Maritza's Mexican Food

Family friendly, wonderful, extremely delicious food, fabulous customer service, nearly authentic (except the cheddar cheese). My family has been coming here for decades. Accessible (ramp to get up to the restaurant is further to the left of the restaurant). The food is so good that family that's moved out of state comes at least once, sometimes twice or more, when visiting and buy extra on their last day in town so they can take it with them back home. Such a lovely family cherished friends. They treat all their customers like family. It always feels like coming home for comfort food wrapped in a joyful hug. Try it. You'll love it. Bring cash!

the lady at the front desk was so kind and sweet. she makes such a caring atmosphere. each and every customer is important to her. thanks so much for the food

Very popular, small local, Mexican food restaurant in a strip mall. This family owned business has been here for many years. I first came here over 30 years ago. The decor isn't fancy but the food is delicious. If you are wanting great Mexican food at reasonable prices you won't be disappointed. It can be busy but the wait is worth it.

You can tell they make their food with love. Living in San Diego, we eat mexican food almost every week. Maritza’s is our go to. The house salsa is sooooo fresh and delicious.

One of the few places that actually grills their carne asada over a wood-fired parilla. You can taste the difference. The guacamole and salsa is super fresh and the perfect accompaniment. You can tell everything is made by hand with love and tradition. Best carne asada burritos in the county.

Maritza’s is our favorite Mexican Restaurant. My brother loves to come for Carnitas Wednesdays as so many others. We dine in and many of the to go orders seemed to be the Wednesday Carnitas. I like many of the dishes, taco plates, enchiladas and other combo plates. Our favorite thing that brings us here is the homemade salsa that Carmen makes every day. You can see her chopping the chili peppers and blending the delicious salsa. Many people also comment on the their salsa. The location is a little hidden in the south west area of Clairemont off of Mt Acadia in a little strip mall. The building is also set back off Mt Acadia so you need to drive to the back of parking lot entrance. It is worth going there. It is a hidden gem of Mexican Food and many of the customers are regulars which Carmen knows most by name and she knows what they normally order.She and her mom , also named Carmen are so nice and attentive. If you haven’t been there , it is a must try, highly recommended.

Nice Mexican food but quite pricey (carne asada around $20 for that plate) but they have other cheaper plates and options. The paper plate got sliced through while I was slicing the beef steak but the food was overall quite nice. Especially enjoyed the guacamole and salsa and putting everything on the tortilla to make taco.

I was impressed by the flavor. Everything tasted home made and fresh. A true hidden gem. With tamales!

This is my first time here and I will CERTAINLY be back! I got the #1 beef tacos with rice and beans , as well as a chicken taco. This is the most delicious home cooked meal I've had out in a long time. The shredded beef is amazing, the shell hot , fresh.... The rice and beans were FANTASTIC! So fresh, sooooo good.... By the way the SALSA WAS AMAZING AND HOME MADE!!!! I will say with confidence the best salsa I've ever had from a restaurant , certainly! And the woman working was extremely warm and nice to me as well as other patrons , and she made my day better. The feeling of a family restaurant with . I'm not from the immediate area but I will drive out of the way to come back here. Classic food that I hope never changes!! It is seriously life changing.

We finally had a chance to check out this neighborhood spot. Service was great, and very welcoming. The Chile Relleno was good but soggy due to the sauce. The carne asada and chimichanga was good as well. Everything in our opinion would have been better if there were a variety of salsa to choose from to enhance the dishes. We given 1 kind and was told it was the hottest, however, for us it was more on the mild to medium side. So if you're looking for a Mexican place that is basic and straightforward with its flavor, this is the place for you.

This place is definitely a hole in the wall. I been here about three months ago and forgot to review and remembered this place. Food is fresh and tasty. They use curly fries for the California burrito and adds a great taste. The cashier is very welcoming and polite. They have plenty of seating for indoor dining. I will be coming back much sooner!

Only accepts cash but that's ok, I save all of mine for this place. Always delicious!

Wow, I haven't had curly fries in forever! These were good, although the meat was a bit dry. We also ordered a chicken taco (came in a fried shell), a couple of fish tacos (came in a flour shell wrap), and a carne asada taco (also flour shell). Be aware that these are regular sized tacos, not those boutique-y small ones so we definitely over ordered. They are cash only. Plentiful free parking in the lot.

