Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Sara’s – San Diego
Sara's - San Diego
Photo from Sara’s
Sara's at a glance
San Diego Mission Beach
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 106 of the guests
#391 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#41 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
484
Reviews
69.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Lively ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Hard parking
- Unsanitary conditions
The restaurant Sara’s Mexican Food is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant nestled in the heart of San Diego’s lively Mission Beach neighborhood. You’ll find a casual and welcoming atmosphere perfect for any meal.
Whether you’re craving small plates, a quick bite, or late-night food, this spot has you covered. It’s a fantastic choice for an authentic taste of Mexico by the beach.
Overview: Introducting Sara's
Sara’s offers a vibrant spot where many find the phenomenal burritos and generous portions truly satisfying. Guests often praise the delicious Mexican food and the welcoming vibe, making it a popular choice for a casual meal.
The friendly owners and staff contribute to a positive experience for many. However, some visits to Sara’s can be hampered by a long wait for food, and finding a spot can be tricky due to difficult parking.
While the overall atmosphere is often lively, a few patrons have noted concerns about seating and occasional inconsistencies in food quality.
Good
7.3
out of 10
484
Reviews
69.4%
Satisfaction
104
negative
44
neutral
336
positive
Sara’s earns a solid 7.3 overall score, indicating a generally good experience for many diners. However, customer satisfaction sits at 69.4%, suggesting a mixed bag where some patrons leave delighted while others have reservations.
This slight divergence highlights areas where experiences can vary. Diving into specifics, Food leads with a strong (7.4), frequently praised for its quality, based on 336 positive remarks out of 484 total.
The Ambience also scores well (7.5), often described as lively and inviting. Service (6.9) and Value (6.5) are perceived as average, with some customers noting long waits or unexpected costs among the 104 negative comments.
What people like
- Delicious Mexican food
- Friendly, welcoming service
- Lively, casual ambiance
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Difficult parking
- Unsanitary conditions
If you’re seeking a casual spot with delicious Mexican food and a lively atmosphere, Sara’s could be a good fit. Be prepared for potential waits, especially during peak hours, and plan your parking strategy in advance.
The 7.4 recommendation score suggests it’s worth considering for its strengths. Ultimately, Sara’s offers a solid experience, particularly for its burritos and tacos, but it’s not without its quirks.
If you prioritize friendly service and generous portions over seamless convenience, you’ll likely find it a worthwhile stop.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sara's
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 72.2%, many diners rave about the delicious burritos and perfect Carne Asada. Based on 229 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the generous portions and authentic Mexican food, making it a go-to for many.
However, not every bite is perfect, with 63 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some wished for better nutritional info and more robust vegan options. A few experiences mentioned dry tortillas or a lack of flavor, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in preparation.
Food
317
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
63
negative
25
neutral
229
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous, authentic portions
- Delicious burritos, tacos
- Perfect Carne Asada
What people don't like
- No nutritional info
- Limited vegan options
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Sara's was wonderful! It's such a cute walk-up spot with wonderful food and super friendly owners. The burritos are phenomenal.
- burritosI had the tacos, which were huge and amazing, and the homemade corn tortillas were great. The rest of my group had burritos, and they all said they were amazing. While they don't have many tables, the bar next door allows you to eat there if you buy a drink, and it's a cool little hole in the wall.
- tacosI had the tacos and they were huge and amazing
- FoodThe food was absolutely delicious and incredibly cost friendly. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- Mexican foodI make it a point to visit Sara's at least once every time I'm in San Diego. They offer a wide variety of Mexican food, and it's consistently made to perfection. A bonus is the chance to get a friendly hello from their sweet puppy!
- burritoThis burrito makes me want to drive the 8 hours one way
- portionsThey were really good portions. They don't cheat you on portion size.
- California burritoCalifornia burrito with guacamole and pico de Gallo is a one of the best
- Al pastor burritogo for an Al pastor burrito next time
- Birria tacosWe all ordered the Birria tacos, and they were delicious.
Frequently criticized
- foodThis is not the Sara's we used to know. The owners have changed more than once, and unfortunately, the food is not the same either. We have been visiting this place for about 15 years every time we come to town, but it has gotten worse with each visit.
- burritosboth burritos are carne asada, neither have rice
- carne asada friesit literally was just covered in guacamole. You couldn't taste anything but guacamole
- guacamoleThe guacamole looked like imitation store bought and tasted worse.
- meatI ordered a California burrito, but the fries were uncooked. There was hardly any meat on the burrito; it looked as if I had ordered a Cali burrito with no meat, only fries. The food quality was very poor.
- Al Pastor mini tacostacos were just alright, mid, with just enough meat
- Al pastor burritoHow did the al pastor burrito have carne asada inside
- Axel burritono longer offer the Axel burrito
- California burritoI ordered a California burrito, but the fries were uncooked. There was hardly any meat on the burrito; it looked as if I had ordered a Cali burrito with no meat, only fries. The food quality was very poor.
