Super disappointed! The fries was soggy, Beef was overdone. I have to wait 40 mins in drive through line. This was at 10pm. and my food has been prepared, I can see it there but they did not hand it to me until another employee step in. I have tried to contact the phone number for customer service several times but no one ever pick up nor reach back to me.I left voice messages and they haven't reached back at all. I was given the manager phone number, tried to call several times still doesn't pick up! Don't waste your money here read more

Vallarta Express - Customer service phone number - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Tonight I visited this eatery with my family. My experience was not good. The food was fine but I did notice that none of cooks had gloves on when preparing the food. Additionally, the person working at the register was rude when taking my order and not very welcoming. Kind of sad because I have visited this establishment on several occasions with my young children. I will not be returning. There are other places to eat at in San Diego where the environment is comfortable and welcoming. read more

One of the best California burritos I've ever had! The prices are a little higher than other taco shops; however, the portions are huge. I had the green and orange hot sauce and both were amazing! My go to is usually street tacos and I didn't see any here, but there are lots of options. Lines can be long, so prepare for a little wait; however, I don't think you'll be disappointed! read more

This place used to be ok. Now it's just a waste of money. Ordered fish burritos and carne asada tacos. The fish burritos were bland. No sauce. Cabbage mixture wasn't fresh. Carne asada tacos were massive and not in a good way. It's like they didn't even chop the carne asada. Slapped together. Nothing tastes right. There's just no pride in their products. Won't ever come here again. So disappointed in having wasted my time and money. read more

I ordered the carne asada fries & it wasn't bad but it was more fries than carne asada which is kinda ridiculous since the price is pretty high. read more

I have been meaning to leave this review for a long time. I'm sitting here sick and craving the chicken soup that I used to love SO much from Vallarta and honestly downright angry that I can't get it anymore. So angry that I'm finally taking the time to write this review. When this location first opened I was skeptical. Not sure why, but something about it did not appeal to me. My boyfriend manages a bar right down the street so I finally decided to give it a shot and get rolled tacos. Figured that would be a safe bet. While the flavor was wonderful, the amount of meat inside was so pathetic. I could easily break off over an inch on either side of the rolled taco without any meat in it whatsoever. Not to mention the cheese on top was not melted. At all. In fact it was cold. I vowed to never return if they couldn't even get rolled tacos right. However my boyfriend heard through the grapevine that their chicken soup is phenomenal. So one night when I was particularly sick he picked it up for me. And the rumors were spot on...best chicken soup EVER. It was my go to for the longest time. The flavor was so rich, full of tons of great ingredients (never skimped on the chicken or avocado). I occasionally ordered other items but was ALWAYS disappointed. Eventually the quality of the soup went down too. I couldn't quite place my finger on it, but whatever magical recipe they had been using was clearly altered. But it was still decent, and hit the spot when I was sick. Recently (within the last 6 months) I was sick again. We ordered the chicken soup and an order of cheese enchiladas. I have to laugh now at how horrible this is. I got my soup and all of the sudden they had added PEAS in it. PEAS. Why in the world would a Mexican food restaurant even have peas in their stock? There was also NO chicken! NONE! I couldn't even believe it. The broth was watery. The vegetables were soggy. I threw it out. The cheese enchiladas were for my boyfriend. Get this...the cheese inside was ICE COLD. Not luke warm, not cool to the touch. Straight out of the fridge COLD. We poked at the enchilada with our fingers and the outside tortilla felt very cool too. I couldn't believe it. It was as if it was pre-made and stored in a fridge or cooler then they either forgot to warm it up or popped it in a microwave for just a few seconds? I don't know. I can't even come up with an explanation. So we called to tell them what happened. No apology, no offer to replace our food, no invitation to come back and have it made right. Just "okay why are you calling". Absolutely horrible customer service, absolutely horrible food. Save your money and drive just up the road to El Azteca. read more

So disappointing. The value and quality and customer service has continually gone down hill since this location opened years ago.

