Sara's Restaurant
Mexican antojitos since 1971 · Across from UABC
About Sara's Restaurant
Sara's is one of Mexicali's home-cooking institutions. What is today a spacious restaurant across from UABC began in 1971 as a tiny 3×3-meter wooden stand, where Doña Sara Sánchez Santillán sold tortas, tacos and molletes to university students. More than 50 years later, it stays true to its lifelong motto: "delicious, abundant food at a good price." Its menu is a tour of Mexican home cooking: the famous beef broth (caldo de res), the daily set lunches —comidas corridas, which always come with their broth—, enchiladas, liver and onions, chilaquiles, chimichangas, stewed meats and the legendary Sara's torta with fries. In the mornings, hearty breakfasts with drip coffee and free unlimited refills, plus natural fruit waters. Beyond the restaurant, Sara's is a full Mexicali company offering catering, cafeteria service and industrial dining. A multi-generational classic and a must-stop for students, families and workers in the Maestros Estatales area.
Since 1971
Over 50 years of Mexican home cooking, from wooden stand to institution.
Abundant
"Delicious, abundant food at a good price" — their lifelong motto.
Free Refills
Freshly brewed drip coffee with free unlimited refills.
⭐ What you have to try
The classics that have made Sara's a must-stop for generations
Beef Broth (Caldo de Res)
The house signature: a hearty broth with beef, vegetables and rice. The all-time favorite of longtime regulars.
Daily Set Lunch (Comida Corrida)
The great-value daily menu that always includes their broth. It changes every day — posted on their Facebook. The best price-to-portion ratio.
Sara's Torta with Fries
The torta that made the place famous back when it was a wooden stand. Generous and served with fries. A true Mexicali classic.
Coffee with Unlimited Refills
Freshly brewed drip coffee with free refills, as many as you like. Perfect for a relaxed breakfast.
🍽️ The Sara's Menu
🇲🇽 Stews & Daily Dishes
Enchiladas
Filled and bathed in salsa, a much-loved house classic.
Liver & Onions
Traditional beef liver stewed with onions — homestyle and hearty.
Chilaquiles
Tortilla chips in green or red salsa with crema, cheese and onion. Also for breakfast.
Chimichangas
Crispy fried burrito stuffed with stew, northern style.
Beef Asado
Beef stewed in its sauce, served with rice and beans.
Bistec a la Mexicana
Beef steak stewed with tomato, onion and chile.
☀️ Breakfast
Eggs Your Way
Rancheros, a la mexicana, with ham or with machaca.
Machaca with Eggs
A northern specialty: dried shredded beef scrambled with eggs.
Chilaquiles with Eggs
Green or red, with an egg and sides.
Molletes
Bolillo roll with beans and melted cheese, served with salsa.
Pancakes
With butter and syrup. A sweet way to start the day.
Full Breakfast
Includes drip coffee with refills, juice or fruit, and a main dish.
The set-lunch menu changes daily — Sara's posts it every week on their Facebook.
Sara's Services
Much more than a restaurant — a Mexicali food company
From Wooden Stand to Institution
Over 50 years of history across from UABC
The Beginning
Doña Sara Sánchez Santillán opens a 3×3-meter wooden stand across from UABC, selling tortas, tacos and molletes to students.
The Tradition
Over the years it grew into a full home-cooking restaurant, faithful to its motto: delicious, abundant food at a good price.
Today
Beyond the restaurant, Sara's offers catering, cafeteria service and industrial dining: a full Mexicali company.
A multi-generational classic: students who discovered Sara's in their university years now return with their kids. The torta with fries and the beef broth are still the same flavors as ever.
Tips for Your Visit
What to know before you go
Order the set lunch
It is the best price-to-portion value: a full daily menu that comes with their broth. It changes daily and is posted on their Facebook.
The Sara's torta with fries
It is the dish that made the place famous back when it was a wooden stand. If it is your first time, order it.
Free coffee, as much as you want
The drip coffee has free unlimited refills. Great for lingering a while after breakfast.
Come early for parking
It is across from UABC in a busy area; parking can fill up at peak hours. Arrive early to find a spot.
Over 50 years of tradition
It opened in 1971 as a small stand across from the university. A classic enjoyed by several generations of Mexicali locals.
Have an event?
Sara's also offers catering, cafeteria service and industrial dining. Ask for a quote for parties or companies.
Generous portions
Their motto is "delicious, abundant food at a good price." Come hungry — the portions are generous.
Across from UABC
On Blvd. Benito Juárez 1750, in Maestros Estatales. Easy to find right across from the university campus.
⭐ What diners say
“Homestyle food, abundant and well-priced. The beef broth is among the best in Mexicali and the set lunch is excellent. Service is fast and friendly.”
— Regular customer
“I have been coming since my UABC student days years ago. The torta with fries is still just as good. A classic that never fails.”
— Lifelong patron
“The perfect spot for breakfast. Everything well prepared and the coffee delicious with refills. Highly recommended.”
— Visitor · Breakfast
“Good seasoning and generous portions. It gets busy and parking is tricky at times, but it is worth it. Friendly service.”
— Customer
“A Mexicali tradition. The enchiladas and liver and onions taste like home cooking. Affordable prices.”
— Diner
“We ordered catering for a family event and it turned out great. Plenty of food and everyone happy.”
— Catering client
Representative of customer sentiment. Average rating 4.3/5 based on public Google reviews.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sara's Restaurant?
Where is it located?
What are the hours?
What are the most famous dishes?
How much does it cost to eat here?
Opening Hours
⏰ May vary on special days
Location
Blvd. Benito Juárez 1750
Col. Maestros Estatales, C.P. 21280
Across from UABC (Blvd. Benito Juárez)
Mexicali, B.C.
🚴 Order Delivery
Available on Mexicali's delivery apps, or get takeout at the restaurant.
🎉 Have an event or company?
Sara's also offers: