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 Bay Park
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 51 of the guests
#628 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#92 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
302
Reviews
53.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Always open
- Local favorite
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Pricey for some
- Casual dining
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s Bay Park neighborhood, is a go-to spot for delicious late-night food. At Santana’s, you can experience a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite.
Whether you’re craving authentic flavors or a convenient meal, this spot offers a welcoming experience. You’ll find it’s a great choice for any time of day.
Overview: Introducting Santana's
Santana’s has garnered a reputation for its satisfying offerings, with many appreciating the consistently good food, particularly items like the California burrito. Diners often find the overall experience to be quite reasonable in price, making it an accessible option for a quick meal.
However, some experiences at Santana’s point to areas needing attention. Concerns have been raised about slow service and occasional issues with staff being rude.
There are also mentions of the establishment feeling like a fast food atmosphere, which might not suit everyone.
Average
5.7
out of 10
302
Reviews
53.3%
Satisfaction
132
negative
9
neutral
161
positive
Santana’s holds an overall score of 5.7, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction also reflects a mixed sentiment at 53.3%, indicating that while many find it acceptable, there’s room for improvement.
These insights are drawn from over 300 customer comments, with 161 positive remarks balancing against 132 negative ones. Looking closer, the Food (6.4) receives an average rating, though it’s the most discussed aspect.
Ambience (6.7) fares slightly better, leaning towards good. However, both Service (4.2) and Value (4.1) fall into the average range, suggesting these areas are often inconsistent or could benefit from more attention.
What people like
- Delicious Burritos & Fries
- Convenient 24/7 Availability
- Local Community Staple
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service Quality
- Perceived High Prices
- Basic Dining Atmosphere
With a recommendation score of 5.9, Santana’s presents a mixed offering. While it delivers on certain expectations, particularly its core menu items, it also has notable areas that could detract from the overall experience.
If you’re seeking a quick, convenient meal, especially late at night, Santana’s could be a suitable choice. However, for those prioritizing consistent service or a more refined dining atmosphere, it might be worth exploring other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Santana's
Food (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many folks find a lot to love here, with 108 positive remarks among 172 total comments. Guests frequently rave about the delicious and fresh tasting items like the California Burrito, Carne Asada fries, and the vibrant salsas. It seems many leave satisfied, contributing to a solid 6.4 score for the culinary offerings.
However, the experience isn't universally stellar, with 60 negative observations. Some customers have noted concerns about small portions, food being dry or lacking flavor, and even issues with grease or a mediocre burrito. This leads to a customer satisfaction of 62.8%, suggesting a somewhat mixed bag for the overall dining experience.
Food
172
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
60
negative
4
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious California Burrito
- Great Carne Asada Fries
- Excellent fresh salsas
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small, dry portions
- Serious food safety
Often praised
- foodconsistently the best in regards to food
- California burritoMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially the food. We tried the breakfast burrito, California burrito, fish burrito, and fish taco. The food was truly great, bringing back memories of the Santana years ago.
- guacamoleextra rice, cheese and guacamole surprisingly it was really good
- Carne Asada FriesCarne Asada Fries by far one of favorite
- FoodFood:5
- La Paz burritoordered the La Paz burrito with carne asada and shrimp. It was quite delicious
- Mexican foodbest Mexican food in SD!
- carne asadaLa Paz burrito with carne asada and shrimp. It was quite delicious
- food qualityWhen it is good it is good.
- friesTheir fries are topped with beans, cheddar cheese, carne asada, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream and cotija cheese!
Frequently criticized
- foodthe service and food has just gotten worse
- food qualityThe food quality has become very inconsistent.
- dryI ordered a California burrito, which was small and mostly tortilla and fries. It was also very dry. Additionally, I found it to be expensive for the shabby food I received.
- guacamoleeverything was saturated, a in guacamole
- rolled tacosThe rolled tacos had no guacamole
- California burritoCalifornia burrito, which was small and mostly tortilla and fries
- Cokeasked if she had coke she says yes. I sip my soda it’s Pepsi!!!
- French fries con quesocharged, and actually spent, approximately $6.50 for a small order of French fries con queso
- Mexican cheeseMexican cheese I don't like it
- Mexican foodbest “Mexican” food hands down
If youre looking for some classic Mexican staples like a California Burrito or Carne Asada fries, youll likely find something to enjoy. However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent quality or smaller portions, which might lead to a hit-or-miss experience.
Service (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
Based on 80 customer comments, the service here presents a real mixed bag. While the overall score sits at an average 4.2, customer satisfaction is quite low at just 35%, indicating significant room for improvement. On the bright side, many customers have praised the friendly service and staff, with some mentioning nice cashiers and quick service at the drive-thru.
