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oChef » Jibaritos de la Isla – San Diego
Jibaritos de la Isla - San Diego
Photo from Jibaritos de la Isla
Jibaritos de la Isla at a glance
San Diego East Village
- 🇵🇷 Puerto Rican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#368 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Puerto Rican Restaurant out of 1 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
406
Reviews
72.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Generous portions
- Themed ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Nightclub setting
- Salty dishes
The restaurant Jibaritos de la Isla brings authentic Puerto Rican flavors to San Diego’s vibrant East Village. This cozy and casual spot invites you to experience a taste of the island right here in the city.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious food.
Overview: Introducting Jibaritos de la Isla
Jibaritos de la Isla offers a culinary experience where the Puerto Rican food often receives high praise for its authenticity and generous portions. Many appreciate the care put into the dishes, suggesting a focus on traditional flavors.
However, the dining experience can be inconsistent, with some guests noting issues with service and extended wait times. The restaurant’s atmosphere also draws mixed reactions, particularly concerning its unique setting.
Good
7.4
out of 10
406
Reviews
72.2%
Satisfaction
91
negative
22
neutral
293
positive
Jibaritos de la Isla achieves a solid overall score of 7.4, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 72.2%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
With 293 positive remarks against 91 negative ones out of 406 total comments, there’s a clear leaning towards positive experiences. The Food (7.9) stands out as a primary strength, often described as authentic and flavorful.
The Ambience (7.6) also contributes positively, though it has its unique quirks. While Value (6.6) is considered average, the Service (6.1) presents a more mixed picture, sometimes falling short of expectations.
What people like
- Authentic Puerto Rican food
- Generous food portions
- Themed atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Nightclub atmosphere issues
- Overly salty food
With a strong Recommendation Score of 7.7, Jibaritos de la Isla is worth considering, especially if you prioritize flavorful Puerto Rican cuisine. The food often hits the mark, offering authentic tastes and satisfying portions that many patrons appreciate.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a unique, sometimes loud, atmosphere. If you’re seeking a lively spot with good food and can overlook occasional service hiccups, it could be a rewarding visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Jibaritos de la Isla
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at 78.7%, the culinary experience here is generally good. Many rave about the delicious Jibarito sandwich, authentic Dominican food, and the flavorful Lechon Plate, among 192 positive remarks out of 244 total.
However, some diners have noted concerns, with 42 negative comments. Issues like overly salty dishes, inconsistent mofongo, and unseasoned or burnt items occasionally pop up. It seems theres a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to seasoning consistency.
Food
244
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
42
negative
10
neutral
192
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Caribbean flavors
- Generous portions
- Delicious Jibaritos
What people don't like
- Overly salty food
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Burnt items
Often praised
- foodThe fried chicken plate was very hearty and larger than expected, also a shame to have to wait to try. I did get to eat them later that day, and despite losing some of the initial magic, the food was still pretty good. I understand that sit-down restaurants aren't fast food, but the wait time felt egregious considering the time of day and low occupancy.
- mofongoalcapurias, mofongo, and arroz con gandules brought back a real flashback
- Jibaritoseven better than the Jibaritos in Chicago/Humboldt Park!
- Puerto Rican foodMy experience was with delicious authentic Puerto Rican food. Although I miss the convenience of their previous location in City Heights, I'm glad they are now sharing their amazing eats with other parts of San Diego.
- arroz con gandulesThe arroz con gandules and big serving of lechón were cooked perfectly and moist.
- lechonThe arroz con gandules and big serving of lechón were cooked perfectly and moist.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The owner puts so much care into the food, offering great portions and authentic Dominican cuisine. If you're lucky enough to go on a day there's dessert, you'll discover they secretly make the BEST cheesecake flan I've ever had in my life.
- Caribbean foodordering Carribean food and you have the best of both worlds
- MadurosYucca Plate with Maduros Tostones and Queso Frito were excellent
- TostonesYucca Plate with Maduros Tostones and Queso Frito were excellent
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was the worst food ever had
- mofongoI was so excited to visit for my birthday, but the service was terrible with long wait times. The food was also very underwhelming; I received a burnt alcapurria with no flavor and an extremely salty steak in my mofongo. We will never be returning!
