Roberto's Taco Shop

Mexican restaurant · National City

Roberto's Taco Shop

Mexican restaurant · National City

2

1406 Highland Ave, National City, CA 91950

Photos

Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null
Roberto's Taco Shop by null

Highlights

Enduring counter-serve chain restaurant with a menu of down-home Mexican plates.  

Google Rating
4.0
(1253)
Featured in Eater
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1406 Highland Ave, National City, CA 91950 Get directions

runinos.com

$ · Menu

Information

Static Map

1406 Highland Ave, National City, CA 91950 Get directions

+1 619 336 0481
runinos.com

$ · Menu

Features

dine in
takeout
delivery
payment credit card
Tap to pay
outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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@eater

"San Diego’s original taco shop is often credited with creating the California burrito and spawning the ubiquitous “-Berto’s” Mexican food genre. So it’s only natural that Robertos does it right at its several locations around town, made with carne asada, French fries, chopped salsa, and cheddar cheese just like when the recipe was rolled out in the 80s. The surf and turf California, available at some locations, adds shrimp, pico, and a proprietary dressing into the mix to prove the originators can also build on the classic." - Mario A. Cortez, Candice Woo

San Diego’s Best French Fry-Packed California Burritos
View Postcard for Roberto's Taco Shop
@eater

"San Diego’s original taco shop was also the first to feature a drive-thru. Today, you can still grab your favorite items to go from this historic eatery. Roberto’s operates multiple county locations countywide. Check for hours and drive thru availability at your nearest location." - Mario A. Cortez

The Best Drive-Thru Taco Shops in San Diego - Eater San Diego
View Postcard for Roberto's Taco Shop

Beach Bum O.

Yelp
Love the food here I think it's the best Roberto's in San Diego food is hot and made however u like. Staff is super friendly

Sergio A.

Yelp
As my wife was eating her roll tacos, she bit down on something hard. Turns out it was this little BB, who know's if there was anymore in the food and if this was done intentionally. Who knows what other people have ingested.

Kenneth B.

Yelp
Just ordered the chili relleno burrito, which is supposed to have beans, rice, cheese and a chili relleno inside. What I got was a chewed up, flavorless chili, with tons of soggy batter, no beans, no rice, no cheese. Just a bunch of lettuce. F*** these guys. They're an embarrassment to taco shops.

Ron L.

Yelp
Burrito prices are a little higher than other shops and justified since they were bigger but the last few times they made them smaller so not worth it. Stopped coming altogether after pouring the salsa from their self-serve salsa station onto my burrito and found that the dark chunk was a dead fly.

Doug A.

Yelp
I've always liked the original taco shop. Robertos. They have changed the recipes and marinades and the food is exceptional. The flavors really pop.

Thomas C.

Yelp
The guy working here at 12:45am on Wednesday 10/4. This guy took 4 orders and cooked it himself in a very efficient organized manner while simultaneously fighting off crackheads coming from outside. I wanted to tip the man but they don't accept it via card payment. Yo if management is reading this give your boy a raise

Ditto M.

Yelp
Our favorite go to Mexican place in the hood. Surf N' Turf Fries or Surf N' Turf Burrito is very much recommended. Try their California Burrito, Carne Asada and Fish Tacos here.

Indigo L.

Yelp
The dudes who work here are amazing!! I absolutely love them and they always get your order correct. HOWEVER, the women who work here are only here for a check. They don't have any care in the world and will always mess up your order. I asked specifically if there was sour cream or cheese on my specific item and if so to make it without. I come home and take the biggest bite of sour cream and cheese. Barely anything else in the damn burrito. Don't go here when the women are working cause they will screw up your food. Spent 30$ for food me and my fiancé don't want anymore. We always get the same thing and every time it's them they mess it up and the quality is awful. If you see the boys they're amazing and they'll make sure your food is right. If the girls are there just go to a different one. Very very upset customer and I will never order from the girl(s) again.

José A.