Awesome local find for some family owned quality Mexican food. Had the California burrito which was prepared in about 10 mins, served with homemade salsa, and was super tender and flavorful--packed with meat. Remember to bring cash! The staff were super friendly and welcoming and the food is affordable and really flavorful. Would reccomend stopping by if in the area, it's a great local family owned find! Lots of people order takeout but there are a few tables inside to sit as well!

5 Stars - Worth the Drive, Every Time Maritza's Mexican Food is the kind of place you don't just eat at--you return to. Again and again. Everything is cooked with intention. It's a family-owned spot that truly knows its regulars, and people like me come from far just to get a bite. Wednesday is carnitas day--get there early, because once they're out, that's it. And trust me, you want those carnitas. No frills, just flavor. It's a 6-table taco shop, but you'll be served like family. No need to dress up or head to a big restaurant--this is where the real magic happens. Cash only, salsa has a serious kick (you've been warned), and the food? Incredible

I haven't eaten here in years but I was craving chili rellanos so I decided to go pick up some from Maritza's. I am so glad I did. They were delicious and made perfectly. The rice and beans were wonderful unlike many places where the rice is dry. The beans are refried and went perfectly with my chilies. The place was busy at 3:30 pm on a Saturday, so I did have to wait a bit for my order but it was made fresh and hot. Will return soon for more.

Have been coming here forever. Tried everything, fabulous tacos, burritos, enchiladas, sopes, chimichangas, carnitas on Wednesday's( order ahead they run out). Service is stellar, call ahead, wait on hold and bring cash! Smaller seating area that is usually nearly full. Pick anything you will love it. Ooh the homemade salsa can have a kick but you'll want more.

Super clean taco shop with an inviting atmosphere! I ordered a burrito, and it was absolutely amazing--flavorful, fresh, and perfectly made. You can tell this place takes real pride in their cooking. Definitely worth a visit if you're craving great tacos or burritos!

Insanely good! I couldn't believe how piping hot the burrito was. The carne asada was seasoned to perfection, and the guacamole and salsa were super fresh and delicious. I ordered them on the side and I loved how they gave me a decent amount of both. The burrito tasted authentic and homemade, I loved it and will definitely be back. Customer service was friendly too!

Everything I want in a place! Delicious burrito, friendly service, and great prices. The dining room is simple, but clean.

Order the two crunchy chicken tacos with rice and beans. So simple it's so perfect. It came right out of the grease. The chips. Tacos were perfect. The salsa bowl they brought to my table was delightful and spicy. Giant fan This family is doing everything right

Hip hip hoooray!!! I checked my purse, I had money (which is rare, I just don't carry cash). Like I was saying, I had money and I headed to Maritza's Mexican Food!!! I can't think of any other place that Only Accepts Cash, but no matter my mouth was watering! The location is a bit tricky since this neighborhood is mostly homes, and a school, but don't let that sway you away, it's there. A tiny place with about 5-6 tables, then the front counter (where you order) and the cooks right behind. There are about 8 tiny businesses in this parking lot starting with a tap school, Maritza's, an alteration place and so on. I did not say I had a lot of money, but I had enough for 3 rolled beef tacos, with cheese on top, and a small container of sour cream and guacamole. Also, 2 small containers of salsa! Anytime I order rolled tacos I always ask to hold the lettuce and put cheese on top, but the rest on the side. I don't like my orders smothered in stuff! I put on whatever, and how much on my own. These tacos looked sort of small, but believe me they stuffed lots of meat inside, within a quarter inch from the edge! Very tasty, and with their salsa they were great for me. I dab them in the cream and guacamole and again tasty! After I finished the second one I was almost full, but I had to eat the third and now I won't be hungry for dinner! I wish I had margarita to wash it all down, but at a price of $6.41 I was a happy camper! There are so many items on the menu I want to try, so yes, I will be going back again!

