Por Favor

Visiting family and friends. This is a great spot to meet and eat. The Classic Auto show was in full swing. Really a good time!

Server was friendly. I like that there's outdoor dining and they all you to bring your dog. Food is just okay. My mom's tortilla soup was watered down. Alright food for the prices. The chimichanga was large and with some hot sauce pretty tasty.

Nice outside seating and helpful staff. Had a tostado bowl and burrito. Food was good but not great. Salsa bland. Fairly dated inside and the bathroom was gross. I think there are better choices on the block.

¡Quite nice place! The ambient is what I liked the most. Came in the morning very calm no waiting and soft instrumental music in the background. The decorations is very unique very Mexican inclined. Service was good and very polite. Had huevos rancheros , flavor tasted more American than Mexican. Burrito; meat was good and the avocado good. I loved the chips, home made combined w salsa was on point. I would come back. It’s a nice atmosphere. Favorite prop: The confessionary which seem a bit comic since some registers were there and seeing the servers there was a bit humoristic.

Por Favor has has really good mexican food and a particularly good ambiance. I tend to judge the food by the excellence of the carnitas and theirs are the best. These are served with out rice, which you will hardly notice(the beans and meat are so good). The portions can be enough for two in most combos. Don't forget to try the one on Main street in El Cajon. They are decorated individually and equally well.

Great seating outside, watching the cars cruise the car show. Happy hour drinks, excellent. Food, outstanding with large portions.

Excellent food very authentic style services exceptional and they have very good aesthetics old school Mexican aesthetics..love the place and I will be back with friends

Food great! Service great! Margaritas great! I love this place. Never a bad experience

Nice place parking sucks. But makes good margaritas..and if you uber in which is better idea worth it.

I hear they are closing and it can't be more deserved. $20 for two tacos (and most other entrees) that according to most of the reviews are subpar in flavor and size. When will these restaurants realize that raising the prices only lowers the number of customers??

Their happy hour isn't bad. $10 for a mini chimicanga. It was a pretty good size, but didn't taste the best. Service is alright. Nice outdoor seating.

The chicken was perfect and juicy, nachos were great (and a large portion), food was great :)) staff was wonderful and attentive, ignore the negative reviews

I like this place . The chimichanga are delicious and the chicken enchiladas are good too . Those are my favorite type of mexican food so I just stick with those two choices at all mexican restaurants. This place definitely my go to place for mexican food . It has a great authentic Mexican ambiance and comfortable boths to sit in . I've never had problems with the service. The drinks are good as well .

Great restaurant! Been around for a long time. Service was slow due to it being Cinco De Mayo but overall, everything was excellent. Btw, Delicious Margaritas

First, the setting, sitting outside, under a tree with gentle breezes and beautiful sunshine! A very festive atmosphere! Then, the service: attentive, friendly, accommodating and very nice! The food! Fabulous! The fresh salsa starts the meal with crunchy warm chips. They have both hot and mild salsa, both are really good, you can't stop eating them. On to the best Flautas I have had. Lightly fried, stuffed with flavorful chicken, served with lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream. I am still dreaming of the flautas. The queso fundido: decadent, cheesy, gooey and delicious! It is served with warm tortillas. Highly recommend the burrito delmar with plenty of large juicy shrimp! The eggs and chorizo served with rice, beans and tortillas, and the pollo asada burrito! It is huge and filled with grilled chicken, rice and beans. This meal was so good that I will be thinking of it for a long time! I look forward to returning on my next trip to the La Mesa area. This place is a gem!

My friends and I stopped by here as we were making our way to Octoberfest. We sat at the bar top to grab a few drinks. It did look like there's a bit of a wait to sit down for food, but you could also order food at the bar! We ordered a few beers and shots of tequila. The crowd seems very nice, chill, and alive. The Ambiance is very rustic Mexican style, with high ceilings in the dining room area. Overall I had a good experience up until collecting the check. It took us a while to flag down the bartender, although the bar was not busy, we requested the check, and dropped it off and picked up my card, and then held my card next to the register for solid 10 minutes. It's a pretty small bar so you can see the register, and my card saying right next to it. I thought it was pretty unprofessional and uncomfortable to hold my card unnecessarily by the register. We saw the bartender right in front of us making drinks for others instead of ringing up my card. We had a flag down another bartender to help process our check. Honestly this kind of ruined my experience. I hope this is not the standard experience for other visitors.