Rice bean and cheese burrito, pretty simple, no? Uncooked rice: as in hard and crunchy, I thought I broke a tooth. Sour beans. Cheap, cold cheese, tortilla bright white, may have hit the range for all Of 3 seconds...Wow. Utterly Awful. Do not eat here. This is garbage food. read more

I've tried a few different items from the menu now and I'm still not sold on the drive thru aspect of this place because they have messed up my order when I tried to use the service. It could just be that the majority of the times I've been here were at night though. I think the enchiladas are pretty good. Full disclosure, I don't order anything thing with cheese or any type of dairy product, but I still enjoyed them. I always order the black beans, they're pretty good here. And I ask for the green sauce because the 'red' is an unappealing shade of rust. Another thing I've noticed about their menu is no wheat tortilla option and no potato tacos. This wouldn't be a regular choice for me because I like to customize my vegetarian burrito and there's not enough options here for me, but I think it's a good place for something that's open 24 hours. I wish them luck with being the third drive thru Mexican place on Jackson Dr in the span of less than a mile.. read more

Vallarta Express - Enchiladas with black beans, they added cheese and sour cream that I didn't want :/ - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

The carne asada quesadillas are very good I like how they put a lot of cheeses and meat.

Sunday, September 1st I had a family gathering for my son and daughter-in-law, who are .moving to Arizona. I normally buy Mexican food from Vallarta on Genesee Ave in Clairemont but since my other son is hosting the party in La Mesa, I placed a catering order with Vallarta in La Mesa. Joanne took my order over the phone and was very helpful. This was a pretty big order with Rolled Tacos, Enchilada, Tacos, Rice and Beans. When I picked it up everything was hot and ready. They supplied a lot of hot sauce, sour cream, guacamole and salsa fresco. Everything was well packaged and easy to transport to the party. Joanne told me I could order half chicken or beef on any of the items which I didn't even think to ask. It was great because this hit everyone's preference. The food was delicious and everyone loved it. I am so pleased with my choice of restaurants to get catering done for this event. I am so thankful for all of Joanne's help. read more

This review is for the carnitas taco. It was large, tasty & good quality. Probably the best carnitas taco that I've ever had!

Their food is decent but not always. It is so overpriced as well. I just went and grabbed food from there and got two orders of 4 rolled tacos, two cheese quesadillas and a large horchata.......$36.03..... I drive away and take a drunk of my $3.70 horchata and it might as well have been ice water. Literally barely taste of horchata at all and I paid $3.70! What an absolute f*cling joke. I'm done. read more

This is the 4th or 5th time I've returned to Vallarta Express for their Carne Asada Platter. Never disappointed. Huge portion, enough for two meals and filled with meaty goodness. It comes with sides of beans, rice and a salad, along with your choice of tortillas. Service is fast, food is fresh. It's open 24 hours a day so you can always satisfy your late night cravings. read more

If you don't have a late night spot for food after going out what are you even doing ?! We all have our special taco shops and one of mine is Vallarata Express. I always recommend the burritos but the Christian Fries are also a staple. The staff here are always so welcoming and sweet and never forget that special red sauce we all crave. I appreciate the hard work that goes into giving me a great experience everytime ! read more

Vallarta Express - a man eating a taco - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Arrived at Vallarta Express and the place was immaculate clean and service was very quick. The servers were also very friendly and answered all my questions. Left with a couple of very delicious burritos. They were very big so even though the price might seem steep, you really are getting your money's worth. I will be returning! read more

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I will not ever spend another another dollar in the restaurant I will also be contacting the better business bureau as well to file a complaint. Every single time I eat at this restaurant the customer service is absolutely horrible. Today at 550pm on November 20,2023 the lady working the drive through was completely rude. I had tried to give me order she cuts me off with attitude. I try to give me order the second time and she turns around has a conversation with her coworker instead. I had asked a simple question about a taco on the menu, she replied with attitude I am so posed to know what's on the menu? There's a better way of handling a customers question. Then she says she refuses to serve myself also my wife. I proceeded to ask for the owners number when I approached the window she shuts it in my face. I will again be sure to let the major of La Mesa know as well who I am good friends with. read more

Vallarta Express - Rude employee - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

The food was meh but the service was really bad. I stood in front of the counter for 5 minutes without anyone attending me and it was not busy at all while they were listening to music really loud they couldn't even hear me, then I proceeded to ask for more salsa and they would only give me 5 more like what?? I thought it was free and I only wanted 7 more for my girlfriend and I. Fool is whatever but I would never come here because the service is really bad they need to get new cashiers read more

Vallarta Express - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

I got carne asada fries. The fries were all hard and the carne asada was cold. I don't think I'll be going there again.

