- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Cotija's Mexican Grill
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Seafood Mexican, Seafood [Edit]
1092 Garnet Ave(between Cass St & Dawes St)
San Diego, CA 92109
Neighbourhood: Pacific Beach
(858) 273-1241
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Amin M. said: "We went for mother's brunch day and really enjoyed, the omelet was fantastic with gorgeous view and very nice staff." read more »
127 reviews for Cotija's Mexican Grill
Review Highlights
-
"Yuummm, can't wait to get another burrito here." In 65 reviews -
"Loved the rolled tacos, generous portions of guacamole." In 9 reviews -
"This is a great place for late night/early morning eats." In 15 reviews
Loading...
127 reviews in English
-
Review from Jessica L.
San Diego, CA
5/10/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Of all the 24hr drunchie mexican food places in San Diego, Cotija's can be considered top shelf!
The prices are similar to that of rigoberto's, cotijans, and mxn; however the food quality is much higher, the burritos are larger, and the service is friendlier! Cotija's has amazing breakfast burritos and carne asada fries, but their best item is probably their bohemoth of a burrito called the grande burrito. It is truly grande and comes with all the fixins' definitly recommend this if you are HUNGRY and HUNGOVER.... HUNGROVER?
If I was drunk or hungrover in PB, which happens more often than it should, I would choose to come to Cotija's over all the other 24 hr stops.
-1 star: NO HORCHATA, what mexican place doesn't have horchata, blasphemous.Listed in: MEXICANA, BORIQUA, COLOMBIANA,…
-
Review from Ferdinand D.
Perris, CA
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was hungry, looking for a place to eat quickly before I went barhopping in PB. I yelp'ed Cotija's and wasn't impressed with how it looked from the outside. Their menu was enormous but I knew what I wanted; 2 carnitas tacos. While waiting for my tacos to arrive, I was expecting two mini tacos like you would regularly see at places like King Taco. The tacos I received from Cotija's were more like MINI BURRITOS. These tacos were ENORMOUS... juicy and delicious at that! I was seriously stuffed after 1 and a half tacos.
In the end, food was DELICIOUS, open late, and another hole-in-the-wall that ended up impressing me yet again. -
Review from Anna B.
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA
3/6/2012
$1.49 FISH TACO = 5 stars
$1.39 mini taco = 4 stars
Getting checked out by every dirty Mexican in the store = 3 stars
No bathrooms = 2 stars
cheap, cheap, cheap tacos on Garnet = 5 stars.
Small, cute establishment with an English-speaking cashier = 4 stars
Averages out to be about 4 stars, 'nuff said. -
Review from Matt S.
San Diego, CA
5/23/2012
Cotijas USED TO BE awesome but then they changed their menu, raised their prices, and started turning out smaller portions that arent as good.
Now, they are on par with any other cheap Burrito joint in town. -
Review from Joey K.
San Diego, CA
5/3/2012
This used to be the best place for Mexican food in PB...However, they raised all their prices and changed their menu. I guess they figured everyone would be too drunk to notice. RIP Cotijas
-
Review from Lee P.
San Diego, CA
5/7/2012
I was a 3-4 burrito a week guy.
Then they started getting inconsistent with what was in burritos, then they jacked the prices up.
This place was my hero, now I don't even consider it an option. If anyone has any suggestions for a new burrito joint, let me know. -
Review from Andy D.
2/12/2012 2 photos
I wasn't planning on checking this place out. I figured I've tried enough Mexican places in PB, and there were really only a handful of places left in PB that I really wanted to try. For the most part, there isn't much difference between one Mexican place and another. You're mostly guaranteed of decent to good, inexpensive fast food. Yesterday I noticed that this place had higher ratings than I had remembered, so I thought I'd give it a try.
The place is just an average no-frills taco shop. I ordered a carne asada taco, and a shrimp burrito for about $7-8.00. Nothing wrong with that. The carne asada was pretty good. I was thinking 4-stars at that point. I probably wouldn't have went for the shrimp burrito, but I saw this place listed here somewhere as a Mexican/seafood place. I'd probably give this place a 3 1/2.
I wish they had a 10-star rating system. I probably have a lot of 3 and 4-star reviews that I would have preferred to give 3 1/2 stars. Is a 10-star system that much more of a hassle from a programming standpoint? -
Review from Critic F.