Great customer service & the food is good. Tried for the first time since I was visiting a friend in town. Had a coconut margarita and the carnitas burrito with guacamole- so delicious! The burrito was so big...had to take some in a to-go box. Love how beautifully decorated the restaurant was too.

Giving this place 2 stars bc I did receive a water and salsa & chips. Waited for a server to come back to order food, after 15mins no one came, left and went to another restaurant in the downtown area. I left bc there was only two other tables outside with two people at each table. They did not seem busy and If they are short staffed, they should close of certain sections or communicate with the customers.

Server was friendly but the portion of the food for its price is super small. Burrito is almost $20. Very expensive.

Decent Mexican fare & portion size and service. Nothing that will blow your hair back.

Chose this place based off the full patio but it must have only been because there was a busy market going on. Wish we had read the reviews first because like majority of the other reviews, the food was flavorless it was coveredddd in cheese which usually isn't bad but this wasn't great. The Cadillac margarita wasn't the best I've had but our waiter was attentive. Unfortunately won't be returning.

Never liked por favor I get the runs from the salsa prefer other Mexican places like Casa de Pico, or senior burrito, mementos or Antonio s haciendas even el toritio is better

Great service and really good casual Mexican food. I had the chicken fajitas with beans and tortillas.

This place was recommended to me via a friend. I made the HUGE mistake of telling him it was good based off of the presentation before I actually ate it. NO seasoning and for $28.50 for shrimp, chicken, and steak fajitas, I got more veggies than anything. Definitely won't waste my money going back. I've had better fajitas at the chain Mexican restaurants. Service left much to be desired as well. My server never came back to check on me and I had to ask the hostess for my check.

Surprisingly mid food. It's your typical Mexican food place, and being in La Mesa next to the villages you would expect it to be pretty nice. The inside feels dated and the food was relatively bland. The queso fundido was ok, but the mains my partner and I had were lacking. I had a carne asada burrito that was underwhelming. No spice in terms of heat or flavor. My partner had a combination platter with similar sentiments. The service was also subpar. We weren't even told about happy hour when we arrived, and after ordering our food we noticed other tables were given happy hour menus but we weren't. Our waitress was also disproportionately slow with our table versus others right next to us. All in all, I don't think we will be going back anytime soon. With so many positive Mexican food options in San Diego, let alone La Mesa, this was a let down.

Kinda feel bad writing this but I wouldn't recommend this place. Downtown La Mesa deserves nice restaurants. The service is very slow, the floor is dirty, the food is not good. I wish the workers the best but this place must not be managed or staffed well at all. If you are planning a very long and drawn-out dinner then select this place since you'll be waiting a long time for each step of your meal. I'm sorry.

