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Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tue-Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tue-Sat. 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Don't Just Wish Someone A Good Holiday, Give Them One With Chili's.
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My Dad and sister and I came to Mario's for a sentimental journey and some tasty Mexican delights. We ordered relleno's, the fish Veracruz and the seafood casserole. All of the dishes were delicious.
The best part was our waitress. She was amazing! Such great service and all with a smile.
This is one of my parents favorite places. I have never tried the place but was heading to Kaiser… Read more »
I've worked right across the street from this place for the last 6 months and today was the first day that I actually ate there. I had lunch there with one of my co workers. The food itself was pretty tasty. I had Chile Colorado and an iced tea. The restaurant is cozy. The staff friendly.
The smell however, not so nice. We sat near the bathroom and it was pretty strong soapy bathroom smell. the kind of "clean" smell that makes you think that it might be sorta dirty!! hahaha. So if you're going to eat there, do not sit in the back near the bathroom.
Price wise our meal was really inexpensive, just about $24 for 2 people. The food was good, but not the best mexican food I've had.
I would give it 5 stars just for the service.
The waitress was a sweetheart, and didn't mind when i sent my food back. ( i know, i'm a horrible person)
I like the atmosphere. I felt like i was at a small little restaurant south of the border.
The food was good. It was very authentic and I really enjoyed it. It's the closest to true mexican food that i've eaten while out here... but i'm still searching for the food that makes me scream "OLE!!!" lol
p.s.
The only reason i sent my first plate back ( the chicken rancheros burrito) is because i have started to eat chicken after being a vegetarian for my whole life and it was a little too much for me. (random i know)
The bean and cheese was much better.
Phew. Last Friday I was passing through downtown La Mesa, and smelled something so terrific that I and my friend, after parking the car, went in search of this awesome smell. We ended up at Mario's and had their delightful seafood soup. Quite gratifying; enough so that we will be returning just for the soup!
Went here with a group of six and that was our first mistake.
This place is super crowded and it's super tiny.
That's just part of it. Ordered my food and as I always say judge by the beans. Well no didn't pass my bean test, they are totally fake and fake as in possibly canned. No goodness there no yummo from me either.
I ordered an enchilada, cold, flavorless, no no no!
Someone else in our party got the carne asada and liked it but I don't know I'm not to convinced. Based on other reviews I might give this place a shot but do I really want to spend another $20 here when I can just go try something new???? Maybe not.
Went here with the fam for Sunday brunch, and it was super cute! Tiny little place with exceptional service. All our food tasted authentic and home made. Could have used a little more spices, but I like my food really spicy. Their chorizo is particularly delish, as are their chilequiles. Would definitely go back.
Wonderful sit-down Mexican restaurant. Chile Colorado and Chile Relleno were spectacular. Enchiladas were good, too. I'll be back!!!
I love this restaurant! It's really good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I love how close it is to my house and the cute little neighborhood that it's in. Also, it has a patio for outdoor seating.
The food is really freaking delicious. Their salsa is to die for and the guacamole is so yummy. Every time I eat here I always leave happy.
But maybe sometimes, yes, it does get crowded in this small, homey building. But it's usually worth it.
One of my favorite places to eat in La Mesa -- It has become my families go to restaurant whenever we feel like eating out somewhere close to home. We've been coming here for quite a while now and have never had anything to complain about *knock on wood*
Services is good, even on busy nights, and the food is consistently good as well. Their fish tacos are my favorite dish!
I suppose the only complaint I have about the place is just the size of it. While it does give you that homey mom and pop type of feel, the building is awfully small. Be prepared to wait during prime time hours.
I LOVE this place. I always get the beef tacos. They add guacamole to the tacos and they are just so flavorful.
They always have great homemade soups.
The staff is very accomodating and friendly. They give quick and efficient service.
My little girls love choosing a lollipop at the end of their meal too.
I can't say enough good things about Marios.
Mario's of La Mesa is a fantastic spot. I try to eat there every week and have sampled most of the menu, and I keep on coming back. The service is usually very good, but they can get busy. If you can eat out on the patio, go for it, although in doors is excellent as well.
What I like most about the food is has very authentic flavors, not over powering, but rich and lasting. They have a number of sauces they use for various dishes, instead of just spreading one on everthing. The only sauce that's not my favorite is the mole, it's just okay. But the chile colorado is an amazing and the carnitas in red sauce (which has sauteed onions, mushrooms and peppers) is a sure winner.
