Don Pollo

I've been driving by this location so many times that I finally made the effort to stop in and try…read moreit out. I decided to order one of their 99¢ fish tacos and an order of fish and chips. The fish taco was satisfying and delicious. Paired with the fish and chips, it was a great and affordable lunch. The fish was crisp and flaky and they provided a mountain of fries to go with it. They inciuded all the fixings to go with the fish. Plenty of tartar and cocktail sauce and limes. I was impressed with this place The service was outstanding as well. Friendly and efficient. Next time I visit, I'll have to try one of their margaritas.

Don't believe reviews from 20 year olds about tacos on TikTok…read more Yes this place is cheaper than any Taco store in SD. Most of the tacos are $2.85. Some 1.25 but the quality is I mean cheap is cheap, and I was willing to give it a shot to prove me wrong. Also, when you order chips and salsa, there is no real salsa they give so you are just paying extra for chips. They give you free sauce anyway but it's hot sauce not salsa even if you ask them the cashier person doesn't understand this. And the chips are not good either!!! One more thing the elote in a couple was corn from a can with heavy mayonnaise I added my own lime and spice to make it better.

Inside was very attractive.

Chop cheese tacos (left 2) & Pulled pork taco

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Outside

El Ranchito Taco Shop

4.0(565 reviews)

0.4 mi

Been coming here for years- Best beef flautas!!! I love their rice and beans!…read more They still give you chips and you can enjoy the salsa bar. I love that they keep the salsa bar well refrigerated too. You can even buy their jarred salsa to go!

Service here is fantastic! Their salsa bar is delicious and one set of chips are complimentary if…read moredining in. The taco meats can be on the very salty side, so not sure if I'd come back personally but the AC is strong and there's plenty of seating. Within easy walking distance of the Poway Honda.

Shredded beef taco

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M favorite rolled tacos but you have to request shredded beef and chunky guacamole unless you want ground beef

Tacos Asadero

4.2(526 reviews)

3.3 mi•Rancho Bernardo

Amazing tacos, very reasonable prices. Convenient location, easy parking, quick service.read more

We love the tacos there , always ! But today , tacos taste a little bland . Not sure it's the new…read moreowner , or just less seasoning , it just doesn't taste a lot . Servicer are always nice and friendly. A small store with about 6 tables inside, couple outside . Bathroom is clean . Tacos definitely got more experience compared with couple months ago , asada is almost $5 each , Lengua is $5+ each . Kinda Pricy .

Decor

Adobada tacos

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Asada Taco

Yesenia's Mexican Food

4.4(1.2k reviews)

2.6 mi

AMAZING authentic food and the SERVICE is top tier. Love love love! You have to try hereread more

Yesenia's Mexican Food is a gem. I can't speak for the entire menu yet, but their breakfast…read moreburritos are BOMB. Tons of options, generous portions, and fantastic salsas. They also managed to feed a staff of 80 with just one day's notice--which says a lot about both the food and the people. The employees are fantastic, they open early, and everything was smooth from start to finish. Great food, great people, great service. What's not to love?

2.6 mi•Sabre Springs, Scripps Ranch

Shrimp burrito. $11.99 (July, 25)

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Outdoor seating

Senor Taquero 2

4.3(253 reviews)

Love love love this place. The owners are so nice, the portions are huge, the food is delicious for…read morea decent price. They have free chips and salsa, not much seating but it was clean and maintained well. Definitely best Mexican food in that area!

We ordered the birria and carne asada tacos and we really liked it. Would come here again for sure.read more

Inside: view from one of the tables

Carne Asada Chips comes complete with guacamole and sour cream

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Inside: wide view of counter

MexicanBar

4.3(224 reviews)

1.5 mi•Scripps Ranch

Can for lunch, and the seating outside in the shade was a chill respite from the San Diego heat…read moretoday. Everyone was kind, welcoming, and knew just how often to check in and offer options- Just as important: ordered the grilled mahi tacos and they were ON POINT. Not slathered in too much cheese shreds or piles of lettuce to hide anything: nope. This was a perfectly sized mahi slice with the fresh lettuce and cilantro lime sauce that was also, light but tasty. Do they make their own tortillas? YES. SO good. I don't think I've ever gotten out the fork to eat the lettuce and tomatoes that had fallen from a taco before. But I did this time! You may ask, "Do they make their own horchata though?" I'd have to reply, "YES!" Prices super reasonable too, and you can order per taco if you want. Just a fantastic taco experience

Overall a good place to eat around Poway. I like how they are open until 10pm Thursday-Saturday as…read moremany places in the area close by 9pm. It's a casual Mexican restaurant on one side and a bar area on the other side. They also have seating in their outdoor patio. Lots of parking in the lot. It was slower on the restaurant side when we arrived later in the evening so they sat us at the bar. Josh was friendly and professional and took our order right away. The menu has lots of options from tacos to burritos to entrees to salads and more. Prices are slightly on the higher end for casual Mexican food with most entrees around $15-25 with meat so plan to pay around $25-40 per person with a drink. The food was overall tasty. I would say it's more Americanized Mexican food rather than authentic Mexican. I appreciated the free chips and salsa as a starter.

Cool, sports-oriented bar!

4 Flautas

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Outside

Salsa Mexican Food

4.0(67 reviews)

0.1 mi

Overall a good casual Mexican place in Poway. It's nice to have a drive thru so you can order and…read morestay in your car. The menu includes most typical Mexican options including tacos, burritos, plates, tostada, and quesadillas. The prices are typical for most Mexican restaurants around $12-25 per entree. The food took a little longer but I appreciated the food was fresh and hot. The portions were generous, the food was delicious, and I liked how they used double tortilla so the taco didn't fall apart. Their hot sauces were really good too. Only thing is a lot of their specialty menu is on a white board that is weathered, half erased, and hard to read. Please refresh the board and rewrite the items so it's more legible.

Was in the mood for a simple bean and cheese burrito. This place is just down the street from where…read moreI live and it was my first time stopping in. They have a nice list of food and idrink offerings and have happy hour prices every morning for breakfast. Just check their white board at the drive thru. Service was great and the burrito was so big I had to cut it in half and ate the leftover the next day. It was a great value for the price. I'll be back to try more. The drive thru was convenient.

Menu 6/21/2023

Fish taco plate

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Jalapenos Mexican Food

4.1(1.1k reviews)

2.6 mi

The best taco shop up this way. All of thr food hits. You also get chips and salsa if you dine in.read more

I've been eyeing Jalepenos for a while and decided to finally try it tonight…read more It's bigger inside than I thought from seeing it from the parking lot of the shopping center. It's got a fun San Diego surfboard vibe mixed with sports jerseys and pictures on the wall which makes it a fun place to go with friends. I actually think it might be a better place to dine in then take out since it feels so clean and fun and surprisingly roomy inside as well. However I was a bit disappointed by the food. I was definitely underwhelmed by my California burrito - it was a little undercooked for my preference - no melted cheese on the inside and the tortilla seemed like it was just taken out of a bag and slapped on and it was actually a little tough to chew. The French fries didn't taste that good to me either and I felt as if I'd be better going across the lot to McDonalds and ordering a few fries to add in there. I was a little surprised the burrito wasn't cooked more because my to go order took a little bit longer than I expected to get to me and there wasn't that many people inside the restaurant so I thought at least it would be really hot and ready but I was a bit bummed by the overall taste when I bit in due to the way it was cooked and just overall taste. I still really like the vibe of this place but I thought the food was just okay.

Inside

Chips & Salsa

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Al Pastor Tacos

El Armando's Mexican Food Poway

2.9(211 reviews)

0.3 mi

Craving some Mexican food and passed by this place. Ordered drive thru. I could only see the inside…read morethrough the drive through window. The ceiling was suspicious. I was a little thrown off when they charged me for pickled carrots, but the weight off of burritos made up for that. Ordered a fish burrito and a surf & turf burrito. The surf and turf burrito was tasty! There was a good amount of shrimp.

It's that good! Stopped by for a late night/early morning snack. Hit the spot - tacos were really…read morebig and quite tasty. Tried the red and green sauces as well which both were great. Service was fast and friendly. This is walk up or drive thru only with a few tables outside.

Menu 2 11/28/23

Carna Asada chips

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Menu for the drive through...

Lupe's Cafe

4.4(264 reviews)

0.7 mi

Just to be clear, best taco shop in Poway. I've tried all the decent ones. Great service, too…read more Seems like the owner is on the grill sometimes. If so, good sign.

