Valerio's Mexican Food

Dave S

One of the best taco shops in the city. Great food cooked to perfection. :)

Great Mexican food in El Cajon!!! Open 24 hours! Friendly service and amazing food

Best spot after hours. Come here with the munchies

Fair priced specials, always open when I need them. Potato burrito is the best <$5 entree around and almost always made great. Their plates and everything are just ok. No fresh guac or self serve amenities since it's a to go place but there's 2 tables outside.

Good food. Sometimes the cook forgets to put the meat on my Fries but they always fix it for me. Can't complain

Their breakfast burritos are good. We went through the drive-thru early in the morning on Sunday. I guess he was having a bad morning. He was a little grumpy, and it looked like he was having a bad morning. We gave him a tip, and it put a smile on his face. The burritos were great.

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in San Diego, CA. Open 24 hours, this spice of heaven has fulfilled my hunger for Mexican food in the early mornings to late hours into the night. The bean and cheese burrito (double wrapped) is my favorite. This place has the hottest hot sauces (red or green) in San Diego, CA. I uploaded photos of the menu (04/15/25) with current prices.

Nice cheap and consistent taco shop when you're on the go.

Quennel Hernandez

Best spot after hours. Come here with the munchies

Dave Bergschneider

Nice cheap and consistent taco shop when you're on the go.

Connor Shasky

Service is very attentive! Food is always great! You will come back for more!

Derek Cantor

Great Mexican food in El Cajon!!! Open 24 hours! Friendly service and amazing food

Kalin Myers

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in San Diego, CA. Open 24 hours, this spice of heaven has fulfilled my hunger for Mexican food in the early mornings to late hours into the night. The bean and cheese burrito (double wrapped) is my favorite. This place has the hottest hot sauces (red or green) in San Diego, CA. I uploaded photos of the menu (04/15/25) with current prices.

Tom Tulloch

Their breakfast burritos are good. We went through the drive-thru early in the morning on Sunday. I guess he was having a bad morning. He was a little grumpy, and it looked like he was having a bad morning. We gave him a tip, and it put a smile on his face. The burritos were great.

CJ O

Fair priced specials, always open when I need them. Potato burrito is the best <$5 entree around and almost always made great. Their plates and everything are just ok. No fresh guac or self serve amenities since it's a to go place but there's 2 tables outside.

Same quality from when I was a kid! Really good burritos especially Pollo asada and breakfast burritos! They aren't as fast as some places to get your food, however the wait is worth it. Fresh and delicious win everytime for me!

Excellent Mexican food, but portions are hit or miss .... depends on who's working that day, you might get a HUGE burrito, or a tiny one ....same price .... cross your fingers. Their side-dishes are ridiculously over-priced --$5 for a tiny cup of rice with literally like .10¢ of rice in it? At least their burritos are usually really good!

I went in the middle of the night so there was only one guy working. The service was kinda slow and I asked for green sauce but got red. Honestly though, I had the cheese enchiladas and they were really good. Better than most of the places around here. The rice and beans were really good too.

Only tried the burritos. Shrimp one falls apart, but good. Staff is great.

Matthew Kwiecinski

Only tried the burritos. Shrimp one falls apart, but good. Staff is great.

Really good flavor!! We got pollo asado burritos and added rice, beans, sour cream and pico. Lots of flavor. Only complaint I have is the fact that the burritos literally only come with the meat and cheese. I don’t understand that. So after I added all the normal burrito ingredients the price was SO high. Paid $37 for 2 burritos and a cheese quesadilla

They always give Hugh portions, the bag of food is always heavy. And it's good food.

Devia Walsh

Really good flavor!! We got pollo asado burritos and added rice, beans, sour cream and pico. Lots of flavor. Only complaint I have is the fact that the burritos literally only come with the meat and cheese. I don’t understand that. So after I added all the normal burrito ingredients the price was SO high. Paid $37 for 2 burritos and a cheese quesadilla

Price gouging much? $29 for 2 food items and a bottle of coke? Ordered a bean and cheese burrito. It was a $3.99 special and they Tried to get me for $8.50+ (+ sour! cream $2.69!) I guess you have to tell them you want the special even though they have a sign saying it's a special. Dude got rude when I questioned him about it. Also charge $2.69 for a half handful of extra cheese. Rediculous! USED to be my favorite place....