Introduction: Carmen was the daughter of the original owner of Carmen's Mexican Restaurant on Diane Ave. However, Carmen doesn't work at Carmen's. She grew up and opened her own Mexican restaurant on Mt. Acadia Blvd. Carmen named that one after one her daughters, Maritza. However, Maritza doesn't work at Maritza's; one of Carmen's other daughters does. Claro? OK, well anyway. Carmen's and Maritza's share one very special thing in common, and that's the best, most flavorful serrano-based salsa in town. Hands down. If you've never been to either place and had it (with pretty much anything you order), you really should. It's delicious and it's truly picante. Unless, of course, you're spicy-averse, in which case their salsa isn't for you. I go to Maritza's because it's closer to where I live, although I know there are different things on the menu at Carmen's (one of which is adobada, missing at Maritza's). It's been a staple for a good, fast (sort of) Mexican lunch or early dinner for me for a very, very long time. This is a small order-at-the-counter cash-only place with not too many tables, and it can get crowded at times (especially around noon and late afternoon). They get lots of take-out business. I have several really tasty favorites that I've kept coming back for over the years: Chorizo burrito; carne asada torta (on a real torta bun); chili relleno with beans (which also comes with a couple of their terrific home-made chips); cheese enchiladas; beef tamale; and the beef quesadilla supreme. I don't think the menu has changed in...decades? Except, of course, for the prices, which nevertheless are still among the lowest around for what you get, compared to others. My only complaint is that, for dine-in, they use the thinnest cheapest paper plates and the thinnest cheapest wax paper. When these get saturated with liquid, as they readily do, and you use a knife to cut, say, your huge quesadilla or the remnants of your massive burrito, you end up with wax paper mush and paper plate mush in your food. Liquid (like from the salsa) also soaks right through the plate and onto the table, even if the plate hasn't been cut through. You have to be very, very careful and try to avoid this, but even being careful, it's happened to me many times.

Well Finally getting to try this Mexican Restaurant and Parking is no problem located in Clairemont and there is plenty of parking . Well as we walk in the lady behind the counter was nice and greeted us and asked if we're doing ok . Pretty good service now we look over the menu and I got the Carney Asada Burrito and the special Cheese Enchilada Plate which cost 9.20 and Carney Asada Burrito costs 11.50 now I have to say when we got home we noticed she did not give us any Forks or spoons and no napkins say what !! Before you pack up people order they should give you napkins and forks and spoons !! Well that is for how forget full she was !! So when you order to go make sure you check the bag for this before you go because you will be eating with your hands !! Well the restaurant was pretty clean inside and as for the food I would say it was pretty darn good !! So I do suggest you give this restaurant a try and enjoy !! I will return and enjoy again and hopefully she remembers the next time I stop by !!!

Wonderful food. I've been going to Carmen's restaurant Maritza's for 40 or more years. That in itself says a lot about

Bottom line up front...good, fresh Mexican food in a convenient location with no frills. Of note...they only take cash. The food was tasty. Basic but authentic Mexican ... I had the chicken taquitos and they were cooked perfectly - tender chicken with extra crispy rolled tortilla. My husband got the tostada and enchilada combo. He enjoyed both although did think the rice could use some seasoning. The salsa has a really spicy kick...didn't see there was option for mild but I liked the kick so didn't ask :). Service was friendly and efficient. This is a no frills place with good food at decent prices.

I wanted to try this place on a recommendation and boy was I disappointed - I ordered the rolled taco special ( it's a toquito people come on) and my friend got the beef quesadilla. BOTH of us got sick immediately - like idk if it was an off night or what but my stomach was not happy. The service was great and the prices were reasonable. The cash only Thing is annoying but there's an ATM at the liqour store at the end of the strip mall nbd - I really hope this was a fluke based on the reviews I was expecting much better food!

Excellent food for the price. The food was made to order and was very fresh, especially the homemade refried beans that are made onsite. They don't skimp on anything in the 35 years that I've gone there they know what we like

Small neighborhood Mexican place with everything homemade...nice family run business and everything tastes just wonderful! The cheese enchilada sauce is excellent and the chili rellenos are like Abuela makes. Friendly people and tons of regulars that they know and take care of! Service is good with everything prepared to order! I'm coming back soon!