Yelp
Classic traditional Mexican food, soCal style OG. 5 rolled tacos is a staple and a favorite. See picture. We also ordered the chicken quesadilla. Big enough to feed two easily, but sucked, because it was mostly greasy tortilla. Little cheese and undesired chicken parts. My wife says Taco Bell is better!

Yoli G.

Yelp
No rude service or face today and food tasted good. Upon walking up to the store, I see a young man sitting outside. He looked like he may have just finished and was just relaxing and enjoying the warm and sunny day. 15 minutes had passed and he was still chillin'. I was thinking, this guy must be really full and about to go into a food coma. The next couple minutes, I hear, "California Burrito!", and the guy gets up to grab his food. I was like, TF? Then I look around and see more people sitting around chatting or on their phones. I realized all these people are waiting and I'm last! I remember one lady with a puzzled face who waited for one mini taco that probably took more than 15 minutes! I tried. I guess I'll come back after a year again. Even though it's one of the closer taco shops to my house.

A. D.

Yelp
3 Star food with 0 Star service. I asked for a Special Breakfast Burrito and 1 Large Horchata Drink with no ice. The cashier proceeds to give me the drink with a lot of ice. I told her I ordered the drink with no ice and she gives me a mean look, throws the contents of my drink (drink + ice) back into the large Horchata drink dispenser and refills my drink. I shouldn't have to deal with their attitude if it is their fault that they got my order wrong!!! Also, I'm sure it's against some health regulation to dump an already poured drink back into the drink container but I'm sure they don't care. Never coming back here.

Hugo A.

Yelp
Way too dry it's getting harder to find good spots dry meat dry potatoes no flavor when did the California burrito get this bad

Calvin L.

Yelp
I can't believe how big these tacos are!! The biggest I ever had! I did t even eat dinner at night! Ordered Adobada and and fish taco. The fish taco was ok. But the Adobada taco was wonderful. Juicy and full of flavor! Definitely would eat here again. Just won't order the fish taco.

Nona S.

Yelp
While down in San Diego, I thought I would visit a sister store of one of my favorite places to eat when I am in the Las Vegas area. I was shocked that this location is not like the Vegas locations at all. The inside hot as can be, it was so hot it almost took my breath area. $2 for a can of soda. The food was warm at best. Staff was not all that friendly. Homeless people were taking up grassy areas around the place. I'm not sure if I would go back the Las Vegas locations are so much better, and this is the original store.

Manong R.

Yelp
It is 7:07 P.M., March 30, 2023. The lady cashier is helping out in the kitchen, holding the raw shrimps, then went back to the front to get orders and payment without changing her gloves. This happened while taking care of more than 3 customers while I was there. Handling raw seafood especially shrimps without washing hands and without changing gloves before taking care of money is not a good practice. Please remind your staff...This is a good place to eat, but what I have noticed tonight is unacceptable.

Yisel R.

Yelp
I called to place an order and i didnt even say i was done and the lady just hung up on me. I called again and said excuse me you just hung up on me I want to know the price and she said ,"I have an order on the screen I cant tell you." and then she proceeded to hang up again. Very rude, very bad customer service. also the food was not that great and it is pricey. I understand that the economy is not the best but if we are paying more then it should have a good amount of meat and the other ingredients as well but they give you so little now it is very disappointing and i was very dissatisfied. I dont believe I will ever go back here again .

Paul L.

Yelp
Great burritos for National Burrito day!!! Surf and Turf or Buenos días they are delicous and there's a reason it's #1

Che K.

Yelp
Food was just okay and salsa was great. Service and time of wait were good. The location served local residents which made the ambiance more enjoyable.

Aaron L.

Yelp
Y'all need to talk to the older lady taking orders she look like she hates everyone and hates being there top of that she was wearing same gloves to handle food in back right when she handled cash in front felt disgusting eating having that thought

Myton L.

Yelp
Rolled tacos are good. I get it without the guacamole and add sour cream, lettuce, and cheese. What I like about this place is the hot sauce hotter than other places.

Jefe H.

Yelp
One of the original Roberto's Taco Shop locations. Highly recommend! The food is very fresh and excellent ingredients.

