Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Kotija Jr – San Diego
Kotija Jr - San Diego
Photo from Kotija Jr
Kotija Jr at a glance
San Diego Sorrento Valley
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 42 of the guests
#372 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#43 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
301
Reviews
74.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Mexican
- Friendly service
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Meat quality
- Rude service
- Greasy fish
The restaurant Kotija Jr Taco Shop Mira Mesa, a popular Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s Sorrento Valley neighborhood, invites you to discover its casual charm. You’ll find it’s the perfect spot for a quick bite, offering delicious small plates that satisfy your cravings without a long wait.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner, this local favorite provides a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Kotija Jr
Kotija Jr offers a straightforward Mexican dining experience, often celebrated for its flavorful offerings and family-friendly atmosphere. Many appreciate the authentic taste of their tacos and the overall quality of their Mexican food, making it a regular stop for some.
However, the experience isn’t uniformly perfect. Some patrons have encountered issues with meat consistency, particularly in burritos, and occasional reports of less-than-stellar service interactions have surfaced.
Good
7.3
out of 10
301
Reviews
74.8%
Satisfaction
58
negative
18
neutral
225
positive
Kotija Jr maintains a solid overall standing with a 7.3 Restaurant Score and a 74.8% Customer Satisfaction rate, both indicating a generally positive reception. These figures are drawn from 301 customer opinions, with 225 positive remarks outweighing 58 negative ones, suggesting a largely favorable view among diners.
Looking closer at specific aspects, Ambience (7.9) and Value (7.8) are particularly well-regarded, reflecting a pleasant and affordable experience. Service (7.6) also scores well, though it garners fewer mentions than the food.
The Food (7.1) itself, while still good, has a slightly lower score compared to other categories, despite being the most frequently discussed topic.
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Friendly, fast service
- Great value, Taco Tuesday
What people don't like
- Inconsistent meat quality
- Rude cashier attitude
- Greasy fish issues
Kotija Jr presents a compelling option for those seeking good value and authentic Mexican flavors, especially if you’re a fan of their highly praised tacos. It’s a place that often delivers on taste and affordability, making it a reliable choice for a casual meal.
With a 7.5 Recommendation Score, it’s worth a visit, particularly if you prioritize a budget-friendly meal with generally good food and a clean setting. Just be mindful that some food items might be inconsistent, and service can occasionally be a mixed bag.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kotija Jr
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 70.8%, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 212 opinions, 150 were positive, frequently praising the delicious fish tacos, breakfast burritos, and the salsa, all contributing to the overall quality food experience.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 47 negative comments noted. Some found the Carne Asada to be tough or the meat in general to be dry. There were also mentions of canned beans and disappointment with portion size on certain items, suggesting a few areas could use a little extra love.
Food
212
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
47
negative
15
neutral
150
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best fish tacos
- Delicious breakfast burritos
- Great salsa bar
What people don't like
- Dry Carne Asada
- Small portions
- Canned beans
Often praised
- foodThe kid-friendly outdoor dining area makes it a perfect spot for families. We're regulars because everyone in the family loves the food, even our picky 3 and 5-year-olds. Coming here is a nice treat for them!
- fish tacosThe people working here are super nice, and the food is both affordable and good. I had the best, most authentic fish tacos I've ever had for the price. Everyone who works here deserves a raise!
- tacosMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, particularly concerning the food. I found the tacos to be by far the best overfilled taco on earth. I've eaten tacos in 8 different places, including New York and San Diego, and without question, these are hands down the best.
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best Mexican food in the area, and the prices were great. The Taco Tuesday prices were even better.
- mini tacosmini tacos and they were so yummy!
- quality foodThis family-owned business, established in 2007, is dedicated to offering Mexican food with the highest quality and unparalleled flavors. They aim to provide the best quality food at reasonable prices, with friendly, fast, and efficient service. I tried their TacoFish Taco for $2.
- FoodFood:5
- cheeseOn the brighter side, their breakfast burrito is absolutely on point – the best I've had in San Diego. The cheese is perfectly melted, the ingredients are distributed so you get a taste of everything in every bite, and the ability to swap bacon for sausage is a huge plus for me. Another amazing item is their famous fish tacos.
- menueverything I've had off the menu is awesome!
