Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Santana’s – San Diego
Santana's - San Diego
Photo from Santana’s
Santana's at a glance
San Diego Miramar Ranch North
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 46 of the guests
#662 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#103 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
240
Reviews
47.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quick service
- Flavorful burritos
- Affordable pricing
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Variable quality
- Poor value
The restaurant Santana’s Mexican Food is a popular Mexican restaurant located in the vibrant Miramar Ranch North neighborhood of San Diego. You can count on this spot for a quick bite, perfect for when you’re craving authentic flavors without the wait.
It offers a casual and quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed meal. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing food on the go, you’ll find convenience and delicious options here.
Overview: Introducting Santana's
Santana’s offers a convenient option for a quick meal, with many appreciating the efficiency of their drive-thru and the generally friendly staff. However, some experiences with service consistency have been noted, suggesting a varied customer interaction.
While the food quality is often a highlight for specific items like burritos, there are occasional concerns about consistency. The overall price point is frequently seen as affordable, though some patrons feel the value doesn’t always align with portion sizes or expectations.
Average
5.3
out of 10
240
Reviews
47.5%
Satisfaction
115
negative
11
neutral
114
positive
Santana’s registers an overall score of 5.3, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 47.5%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This suggests that while many find aspects to enjoy, a notable portion of patrons leave with reservations. Delving into specifics, Ambience scores highest at (5.7), closely followed by Food (5.5).
Service (5.2) and Value (4.6) trail slightly, all remaining in the average range. These insights are drawn from 240 customer remarks, with 114 positive and 115 negative comments, reflecting a fairly even split in experiences.
What people like
- Quick drive-thru service
- Flavorful burritos
- Affordable pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Variable food quality
- Perceived poor value
Santana’s presents a somewhat varied experience. If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly meal, especially through the drive-thru, it can be a convenient choice.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in both service and the overall quality of your order. With a recommendation score of 5.6, Santana’s is worth considering for a casual bite, but it might not consistently deliver a standout experience.
It’s a place that can satisfy a craving, but perhaps not one to seek out for a guaranteed exceptional meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Santana's
Food (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
Based on 139 opinions, the food here receives an average score of 5.5, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 48.2%. Many rave about specific items like the Carne Asada Fries and California Burrito, praising the delicious salsas and overall flavor. With 67 positive remarks, theres definitely some good stuff happening in the kitchen.
However, not everyone is thrilled. Some found issues with inconsistent "salsa" quality, "meat" being burnt or bland, and a general lack of "seasoning. " These 63 negative comments suggest theres room for improvement, especially concerning consistency and basic preparation across the menu.
Food
139
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
63
negative
9
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious burritos
- Excellent salsas
- Flavorful meat
What people don't like
- Lacks seasoning
- Burnt, dry meat
- Inconsistent salsas
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was primarily with their drive-thru service, which was great. While I haven't dined inside yet, I appreciate the attention to getting my food right. The service was excellent, and the food was prepared accurately.
- food qualityThey are absolutely delicious, and I haven't been able to find anything comparable anywhere else in California or even in my home state. The food quality is exceptional, making it a must-visit for me.
- burritomy favorite burrito in SD
- portion sizesgreat prices for their portion sizes
- salsaSalsa's off the chain in smoky and heat kind of flavor
- salsasI found it to be the best local Mexican food by far. The service was incredibly friendly, and they were very generous with the delicious salsas. I highly recommend it, yum!
- 3 floutasthe 3 floutas with all the fixings
- Breakfast Burrito with Carne Asadait was the best burrito I ever had!!!
- Buenos Dias BurritoTheir Buenos Dias Burrito is fire
- California Burritoget the Carne Asada Fries or California Burrito and it’s so good
Frequently criticized
- salsasalsa could've been good, but they seemed to water it down
- beefThe beef was burned
- burritorice, beans, and burrito were all bad
- cheesebut no cheese at all
- foodBeware food poisoning: I would give 0 stars if I could. My entire family got food poisoning, including our 5-year-old who had to be seen by her doctor for repeated vomiting. Stay away from this place if you value your health.
- food qualityFor the prices of their food I expected better
- rolled tacosThe rolled tacos were pretty bad
- California burritosorder a cali with guac, get charged the guac, go home and they didn’t add guac
- Carne Asada Nachoscharged me $15 for a half order of Carne Asada Nachos
- Congogot the congo and it was really plane
If youre looking for some specific crowd-pleasers like their Carne Asada Fries or California Burrito, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be aware that consistency can be an issue, and some dishes might fall short on flavor or quality. Its a bit of a gamble, but with a few standout items, it could be worth a try for a casual meal.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
Based on 66 comments, the service here receives an average score of 5.2, with 50% customer satisfaction, indicating a mixed experience. Many customers praised the friendly employees and staff, highlighting quick and fast service, especially through the drive-thru. Positive feedback often mentioned staff being always friendly and providing excellent service that was quick and easy.