My husband and I have lived about 5 mins away from this restaurant for a little over a year now and the reviews have turned us away every time we're looking for Mexican food. We finally stopped in here with my in-laws kinda by accident. We knew we wanted Mexican but couldn't remember which had the poor reviews. I'm SO glad we accidentally chose this restaurant. This was a Thursday evening and pretty dead, maybe only one or two families besides my own. We were seated immediately upon arrival and they got us chips and salsa along with our drink orders. They came back with the drinks and salsa pretty fast and asked if we were ready to order, which we weren't but we went ahead and sent off the kids order to get them started. The 2 kids meals were done and back to us in probably 15 mins. We got one cheese quesadilla and one rolled taquitos and our kids CHOWEDDDDD! We ordered our food when the kids food came back and our food (4 meals) took maybe 20 mins. I got the chicken fajita quesadillas with no onion or tomato and I do not say this lightly.... This was the BEST quesadilla I've had in San Diego and I'm extremely picky about Mexican food. Quesadillas, I feel, are kinda a safe food and usually my go-to to know if I can safely order a different option next time haha Most Mexican restaurants in San Diego only offer some sort of boiled shredded chicken with zero flavor but this place had fabulous flavor as it is fajita style! Mine had fajita style green bell pepper in it too and I was nervous it would be gross and slimy/too soft but it was perfect! Each adult in the group LOVED their meals. The serving sizes are massive. The guacamole was so good too! I had to get a box and for one of the first times, so did my husband! I also rarely actually bring food home these days but these were too good. Only complaints - salsa was bland and basically just tomatoes but someone in a previous review said they have a second option that's actually spicy and flavorful. The kids Mexican rice honestly tasted more like white rice with food coloring lol Honestly, posting this because there are so many reviews I feel are unfair/outdated bringing their reviews down!! Don't skip over this place because of the reviews!!!!!!

Ambience: Pretty comfortable sitting outside, never too crowded if you are looking for a quiet place to sit and enjoy on a Sunday. Food: Food isn't too bad, not many vegetarian options though. Their spicy salsa is usually to die for! Service: People are very nice, and service is really quick.

I originally planned to go to city tacos for taco tuesday but saw a sign outside that said that they had $3 tacos. Having gone to city tacos for several taco tuesdays, I decided to go to Por Favor just for the deal and because I am hugely curious if its as bad as Yelp say it is. Although I wasn't seated, I liked the fact that I could explore both sides of the building. They have a bar for a more casual date setting or a sit down restaurant for big groups and family. I was also slightly enamored by their choice of decorations and neon lighting. There were only two groups when I first sat down so the restaurant felt quiet and library-like but I was quickly greeted by one of the staff and we even joked about the confession booth that was by the cashier (you're only allowed to go to confession if you order three margaritas lol). In terms of food, I ordered a fish taco as well as the suggested carnitas taco. The carnitas was delicious (moist and perfectly seasoned) while the fish was not the best but still very good and a healthy alternative to the fried fish tacos (I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was steamed). I also liked that I received complimentary chips and salsa even though I was dining solo. I will definitely come back here for the carnitas and the excellent service.

Just awful. Kitchen not even trying. Maybe if you're drinking, so you won't notice. Front doors wide open while it's 50 degrees outside. No heat. Waiters seemed nice but no follow up. I had the fish tacos, a classic San Diego staple, not even close. A plate of mess. Don't bother. There's so many other good places to go. Sorry guys, but YOU should be sorry. You need a serious makeover of everything. Just no. Good luck.

The salsa is watery and the beans and rice didn't taste right. Taco was very hard, and not that good. Margarita tasted just ehh. I've eaten at many Mexican restaurants, but this is the worst I've ever had. I won't go back. I feel cheated. I just wanted to throw up and start over. I don't recommend this place, and I wish we never went. Thumbs down from three people who know food. The only positive thing I have to say is they have nice pics on the wall. The servers were nice. They probably don't eat there.

We went over for breakfast and the food was very blend specially the beans, coffee didn't taste good either, the only thing I enjoyed was the chips and salsa. We paid so much money for food that didn't taste good.

Good, expensive, in the new La Jolla of downtown la Mesa. May be the most expensive Mexican restaurant in east county. Maybe not. No parking. Avoid Thursday's. Five star and Elite reviews are paid ads.

I ordered cheese dip and it was watery. It looked like they just dumped in a bag of great value shredded cheese and water and didn't nuke it long enough, smh. The house margaritas weren't anything to writ home about, either. Pass!

Fulfilled the need for food but it was sub par at best. The lake of beans and romaine lettuce in the beef taco had me wondering. The rolled tacos were totally over cooked and the wait staff was totally lacking. I'd pass on this place if I was you. They should rename the place POR FLAVOR!

