This is everything you want in a neighborhood store, there old school meat counter still butchers there our meat , there Made to order food is amazing and there produce is fresh . Their service is very friendly and accommodating. Just a really nice market , check it out. read more

This review is only for the meat market section. I've been coming here for literally decades, although it had been a while since my last visit. In the past, this was the place to go if you wanted that old-school butcher shop experience and some of the best carne asada around. Unfortunately, my visit yesterday was disappointing. The meat selection seemed mediocre compared to what I remember. The carne asada was cut into small pieces (around 6 inches across) and was already pre-marinated. Years ago, the cuts were much larger, making them easier to grill and far more visually appealing. Back then, if you wanted it marinated, they would do it fresh for about $1 more per pound. That level of service made a difference. The young man behind the counter also gave me the impression that he really didn't care about my concerns, which only added to the disappointment. After cooking it, the carne asada just wasn't the same. It seemed dry and lacked the flavor and quality I had always associated with this market. I'm willing to give them one more chance in case this was just an off day. But if my next experience is the same, it will unfortunately be my last visit. read more

Great little store with all the basic necessities. Staff is always helpful & friendly. Lots of food options. read more

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Perfect place to get staples you need. Fresh meat. This is also the spot for three food places in one location. There is Chingon Taco's , Heavy's Smokehouse, and The Egg Cart. That is what brings us here today. The vibe is truly a Family friendly. Staff is amazing. read more

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I always go here for the beef jerky made and beef tallow. U can order your jerky flavors 2 days in advance. They run out quickly. Private parking lot. It's like a liquor store, grocery and butcher shop in one. Friendly customer service. read more

the other day got off of work, wanted to grab some fresh meat I scanned the butcher area for more than about a minute walking back-and-forth. The meat did not look very fresh and did not look very presentable and finally just got some chicken. The chicken was all right did not taste very fresh. It was dry. This place used to be a staple in our little neighborhood. Bring back Santa Fe Meat. read more

Good meat, at good prices. Smells like a wet mop in there but that's my only complaint.

Best service ever, It's clean, it smells nice, and has good tasting food. Congratulations to the new owners, they really showed kindness, and I cannot believe how it was. When I first entered, It was sparkly clean, the ground was in near perfect condition. The food and drinks were neatly organized, and they smiled while serving us. I would defined recommend this to anybody, 5 stars. read more

i got three different types of meat from here carne asada and two different types of chicken, 3lbs or asada and 2lbs of each chicken, i usually go to apple tree which i'm always satisfied with but i decided to give this spot a try. when i went to cook the meat i noticed each bad had at least a pound of juice inside the bags, leaving me with barley any meat, which i have never experienced going anywhere else. on top of that i also brought some guacamole from here it looked good once purchasing but when i tried it, it tasted disgusting and rotten. not only this but the staff was very rude. read more

Iconic location was a go to place in the 60s and 70s to get the best marinated carna asaad and tortillas ,but it has changed hands since o.g. owner had it. read more

HANDS DOWN .....the best adobada burrito, the lady how take my order she have a great customer service and the portion and quality and flavors and Tortilla Adobada Guacamole and Salsa are AMAZING.....i will encourage to visit this place and try this DELICIOUS FOOD ...... SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS ..!!!!!!! read more

Santa Fe Meats - DELICIOUS ADOBADA BURRITO....!!!! - Meat Shops Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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I am sorry. its just not as good as it use to be. I have been a customer since the late 1980's Lately the meat is just tougher and they dont marinade as long as they should. And its very very expensive. I need a recommendation for a better place to go. read more

Yes! They brought back the original carne Asada marinade! Awesome, so glad I went back after so many years. That flavor made me remember the first owners back in the 1980s. Now hang the old school posters back on the wall. Right Fernando? Put them back up or I'll buy them. read more

Family was in town visiting and found this gem of a place. Food was outstanding and so was the staff. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. The OG chicken is unmatched! Definitely telling everyone about this place and they have received a new local customer! Thank you. read more

