Marieta’s

This place isn’t fancy but its got a clean and comfortable interior and has a true old school Mexican restaurant feel. What really shines though is the food. Great chips and salsa (that is frequently refilled), good drinks and healthy portions of quality Mexican food served with a smile, at reasonable prices. You can’t go wrong!

Sad to say it disappointed. To start, we were told there was a 30 minute wait, we waited at least an hour! Chips and salsa came right out, chips were good but salsa was not so good. I ordered the Chile Verde and it was good overall, not a huge serving, but tasty. My sister ordered a salad with Carne Asada on top. It was very plain; chopped Romain lettuce with cold, lightly grilled carne, she was not that happy.
They did do a good job of celebrating my boy’s birthdays with flan and singing.
La mesa one is better.

Friendly, Fun, Family style restaurant. Good Food! Good Prices!

I love this place. The waiters are like family to me. They always make sure you never run out of chips and salsa. The food is amazing. The margarita are out of this world.

My son and I went there a few weeks ago. We loved that the chips were not only served with salsa, but also beans. That was a hit with my 13 year old. He said this is his new favorite restaurant based soley on that fact.

Seriously the worst service I have received!
I feel bad because the Owner/​Mgr (older gentleman) was very nice. I have NEVER asked to speak with the owner or manager of a restaurant before but just had to be honest about the level of service.
Ordered three dinners; soup, rolled tacos, flautas. 40 minutes later… soup comes, nothing else. It would have been rude to dig in while the other hungry parties watched. 10 minutes later I had cold soup and full meal delivery. Biting my tongue I eat without a napkin or drink.
In speaking to the manager I asked if there was some unexpected circumstances that delayed their typical service, he said no. After letting him know we just moved closer to this Marrieta’s and rather than the El Cajon or La Mesa location and would love to patronize his location he adjusted off the least expensive meal.
I am certainly not a hard-​to-​please patron. Show respect, do your job, serve your customers by showing a REASONABLE amount of attention and expect compensations that reflects that 20−25% (I have done that difficult job)
This place did none of those… getting take out next time or driving to a ‘real’ restaurant.
Sorry, peace, have to be honest. Hope you make changes.

This is a go to place if you are looking to just get your whole family together, be loud, eat good mexican food and not have an expensive bill.
I always come here every year for christmas parties and they never disappoint. I think the food is by far delicious and for Santee — it is WONDERFUL mexican food. The service can be a hit or miss but they really do try to take care of you, I just think it is always busy and they seem like they are running around like crazy!
For the appetizer get the guacamole — it comes in a huge fried chip bowl and once you get through with your guac you can eat the bowl — a PLUS!
I also recommend the fajita’s. The portion sizes here are large so sharing is an option?

My family is new in town and so we have been exploring many local restaurants for the first time. Marietas was a fun atmosphere with a mariachi singer, friendly attentive staff, and great food. We evaluate Mexican food joints based on the staple ingredients. We were very impressed with their salsa and their beans-​n-​cheese. We have found that if a restaurant can excel with the basics, then they will have delicious food… and they did!

Went for happy hour but the only special was lime margaritas for 4.95. No food. Bartender was cranky.
Our first and last visit.

I’ve read mixed reviews of this place, and still thought I’d give it a try. I looked up the hours for tonight (Saturday) and they advertised 11 I got there about 10:30 (to order take out) the open sign was on but the door was looked (the hours posted for Saturday said 11) 2 guys where inside talking, and motioned thru the window that they were closed, so I wasted a trip!!! Since I couldn’t try the food, and hours were falsely listed… I feel that 1 star in a generous rating.

This is our go to place when were in the mood for chips and salsa to tske home.
Also they have great weekday lunch specials. Staff is always friendly and accommodating. They always acknowledge my kids which is a plus and rarely happens any where else.
Today I made a special request for a guacamole taco. This is not on the menu. They said of course they can. It was delicious. The guac is always fresh.
I don’t think we’ve ever had a bad experience here.

Didn’t feel like eating the typical grab and go burrito from the taco shop so I stopped in for my first visit. The service was excellent for a Friday night and seated us right away. The staff was very friendly and helpful and I got the monster carne Asada quesadilla! Overall, it was exactly what I was expecting but the service really put it over the top.

Awesome service, very friendly staff.
Good quite atmosphere. Not over priced
Large portion. Food is really good

Great food, friendly environment, and love the customer service! Definitely a spot I highly encourage to check out! (:

The food was really good, a lot of choices to choose from. The best part is the SERVICE! Always friendly and attention to detail. Thanks for a great dinner.

I have been coming here since I was in 3^rd grade! I am now 24 years old and the same servers are still here and know myself and my family. They treat you
Like family here. I love that part. Chips and salsa are always my fav but they have the best! It’s the perfect amount of heat. The service is stellar! Never have to ask for refills on anything including beer ;) I recommend the ceviche. It’s always so fresh and yummy. I also really love the shrimp soup or fajitas!!! Yes they did close down in the past but I am very loyal to this place and everyone deserves a second chance. Best Mexican food place in east county. Trust me on this one. You will be just fine!!!

Average Mexican food for the Gringo crowed. Plenty of options that are easy to ID but nothing special. In fact plenty of other better options all around town.
Caldo de pescado — way too salty. Flavor was uninteresting.
Margaritas were strong but way too sweet.
Now their salsa is excellent — full of flavor and spice.
Tortillas are boring — for the set up should be handmade there.
Carrots & chillies are far from fresh.
That’s really the problem, everything tastes from a can covered in salt to mask.

Been coming here for a long time. Chips and salsa are always good. The Chips are always warm right of the oven. We usually get the combo plates bc they’re a pretty good deal and delicious. They have a bar area too if you’re looking to put down some drinks a little quicker and the margaritas are good, not like your typical chain restaurant with a measured oz of tequila. They make it the way it’s supposed to taste. Good mexican food restaurant, definitely recommend it.

There’s a sign on the door stating that they’re CLOSED by order of the Department of Environmental Health for vermin infestation dated April 30, 2014.
I’m thoroughly disgusted and will never go back!!!

Its been awhile since I have reviewed the best Mexican restaurant in Santee… probably the best Mexican restaurant ever IMO.
Not much has changed. They still have the best chips (El Pollo Grills chips come a close 2^nd) and salsa in SD. Their salsa is reason enough to come here over most places.
Prices are excellent! I came here today for lunch with my Mom, Aunt and their friend. Lunch specials are only $ 5.75 and that comes with entrée, rice, beans etc. For 4 of us, with drinks after tax and tip it was only $ 40.00. $ 10.00 a person for a sit down Mexican food meal with drink and tip is a steal nowadays.
Service is always friendly and the crew always remembers you. I have never had a bad meal here. The carne asada burrito is excellent. The beef/​chicken tacos are excellent (I have been keen to their chicken more so lately… they cook their beef with lots of celery… ask Chris B about that one lol.) Whatever you choose will be good… I promise.
Um…thats about it. I will be back again and again.