Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Pick Up Stix – San Diego
Pick Up Stix - San Diego
Photo from Pick Up Stix
Pick Up Stix at a glance
San Diego Mira Mesa
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#642 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#20 Chinese Restaurant out of 34 in San Diego
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
431
Reviews
47.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive staff
- Clean environment
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Long waits
The restaurant Pick Up Stix is a popular Chinese restaurant located in the vibrant Mira Mesa neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This spot is known for its fresh Asian flavors and offers a variety of healthy and vegetarian options, making it a great choice for diverse tastes. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, you’re in for a satisfying experience.
Overview: Introducting Pick Up Stix
Pick Up Stix offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating the attentive customer service and the evident food preparation pride. Guests often find the establishment’s cleanliness to be a positive aspect, contributing to a pleasant visit.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in the dishes, occasionally finding certain items overpriced or lacking the expected flavor. This suggests that while there are clear high points, the culinary execution can sometimes vary.
Average
5.6
out of 10
431
Reviews
47.8%
Satisfaction
195
negative
30
neutral
206
positive
Overall, Pick Up Stix registers an average Restaurant Score of 5.6, reflecting a generally acceptable but not outstanding dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 47.8%, indicating a mixed reception where nearly half of the patrons express contentment.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 431 customer comments, with 206 positive and 195 negative remarks. Looking closer, Ambience (7.6) stands out as a strong point, often praised for its inviting and clean setting.
Service (5.6) is also viewed positively, though Food (5.3) receives a more moderate appraisal. The Value (4.6) aspect, however, appears to be a weaker area, with some guests feeling the cost doesn’t always align with the offering.
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Clean establishment
- Freshly prepared food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Long waiting times
- Cleanliness issues
If you’re considering Pick Up Stix, know that it offers a casual dining option with some notable strengths, particularly in its welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in the culinary offerings and some concerns regarding overall value.
With a Recommendation Score of 5.5, it suggests a visit might be worthwhile if you prioritize a clean, friendly environment and are open to a varied food experience. It might not be your top choice if consistent, high-quality cuisine and exceptional value are your primary concerns.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Chinese Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
248
94.8%
- $$
- Pacific Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
114
84.2%
- $$
- Mid-City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
404
79.7%
- $$
- Kearny Mesa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
7.9
out of 10
out of 10
500
80.2%
- $$
- Mid-City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
7.6
out of 10
out of 10
367
74.1%
- $$
- Mira Mesa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
7.3
out of 10
out of 10
357
73.4%
- $$
- Clairemont
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Pick Up Stix
Food (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners have found plenty to enjoy, with 90 positive remarks out of 207 total. Guests often praise the dumplings, House Special Chicken, and Firecracker Shrimp for being delicious and well-prepared. The food made to order and portion sizes also frequently receive compliments, contributing to a generally satisfying meal experience.
However, the food isn't always a hit, with 98 negative comments indicating a mixed bag. The overall score for food sits at an average 5.3, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 43.5%. Some find the fried rice and noodles to be bland or soggy, while others complain about the food quality and flavor, noting issues like too much sauce or a lack of freshness in dishes like Kung Pao or cashew chicken.
Food
207
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
98
negative
19
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious dumplings
- Food made to order
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Soggy textures
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodHe was incredibly funny and friendly, providing amazing customer service. He truly made my night, and the food was great too. I highly recommend this place!
- cream cheese wontonsWhile it may not be authentic Chinese, it's freshly cooked, tastes good, and is affordable. Certain dishes truly stand out: the House Special Chicken, Garlic Chicken, chow mein, egg rolls, and cream cheese wontons are must-tries. I can't understand comparisons to places where food sits under heat lamps all day.
- food preparationpride that the people that work here take in making and preparing the food
- food temperatureWe love calling in our orders and bringing them home to enjoy. Our orders are always ready when we show up, hot & ready to eat! The staff is also always friendly.
- mealI’ve never eaten at a Pick Up Stix before, but I was satisfied with my meal. I’ll eat there again before I ever return to Rubios, lol.