Probably one of my favorite carne asada burritos in Poway!…read more Lupe's Cafe is located in a tiny strip mall...drive too fast and you'll miss it. For reference, I believe it is located near Kaminski's BBQ so when you see it, slowwwwwww down, lol. I'm a carne asada burrito with sour cream kind of girl and the one served me up hit all the marks: tender, lean meat and pretty hefty in size. I also quite enjoy their rolled tacos that don't skimp on the cheese and guacamole. Yum! They also have an excellent salsa bar. Service is cordial and quick but probably best to call in your order in advance. Seating is pretty minimal so we usually get our food to go. Affordable prices, good portion sized meals and quick service. Enjoy!

See more unrecommended reviews

The shrimp omelette.

Nice local cafe

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The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Tamara K.

11 years ago

I've been going to eat lunch at this place for couple of years. Its small, nothing over the top but clean and orderly. Working from home definitely makes you establish a routine of places we go to eat lunch and this place is very solid. We usually get chicken soup from there. It is delicious and tastes like your grandma's chicken sopita. Although to my taste it can be a bit too salty at times. They add plenty of chicken breasts there, big chunks of veggies and avocado. I had the chicken tostadas and chicken meals with rice and beans. The chicken was fresh and the lettuce was crisp. The sauce had a nice bite. The owners are very nice people and really try to get to know the regulars with small talk. I like to support local business owners and I think this place it worth your time to try. My only suggestions for them - is to try to get better tortillas, may be something more authentic. read more

April M.

101

286

221

2 months ago

Yes, this is our FAVORITE restraunt in poway. Clean food without additives, without processed ingredients, real home cooked Mexican food with no additives or fillers. Carne asada and chicken tacos amazing! I loved the chicken enchiladas. They have an amazing green sauce with sour crème on top of the real chicken inside. Our kids always love the chicken soup. It's a great feeling to see my kids eating fresh veggies and fresh chicken that's in the soup. I placed an online order and my order was ready in 20minutes when I arrived. Very friendly owners as always! Thank you, Don pollo! read more

Angelicque D.

9 years ago

The chicken soup is the best in all of San Diego and the grilled chicken salad...delicious! The place is always super clean and the owner couldn't be any nicer and more willing to make you a great meal. Granted you can't please everyone, but for Robin M to describe this place as "average", have no real issues, such as bad service or a roach in the food, it's borderline idiotic to give a small business 2 stars. read more

Mark S.

3 years ago

Wonderful hidden gem with expertly grilled chicken marinated in a savory blend of spices. The chicken was cooked to juicy perfection. Don Pollo offers simple combo plates with pieces of chicken and rice and beans. Also delicious creations like the quinoa chicken salad. The staff is very attentive and you can tell they take pride in their food and the service read more

Esmael T.

12 years ago

I was here yesterday after my trip to Ben printing, quickly pulled out my phone and looked up on yelp the reviews of this place. They seemed good so I agreed to give it a try and it did not disappoint, got the chicken soup and I must say it really hit the spot. Will be back, thank you guys read more

Jennifer Y.

13 years ago

I haven't been here in a while, so I don't know if the menu has changed at all. The chicken soup is one thing you MUST try here, it's amazing. I love their tortas and their chicken plates as well. From what I remember, the salsa is homemade and I couldn't get enough of that stuff! read more

June T.

5 years ago

My family loves don pollo their specialty in our eyes is their soup! Seriously if you haven't already, you should. Plus after creating their out door seating area we've been enjoying actually sitting down to eat ! Thanks Don Pollo your costumer service is always the cherry on top read more

Lonny G.

13 years ago

I liked the al pastor street tacos. The beans were great too. Some guy next to me apeared to be eating some kind of item that wasn't on the menu. I wanted it! Tip: Make regular beef tacos! Make carne asada burritos!! I promise I will come all the time.... read more

Jose A.

9 years ago

Don Pollo is centrally located in Poway. Their food is excellent, prepared in traditional Mexican style. I particularly enjoyed their chicken soup, served in a very generous portion. Service was quick and delivered with a smile. I will come back often. read more

Christina S.

9 years ago

Great chicken and spicy salsa, need to update online menu. Cheap prices brought me in, but was in for a big surprise when I got there. 4 to 5 buck difference for a whole chicken, tortillas, salsa, and rice and beans was kinda a big hit on the wallet. read more

Bre L.

14 years ago

really good food and REALLY nice people work here! Really good customer service, i'm always happy. I'm always happy to eat here and spend money here because the employees are so kind and helpful read more

Christian W.

5 months ago

This place has changed my life. One of my boys showed me this the other day and I've eaten here 4 times in 2 weeks. Don Pollito has helped me realize not everything is all that bad man. read more

john p.

