every thing is fresh but it's lacking seasoning all you taste is just clinatro and veggies and the avocado. They have a salsa bar of variety but didn't have a hot one there all mild.

The dollar al pastor tacos and fish here are amazing! They are tiny street tacos but that's what the price of them should be anywhere else. I've seen places charge 6 bucks for the taos that I get here for a dollar 50. Definitely a good spot if you want some quick tacos.

Erin Kelley

This place has a good taco shop vibe, just like the spots you find in Mexico. The food is solid, and the portions are big enough to share. I tried the shrimp burrito special—it was only $8, and it was packed with shrimp, fresh cabbage, and pico de gallo. They also have a decent salsa bar. I'd definitely go back to try something else

Sellers

Ordered a California burrito which was pretty awesome tasting. Fries were not under cooked like a lot places and the meat was decent quality. Decent looking restrooms too. The only negative thing was the wait. I must have been there close to 30 minutes. Seems to be a common theme in some of the aforementioned interviews.

Mike Knuckles

Wow...simply wow. 1st time here and tried the Moonlight crunch burrito. That thing is HUGE. Easily 3 meals. Also, I had to try the surf & turf fries. Be sure you have a friend to share with. Again, HUGE. The wife had one fish & one shrimp taco. Highly recommend this place. We will return.

victoria delbosque

The quantity is there every thing is fresh but it's lacking seasoning all you taste is just clinatro and veggies and the avocado. They have a salsa bar of variety but didn't have a hot one there all mild.

Isaiah Malfavon

The dollar al pastor tacos and fish here are amazing! They are tiny street tacos but that's what the price of them should be anywhere else. I've seen places charge 6 bucks for the taos that I get here for a dollar 50. Definitely a good spot if you want some quick tacos.

Soooooo let down by this place. Came in and got a carne asada burrito 🌯 ( smallest Burrito ever ) waited over 30 minutes and had to go eat again after eating here. Customer service sucks and so does the food. I gave 2 starz ⭐️ ⭐️ instead of 1. Because the green sauce was bomb. Definitely won’t be back

What happened to Serranos bro 😂 I tried giving them a few more tries but this is the worst Carne Asada Burrito I’ve seen. Leaving them in 2025. Sayulitas better!

santi888

What happened to Serranos bro 😂 I tried giving them a few more tries but this is the worst Carne Asada Burrito I’ve seen. Leaving them in 2025. Sayulitas better!

This is what you get for $13. The skinniest burrito I’ve ever had with chicken that tastes like rubber. Do better.

The bathroom here smells of death. It literally is the worst smell I’ve ever smelled. If the bathroom are this dirty for their “valued” customers, how clean can the kitchen be where customers can’t see? Hard pass on eating here. Clean it up Serranos!!