- Carne Asadathen they gave me Carne Asada
If you're craving hearty, authentic Mexican food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that specific dietary needs like detailed nutritional info or extensive vegan options might be a bit of a challenge, and quality can occasionally vary.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The service here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 6.9. Many customers rave about the excellent service and friendly staff, with 63 positive expressions highlighting their hospitality and even super fast service. While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 62.4%, the positive experiences often mention attentive employees and a welcoming atmosphere.
However, not everyone has had a smooth experience. With 29 negative expressions, some guests encountered long wait times and found the operations a bit disorganized. Concerns about unpleasant service and even staff hygiene also popped up, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency and attention to detail.
Service
101
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
29
negative
9
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Exceptional hospitality
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Disorganized operations
- Poor staff hygiene
Often praised
- serviceI also had a bad experience last year, waiting an hour for our food. I ended up going to Marcy’s Mexican Food across the street, which had good food and fast service. It's now my go-to place for burritos, and I highly recommend it if you're staying around Mission Beach.
- ServiceThe food was absolutely delicious and incredibly cost friendly. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- staffEven the churros were disappointing, filled with a strange jam. Although the staff was extremely friendly, I wouldn't return for any of the tacos unless Birria is the only thing you're interested in.
- ownersMy experience at Sara's was wonderful! It's such a cute walk-up spot with wonderful food and super friendly owners. The burritos are phenomenal.
- customer servicethe customer service from the owners was top-notch
- AxelAxel's passion for his craft is infectious
- FaheemFaheem was so welcoming
- amazing experienceThank you again for the amazing experience
- attention to detailHis attention to detail is unmatched
- best servicegive me the best service
Frequently criticized
- waiting timewaited for the food for what had to have been 15-20 minutes.
- long waitMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a long wait and poor service. I waited patiently for 20 minutes, only to be told to wait for a local who arrived after me to order first. This unpleasant service led me to decide to go somewhere else.
- serviceService lady in front had a smart attitude
- wait timeexpect to wait. While online orders were moving out I ordered 2 simple dishes in person and waited 30min.
- abusing dogAbusing there dog.. was an added touch...
- cashierThe cashier jammed this in really quick
- cookA significant drawback was the wait time, which exceeded 30 minutes for our tacos. This was understandable given there was only one cook and one person handling all other tasks, so expect a wait!
- dine-in optionThey didnt have sit in
- disorganized" I attempted to call for a refund, but was told I needed to drive back, which is impractical due to the terrible Mission Bay traffic. This place is so disorganized; you can find better options down the street.
- glovesdisgusted by the fact they don't wear gloves
If you value a warm welcome and quick service, you'll likely find the staff here quite charming. Just be prepared that there might be a wait, and consistency can sometimes be an issue.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
The vibe here is generally a good one, with a score of 7.5 indicating a positive experience for many. Customers often rave about the great location, especially the charming outdoor vibe and the cool bar next door. With 29 positive remarks out of 42 total, its clear many appreciate this spot, even calling it an awesome hole in the wall thats conveniently open late.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a 69%, suggesting a mixed bag for some. A few of the 5 negative comments point to issues like unpleasant sanitary conditions and a lack of proper tables or seats. Finding parking can also be a challenge, which might dampen the overall experience for a few.
Ambience
42
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
5
negative
8
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great location
- Lively outdoor vibe
- Open late
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Parking difficult
- Sanitary issues
Often praised
- AtmosphereThe food was absolutely delicious and incredibly cost friendly. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- atmospherewho could grouse about the atmosphere standing on the sidewalk in PB?
- locationlocation is one block from the beach
- ambianceThe ambiance at Sara's Mexican Food is lively and inviting
- areaLow key area
- awesome spotAwesome spot
- bar next doorThe bar next door is a cool little hole in the wall
- hole in the walldefinition of a GREAT hole in the wall
- open lateplace is open late
- outdoor vibethe outdoor vibe was charming and casual
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- sanitary conditionsextremely unpleasant due to the unsanitary conditions
- street parkingI can only stop there if one of the rare street parking spots is open.
- tables or seatsThey don’t have much tables or seats
If youre looking for a casual, lively spot with a great location and dont mind a potentially rustic setup or a bit of a hunt for parking, this place is definitely worth checking out. It's perfect for a late-night, low-key meal, but be prepared for a no-frills experience.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot lands squarely in the average zone with a score of 6.5, and customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 62.5%. However, many diners rave about the cheaper price and Taco Tuesday deal, often highlighting an excellent portion-price ratio and finding things reasonably priced. With 15 positive comments, guests appreciate the generous portions for the cost.