11 years ago

Great food and great customer service! The place is small with about 10 tables. Everything we ordered was very fresh! Very clean for a little taco shop. We will be back!!! read more

Marty D.

10 years ago

the best carne asada plate in town.....awesome service, the owneres are always at the register & overseeing everything......small place, but clean & healthy....and FRESH read more

Amina L.

9 years ago

The food is nutritionally excellent. Good prices. Try the chicken soup. Much better than other chain chicken places. Support aPoway merchant. read more

Lora D.

102

8 years ago

First eating here. Excellent food. At our table we had chicken soup,street tacos and chicken bowl. All had great flavor. We will be back. read more

Rene L.

11 years ago

I love this place !! It's delicious, very nice service, and you get your food quickly. One of my favorite places to go to for lunch

Peter K.

12 years ago

We can't wait to go back. Fantastic chicken beans, onions and service. Very warm welcoming service. I highly recommend them.

Todd H.

6 years ago

Wife loves the chicken soup. Can't go wrong with any of the chicken dishes. Hoping they get back to normal weekend hours.

Eliane S.

3 years ago

Great place to get chicken soup in Poway. Price is good and food is quality. They have a full menu of Mexican food. read more

Don Pollo - chickenshop - Updated September 2026

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If you are looking for a local Mexican restaurant, you have to try Lienzo Charro. It's a small…read moreplace with big flavors. A hidden gem in Poway. The staff was super nice. They were playing World Cup so it was nice to be watching that while eating lunch. They also serve table chips and salsa, which was delicious! With the salsa was a little spicier. I ordered the carne asada del charro. The meat had so much flavor and it was super tender. The bf got the beef taco, chicken enchilada, and beef tostada combo and it was a lot of food. Everything was delicious and tasted fresh. We will be coming back anytime we are craving some good Mexican food.

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Mexican fast food is me and my family's preferred cuisine. Our go to spot is Yesenia's Carmel…read moreMountain, which we've supported since 2010. Roberto's Taco Shop is a Mexican food restaurant chain started in 1964 and I believe I've dined at one of their shops when I was growing up in the South Bay, so eating here is nostalgic to me. I decided to visit this particular Roberto's because I read that a segment of society was trying to cancel this iconic chain due to its founder supporting our current President. I decided to support Roberto's for dinner last week where my wife and I got to grub on their delicious rolled tacos and I received friendly customer service from the young lady behind the counter. Roberto's Taco Shop has several locations around San Diego with the one I visited residing in Rancho Bernardo. The restaurant is located on Bernardo Center Drive specifically within the Big 5 and CVS shopping center. It's across from IHOP and a short walk to Sapphire Indian Cuisine restaurant. Roberto's is in between Big 5, Code Ninjas, and a few steps away from the UPS Store. This shopping center has plenty of free parking. There is covered outdoor seating and plenty of seating inside with high table top stool seating, low table top and chair seating, and wooden bench seating. There really isn't much decor inside the restaurant with it's yellow painted walls, a single television, and a framed Welcome To Roberto's Taco Shop art piece. The young lady behind the counter who took my order was friendly and had a positive attitude. My family's go to Mexican food spot is Yesenia's and I seriously have not found a San Diego Mexican fast food joint that has supplanted it. This was the first time in many years that I got to eat at Roberto's and I don't remember what I thought of their food way back when, so it felt like a first time experience. My wife craved fish tacos, so we ordered their #12 Two Fish Tacos combination plate, which comes with rice and beans. I ordered Carne Asada chips, which comes with cheese, guacamole, sour cream, salsa fresca, and queso. For our final item, I ordered their 3 rolled beef tacos with guacamole and cheese, but I added sour cream for an additional charge. My wife and I each had a fish taco, which were fresh, had plenty of toppings, and it was a good entree. I ate the Mexican rice and beans and thought both were cooked really well and were made to order. Their carne asada chips were covered with a lot of ingredients and had plenty of meat, but they were just okay. The star of our meal were their rolled tacos. The rolled tacos were packed with flavorful beef, they were hearty, they were fried perfectly, and they were covered with creamy sour cream, fresh guac, and had an ample amount of melted shredded cheese. We thought their rolled tacos were better than Yesenia's version. I took a star because they don't give complimentary tortilla chips and they don't have a serve yourself salsa bar. My wife and I have found a rival Mexican fast food restaurant that serves delicious and quality Mexican food. I don't think Roberto's Taco Shop can get cancelled if they continue to serve tasty rolled tacos that beats our favorite Mexican food spot.

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