Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » The Halal Guys – San Diego
The Halal Guys - San Diego
Photo from The Halal Guys
The Halal Guys at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- 🌙 Halal Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#508 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#2 Halal Restaurant out of 2 in San Diego
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
385
Reviews
63.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional service
- Clean atmosphere
- Authentic flavors
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent food
- Parking difficulty
The restaurant The Halal Guys in San Diego’s vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood is your go-to spot for authentic Halal food. If you’re craving a quick bite in a casual atmosphere, you’ll find exactly what you need here.
This Halal restaurant offers a straightforward and satisfying experience, perfect for a delicious meal on the go or a relaxed dine-in. You can expect fresh, flavorful dishes that have made this spot a local favorite for those seeking quality Halal options.
Overview: Introducting The Halal Guys
The Halal Guys offers a mixed experience, balancing its well-regarded aspects with some areas needing attention. Many appreciate the super friendly staff and the clean and welcoming atmosphere, making for a pleasant visit.
However, some guests have found the value to be a concern, with opinions suggesting the pricing can feel a bit high for what’s offered. There are also notes on occasional inconsistencies in the food quality, which can impact the overall dining impression.
Good
6.7
out of 10
385
Reviews
63.4%
Satisfaction
127
negative
14
neutral
244
positive
The Halal Guys achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.7, placing it in the good category, yet its Customer Satisfaction sits at a more moderate 63.4%, indicating a mixed reception among patrons. This divergence suggests that while many find aspects to enjoy, a notable portion of customers leave with reservations.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 385 customer remarks, comprising 244 positive and 127 negative observations. Delving into specific areas, the Ambience (7.8) and Service (7.1) both stand out as strong points, consistently earning good marks from visitors.
However, the Food (6.5) receives an average score, reflecting a blend of positive and negative feedback, while Value (3.4) is identified as a clear area for improvement, scoring poorly.
What people like
- Exceptional customer service
- Clean, inviting atmosphere
- Authentic gyro, white sauce
What people don't like
- Poor overall value
- Inconsistent food quality
- Challenging parking
For those seeking a casual spot with genuinely friendly service and a clean environment, The Halal Guys could be a worthwhile stop. The Ambience and Service are consistently praised, creating a comfortable dining experience.
However, approach with an awareness of the Value proposition and potential inconsistencies in the Food. With a Recommendation Score of 6.7, it’s a place that many enjoy, but it might not hit the mark for everyone, especially if you prioritize consistent food quality and budget-friendly options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Halal Guys
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.5 indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction sitting at 60.5%. Many of the 118 positive opinions rave about the delicious, fresh food, especially the tender meat, legendary white sauce, and generous portions. Specific items like the spicy BBQ chicken and baklava cheesecake also get high praise for their bold flavors.
However, based on 70 negative opinions, there's definitely room for improvement. Some found the food to be bland and dry, often lacking flavor, with issues like inconsistent quality and sometimes feeling overpriced. Concerns about poor ingredient quality, unheated pita, and even stomach discomfort were also noted, suggesting a need for more consistency.
Food
195
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
70
negative
7
neutral
118
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Tender, juicy meat
- Legendary white sauce
What people don't like
- Bland, dry food
- Inconsistent quality
- Overpriced portions
Often praised
- foodHaving lived and worked near the original Manhattan cart 20 years ago, I can confirm that the food here tastes exactly the same. It's the best halal food I've ever had. I highly recommend the gyro meat, especially when mixed with the original white sauce and a tiny bit of the red hot sauce, though be warned, it's really, really spicy.
- white sauceoriginal white sauce mixed with a tiny amount of red hot sauce
- portionsThe portions are huge, easily enough for two meals
- FoodFood:5
- wingsThis substitution was not clearly communicated, and I received no falafel sauce, leaving me with 3 extra dry falafel. The three wings were very good, but for $17, I received three wings, three dry falafel, an uninteresting iceberg lettuce salad, and colorful but bland rice. To top it off, they forgot to include the pita bread that was supposed to come with the platter.
