What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Cenote Grill
Review
About
Features
CUISINES
Mexican, Southwestern
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Parking Available
Does this restaurant offer free wifi?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 2:30 PM
Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Contribute
4.6
306 reviews
Excellent
214
Very good
66
Average
13
Poor
7
Terrible
6
regman2all
62 contributions
Apr 2022 • business
Was in the mood for Mexican without the ‘chain restaurant’ over prices. This place was close to business we were visiting. On a Wednesday evening, you pick up menus at counter and wait to be seated - which was quick - on the outside patio. We ordered fish tacos and Camerones modelo with glass of wine and a corona. Server brought chips and mild red and spicier green salsa while we waited. They were pretty busy but our food came out pretty fast. It was totally delish. Very enjoyable and modestly priced dining.
Written April 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marshell2016
Escondido205 contributions
Jul 2023 • friends
Friendly service, busy lunchtime, attentive staff, casual atmosphere. The food tasted great, really enjoyed the street tacos. The salad entrees huge, and easily two can eat, very fresh ingredients. $-$$
Written July 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JimW551
San Clemente3812 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
We ate here before going to a concert at the Center for Arts. Very crowded at 6 pm as many seniors eat early and lots of takeout orders. A 45 minute wait for food. I had a cheese chili rellano and cheese enchilada and my wife had the traditional bowl. All were very good and good sized portion. Staff was very friendly and service oriented!
Written July 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
San Diego Native
11 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
I don't know why this place has any good ratings. My experience tonight was terrible and it will definitely be my last.
There were two of us and we waited 45 minutes for our food. I think we only got it when we did because we flagged down a water pourer who was wandering by and asked him where our food was. He said "Oh, I think I know where it is," and then brought my spouses over to the table. He was halfway through his food when my salad finally arrived. We had asked for dressing on the side, but I think they heard, "double the dressing and let it sit and get soggy for a half hour." It was like a wet diaper and completely inedible. There was no way I was going to wait another 45 minutes for them to remake it and we were late for an appointment already. I ate the chicken off the top and left the whole wet mess behind. I mean, how hard is it to make a salad with dressing on the side? The ambiance is not what this place is known for, so with that said, the food and the service were terrible as well.
Written September 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leo D
Le Mars38 contributions
May 2021 • none
Got a carry out for 4 of us late last week. The bowls are terrific, fresh, authentic, HEALTHY, not overly sauced, but fantastic flavor.
Also had the grilled fish taco's. Black Beans and brown rice as a side.
All of it very good, I will definitely be back!
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trippin2201
Escondido71 contributions
Feb 2021 • family
We have eaten here many times and always enjoy it. In pre-COVID life, we sometimes dined in and sometimes took it to-go. The quality is there either way. I love their cilantro lime chicken salad! We called in our order, hopped in the car, and when we got there, it was ready for pick up. The staff are friendly, and we've seen a number of the same employees for years, which is a good sign (and shows that we have been there more than a few times, haha).
Written March 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana L
Grand Terrace64 contributions
Apr 2022 • family
The staff and atmosphere very friendly. Lots of customers. Because of its rating we tried it. More than any of us could eat. Everything spicey hot except beans and rice. Casadilla n fries fine for great grandson. Not for sensitive stomachs
Written April 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise G
San Diego44 contributions
Dec 2019 • family
We started with the fresh guacamole which was very good. Very traditional. Tried the queso. Pretty good. Large portion enough to take some home. Then onto the Cenote burrito carne asada and whole pinto beans. I had mine without rice. Very good burrito. Quality tortilla with lots of flavor. I’ll be back
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
Escondido308 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
Made to go order. Tornado with carnitas, chile relleno with pork and fish taco. The food was delicious and the servings were huge. The tostado could feed 4 easily. Service was outstanding.
Written September 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven G
11 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
So highly rated were were expecting more. Long line to order. Only one person at desk. Waited 30 minutes for food and then told they were out of carnitas. We should have left but changed to chicken. Then waited again. Dry, tasteless. Chips were not homemade. Salsas ordinary. Not worth the high prices!
Written October 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrielynnwho
Sherwood49 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
Great locally owned Mexican restaurant with yummy food and friendly staff. Food was fresh and fkavorful with a unique twist on most items. Chips and salsa was delicious!
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Huge Hungry Hairy Human
San Marcos6 contributions
May 2022 • none
My tacos were supposed to be shredded beef, but they were hamburger meat. Like a taco bell taco. I expected way more from this expensive little crowded place.
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cenote G
We do not have shredded beef and or ground beef. The only beef we serve is grilled Carne Asada. I believe you may have ordered from somewhere other than Cenote Grill.
Written May 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ramona B
Fountain Valley3 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
Friendly, good wine..awesome food..enchildas were terrific, salad was huge! good wine, too..can't be beat
Written February 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CH3535
Olympia7 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
A little hole in the wall place in a strip mall - obviously a favorite of the locals as we could hardly find a parking space and the line went out the door. Super good food, the best we've had of Mexican food and super friendly young men who ran the place.
Written February 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen B
San Diego9 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
The food is always excellent and the portions are great. The staff is very friendly. They’re usually busy so leave extra time if you go.
Written December 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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