- Asia Fit MenuIt's healthy fare if ordering from Asia Fit Menu
- Firecracker ShrimpAlso Firecracker Shrimp w/ plain chow-mein
- FoodFood:5
- Garlic ChickenWhile it may not be authentic Chinese, it's freshly cooked, tastes good, and is affordable. Certain dishes truly stand out: the House Special Chicken, Garlic Chicken, chow mein, egg rolls, and cream cheese wontons are must-tries. I can't understand comparisons to places where food sits under heat lamps all day.
- House Special ChickenYou need to order the House Special Chicken
Frequently criticized
- foodI am really disappointed because I was really looking forward to a delicious meal. I did not like my food. I threw away most of it because it didn't taste right and left an awful taste in my mouth.
- fried riceI ordered a side of fried rice. She then responded to me that they are no sides of fried rice
- noodlesUpon opening the container, one could clearly see two different colors of noodles. The darker noodles had some flavor, but the lighter colored noodles had almost no flavor. Even worse, the lighter noodles had the texture of overcooked, soggy spaghetti.
- chickenno flavor on the chicken and you can tel it’s frozen or microwaved breaded chicken.
- chicken piecesThe chicken pieces are so mangeled and smaller than the vegetables
- chow meinThe service was fine, but the food was a letdown. I found the steamed veggies in my entree to be undercooked and almost plastic-like, and the chow mein tasted like pasta. It was disappointing as it was my first time trying this place.
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was that the food was typical pre-made Chinese food, similar to the quality you'd get at a buffet. It was not fresh made to order, as they use pre-made proteins.
- honey chickenunder no circumstances is the honey chicken actually honey chicken
- meatThe meat was also extremely oversauced to cover up the quality of the meat itself
- ricerice that only tasted like house sauce
The food here is a bit of a gamble; while some dishes truly shine, others fall flat. If you're looking for a quick, customizable meal and stick to popular recommendations, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in flavor and quality.
Service (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
It seems the team here often hits the mark, with many customers praising the staff for being incredibly friendly and providing great customer service. People often feel welcomed and appreciate the attentive staff who greet them with a smile. While the overall satisfaction sits at a 46.7% mixed bag, and the score is an 5.6 average, there are definitely shining moments.
However, with 80 negative comments compared to 78 positive ones out of 167 total remarks, there's clearly room for improvement. Many guests have faced frustratingly long waiting times and reported slow service, sometimes even receiving the wrong order. Issues like being understaffed also contribute to a less-than-ideal experience for some.
Service
167
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
80
negative
9
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great customer service
What people don't like
- Slow service, long waits
- Understaffed issues
- Incorrect orders
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this Pick Up Stix was positive. It's a pretty clean establishment and they are usually pretty fast with their service. I will definitely be back.
- staffThe chicken dumplings were equally amazing, filled with juicy, flavorful chicken and served with a perfect dipping sauce. Beyond the incredible food, the restaurant itself is clean and inviting, and the staff are friendly and attentive. They clearly take pride in their food and service.
- customer serviceExcellent customer service, thank you Ms. Mirna!
- wait timegetting orders out in a reasonable time now
- ServiceService:5
- cashierMy experience at Pick Up Stix was fantastic, largely thanks to the cashier, Mario! He was incredibly funny and friendly, providing amazing customer service.
- experienceThis was my first time eating at Pick Up Stix, and Mary made it a very welcoming experience by being extremely helpful with the menu and what to expect. We were greeted right away by other staff members and helped immediately.
- MIRNAthe cashier MIRNA was kind enough to suggest something very delicious
- MarioHe was funny, friendly
- MirnaMirna was very helpful and offered great customer service!!
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeSince the inside was closed due to the pandemic, I asked Maira, the cashier, if we could sit outside, and she agreed. We waited 20 minutes with no update. Upon checking inside, my order wasn't ready.
- servicethe service was the absolute worst
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the management's lack of customer service. It seems they were having a bad or late day, and their stress was evident to the customers.
- cookThe cook hadn’t even started my order.
- managerSeriously, it's not like I'm going to camp out at Pick Up Stix. I am disgusted in how Pick Up Stix chose this guy to run their restaurant. Never again will your company get a dollar from me.
- manager attitudereported the issue to the manager, she was unappologic and showed her “don’t care attitude”
- waitnearly an hour wait for a bowl of chow mein
- wait timetook an obscenely long amount of time on my food
- acknowledgementAt no point was there acknowledgement that it took way too long!