Standard drive thru Mexican, but with a twist: The most overpriced bean and cheese burrito ever! $8.38 despite signage stating $3.99. I was told at the window the $3.99 is for a special. If anything, I'd expect the $8.38 burrito to be the special one. I was stunned, but purchased the item anyways; I wanted to dig out the small pieces of gold/whatever other items made it so expensive. Turns out, like every other establishment that charges ~$4, their burrito was only filled with refried beans and cheese. I know this is just one experience, but that kind of mislead just leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Do not recommend.

I ordered a chicken burrito. I was extremely disappointed. I actually threw the burrito away after one bite. This was after $11. Some of the most expensive Mexican food I have seen in San Diego. At least two dollars dollars over the average in 2023. The chicken was hard and dry. They tried to dress it up with some sauce but it was still unedible to me

I would've given this place at least 4 stars a few years ago, in pre- pandemic times. They were my go to for Mexican food. Sadly this is no longer the case. I even understood and obliged when their prices skyrocketed which seemingly happened overnight. After all, they were one of only a few places that remained open during the pandemic. Then the COVID-19 fog began to dissipate and life started normalizing. Merchants had a new challenge they were now faced with; pricing goods and services. Typically after some trial and error (in this case, customers feedback) most are able to find that sweet spot that everyone is cool with. I noticed that this taco shop was really struggling in that way and only after a few times through their drive thru I unconsciously just quit frequenting this establishment. There were so many other options with equally good food but way better prices. I didn't think much about it, until... Last night, I found myself at the mercy of my boyfriend, as I was his passenger and he wanted to roll through. I wasn't very hungry but on impulse threw caution to the wind and decided to order. I didn't have much to spend. The menu was overwhelming and obnoxious to someone in the passenger seat, that someone being me. At first I went with 3 rolled tacos with guac and cheese. Oh, $6.99? Uh, no.. Nevermind. We asked about their specials, and to our surprise the guy said they had a special, bean and cheese burrito with sour cream. That's it, perfect! We asked how much and he gave no answer. We told him 3 times before he understood we just wanted that and not the rolled tacos. At the window my boyfriend paid for his order (we ordered separately)- he got a potato burrito, one of their specials. He paid $5. Then he tells me my special price and I was all of a sudden not hungry anymore. $8.60!!! What kind of special is that?! The guy at the window was lacking in his customer service skills. Rude, and short with his answers. He could care less about representing his employer, and it was such a turn off. The end result for me was a lesson, the burrito was gross and I didn't eat another bite after my first. End result for them, a loss of 2 customers. My boyfriend apparently had the same experience. Keep on driving, trust me there's better food for better prices not far from them.

First time trying a taco like this, I paid 20$ for 3 tacos and it was just a hard bread some meat and cold cheese and it was tasting like cardboard. Wouldn’t have even paid 5$ for those tacos.

Maiwand Hashimi

First time trying a taco like this, I paid 20$ for 3 tacos and it was just a hard bread some meat and cold cheese and it was tasting like cardboard. Wouldn’t have even paid 5$ for those tacos.

Just wow... first time this happens but it just ruined my favorite lunch place :(

Repeated order THREE times. Waited in drive thru 10 minutes. Got to window, attendant said I didn't. get your order, so it wasn't made. I told him I don't have time to wait for nothing. He said I don't care and closed the window. Tried to communicate, he left manager said, Oh, he has your order. Not waiting for such attitude and served a certain way, if you know what I mean. Been going there for 8 years. I said I had been a loyal customer till now. Never going back. Food is good despite always slow service yet served up with attitude too? No dice!

Super disappointed with my meal. My adobada torta was burnt, the meat tasted like ashes. I ordered 4 tacos and only received two of them, and the lady taking my order was extremely rude. I used to enjoy this place and now they will never be stealing my money again. I began to think it the most decent place in El Cajon, now I need to keep digging. 10/10 DO NOT recommend this place.

The worst taco shop in San Diego County. I've had countless orders in the past not been prepared the way I ordered them. I stopped visiting this dump many years ago, but today I decided to give them another chance. I ordered three rolled tacos with sour cream and cheese NO GUACAMOLE. The young lady even repeated my order. I get home and wouldn't you know it, there was GUACAMOLE all over the tacos. Never going back again, there are much better options in the area. Places who have competent employees

Every time I go thru the drive thru the young lady is rude she always seems to have attitude. Sometimes we get the wrong order or the prices change day in and day out. If you get taco's , Burritos and nachos you would think you get 3 green 3 or 3 red sauce for each item she will charge you 25 cents if you want more than 2 The container is very small. Not that I can't afford 25 cents. It's more of her attitude and rudeness. She needs to learn how to talk to people.