J G.

Yelp
The BEST breakfast burritos I've ever had. I get the special one. It's very good. I have never had one quite as good.

Victor G.

Yelp
Chula Vista. Broadway Ave. I remember going here in the 80's & 90's. Lots of parking. Food prices are decent. Plenty of good Mexican choices on the menu. One of the few places left that have good size burritos. You'll be glad you ate here.

Cruz R.

Yelp
Dude the green sauce used to be so good , now its trash. Dumby stupid hot. With no flavor. They charge almost as much as lolitas and the sauce is still trash just go to bonita for these prices. Same amount of food for the same price. They use have good food and prices . They got squat now . Dont waste a cent here unless you starving marvin

Kevin D.

Yelp
Found a penny in my breakfast burrito lost my appetite as soon as this happened also MID burrito, L experience

Eric G.

Yelp
Man this place sucks I came here and they said it's closed while they advertise 24hr service everytime I coke here it's something different even when i try ordering through the phone. This was my to go place not anymore wack as place.

Fatima M.

Yelp
This lady is SUPER RUDE. We waited for minutes before she came to the front and had a nasty attitude the whole time and even slammed the receipt and my card. The roll tacos were disgusting, the guacamole tasted old and watered down. Every time we come here she has a horrible attitude, we always came back for the food but now even the food is bad as well.

Joe D.

Yelp
Not as good as it used to be the tacos were cold and were filled with lettuce some cheese and a small amount of meat not as good as it used to be.

Raul L.

Yelp
This place is hood. The ppl running it aint happy to be here. U can hear them speaking bad about the customers. BUT... The cali burrito was pretty fresh af. The orange salsa was very tasty an spicy. Carrots were soggy. Horchata was good. I mean, talk to me dirty, make me feel cheap, but feed me good and we good baby!! Words are words. Food is heaven...

Brianna H.

Yelp
Cali burrito $15.95 add guacamole $3.00 plus tax that's a $20 burrito B**** you got me f***** up! I know the recipe. Have a great day.

Alicia W.

Yelp
The older lady working must be miserable & hates her life... she tried to charge $15-20 for a bean & cheese burrito with steak, we could've just bought two burritos with what she was asking for. Instead I settled for a bean & cheese bc I don't let ppl take advantage of me. I didn't know the Roberto's in national city was gonna be more expensive than my Roberto's in deal mar/SOLANA beach. This lady should be fired or retrained at the least. Never coming back here again & would recommend this Roberto's to no one.

Melissa A.

Yelp
Ordered a California Burrito, no fries!!! Called and no answer!! If I could it would be a negative star!!

Karla L.

Yelp
Food was good but these establishments need to double check the tickets they get through mobile deliveries. My partner and I ordered food through UberEats and I ordered a horchata, never got it. What a scam.

Elvira V.

Yelp
Best carne asada fries in town! Breakfast burritos are bomb here. Recommend everyone I know to come here it's always so good and friendly service too

Gwen F.

Yelp
I was so disappointed coming here last night. I was craving some good Mexican food, I had ordered carne asada fries. It was a disappointment because it was fully loaded with fries, hardly any carne asada meat, nor was there much of guacamole and cheese. If I wanted to just eat some plain fries, I should've just went to McDonald's. Sucks to order food and it didn't meet your expectations. Biggest disappointment.

Matthew G.

Yelp
burritos are bomb af and just good im not sure what else to say only because i get the same burrito sooo ykyk

Evelyn V.

Yelp
Paid $18 for a burrito. They didn't even tell me it was going to be extra for rice and beans I would believe it for sour cream cheese. Crazy

Claudia S.

Yelp
I've been to many Mexican restaurants and taco shops all over San Diego and nobody can compare to this hole in the wall. I love the authentic taste and grandmother flavors. This place also uses real guacamole and gives you a generous amount. They also cater I love it!!!

Sonik E.

Yelp
Horrible customer service, it's not what it use to be and honestly feel like calling the health inspectors. I saw them pick up a food wrapper and use it again once it was on their dirty floor. I would not come back which is sad since I grew up in national city and this establishment had been a pillar in our community. Such a disgrace.

