Valerio's Mexican Food — Restaurant in El Cajon

I would've given this place at least 4 stars a few years ago, in pre- pandemic times. They were my go to for Mexican food. Sadly this is no longer the case. I even understood and obliged when their prices skyrocketed which seemingly happened overnight. After all, they were one of only a few places that remained open during the pandemic. Then the COVID-19 fog began to dissipate and life started normalizing. Merchants had a new challenge they were now faced with; pricing goods and services. Typically after some trial and error (in this case, customers feedback) most are able to find that sweet spot that everyone is cool with. I noticed that this taco shop was really struggling in that way and only after a few times through their drive thru I unconsciously just quit frequenting this establishment. There were so many other options with equally good food but way better prices. I didn't think much about it, until... Last night, I found myself at the mercy of my boyfriend, as I was his passenger and he wanted to roll through. I wasn't very hungry but on impulse threw caution to the wind and decided to order. I didn't have much to spend. The menu was overwhelming and obnoxious to someone in the passenger seat, that someone being me. At first I went with 3 rolled tacos with guac and cheese. Oh, $6.99? Uh, no.. Nevermind. We asked about their specials, and to our surprise the guy said they had a special, bean and cheese burrito with sour cream. That's it, perfect! We asked how much and he gave no answer. We told him 3 times before he understood we just wanted that and not the rolled tacos. At the window my boyfriend paid for his order (we ordered separately)- he got a potato burrito, one of their specials. He paid $5. Then he tells me my special price and I was all of a sudden not hungry anymore. $8.60!!! What kind of special is that?! The guy at the window was lacking in his customer service skills. Rude, and short with his answers. He could care less about representing his employer, and it was such a turn off. The end result for me was a lesson, the burrito was gross and I didn't eat another bite after my first. End result for them, a loss of 2 customers. My boyfriend apparently had the same experience. Keep on driving, trust me there's better food for better prices not...

(Originally posted March 2023)

This is not a place I see myself returning to any time soon—or at least not late at night. Went here late one night (about 23:30) and ordered a bean and cheese with pico de gallo. Cashier was very curt with me. I tried to add an orange Fanta to my order, but the cashier stopped taking my order before I could finish that I wanted the soda. Guy had an even worse attitude with the customer who was there before me. A few minutes went by and I started hearing them curse each other out in Spanish. I understand some Spanish and was able to understand most of what was being said. I ruled it to be the fault of the cashier because I heard the other customer say that they appreciate him in a very sarcastic tone. Not 100% sure if it was a sarcastic response or not, though, but whatever the cashier did to warrant the exchange of words I heard at the drive thru was uncalled for. Maybe he had a bad day, was tired or both. I had both things going on, and I was not about to make things any worse or be the one to get him fired, so I left and went to Sombrero a few blocks up the street instead. Even at a fast food joint, a certain level of professionalism is expected for a pleasant experience. Fire the bad employees and rehire better, more professional ones at this place....

First of all no veggie burrito. I ordered a bean and cheese burrito,add lettuce, guacamole, rice and fries,with a side of hot carrots,and small Jamaica. My total was 15$. Nice birthday lunch,or so I thought. After arriving back at my jobsite, I notice no hot carrots nor rice in the burrito. I called and the same lady who took my ordered,answered, she already knew they forgot to add my rice and offered a side of rice, but I only had 15 minutes to claim this. I also said there were no hot carrots in the bag, and she wants to argue that she put them in the bag, after a couple of times going back and forth, I said you know what keep it, forget about it, I'll just write you a nice review,...