Estrada's Mexican Food

My husband and I moved out of town but still will drive the hour to come here and get our "usual". We've never had a wrong order or a bad thing on their menu. Feels like family and the hot sauce is to die for! Never found anything to compare.

We really liked it! My wife had fajitas and I had carne asada and it was all very tasty. Their guac was amazing. We learned that they are opening a Panama and Ashe location (close to where we live) and will gladly give that place a try.

Best in the West!!!! I've been to a few different taco shops in ALL of San Diego County even up to Temecula and Imperial, there is only one other place that does it right, but Estrada's is by far the best!!!!! It's ALWAYS the same!!!! Consistency is key!!!!! Muchas gracias a todos, desde los meseros a los cocineros!!!!!

By far the best Mexican food joint ever! I don't live in Santee anymore and commute to Temecula. Whenever I get the chance to eat down in Santee I choose Estrada's! My wife and I get the bean and cheese burrito and it's amazing! The price is great too! 5 plus stars!!

I have been coming here for over 30 years. Family owned and operated. Everyone is friendly and they cook some of the best food around. You can never go wrong with the carne asada burrito. Great food. Great people.

Amazing food and fantastic customer service you won’t be disappointed! Make sure you get the destroyer breakfast burrito! My fave!

We wanted to pick up something quick and delicious and they filled the order. Burritos and tacos were very good. Thanks guys

The food is pretty good quality and the prices are average. The customer service is good from what I could tell: I liked how gentle the staff was with my food. The red sauce was nice. You should have no trouble with parking, too.

Delicious California burrito. And the guy at the register is always very nice. The sitting area is a bit cramped, but still OK. The great food and great service more than make up.

I called Estradas with a last minute catering order. They were able to provide top notch service with less than 24hr notice. Mario, the store owner, worked with me to provide the best options and did not try to sell me on anything. I'm so grateful for their service and will recommend them to anyone! Their catering was used for a very high ranking military event and all the officers asked where we'd gotten the food. Estradas good was a hit!

The staff here are always so nice! The food is amazing too, very authentic taste and consistently delicious! Out of all the taco shops in the area this one is definitely the best quality for price!

"RED HOT SAUCE...!" With San Diego Taco Shops It's ALL ABOUT THE HOT SAUCE. Luckily the food is normally Great, so having the "Tastiest" Hot sauce in the County.. IT'S ESTRADA'S EVERY TIME..! 🔥❤️🎉💯

Estradas is literally the last good taco shop. I drive pretty far to get food from them because it’s consistently fresh, orders are always on point, service is great, and most of all the quality. Every other place has raised prices and their quality has decreased. Thanks Estradas, keep it up, you’ll be in business for a long time

It’s time to find some Mexican food for lunch for me and the movers, and I found just the spot! I ordered the combination plate with 2 fish tacos, beans, and rice for $13.89, plus 3 carne asada burritos for $11.75 each, and 4 horchatas for $4.99. The portions are big, the food is delicious, and the service is great. The place is small but perfect for a satisfying meal when you’re really hungry. I forgot to capture the food, running for our late pick up lunch.

I’ve been eating here since the early 90’s and Mario, Roger, and Erica are amazing people. We returned after being out of state for 3 yrs and I was happy to see that the serving size was still the same, unlike many other restaurants that have raised their prices and reduced portion size. Their food is high quality and they have the best red hot sauce. Our favorite meals are breakfast burritos and carne asada nachos.