- salsaTheir salsa is great, especially verde
Frequently criticized
- meatI ordered a Cali burrito which was trash 🗑. The meat was so tough, I couldn't tell if it was overcooked or if they used leftover steak meat. Additionally, I ordered 3 rolled tacos, and one contained a piece of string.
- sour creamInsufficient sour cream, if it was even on there.
- Carne AsadaThe Carne asada taco the meat was tough and overcooked.
- fishfish was super greasy look like a old fish
- Cali burritoCali burrito was trash 🗑
- California BurritoIt was: carne asada, fries, tortilla. That's it.
- California burritoworst clifornia burrito ive ever had
- Carne Asada BurritoCarne Asada Burrito with Sour Cream - Burrito was average size and price.
- Carne Asada burritonot 1 ounce of guacamole was inside my burrito
- French friesdisrespected me with old fries
If you're craving excellent fish tacos or a hearty breakfast burrito, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some of the carne asada dishes might not be as consistently stellar, and check those portion sizes before you order.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 81.4%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Out of 43 comments, 35 praise the friendly, fast, and efficient service, often highlighting the accommodating staff.
However, its not entirely perfect. A few of the 8 negative remarks point to issues like a cashiers bad attitude, some rude interactions, and even a lack of follow-up calls. While these instances are fewer, they suggest theres still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
43
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Accommodating team
What people don't like
- Rude cashier
- Bad attitude
- Poor follow-up
Often praised
- serviceThe chicken bowl was also a hit – it was tasty, healthy, and filling. The Mexican food overall was awesome 🇲🇽, complemented by very friendly service. I highly recommend this place for a quick bite to eat, and their salsa bar is a good addition.
- staffI had the best, most authentic fish tacos I've ever had for the price. Everyone who works here deserves a raise! I hope they never change, Kotija Jr.
- peoplethe people are always super nice
- EmployeesEmployees are friends
- FAST servicetasty menu and FAST service
- ServiceService:5
- accommodatethey were willing to accommodate me
- cookThe cook no longer over cook's the carna asada
- cooksCompliment’s to the cooks!
- efficient serviceoffering in the same way a friendly, fast and efficient service
Frequently criticized
- servicewas denied…no reason was provided…very rude
- cashier's bad attitudecashier has a bad attitude
- employeethe Manager left already and would not come in until Monday
- follow up callalmost a month with no call back
- lady cashierthe lady cashier not friendly at all
- lady who work in the frontthe lady who work in the front is very rude and attitude
- way she respondsthe way she responds for the any questions is very scary
Overall, you can expect good service here, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. While there are occasional reports of less-than-stellar interactions, the positive experiences heavily outweigh the negatives, making it worth a try for a quick and pleasant meal.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place scores a solid 7.9, with an impressive 91.3% customer satisfaction! Guests frequently rave about the clean establishment, from the dining area to the kitchen. Many appreciate the diverse seating options, especially the outdoor dining area and shaded patio, contributing to a great Atmosphere.
Out of 23 comments, 21 were overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a welcoming environment. However, it's worth noting that one comment did describe the spot as rough. While this is a lone voice among many positive remarks, it suggests that not every corner might feel perfectly polished.
Overall, though, the overwhelming sentiment points to a pleasant and well-maintained setting.
Ambience
23
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean establishment
- Outdoor seating options
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Rough spot mentioned
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Clean restaurantClean restaurant and surprisingly accessible
- accessibleClean restaurant and surprisingly accessible
- atmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanThe place was clean
- cleanest eateryCleanest eatery your going to find
- covered outdoor areanice covered outdoor area for eating
- dining areaThe dining area looked clean
- eating in MexicoIt’s just like eating in Mexico!
- establishmentthe establishment was very clean.
Frequently criticized
- spotThis spot's rough
If youre looking for a place with a great vibe, especially if you enjoy outdoor seating and a clean environment, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Despite one minor critique, the overwhelming feedback points to a highly enjoyable atmosphere that many find reminiscent of eating in Mexico'.
Value (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 82.6%, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a great deal. Many rave about the reasonable price, value for money, and especially the Taco Tuesday deals, making it an economical choice for a delicious meal.