We have almost always had superb service at Por Favor in La Mesa, and it is our go to Mexican restaurant. We love eating outside and almost always do. The food is great and the service is great. Marco is our favorite waiter and he even asks me nowadays, "the usual?" The other waiters are good too though. Parking has become more challenging in recent years with more restaurants than before on La Mesa Blvd but we have a spot we go to and we don't mind a few extra steps. The inside could use some updating but heck, we almost always sit outside so... Someone mentioned prices. I agree, prices have gone up quite a bit in recent years, sadly enough. But they are still pretty much inline with other Mexican restaurants. I'm sure this is mostly due to wholesale price increases and changes in California wage laws. And whatever happened to the 15% tip? Apparently that is now gone.

I went to purple wars Mexican restaurant for my 60th birthday it's like wow it's really nice restaurant it's not much to look at inside but the service is excellent and the food was absolutely delicious they give you a free dessert on your birthday my sister said my sister took me out for my birthday I had a great time we were going to go to the super Chinese buffet what they were closed so we walk down to this restaurant it's really worth it I highly recommend it to anybody would like to try this restaurant they also do deliveries and take out they're clean nice the services great they have a bar you can order drinks and when you're done with your meal you can take it with you

Very good local Mexican food spot. I especially enjoyed the atmosphere and the enchiladas. I'll be back.

Amazing food, visited frequently over the years recommend the punta di filete. The servers are always amazing the beer is always cold

Cool ambience on the sidewalk cafe, just picture perfect. The server was attentive and friendly. I had a chicken Caesar salad which was huge and reasonably priced and a giant margarita. Both were really good. Definitely worthy of a sunny afternoon in San Diego.

Excellent service and cool environment. Normally stop here for some drinks and good time when family in town visit. Excellent service.

What a yummy place! We were greeted with wonderful smiles and sat outside which was perfect. Our very friendly server came over immediately and she was fast and efficient. Lovely! We ordered our margaritas and they were so good. And then our food came and OMG the portions were HUGE! You might want to share when you go there with someone. A lot to eat, though we did some damage because it was so good. Very good food and drinks and super service. Will definitely go back

I'm honestly really confused where this place has such poor reviews. Maybe I'm biased because I've been coming here for over 10 years with my family, but I have never had as bad of an experience like a lot of people have posted. I will say that they don't have the best service as soon as you enter the door. There isn't a designated hostess or waiting area once you enter the restaurant which can be awkward. Also, I will say that they do need to do a little bit of refurbishing. The tables are worn and some of the decorations have been there for years. Maybe that's part of the charm. The food is awesome! You get complimentary chips and salsa with your meal as well. The salsa is on the blander side, but the chips are awesome! Every meal I've had here comes out hot and delicious! The beans and rice are a staple go-to for a side and there are numerous plates to choose from. I did not get a drink, so I cannot speak to how good their bartenders are, but they have some good happy hour specials (I saw one for $3 tacos). I recommend sitting outside when it is nice and chatting up with your server, it will probably get you better service.

This place is worth a visit if only for the eclectic decor. Stained glass windows, religious motifs, and what appears to be an antique wooden confessional! We were there for lunch and at the time we entered there were 2 parties seated outside and the inside was empty. And it is huge. The economics are not going to add up if this happens. The food was a solid 3 except for the salsa which closely resembled just tomatoes. My Pescada al Ajo was quite nice but my companions enchiladas verde were just ok. A margarita just ok. Given the rich dining choices around it in the village, admire the decor over a beer and move on. Bless me Padre, I was mean.

First off, no whining and no crying or bitterness needed here by "honorary" food inspectors/restaurant "designers" like Jessica H. Por favor, give us a break........................ Very pleasant experience, you can taste the quality in the food and card in preparation. Those of us that can appreciate food, that is. Where do these whiners come from, Jacumba or something? If fools like that were really that smart, they would actually own a restaurant as opposed to collecting food stamps, coupons and hating on successful people UNLIKE themselves. Por favor will make your "best" list.

I have eaten at this restaurant for 10 years, amazing Mexican food, amazing servers, great cold beer and awesome patio! A hidden gem.