Stopped by randomly on the way to pick up parts from Autobahn dismantling. Wow the burrito is huge and nicely wrapped, the meat tasted freshly cooked and not refrigerated and heated up(I can taste the difference sometimes) The mini birria tacos were great Mango habanero salsa was different but also good not too hot. They offer catering as well sorry didn't grab a picture for that. Great service will be back when I'm in the area

Journey to Estrada. It was a Tuesday and I was able to get out of work early. Picked up my wife and we were headed down to Estrada. We drove from Diamond Bar in LA county down to Santee, in San Diego. Traffic was terrible through Temecula, and then more traffic at the 52 going East. After about 2 hours, we drove up to Estrada. We were starving as we had not eaten all day. We found a parking spot right in front of Estrada. We were so excited but then fear struck us. We can see from our car that the lights in the restaurant were turned off. Then we saw the "closed" sign. Noooo...How can that be? It was a Tuesday around 4pm. We drove 2 hours specifically for Estrada and Google map said it should be opened. We were hungry, disappointed and sad. We were in "Santee" and didn't know where else to go. I frantically searched on Google again and noticed there was another Estrada a few more miles East. What? Two Estrada restaurants? Yes! The one that was closed is Estrada #2. We called the other one (Estrada #1)and it was opened. We felt relieved and excited again. We quickly drove to Estrada#1, which turned out to be the original. It is a very small restaurant- a hole in the wall. I ordered what I have been dreaming and thinking about - a carne asada burrito with guacamole. I was so happy but nervous that the burrito might not be as good as I had been imagining it to be. Then the moment came as I took my first bite. My taste buds came alive and my mind was flooded with memories of a distant past. It touched my heart. You see, about 34 years ago I met my wife at San Diego State University. I didn't have much money then, so I took her to Estrada for our first date. Back then, Estrada was in La Mesa by SDSU. We loved their carne asada burrito with the carne juice mixed with their special guacamole/sour cream concoction. We would cover the burrito with Estrada's red sauce and that just gave it an awesome flavor. We would go there all the time. Then one day, we went there and it was closed. Shortly thereafter. we finished school and moved to LA. For years, we tried to find a burrito shop that would have such a burrito. We have been to all the Albertos-Gilbertos,-Robertos over the years but no such luck. Every now and then I would think about Estrada. Recently I was reminiscing with my wife about Estrada burrito and sauce. So I Google Estrada and that was when I found it in Santee. The burrito with the guacamole/sour cream and red sauce were the same 34 years later! These days, I have to watch my diet, but didn't on this special evening. It was totally worth the 4 hours round-trip drive for us. Sometimes we are reminded how moments of our lives are defined by food.

Ended up pulling in to grab a drink from shop next door and decided to grab a burrito. There was another customer just starting to eat a burrito when I walked in and he recommended the “pollo asado burrito”. Placed my order and added cheese to the burrito. Also decided to grab a bottle of Pepsi from here as well to drink. I had asked the cashier on preference for American vs Mexican guacamole, she stated Mexican was the way to go. Burrito came out nice and hot, cheese was melted and burrito smelled good. I did notice more of a vegetable type guacamole presence instead of just straight up avocado mixture. Burrito was probably about the size of my fist, tasted good but did not appear to have a lot of seasoning. Good or Bad is up to you for seasoning. The only thing weird was the Bottle of Pepsi did not taste like a Pepsi, i was kind of bland. Will definitely return and try something else in the future.

I'm in the Santee area for two weeks and I've visited for a carne asada burrito almost every day. It's worth it. Currently solo traveling across the country and Estrada's hands down has the best burrito. They have American or Mexicans guacamole. It's a must try if in the area. Service is always quality, kind and speedy.

For about $10 plus the $1.50 for the side of sour cream. These carne asada fries were definitely worth it. They were tasty delicious. The fries are crispy to meet with tender and flavorful. I would definitely order this again especially for the price plus the serving size it is well worth it.

First time trying a California burrito. The size was fairly good and the red sauce it came with was also yummy

The best food ever!! Great friendly staff, very clean restaurant, I just love this place!!

Eleana May

It’s time to find some Mexican food for lunch for me and the movers, and I found just the spot! I ordered the combination plate with 2 fish tacos, beans, and rice for $13.89, plus 3 carne asada burritos for $11.75 each, and 4 horchatas for $4.99. The portions are big, the food is delicious, and the service is great. The place is small but perfect for a satisfying meal when you’re really hungry. I forgot to capture the food, running for our late pick up lunch.

