Is there parking at El Indio in Mission Hills?

Yes—there's a free lot on-site, plus metered street parking nearby if that fills up. You won't need to circle the block for an hour, which is why locals love this spot for a quick lunch or casual dinner.

Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome and the place moves quickly, so you'll rarely hit a long wait. If you're coming on Taco Tuesday or during peak weekend brunch, showing up early (late morning or early afternoon) gives you the smoothest experience.

What should I order first time here?

Start with the carne asada or adobada tacos—the adobada especially has serious flavor—and grab the carne asada chimichanga if you want something heartier. Don't skip the homemade chips and salsa; they're the real deal and worth buying a bag to take home.

Is El Indio good for kids and families?

Absolutely. It's a neighborhood staple with casual vibes, reasonable prices, and food kids actually want to eat. Outdoor seating makes it easy to manage if you've got little ones in tow.

Yes—they have outdoor seating where dogs are welcome, so you can grab breakfast or lunch without leaving your pup behind.

What vegetarian options do you have?

They offer vegetarian options including cheese-based dishes and bean offerings, though the spot's real strength is in their meat preparations. Ask your server what's freshest that day.

Is there a dress code?

No. This is a casual neighborhood joint in Mission Hills—shorts, sandals, post-hike clothes all work fine.

What makes El Indio different from other Mexican restaurants in San Diego?

It's been a San Diego staple long enough that it earned serious credibility (including TV features), and people keep coming back because of genuinely fresh tortillas, reasonable prices, and consistently good execution. It's the kind of place locals recommend to visitors who want authentic food without the hype.

El Indio Mexican Restaurant and Catering — Mexican in Missi…

“El Indio's been making fresh tortillas in the same India Street spot since 1940, back when this was still a streetcar neighborhood.”

While Blue Water pulls fish from the case and Spin keeps the dance floor going past midnight, El Indio operates on generational muscle memory—the kind of place where locals bring their kids who'll eventually bring theirs. The tortillas still get pressed in-house, hot enough that regulars buy bags to take home before they even order food. That's the tell: when people leave with chips, not just plates, you're dealing with foundational infrastructure, not just another taco counter.

The format hasn't changed much since Truman was president: walk in, order at the counter, grab a seat at the outdoor tables where India Street traffic rolls past. The adobada carries more spice than the carne asada or chicken, which matters if you're the type who tastes the difference. The beef chimichanga shows up crispy-wrapped, properly sealed so nothing leaks. Taco Tuesday draws the expected crowds, but the breakfast and lunch shifts move just as steady—this is the neighborhood's working kitchen, not its weekend destination.

Parking's a coin-flip: there's a free lot, but metered street spots fill early. The prices run low enough that Guy Fieri's stamp of approval hasn't inflated the check. Chips and salsa come included, which sounds small until you realize how many places upcharge for that baseline. The staff moves fast but stays friendly, which tracks for a spot that's fed this neighborhood longer than most residents have lived here.

Come for the tortillas, stay because nothing else nearby serves breakfast this early or this cheap. Order the adobada if you want flavor, the chimichanga if you want crunch, and a bag of chips because you'll regret not grabbing them on the way out.