Great food!!!!! we found restaurant on maps with great reviews and so glad we went. just a small mom and pop place and food was wonderful. service was excellent you have to try it for yourself you will be happy you did

Been here many times. Here is a list of items I've had over all my visits. Food: (Everything Fresh!) - carne Asada Burrito - Outstanding - carnitas burrito - Excellent - carne asada tacos - Excellent - carne asada plate - Excellent - Carnitas plates- Excellent - fresh spicy salsa - Outstanding - Guacamole - Outstanding - fresh crunchy tortilla chips - Excellent Service: outstanding / Friendly customer service. Great family run Business. Ambiance: clean, nice, friendly, homey atmosphere * Note: - carnitas only on Wednesdays - cash only Hope this review helps.

Authentic home style Mexican food. The perfect hole in the wall with fantastic food. Always packed so should tell you how good it is.

Great food and very flavorful. The people are so friendly and welcoming and the atmosphere is homey and nice. I look forward to trying more dishes on my next visit. There were so many repeat customers coming in and being welcomed by name. So you know it is a good place!

We were just in the area and were looking for something small to snack on before meeting family for dinner. Our friend suggested Maritza's Mexican Food Restaurant. Boy howdy! This small mom and pop shop is legit!!! Not only is it good, but easy on the pocketbook! A true gem find... We had the 3 beef rolled tacos with guacamole, lettuce, and cheese. Ooooh my goodness!! It was nice and crispy on the outside and moist inside. Good flavor. This is a cash only place. They do have an ATM machine if you didn't remember to bring cash. I suggest bringing cash since their ATM might be a fee if not in your bank network. The people were super nice and helpful. They have a shared parking lot with other businesses in the area. We will be coming back for other menu items when in the area.

SO good. the chicken enchiladas were fantastic. i loved the sauce so much i wished there was more to put on the rice! some of the best mexican food i've had in san diego this place is a hidden gem. very reasonable prices and the people are so friendly.

This place was highly recommended by a coworker who is a San Diego native. When he said this is the best tacos ever, he was not lying. This hole-in-the-wall is family owned, friendly, and only accepts cash as form of payment. My husband and I ordered the #1: 2 shredded beef tacos, beans, and rice with extra salsa. We ate every crumb and even got 3 tacos to go. If we had more cash, we would have ordered more! Next time we are in San Diego, we will make sure to come back. 10/10, highly recommend!!! Make sure to ask for extra salsa. Seriously the BEST salsa I've ever had!! :)

The California burrito is amazing here as they use curly fries and fresh ingredients. Call ahead to place your order and remember they are cash only!

Food is awesome, but they close early. They aren't open the hours posted on their website.

My favorite California Burrito in San Diego (add beans). Family business. Better bring your cash, have patience, and don't get twisted about the hours. These are real people making real food and if you come here you are prioritizing quality over expediency. My sister lives in New York now and says she gets her Mexican food from Taco Bell. That's the best option for her. Can you imagine? Well, you're in San Diego. Enjoy your life. Eat good Mexican food. Don't sleep on the salsa if you can handle a little Serrano heat.

Solid family run Mexican spot that's not your drive- thru 24 hour kind. There is usually a wait for food because they're that busy. 30-45 min seems to be the average now so be prepared especially during lunch/dinner times. Love their salsa. It's has the perfect amount of kick, fresh tasting and on the healthy side since it's all veggies. I usually order the Cali burrito, crunchy taco or sometimes taquitos. We're spoiled here in SD with a plethora of Mexican joints, but this one is a consistently delicious.

This is my neighborhood, Mexican restaurant. Back among our houses and within walking distance for many they don't make every fancy little thing that some restaurants make and they're not a drive-through but it is authentic and excellent Mexican food. Even their hamburger and fries taste great cash only

I was excited to try this restaurant but the first few times I went they were closed even though it was within their business hours. They seem to open and close on a whim. When I finally made it when they were open I found out they only take cash (hmm). Ok I had $20 in my wallet luckily. I placed my order for a simple plate of food and was told the wait would be 30 minutes. What? I declined and left. Go at your own risk. No food is worth that much hassle.

Checked this place out bc I wanted the last meal of my trip to be fish tacos. Found this place nearby and decided to give it a try! Upon entering it had a very homie, local, casual vibe. The lady at the counter (I'm assuming is the owner) took my order and I waited around 15 minutes for my fish tacos. Opening up tacos, they looked more like burritos tbh but no big deal. The fish tacos are grilled fish inside which I wasn't expecting. It was pretty good but had this spice inside that I was not expecting. Tacos came with rice and beans! Very filling, kind of long wait for the food, but would go again if you like grilled fish tacos!