Was looking forward to a luscious prime rib for my birthday dinner. I've shopped at places like Iowa meats and Costco for lovely ribs but they are outrageously expensive . I've shopped Vons with the special coupon price.... Excellent deal but really fatty and not prepared. Mark was very generous with his time and it was nice to talk to a knowledgeable butcher who is also a foodie! We decided on a 7 bone prime rib , trimmed, Frenched bones and trussed! I was looking for quality at a great price and I got that and then some! Thank you Mark! read more

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Stopped in for a prime rib. Very satisfied with the service I received. The butcher cut the meat to request. I received a welcome when walking in and was helped right away. Definitely will be coming back. Here is a snap shot of my prime rib being prepped. Nice cut of meat. read more

Santa Fe Meats - Prime Rib Seasoned - Meat Shops Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Amazing service Had everything we needed for our family event Arricherra, pollo asada, for the grill and sides, guacamole, rice, pico de gallo read more

Used to buy their marinated chicken they were so famous for and their fresh guacamole. I also liked their Saturday morning tacos. That was before COVID, that changed many of my habits. Fast forward to today. Needed a butcher to get a picanha cut. Stopped by and yes, they have it. Cut provided as requested (keep the fat layer!). Cooked same day: - juicy, juicy, juicy - tender - flavorful - meaty taste I would like to praise the cook (me), but it really was the meat. If you know how to cook and serve it, this place has the best picanha I have found in SD and it has nothing to envy to that served at the expensive Brazilian steakhouses in town, even when cooked by an amateur. Finally: priced right. read more

WoW!!! Immediately greeted at the door with smiley & happy face! The gentleman was Super nice & showed exactly where to look for items. We tried out their tacos & they were BOMB!! We're VERY picky about our tacos lol. So let me tell you, they are worth purchasing!! And the ladies who putting all the food together were also very kind & making sure we like what we got. And the prices for the meat were very decent ad well. And of course, the butcher was just as kind! I'll definitely be stopping by again on my way back home! Before i forget, the store was very neat & organized. I've been to several carnecerias that were less than pleasant to vist. So rest assured this place is nice & clean!! read more

Born and raised in Chula Vista, Santa Fe Meats has been a staple. Hands down, best flap meat in the county. Recent ownership change, not sure how long it's been. This new ownership has big shoes to fill. My recent visit had me talking Nicholas, butcher behind the fridge. Friendly gentleman. Mark at the register provided friendly service while checking out. I hope quality remains for years to come. read more

Santa Fe Meats - Santa Fe Meat Market - Meat Shops Near Me - Chula Vista, California

The marinade is horrible. The woman who works in the Taco Shop/ Deli told me it has changed. I've known her for many years. I went in on a Saturday at 12 pm I was the only customer. Why do you use Marc's picture? You lie. read more

Under new owner ship!! feels like home!! you have to try there new carnitas tacos!!! omg!!! amazing!!! good job!!!! sorry i didn't post a pic they looked to good to take the time!! read more

While planning our Christmas dinner menu, my son-in-law mentioned Santa Fe Meats as he was very impressed with the steaks he had been buying there. I called and talked to the owner, Mark, who was most kind and helpful in suggesting size and weight for a party of 8. We decided on a ten pound rib eye roast, removed from the bone and tied back on. I have been making this particular recipe every Christmas since 1981 and I was not disappointed in the roast I purchased. It was beautiful and delicious and the star of our Christmas feast. I was so impressed with the service at Santa Fe Meats that I will continue to be a loyal customer. Thank you Mark and the staff at Santa Fe Meats for such stellar service! Bobbi O. read more

