oChef » KFC – San Diego

KFC - San Diego

Chicken Restaurant KFC in San Diego
Photo from KFC
How do the guests rate it?
KFC at a glance
San Diego Otay Mesa West
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 43 of the guests
#617 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#3 Chicken Restaurant out of 8 in San Diego
Average
5.8 out of 10
6.9
Food
5.1
Service
6.6
Ambience
3.5
Value
145

Reviews

57.2%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Hot food
  • Cleanliness
Frequently criticized
  • High prices
  • Poor service

The restaurant KFC in San Diego’s Otay Mesa West neighborhood invites you to experience its casual and quiet atmosphere. As a dedicated Chicken Restaurant, you’ll find a range of small plates and quick bites perfect for any time of day.

Whether you’re looking for a convenient lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a quick dessert, this spot has you covered with its diverse dining options.

Overview: Introducting KFC

KFC offers a quick and convenient stop, often praised for its `fast service` and generally `clean` premises, including well-maintained restrooms. Many customers find the `hot food` appealing, with particular appreciation for the chicken.

However, some diners express concerns regarding the overall `price` and occasional `customer service` inconsistencies. While the food itself often satisfies, issues like small portions or order accuracy can sometimes detract from the experience.

Average
5.8 out of 10
145

Reviews

57.2%

Satisfaction

58

negative

4

neutral

83

positive

Looking at the overall picture, KFC registers an average `Restaurant Score` of 5.8, with `Customer Satisfaction` sitting at a mixed 57.2%. This indicates a generally acceptable, though not outstanding, experience for many.

These insights are drawn from a total of 145 customer observations, comprising 83 positive and 58 negative remarks. Delving deeper, the `Food` (6.9) is a clear strength, often described as tasty and hot.

`Ambience` (6.6) also holds up reasonably well, often noted for its cleanliness and convenience. However, `Service` (5.1) appears to be an area with room for improvement, and `Value` (3.5) is a significant concern for many, frequently cited as expensive.

What people like
  • Hot, tasty food
  • Clean premises
  • Fast service
What people don't like
  • High prices
  • Inconsistent service
  • Small portions

If you’re seeking a quick meal and prioritize convenience, KFC could be a suitable option, especially given its `Recommendation Score` of 5.9. The food often hits the mark, and the service can be quite efficient, making it a practical choice for a fast stop.

However, be mindful of potential cost concerns and manage expectations regarding service consistency. While the chicken is often a highlight, those sensitive to price or expecting flawless service might find the experience a bit of a mixed bag.

Similar Restaurants in San Diego

Verdict: Our expert take on KFC

Food (6.9 out of 10)

mentioned by 81% of the guests

When it comes to the food, things are looking pretty good! With a solid score of 6.9 and customer satisfaction at 72.1%, it's clear many folks are enjoying their meals. Out of 61 comments, 44 were positive, often praising the delicious chicken, perfect food temperature, and satisfying fries.

Many also loved the crispy skin and juicy meat. However, not everyone left completely satisfied. There were 15 negative remarks among the 61, with some diners finding the chicken pieces too small or experiencing issues like dry up crisply chicken.

A few also mentioned problems with burnt chicken sandwiches or incorrect orders like mashed potatoes with gravy when requested without.

6.9 Food

61

Reviews

72%

Satisfaction

15

negative

2

neutral

44

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Crispy, juicy chicken
  • Hot, fresh food
  • Good flavor
What people don't like
  • Small chicken pieces
  • Dry chicken
  • Burnt food

Often praised

  • food
  • chicken
  • food taste
  • 18-piece bucket
  • Food is hot
  • Fries
  • KFC US
  • biscuit
  • bread
  • chicken mountain

Frequently criticized

  • chicken
  • Food
  • biscuits
  • burnt chicken sandwich
  • chicken pieces
  • dry up crisply
  • food
  • gravy
  • mashed potatoes
  • pieces of chicken

Overall, if youre craving some well-prepared chicken thats often hot and tasty, you'll likely be pleased. Just be mindful that some experiences mention smaller portions or occasional order mix-ups, so set your expectations accordingly.