- bad serviceexperience bad service in this restaurant
So, should you go? If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy friendly and attentive service. But be prepared for potential delays and service hiccups, especially during busy times, as consistency seems to be a challenge.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
Stepping inside, the vibe is mostly a hit! With a solid 7.6 score and 79.5% customer satisfaction, the atmosphere here is generally well-received. Many guests appreciate the overall atmosphere and cleanliness of the restaurant and restrooms.
Plus, parking is often a breeze, and the noise level is frequently described as quiet, making for a peaceful dining experience, as noted in 31 positive comments. However, its not all sunshine and roses. Out of 39 total observations, 8 negative comments point to some areas needing attention.
Concerns include unsanitary practices by employees, tables being left dirty, and general cleanliness issues. Some also noted the place was empty or mentioned trash cans' being full, suggesting a need for more consistent upkeep.
Ambience
39
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean restaurant
- Quiet atmosphere
- Easy parking
What people don't like
- Unsanitary practices
- Dirty tables
- Full trash cans
Often praised
- atmosphereThey clearly take pride in their food and service. I highly recommend Pickup Stix for delicious Chinese food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- restaurantThe chicken dumplings were equally amazing, filled with juicy, flavorful chicken and served with a perfect dipping sauce. Beyond the incredible food, the restaurant itself is clean and inviting, and the staff are friendly and attentive. They clearly take pride in their food and service.
- cleanlinessIt was very clean
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
- clean insidethe inside was clean
- clean restroomsPortions were large and easily made for two meals. It's worth noting that the staff were pleasant and attentive, the inside was clean (including the restrooms), and the drinks were cold and refreshing. I can't speak to the order accuracy for to-go orders as we ate-in.
- customersOn a positive note, they included a free bag of fortune cookies with sugar icing. The restaurant had no waiting lines, and there were only a few customers during lunch hour. Given the food quality, I will probably not visit it again.
- establishmentMy experience at this Pick Up Stix was positive. It's a pretty clean establishment and they are usually pretty fast with their service. I will definitely be back.
- great locationOverall great location
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
Frequently criticized
- TVthe TV was shut off. he refused to turn it on
- cleanlinessNot very clean inside. Tables not wiped down. Floor dirty.
- disgustingVery disgusting
- food safetywitness something unsanitary I’m going to address wearing no gloves
- place was emptyThey told me I had to wait for 25 minutes. No wonder the place was empty. I walked out.
- tablestables were left dirty.
- trash canstrash cans filled up up to the top👀😏🤦🏽♂️
- unsanitary practicesemployees make the food in a very unsanitary way
Overall, the ambience offers a generally pleasant and clean environment, often quiet with good parking. However, be aware that some experiences mention cleanliness issues or unsanitary practices. If a peaceful, clean spot is your priority, it's worth a visit, but keep an eye out for potential inconsistencies.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are definitely some bright spots! Many customers appreciate the chance to snag welcome savings and earn rewards through their app, plus they offer deals and coupons that can make a meal feel like a good buy. Some even felt the money spent was just right for what they got, especially when considering portion sizes.
These positive sentiments were noted in 7 out of 18 customer remarks. However, the overall picture for value is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.6 and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather low 38.9%. Many found the price or total to be too high, frequently describing the food as overpriced or feeling like a waste of money.
These concerns were voiced in 9 customer observations, suggesting that while deals exist, the regular meal cost can be a sticking point for many.
Value
18
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Earn welcome savings
- Good deals available
- Portions justify cost
What people don't like
- Often too expensive
- Food often overpriced
- Waste of money
Often praised
- costdoesn't cost a fortune
- deals and couponsDecent deals and coupons too
- earn rewardsThe staff was very polite & helpful. I also learned that if you sign up for their app, you can get a welcome savings and earn rewards. The restaurant is currently open from 11 AM to 8 PM.
- meal$15 for the meal seemed a bit much for me until I saw the huge portion size.
