I usually avoid Mexican food because it’s what I call “mushy Mexican”. But damn. I haven’t had Mexican food this good in ages. Made fresh, served hot right off the grill. Plus the inside is quaint with tons of character. Prices are reasonable. Fantastic! I was reading some of the bad reviews and am skeptical about their authenticity because they can barely write a literate sentence and so far off of the experience...

*Update 4/25/2025 Gloomy, cold day, decided to get a soup, ordered the shrimp and was blown away, better than the one at Bahia Ensenada I have been getting for over 30 years. Excellent food and service, their carnitas burrito is really good.

A great place for a lunch break. The food is grand and large for the filling. Great service and tasty food for the filling. Enough space for a gathering of friends and family. Dining in and dining out available. Check out this spot for some good food.

I usually drive down to Chula Vista to get menudo I like but not anymore! The broth was light and flavorful and everything was cooked just right! Hubby enjoyed his huge burrito! Very nice cashier. Sorry I forgot her name (she was wearing a beanie with the ponytail coming through the top if that helps! Super friendly!) We’ll definitely be back!

I used to come here all the time 15 years ago in my late 20s when I lived in San Diego before I moved away. It was really good then and it's still good. They have really beautiful outdoor seating. They are not the best at wheelchair accessibility but they do have outside and two seating areas on the inside for wheelchair. There's a bump to get in the door for wheelchair . Prices are ,but so worth it. The green and red salsa & chips are really good. We had the chimichanga combo & tea with lemon on one check (k loved it). On the other check, we had a cheese enchilada (ala carte), coffee , water , coke & beef tamale combo (really good in the moment and later for dinner). Serving sizes on combos are big. K and I would not have been able to eat the whole plate at the restaurant. We visited Friday 6/27/25 at 10:44am. I ordered my tamale combo with no cheese, and when the waiter brought it out, it had to go back as I'm lactose intolerant and will get sick from eating lactose. When we first arrived, there was no host downstairs. My auntie had to go find someone to serve us. We did not get menus until after our drinks were served. There was a gnat flying around the table that was pretty annoying. Their main inside dining area is only accessible via stairs, something to keep in mind if you dine with someone in a wheelchair or accessibility issues.

You want some Mexican in El Cajon? This is the place. Family run, tasty food, unique vaquero decor with wood furniture made from whole logs by the family's patriarch. Excellent salsas, too, all made in house from scratch. This is the real deal. Five srae across the board, we loved it and you will too.

My nopal burrito was superb Veggie burrito great nice salsas

Hacienda's Mexican Restaurant in El Cajon is a hidden gem and easily my favorite Mexican spot in the San Diego area. It’s a family-owned, local business, and you can really feel that in the quality of their food and the friendly service. Their carne asada is hands down some of the best steak you’ll find at any Mexican restaurant—tender, packed with flavor, and always cooked to perfection. Whether it’s in a burrito or on nachos, it’s absolutely delicious and clearly made with high-quality meat. I’ve been to a lot of Mexican restaurants around San Diego, but this one stands out. The ladies at the front are always welcoming and kind, and the whole experience here is always great. Honestly, I just wish they had more locations! I live in downtown San Diego, and if they were closer, I’d probably eat here several times a week. If you’re in the area and craving some authentic, top-notch Mexican food, especially carne asada, Hacienda’s is a must-try. Highly recommend!