However, the 33 negative observations reveal significant issues. Concerns included rude staff and cashiers, horrible service, and a slow drive-thru. Some experiences involved staff being indifferent or even laughing at us, forgot half my order, and false advertising about hours.
Such incidents suggest a need for improvement in consistency and professionalism.
Service
66
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
33
negative
0
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick drive-thru
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow drive-thru
- Incorrect orders
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by good quick service and very affordable prices. While the tacos were not authentic street tacos, they were still decent.
- staffI had a very good breakfast burrito that was so large it could feed two people. The staff was friendly, and the drive-thru was quick and easy. I also enjoyed their salsa and the hot sauce, which seemed to be homemade.
- drive-thruLove a "taco shop" that has a drive-thru!
- fast serviceI enjoyed a very, very flavorful grilled chicken burrito and a chicken quesadilla, served with chips and salsa. The restaurant is open for dine-in, offering comfy chairs and fast service.
- customer servicethe customer service was excellent
- drive thruThey have a drive thru
- drive-thru servicecustomer service here is great for the drive-thru
- folks working thereNice folks working there
- friendly employeesFriendly employees
- guy at the registerIt was so good, reminding me of carnitas I had over 30 years ago at Rosarito beach. The service was excellent, and the guy at the register was so funny, which significantly enhanced our visit. While the atmosphere was quiet as most customers were getting takeout, the humor from the register staff made for a good time.
Frequently criticized
- serviceHorrible service. Forgot half my order.
- staffThe staff is super rude.
- cashiercashier was rude and indifference
- ordertake your order correctly
- Servicesuch a disrespectful visit
- beans on the sideHow hard is it to put the beans on the side, like I asked.
- closing hoursthe closing hours are more of a "suggestion" than actual reality
- cookPlease someone come get this cook and have them just take orders at register
- cook maskthe cook was not wearing his mask
- customer servicethey want me to drive back and bring the taco back
Overall, the service at this spot appears to be a bit of a gamble. While many appreciate the friendly and quick staff, others have faced significant issues like incorrect orders or rude interactions. If you're looking for a fast and friendly experience, you might get lucky, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, there are some pleasant aspects to note. Guests have found comfort in the comfy chairs, appreciated the nice finish on the dining room furniture, and noted the clean tables. Some even highlighted the amazing view from the parking lot!
These 5 positive remarks out of 10 total contribute to an overall ambience score of 5.7, which is considered average, and a customer satisfaction of 50%, indicating a mixed experience. However, the ambience isn't without its drawbacks. Several guests mentioned a loud TV in the background, and some wished the inside was a little cleaner, impacting the overall atmosphere.
The presence of misleading signs also detracted from the experience for a few. These 4 negative comments highlight areas where the mixed 50% customer satisfaction and average 5.7 score could be improved.
Ambience
10
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Comfy chairs
- Nice furniture
- Clean tables
What people don't like
- Loud TV
- Unclean interior
- Misleading signs
Often praised
- Mexican RestaurantBest Mexican Restaurant hands down!!!!
- clean tablesclean tables
- comfy chairsI enjoyed a very, very flavorful grilled chicken burrito and a chicken quesadilla, served with chips and salsa. The restaurant is open for dine-in, offering comfy chairs and fast service.
- dining room furnitureThe dining room furniture has a really nice finish
- view from the parking lotthe view from the parking lot is AMAZING
Frequently criticized
- TVTV in the background was way too loud
- atmosphereTV in the background was way too loud
- insideI wish the inside was a little cleaner
- misleading signsmisleading signs. Super upsetting
If youre looking for a spot with some comfortable seating and clean tables, you might find it pleasant enough. However, be prepared for potential distractions like a loud TV or a less-than-pristine interior. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners find a lot to love, praising great prices and affordability for their portion sizes. Many appreciate the value meal options and reasonable costs, especially for the quality. The overall score for value sits at an 4.6, which is considered average, reflecting these 9 positive sentiments.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy. A significant number of customers feel things get "pricey" quickly, with complaints about being "overpriced" and even charged "extra for salsa. " With 15 negative opinions out of 25 total, customer satisfaction is a poor 36%, indicating that many find the cost doesnt always align with what they receive.
