Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Santa Ana – San Diego
Santa Ana - San Diego
Photo from Santa Ana
Santa Ana at a glance
San Diego City Heights
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 25 of the guests
#676 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#107 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
278
Reviews
43.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Salsa bar
- Friendly staff
- Taco deals
Frequently criticized
- Hygiene issues
- Slow service
- Pricing concerns
The restaurant Santa Ana Fresh Mexican Food is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s lively City Heights neighborhood. You can expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This spot offers a true taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, making it an ideal destination whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or opting for convenient delivery. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking delicious food in a laid-back setting.
Overview: Introducting Santa Ana
Santa Ana presents a mixed experience, with many appreciating the fresh food and a notable salsa bar that adds flavor. Guests often find the atmosphere generally pleasant, highlighting its cleanliness as a positive aspect.
However, some visits are marred by concerns over slow service and perceived high costs, including unexpected card charges. These issues suggest that while some elements shine, consistency across the board remains a challenge.
Average
5.1
out of 10
278
Reviews
43.9%
Satisfaction
144
negative
12
neutral
122
positive
Santa Ana registers an overall score of 5.1, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 43.9%, indicating a mixed reception from diners.
This assessment is drawn from 278 customer opinions, with 122 positive and 144 negative remarks, suggesting a slight lean towards areas needing improvement. Digging deeper, Food (5.6) is the most discussed aspect, showing an average performance despite many positive comments.
Ambience (6.4) fares a bit better, often described as pleasant. However, Service (3.7) and Value (3.6) both fall into the poor range, frequently cited for issues like slow attention and pricing concerns.
What people like
- Flavorful salsa bar
- Friendly, quick staff
- Accessible taco deals
What people don't like
- Significant hygiene concerns
- Slow, inconsistent service
- Questionable pricing practices
Santa Ana offers a casual dining option where the food can hit the mark, especially if you appreciate a good salsa bar and specific menu items. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and some pricing surprises, which contribute to its 5 recommendation score.
If you prioritize a quick, friendly interaction and value a good deal, it might be worth a visit. But if hygiene and consistent service are top priorities, you might find yourself looking elsewhere.
Approach with tempered expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Santa Ana
Food (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, customers have shared a mixed bag of experiences, reflected in an average score of 5.6 and a customer satisfaction of 50.3%. Many rave about the tasty and quality food, with specific praise for stupendous flavor, fresh toppings, and the salsa bar. Out of 80 positive remarks, many enjoyed the huge burrito options and original typical dishes, often feeling like mama's home cooking.
However, there are notable concerns among the 70 negative remarks. Issues like poor portion sizes, especially regarding meat versus fries, and inconsistent food quality with bland meat or raw fries frequently come up. Some also reported unsanitary food preparation and chewy carne asada, suggesting a need for more consistent execution.
Food
159
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
70
negative
9
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tasty, fresh food
- Great salsa bar
- Huge burritos
What people don't like
- Poor portion sizes
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unsanitary food prep
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was positive, despite a slightly longer wait for the food. The delay was understandable as the food is made fresh, and I acknowledge that sometimes Westerners can be impatient. The Chicken Chimichanga combo, served with rice and beans on the side, was absolutely delicious.
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed excellent Mexican food that reminded me of my mama's home cooking. The facility was immaculate, and the salsa bar was a highlight, packing a good amount of heat.
- salsa barThe food is also very very delicious. I appreciate the great selection and the great salsa bar. It's a 5 star taco shop.
- San Felipe Burritothe San Felipe Burrito was good too
- carne asada friesThe carne asada fries are super bomb
- rolled tacosrolled tacos... All excellent
- tacosOverall the tacos were good
- Buenos Diaz breakfast burritoBuenos Diaz breakfast burrito was really good
- Carne Asada burritovery good Carneasada burrito
- Chicken chimichanga comboChicken chimichanga combo was delicious
Frequently criticized
- California burritoI ordered a California burrito for my daughter, and the fries came out raw. This isn't the first time the food has been poorly prepared.
- burritoit is as thin as a flauta
- carne asada friesgave me carne asada fries instead of a carne asada plate
- foodthe food was not that great
- meatI ordered the hot Cheetos fries, and I received significantly more fries than meat. The picture I saw online did not reflect this reality; I had about half a scoop of meat and one scoop of Cheetos. This is ridiculous.
- Caldo de polloordered a Caldo de pollo and the corn on the cob was rotten
- Cali burritothe meat and fries had absolutely no seasoning
- Carne Asada burritoit seems like they made the burrito for a child it was so thin
- Carne asada meatCarne asada meat tastes like it was cooked in water with no flavor
- Chile Relleno burritomostly beans and rice definitely not worth the price
If you're looking for potentially delicious Mexican food with some standout items like their burritos and salsa bar, it might be worth a try. Just be aware that consistency can be an issue, so you might encounter some hits and misses with portion sizes or food quality.