The lady that serves the people in the morning is absolutely horrendously horrible. She wants to hurry up and rush you through the drive-through. She doesn't care about giving you good service, and the prices are extremely high. I do not recommend this place at all. read more

I just took one bite from my carne asada burrito and I saw that the meat in in was undercooked. It was still pink, and that was not looking good to eat. read more

Vallarta Express - Undercooked burrito - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Honestly, I only come to this place because of the drive thru convenience. The customer service is awful. They're always rude when taking orders/receiving money at the window. They don't greet you, they automatically say, "what do you want." The food is average at best. Way too overpriced for the quality they provide. read more

Food was amazing! But not impressed with the drive thru attendant. She made it a point to fake cough on my hand when handing me back my card. Wouldn't have been a deal except we're going threw a pandemic. This is completely unprofessional and should not be something people should have to worry about. read more

This place really has gone down hill due mostly to their infamous rude & lazy staff. We have been going to Vallarta SINCE it opened here in La Mesa & spoke so highly of this place. Even made friends there. As time went by, you noticed the influx of new staff coming through and no longer seeing the friendly faces we've once knew. Now mind you, this was not the first confrontation that has occurred where the order was not right. This is one of multiple occasions. Multiples. This is the last time we'll ever be going there. We came in a normal weekday night, not busy at all. Cashier at the front, per the usual, not smiling or courteous at all. Here's strike one: After taking our order of carne asada fries (extra crispy) & a carne Taco with sliced avocado, we were given our receipt and noticed right away that she put in our order wrong. The thing is, I always order the same 2 things: I'm your basic girl who loves her carne asada chips or fries. We go & let her know she put in a Cali burrito instead & proceeded to argue with me that "well I asked you if wanted this or that, & you said this". I apologized even though I knew what I said. Whatever. Not a big deal. But like I said, I order. The. Same. Damn. Thing. Every. Time. Strike two: we get our food & notice the Taco has guac..... So we let her know. Again. She then proceeds to argue with my bf explicitly arguing with him stating "how am I suppose to read your mind that you didn't want guac and sliced avocado" MIND BLOWN. At this point, I'm so hungry I don't care anymore but bf here is really upset with the customer service that on my behalf lets her know, "I don't appreciate you arguing with my gf & now your arguing with me". I go up to try to diffuse the level of hostility building up and politely come up to her & say "I'm sorry but yea you were arguing, you're not smiling you're not being polite & you're trying to tell us we're wrong". HER EXCUSE? "It's because I have people in my ear on these headphones taking orders at the same time talking with you guys". That was her excuse for not smiling. That was her admitted confession she wasn't really listening to us when taking our order. If only you could see my eye roll. In conclusion, def won't be coming back. Lost more than 2 customers as we highly had recommended this place to many friends & family. Note to management: better training on your staff. You had 2 cooks, & I believe 2-3 other people there. Yet ONE was doing both inside & drive through orders. read more

Vallarta Express - Fries, taquitos & nachos! - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Not sure what happened but my husband and I gave this place so many tries this past year that I had to update my review. The quality of the food isn't as good as it used to be. Every time we would get food from there, the taste of the meat would be off. It has a burnt taste. It's as if the meat was cooked on a dirty grill. I can't recommend this place anymore, sadly. read more

This is probably one of my favorite drive through taco shops in La Mesa. The food always taste very fresh clean and consistent. They are also very generous with their hot sauces which is always a plus we also like to sit out on their front porch area and watch TV and enjoy a beer a cool feature that isn't typical at a taco shop! read more

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Rude! No acknowledgement when I got to the window. I sat at least 4 minutes while the guy and girl chatted it up. Finally the guy comes to window and says, $10.20 nonchalant Not even a thank you for waiting, your total is $10.20. When he gave me my card and food, "here you go". Still in deep conversation with the chic, he never asked if i needed sauce, napkins, nada! It only takes one time for me. read more

Just went here for lunch in La Mesa and was craving a breakfast burrito but with no meat. Did not know I was going to get a breakfast burrito 90% beans. Person at drive-through is a freaking mute. Should be fired and hire somebody that appreciates a job and more excited about at least doing drive-through. Perhaps the owner should read the reviews if they like to get higher volume of customers and teach their people have to have more enthusiasm for a longevity business.I think I would've got better service and food at Taco Bell read more

Great food!!! Customer service was horrible and forgot a item I ordered when she clarified it with attitude. read more

I truly have tried. I want to help local businesses but these guys have lost mine. My family likes them but for me other than ordering a breakfast burrito they can't get an order right. I've ordered several items over the years they have been open and I'm guessing when it comes to my orders they have a 90% failure rate. I've ordered several different items and they can't get the order right. Here is a small list. 1. I order a Pacifico while I'm waiting for my food to be prepared, I've only been able to get 1. The keg is always empty. 2. Rolled tacos. I ask for no sour cream or guacamole because I have milk allergies. To this day they have never got that one right, not once. 3. Tonight was the final straw because this is the 3rd or 4th time it's been wrong, it's only been right once. I asked for a carne asada burrito, meat and rice only. Not too difficult of a task as this isn't Mac Donald's and every thing is pre-made. I got it home, it seemed cold. I unrolled it, it was as 1/2 Pico de Gallo and guacamole and 1/2 meat. I'm done!!! I will not be back!!! I'd rather order 2 taco's for .99 at Jack in the Box than come back here. After 20+ chances and at 10% success rate, you have failed miserably, A very unhappy ex-customer read more