(Originally posted March 2023) This is not a place I see myself returning to any time soon—or at least not late at night. Went here late one night (about 23:30) and ordered a bean and cheese with pico de gallo. Cashier was very curt with me. I tried to add an orange Fanta to my order, but the cashier stopped taking my order before I could finish that I wanted the soda. Guy had an even worse attitude with the customer who was there before me. A few minutes went by and I started hearing them curse each other out in Spanish. I understand some Spanish and was able to understand most of what was being said. I ruled it to be the fault of the cashier because I heard the other customer say that they appreciate him in a very sarcastic tone. Not 100% sure if it was a sarcastic response or not, though, but whatever the cashier did to warrant the exchange of words I heard at the drive thru was uncalled for. Maybe he had a bad day, was tired or both. I had both things going on, and I was not about to make things any worse or be the one to get him fired, so I left and went to Sombrero a few blocks up the street instead. Even at a fast food joint, a certain level of professionalism is expected for a pleasant experience. Fire the bad employees and rehire better, more professional ones at this place. Until then… ✌🏼

I got a Carne asada burrito last night, and it gave me explosive diarrhea in the morning. My stomach has never had issues with any taco shop. Just be careful guys.

If I could give a 0 I would. Very rude over the phone just for asking questions. Just to switch guacamole to sour cream is over $3 charge. When I asked about it being over $3 the guy really at me then started cussing at me for inquiring about the price. Very disrespectful.

You know, my boy friend swears by this restaurant for Mexican food. I have, in the past, would agree. However my lastest visit was the worst not only food but treatment. I asked for no chilli peppers. Not only did I receive the hottest enchiladas and the hottest meal ever I received no utensils napkins and my meal was delivered with a smirk. They lost my business. If they had less than a single star, that would be my vote.

Never again!!! I came here for a pollo asada burrito the burrito only come with chicken and cheese. Thats not a burrito that quesadilla. Ask what all cone on it before ordering here. Paid damn near 14$

There are much better taco shops in El Cajon and SD in general. The prices here are out of control for such low quality food. The beans are not good, tortillas have no flavor, and the tacos were disappointing l, especially the type of shredded cheese used. Felt like Tex mex food, and that’s not a compliment.

Worst Taco shop in El Cajon , the food was microwaved food.

I’ve been going to this taco shop for over 15 years never had any issues till today when I ordered nachos and a burrito. Something in it was bad and I am now sick from it he refused to give me new or refund… told me that is is what you asked for so I gave it to you then when I refused to leave till I got a refund he told me he would not serve me anymore… please don’t go here that was horrible food and service. I will be putting a complaint in..

The worker at night that has been working there for years is making terrible food on purpose so that no one goes during his shift. He succeeded. I’ll never go back. Hopefully you guys sell the business soon.

This is the worst experience I've EVER had at a taco shop! If you grew up in Southern California you know that taco shop is practically its own food group! This was the sloppiest carne asada quesadilla I've ever had! It didn't even have enough cheese in it to keep it closed. They didn't cut it, but instead just threw it into a to-go container which made it look like a badly wrapped burrito that had come unravled. When I called to complain, I got hung up on!!!! I'll be contacting either the owner or at the very least the BBB if I get no compensation for the inedible food I was given!!!!! I'll never be returning to this sorry excuse for a Mexican Restaurant! Nor will I ever recommend it to anyone!!

Dont trust the prices they have advertised on here. Almost 50 bucks for a carne burrito and 6 rolled tacos. What a joke. Don't go here the food has gone downhill, way better taco shops in the area.

$18 for 1 Cali Burrito. Mostly tortilla. Wasn't great but the hot sauce was good.

Chris Sullivan

$18 for 1 Cali Burrito. Mostly tortilla. Wasn't great but the hot sauce was good.