If you like machaca, ask for it without eggs and crispy "dorada", you'll come back for more. The carne asada is excelent at well and I enjoy getting their number 10, a small carne asada buritto, rice and beans, and I get it smothered in enchelada sacue. Primo stuff! You can also get whole beans which is a nice healthy option.
The soups are fantastic as well. Today I had the chicken and rice soup and it wasn't greasy and was full of chicken and vegetables. They have one soup a day and every one has been a winner, although I've not tried the seafood soup. It's served on Mondays.
The only meal I've struggled with has been their Pollo Asada, for what ever reason, the flavors just don't work for me.
Marios has been one of the most consistantly good mexican places I go. All my friends love it too. You can still see Mario from time to time in the kitchen, but mostly is his family that takes care of you. Enjoy.
Went there today for my first time and loved it . I had heard about it from friends. They kept saying that the portions are large and that it's very authentic food . I agree give it a shot you won't be dissapointed and that's coming from someone that was raised on authentic Mexican food . I also like that it feels like someones house . Great place all the way around .
I took a four day excursion to San Diego recently. I stayed in La Mesa and went ahead and scoped out local flavors on Yelp in advance so there would be no disappointments. I am glad I did, because I enjoyed my meal at Mario's my first night in the SD area so much that I had dinner there again the next night. The third night, I almost came back again, but was convinced by a local that El Indio was a great restaurant. Convinced that I should have more variety in my life, I decided to try this El Indio, and let me tell you how much I regret that decision. Lesson learned: When one is lucky enough to find a restaurant as delicious, warm, and friendly as Mario's, one must never take that for granted. Hold on tight and never let go :-/
Some people have been saying in their reviews that Mario's De La Mesa is some of the best Mexican food that they have eaten. While I would hardly go that far, it is rather good. I love mole and since some people said that they do a pretty good job I decided to give it a try. For a non Oaxacan restaurant, I must say that they have a pretty damn good take on Chicken Mole. The service was rather good. Prices were very reasonable as I think I spent less than $100 for 5 people with tip and tax. Since my in-laws live in La Mesa I will always keep Mario's in mind when I need to sit down for my Mexican and do not want to hit the local Alberto's, Roberto's, Alibertos, etc. for a Mexican food fix.
Found this place on Yelp when looking for things to do during Oktoberfest last year. This place serves the best Mexican food hands down. I have tried many times to catch these folks off guard by ordering something new every time I come here, not once have I left disappointed or not quite fat and happy.
Eating outside on the patio is fine in either summer or winter, the heat lamps will keep you warm while you gorge yourself on some of best Mexican food you'll probably ever have.
This is my favorite Mex restaurant. Their Chile Relleno is the best ever. My husband's favorite is their daily soup, which is served with all the goodies on the side - oregano, white onions, cilantro, and green onion. He also loves the menudo. The staff is friendly, attentive and quick, (Angel the busser is the bomb). I love Marios -- only downside - no margaritas -beer and wine only, (but they do have my fav Mex beer, Negro Modelo). I think the thing that makes this restaurant so great is consistency. Their food is ALWAYS great. Service is ALWAYS friendly and quick.
This is one of my little brother's favorite places in town. We go there every time he comes down to visit from Seattle since their Mexican food is laughable.
The food here isn't too bad. It's a very home-style-like restaurant. In fact, it looks like it could have been a house at one point. Everything comes out presentable and in a timely fashion. It taste delicious and that dollar to awesome ration is quite even.
Mario's is a sure bet when you find yourself wanting more than the usual taco shop variety for dinner. There's Por Favor's down the street, but Mario's wins in a taste test hands down. They also serve Negro Modelo. It's awesome.
This place is as good as it gets for me. I have had two 5 star experiences here in a row.
I love how this place is in a house and utilizes the backyard as a patio! Its so cute and homey! The service is speedy! Seconds after sitting down chips and water magically appeared on the table. An older Mexican lady drops of a free sample of fruit salad. MMMMMmmmmmmmm!
The order is taken and before you know BOOM! Hot delicious food is steaming in front of you and you eat!
I love this place. I will frequent this place like no other now that I live here in La Mesa. I would even drive here for dinner or lunch if I lived in La Jolla.
Bomb-diggity
The parents and I had our mommy's day lunch here. The Chile Relleno was awesome. Everything was fresh, and appereared/tasted like it was home made. I have been there one other time and remember the food being excellent. Give it a try...I think that just because the margaritas aren't 100% perfect, it is hardly a reason to rate them low. Service, food, and nice portions are well worth it. Price isn't even something to worry about.
