Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » Mariscos Alex – San Diego
Mariscos Alex - San Diego
Photo from Mariscos Alex
Mariscos Alex at a glance
San Diego City Heights
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 15 of the guests
#618 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#89 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
62
Reviews
51.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious seafood
- Outdoor dining
- Tasty burritos
Frequently criticized
- Unfriendly staff
- High prices
- Hair in food
The restaurant Mariscos Alex, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s City Heights neighborhood, invites you to experience its casual and welcoming atmosphere. You’ll find a perfect spot for lunch or dinner, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With options like healthy choices and small plates, there’s something for every craving. Enjoy the convenience of outdoor seating and a truly authentic dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Mariscos Alex
Mariscos Alex offers a casual setting with a pleasant atmosphere, featuring shaded tents and picnic tables for outdoor dining. Many find the overall experience quite enjoyable, appreciating the tasty offerings.
It seems to be a spot where the culinary side often hits the mark, making for a satisfying meal. However, some experiences at Mariscos Alex are tempered by concerns over service, with reports of unfriendly staff and occasional order issues.
Additionally, the perception of value can be a sticking point, as some customers feel the pricing doesn’t always align with what’s received.
Average
5.8
out of 10
62
Reviews
51.6%
Satisfaction
23
negative
7
neutral
32
positive
Looking at the numbers, Mariscos Alex holds an overall score of 5.8, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 51.6%. This assessment comes from 62 customer remarks, including 32 positive and 23 negative.
The standout here is clearly the Food (6.3), which generally receives favorable comments for its taste and variety. The Ambience (7.6) also contributes positively, offering a comfortable setting.
However, the experience is somewhat pulled down by other aspects. Service (3.6) appears to be a significant area for improvement, with several patrons noting issues with staff demeanor.
Similarly, Value (2.8) is a concern for many, as opinions suggest that pricing can be on the higher side for what’s offered. These points indicate a mixed bag, where culinary enjoyment is often weighed against other practical considerations.
What people like
- Delicious seafood options
- Enjoyable outdoor dining
- Tasty burritos
What people don't like
- Unfriendly staff
- High prices
- Hair in food
With a recommendation score of 5.9, Mariscos Alex presents a mixed experience. While the food often receives praise for its flavor and variety, and the outdoor setting is a definite plus, potential visitors should be aware of the reported inconsistencies in service and value.
If you prioritize tasty seafood and a casual outdoor meal, it might be worth a try. However, if attentive service and budget-friendly options are paramount, you might find yourself a bit disappointed.
Approach with balanced expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mariscos Alex
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems you're in for a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.3 indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction at 60%, which is also mixed. Many of the 27 positive comments highlight tasty tacos, burritos, and ceviche, often praising the generous portions and excellent flavor. Fresh ingredients and quality products also frequently receive a shout-out, making for some satisfying meals.
However, out of 45 total opinions, 14 negative comments suggest some areas for improvement. Issues like old-tasting shrimp cocktail, salty carne asada tacos, and even finding a hair have been mentioned, which can certainly dampen the appetite. Some also felt the fish tacos were overpriced or that servings could be small, indicating inconsistency in value and quality.
Food
45
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tasty tacos, burritos
- Generous portions
- Fresh, quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Old-tasting seafood
- Salty food
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- fish tacostried the carne asada burrito and fish tacos. AMAZING
- foodIt was good
- tacosMy experience at this food truck was great! They serve some solid and tasty tacos, burritos, and ceviche. The portions were big, and the food was very tasty.
- Cucumber Lime Agua FrescaCucumber Lime Agua Fresca was also delicious
- FoodFood:5
- burritostasty burritos
- carne asada burritopersonally tried the carne asada burrito and fish tacos. AMAZING
- cevichetasty ceviche
- cóctel de camarónThe pata and cóctel de camarón on point and refreshing
- everythingvery delicious everything
Frequently criticized
- FoodFood:1
- appetiteI list my appetite
- carne asada tacoscarne asada taco's were salty
- fish tacohair underneath my fish taco
- fish tacosoverpriced fish tacos that are mostly flour, barely any fish
- hairhair underneath my fish taco, gross
- saltycarne asada taco's were salty
- servingsThe servings are small
- shrimp cocktailshrimp cocktail and a shrimp quesadilla, the shrimp/seafood did not taste good
- shrimp quesadillashrimp cocktail and a shrimp quesadilla, the shrimp/seafood did not taste good
If youre craving classic Mexican fare like tacos and burritos, you might find some satisfying options here, especially given the generous portions. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies, particularly with seafood or if youre sensitive to salt, as some experiences have been less than stellar.
Service (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
Occasionally, a customer finds the Service to be satisfactory. However, looking at the bigger picture, the service aspect generally struggles, reflected in a poor score of just 3.6 and a very low customer satisfaction rate of 14.3%. Based on 7 customer remarks, with 5 leaning negative, issues frequently arise.
Many customers point to employees and waitress having a bad mood or attitude, leading to unpleasant interactions. There are also concerns about order accuracy, especially when busy.