There are even compliments about seamless parking and easy-going employees, suggesting that when things go right, they go very right. However, a significant number of the 80 comments highlight serious issues, with 50 negative remarks compared to 28 positive ones. Frequent complaints revolve around order accuracy, staff attitude, and disrespectful service, especially at the drive-thru.
Many customers reported incomplete orders, long waiting times, and difficulties with staff comprehension, leading to frustration and disappointment.
Service
80
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
50
negative
2
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Seamless parking
What people don't like
- Inaccurate orders
- Rude staff attitude
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceconsistently the best in regards to service
- staffthe staff is friendly and outgoing
- ServiceService:5
- businessthe business is great
- cashiersnice cashiers
- drive through placeMy experience at this drive-through restaurant was positive. I found it to be a good drive through place to get good tasting food. I would definitely go there again if I was in the area.
- drive-thrudrive thru is open
- dudesthe dudes there are awesome
- friendly servicefriendly service
- hoursThey have good hours
Frequently criticized
- serviceI came tonight to order food through the drive-thru and experienced absolutely slow as a snail service. Upon reaching the window, the staff were rude and slow, showing no care for the customer's feelings, which felt super disrespectful and sad.
- orderIf I could give negative stars, I would. I don’t know why I keep coming back to this place when they constantly mess up my order. Never again am I going back here.
- customer serviceWhen I went back to get a refund, the manager wouldn’t do it, threw my food at me, and walked away. Worst customer service ever, and I can’t believe they treat their customers that way.
- Assistant ManagerAssistant Manager is a joke. Talks over you
- English skillsI went through the drive-through at this location. The gentleman taking the order didn't have fluent English skills, which made the ordering process a bit bumpy, but it ultimately turned out okay. My burrito was delicious though!
- add to the ordershe then told us that she couldn’t add to the order
- afternoon employeeThe guy that works in the afternoons is super rude.
- attitudeHe had horrible attitude.
- billingclaimed we only paid for one
- burrito cut in halfasked at the window to have the burrito cut in half, and it wasn’t done as requested
If youre looking for quick, friendly service, you might get lucky, but be prepared for potential hiccups. With frequent issues like order accuracy and staff attitude, its a bit of a gamble, so double-check your order before you leave.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot gets a 6.7, which is a good score, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 63%. Based on 27 opinions, with 17 positive and 8 negative, many folks appreciate the overall cleanliness and the convenience of it being 24/7. Plus, the free and plentiful parking is a huge bonus, and for many, its a sentimental community staple. However, some patrons point out that the eat-in experience feels more like a fast-food atmosphere, and the single, all-gender bathroom can be a drawback.
Theres also some confusion around a misleading 24/7 sign for the drive-through, and the dining room isn't currently in use, which impacts the overall atmosphere.
Ambience
27
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spotless and clean
- Ample free parking
- Sentimental community spot
What people don't like
- Limited single bathroom
- Fast-food dining feel
- Misleading 24/7 sign
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:4
- 24/7I love that its 24/7
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- all gender bathroomsall gender bathrooms which is a plus
- childhood San Marcos spotmy OG childhood San Marcos spot
- cleanlinessy limpiesa
- closest placeClosest place to home
- community stapleHaving gone to college in the area, I can attest that this restaurant has been a staple in the community for over 20 years. The California burrito is a must.
- free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- locationvery centrally located adjacent to the interstate five
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- dining roomcurrently don't use the dining room
- eat in experiencethe eat in experience was like eating fast food
- fast food atmospherenot really somewhere to enjoy just a fast food atmosphere all around
- locationunfortunately they ripped it out
- never washed her handsNever did this girl wash her hands after eating and returning to the kitchen
- one bathroomnada mas ay un baño para ambos sexos
- signDuring the day, my experience at this restaurant was awesome. However, late at night, their sign is misleading as the drive-through is not open 24/7. I suggest they take that down.
If you're looking for a quick, clean, and convenient spot with easy parking and a nostalgic feel, this place could be your go-to. Just be aware that the dine-in experience might feel more like fast food, and the 24/7 sign might not apply to everything.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Let's talk about value! Some folks really appreciate that the food is often reasonably priced, delicious, and inexpensive. With 8 positive remarks among 23 total, many felt they got a fair price for their meal.
However, despite these bright spots, the overall score for value is an average 4.1, and customer satisfaction is a rather poor 34.8%, indicating a significant split in opinions. On the flip side, a larger group of 14 customers expressed significant concerns. Many were frustrated by an unexpected credit card surcharge and felt the menu was simply too expensive, with some calling it overpriced or even gouging.
There were also complaints about being overcharged or feeling that the establishment was being greedy, especially with rising prices and perceived declining food quality.
Value
23
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Credit card surcharge
- Overpriced items
- Overcharging concerns
Often praised
- better priceBetter in price
- food pricesFood prices are fairly value
- inexpensiveVery good and inexpensive.