Later
Dude, I didn't think this place was that great. I like Antonio's Hacienda (aka Hacienda Casa Blanca) over by Parkway Plaza better.
The fam and I decided to try this place after reading all the rave reviews. It was good, but not ALL that. WTF is up with the lame margaritas?
Antonio's or Casa Blanca (whatever it's called now) is WAY better, especially the margarita's.
Did I mention I like Margaritas?
Margarita!
Let's get one thing straight the food here is better than average to good, however I don't go to a sit down restaurant for the food only. It's everything that goes with the food, this is not a taco stand I am visiting here.
First I tried to eat here once before but they close at 8:45 pm so I suggest you get here early cause 9:30 is to late for mom and pop. So I did return at an earlier time, this place is packed full of kids and families taking up way to much space in a small area. Still I remain open minded, I order a beer my woman tries to order a margarita but they don't have a real liquor licence they make them with wine! That's almost enough to walk out on right there, the service was average my menu handed to me had hot sauce all over it and our waiter seemed busy with something else.
Like I said the food was good, but a restaurant needs to be much more than just feeding your face. Get off this places jock, and find somewhere that's an all around better restaurant, not just a feed bag.
Mario's is just such a cool little homestyle kind of place. I've been going there since they moved from the industrial district on the other side of I-8. I usually have just something light to eat, so I haven't sampled a lot of items, but the rest of my party has always been happy with their heaping plates o' food. Good selection, prices, and service. Love the patio too. One time when Mario's was closed I ended up at Marieta's nearby and boy was I disappointed!
Nice Mexican restaurant.
I ordered the carne asada burrito with guacamole and my wife ordered the beef taco, we also got complimentary chips and salsa.
The carne asada in my burrito was well grilled. Very good burrito and fresh guacamole. Food is pretty good here.
One thing I did notice is that there were a lot of grandpa & grandma's there today at lunch. Probably took up most of the dinning area.
The heat is closing in.
Guy Davenport had been hiding out in the northland, but a sombrero-wearing assassin showed up at his door and burned down his safehouse. Out of options, I rode the back of a firestorm on down to San Diego and took Madame Sombrero out to dinner at Mario's place in La Mesa. It was her suggestion, she likes her victims to die on a full stomach.
And had Guy finally bought the farm that night, he would have died happy, since the food was excellent. This place qualifies as what Guy usually thinks of as a fancy mexican restaurant. Typically, I'll only eat mexican food at either simple taquerias or nice mexican restaurants, and nothing in between. Mario's was full of quaint decorations to make it feel warm and homey, but the menu is top-notch. It reminded Guy of the kind of places his grandfather used to take him in San Diego when he was young.
I ordered the carnitas while Madame got a "mole" or something. I'd never heard of one of those. apparently some sort of spicy chocolate sauce or something. She let me try some of hers and yes it did indeed kinda taste like spicy chocolate, but it was very good. My carnitas was excellent as well, although there was too much of it to finish in one sitting. Madame Sombrero mocked me for my less-than-manly appetite, so I handcuffed her to the table.
Guy Davenport would have left her there, but she promised not to kill me if I let her go and took her to get frozen yogurt. And so, trusting fool, I did. True to her word, she held her fire, but I left Mario's fine restaurant with a funny itch in the back of my spine that something terrible was slowly tightening its noose around my neck. Mario's sated and satisfied me, but I might never make it back there again. A pity. Next time you're in La Mesa, check the old boy out and have a drink on Guy Davenport.
For La Mesa, this place is good. We don't have a lot of options out here. The service is very good and the owners are very kind. Authentic, yet a little greasy. Great fish tacos. It never disappoints.
This place is damn good.
It's nestled in downtown La Mesa in a building that looks like a house of sorts.
It''s really authentic Mexican food and a good place to take taco-virgins (your tourist pals) who will become elated at the taste of real Mex cuisine.
Afterwards, you can walk off the meal by strolling around the cute shops in downtown La Mesa, or you canhead over to Joe N' Andy' for an adult beverage.
I've only been to Mario's once and was completely turned off.
Why? They put so much cumin in their food.
Everything looked perfect, such as the salsa, rice and Albondigas (Meatball Soup), up until I tasted the strong Cumin flavor. I've tried every which way to get that out of my taste buds, but have failed to do so.
This place is in my neck of the woods and I'm pretty open-minded. I've read the reviews and may actually give this place another shot. I just hope and pray that they've cut /decreased the cumin in their food.