San Diego, CA
4/12/2012
Used to be my regular take out place but they have just recently raised the price by $2 each burrito sadly, stop going there now and there's a lot more taco shop around!
-
Review from Jenn C.
1/31/2012
It saddens me to write this review. I used to come here all the time for later night Mexican after a night at Johnny V's or Typhoon. It was cheap and decent food.
As of my last visit, I have decided never to come back. Fiance's bean and cheese burrito was mediocre. The sides I got were nothing to write home about. They were reluctant to give us extra hot sauce. (I like my food REALLY spicy!) To top it off my fiance and my friend both got food poisoning. Yeah, sorry old friend. No more. -
Review from Dan F.
Used to hit this place all the time ,after the bars closed down for the night. Basically the same place looks wise but the menu is a little different. The menu is exactly the same as the Santee location , which is a good thing .
I was hoping they had the burrito I had gotten in the past ! The San Diego burrito! It was a carne asada burrito with a chilli relleno inside ,red sauce , cheese , gauc and it was great. SOB it's no longer on the menu.........
Well with a little bit of a frown on my face I went with the daily special, carne burrito and 3 rolled w/ gauc and a drink $7.( http://www.yelp.com/bi... ) This is still a great deal same as the Santee location.
Food and salsa are excellente !!! It's good to know when you see Cotija's shop you well get high quality Mexican food at each location and there are a lot of them.Listed in: Burrito shops shops shops…
-
Review from Zac G.
Washington, DC
1/9/2012
I love this place so much it hurts.
Born and raised in SoCal so I KNOW Mexican food. This place is my fav. Live on the East Coast now and dream about it all the time. All the burritos and tacos kick ass. Careful going here late night after the bar. Place is full of flat billed moto-bros trying to pick fights and promiscuous women. -
Review from Jennifer D.
Tracy, CA
2/23/2012
Cotijas is the best fast Mexican food in San Diego. Every time I go I always order the carne asada fries without carne asada (only because I don't really eat red meats), and every time I am not disappointed. The fries are nice and crispy, and the smaller fries as opposed to the big beef steak fries that some places use. They pile on delicious refried beans, salsa fresca, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, a perfect combination. I also like to add a lot of their fresh made salsa, the hottest kind of course. I do think that their salsa could stand to be a little more spicy, especially for the "hot," but it still adds that extra little kick that I am looking for. Go to Cotijas and find your favorite lunch, dinner, or late-night after the bars dish, trust me it is worth it!
-
Review from David H.
12/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Like the deals that include a drink. The burritos are huge. Looks like a log! Taste is decent. Service is pretty good. Good for a late night food fix. Prices are not too bad amigo. You can get a meal with a drink for under $10.00. We are spoiled here in Socal with so many Mexican food choices. Where to choose? Guess I'll have to try them all!
Parking lot is rather small and the stalls are narrow. -
Review from Rebecca O.
San Diego, CA
12/14/2011
You must've been absolutely hammered if you actually thought this place was good! this is my first 1 star rating and for good reason. the late night drunkards are the only way this place is able to stay open, after too much partying at typhoon or tavern, what have you. but seriously the food here is gross.
Me and friend were on Garnet craving mexican. Thought i'd try their california. Oh my god it was dripping with grease! and the meat wasn't anything special. i doubt they marinade or even season it. I couldn't finish it.
If you want legit taco shop go to el varrata on clairemont and balboa. Its open 24 hrs and they know how to prepare fresh tasty mexican food. -
Review from Teresa N.
La Jolla, CA
3/3/2012
Fish taco is yummy and it costs less than $2, do I need to say more?
-
Review from Susan S.
West Hollywood, CA
10/15/2011
Uh oh, you caught me. This is my favorite spot to hit up after the bars in PB. It's conveniently located between all the bars and right by my friends house so I always make a quick stop here before I head home. And TRUST, on weekend nights around 1-2am, this place is packed. A perfect place to chat up people in line and eat delicious mexican food!
I always order the carne asada burrito, its absolutely amazing. For $5, i can get a two pound burrito that can keep me satisfied for a good 12 hours. I always take extra hot sauce at their hot sauce bar cause i like my food spicy!!
Yuummm, can't wait to get another burrito here! -
Review from jessica c.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/26/2012
THIS PLACE IS GROSS. Exercise caution, and think twice about satisfying your drunchies here.
