Reviews for On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina in Escondido, CA

This was a major disappointment. We have not been into "On the Border" for a few years. Every time we drive by they are... busy... but we like small family owned restaurants more than "Chains". But we remembered how great their chips and salsa was...so we gave it a try yesterday. We started with a BORDERITA®, Lunazul Reposado, Gran Gala orange liqueur and fresh citrus sour.LIMIT TWO... because they have more Tequila in them. We swear... you could taste a hint of Tequila on the first sip... thennone. It was a terrible margarita! And... the flavor was terrible too. They brought the chips... and they are nothing like thethe ones we remembered and loved. The new chips are super thin corn tortillas cut in quarters or halves. They are largechips... but bland. The Salsa is still very good. We both ordered the SOUTHWEST COMBO. It has a Southwest Chicken Taco, onecarnitas enchilada and a mini chicken chimi smothered in Border Queso. Served with Mexican rice and choice of beans. After a 35minute wait... Sarah returned to the table to tell us that they had lost our order in the Kitchen... but... they were rushing itand it was being cook now. 20 Minutes later... the food arrived "Cool and Coagulated". Sarah apologized and said they wereremoving one of the meals from the bill for the delay. And they did. Certainly if hot the food would have been better. Buteven served Hot it was a poor excuse for good Mexican food. The Chicken Taco had fried Onion Rings in it. Not a flavor profilethat worked for either one of us. The Carnitas enchilada was the closest thing on the plate approaching edible. But... thecheese on top was no longer hot... and it was coagulated. The Mini Chicken Chimi had no chicken in it... it was cheese. TheQueso that it was supposed to have been smothered in... was served on the side... it was tasty... but coagulated with a skin onthe top... and not even warm. I replaced my BORDERITA with a 22 oz "Coors Light Draft" It was ice co Read more

Normand was the best bartender I?ve ever met. We have been at this restaurant previously, and although he only helped my wife... and I only once, he totally remembered us and knew exactly what we always drank. I was very impressed and he is excellent!!!!!!I truly mean that. Read more

I was hungry for their fajitas. I used to enjoy getting them in the past. They were fine though the chicken was a tad drier than... other times in the past. They still make the best live guacamole around! Read more

Stopped here after a visit to Safari Park, what an awesome idea! We were hungry and this place hit the spot. Fast service, great... beers on tap, and good Mexican food! Had a great time refueling for the next stop! Read more

Honestly $71 for what we ordered and received is almost laughable. 3 of us ate and I ordered a mixed drink and queso. My chicken... was likely butterflied and cut in half . The portions are sad. For $19...give me the breast not half the breast. Just nownoticing a "surcharge" of 3.5%. What's that for? Covid relief? Inflation relief? Please!! You'll price yourself out ofpatrons. Friendly staff and food tasted decent but not sure I'll come back. There is no value and the surcharge is a slap in theface. Read more

Came to here with a group of 10 and was able to get a reservation earlier in the day for 6pm on the patio. We had attentive... service and great customer service too. It was happy hour was I ordered the chicken quesadilla which was phenomenal. Definitelywill order this again! Read more

Seating was quick. The server was great. She took off the fried jalapeños dish from our orde because we barley touch them (they... tasted gross) . The shrimp tacos were good! I wish they had more veggie options. Read more

One girl taking orders, serving, bar tending. I liked the lunch specials and a fine bloody Mary. A bit simple but tasty and... it was a happy hour price for it. Wait time was a bit but like I said, only one girl doing it all and she rocks! Read more