My husband & I flew in from Wisconsin to celebrate family members 50th Wedding Anniversary and 40th/30th birthdays. I was doing the cooking and per the Yelp reviews selected Santa Fe meats. I was originally planning to make my own marinade but I learned Santa Fe Meats has a marinade with great reviews for 68 years called OG. It was delicious!! We bought marinated chicken, beef, carne asada and had chili relleno made at the little restaurant inside the store. Not only were all the meats and chili relleno the very best we've ever had, but in selecting vegetables from their produce all were perfect! Not a blemish on any of them! It was a remarkable place and the people I spoke with on the phone from Wisconsin were even more wonderful when we met them in person. A special thank you to Fernando the butcher who helped determine quantities, Joshua, Jeremy, and the two owners who happened to be on site and to the woman who made the chili relleno, you deserve a Medal of Honor from the city. I've never tasted anything so delicious! Chula Vista you have a jewel with Santa Fe Meats. read more

Stopped in the other day for some of their great carne asada and chorizo. Also got some pollo asada -marinated. Cooked it all today and I gotta say if the ownership changed, I don't notice the difference much in flavor of the meats.... Still excellent but for sure a little pricey. I still try to stop by every few months for that great carne asada and chorizo. Update! Went before super bowl and picked up some chorizo, arrachera, Queso fresco and a few other items to make for the game. Everything turned out fantastic because of those quality meats and produce. The chorizo has a great flavor and very little fat. We were able to put some on top of our nachos because it was not greasy at all. The cuts of carne asada are excellent and very tender and juicy. Everything is so fresh here and prices are good. A must stop for me when I'm in the area!! read more

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OMG !! Best arrachera ready to put on the grill ! Is always good to go at this iconic place, thanks.

Hey Mark if he would've had a bag on his hand I would've been ok with that. He had no bag and when I asked him if he was going to wear gloves he said no his hands were clean and proceeded to stick his bare hands into the chicken. That's when I said to cancel my order. You never tried to speak with me. I walked out and on the way out I spoke to the lady in the front counter. I told her they shouldn't be doing that. You don't like what I wrote and you are trying to make it look like it's a one time thing. On Mother's Day that place would've been packed at least an hour or more to get your order back in the day. When I arrived I was the only person there. That should've been the big indicator that this place in no longer the same. read more

Best pollo Asada in San Diego, comes pre-marinated and is amazing. I alway get the "leg meat" pollo asada. Their flap meat and queso fresco is also fantastic. The owner Mark is super helpful and the nicest guy ever. Try this place next time you are having a BBQ. Their "meats packs" are perfect for parties and a great value!!! read more

food is delicious, the owner is extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. The tamales are to die for especially the meat one. But of course the specialty is their meat. Give them a call. Ask for Nathans dad. Let him know that the guy who recommended Knightfall Series show on Netflix, recommended Santa Fe meats. If you mention this, you will get a free. read more

Great butcher shop. Good quality meat. The butcher is friendly and very helpful. This place has such a friendly neighborhood feel to it. The owner is very friendly, talks to you as he is work the cash register. It's truly hard to find places like this now adays. They make you feel like you've been a longtime customer. I highly recommend this place. Especially if you like to smok meat.They have cuts that you can't find at your local grocery store. read more

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This is a gem with high quality meats and excellent customer service. I come here once a month to purchase my meats and it's worth the drive. I usually get a number 4 and substitute the meats I don't make as much for others that I do, the owner is always willing to accommodate you:) I took pictures of the menu since they don't have it posted online, if you ever forget you can always call and the owner will email it to you. Protip: call ahead and they will have your order ready when you get there. read more