Service
7
Reviews
14%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Unfriendly staff
- Order mistakes
Often praised
- ServiceService:5
Frequently criticized
- attitudeworkers have an attitude
- employeesthe employees tend to be in a bad mood
- orderAnd 47th location. If they are busy, they end up messing up your order and then get mad if you complain. If you order anything besides a fish taco, you're gonna end up paying $10 and up per taco.
- serviceservice from the waitress was not pleasant
- waitresswaitress was not very friendly
If service is a top priority for you, this might not be your best bet. While there's a slim chance of a good experience, the consistent feedback points to significant issues with staff attitude and order accuracy. You might want to manage your expectations or consider other options.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6, the ambience is definitely considered good, and customer satisfaction is also strong at 80%. Guests frequently praise the overall Atmosphere, especially loving the shaded tent and picnic tables that make dining outdoors a real treat.
Out of 5 comments, 4 specifically highlighted these positive aspects. What's even better is that there are no negative points to report regarding the ambience, based on the feedback received. It seems guests are thoroughly enjoying the outdoor setup without any complaints, suggesting a consistently pleasant and well-received environment for everyone looking to dine al fresco.
Ambience
5
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Shaded outdoor seating
- Picnic tables available
What people don't like
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- dining outdoorsdine outdoors
- picnic tablesThe portions were big, and the food was very tasty. They offer a shaded tent and picnic tables, making it a perfect spot to grab a quick lunch or enjoy dining outdoors with your dog along El Cajon.
- shaded tentThe portions were big, and the food was very tasty. They offer a shaded tent and picnic tables, making it a perfect spot to grab a quick lunch or enjoy dining outdoors with your dog along El Cajon.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a relaxed outdoor dining experience, especially with a pet, this place is a solid choice. The comfortable shaded tent and picnic tables create a great atmosphere for a casual meal. Its definitely worth checking out for its pleasant vibe.
Value (2.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres unfortunately not much positive feedback to highlight. With no favorable comments among the 5 total, its clear that guests arent finding much to praise in this department. The value here seems to be a real sticking point, with a poor score of just 2.8 and 0% customer satisfaction.
Its clear from the 4 negative comments that guests are feeling the pinch. Many describe the experience as overpriced and expensive, noting that prices have gone up and are high, unfortunately.
Value
5
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- High prices
- Overpriced items
- Expensive overall
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- pricesthe prices high, unfortunately
- expensivevery expensive!!!!!
- overpricedOverpriced fish tacos
If youre watching your wallet, this might not be the spot for you. The consensus is that prices are high and the value just isnt there, so be prepared to spend a bit more than you might expect for what you get.
How are the prices at Mariscos Alex?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 15 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners land in that $11–$20 sweet spot. But hey, there’s also a good mix of slightly cheaper bites and a few options that go a bit higher, showing some nice variety.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 15 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Mexican spot in San Diego. It hits that sweet spot where you get good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mariscos Alex
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Fish Tacos in San Diego!
Hands down, the best fish tacos in San Diego! I live in East CV and drive all the way over here when I want fish tacos. The Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca was also delicious!
- fish tacos10
- Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Good Food, Decent Portions
My experience at the restaurant was good. While it was a little pricey, that's to be expected nowadays. I appreciated the nice sized portion of food.
The food was good, and the portions were generous.
- price6
- food7
- portion of food8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Tacos with Great Portions
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The portion sizes for the tacos were generous, and they had an excellent flavor. The quality of the products used was evident in every bite.
The food was rated a 5, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5. The service was equally impressive with a 5-star rating.
- portion sizes9
- excellent flavor10
- quality of products10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Carne Asada and Fish Tacos!
My experience at this restaurant was great! I personally tried the carne asada burrito and fish tacos, and they were AMAZING 🤩👌🏼. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere and service were also rated highly at 5.
- carne asada burrito10
- fish tacos10
- Food10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
5
Tacos Haven't Kept Up
I agree that 10 years ago these tacos used to be the bomb, but now they are just good tacos. The prices have gone up, and the taste hasn't kept up. I usually go on Taco Tuesday when the fish tacos are on sale for $1.
99.
- tacos6
- fish tacos6
- prices3
- taste3
What Mariscos Alex offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Mariscos Alex?
At Mariscos Alex, you can look forward to a casual dining experience perfect for lunch or dinner. You’ll find a variety of offerings, including healthy options and small plates, ideal for a quick bite. Enjoy the flexibility of dine-in or outdoor seating, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Is Mariscos Alex suitable for families and easily accessible?
Yes, Mariscos Alex is good for kids, making it a family-friendly destination. You’ll also find it very accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot. Plus, there’s usually plenty of free street parking and a free parking lot available for your convenience.
What is the overall dining experience like at Mariscos Alex?
Mariscos Alex has an overall score of 5.8, indicating an average experience. While the Food (6.3) and Ambience (7.6) are generally well-received, the Service (3.6) and Value (2.8) often fall short for customers.
Does Mariscos Alex offer good value for money?
Based on customer feedback, Mariscos Alex struggles with its Value (2.8) score. Many opinions mention that prices are high and some items are considered overpriced, suggesting it may not be the most budget-friendly option.
What are the standout food items at Mariscos Alex?
Customers frequently praise the tacos, burritos, and ceviche for being tasty and having good portions. The Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca and cóctel de camarón also receive positive mentions for their delicious and refreshing qualities.