Service (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
While some customers have praised the quick service and found the staff friendly and pleasant attendants, with 20 positive remarks among 69 total, these bright spots are unfortunately overshadowed by a less-than-stellar overall experience. The service here generally struggles, reflected in a low score of 3.7 and a poor 29% customer satisfaction. Many of the 48 negative comments highlight issues like rude staff, bad attitudes, slow service, and frequent order accuracy problems, suggesting significant room for improvement.
Service
69
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
48
negative
1
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Order accuracy issues
- Poor hygiene practices
Often praised
- serviceWhat bad manners they have. I don't care if I pay more or less, I just want good service.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. The installations were clean and the service was fast, with nice staff. However, the food was not that great.
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicecustomer service is very good
- entire teamI enjoyed the original typical dishes, and the prices were accessible. The entire team deserves congratulations!
- peopleThe people were nice
- pleasant attendantsMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. The place was clean, and the attendants were pleasant. I enjoyed the original typical dishes, and the prices were accessible.
- quick serviceQuick service
- serverfood that is server
- staff friendlystaff is always very friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible cashiering and slow service. This is the second time I've visited, and it took 25 minutes to get my food.
- customer serviceWhen the restaurant first opened, the food was excellent. Now, they need to improve their quality and customer service.
- ServiceIt seems like they made the burrito for a child it was so thin
- cookwhat a low-quality cook they have
- staffdon't make fun of me, I felt offended because no one laughs at me. What bad manners they have
- attentionPongan mas atención porfavor
- attitudeBad attitude
- bank statementbank statement showing the time of the purchase and location & name of the restaurant but that’s not good enough
- cashierone of the cashiers black hair, eyeliner, and big earrings was kicking us out
- cashieringMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible cashiering and slow service. This is the second time I've visited, and it took 25 minutes to get my food.
If you're looking for consistent, attentive service, this might not be your best bet. While some experience quick and friendly interactions, the frequent complaints about rude staff and order issues suggest a gamble.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many folks really appreciate the overall atmosphere and cleanliness here, often calling it a great hang out spot. With 18 positive remarks out of 29 total comments, guests frequently mention the place is always clean and has a nice, calm feel. The overall score for ambience sits at an average 6.4, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 62.1%.
However, there are some significant areas for improvement, particularly concerning the dining room and general hygiene. With 10 negative observations, some guests have pointed out that the dining area could use a deep cleaning, and there are even serious concerns about rats and cockroaches. Plus, the seating isn't always the most comfortable, suggesting some upgrades are needed.
Ambience
29
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean facilities
- Calm atmosphere
- Great hang-out spot
What people don't like
- Pest issues
- Poor hygiene
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere was very nice and calm
- cleanlinessThe place was clean
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- chairsChairs are metal but still oddly comfortable
- facilityImmaculate facility
- favorite placemy favorite place me encanta todo
- hang out spota nice hang out spot
- hygienesurprised me was the hygiene and total cleanliness
- installationsThe installations are clean
- placeThe best part was that we came all the way from Chicago to this place, and it was the best of the best. 100 percent recommended.
Frequently criticized
- dining roomThe service was quick. However, the dining room could use a deep cleaning and a face-lift. The main thing is the burrito was delicious; the toppings were fresh, and the chicken wasn't dry.
- SeatingSeating is not confy. Seating lacks cushioning.
- cross-contaminationCross contamination at its finest
- dining areakicking us out of the dinning because they were gonna close
- distancemui lejos para ellos
- health and safety standardsI ordered the caldo de res, and it took nearly an hour to arrive. During my wait, I noticed the staff seemed to prioritize having fun over customer service and basic health and safety standards. I checked the reviews and saw that many of the negative ones were happening in real-time as I was experiencing them.
- hygieneMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to severe hygiene issues. I was warned that there are rats and cockroaches in the kitchen, and the overall hygiene is the worst I have encountered. Despite the positive ratings for service, atmosphere, and food (5/5), the presence of pests and poor sanitation makes this place a definite no-go.
- rats and cockroachesthere are rats and cockroaches in the kitchen
- tables and floorOtherwise, I don’t recommend eating the carne asada tacos here. Additionally, the staff member working needs training to clean the tables and floor more often. It was an unfortunate experience!