All I have to say, is "just eat here"! Delicious!!! Everything on the menu tastes so home made and fresh.
This is my wife's favorite mexican restaurant in Southern California and I love it also. The mole is the best that I have had so far, it is not too chocolaty and not too sweet (I have had mole where I got sick because it tasted like a Hershey bar. ) and the chili colorado is done perfectly. The only real complaint that I have had so far is that the last time that we went the cumin monster had attacked the salsa, but it has only happened once so I assume that it is a mistake.
Oh Mario - why have I neglected to find you sooner? This place put a serious notch in my waistline - because I finished my plate and my two fiends plates too! I hope they didn't want those leftovers.
If anyone from SDSU pre-2003 remembers Bertha's (or was it Esthers?) and their man-arm burrito - well Mario's has the man-arm Chile Relleno. Seriously it was huge and good. I had the carnitas - served like no way I have ever had it before with onions and mushrooms and peppers - and it was delicious. I have consumed my body weight in carnitas and have never had it served like this. The rice and beans were good - chips n salsa were average.
Will definitely be back to try more items off the menu!!!
More like a 3.5. I really wanted to like this place but the food wasn't as flavorful as I like my Mexican food to be. The place was adorable though, very homey and the service was really great. Maybe I should go back and order something else (I had the mole and wasn't too impressed). It was also really busy when I went so waiting around didn't help.
Outstanding food and service. Best sit down Mexican food in town!
Try the machaca with eggs for a late breakfast. Better yet do your taste buds a favor and order the cheese enchiladas with tomatillos sauce and a Dos Equis Amber to drink for lunch or dinner.
Nice little place... the food is average Mexican for a heavily Hispanic town like San Diego. That said they kick ass on El Torito
Pretty good mexican food for SD. Service was wonderful, we ended up sitting outside enjoyiing the wonderful view. I actually went to this restaurant because of yelp! Pricing was good and the guacamole was yummy.
Have heard this place was good and am just sorry that I hadn't tried it sooner. My husband and I came here for lunch. Soon after we sat down we were offered a complimentary fruit salad that was fabulous. We both ordered the build your own fish tacos. Let me just say wow! Some of the best I have ever had and the portions were huge. We could have split one order. The meal also came with rice and beans. This was most definitely a dinner portion. Service was very friendly and attentive.
i LOVE their beans! they are not loaded with salt like some other beans i've had
Tried this place yesterday with the wife and kid and was very happy I did. I ordered the carne asada burrito plate that came with a smaller size burrito, rice and beans for $7.99, My wife ordered the fish tacos and she said they were good but would not order them again? oh also ordered a beef taco since my weakness is anything fried and its incredible. Service was great as we went at lunch time and they were busy. Cant wait to go back and try the carnitas.
amazing food. i had the huevos mexicanos which was so amazingly delicious (side note: not many options for vegetarians like me, but that was to die for). my girlfriend got the carne asada and she said it was some of the best c.a. she's ever had. great chips and salsa, too; the salsa wasn't too spicy, so it was really good when piled high on a chip. we went there for the first time last sunday for brunch, so there were plenty of people there who seemed like they'd been going there for years and still loved it; i hope to become one of these people. they do this cool thing for brunch, where everyone gets free fruit salad, which was strange but really good. mario's was hands down great mexican. huge portions for real cheap.
ps- it's in an old house in a generic neighborhood, so it's kind of easy to miss.
I love me some Mario's! The only reason I didn't give them a five star rating is because they've been a little inconsistent as of late. I don't know if it's a new cook, but the rice and beans have been a bit off. if you're in La Mesa and want mexican food, this is the place. FORGET Casa de Pico and head straight on over to Mario's.
I no longer live in San Diego, but I consider this restaurant to be one of the highest redeeming qualities the city has to offer. I had been going to Mario's before it moved to downtown La Mesa, back when it was a hole in the wall in that industrial district. Back in those days it seemed like each year's Christmas decorations made it into the restaurants permanent decor. When they moved to downtown La Mesa the ambiance got a little fancier, but the heart of the cooking remained the same. There is nothing bad to be eaten at Mario's, it's all good stuff. This place has the world's most perfect lard to bean ratio, and the ranchero sauce could end the conflict in the Middle East.
Neighborhood: El Cajon
Category: Mexican
El Cajon, CA
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: El Cajon
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: El Cajon
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: La Mesa
Category: Mexican
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