Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Carl’s Jr – San Diego
Carl's Jr - San Diego
Photo from Carl’s Jr
Carl's Jr at a glance
San Diego Grantville
- 🍔 Fast-Food-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 72 of the guests
#545 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#4 Fast-Food-Restaurant out of 18 in San Diego
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
238
Reviews
60.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Clean atmosphere
- Friendly service
- Fresh food
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness issues
- Poor value
- Attitude problems
The restaurant, a popular Fast Food Restaurant in San Diego’s Grantville neighborhood, offers you a casual atmosphere for a quick and satisfying meal. At Carl’s Jr. , you can easily grab a quick bite, enjoy late-night food, or simply stop for coffee.
Its convenient location at 6566 Mission Gorge Rd makes it an accessible spot for locals and visitors alike looking for reliable fast food options.
Overview: Introducting Carl's Jr
Carl’s Jr often provides a lovely experience with a generally clean restaurant and a convenient location. Many appreciate the friendly staff, making for an enjoyable visit where food arrives hot and fresh.
However, some visits can be marred by issues like a lack of AC in summer or concerns about cleanliness. While burgers often look good, there are instances of burnt burgers or cold items, and some feel it’s a waste of money.
Good
6.6
out of 10
238
Reviews
60.5%
Satisfaction
80
negative
14
neutral
144
positive
Overall, Carl’s Jr registers a respectable 6.6, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 60.5%, reflecting a somewhat balanced experience across 238 customer remarks (144 positive, 80 negative). The Ambience (8.5) stands out as a strong point, often described as clean and pleasant.
Service (6.7) also generally performs well, with many appreciating the attentive staff. However, the core offering, Food (5.9), lands in the average range, indicating room for improvement despite some positive notes on freshness.
Similarly, Value (5.7) is perceived as average, with some customers feeling the cost doesn’t always align with the experience. These areas contribute to the overall moderate assessment.
What people like
- Clean, pleasant atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive service
- Hot, fresh food
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Perceived poor value
- Service attitude issues
With a recommendation score of 6.7, Carl’s Jr offers a generally acceptable experience. It often delivers on a pleasant atmosphere and friendly service, making it a decent option for a quick meal.
If you prioritize a clean setting and good service, it’s worth considering. However, be mindful that overall value can be inconsistent, so manage your expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Carl's Jr
Food (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.9 score indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction sitting at 51%. Many diners rave about the delicious fries, the satisfying fish sandwich, and the hearty Double bacon cheeseburger. People often praise the juicy burgers and overall quality, with 49 positive remarks out of 96 total opinions.
On the flip side, there are some clear areas for improvement. Some customers were disappointed by the removal of the Beyond Burger and limited vegetarian options. Issues like cold or old fries, bland burger patties, and inconsistent order fulfillment, such as missing sauces or incorrect items, were also frequently mentioned in the 41 negative comments.
Food
96
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
41
negative
6
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Juicy, fresh burgers
- Hot, fresh food
- Delicious fries
What people don't like
- Cold, old fries
- Bland burger patty
- Limited vegetarian options
Often praised
- foodI've ordered through the drive-thru a few times now, and the service from DC has been consistently friendly and accurate. The food arrives hot and pretty darn fresh, and I especially loved that the fries were perfect. This has quickly become my new favorite location.
- frieslast few fry will not suffer the fate of being dry and unflavored
- burgerThe burger actually looks like the picture!
- burgersenjoyed our burgers while they were still warm
- Angus jalapeño burgershe said it was great
- Chicken StripsRecommended dishes:Chicken Strips
- Double bacon cheeseburgerDouble bacon cheeseburger was good
- FAMOUS STAR COMBOFAMOUS STAR COMBO. It was very well prepared and presented.
- Recommendation for vegetariansHighly recommend
- Superstar burgermy favorite best burger I love the Superstar
Frequently criticized
- friesHe clearly needs training in customer service. Additionally, my fries were old and my burger was burnt, which was disgusting.
- burgerHe clearly needs training in customer service. Additionally, my fries were old and my burger was burnt, which was disgusting.