-
Review from Stephanie K.
San Diego, CA
8/3/2011
Where else can you get an enormous/delicious shredded beef burrito for $2.19?? (This is only semi-rhetorical; if you know please tell me.)
Their carne asada burritos come generously loaded with guac + salsa fresca, and they're open super late. Certainly a Garnet staple.
- bona fide Coti-hoe -
Review from evelyn c.
Los Angeles, CA
8/12/2011
A lot of food for the price, had the shrimp quesadilla and two fish tacos for 11 bucks and 4 people shared!!
Definitely a hole in the wall joint near PB the food is great and the price is definitely better! -
Review from Seiji N.
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Another place for drunk food.
Just a tip, you can go to the back through the kitchen to use the bathroom. I had their cheese, bean, and rice burrito. Satisfyinggggg. As with other places for drunk food, just look out for crazy drunk shenanigans. -
Review from Kristen S.
San Diego, CA
12/6/2011
This place is open late and is located right next to all the bars on Garnet...so they do great business. I've been here several times (yes, I drink too much and yes, I get really bad drunk munchies). Honestly, I haven't been impressed with any of the food. I find it too greasy and unhealthy tasting. I love me some fresh Mexican food. We live in a land where great Mexican restaurants dot the horizon, so eating here is always disappointing. Not to mention...I've seen more than one bro fight here after the bars close. Ramone's Mexican Food is right up the street and the food there is waaay better...of course you'll then have to eat outside on the benches.
-
Review from Rob D.
2/15/2011
Unbelievably good wraps... you can taste the corn and butter in every bite.
The burritos are gigantic... delicious... and under 5 dollars... I don't think you can beat that anywhere.
Also, I liked their fish taco better than PB Shore Club's. The authenticity of their food is spot on and will have you craving their flavors as soon as you leave.
The San Diego burrito was made from chili rejeno's and a bunch of other vegetables and sauces. While this burrito was outstanding, I thought it could have benefited from a mole sauce... or just something a little sweet. Other than that, the food at this joint is insanely good! -
Review from Joan A.
4/4/2011
Don't let the burned out sign or the drunk college students turn you away!
The food here is DELICIOUS. I had a veggie burrito (hold the lettuce) and I was impressed by the rice, beans, guac, sour cream and salsa. I didn't feel like I missed out by skipping on the carne asada or grilled chicken.
The carne asada fries were perfect, just enough toppings but a good heaping of french fries as well. Their portions are VERY generous, I had enough for dinner, breakfast, and lunch!
I think I want to go back and try the California burrito, everyone in line seemed to order a version of it.
The only minus star was for the sticky booths and the burned out sign, but just get your food to go and enjoy! -
Review from Thuy T.
San Diego, CA
4/10/2011
I got the popular Hash Browns Burrito, which is apparently a favorite there! The food there is quite overrated and greasy. The salsa options are not good. I have definitely had better burritos in San Diego. I think the ratings are high because drunk PB residents go where when everywhere else is closed. Although the burrito is definitely loaded with meat, it's just feels like I just clogged another vessel in my heart with this shit. I don't think I'll come back here again. I love burritos, but this is definitely not one of those places I'd go for burritos unless you like the taste of highly unsaturated cholesterol sitting in your stomach. Their food is seriously drenched with FAT!
I ate most of the burrito, and tossed out about 1/3 of the remaining shit of sour cream, oil, and unsaturated fat. I NEVER toss out food. I always bring home leftovers for the future, but I knew finishing this burrito will make me feel sick. Every bite feels like it goes straight to be fat ass and I'll never do enough squats to have a JLo's ass.
Seriously think about your booty and heart before getting a breakfast burrito. -
Review from DubR R.
Los Angeles, CA
5/10/2011
Memories of San Diego will forever be defined by the Cotija experience.
This is the only reason to live once you have drank PB dry and are hating life and the hangover to come. Where else would you find a burrito that can give you a sourcream moustache? Women of such small stature will surprise you with their ability to consume $10 worth of Cotijas which is around 15 pounds of food because of its generous pricing.
Ive seldom woken up using their burritos as pillows while smoking some fajita flautas.
MUST GO: After 2am to witness the cluster fux
ENUNCIATE: "coe - tie -djuzz" -
Review from Nancy P.