- not too expensiveand not too expensive ( less than $15 with tip.
- other taco shopsPlenty of other taco shops in town.
- pricefair price
- reasonableIt was quite delicious and reasonable
- reasonably pricedThe food is reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceoverpriced. Charged me 16 bucks
- expensiveThis place used to be one of the best Mexican spots in SD, but every year it gets more expensive and the food quality goes down. You're paying $13 for a mediocre burrito.
- advertising feethey should advertise it
- credit card surchargeadd a 3% surcharge for credit cards
- greedythey’re greedy
- menumenu was a bit costly
- overchargeThe lady tried to overcharge us for 2 burritos
- quarterssomehow "lost" the remaining $3.50 in quarters I had
- spent way too much moneyWhen I got home, I opened the two containers that was supposed to have a total of 5 tacos all together to find 1 pollo asado taco and 1 hardshell pollo asado taco. It became clear that the cashier didn’t clearly understand English and I spent way too much money for food I ultimately didn’t receive. Other than that, the taste of the food was great and satisfying.
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, this spot might be a gamble. While some find it reasonable, be prepared for potentially higher prices and watch out for extra fees, as many feel its become quite expensive.
How are the prices at Santana's?
You’re looking at roughly $16 per person – reported by 51 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 guests tend to spend within that $11–$20 range, though there are plenty of options for those looking to spend under $10 too. Prices seem to cluster nicely around the average, so you know what to expect!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 51 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Mexican restaurant. It offers a good balance, hitting that sweet spot for a satisfying meal without being overly expensive.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Santana's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Takeout
7
Delicious Burrito, Disappointing Horchata
My drive-through experience involved ordering a large horchata and a surf-and-turf burrito. The surf-and-turf burrito was solidly delicious, earning it 4 stars. However, the horchata was disappointing, rated at 2 stars, which was particularly unfortunate on Día de Muertos.
Additionally, we requested the burrito be cut in half at the window, but this request was not fulfilled.
- surf-and-turf burrito8
- horchata2
- burrito cut in half3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Mexican Food in SD!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional! I had the Cali Burrito, which was the best I've ever had. The quality of the food and the service were both unmatched.
The atmosphere was also great, rated a 5 out of 5.
- Mexican food10
- Cali Burrito10
- quality10
Service Intent
- Delivery
Visit Type
- Delivery
9
Great Chilaquiles and Adobada Taco!
My experience ordering through Grubhub was positive. The green chilaquiles were pretty good, and the Adobada taco was excellent!
- green chilaquiles7
- Adobada taco10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Best Salsas and Juicy Carne Asada!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The carne asada was grilled nicely, juicy, and tasted exactly how it's supposed to. I was also impressed by the generous amount of meat in the burritos.
😊 The salsas (orange, red & green) were the best I've ever tasted, and I've tasted a lot. The guacamole was really good too, not too oniony. I think I'll go again tonight!
- carne asada9
- meat in the burritos9
- salsas10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Drive-Thru Experience
I came tonight to order food through the drive-thru and experienced absolutely slow as a snail service. Upon reaching the window, the staff were rude and slow, showing no care for the customer's feelings, which felt super disrespectful and sad. I would prefer regular servers who know their customers instead of waiting 20 minutes to order and get served, which is ridiculous.
Furthermore, the person at the register wouldn't let me see the total or my tip, which was rude, so I would like a refund due to that rudeness and disrespect. I also asked for half an order of carnesa fries, but at the window, they stated it was a full order. When I corrected them, they said it would take longer to get my order.
Already irritated, I just accepted it and left, but it was poor customer service and very disappointing.
- service1
- staff attitude1
- disrespectful service1
What Santana's offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What parking options are available at Santana's Mexican Food?
When you visit Santana’s Mexican Food, you’ll find convenient parking solutions. There is free street parking available, along with a free parking lot. You can usually expect to find plenty of parking, making your visit hassle-free.
What dining options and services does Santana's Mexican Food offer?
Santana’s Mexican Food provides a range of dining options throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating. You can also enjoy late-night food, coffee, small plates, and quick bites, available for dine-in, takeout, drive-through, or delivery.
What is the overall customer sentiment and score for Santana's?
Santana’s holds an overall score of 5.7 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 53.3%. While Food (6.4) and Ambience (6.7) are rated average to good, Service (4.2) and Value (4.1) are perceived as average.
What food items are frequently praised at Santana's?
Customers often highlight the California burrito and Carne Asada Fries as particularly satisfying and delicious menu options.
Are there any common complaints about Santana's?
Some customers have reported issues with slow service and staff being rude. Additionally, concerns about the food being overpriced or having a credit card surcharge are occasionally mentioned.