- MofongoI was so surprised when they gave me my Mofongo. It looks like a birthday cake with beef on top.
- Puerto Rican foodThis is not an authentic Puerto Rican restaurant food.
- saltThe meat was too salty, and I honestly wish I could get my damn money back. The food has the possibility of being great, but there was waaaayyyy waaaayyyyyyy waaayyyyy too much salt.
- Jibaritos de steakthat was not seasoned, it had no flavor
- alcapurriaI was so excited to visit for my birthday, but the service was terrible with long wait times. The food was also very underwhelming; I received a burnt alcapurria with no flavor and an extremely salty steak in my mofongo. We will never be returning!
- alcapurriasNow for the drinks, they taste like pure juice, and when you mention it to the waitress, they are unable to fix it or try to find other options, they just say 'alcohol was added. ' As for the food, I won't deny it tastes good, but the alcapurrias are always burnt, as if they don't change the oil. The last time I ordered a steak Jibarito, it was unseasoned and had no flavor.
- arroz con gandulesThe kitchen did not have arroz con gandules
- beansOur food took 45 minutes to arrive, and we were the only table. To make matters worse, they ran out of beans. I'm still searching for a place that serves authentic Puerto Rican food like on the island.
Overall, if you're craving authentic Caribbean flavors, especially Jibaritos or Lechon, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some dishes might occasionally lean towards the salty side or have seasoning inconsistencies.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The service here is quite the mixed bag, landing an average 6.1 score with customer satisfaction at 56.7%. However, there are plenty of bright spots! Many have praised the friendly staff and attentive waitresses, often highlighting the owners hospitality and describing their visits as a great experience.
Out of 97 total comments, 55 were positive, showing a real appreciation for the personal touch and genuine care, especially from individuals like cook Ana'. On the flip side, 38 negative comments point to some significant issues. Customers frequently mention long wait times for food and seating, along with unattentive staff who sometimes display rude manners.
Problems with online orders and missing items also pop up, suggesting inconsistencies that can lead to a less-than-ideal experience.
Service
97
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
38
negative
4
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Owner hospitality
- Personal delivery
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inattentive staff
- Rude behavior
Often praised
- serviceservice and atmosphere were also rated highly at 5
- ownerWe had Jibaritos cater my son's birthday. The owner personally delivered the food to our home in insulated bags and helped set up our area. She brought all the extras, including some flags to display and extra sauce!
- waitressI was craving mofongo, and this time, I loved it! It was made properly, the waitress was super kind, and overall, it showed significant progress. While I can't speak to the service recently, the journey from awful to amazing earned it a solid 3.
- deliveryWe had Jibaritos cater my son's birthday. The owner personally delivered the food to our home in insulated bags and helped set up our area. She brought all the extras, including some flags to display and extra sauce!
- serverThe serve was super nice and tentative to us. She was kind and constantly poured us more water
- staffWelcoming staff
- waiting timeThey also serve a salted plantain, which I would love to try next time! I visited around 5 pm on a Wednesday, and it took less than 10 minutes to get my food. Everything was super fresh and hot, even after driving 15 minutes home.
- Anagood work Ana
- ServiceService:5
- chefwonderful chef
Frequently criticized
- serviceHORRIBLE service with long wait times
- wait timeI ordered online and when I came to pick up my food, they claimed they didn’t receive my order and would get it ready ASAP. I received an apology but nothing to make up for the extra 25 minutes I had to wait around. Then, I ordered on Easter Sunday online again and received a call saying my wait time was delayed, which I appreciated very much.
- waiting timedidn't get our food until 12:51 pm
- Horrible serviceHorrible service, bad customers services
- attentive to customerThey take your order and you don't see them again until they bring your food and you leave. They are not attentive to the customer, instead they are on their phones, especially one blonde employee whose name I don't know but provides some of the worst service I've ever received. You constantly have to get up to ask for things because they never come to the table, and mind you, the restaurant is empty.