San Diego, CA
11/4/2011
Why!?!?!? Why Cotija!?!?!?!?!? Why must you make the best f'n burrito I've EVER, and I mean, EVER, had?!?!?!?!? You are just steps from my business and it takes all I have to not get that f'n HASH BROWN BURRITO every day!!!!!! There is nothing healthy about that burrito. But there is ALL THINGS AWESOME about it.
-
Review from Jeremy T.
Mountain View, CA
12/15/2011
when i think of my most favorite and consistent tasting burrito, i think cotijas. i still don't understand what they do; nothing compares in flavor...nothing.
i've had the fish burrito, diablo shrimp (muy hot), and my favorite: california burrito, ADD EGG. i get about three green and red salsas and a bunch of napkins...and sip on each salsa caddie after every bite. odd, but effective (better distribution of salsa in the burrito).
probably not the healthiest of burritos...YUM. -
Review from Teddy K.
La Jolla, CA
7/18/2011
Nom-a-friggen-licious.
This Cotija's is my go to Mexican food place. Their carne asada fries are as bauce sauce as it gets. A lot of places make you compromise, some only give guac, some only give sour cream. Not here. They give you guac, sour cream, and top it off with some friggen pico de gallo, beans, and cheese. No need to compromise here brosephs y brosephinas.
Their shrimp burrito is awesome as well. Highly recommended. Diablo shrimp burrito? Even more highly recommended.
I recently tried their carne asada quesadilla which was delicious as well albeit a little dry. It's basically a carne asada burrito that Kirstie Alley sat on.
The only downside are the bums outside, but it's PB. Oh whales. -
Review from Alice C.
10/30/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I've been here twice now. For the shitshow that this place becomes at 2am when the bars close, I'm quite impressed with how fast the line moves, and how accurate the orders are!
Not the cleanest (I'm slightly clean OCD, and I'm still giving it 4 stars, so that says something), but reminds me a lot of El Farolito in SF. You don't come for the atmosphere. You come for cheap, filling late night grub.
The carne asada burrito here is fantastic when you're grabbing a 4th meal, and it's not just drunk talk either, because the 2nd half was just as great for lunch today sober :) -
Review from Brian S.
Updated - 10/27/2011
The place is getting a little "tired" looking - faded sign, etc. But the food and service is still GREAT.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/29/2010
I'm still licking my lips. This was my first experience of having anything quite like the Cane… Read more »
-
-
Review from Denise L.
San Diego, CA
3/6/2011
Great mexican food, highly recommend the Carne Asada Burrito. Open late after the bars close so its a better option than Denny's down the street. They do however close without notice to the customers still eating by turning off the lights and locking the door.
Great spicy salsa.
Prices are fair as well. -
Review from Jen T.
11/3/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This is not the best veggie burrito I've ever had. But it's good. I don't always know how clean this place is, but the staff is pleasant. The other patrons are usually pretty creepy, so I like my burrito to go :)
Yes, I only get a veggie burrito, but mostly because I don't like meat to take the flavor away from veggies smothered in sour cream and guacamole. I mean, isn't that the point? :)
The service is pretty quick, the burritos are pretty large, the tortillas they use are amazing. The breakfast burritos have also gotten me through many rough mornings.
The real downside is that parking is kind of annoying. If you do find a spot in that little lot, it's like an accident waiting to happen because it's so tight! I'd recommend just parking on the cross street. -
Review from Susan C.
Granada Hills, CA
9/22/2010
Visit 1: Vegetarian Burrito = Alright.
Visit 2: Fish Tacos = Alright.
Visit 3: Shrimp Burrito + Guacamole = WIN.
I will compromise healthy eating for Cotija's (which makes me glad that it's not too close-by)-- I killed that stuffed tortilla. And I don't kill things very often.
Cotija's is on the smaller-side, and seats might not always be available, but taking it to-go isn't so bad; no one really comes to pay for the ambiance (unless you really dig the PB-grunge-feel).
And, I don't know if you'll find this as useful as I do, but: the closest bathroom is at McDonalds. I don't know if it's because I drink a lot (of water), but I find myself running across the street with every visit. -
Review from Khushbu G.