However, out of 23 opinions, a couple of folks did have minor quibbles about the price. One felt their meal somehow cost more than expected, while another simply expressed frustration about having paid for my food. These are isolated incidents, but worth noting for a balanced view.
Value
23
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Taco Tuesday deals
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was a delicious lunch for less than $10 per person, with quick service. The Carne Asada was spiced well, though it was a little overcooked for my personal taste.
- pricesThe staff was friendly, courteous, and attentive. The prices were fair, and I was particularly impressed with the carna asada, which was not at all dry. It's clear the cook no longer overcooks it.
- reasonable pricesThis family-owned business, established in 2007, is dedicated to offering Mexican food with the highest quality and unparalleled flavors. They aim to provide the best quality food at reasonable prices, with friendly, fast, and efficient service. I tried their TacoFish Taco for $2.
- $2 tacos on Tuesdaytheir $2 tacos on Tuesday!
- Taco Tuesday dealsGood deals on Taco Tuesday
- Taco Tuesday pricesTaco Tuesday prices even better
- decent pricinggood service, decent pricing and good value
- economicalmuy económicos
- good valuedecent pricing and good value considering the tasty menu
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
Frequently criticized
- paid for my foodI did pay for my food!!!!
- priceSomehow it cost more then their surf and turf
If you're looking for a place where your dollar stretches, especially on Taco Tuesday, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most customers walk away feeling they got great value for their money, making it a smart choice for an affordable and tasty meal.
How are the prices at Kotija Jr?
You’re looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 42 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.
Looking at what people usually spend, most prices cluster around the $1–$10 and $11–$20 ranges, showing it’s generally an affordable spot, with just a few higher spends.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 42 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers good value without breaking the bank for most diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kotija Jr
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Excellent Taco Shop Experience!
My experience at this Taco shop was fantastic. The service was great, and the food was delicious. I was impressed by the large portions, and everything on the menu looked so good.
I 100% recommend this place and urge you to try it – you won't regret it. I will definitely be back when I'm in the area.
- service10
- food10
- large portions9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Wonderful Service and Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The woman at the front was super nice and accommodating, and the cooks were really good. I love it here, thank you!
- woman at the front10
- cooks9
- here10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Hidden Gem for Taco Tuesday!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for Taco Tuesday. I found it to be an excellent, hidden gem. The fish tacos were huge, and their carnitas were perfect.
It's a great place to stop while running errands like going to the bank, grocery store, or gas station. I enjoyed grabbing my lunch and sitting on the patio, watching the road ragers on Mira Mesa Blvd.
- fish tacos9
- carnitas10
- Taco Tuesday9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Food and Outdoor Seating
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was really great, and I especially enjoyed the excellent salsa. I definitely recommend this place.
Additionally, it offers a nice covered outdoor area for dining.
- food9
- salsa10
- covered outdoor area8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
2
Steak and Egg Burrito Disappointing
My experience at the restaurant was centered around a steak and egg burrito. Unfortunately, it was disappointing. There were more fries than anything else in the burrito, and hardly any dry meat.
It was no good.
- steak and egg burrito2
- dry meat2
- fries3
What Kotija Jr offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available at Kotija Jr Taco Shop Mira Mesa?
When you visit Kotija Jr Taco Shop Mira Mesa, you’ll find convenient parking options. You can utilize the free street parking available nearby, or take advantage of the free parking lot provided for customers, making your visit hassle-free.
Does Kotija Jr Taco Shop Mira Mesa offer accessible options for all guests?
Yes, Kotija Jr Taco Shop Mira Mesa is committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, and comfortable wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a welcoming experience for everyone.
How does Kotija Jr generally score with customers?
Kotija Jr holds a **7.3** overall score, with **74.8%** customer satisfaction. Its **Ambience** (7.9) and **Value** (7.8) are particularly well-regarded, followed by **Service** (7.6) and **Food** (7.1).
What are the standout food items at Kotija Jr?
Many customers praise the **fish tacos** and **tacos** as authentic and flavorful. The **breakfast burrito** and **salsa** also receive positive mentions for their taste.
Are there any common complaints about Kotija Jr?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies with **meat** quality, particularly in burritos, and occasional issues with **greasy fish**. A few experiences mention less-than-friendly **cashier** interactions.