Service (5.1 out of 10)

mentioned by 86% of the guests

Let's talk service! Many guests have had some truly positive experiences, praising the friendly and fast service, with special mentions for attentive staff and generally good service. Based on 26 positive remarks out of 55 total, it seems some visits hit all the right notes, leaving customers happy with prompt attention.

However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 5.1 and customer satisfaction at 47.3%. There are 28 negative comments highlighting significant issues like long wait times, poor staff attitude, and frequent order mistakes. Some even reported unhelpful customer service and frustrating manager explanations, indicating a need for improvement.

5.1 Service

55

Reviews

47%

Satisfaction

28

negative

1

neutral

26

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Friendly staff
  • Fast service
  • Attentive employees
What people don't like
  • Long wait times
  • Poor staff attitude
  • Order mistakes

Often praised

  • service
  • Dine-in
  • Drive-thru
  • Justin
  • Rio
  • attention
  • drive-thru service
  • eating skills
  • employee who took my order
  • fast

Frequently criticized

  • customer service
  • order
  • service
  • Servers' attitude
  • Service
  • app
  • attentiveness
  • attitude
  • emailing location
  • extra 20 minutes

So, should you go? If you catch them on a good day, you might experience friendly and fast service. But be prepared for potential long waits or order mix-ups, as consistency seems to be a real challenge here.

Ambience (6.6 out of 10)

mentioned by 36% of the guests

When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some definite upsides! Many customers appreciate the restaurants cleanliness and how well-maintained it remains. The convenience of its freeway access and ample parking also gets a nod, making it easy to get in and out.

With 9 positive remarks out of 14 total, its clear these aspects contribute to a decent overall experience. However, the ambience isn't without its challenges. While the overall score sits at an average 6.6, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 64.3%, some guests have expressed concerns about the atmosphere, with a few even rating it quite low.

There were also mentions of vagrants around the restaurant and issues with table cleanliness, which are definitely areas for improvement based on the 4 negative comments.

6.6 Ambience

14

Reviews

64%

Satisfaction

4

negative

1

neutral

9

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Spotless restaurant
  • Easy freeway access
  • Ample parking
What people don't like
  • Inconsistent atmosphere
  • Vagrants present
  • Dirty tables

Often praised

  • Ample parking
  • atmosphere
  • clean
  • convenience
  • freeway access
  • location
  • place
  • restaurant cleanliness
  • restrooms

Frequently criticized

  • Atmosphere
  • atmosphere
  • table cleanliness
  • vagrants

If youre looking for a place with good cleanliness and easy access, this spot could be a convenient choice. However, be aware that the overall atmosphere might be a bit of a mixed bag, with some concerns about vagrants and table tidiness. Its worth a try if convenience is key, but don't expect a consistently stellar vibe.

Value (3.5 out of 10)

mentioned by 25% of the guests

When it comes to value, some customers appreciate that the cost can be worth it, especially with the appealing 2 for $10 special and the convenience of EBT is accepted. There are also mentions of Good specials available, which is a plus. Out of 15 customer remarks, 4 were positive, showing a glimmer of good deals.

However, the overall sentiment for value is quite challenging, with a low score of 3.5 and customer satisfaction at a mere 26.7%. Many feel the price is too high, describing it as Pricey and noting issues like a side charge for simple swaps. With 11 negative comments out of 15, its clear that current prices' are a significant concern for many.

3.5 Value

15

Reviews

26%

Satisfaction

11

negative

0

neutral

4

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Good specials
  • EBT accepted
What people don't like
  • High prices
  • Extra charges
  • Small portions

Often praised

  • 2 for $10 special
  • EBT is accepted
  • Good specials
  • cost

Frequently criticized

  • price
  • prices
  • Pricey
  • funds
  • paying customer
  • refund
  • side charge
  • small things
  • specialty sauces

If you're looking for great value, this spot might disappoint due to its high prices and extra charges. While some specials exist, the overwhelming feedback suggests you might find better bang for your buck elsewhere. Proceed with caution if budget is a top priority.