- bad customers servicesbad customers services, with the waitress on phone calls ordering!
- closing hoursthe hours said they closed at 8 pm, I arrived around 6:30 pm and... they were closing at 7 pm
- customer servicethe employees do not have good customer service
- foodIt took 45 minutes for our food
- laughing at meAll she was doing is laughing at me.
Overall, the service here is a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter genuinely friendly staff and personal touches, be prepared for potential long waits or inconsistencies, especially with online orders. Its worth trying if youre patient and value good hospitality, but manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a good 7.6 and boasting a 74.5% customer satisfaction rate. With 41 positive remarks out of 55, guests frequently praise the lively atmosphere, ample parking (including wheelchair accessibility), and the vibrant music and vibe. Its often highlighted as a great spot for "family" and "big groups, " especially for its "Puerto Rican themed restaurant" feel.
However, there are a few quirks to consider, noted in 10 negative comments. Some found the setup a bit odd, especially during lunch, due to the "dance floor, " "low ceilings, " and "dimmer lights. " "Loud music" and feeling "dark inside" were also mentioned, particularly when the restaurant operates within a "nightclub" setting, which wasnt ideal for a quieter meal.
Ambience
55
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Plenty of accessible parking
- Vibrant cultural atmosphere
- Great for groups
What people don't like
- Attached to nightclub
- Loud music, dark interior
- Unusual lunch setting
Often praised
- atmosphereservice and atmosphere were also rated highly at 5
- parkingThe customer service was also excellent, with a special shout-out to Ana for keeping up the good work. The location is great with very accessible parking, and the price per person for dinner was between $10–20.
- free parking lotFree parking lot
- restaurantWe were not satisfied with the service and simply wanted to offer constructive feedback for the future. I hope there will be a resolution, as the restaurant is beautiful and we love Dominican culture. From a business perspective, adopting a different strategy to ensure proper food stock and reduce saltiness, especially for a cultural staple like bistec, is recommended.
- wheelchair accessibilityit was easily accessible for wheelchairs
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Bachata, Salsa, and MerengueThe main floor plays Bachata, Salsa, and Merengue!
- Caribe nightEvery Saturday night is Caribe night!
- Puerto Rican themed restaurantIt's a Puerto Rican themed restaurant
- bachataif you like bachata is the best place
Frequently criticized
- atmospherechildren playing in the restaurant and making noises everywhere
- dance floorAs other reviewers mentioned, don't be fooled by the building; it's a restaurant located within a nightclub. We visited for lunch, so it wasn't crowded and the music wasn't loud, but it felt odd to have lunch right beside a dance floor. Despite the dance floor, low ceilings, and dimmer lights, the food was excellent.
- dark insideBeing attached to a nightclub isn't working. It's dark inside, and while the food is good, it was definitely better before. Still good authentic food, though a bit heavy on the garlic for the Yuca plate.
- dimmer lightsWe visited for lunch, so it wasn't crowded and the music wasn't loud, but it felt odd to have lunch right beside a dance floor. Despite the dance floor, low ceilings, and dimmer lights, the food was excellent. Everything we ordered was amazing.
- loud musicThe music is too loud bothering neighbors
- low ceilingsWe visited for lunch, so it wasn't crowded and the music wasn't loud, but it felt odd to have lunch right beside a dance floor. Despite the dance floor, low ceilings, and dimmer lights, the food was excellent. Everything we ordered was amazing.
- men's restroomMy experience at this restaurant was great for food. I would just say that the men's restroom needs more attention. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the service and atmosphere were also rated highly at 5.
- nightclubI don't know the situation, of course, but I would have loved to see them have their own place. Being attached to a nightclub isn't working. It's dark inside, and while the food is good, it was definitely better before.