Eric Stevens

I’ve been eating here since the early 90’s and Mario, Roger, and Erica are amazing people. We returned after being out of state for 3 yrs and I was happy to see that the serving size was still the same, unlike many other restaurants that have raised their prices and reduced portion size. Their food is high quality and they have the best red hot sauce. Our favorite meals are breakfast burritos and carne asada nachos.

V Vongsayarath

Stopped by randomly on the way to pick up parts from Autobahn dismantling. Wow the burrito is huge and nicely wrapped, the meat tasted freshly cooked and not refrigerated and heated up(I can taste the difference sometimes) The mini birria tacos were great Mango habanero salsa was different but also good not too hot. They offer catering as well sorry didn't grab a picture for that. Great service will be back when I'm in the area

Dha

Journey to Estrada. It was a Tuesday and I was able to get out of work early. Picked up my wife and we were headed down to Estrada. We drove from Diamond Bar in LA county down to Santee, in San Diego. Traffic was terrible through Temecula, and then more traffic at the 52 going East. After about 2 hours, we drove up to Estrada. We were starving as we had not eaten all day. We found a parking spot right in front of Estrada. We were so excited but then fear struck us. We can see from our car that the lights in the restaurant were turned off. Then we saw the "closed" sign. Noooo...How can that be? It was a Tuesday around 4pm. We drove 2 hours specifically for Estrada and Google map said it should be opened. We were hungry, disappointed and sad. We were in "Santee" and didn't know where else to go. I frantically searched on Google again and noticed there was another Estrada a few more miles East. What? Two Estrada restaurants? Yes! The one that was closed is Estrada #2. We called the other one (Estrada #1)and it was opened. We felt relieved and excited again. We quickly drove to Estrada#1, which turned out to be the original. It is a very small restaurant- a hole in the wall. I ordered what I have been dreaming and thinking about - a carne asada burrito with guacamole. I was so happy but nervous that the burrito might not be as good as I had been imagining it to be. Then the moment came as I took my first bite. My taste buds came alive and my mind was flooded with memories of a distant past. It touched my heart. You see, about 34 years ago I met my wife at San Diego State University. I didn't have much money then, so I took her to Estrada for our first date. Back then, Estrada was in La Mesa by SDSU. We loved their carne asada burrito with the carne juice mixed with their special guacamole/sour cream concoction. We would cover the burrito with Estrada's red sauce and that just gave it an awesome flavor. We would go there all the time. Then one day, we went there and it was closed. Shortly thereafter. we finished school and moved to LA. For years, we tried to find a burrito shop that would have such a burrito. We have been to all the Albertos-Gilbertos,-Robertos over the years but no such luck. Every now and then I would think about Estrada. Recently I was reminiscing with my wife about Estrada burrito and sauce. So I Google Estrada and that was when I found it in Santee. The burrito with the guacamole/sour cream and red sauce were the same 34 years later! These days, I have to watch my diet, but didn't on this special evening. It was totally worth the 4 hours round-trip drive for us. Sometimes we are reminded how moments of our lives are defined by food.

Ben Smith

Ended up pulling in to grab a drink from shop next door and decided to grab a burrito. There was another customer just starting to eat a burrito when I walked in and he recommended the “pollo asado burrito”. Placed my order and added cheese to the burrito. Also decided to grab a bottle of Pepsi from here as well to drink. I had asked the cashier on preference for American vs Mexican guacamole, she stated Mexican was the way to go. Burrito came out nice and hot, cheese was melted and burrito smelled good. I did notice more of a vegetable type guacamole presence instead of just straight up avocado mixture. Burrito was probably about the size of my fist, tasted good but did not appear to have a lot of seasoning. Good or Bad is up to you for seasoning. The only thing weird was the Bottle of Pepsi did not taste like a Pepsi, i was kind of bland. Will definitely return and try something else in the future.