Maritza's is my favorite Mexican Food Restaurant! The food is always amazingly fresh and "piping hot". The carnitas weekly special is the bomb! If you live in Clairemont, you must give Maritza's a try! Carmen will greet you with a smile and provide amazing service!

Hidden gem in Claremont. I get the fish tacos, chicken soft tacos and sometimes the cheese enchilada. Bring cash as it's cash only. Recently snapped photo of menu and pricing.

Great Mexican! The rolled tacos and beef taco were outstanding. I highly recommend this place.

Best Mexican food in San Diego. The bean and cheese burrito is outstanding. The Wednesday special of carnitas is phenomenal. Must have!

Their carne asada is so good! The meat seems high quality unlike the carne asada from every other taco shops around! I had their California Burrito and Carne Asada Quesadillas! Both are so good! And the sauce?! Wow that was fiery!

CASH ONLY! So happy I found this place! It's located in a quiet neighborhood, parking is easy, and they are so welcoming and sweet! I ordered the carne asada burritos based on so many reviews raving about it, and it was AMAZING. Price was very reasonable, and it was a very traditional burrito (I know burritos aren't necessarily traditional but what was in it was simple and delicious). It is on the smaller side but I think it's plenty. The salsa tasted so fresh and delicious. I also added churros and that was a perfect little dessert to add onto the meal. The quality was great- I noticed a lot of people ordering their soup while I was waiting for my food so that may be the next thing I try.

When is this place ever open? Is it closed for good? The past 2 times I have driven here it has been closed even though hours on Google and Yelp say it is open. Picture is from a Saturday night at 7pm.

Really tasty. The best salsa in town. Fresh cooked chips. Carne asada, chicken enchiladas, machaca, and rolled tacos are my gotos, but Wednesday carnitas plate is the best.

Don't go for the ambiance. Get the food to go. Bring cash. Go for the food. The salsa - is actually spicy. It has a nice heat, which I appreciate. This is the first place I ate at when moving to San Diego and I am still coming back. That says something. You have to remember that they are family-owned, and a small place, so sometimes things take time. Deal. The food is worth it.

Found Maritza's in a San Diego Reader list of must try places in Clairemont and it didn't disappoint. Good food, service was very friendly with lots of locals as regulars. I would come back here again but keep in mind it's a cash only business.

The food is good, as you can see from the other reviews. But it's more than a little weird that a business in 2023 still hasn't taken the very basic steps to allow credit card purchases. Why? There are literally teenaged street vendors who accept card payments, and yet this established business can't? Or...won't? When you go to their website, you get something which looks like it was done by a child, during the days of dial-up modems. Again, this is 2023. And even worse, the website menu prices are presumably from the early 1990's. Some items are quite a bit less than half the actual price you'll pay in the restaurant. If they are this overwhelmingly lazy when it comes to setting up CC purchases, and also allowing their website to show prices from decades ago, it begs the question: what else are they lazy about? Dear restaurant owner/s, your food is good. Better than quite a few other taco shops. So why not step up your game in a few other simple areas, eh? It aint brutally difficult stuff.

We always order from here when we have family visiting and we want the best Mexican food. The humble exterior belies the truly wonderful menu here. My favorite is the cheese enchilada and taco plate, but I've never had anything on the menu that I didn't like. They fry their tortilla chips so they are extra tasty when you dip them into some beans and cheese. The staff is always friendly and helpful so it's no wonder they are a neighborhood staple. It's definitely worth the visit if you are craving genuine Mexican food.

Great service and super awesome food! Their burritos and rolled tacos are my personal favorites. Never misses! Just be sure to bring cash but if you don't have any the liquor store a few doors down has an ATM

The food, the service, the vibe... everything. I love this place. My old roommate and his family have been going here for the past 30+ years and told me about it. Maritza's is a true neighborhood classic where the owner knows you and your family, and there's always regulars in and out. Their menus is really simple and the food is affordable. No frills, just the basics. Their salsa is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and fresh. I legit went here every week for my first trimester, always getting the #1 - 2 beef tacos. They also finally have a California burrito that's bomb dot com. We're taking my daughter now and she loves it too. We're always taken care of when were here. Just gotta have cash on hand, so plan ahead if you're a credit card user.