- gyro meatThe food is consistently fresh, hot, and perfectly seasoned. The combination of tender gyro meat, juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and their legendary white sauce is truly unmatched. Every bite hits just right.
- riceThe meat was incredibly tender and juicy. The combination of white and red sauce with the perfectly cooked rice was delicious. To finish, the baklava cheesecake was an absolutely incredible combo, reminiscent of a coconut/pistachio/carrot cake, and was super nice and perfectly sweetened without being overly sweet.
- The Halal GuysI am so happy a location of The Halal Guys opened in San Diego. This means no more trips to OC to get my Halal Guys fix. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was great, both rated 5/5.
- baklava cheesecakebaklava cheesecake - absolutely incredible combo
- chickenThe food is consistently fresh, hot, and perfectly seasoned. The combination of tender gyro meat, juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and their legendary white sauce is truly unmatched. Every bite hits just right.
Frequently criticized
- foodSecond, the food is really overpriced for what you get. A regular platter costs $15-$16 with not much protein and mostly rice. It’s a far cry from the original roots of the Halal Guys cart.
- falafelAll I wanted was a 6-count of falafel and a side of rice (as indicated on their menu.) The cashier refused and said they could only charge me for a small platter, resulting in me being overcharged by nearly 5 dollars. Oh, and I only got 4 falafel instead of the 6 I ordered! I hope they work the kinks out in the next little bit, but they're off to a rough start.
- chickenI couldn’t even taste their super renowned white sauce on the food. Not to mention the chicken and their beef gyro didn’t do much better either. I had my fingers crossed on the rice, hoping it would pick up the slack from the near completely horrible meal, but no luck!
- sauceI've ordered through mobile a few times now and I love the food, especially the chicken wings! The only downside is that each time something has been missing, like a sauce or a meat from the platter. We pay extra for these items, so it sucks not being able to fully enjoy our food when we're not getting everything we paid for.
- pitaMy pita looked like it had survived an apocalypse
- riceI had my fingers crossed on the rice, hoping it would pick up the slack from the near completely horrible meal, but no luck! It literally didn’t taste like anything, and they put it on top of a bed of iceberg lettuce, like, “come on guys, really? !” The most flavor we got was out of our flavored iced teas.
- lettuceMy dining experience was incredibly bleak. The pita looked like it had seen better days, with limp, pale lettuce and tomatoes that seemed to have given up. The chicken cubes were watery and flavorless, akin to soggy paper towels.
- breadbread white and store bought
- flavorIt had no flavor and dry flavor
- white sauceIf I could describe the restaurant in one word, it would be BLAND… completely tasteless. I couldn’t even taste their super renowned white sauce on the food. Not to mention the chicken and their beef gyro didn’t do much better either.
If you're craving classic Halal Guys flavors and generous portions, it might be worth a try, as many find it delicious. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in quality and flavor, as some experiences can be quite disappointing.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
The service here generally hits a good note, scoring 7.1, though customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 66.4%. Many guests rave about the friendly and attentive staff, often going above and beyond with warm greetings. With 87 positive remarks out of 131 total, it seems many have had great experiences with the team.
However, not everyone has had a smooth experience. Some reports mention issues like poor service, delays, and an unprofessional attitude from staff. With 40 negative comments, there are definitely areas for improvement, especially concerning wait times and ensuring correct orders.
Service
131
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
40
negative
4
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Goes above and beyond
- Warm greetings
What people don't like
- Poor service
- Long wait times
- Unprofessional attitude
Often praised
- serviceThe food was great, and even better than that, the people were super friendly. I think four or five people asked us if everything was good and if we were happy. The service was truly exceptional, with staff going above and beyond to ensure our satisfaction.
- staffTo top it off, they forgot to include the pita bread that was supposed to come with the platter. The staff was friendly, but the food will need to improve for them to survive, especially with similar restaurants offering much better food and pricing just around the corner.