- American cheesethey didn’t put American cheese on it which comes with it
- Beyond Burgeryou no longer have the Beyond Burger
- Classic Saucethey gave me about a maybe a teaspoon
- Dietary restrictionsThe french fries are vegetarian, cooked in a blend of lard and grease
- Jalapeño Burgerordered the Jalapeño Burger, but unfortunately, the meat was served at room temperature
- Santa Fe sauceThe Santa Fe sauce was about a half a teaspoon
- Western Bacon Cheeseburgerthey didn’t put American cheese on it which comes with it
- bunmy bun was warmed at all
If you're craving a classic juicy burger or fresh fries, you might find something to enjoy here. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, especially if you have specific dietary needs or expect every order to be perfect.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has some real shining stars! With 64 positive remarks out of 103 total, many customers rave about the friendly staff, attentive and polite interactions, and overall great customer service. While the customer satisfaction sits at a 62.1% (a mixed bag), the score of 6.7 suggests a generally good experience, often highlighted by speedy and correct orders.
However, not all experiences are stellar, with 33 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered rude staff and bad attitudes, while others noted issues with waiting time and even concerning uncleanliness from a window clerk. It seems consistency in customer care could use a boost.
Service
103
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
33
negative
6
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great customer service
- Speedy order delivery
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitudes
- Uncleanliness concerns
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- servicehave been given excellent service on both food and customer service
- customer serviceVeronica, who worked the drive thru, had great customer service
- DCDC is the one that's taken by drive thru order a few times now and he's friendly
- TaraTara is the sweetest!
- employeeThe employee that helped me ( DC ) was so nice and helpful
- friendlythey are typically very friendly
- staffhad a pretty good staff
- ChristinaChristina was very nice and patient
- DcThe employee that helped me, named Dc, is a great representative
- above and beyondI visited again today, and the evening crew was just as spectacular. They meticulously prepare orders as requested and consistently go above and beyond. The vibes are great as always.
Frequently criticized
- customer servicewish customer service was better
- MgrMgr forgot my food in drive thru
- bad attitudesthey usually have really bad attitudes
- cashiercashier from antagonizing me the entire time
- customer caredo not care about the customer
- desktop sitedesktop site has a lot of bugs
- dirt under fingernailston of dirt under them
- dirty looksgave me dirty looks
- disrespectfulExtremely disrespectful
- drive-throughI also ordered extra onion rings on this one and I didn’t get it
Service here can be a bit of a roll of the dice; you might encounter some truly exceptional, friendly staff, or you could hit a snag with rudeness or delays. If you're feeling lucky and value speed, it might be worth a try, but be prepared for a potentially mixed experience.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
The ambience here is generally a hit, scoring a strong 8.5 and earning a fantastic 87.5% customer satisfaction. With 28 positive comments among 32 total, guests often rave about the cleanliness, music, wheelchair accessibility, and convenient parking, creating a lovely experience with great vibes. Yet, its not without its quirks.
Three comments out of 32 highlight some "cleanliness" issues, specifically regarding staff handling. Theres also a significant concern about the atmosphere and a notable complaint about NO AC IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER, which can certainly impact comfort.
Ambience
32
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great cleanliness
- Excellent accessibility
- Pleasant music
What people don't like
- No AC
- Staff cleanliness
Often praised
- atmospheremaking the atmosphere truly enjoyable
- locationquick, convenient location for a quick in and out meal
- restaurantThe restaurant is well-maintained, very clean
- CJThis is the most friendliest CJ I’ve ever been to
- ParkingVery popular with the locals. Bring your coupons! They accept competitors' coupons!
- Parking optionsFree street parking
- Wheelchair accessibilityYes! Carl had a friend who used a wheelchair so all of his restaurants are accessible
- cleanlinessvery clean
- crowdedNot ever too crowded
- lovely experiencewas a lovely experience
Frequently criticized
- ACNO AC IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- cleanlinessI watched in horror as he filled drinks and handled the front counter. This lack of cleanliness was quite unsettling.
If youre seeking a generally pleasant and accessible spot with good vibes, this place usually delivers. Just be aware that on a hot day, the AC might be an issue, and a few folks noted cleanliness concerns. Overall, its a good bet for a quick, comfortable meal.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a bit of a mixed bag, but lets start with the good stuff! Many diners found the prices fairly reasonable, praising the excellent food for the overall value. A real standout, mentioned in some of the 3 positive remarks, is the fantastic late night BYOB special, seen as quite the steal.
This aspect scores an average 5.7, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 42.9%. However, not everyone felt they got their moneys worth. Some opinions, among the 3 negative remarks, expressed disappointment over the perceived price, feeling it was higher than expected.
