John Egan

I started going to Mario’s 40+ years ago. Knew Mario when he had the little kitchen on Center Street in La Mesa… then expanded to the old fishing tackle shop… and finally his move to La Mesa Blvd. Whether I picked up items on my way to a job site or being the ‘go to’ place for family & events… Mario’s has always been my favorite Mexican Restaurant! So many memories there! Saturday Brunch in La Mesa - What a picture perfect day it is! So it's off to the outside patio at Mario's... Cheese Enchiladas, Fried Eggs & Bacon w/Refried Beans & Rice for me. Chorizo & Eggs Burrito w/Ranchero Sauce for Louise. Beautiful and delicious!

John Bathke

Tasty Mexican food! Nice quaint restaurant in La Mesa. Overall, good food. I'm not sure what their specialty is, but I enjoy their dishes each time I come. I had their tamale last time I came and liked it. Actually, their tamales are larger than others, so you may need to only order one. The venue is smaller, so it probably the max party size may be 6-8-- but this adds to their charm. They have an outdoor patio, if that is your preference. Additionally, they just redecorated. Prices are fairly affordable. This place is worth checking out.

Jessica Jennings

First, I would highly recommend sitting on the patio if you can. It’s lovely and the views aren’t bad. There will always be dogs hanging out as well. The chips and salsa are good and the chicken mole enchiladas were great (I’ve never had mole enchiladas before). It kind of bothered me that we had multiple servers because they would ask us things that we were just asked, but they were all good and nice as well. There is a parking lot in the back, but if you drive a bigger car/truck or if it’s lunchtime, beware that it can be a PITA to get in/out.

Christopher Connolly

LOVE Mario's! Started off with Shrimp Cocktail which was excellent! The Mexican food here is fresh, vibrant and full of flavor! Chicken Fajitas and Chicken plate were excellent! Food and Service were spot on! When we were leaving, we went through a Sobriety Checkpoint. The officer asked where we had came from, we told him Mario's. He said, "I love Mario's! My favorite is the Chili Colorado!" So, La Mesa PD loves Mario's too! Great hidden jewel restaurant in the heart of La Mesa. Viva La Mario's! :)

Robyn Gilmore

Cute Mexican restaurant in La Mesa. We enjoyed our breakfast of huevos rancheros and enchiladas. We will be back!

Tiki G.

This is a cute little restaurant in the heart of downtown La Mesa. It is very adorable inside. The food we ordered was nothing too special but decent and plentiful. Their carrot cake is yummy, iI think they add coconut to it. They have outdoor seating as well. We'll definitely return here. Staff was friendly.

+1

Carol Ieromnimon

I’m honesty upset I have not tried this place sooner after living in La Mesa for over 3 years I only now tried this spot! The food is very tasty. I had the steak ranchero which the beef was very tender and you can taste the spices. The beans are creamy and delicious! The rice was also cooked wonderfully! The only thing I wished they had spicier salsa! But the salsa that comes with the chips is authentic and fresh, really good! This is my New Mexican spot in La Mesa

Juan F Vielma

The food was good here. I had the huevo’s rancheros and they were tasty. The side potatoes had a little to much greens. The beans were tasty. The side tortillas were a little raw. Overall the dish was good. Coffee was great. I had the decaf coffee. Crazy good food and super cheap!!! The staff is super friendly, the food is fresh, and they serve you quickly. Just remember to check to see if there packed. It’s super busy here around lunch time. My wife ordered the the birra benedict. She said the wee good but the English muffin could have been replaced with something homemade. Just didn’t taste right with the birra. This place does have a outside patio. It’s very clean and nice to sit out there and enjoy the sun. The staff is very friendly and the overall atmosphere in the place is welcoming. It’s Mexican style decor is great. The restaurant is very clean inside. The parking area is very small and hardly any street parking. I had a hard time parking my suburban in the parking lot because the spaces were very small and the parking lot is very small as well. The bathrooms are clean but not open to the public. There is wheel chair access to the front door and that’s always a plus. I totally recommend this place for the family.

Anthony Alarcon

I stopped here while on a road trip and prices were expensive but figured food would be worth the price. I ordered a chilli relleno omelet and it was ok but nothing to pay such a high price. Best part was my waitress who was friendly and took real good care of me. Won't stop here again if I'm in town.

Steve Vegas

Did something happen here or what? The food is way different now, like generic flavor or something. I ate here 2 years ago or so and it was pretty dang good, came back last weekend and I was surprised at how much I did not enjoy my food. I got a mixed fajita plate and it was worse than getting one from chilli's. The only good thing about it was the sizzle it had when it hit my table, other than that I would rather just hit my local taco stand and get more flavorful food.

BCM

Disappointing. The food lacked flavor for the most part. Service is good and friendly. We had the steak and shrimp fajitas. Just not enough meat in my opinion. The steak had decent flavor but the shrimp didn't. The cheese enchiladas we average. The green chili just didn't have any flavor. The atmosphere is nice and the restaurant is clean. Chips and salsa were great!

steven

Came in during Oktoberfest and was disappointed. First off the staff are all super friendly and accommodating which is the only reason they get 2 stars and not 1. The food is not good at all, The salsas aren’t good , and the margaritas taste like Gatorade. I feel like their using cheap ingredients and cutting corners on the margaritas by using a mixer which makes the drinks taste suuuuuper sweet.

Leslie Petersen

I’m just wondering if the new owners have actually started using Mario’s Amazing recipes. When we we there, it was NOTHING like the OG! Sad really, if it’s not broken. He worked there as a cook, he knows the recipes, probably backwards and forwards. The rolled tacos are worse than a taco stand (Costco) Beef taco, same. Mario’s recipes had delicious FLAVORED shredded beef. Rice is different, chips, salsa , even the rice. That was very unique and now it is blah! Come on!! Go back to the original, you’ll get more customers. This photo is from the REAL Mario’s, if it’s still on the website, that is false advertising!! Compare this to your food! Ick!