Just meh! My first time trying this place and it was not good. The rellano was hard and crispy not soft. It wasn't gutted. It had the entire insides of the rellano and the seeds. The Spanish rice had way too much ingredients in it. Not my style at all. I tried once and I'm done. read more

Vallarta Express - The chunk from the inside of the rellano. - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I would give this place no stars if possible. Our order had several mistakes which happens but the customer service after it the mistake happened which is why I'm writing this review. The young, tall skinny girl that "helped us" resolve the problem with the order was a completely rude. If you are going to mess up several items in my order, please spare me the attitude and eye rolling. My favorite part was that she was so pissed she had to "fix" the situation, she never even spoke to us during the whole transaction. We had to clarify what the order that she shoved across the counter. There's a million other places in San Diego. We will not be coming back here. read more

While in La Mesa, I thought I'd grab a bite for dinner. I love Vallarta's food at the Gensee location, so I figured the food would be as good at this locale. I purchased a Chile relleno. I have not paid so much for one, nor have I ever tasted such a HORRIBLE chili relleno! I could only eat two bites before throwing it in the trash. No flavor, no sauce, chili was hard and under cooked AWFUL!! read more

I think it's a rough time for most smaller places to keep chefs and quality employees, but gotta be honest. The food was bad, the service was worse, and apparently despite laws that say every food establishment needs to have a restroom for patrons, that's not accessible here either. I took my mom in and we were both very disappointed and will not be returning. Plenty of other taco shop options in the area, definitely felt like a waste of money and time. read more

Stopped here Wednesday afternoon because I was craving their red salsa. I'm very disappointed with the customer service we received. I'm okay with waiting in line but I'm not okay with how the cashier responded when I asked to get the taco redone without salsa. Her response "it's already made" so we purchased another one and luckily we checked our food while in the car and realized the burrito we ordered was actually a taco so we returned it & didn't even get an apology. On top of it the pico de Gallo tasted weird. I don't think I will be returning to this location. read more

If it says 24 hours not only on the window but also on Yelp.... how can they justify closing for 45 minutes to 0clean the grill" according to the person that was working. How unprofessional!!! It's 2021... get it together!!! read more

I waited 10 min for 2 tacos. A potato taco and shrimp. Was charged $12 and I drive away. Come to find out I was charged for 3 tacos and they gave me the wrong order. Last time I go here. read more

This is the best Mexican food place in town!! Their rolled tacos are freshly made, loaded with everything (unlike most places) for a fair price! My mom get this carne Asada Fries on lettuce. (Since she's keto/ gluten free) read more

Vallarta Express - Beef rolled tacos. Carne asada fries - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Check your order (food) before leaving the restaurant. This is second time they forgot to add pico de gallo the most important topping on my Super Nachos. I live 8 miles away. I do not feel to drive 16 extra miles to return food. Waste of money and time. Bill-7808 Order# 1003 05/01/2019 00:54 read more

Ugh! The worst Mexican food that I have ever had! I know flavors change, I worked for a hot sauce company. But, can anyone tell me what weird spice is in the enchilada red sauce. I just can't put my finger on it. Almost like a baking spice and/or cinnamon. Ok, so for $9.55, I ordered a bean and cheese burrito and one cheese enchilada. The prices are high and I was already stuck in the drive-thru, plus I wanted to try them. Had to repeat my simple order 4 times. I have NEVER had an enchilada with cold shredded cheese inside, no sauce inside and so much sauce on the outside that you couldn't tell what it was. Sauce was beyond horrible. Burrito was large, but cold and the same cheap tasteless shredded cold cheese. Who can screw up a bean and cheese burrito?! The "hot sauce" on the side....just hot, no flavor. Yes, I actually had to wait a while for this. I should have spent literally a few dollars more and went to Casa de Pico for take-out. Stay away. Update: I did speak with the manager because he should know. He offered to replace the items. He said the food is really good and wanted me to try again. I told him that I thought enchiladas were served from a "prep" pan. Mistakes happen. But honestly, I probably won't try again. read more