Rew Lekatz

I'm in the Santee area for two weeks and I've visited for a carne asada burrito almost every day. It's worth it. Currently solo traveling across the country and Estrada's hands down has the best burrito. They have American or Mexicans guacamole. It's a must try if in the area. Service is always quality, kind and speedy.

Jay Hughes

For about $10 plus the $1.50 for the side of sour cream. These carne asada fries were definitely worth it. They were tasty delicious. The fries are crispy to meet with tender and flavorful. I would definitely order this again especially for the price plus the serving size it is well worth it.

Lillian Buch

First time trying a California burrito. The size was fairly good and the red sauce it came with was also yummy

Gray Zelda

The best food ever!! Great friendly staff, very clean restaurant, I just love this place!!

I moved outta state, but have missed going to this place for years now. I've considered very literally making the 1,300 mile journey, just for Estrada's. 😭 I'd ask/pay someone to ship me some, if I thought they'd survive? Been crying over their California burrito for years now; it's perfect. The father north you go, the less quality taquerias we get. Sending love from WA 🥲❤️

This place has wonderful food. Plenty of seating and a quaint atmosphere. Not fancy or elegant but inviting. Great customer service with a smile and great suggestions. Clean, well lit, and easy parking made this an easy quick choice for dinner.

Ordered food for entire family "out of towners".... wow did the quality of food really make the kids miss SD. Ordered over the phone, food was hot and ready. Thank you for always being consistent with the taste, quality of food and service !!!

I love Estrada's!. You get great food, friendly staff, and affordable price. I've been a customer for more than 20 years and travel from Chula Vista each time.

Destroyer burritos are the best. Get crispy hash browns

$15.00 for a burrito . . . It is the going rate in the area. Guess it goes with the territory of $15.00 an hour minimum wage in California. Friendly staff and accommodating with special request.

Best Mexican restaurant I’ve ever been to and I’ve been to a lot… Red Hot sauce is the best in the entire country. Have been going there for 10+ years and they never let me down, the quality and taste is amazing… Estrada’s holds a special place in my heart

P Young

This place has wonderful food. Plenty of seating and a quaint atmosphere. Not fancy or elegant but inviting. Great customer service with a smile and great suggestions. Clean, well lit, and easy parking made this an easy quick choice for dinner.

Micah Hendrix (DarkAGEdefect)

Destroyer burritos are the best. Get crispy hash browns

Rowan O.

I moved outta state, but have missed going to this place for years now. I've considered very literally making the 1,300 mile journey, just for Estrada's. 😭 I'd ask/pay someone to ship me some, if I thought they'd survive? Been crying over their California burrito for years now; it's perfect. The father north you go, the less quality taquerias we get. Sending love from WA 🥲❤️

bobby fisher

Ordered food for entire family "out of towners".... wow did the quality of food really make the kids miss SD. Ordered over the phone, food was hot and ready. Thank you for always being consistent with the taste, quality of food and service !!!

Richard Elliott

$15.00 for a burrito . . . It is the going rate in the area. Guess it goes with the territory of $15.00 an hour minimum wage in California. Friendly staff and accommodating with special request.

Luz Chaney

I love Estrada's!. You get great food, friendly staff, and affordable price. I've been a customer for more than 20 years and travel from Chula Vista each time.

The food is amazing. The Pozole is so savory and filling. I'd give them a perfect review if their wait times were more consistent. I've gone and gotten my burrito in 5 minutes and I've also waited 20 minutes for just a cup of rice when I was in a hurry. Honestly though, if time isn't a factor, this is one of the best spots in east county.

First time here but I'll be back. Got the breakfast burrito and it was large and good.

Keith Latimer

First time here but I'll be back. Got the breakfast burrito and it was large and good.