La Jolla, CA
10/11/2011
This place looks super shady and the food is ridiculously cheap. I was kind of hesitant, but the food was good and presentation was 5/5. I didn't feel comfortable inside cause all the cooks were staring me down from inside. Meh. I'd just order the food to go. The burritos are huge though!
-
Review from Mike H.
El Cajon, CA
Updated - 10/16/2010
WOW. I just had the best carne asada fries EVER and for under $6?? This place is the only place you should go to if you want excellent carne asada fries.
Let me break it down.
The fries were crispy and not oily at all - 5/5
The carne asada was tender - 5/5
The guac was not watered down - 5/5
The salsa fresca was actually fresh - 5/5
add 2 types of fresh cheese - 5/5
You get a perfect 5 stars.
Service on the other hand is about 2/5.
They also make a decent hot sauce now..I guess the owner has been reading yelp reviews.
The drunk college kids ?? They are still there, but I don't mind some of them.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/28/2010
This place makes a very good carne asada and california burrito.
The only reason I'm giving it 3… Read more »
-
-
Review from Ray C.
San Diego, CA
11/27/2010
Cotijas a PB staple for taco shops. I have been enjoying their under $5 deals for the past 19yrs. If you are on a shoestring budget this is the taco shop for you.
2 fish tacos rice beans and a drink plate special will fill your belly for the day. The $1.50 street tacos are a great deal with all the fixings. Nice trick is order one of these and a $1.50 rice/bean burrito put the street taco inside the burrito $3 bucks slam dunk tasty meal.
The chili verde burrito is the bomb almost as good as grandmas chili verde. They are right home of the srimp burrito because it is the real deal.
If you like the red sauce get any of their burriots WET you will be in heaven.
Dont expect to much by the seating or decor but that is not why you come to this place. It is for the cheap Burritos and tacos people. Want fancy tables and chairs go down the street to GRINGOS on Mission.
After 1am come buzzzed like everyone else its funner that way :) -
Review from Justin H.
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
11/22/2011
Decent mexican fast food. The surf and turf burrito is what I often get. Friendly staff, perhaps better than the other quick mexican joints in the neighborhood
-
Review from Dave N.
Hicksville, NY
1/5/2011
I've been to many taco places in PB and this still ranks as one of my favorites, if not my favorite.
Carne Asada fries are ridiculously good as are the fish tacos. Horchatas are excellent as well. I've tried a lot of their salsas and all taste great as well. Every time I'm in PB this is my go to place for carne asada fries and tacos. -
Review from Kim L.
9/20/2008
This will be the most useless review I ever write because:
1) If you've ever partaken in PB nightlife, you already know what I will say;
2) If you avoid PB like Yersinia pestis, you'll never need what I will say.
But I'm gonna say it anyway.
F the chihuahua. Yo Quiero Cotijas.
After a late night, the only time-tested anti-hangover remedy I can recommend is the cheap, hefty glut-fest that is the Cotijas burritos--I'm particularly partial to the Hash Brown Burrito myself. Odd? Yes. Cheap? Yes. Instantaneous atherosclerosis? Undoubtedly. Total bliss in every bite? Yes. YES. OH GOD, YES!!!!
...and if you're still reading, you should know that parking can be limited, the place is fairly small, the line gets pretty long, and while the food gets prepared quickly, the staff is not always snappy with letting you know your order's ready. But despite this, I still advocate Cotijas as a PB place to be ^_^Listed in: Zipparrillo's!
-
Review from Donna H.
10/1/2008
Wow, cheapest ever.. this must be the "bacon-dog cart" of San Diego. It's the place to go after hanging out in PB at some lounge. You're buzzed and hungry. You won't notice the cleanliness or lack there of because you'll be too buzzed to notice.. All you can think about is the burrito wrapped in some yellow wrapping that isn't foil. Cotija's is the place to go. The line was out the door, but they're super speedy and ridiculously cheap.
I was told to get the Hash Brown Burrito.. I must have been really buzzed or something, but the egg was so mind-blowing delicious. We have hash browns in Norcal burritos... They're called breakfast burrito.. because that's what it is.... lols.. It just tastes better when potatoes are involved in the name.. damnit.. and those eggs were hella good.
Drunk food approved. :D -- I hope this is the correct location I'm reviewing.. 3.5 stars. 3 because it's average, but +.5 because most adventures away from home make it more exciting.