Wanted a bean and cheese burrito with bacon. Burrito itself was $11 so that’s already a high price. The added bacon was an extra $9!!!??? And I didn’t even know that until I got to the window because i asked the guy how much it would be but he never answered. The total came out to $20 for a bean burrito with bacon??!’ These guys are trying to get a quick buck off you. Don’t waste ur money and go somewhere else

One star for the bacon breakfast burrito, but to be fair, I’ve only tried the breakfast burrito. I don’t know if the have switched he cook since the last time I visited, but they used to have an excellent tasting breakfast burrito, then it went down hill over the last couple of months. The most recent, over a month ago, looked liked the cook scrapped the stove top and put what looked like greasy coffee grounds into the burrito. I’m glad that I didn’t take a bite into it. (Previously, the burrito had tasted “off” but now I know better.) My kids love breakfast burritos, so I had to find another place to buy breakfast burritos.

This place is seriously falling off. After paying with my debit card, I tipped them in cash, only to get a charge to my card later on showing they added their own 15$ tip. So, be careful that they don't steal from you. Then ordered from there today, because it's labor day , and the taco shop down the street from them was closed, I ordered a carne asada burrito no beans, no pico W/ rice cheese guacamole and sour cream. I get home and open it and the only thing that's in the burrito is the meat. I wouldn't care how hungry I am, I will never give them my business again.

Service at speaker 1. Long wait Speaker 2. Short n Rude Food 3. Portion SMALL, Taste BURNED, DRY Prices 4. Expensive Atmosphere 5. Small, no sitting, no parking area, old looking, dirty. 1 positive is open late, possible 24hrs. Never going there again.

Weekly customer and spent over $200 there and always get treated with attitude. Was in the middle of ordering and told me to hold on and take another persons order? Asked for water and he put his finger in it? Can’t make this up. I speak Spanish and he thought I didn’t and he called me fat and ugly in Spanish!! Not a good place to eat from. NEVER COMING BACK!

Foods falling off meat is super dry, found hair on my burrito also not a good place server had a lot of attitude and was very rude. Wouldn't come here ever again.

BENNY KING

Worst Taco shop in El Cajon , the food was microwaved food.

Shah Lalalala

This place is seriously falling off. After paying with my debit card, I tipped them in cash, only to get a charge to my card later on showing they added their own 15$ tip. So, be careful that they don't steal from you. Then ordered from there today, because it's labor day , and the taco shop down the street from them was closed, I ordered a carne asada burrito no beans, no pico W/ rice cheese guacamole and sour cream. I get home and open it and the only thing that's in the burrito is the meat. I wouldn't care how hungry I am, I will never give them my business again.

monica gerbella

Service at speaker 1. Long wait Speaker 2. Short n Rude Food 3. Portion SMALL, Taste BURNED, DRY Prices 4. Expensive Atmosphere 5. Small, no sitting, no parking area, old looking, dirty. 1 positive is open late, possible 24hrs. Never going there again.

Chris Sanfilippo

If I could give a 0 I would. Very rude over the phone just for asking questions. Just to switch guacamole to sour cream is over $3 charge. When I asked about it being over $3 the guy really at me then started cussing at me for inquiring about the price. Very disrespectful.

Beak Goobert

Wanted a bean and cheese burrito with bacon. Burrito itself was $11 so that’s already a high price. The added bacon was an extra $9!!!??? And I didn’t even know that until I got to the window because i asked the guy how much it would be but he never answered. The total came out to $20 for a bean burrito with bacon??!’ These guys are trying to get a quick buck off you. Don’t waste ur money and go somewhere else

June Sortore

You know, my boy friend swears by this restaurant for Mexican food. I have, in the past, would agree. However my lastest visit was the worst not only food but treatment. I asked for no chilli peppers. Not only did I receive the hottest enchiladas and the hottest meal ever I received no utensils napkins and my meal was delivered with a smirk. They lost my business. If they had less than a single star, that would be my vote.

V Villalpando

One star for the bacon breakfast burrito, but to be fair, I’ve only tried the breakfast burrito. I don’t know if the have switched he cook since the last time I visited, but they used to have an excellent tasting breakfast burrito, then it went down hill over the last couple of months. The most recent, over a month ago, looked liked the cook scrapped the stove top and put what looked like greasy coffee grounds into the burrito. I’m glad that I didn’t take a bite into it. (Previously, the burrito had tasted “off” but now I know better.) My kids love breakfast burritos, so I had to find another place to buy breakfast burritos.