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Let me tell you. Everything from start to finish was amazing. Customer Service: I had a party to plan and I was referred to this place by my boss. I wanted to just at least check out the menu to take home, not realizing that that they were closing in 30 mins. Got there maybe 10 mins before closing. Not once did anyone in the store make me feel rushed or looked like they were in a hurry to close shop because they were closing soon. That's when I met Mark. Such and awesome person. He is very nice, professional, very accommodating to the needs of my party. Even when my husband had picked up the food, presentation was awesome (this coming from my husbands mouth). We will definitely do business with them again! Food: Food was amazing! You can tell when the food is really good when you have a handful of different family members come up to you and tell you how good the food is and to give them Santa Fe's contact info. I had ordered 2 large trays of meat (1 lg carne asada and a large tray of half pollo asado, and half carnitas). All was good but my favorite,hands down, was the carne asada. They also have some side dishes as well in which I got a small tray of guac, veggie tray, and rice. They have a full blown menu to choose from (cooked or raw) so all the things I've mentioned here is not all of it. Words cannot justify how great this place is so I say give it a try! They even have a small kitchenette so you can taste some of their food :) We will definitely do business with them again! Mark and Peter (owners/business partners), thank you so much for providing such excellent service! Hope to see you soon! read more

Have never actually been in the store but since I was born my dad swears by this Carne Asada. This is a staple for any BBQ we have. We live in Poway and have family in Texas. We take this meat everywhere for our family events. The marinade and the meat quality is great! read more

Changed ownership and apparently got all new butchers. It is not the same. This is totally heartbreaking for me because this place used to be one of the greatest. First of all, they have the arrachera sitting out all day pre-marinated. This is not the way the original butchers would do it. They would weigh it, clean it, then prepare it. These guys they have there now say it's the "same." Nah, it ain't. We have given them multiple tries over the past year and a half and we always regret it. The meat always ends up tasting sour and bad, and not the way it tasted for the past 20 years. Very disappointing. read more

Love this place !!! Quality meat and outstanding customer service. To the gentleman working the register your touching story on having kids hit home for me praying for you and your family. read more

What a great find in Chula Vista! We ordered our Christmas prime rib from here and were not disappointed. Order was ready in an hour and staff was very friendly. Price was very reasonable as well. read more

Santa Fe Meats - Meat Shops Near Me - Chula Vista, California

We were looking for a prime Rib Roast for Christmas Dinner, that wasn't outrageously expensive. We have done Costco in the past, but I didn't need a 20lb roast. I googled Butcher shops and saw the great reviews Santa Fe Meats had. I called and spoke with the owner Mark, and he was very helpful and told me they could cut the size I needed, and it was a great price! I went to the store, met Mark and his staff, and they were so friendly and knowledgeable. They cut a 7+lb beautiful prime rib roast that they trimmed and tied for me. We were going to rotisserie the roast, but due to the rain we cooked it in the oven. What a delicious roast it was, and our friends kept raving about how tender and tasty the roast was! We will definitely be going back to visit Mark for all of our meat needs, and our friends will be going there too. They also have lamb (which I'm going to have him grind), goose, duck, and rabbit as well as homemade Chorizo (which we can't wait to try). We are also looking forward to trying the prime filets. Thank you so much Mark for making our Christmas dinner one to remember, and we hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year's. read more

Santa Fe Meats - So tender and delicious! - Meat Shops Near Me - Chula Vista, California

This place had been here for decades and has a reputation for quality. The butcher(s) take pride in their work which is evident by their friendliness behind the counter and enthusiasm about their product. My family ate like kings. Marinated carne asada was magnificent. The absolute best the area has to offer, and that's saying something. Homemade guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa rojo, hit after hit after hit. Their tortillas the perfect canvas for nothing less than the apex of Mexican bbq. I will be coming back until the day I die and haunt my family's bbq's forevermore. read more

love me some santa fe meats man this place is the stuff been coming here for 5 years now ans it just keeps on getting better ans better!!! 100/10 recommend this bada** place read more

Santa Fe Meats - Steaks - Meat Shops Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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Always great service. Anytime I come to San Diego I make time to grab some carne asada from Santa Fe Meats. They are always cheerful behind the meat counter. I have been coming from Virginia and now Oregon for 19 years since my wife left San Diego and it's still they same great service. And by the way for those negative reviews, they all speak English. Maybe recognize it's a bilingual community and the shopper in front of may not. read more