My son and I came here and food was ok, he had a California burrito that seemed to be lacking in size, it wasn't to much bigger than the flour tortilla I had for my Huevos Rancheros plate. Serving size appeared to be lacking but food was ok, green sauce was good but the red sauce kind of tasted like a spicy ketchup. Food is to go only, at this time & no outside seating (due to Covid), this was our first time here and neither of us plan on coming back. If your around sure try it out, I think its worth a shot but for me.. too many better options around. Employee was super cool and friendly! Thanks.

California burrito and destroyer are amazing but their hot sauce is the winner. Not sure what’s been going on the past year or so but even just the last month they have not gotten my order wrong and now the second time in a row they have gave me someone else’s order. food still good and I guess shame on me for not checking before I leave but the service is been disappointing lately

It had been a while since I had eaten at estradas. It'd been quite some time. I recalled that they were really good.today I went and got a carne asada burrito, and was extremely disappointed? It was filled with tons of tomatoes, like at least a 1/2 a pound of tomatoes were in there a very little meat It was more Tortilla and tomatoes and it just sucks, because yeah, I thought they were good and they are no longer good. I guess they're going downhill with every other taco shop in town, but that's my review.It sucks because I did like them and I will no longer be going to them any more

Jim Miller

It had been a while since I had eaten at estradas. It'd been quite some time. I recalled that they were really good.today I went and got a carne asada burrito, and was extremely disappointed? It was filled with tons of tomatoes, like at least a 1/2 a pound of tomatoes were in there a very little meat It was more Tortilla and tomatoes and it just sucks, because yeah, I thought they were good and they are no longer good. I guess they're going downhill with every other taco shop in town, but that's my review.It sucks because I did like them and I will no longer be going to them any more

joe B

California burrito and destroyer are amazing but their hot sauce is the winner. Not sure what’s been going on the past year or so but even just the last month they have not gotten my order wrong and now the second time in a row they have gave me someone else’s order. food still good and I guess shame on me for not checking before I leave but the service is been disappointing lately

This was a first. We love the food at Estradas but…. We ordered a tostada/taco salad yesterday and we received 2 fried corn tortillas and about a cup or more of shredded beef. There was no beans, no tomatoes and no lettuce. It wasn’t even a tostada. I had to add the other ingredients in order to eat it. Sad.

I stopped here this morning and honestly, not that good. Not only do they lack flavor, but their machaca plate has so much onion! As you can see in the pictures. Their guac is mainly tomatoes, onions and also lacks flavor. I know it's just a taco shop, but don't be afraid to add a little salt to your food.

Juan Alvarez

I stopped here this morning and honestly, not that good. Not only do they lack flavor, but their machaca plate has so much onion! As you can see in the pictures. Their guac is mainly tomatoes, onions and also lacks flavor. I know it's just a taco shop, but don't be afraid to add a little salt to your food.

I don’t eat on my break yes because this places . You can have good Food but I know costumer service is the reason why I’m not coming back. They charge me for one burrito but the next costumer order big order and they let my food for the last end went I ask for my food they offer me my money back I think they don’t need my money that’s why I’m goin to another store, where they make me feel valuable me

This was the worst mexican hole in the wall I have ever been to. I am visiting from out of town,and went by the reviews. I am guessing they dont know good Mexican food, I had the wet carne asada burrito , the tortilla was so old ,I couldn't even cut into it. I will never be back here again. If I could have rated this place zero stars trust me I would have.

I used to eat here, until one day they served spoiled guacamole that my son was throwing up after. We'll never be back again.

I’ve been going to Estrada’s for over 30 yrs now . I think this might have been the nail in the coffin. The girl at the register was not accommodating . The worst part is the size of my burritos . Never ever have I been so disappointed ☹️. I know prices have gone up but at least keep the size of the burritos decent. Super disappointed

Brian [email protected]

I’ve been going to Estrada’s for over 30 yrs now . I think this might have been the nail in the coffin. The girl at the register was not accommodating . The worst part is the size of my burritos . Never ever have I been so disappointed ☹️. I know prices have gone up but at least keep the size of the burritos decent. Super disappointed