Value
25
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
15
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Affordable options
- Value meals
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Extra charges
- Tiny portions
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by good quick service and very affordable prices. While the tacos were not authentic street tacos, they were still decent.
- affordabilityMy experience at this restaurant has made it a staple in our weeknight dinner rotation. The food is fast, affordable, and consistently delicious. However, there are less authentic vegetarian options available.
- great priceThe food quality was incredible, especially considering the price. We've returned since moving here, and the flavor remains amazing for a great price. While I wish the inside was a little cleaner, for a fast-casual, walk-up counter type of place, it's great!
- great pricesgreat prices for their portion sizes
- pricesthe prices are reasonable
- totalit was still only $18 after tax
- value mealgreat spot for a pickup and value meal
Frequently criticized
- price$13 for a carne asada burrito barely bigger than a spoon
- pricesFor the prices of their food I expected better
- bean and cheese burrito pricesbean and cheese burrito prices from two years ago and now
- breakfast burrito pricewhy a breakfast burrito that has egg, bacon and potatoes is the same price as a burrito that has carne asada
- charged for optionscharged me for options I did not recieve
- extra for salsaMy experience at this restaurant used to be great, as it was my go-to spot. However, on my last visit, they wanted to charge me extra for salsa, and the portions were tiny, especially after ordering a large burrito. I'm not sure if the ownership has changed, but this happened about three years ago, and I haven't returned since.
- extra ingredientsIf you want extra ingredients in your order though, be careful
- minimum tip optionMinimum option was 15%
- priceyMine got a bit pricey quite quickly
If youre looking for a quick, affordable bite, this spot *can* offer decent value, especially with their "value meal" options. However, be cautious with add-ons or specific dishes, as many find the cost quickly becomes "pricey" and not worth the portion size. Its a mixed bag, so choose wisely.
How are the prices at Santana's?
You’re looking at roughly $15 per person – reported by 46 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.
Most folks are spending right in that sweet spot, so prices are pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 46 reviews.
See how this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Diego when it comes to value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican Restaurant. It hits that sweet spot of being accessible without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Santana's
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Food is fine, but tip request is a dealbreaker
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was fine, but I won't be returning because they ask for tips at the drive-thru window. The minimum tip option was 15%, and I don't want to support this trend.
- food6
- tips at drive thru2
- minimum tip option3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
2
Disappointing Experience with Extra Charges
My experience at this restaurant used to be great, as it was my go-to spot. However, on my last visit, they wanted to charge me extra for salsa, and the portions were tiny, especially after ordering a large burrito. I'm not sure if the ownership has changed, but this happened about three years ago, and I haven't returned since.
- big burrito5
- salsa2
- portions2
- extra for salsa2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Killer Cali Burrito & Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I had the killer Cali burrito with carnitas, which was perfectly seared with a crunchy maillard on the meat. The burrito itself was massive and kept me full the entire day.
I also tried the churro, which was very good, though it's best enjoyed hot and fresh. The staff was courteous and very helpful. I would definitely come again.
- cali burrito10
- carnitas10
- burrito9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Best Drive-Thru Mexican for Miles
I frequent this place and consider it pretty much the best drive-thru Mexican food for miles around. I even bypass the one closer to my house and drive 4 exits down the freeway to get to this location. The food is excellent, and the service is efficient, making it a go-to spot for a quick and delicious meal.
- drive-thru Mexican food9
- food9
- service8
2
Misleading Signs, Upsetting Experience
My experience was incredibly upsetting due to misleading signs. Despite previous reviews highlighting this issue, the signs have not been taken down. It's time to get it together.
- misleading signs1
What Santana's offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What dining options are available at Santana's Mexican Food throughout the day?
At Santana’s Mexican Food, you can enjoy a variety of dining options to fit your schedule. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring you can satisfy your cravings at any time. You can also find delicious desserts and comfortable seating for your meal.
What convenient service and parking options does Santana's Mexican Food offer?
Santana’s Mexican Food provides several convenient service options, including drive-through, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You’ll also find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space, making your visit hassle-free.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Santana's?
Santana’s has an overall score of 5.3, with customer satisfaction at 47.5%. While **Ambience** (5.7) and **Food** (5.5) are slightly higher, **Service** (5.2) and **Value** (4.6) are a bit lower, indicating a mixed customer experience.
What do customers appreciate most about Santana's?
Many customers praise the convenience of the drive-thru and the generally affordable price. Specific food items like burritos and the salsa often receive positive remarks for their flavor.
What are common concerns raised by diners at Santana's?
Some patrons have reported issues with inconsistent service, including rude staff or incorrect orders. There are also concerns about food quality variations and the perceived price for certain portion sizes.