- peacewe can’t even little peace
If you're looking for a vibrant, culturally rich spot with great music and plenty of parking, especially for a lively night out or a group gathering, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that its nightclub connection might make for a louder, darker, and less conventional lunch experience.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, the general vibe is pretty decent! Many folks found the food to be well-priced with good portions, making for a great lunch experience, especially noting the price and price per person as positives. With 5 positive remarks out of 10 total, and a score of 6.6, its leaning towards average, suggesting youll likely find it a fair deal.
However, its not all sunshine and savings. About 50% of customers felt satisfied, which is a mixed bag, and one opinion did label it as a tourist trap. While this is just 1 negative comment, its worth considering if youre looking for something truly authentic and budget-friendly, rather than just price conscious.
Value
10
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
1
negative
4
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Well-priced food
- Good portions
What people don't like
- Tourist trap perception
Often praised
- price per personThe food was a perfect 5/5, matched by the atmosphere and service, both also rated 5/5. This was a great lunch experience, with a price per person between $1–10.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- priceThe food was very good, with good portions. In my opinion, it was also well priced. I highly recommend the Lechon platter.
Frequently criticized
- tourist trapunfortunately I think this is more of a tourist trap.
If you're looking for a reasonably priced meal with good portions, this spot could be a solid choice for you. Just be aware that some feel it might cater more to tourists, so manage your expectations for a truly local experience.
How are the prices at Jibaritos de la Isla?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 64 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Puerto Rican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, its interesting: while the average is 30$, a good chunk of guests (35 of them!) spend less, typically in the 11-20$ range. This means prices arent just clustered around the average; there’s a nice mix, with some folks enjoying more budget-friendly options and a few others splurging a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Puerto Rican Restaurant in San Diego. It offers options for different budgets, which is always a plus.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Jibaritos de la Isla
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Absolutely Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I've dined here twice, and both times I was really pleased. The lechón plate was incredibly juicy and delicious.
I highly recommend trying it!
- lechón plate10
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Latin Food, Take-Out Only
My experience was with a place that offers homemade Latin cuisine, reminiscent of how Mama used to make it. While there's no atmosphere as it's take-out only these days, the food remains the same high quality as before. I highly recommend it.
- homemade Latin cuisine9
- food10
- atmosphere3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Puerto Rican Food!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I really enjoyed the food, especially since I had been missing good Puerto Rican cuisine after living in East Harlem for a long time. While the food was a bit on the salty side for my usual preference, it surprisingly worked well for me.
The service and atmosphere were also excellent, both receiving a perfect score.
- food9
- salty wise6
- Service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Favorite Puerto Rican Go-To!
This is our favorite go-to spot for Puerto Rican food options. We especially love the empanadas de carne and alcapurias. The flavor is truly great!
- Puerto Rican food options9
- empanadas de carne9
- alcapurias9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Horrible Service, Underwhelming Food
My experience at this restaurant was horrible. I was so excited to visit for my birthday, but the service was terrible with long wait times. The food was also very underwhelming; I received a burnt alcapurria with no flavor and an extremely salty steak in my mofongo.
We will never be returning! What a shameðŸ˜.
- service1
- wait times1
- food1
What Jibaritos de la Isla offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What service options are available at Jibaritos de la Isla?
At Jibaritos de la Isla, you can enjoy a variety of convenient service options, including dine-in, outdoor seating, delivery, no-contact delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup.
Does Jibaritos de la Isla offer accessible facilities?
Yes, Jibaritos de la Isla is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating to accommodate all guests.
What is the overall standing of Jibaritos de la Isla?
Jibaritos de la Isla holds a good overall score of 7.4, with Customer Satisfaction at 72.2%. Its strengths lie in Food (7.9) and Ambience (7.6), while Value (6.6) is average and Service (6.1) could see improvement.
What kind of food can I expect at Jibaritos de la Isla?
You can expect authentic Puerto Rican and Caribbean food, with many praising dishes like mofongo, lechón, and arroz con gandules for their flavor and generous portions.
Are there any common issues to be aware of when visiting?
Some customers have reported inconsistent service, including long wait times and staff not being attentive. The atmosphere, being connected to a nightclub, can also be dark or loud for some.