- customer serviceThe place is cute, and the staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. Amanda, in particular, was very cheery and provided excellent customer service, both when preparing my bowl and at checkout. The food received a perfect score, and the vegetarian options were highly recommended with a dedicated menu section.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe ambiance was on point, and the food was absolutely delicious. A big shoutout to the owner, Shahid Khan, for the warm welcome! The service was extra ordinary - attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed.
- AnnyCarolina, Anny, and even the manager himself were incredibly professional
- CarolinaThe food was delicious and the side of chicken wings were soooo good. Thank you to the owner and to Carolina for being so kind and helpful!
- attentiveAmanda and Josmar were so attentive and kind!
- managerCarolina, Anny, and even the manager himself were incredibly professional
- ownersfantastic the customer service here from the owners
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy wings & falafel didn’t get dropped in the fryer until I was about to pay
- staffWhen I turned back to clarify, she repeated herself dismissively. Overall, the staff made me feel like I was inconveniencing them. This is not the kind of service I expect, especially from a place like Halal Guys.
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was awful. I waited 40 minutes in a short line for MID food. The energy was extremely off, with a white lady wearing a hat screaming at the Hispanic girl at the front, which was very off-putting.
- 20 minuteswaiting an extra 20 minutes
- Hispanic girlscreaming at the Hispanic girl up front
- attitudethe attitude was unprofessional
- correct orderdid not even give me the correct order
- delayso there really was no reason for the delay
- dismissive wayshe repeated herself in the same dismissive way
- employees chattingthree employees just chatting at the counter
If youre looking for friendly and attentive staff, youll likely find it here, as many praise the team for going above and beyond. However, be aware that some guests have encountered delays or unprofessional attitudes. It's a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
Overall, the ambience here is quite good, scoring a solid 7.8 with a strong customer satisfaction of 81.8%. Many guests, accounting for 36 out of 44 comments, frequently praise the restaurants cleanliness, welcoming atmosphere, and vibrant interior. Its often described as a cute, spacious, and quiet place, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, as 5 comments point out some areas for improvement. The most common concern revolves around parking challenges, which can be a bit of a hassle. A few also noted an off energy or harsh fluorescent lights, suggesting the vibe isnt always perfect for everyone.
Ambience
44
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, welcoming space
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Spacious seating
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Harsh lighting
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch
- cleanlinessSuper friendly, clean, and welcoming!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantrestaurant was clean despite being steady.
- locationLocation is new and quiet
- storeThis new store on 5th Avenue in Hillcrest is nice, super clean, spacious
- ambianceThe ambiance was on point
- cleanIt was clean and very cute.
- clean restaurantClean restaurant with friendly staff!
- cuteIt was clean and very cute.
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- energy was extremely offthe energy was extremely off
- fluorescent lightsI endured a ten-minute wait behind a large order while one kind but overworked woman managed the line. The atmosphere felt like a zombie movie, with harsh fluorescent lights and a general sense of hopelessness. The only positive was the generous scooping, but it was just generous portions of mediocrity.
- parkingParking in Hillcrest is obviously a challenge
If a clean, welcoming, and generally pleasant environment is what you're after, this spot delivers. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges, especially during peak times, but the overall vibe is definitely a plus.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
On the brighter side, a few guests appreciated finding good deals and felt the price was fair for the quality, with some even getting two meals out of one order. These positive experiences, though fewer, highlight moments where the value truly shone. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, reflected in an average score of 3.4 and a customer satisfaction of just 20%.
Many found the experience quite expensive, citing concerns about being overcharged due to unexpected extra sales and confusing pricing. Guests often felt they had to pay extra for what should have been included, based on 12 negative opinions.
Value
15
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good deals available
- Fair price for quality
- Generous portions offered
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra charges
- Generally high prices
- Overcharged for items
Often praised
- dealsThey had great deals… more affordable than I was expecting.
