Is Sara's a walk-up counter spot or full table service?

It's a walk-up joint with a casual counter order setup—perfect if you're grabbing lunch between beach time or want to keep things quick and informal. No table service, but the owners are known for being genuinely friendly, which makes the experience feel personal even when you're ordering at the window.

What should I order first?

Start with either the Campechano or al pastor burrito—people consistently rave about them, and the difference in quality versus standard SD burritos is noticeable (the tortilla and meat texture really do stand out). Don't skip the warm chips with housemade sauces; the habanero especially gets mentions for being worth it on its own.

Does Sara's have vegan and vegetarian options?

Yes—they have a full vegan menu, which is genuinely rare at an authentic burrito spot. The soyrizo quesadilla gets specific praise, so if you're plant-based, this place actually takes it seriously rather than just offering a beans-only compromise.

Is this a good spot for kids?

Absolutely. It's casual, the menu is straightforward, and the service is warm and family-oriented. Since it's a counter spot in Mission Beach, you can grab food and eat right by the water or take it back to your hotel—low pressure, high payoff for families.

How's the parking situation in Mission Beach?

Mission Beach parking can be tight, especially on weekends and during peak beach season. Your best bet is street parking along Mission Boulevard or the nearby residential blocks; arrive early or consider going mid-afternoon when beach traffic thins out.

What's the best time to go to avoid crowds?

Midweek afternoons (2–4 PM) tend to be quieter than weekends and lunch rush hours. If you're coming straight from the beach, late afternoon works well before dinner crowds hit—you'll actually get to chat with the owners without a line behind you.

Since this is a walk-up counter spot on Mission Boulevard in Mission Beach, outdoor seating is likely casual street-level eating. Best to call ahead or bring your pup to eat nearby rather than assume a dedicated dog-friendly patio—but the casual vibe makes it a natural post-beach stop either way.

Sara's Mexican Food — Restaurants in Mission Beach, San Die…

“Sara's Mexican Food is a takeout window that runs a full vegan menu alongside classic carnitas and carne asada — rare for a boardwalk taco stand.”

While most Mission Beach food stops lean into ocean-facing decks or rooftop seating, Sara's operates from a walk-up window with no dining room, no tables, no sunset angle. The pitch is simpler: burritos and tacos built to eat on the sand or back at your rental, with a vegan menu that runs deeper than token black bean options. The soyrizo quesadilla shows up in repeat orders from locals who've tested it against standard chorizo versions and found the swap holds up. The Campechano burrito mixes shredded beef and chorizo in a way that avoids the dryness problem some mixed-meat burritos hit — reviewers mention the texture staying consistent from first bite to last.

The California burrito gets the most attention, not because it reinvents the formula but because the carne, cheese, and tortilla arrive in better proportion than the dozens of other California burritos available within a hundred yards. One review describes it as "almost melts in your mouth," which tracks with the softer tortilla choice and the way the ingredients don't fight each other for structural dominance. The al pastor follows a similar approach: balanced seasoning, warm chips on the side, habanero salsa that registers as actually spicy rather than decoratively spicy.

The owners work the window themselves most shifts, which keeps the operation consistent but also means wait times can stretch during post-beach lunch rushes. No phone orders, no reservations — you walk up, you order, you wait. The vegan menu isn't an afterthought: it runs parallel to the standard offerings with the same attention to seasoning and texture. Parking is boardwalk parking, which means you're circling or paying for a lot. The move is to order, walk to the sand, and eat while your burrito's still warm.