How are the prices at KFC?

On average, you’ll spend around $26 per person – from 43 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Chicken Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.

While the average sits here, the prices are quite spread out. Many diners find options in the $11–$20 range, but there are also choices for those looking to spend a bit more.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 43 reviews.

How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.

Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Chicken Restaurant, offering options for different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average.

Customer Reviews: what people think about KFC

Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Douglas A.
Review date: 09/03/2025
2
Expensive chicken, stingy sauce policy
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing due to the high cost of the food. I found it to be crazy expensive, with nearly twenty dollars for just four pieces of chicken. To make matters worse, they charged an additional 20 cents for each specialty sauce, which seemed like a small 2 tbsp package. The servers' attitude was also a letdown, with a blank stare when I was informed about the extra charge for dipping sauce. Given the ridiculous price for what is essentially Kentucky Fried Chicken, I expected better value and service.
  • pieces of chicken2
  • specialty sauces2
  • Servers' attitude2
Price per Person
  • $91–$100
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Karmen N.
Review date: 08/19/2025
2
Disappointing Service and Food Errors
My experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. They were out of biscuits, which was a bummer. I also ordered the mashed potatoes without gravy, but they mistakenly brought it with gravy. The food score was 2 and service score was 1.
  • biscuits2
  • mashed potatoes2
  • gravy2
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Takeout
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Just W. T. P. D. I.
Review date: 04/19/2025
7
Decent Tenders, Good Service
My experience at this restaurant was decent, primarily for the chicken tenders. I can't comment much on the atmosphere since I used the drive-thru. The tenders were alright, but the employee who took my order and the drive-thru service were good.
  • chicken tenders6
  • employee who took my order8
  • drive-thru service8
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Takeout
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Wait Time
  • Long (31+ min.)
Luis R. -. R. E. A. A. B.
Review date: 04/15/2025
7
Good food, long wait
My experience at the restaurant involved a long wait time to receive my order, requiring me to park and wait. However, the chicken tasted good, and the tenders and sides were also good. The desserts were good as always.
  • chicken taste8
  • tenders and side8
  • desserts9
  • wait time2
Price per Person
  • $41–$50
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Wait Time
  • Long (31+ min.)
Gonzalo F. G.
Review date: 04/10/2025
3
Long Wait, Uncomfortable Atmosphere
I initially planned to use the drive-through, but the wait for my food was so long that I decided to eat inside. While I was dining, a staff member began sweeping, which made me feel very uncomfortable. The recommended dish was Fries, and the service and atmosphere were rated a 2 out of 5, with food rated a 3. The meal type was dinner, and the price per person was between $30–50.
  • food3
  • Fries8
  • wait for my food2
  • staff member2
  • atmosphere2

What KFC offers

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Tourists
  • 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

  • Small plates
  • Quick bite

Dining options

  • Catering
  • Brunch
  • Dessert
  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • Lunch

Service Options

  • No-contact delivery
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Dine-in

Parking

  • Free street parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Usually plenty of parking

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Quiet

FAQs

Are there convenient parking and accessibility options available at KFC in Otay Mesa West?
Yes, you’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The location is also fully accessible, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms for your comfort.
You can enjoy lunch, dinner, brunch, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. For your convenience, the restaurant provides restrooms and free Wi-Fi. They also offer catering services and a kids’ menu with high chairs, making it a good spot for families.
KFC holds an overall `Restaurant Score` of 5.8, indicating an average experience. While `Food` (6.9) is a strong point, `Ambience` (6.6) and `Service` (5.1) are average, and `Value` (3.5) is a notable concern for many.
Many customers highlight the `fast service` and the `clean` environment, especially the restrooms. The `hot food` and `generous portions` of chicken are also frequently praised, along with convenient features like `ample parking`.
The primary concern for many is the `price`, with some finding it `expensive` and portions `small`. There are also mentions of `inconsistent service`, occasional `order errors`, and issues with `table cleanliness`.
Loading map…
Location
4380 Palm Ave, 92154 San Diego
Opening hours
Monday – Sunday
10:00 AM – 11:00 PM