Taqueria San Julian — Restaurant in Florida

We went 3 times in one week! Full honest review below:

Taqueria San Julian is the best "cheap" local Mexican food you can get in Naples hands down. (I only use the word “cheap” because the prices are very reasonable/affordable) If you are looking for an amazing quick Mexican restaurant in Naples this is your spot. Taqueria San Julian was recommended by a friend as a "great affordable local Mexican restaurant" which was spot on. Give it a try, you won't regret it. I have a short list of things I wish they could improve on at the end.

The inside is small with around 10 wooden tables that seat 4 and the outside has 5 round picnic style tables with umbrellas which seat 8 people. You order and pay at the counter inside, after you order you receive a number that you can hold (for takeout) or place on your table for dine in. You order at the counter which is on the left and to the center is the kitchen which is fully visible.

On the menu you can order your normal Mexican style appetizers (Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, Queso Dip, Choriqueso or Nachos with Meat) and for the entree you can order tacos or quesadillas. We ordered Pico deGallo, pork quesadillas, chicken quesadillas and beef tacos. Along with the food we ordered a margarita and a Corona Light.

After placing our order we sat outside with our number. Our drinks came out within 2 minutes, the Pico de Gallo came out in 3-5 minutes and our food came out within 10 minutes. The service is lightning fast, it’s super simple and doesn’t have any bells or whistles. Our food was hot right out of the kitchen and came with a variety of sauces that ranged from mild to super hot.

The food really hit the spot. I absolutely devoured everything I ordered and so did my girlfriend who is not the biggest fan of Mexican food. We ended up eating our entrees so fast that we got to just relax, enjoy our drinks and pick away at the Pico de Gallo. The staff did not rush us at all and was very attentive when we needed them.

Areas for improvement: The parking lot in the back is very small for the volume they get and we got parked in by another patron on our last day. The desk for submitting orders is a bit awkward since it is so close to other tables, you’re basically standing next to people that are sitting at tables when you order. It’s not the typical “sit down and speak to a waiter” style of service so if you need additional food or beverages you have to go to the counter.

There are a few things they could improve as mentioned above but at the same time those things make Taqueria san Julian the local gem it is. My girlfriend and I went in with no expectations and left wanting more. If you’re looking for a great place to eat you should check it out, I don’t think...

I ended up at this spot because I saw it listed as one of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Naples. Funny enough, my car battery died and I needed to drive around for a few hours to keep it going—so I made the trip from Sarasota just to eat here.

Car Situation & Safety: Because of the battery issue, I had to leave my car running, keys inside, and doors unlocked. Naturally, that made me feel uneasy, but I was relieved to find this area incredibly safe. If you’re someone who gets nervous about unfamiliar spots, don’t worry—this is a calm, secure part of town and nothing about it felt sketchy.

Atmosphere: The restaurant itself has that classic hole-in-the-wall taquería vibe. It doesn’t feel like you’re in Naples—in the best way. It has a more authentic, northeastern Mexico feel: just a few tables, a cash register, a visible kitchen, and a cooler stocked with Jarritos, sodas, and beer. They also offer Micheladas and margaritas, but I wouldn’t recommend the margarita—it’s made with a pre-mixed base and came off a bit too sweet for my taste. I would definitely recommend the restaurant to make their own mix because I feel like that would make the experience so much better and I would definitely enjoy a classic margarita that tastes like their food quality.

What I Ordered: • Shrimp taco • Beef tongue taco • Steak taco • Veggie taco • Ceviche tostada • Guac and chips

The tacos were generously portioned and served on light, double corn tortillas. They do break apart easily, but the flavor made up for it—simple, salty, and satisfying. My favorites were definitely the shrimp and beef tongue tacos.

The guacamole was super fresh and delicious, and everything tasted very homemade and clean. The chips were fried to perfection—light and crunchy. They reminded me of Chili’s chips, but better and less salty (and I love Chili’s chips, so that’s saying something!).

Would I Come Back? Probably not a regular spot for me, but it absolutely hit the spot today and made for a great experience. The staff was so kind and accommodating, and I even made a friend while I was there—shoutout to Kerry!

I haven’t tried many Mexican restaurants in Naples besides Gumbo Limbo at the Ritz, but this definitely felt more local. Most of the diners were Hispanic, and the whole place had a cozy, homey energy.

Next time, I’d definitely come with friends, order chips and seafood tacos, maybe some ceviche—and honestly, I’d bring my own margarita...

If you're craving authentic Mexican street tacos, Taqueria San Julian is the place to go. This no-frills taqueria focuses on quality, flavor, and tradition rather than fancy décor, and that's exactly what makes it special. The tacos are the real deal – simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. The al pastor is a standout, with perfectly seasoned pork and a hint of sweetness from the pineapple. The carne asada is juicy and tender, and if you're feeling adventurous, the lengua (beef tongue) is incredibly rich and flavorful. The tortillas are fresh and lightly toasted, making the perfect vessel for the fillings. The quesadillas and burritos are also solid choices, and the house-made salsa adds just the right amount of heat. Expect fast, friendly service, but don’t expect a sit-down restaurant experience. This is a true taqueria – order at the counter, grab a seat, and enjoy. It’s not about ambiance here; it’s about great food at a great price. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food. You’ll leave full and satisfied without breaking the bank. If you're looking for authentic, no-nonsense Mexican tacos, Taqueria San Julian is a must-visit. The food speaks for itself – fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and traditional preparation. It’s a true hidden gem for taco lovers.

Would definitely return...