- price$15 for a regular and it's definitely 2 meals in one order
- pricesthe prices are super fair for the quality you get
Frequently criticized
- priceBummed for the price we paid
- billI spent $50 for my little family.
- expensiveit’s super expensive!
- extra salestry to sneak in all those little extra sales on you
- olives!” The most flavor we got was out of our flavored iced teas. They also try to sneak in little extra sales, like throwing in olives when you didn’t ask for them, and then when I called them out about costing extra, the response was, “just a little bit extra…” with no shame. I should have probably realized it when we walked to the restaurant and didn’t smell the scent of food.
- overchargedresulting in me being overcharged by nearly 5 dollars
- pay extraThe only downside is that each time something has been missing, like a sauce or a meat from the platter. We pay extra for these items, so it sucks not being able to fully enjoy our food when we're not getting everything we paid for.
- plateshow plates cost $15? 🤣
- pricingmuch better food and pricing around the corner
When it comes to value, this place seems to be a mixed bag with more misses than hits. While some found good deals, many felt the prices were too high and encountered unexpected charges. If you decide to go, be prepared to scrutinize your bill carefully.
How are the prices at The Halal Guys?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 71 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Halal Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 21$, a good chunk of guests actually spend a bit less, often landing in the $11–$20 range. So, while some opt for a slightly higher spend, many find great value at the lower end of the mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering its a Halal Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, allowing for both budget-friendly meals and options for those looking to spend a little more. Its a solid choice for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Halal Guys
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Nice Servers, Poor Food Quality
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the servers were very nice, the food was not good. It's also concerning to hear that the owners disrespect their workers.
- servers8
- food2
- owners disrespect workers3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Service and Insane Food!
My first time experience at this restaurant was amazingggg from the moment I walked in. Trisha & Dave provided realllyyyy amazing service and made excellent recommendations, especially since it was my first visit. I will definitely suggest more people come here.
The service was amazing, and the food was insane!
- service10
- recommendations9
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Sensational Gyro & Amazing Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was truly sensational. The place is always clean, and the staff is consistently amazing. I particularly enjoyed the gyro, which I believe is the best in San Diego.
Don't forget to add the white sauce – I like mine with extra sauce! 😊
- cleanliness10
- staff10
- food10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Chicken Sandwich Experience
My experience at Halal Guys was genuinely disappointing. I ordered the chicken sandwich, and it had no flavor and was dry. I was bummed considering the price we paid, especially since we used to love Halal Guys.
We will not be back.
- chicken sandwich1
- flavor1
- price2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food, Great Staff!
I'm so glad this place opened in my neighborhood! I used to only go when I was on the east coast, but now it's just around the corner. The food is consistently delicious and fresh, and the staff is great as well.
- food10
- staff9
What The Halal Guys offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Halal food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at The Halal Guys in Hillcrest?
At The Halal Guys, you have several convenient service options including curbside pickup, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For dining, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert with counter service or seating available. They also offer catering for your events.
Is The Halal Guys in San Diego accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, The Halal Guys is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. For parking, you’ll find paid parking lots and paid street parking, plus some free street parking, though finding a spot can sometimes be challenging.
What is the overall customer sentiment for The Halal Guys?
The Halal Guys has a Restaurant Score of 6.7, which is considered good, but customer satisfaction is mixed at 63.4%. While the Ambience (7.8) and Service (7.1) are highly rated, Food (6.5) is average, and Value (3.4) is a notable weakness.
What are the standout positive aspects of dining at The Halal Guys?
Customers frequently commend the super friendly and attentive staff, providing exceptional customer service. The restaurant also receives praise for its clean and welcoming atmosphere, making for a pleasant visit.
Are there any common drawbacks or concerns when visiting The Halal Guys?
Some patrons express concerns about the overall value, finding the experience to be expensive or that there are attempts to sneak in extra sales. There are also mentions of inconsistent food quality, with some dishes described as bland or flavorless.