Brought my family here and the food was amazing. The service was great and the atmosphere was not too dim and not too bright. Drinks are amazing of course. Just not sure what this 2.5 stars is about. This place was better than what I've heard. Not disappointed at all!

I never been here before, as I called with an intended question to answer about the menu. But only constand ringing attitude against me, until cutting me off the phone-line. Their way of showing to have tooo muchmoney. A signal to send me to neighbor.

I'm really glad that I didn't read the reviews before coming here. We were melting after a morning of antique shopping in La Mesa and stopped in here because how can you miss this place. The building is huge and brightly colored. The menu had its share of specials with pictures attached and I won't lie. When you are exhausted you just want to point and say, "That one." Yeah, I did that. I got the Especial De Ramon which had the enchilada (which my daughter swiped off of my plate it was so good), carne asada (Oh yum) and a taco (as far as tacos go, it was not memorable). I tried what was left over of my son's fish taco and the meat (not deep fried) was very tender and fresh. So the salsa that everyone is mentioning on Yelp, yeah it's on the mild side but with kids in tow, you won't hear me complaining. The ambiance is a little older but I found it comfortable. I'd come back but not make a special trip to just come here.

The hostess, the waitress, the servers, the busboy and the owner were all so nice. It was a busy night being Saturday over Oktoberfest but everyone was very smiley even though they were super busy. Place is very attractive with the stained glass windows and murals on the walls. The food was decent and plenty of it and not expensive. Lots of outside seating too.

A cute little restaurant in an old bank building in the heart of La Mesa. The waitress was really friendly and accommodating to our birthday celebration party of six. We started with drinks that could be described as nothing other than HUGE! The sangria was delicious and the regular margaritas were potent but not overly sour like some may be. The guacamole appetizer was fresh and abundant, we didn't even finish it because the chips and salsa kept us busy before our dinners arrived. All of our meals came out not on normal sized plates, but platters. The portions were generous and everyone enjoyed their meals which included combination plates of beef taco, taquitos, cheese enchiladas, huevos rancheros, and rice and beans. All came out piping hot with the cheese bubbling. The only exception our praises were the fish tacos which were grilled as opposed to fried. Our waitress explained this prior to taking the order, but the diner who ordered them found out she preferred the crunch of the fried version better. Our kind waitress treated us to free desserts of refried ice cream and flan because three members of our party were celebrating their birthdays. This place was a nice discovery amidst a city (San Diego) that has an abundance of fine Mexican establishments.

The food was actually fairly good. Authentic, not overly salty. Generous portions. However, the fact that my food was served to me cold held back its potential. The service was also noticeably poor. Didn't get more than 1 basket of chips, didn't get the hot sauce we asked for, tortillas came out with my entree 5 minutes later, and ya... Por favor was on the good side of average but the ass service and cold food really knocked the entire experience down.

The seating outside was very pleasant, and best of all, we had our puppy with us. Servers were very nice and chips were delicious!

Worst Mexican food ever. Bland bland bland. They receive one star for cleanliness during COVID-19 and offering outdoor dining. Their food has been washed of all seasonings. If you are starving, it will do. If you want Mexican food, avoid and save your money.

Just adding some photos to my original review! Go here you guys! Ya won't regret it! The food is delicious!!! Go here!

Fredy was our server and he did a fantastic job being our server! I went out to eat for lunch and everything was great! I had a margarita and it was super delicious! Plus it was happy hour when I went in and service was quick! Our waiter was very attentive and the food came out fresh and hot! I can't say enough great things about this place! I just wish I could have came sooner! I went with my family and we all had great meals, everyone finished their plate because of how good everything is! The place is very nice, clean and service was also great! I highly recommend this place! 5/5

Food was mediocre and overly priced. Also, my husband and I both had terrible stomach pain after. We shared the chimichanga and 2 margaritas, and our total was $50. Also, I read they may have a roach issue? We definitely saw one or two outside where we were eating. There are many other great Mexican food places here in San Diego!