A specific point of contention was the charge for a substitute of chicken, which left some feeling like they were wasting their money. It seems theres room for improvement in managing expectations around costs.
Value
7
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Late night BYOB
- Good food value
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Substitute charges
- Unexpected high price
- Waste of money
Often praised
- late night BYOB speciallate night BYOB special deal from 8pm to close for $5.99. What a steal!
- pricesthe prices are fairly reasonable
- valueexcellent food for the value
Frequently criticized
- moneyDon't waste your money. ... waisted my money!
- priceit was going to be more like 20
- substitute of chickencharge $3 for a substitute of chicken
If youre looking to snag a great deal like the late-night BYOB special, you might find excellent value here. However, be mindful of potential extra charges for substitutions, as this has left some customers feeling disappointed about the overall cost. Its a mixed bag, so go in with clear expectations.
How are the prices at Carl's Jr?
You’re looking at roughly $16 per person – reported by 72 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Fast Food Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves in the $11–$20 sweet spot, with many even enjoying options in the $1–$10 range, showing prices generally cluster around a great value.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 72 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Diego.
For a Fast Food Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, especially with many options available at a lower price point, making it accessible for various budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Carl's Jr
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Service and Value at Carl's Jr.
I discovered Carl's Jr. offers a fantastic late-night BYOB special from 8 pm to close for just $5. 99. This deal includes a choice between a single California classic or spicy chicken sandwich, with fries or onion rings, and chicken stars – what a steal!
Although I visited during lunch and opted for the Cali XL at $5. 99, I noticed the exact Cali single double cheeseburger is available as a mini version under the Star Deal menu for $4. 69.
I also tried the famous star. We chose to dine in at the tables. For a take-out order of another famous star combo, they kindly offered to make it fresh just before I left, ensuring I only paid once.
This demonstrated such great service. My take-home meal was still warm and fresh when I arrived home. I can always count on Carl's Jr. to deliver a hefty juicy burger with lettuce and tomatoes on a soft sesame bun.
- late night BYOB special10
- Cali XL6
- Cali single double cheeseburger6
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Food and Service, Price Higher Than Expected
I met my son for lunch here and we ordered the same thing. The meal came to about $33 per person, which was more than I expected, as I thought it would be closer to $20. However, the food was great, and the customer service was amazing 👏.
I want to say thank you for the good hot food and the excellent service. I will definitely recommend this place.
- food9
- customer service10
- hot food9
- price4
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Exceptional Drive-Thru Service!
My first time experiencing truly attentive service at a drive-thru. Unlike typical fast-food experiences where I'm automatically given only two sauces, the staff here asked me how many I wanted. Thanks to Paris's unparalleled service, my last few fries won't be dry and unflavored today.
- service10
- fries9
- sauces9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Burger and Fast Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The burger actually looked like the picture, which was a pleasant surprise. The quality of the food was great, and the service was impressively fast.
I especially want to shout out Tara for her excellent service!
- burger9
- quality9
- service9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Service and Cleanliness!
My experience at this location has been fantastic! Every time I visit, I'm impressed by how clean it is. The staff are consistently very friendly.
Thank you for your service! ⭐️
- cleanliness10
- staff10
What Carl's Jr 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
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Late-night food
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Carl's Jr. in San Diego?
At Carl’s Jr. in San Diego, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. You’ll find breakfast, lunch, and dinner available, with comfortable seating provided. Counter service ensures you get your meal efficiently, and don’t forget to check out their dessert selections.
What service and accessibility features does Carl's Jr. offer in Grantville?
Carl’s Jr. in Grantville provides convenient service options including drive-through, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom. Parking is easy with free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space.
How does Carl's Jr generally score with customers?
Carl’s Jr receives an overall score of 6.6, with customer satisfaction at 60.5%. Its Ambience (8.5) is highly rated, and Service (6.7) is considered average. However, Food (5.9) and Value (5.7) both fall into the average range.
What are the positive aspects of dining at Carl's Jr?
Customers frequently praise the clean restaurant and friendly staff, often describing the atmosphere as enjoyable. Many appreciate the quick, convenient location and the attentive service.
What are some common complaints about Carl's Jr?
Some customers report issues with cleanliness, such as a lack of AC or concerns about staff hygiene. Others feel the overall value could be better, with some prices perceived as high, and there are occasional reports of staff having bad attitudes.