Jose I.

Yelp
Memo to the owner of this Robertos shop: Either you FIRE the cashier lady who worked today 1/18/20 at 1pm or ?? Her attitude is horrible and very unpleasant. She clearly lacks in communication skills with customers! The food is great here don't get me wrong BUT I won't be coming back to be mistreated again!! This has to STOP!!

Bert C.

Yelp
Ordered a fish burrito as I always ordered for years. Instead of the usual fresh, delicious burrito, I got dry, refried, overcooked, bitter fish in fish burrito. Prices have gone up and i got served recycled fish, burnt to a crisp. I don't think I can go back there again. If the fish wasn't fresh, what about the other items on their menu?

Nia N.

Yelp
8/26/2022 - Today I went into Roberto's after black listing it for a few months since I've been going there since I was a kid, picked up my food around 6PM today and both burritos had uncooked meat, carne asada fries had no flavor and very soft meat. The salsa tasted as if it had been water down as well, will be having to only go when the owner is there seems to be the only time the food is good.

Christa ..

Yelp
Im from Mexico and It's pretty good for San Diego tbh. Only thing is the chubby lady that's always there is rude AF. Like fr she's a b****. But the foods good lol.

Daniel B.

Yelp
Hate to be that guy, but the food was so bland I thought I had COVID. I had something else after and I tasted it just fine. Don't freak out if something tastes bland. Lol

Jasia V.

Yelp
Since when did the price go up ? I wasted almost $50 on two burritos and 3 PLAIN TACOS

Abbie B.

Yelp
Small Mexican food spot in the heart of National City smacked on Highland. Decent food but I find their prices a little more expensive than other places I've been too. We got regular carne asada fries ($9.25) & surf & turf fries ($14). I've definitely had bigger plates for the less the price. Overall the restaurant is clean & the food is good. Parking is easy as well. Their Green Salsa though..... it's fire but it's the spicy that makes your tongue hurt.

Elizabeth A.

Yelp
I live right down the street and come here all the time when I don't want to cook even if I didn't live around here I would definitely travel just to come and eat from here best burritos and surf and turf fries and awesome kinda expensive but worth ever bite.

Brian T.

Yelp
I came here to order food. She maybe be new. I've always come here. However this is the first time this has happened to me and this is unfortunate the last time I'm coming here. A female name Arillie take my order. When I receive my order. Took it home and order was wrong. I took it back so they can fix it and told me that they can't fix it nor that they can't give me a refund aka I just wanted them to fix my order. They said that I have to order and pay again. This place doesn't have any customer service. She basically talked back at me on everything that I said. I tried to be calm and talk nicely to her but she kept giving me attitude that she can't fix my order. They're just after your money. Beware before coming here. I wouldn't recommend coming here.

Rafa R.

Yelp
Chubby lady working cashier is sooo rude to customers ! Very impolite and not good customer service at all. Tried to charge me triple of what an order was and guy in the back cooking was correcting her and she still had an attitude. Food is good but she isn't good at her job. Don't like working there, quit.

Ashley B.

Yelp
I'm very disappointed... I order from the drive-thru: "3 rolled tacos, with only guacamole: $2.95" As I got to the window, the young woman proceeds to tell me, "$3.22" I pulled out my money, she briefly leaves the window. Comes back and says, "No, I'm sorry - $4.09" I had kindly asked if I was being charged extra for anything and reiterate what I read from their menu followed by "of course, I expect tax" She then tells me their prices have changed. Ok, whatever - must be a recent change, I can accept that. But when I got home and saw what I had been served was most definitely not worth what I was charged for. SKIMPED bs. It was a TINY rolled tortilla with VERY LITTLE to NO beef. The guacamole, first of all looked, like somebody had puked on these sad things but the actual taste of it - lacked everything, there was none. This place must be a joke. Who knew you could mess up rolled tacos?! First, and last time going here. I don't recommend it to anybody.