On the flip side, 7 negative remarks point to some concerns. Some customers felt the prices were a bit high, with specific complaints about a convenience fee and the frustration of a cash only policy. A few even regretted purchases, feeling like their money was wasted due to perceived poor value.
Value
24
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great portion value
- Fantastic Taco Tuesday
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
- Unexpected convenience fees
Often praised
- pricesThe prices at Sara's Mexican Food are beyond reasonable
- pricemassive portions for the price
- Taco Tuesdaytaco Tuesday please do because several tacos are only a couple dollars
- Taco Tuesday dealTaco Tuesday deal, with tacos priced at just $2.49 each.
- cheaper priceat a cheaper price
- costMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with amazing food quality and very generous portioning for the cost. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a 5.
- cost friendlydelicious and cost friendly
- excellent portion-price ratioThe pastor meat itself was seasoned perfectly, showcasing excellent flavor. Overall, it was an excellent portion-price ratio.
- fairly pricedFairly priced for the size
- reasonably pricedit is reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- $20Regret spending $20 to get sick
- $54 down the garbagethat was $54 down the garbage
- PricePayed 14$ for that order
- cash onlyTurns out cash only
- convenience feeWatch out for the “convenience fee” scam
- pricesprices are bit higher
- purchasethe purchase didn’t add up
If youre looking for good deals, especially on "Taco Tuesday, " youll likely find decent value here. However, be mindful of potential hidden fees or cash-only situations that could impact your overall experience.
How are the prices at Sara's?
You’re looking at roughly $17 per person – reported by 106 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 right around this average, with the majority of prices clustering in that $11–$20 sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 106 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican spot. It hits that sweet spot for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sara's
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Change in Ownership
I used to frequent this Italian restaurant for over 15 years, and it was a place where the owners truly embodied the spirit of the food they served. Now, under new ownership, I'm surprised to find them serving items like egg rolls, which feels out of place for an Italian establishment. It's sad but true.
The experience was further marred by the presence of a young employee out front who seemed to have nowhere else to go, and was even seen abusing their dog. This was an unpleasant addition to the visit.
- food style2
- egg roll2
- kid out front1
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
A Melt-in-Your-Mouth California Burrito Experience
My experience at Sara's was exceptional, particularly with their California burrito. While California burritos are common in San Diego, this one stands out as one of the better ones I've had. It's hard to describe, but it almost melts in your mouth, from the carne and cheese right down to the tortilla.
It's just a different kind of good. Wow. Wow.
Well done, Sara's! I finished it before I could take a picture 😝.
- California burrito10
- melts in your mouth10
- carne9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Sara's: Delicious Mexican Food & Friendly Vibes
My experience at Sara's was wonderful! It's such a cute walk-up spot with wonderful food and super friendly owners. The burritos are phenomenal.
I make it a point to visit Sara's at least once every time I'm in San Diego. They offer a wide variety of Mexican food, and it's consistently made to perfection. A bonus is the chance to get a friendly hello from their sweet puppy!
Great food and a cute puppy – you can't beat that! We enjoyed it so much that we had to come back a second time! I also recommend the chocolate chip pancakes!
- burritos10
- Mexican food9
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Food, Quick Service, Good Prices
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was quick, and the prices were great for the area. The carne asada was absolutely delicious, and the taquitos (rolled tacos) were a big hit with our kids.
It's an awesome spot.
- service9
- prices8
- carne asada10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Burritos and Great Sauces!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I highly recommend trying it. We ordered the Campechano burrito and the al pastor burrito.
The chips were lightly seasoned and served warm, which was a nice touch. The sauces were great, with the habanero sauce being a particular standout. Overall, a great meal!
- Campechano burrito9
- al pastor burrito9
- chips8
What Sara's offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Catering
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Sara's Mexican Food accessible for everyone?
Absolutely! Sara’s Mexican Food in Mission Beach is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, and comfortable wheelchair accessible seating. This ensures a welcoming experience for all guests visiting this San Diego Mexican restaurant.
What service and dining options are available at Sara's Mexican Food?
Sara’s Mexican Food offers a variety of convenient service options to fit your schedule, including drive-through, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You can enjoy their delicious Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they also provide catering services for your events. It’s perfect for a quick bite or a full meal.
How does Sara's generally perform according to customer feedback?
Sara’s holds an overall score of 7.3, indicating a good experience. Its Food (7.4) and Ambience (7.5) are highly rated, while Service (6.9) and Value (6.5) are considered average.
What kind of food is particularly popular at Sara's?
Customers frequently praise Sara’s for its phenomenal burritos, huge tacos, and generous portions of Mexican food, with the California burrito and Birria tacos often highlighted.
What are some common challenges or drawbacks when visiting Sara's?
Patrons often mention long wait times for orders, difficult parking in the area, and occasional concerns about sanitary conditions or unexpected convenience fees.