If youre seeking a generally pleasant and clean atmosphere, you might find it here, as many enjoy the overall vibe. However, be prepared for potential issues with deep cleanliness and uncomfortable seating, which could be a significant drawback for some. Its a bit of a mixed bag, so weigh your priorities before visiting.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
While the overall value proposition here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, some customers did find a silver lining. A few folks appreciated the accessible prices and even called out the Tuesday Taco deal as a real winner, offering good price for fresh, flavorful food. However, the overall value experience here is quite poor, with a score of 3.6 and customer satisfaction at a low 19%, based on 21 opinions.
Many were frustrated by an unexpected debit card charge (often $.50) and a lack of signage. Others felt the regular prices were overpriced and didnt offer good bang for my buck, especially with menu price' discrepancies.
Value
21
Reviews
19%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tuesday Taco deal
- Accessible prices
What people don't like
- Debit card charge
- Overpriced items
- Price discrepancies
Often praised
- priceThe food tasted very fresh and had good flavors. I particularly enjoyed the salsa bar and the great price. The tacos, rolled tacos, and burritos were all excellent.
- Tuesday Taco dealthe best deal north of the TJ boarder. $4.99 three tacos and soda ONLY Tuesday Taco deal
- accessible pricesThe place was clean, and the attendants were pleasant. I enjoyed the original typical dishes, and the prices were accessible. The entire team deserves congratulations!
Frequently criticized
- priceOver priced, paid basically $20 for the large order
- pricesI was just like this can’t be real $6.50 for a taco.
- 50 cent chargeadding a. 50 cent charge if you use a debt or credit card
- Price per personover priced. Not worth it
- bang for my buckYou get better bang for your buck at Chipotle
- charge to use debit cardcharge $.50 to use our debit card
- debit card chargeuse of a debit card charge I don't like
- lunchtoo expensive for a lunch
- menu pricemenu the price says $8.99 and they charged to my card, $14.50
- no signageno signage. Very sneaky.
If youre looking for a specific deal like the Tuesday Taco special, you might find some value. However, be wary of hidden fees like the debit card charge and generally high prices for everyday items, as many customers felt it wasnt worth the cost.
How are the prices at Santa Ana?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 25 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 20$, we see a good spread in what people spend. Many guests stick to the $11–$20 range, but a fair number also go for options in the $21–$30 bracket, indicating a menu with choices for various budgets, not just one fixed price point.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 25 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, for a Mexican restaurant in San Diego, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Santa Ana
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Sneaky 50 Cent Charge
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to a sneaky 50 cent charge for using a debit or credit card, with no prior signage. This practice is very sneaky, and I won't be returning. People generally dislike being deceived.
- 50 cent charge2
- no signage2
- sneaky1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Overpriced Burrito, Good Salsas
My experience involved ordering one carne asada burrito and one coke in a glass bottle. The total cost was $19. 73.
I found the burrito to be mid and overpriced. However, the salsas were good. Unfortunately, I won't be returning as it was not worth it.
- salsas8
- carne asada burrito4
- Price per person3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Plenty of tables and self-serve options
My experience at the restaurant was positive, with plenty of tables available for dining. I appreciated the ability to help yourself to the salsa, jalapenos, and limas y lemones, which added a convenient and customizable element to the meal.
- tables8
- salsa, jalapenos, and limas y lemones7
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best place ever from Chicago!
The best part was that we came all the way from Chicago to this place, and it was the best of the best. 100 percent recommended.
- place10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious food, great service and atmosphere!
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The atmosphere was very nice and calm, and the customer service was very good. The food was also delicious.
- atmosphere10
- customer service10
- food10
What Santa Ana offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Santa Ana Fresh Mexican Food offer?
At Santa Ana Fresh Mexican Food, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. They provide dine-in, takeout, and delivery services for your convenience. You can visit for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or even just for dessert.
Is Santa Ana Fresh Mexican Food accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, Santa Ana Fresh Mexican Food is highly accessible with wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms. It is also considered good for kids, making it a welcoming spot for families to enjoy a meal together.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Santa Ana?
Santa Ana has a mixed customer sentiment, with an overall score of 5.1 and customer satisfaction at 43.9%. While Food (5.6) and Ambience (6.4) are average to fair, Service (3.7) and Value (3.6) are areas needing significant improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Santa Ana?
Customers often praise the **salsa bar** for its selection and flavor, the **friendly staff**, and specific **taco deals** that offer good value. The general **cleanliness** of the place is also frequently mentioned positively.
What are the main concerns customers have about Santa Ana?
Key concerns include reports of **hygiene issues** like pests, **slow and inconsistent service**, and **pricing discrepancies** or unexpected **card charges**. Some also note issues with food quality, such as **raw fries** or **unseasoned meat**.