- money spentright for the amount money I spent
- pricenot too overly pricey
- welcome savingsThe staff was very polite & helpful. I also learned that if you sign up for their app, you can get a welcome savings and earn rewards. The restaurant is currently open from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Frequently criticized
- priceAlmost $16'00 for bowl of rice and a little chicken
- meal costour 57 dollar meal for 3 people ended up being charged from my account for almost 84 dollars
- moneyThe cream cheese wontons were just okay, and the chicken egg rolls had a really weird aftertaste. The general's chicken was good enough, but overall, this was a disappointing and waste of money.
- overpricedThey were over priced for mediocre food
- pricesThe service also earned a 5. However, they have discontinued their lunch specials, and the prices have become a bit higher than they used to be.
- totalmy order came to the total of $20.13 which I thought was a little high
If you're savvy with deals and coupons, you might find some decent value here, especially with their rewards program. However, be prepared that without those savings, many customers feel the regular prices are quite high and the food can be overpriced, potentially leading to disappointment.
How are the prices at Pick Up Stix?
You’re looking at roughly 25 $ per person – reported by 58 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 25 $, it’s interesting to see that most guests actually spend less, with a big cluster of reviews in the $11–$20 range. However, there are also a few diners who go for a more premium experience, which helps push that average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 58 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in San Diego.
We think the pricing here offers a nice balance. It feels fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Diego, especially since there are plenty of options for those looking for a more budget-friendly meal, alongside choices for a splurge.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pick Up Stix
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Food, Service, and Christmas Decor!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the manager, Monica, was really nice and friendly. I loved how the restaurant was decorated for Christmas, which added to the wonderful atmosphere.
Overall, it's a great location.
- food10
- manager Monica10
- restaurant decorated for Christmas10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Fast Service and Great Food!
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. I ordered 4 plates of food, and it came out really fast. The service was great, with Monica taking my order nicely and bringing my food quickly.
I recommend this location!
- food9
- service10
- Monica9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Pick Up Stix Exceeds Expectations
I’ve never eaten at a Pick Up Stix before, but I was satisfied with my meal. I’ll eat there again before I ever return to Rubios, lol. The food was great, and the atmosphere was enjoyable, contributing to a very positive experience.
- meal8
- food9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Wild Caught Salmon!
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially because they offer wild caught salmon, which is hard to find. Most places only offer sustainable salmon. The salmon pieces were a good size.
The atmosphere was rated 5, and the service was also a perfect 5. It's a walk-in only establishment with plenty of parking. The price per person is between $10–$20.
- wild caught salmon9
- good size pieces8
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Delicious Bourbon Chicken & Kind Service
My experience at the restaurant was great! They made my chicken fresh, which took a little while, but I was content with the wait as they seemed busy with pick-up orders. To my surprise, an employee kindly gave me some cream cheese wontons for my patience.
The bourbon chicken was tender and flavorful, and it came with many sauces. While the $15 price seemed a bit high initially, the huge portion size justified it. The food was good, and the employees were very kind.
I'll definitely be back!
- bourbon chicken9
- portion size9
- employees10
What Pick Up Stix offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dietary options are available at Pick Up Stix Fresh Asian Flavors in San Diego?
At Pick Up Stix, you’ll find a range of choices to suit various dietary needs. They offer delicious vegan and vegetarian options, along with healthy selections and small plates perfect for a quick bite. You can easily enjoy a meal that fits your preferences.
Is Pick Up Stix in Mira Mesa suitable for families, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Pick Up Stix is very family-friendly, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs, making it good for children. For your convenience, you’ll usually find plenty of free parking available in their lot, including wheelchair accessible parking.
What is the overall dining experience like at Pick Up Stix?
Pick Up Stix generally offers an average dining experience, with a Restaurant Score of 5.6. While Ambience (7.6) and Service (5.6) are often appreciated, Food (5.3) and Value (4.6) receive more mixed feedback.
Are there any particular dishes or aspects of the food that stand out?
Customers often praise the food preparation and mention dishes like House Special Chicken and Garlic Chicken as positive examples. However, some opinions note issues with no flavor in certain items or soggy noodles.
What should I know about the service and atmosphere?
The staff is frequently described as friendly and helpful, contributing to a positive customer service experience. The establishment is generally considered clean and inviting, though some reports mention dirty tables or waiting time issues.