Let’s be real: it’s been approximately 84 years since any of us could confidently pronounce ‘cochinita pibil’ without a Google assist, and the only ‘social’ in our lives has been scrolling through tacos on Instagram while listening to existential indie folk. But fear not, fellow hermits—these Escondido spots will have you making actual eye contact with another human (over a perfect margarita) in no time.
Jilberto’s
$ | (760) 747-0895 | WEBSITE
Evidence that overcomplicating comfort food will only end in disappointment: that fancy taco place with the fifteen-dollar guacamole, every single fusion burrito that misses the mark, and of course, that time you tried to make carne asada at home. That’s why simplicity should be at the top of your agenda when you’re craving something straightforward and satisfying, and nowhere says ‘keep it simple’ like Jilberto’s.
A Mexican restaurant tucked inside a gas station in Escondido, this place serves reliably delicious food you can devour whilst offering a ‘need more salsa?’ between bites of their famous ‘el jefe’ rolled tacos and a hearty California burrito. They’ve got a no-frills setup and, as you might expect, plenty of napkins to go around.
Arrieros
$ | (760) 747-4521 | WEBSITE
As you navigate the endless options of where to grab a bite in Escondido, you might find yourself thinking, wow this town is just one big menu, and I just don’t know what to order. What we’re saying is, decisions are hard. So whilst you’re still debating what to eat, where to go, how much to spend – there’s Arrieros. A solid Mexican spot with that homey atmosphere, you can simply walk in, check out the (food) situation, until something grabs your fancy.
And seeing as they’ve got everything from cabeza fries to flautas, something definitely will. One of our go-to places for a satisfying meal, you should also know that they’re ready within 10 minutes for takeout if you’re looking for quick dinner options.
El Paisa Mexican Food
$ | (760) 877-8535 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking to dive into authentic Mexican flavors with something that feels more like a home-cooked meal than just another taco stop, El Paisa Mexican Food is a brilliant and straightforward choice. With just a handful of tables inside and a menu that’s made for one person who wants to quickly and casually enjoy some pastor, carnitas, or maybe at least two tacos with that excellent green salsa, the restaurant in Escondido is a flavorful oasis in what’s likely going to be a busy day.
The friendly service and generous portions make it perfect for grabbing food to go, especially when you’re craving those tender, well-seasoned meats with crispy bits and fresh accompaniments from the salsa bar.
Que Tortas
$ | (760) 489-1607 | WEBSITE
Looking for a spot where you can grab something satisfying without committing to a full sit-down affair? Que Tortas is our reliable choice for a consistently pleasant and always welcoming (even on busy days) casual midday meal.
The order-at-the-counter eatery sits in a convenient Escondido location, so as well as the vibrant flavors of your Que Torta with all three meats on fresh toasted bread, or pineapple and carrot fresh juice, you’ll also enjoy the gentle hum of Spanish music and relaxed chatter around you. The. Vibe. Is. Right.
Lourdes Mexican Food
$ | (760) 746-1141 | WEBSITE
If you’ve spent the last year somewhat enjoying all the solitude and WFB (working from bed) then Lourdes is just the place for a meal that will remind you why everyone’s so big on this ‘getting out the house’ stuff anyway. One bite into the chicken soup and you’ll swear off your trackies, but by the time you’ve made your way through the tortilla soup, some carne asada torta, and what we shamefully refer to as The World’s Buffest Seafood Cocktails, you’ll never want to be at home again.
Excuse me, I live on this homey Escondido terrace now, bring me another caldo de pollo. And technically, you could because it’s totally covered from the weather and you’ll never get sick of their 10/10 ceviche tostada.
Mi Guadalajara Restaurant
$$ | (760) 746-4371 | WEBSITE
Mi Guadalajara is wonderful. Like, the kind of wonderful that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a vibrant fiesta sponsored by mariachi bands and family celebrations. It is the Mexican restaurant you deserve. It’s also in a welcoming spot with great parking where – we kid you not – we once saw an entire family dancing to the live music while kids colored happily at their table. See, wonderful. Short of being the finest spot for authentic mole in Escondido, the food here is also exceptional.
The menu stays consistent but you’re in safe-hands no matter what you order.
Lourdes Mexican Food To Go
$ | (760) 746-1389 | WEBSITE
You’re planning a meal. Please note: we are loosely using the word ‘meal’ here as shorthand for a spectacular post-hustle comfort stop that proves you are still very hungry, very savvy, and definitely not emotionally drained by another long day. We see you. That’s why we’d like to introduce you to Lourdes Mexican Food To Go, a counter inside a gas station serving things like the best chicken soup, tasty breakfast burritos, and flavorful green and red salsa.
We’re talking convenient essentials, great service from the friendly and kind staff, and the opportunity to grab a satisfying, comforting bite that feels like a hug in a bowl. Welcome back to flavor, gorgeous xoxo.
Mi Rancho Market
$ | (760) 738-8524 | WEBSITE
We’ve missed the tacos. We’ve ached for them, cried for them, described other Mexican spots as ‘overpriced little joints’ out of a seething jealousy that their menus have meant they’ve enjoyed the flavors whilst we pretended frozen burritos were anything but an insult to our former lives as Food People. But the tacos, they are back. Kind of. Although fancy restaurants across town remain pricey, this huge market-restaurant in Escondido is open.
Perfect for anyone who wants their Taco Tuesdays with a side of homemade tortillas and the sensation that you’re in a place far, far away from the usual chains, there’s plenty of carne asada and birria to get involved in. Just know that this place is seriously popular, so you might need to grab a table before the steady stream of customers fills up the cozy seating.
Carniceria Taco Shop
Of course you’ve been craving authentic! You tried that trendy spot last week, the food truck on Tuesday, and that place with the fancy margaritas, you’ve been going there for months. You might even bring your abuela next time, she’d really approve – oh wait, hang on, those are just imitations. If your craving has been strictly for the real deal, then Carniceria Taco Shop is the perfect place for a genuine Mexican food fix for a multitude of reasons.
First of all, it’s got that whole homemade tortilla thing going on that will remind you of the abuela’s kitchen you’ve been missing. Secondly, you can either grab quickfire breakfast burritos to go or settle in with a Chile Relleno burrito that demands your full attention. Thirdly, they make a very solid salsa. Rejoice, authentic Mexican food is alive in Escondido and so is your appetite.
Tamales Jovita
$ | (760) 470-2547 | WEBSITE
Stripped of our fancy fusion spots and overpriced taco trucks, San Diegans have started to crave authenticity. But this is Escondido, so you know what, a simple tamale will do. You’ll taste some masa, some fillings, maybe even a hint of corn oil. Suck on that, foodie friends who have partaken in the great migration to trendy downtown eateries.
Jokes aside, Tamales Jovita is one of those zero-pressure neighborhood spots where you can have a casual meal and eat great tamales whilst the friendly service keeps your spirits up. The best part is that if you start to feel a little overwhelmed by it all you can get your two tamale plate with eggs or enchiladas with molè sauce to go and find a quiet spot to enjoy that unique texture of blended yolk and masa.
El Pollo Loco
$ | (760) 466-2461 | WEBSITE
You’re going to love this Mexican spot in Escondido. It’s like all those fast-casual chains you’ve tried except actually satisfying! A proper neighborhood restaurant with a clean, organized space, this place will work just as well for a full meal or a quick chicken taco on the go. And when we say ‘a quick chicken taco on the go’ we’re 100% acknowledging that you’re probably going to need something convenient after running errands. Grabbing lunch during a busy workday? Try the 3-piece meal.
Treating the family to dinner? Go in on the healthy-quality dishes, friendly service, and the mandatory round of celebratory music that adds to the atmosphere.
Los Armando’s Mexican Food
$ | (760) 317-9221 | WEBSITE
If you had asked us about coctel de camaron before moving to Escondido, we would have squinted and said ‘is that, like, the California version of shrimp cocktail?’ But hey, thank you suburban cravings, we now know all about crispy chips, habanero sauce, and the exact salsa requirements of a proper taco due to spending so much time at our neighbor’s recommendations. If your spice tolerance hasn’t passed ‘casual California burrito’ then Los Armando’s is a solid pick for a straightforward meal.
Complete with clean tables and lots of satisfied regulars, this Escondido spot is as close as you can get to reliable Mexican food whilst still being able to pay someone to bring the chips fresh. Technically, it’s, well, slightly overpriced according to some, but that’s fine because frankly, nothing surprises us anymore, and a little extra for quality never hurt anyone. Plus, the food is delicious and they even have that habanero sauce with its unique kick.
Jilbertos Mexican Food
$ | (760) 489-8741 | WEBSITE
Forget trying to decide where to eat when you’re hangry and everything sounds either too fancy or too sad. Go back to basics—like, burrito basics—and just get yourself to Jilbertos. It works when you need something big, satisfying, and guaranteed to hit the spot. Jilbertos makes some of the best burritos in central Escondido and there are plenty of options to choose from.
They have a clean, no-fuss environment with a killer salsa bar, but our move is to grab a fat pollo asado burrito with those delicious potatoes and head out to enjoy it somewhere sunny. Minimum fuss, maximum happiness.
El Huarache Taco Shop
$ | (760) 738-4733 | WEBSITE
Mentally you haven’t quite recovered from the shock of seeing three burritos ringing up at around $37. Fair, very fair. If you’re craving authentic Mexican flavors but still find yourself debating whether to splurge on a fancy dinner out or just save for groceries, then rest-assured that El Huarache Taco Shop has got you covered.
This beloved spot in Escondido does an excellent job with tasty food that notably skips the excess salt, and there’s always a friendly atmosphere that will act as your own personal mood-booster. Basically, think of it as a treat but with genuine warmth and quality.
