Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Rubio’s – San Diego
Rubio's - San Diego
Photo from Rubio’s
Rubio's at a glance
San Diego Montezuma Mesa
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 9 of the guests
#388 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#39 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
38
Reviews
65.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great atmosphere
- Quick service
- Tasty food
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent value
- Service oversights
- Food safety concern
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s Montezuma Mesa neighborhood, invites you to discover its fresh flavors. You’ll find Rubio’s Coastal Grill to be a go-to spot, especially if you’re looking for healthy options.
Its casual and trendy atmosphere makes it perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, you’re set for a delightful experience.
Overview: Introducting Rubio's
Rubio’s offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its well-prepared and flavored food. Many appreciate the efficient service, noting how quick the team can be even during busy periods, ensuring a smooth visit.
However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies. While the overall atmosphere is quite positive, there have been instances of forgetful staff and concerns about overall pricing, which can sometimes detract from the meal.
Good
7.3
out of 10
38
Reviews
65.8%
Satisfaction
7
negative
6
neutral
25
positive
Rubio’s earns a respectable 7.3 for its overall restaurant score, indicating a good performance. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 65.8%.
This suggests that while many patrons leave content, a notable portion has reservations. This assessment is drawn from 38 customer opinions, with 25 positive remarks and 7 negative ones.
Delving into specifics, the Ambience (9.3) stands out as excellent, creating a very positive environment. Both Service (7.5) and Food (7.4) are rated as good, reflecting solid execution in these key areas.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.6), which registers as average, suggesting that some customers feel the cost doesn’t always align with their expectations.
What people like
- Excellent dining atmosphere
- Efficient, quick service
- Flavorful, delicious food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value perception
- Occasional service oversights
- Food quality issues
If you’re seeking a spot with a great atmosphere and generally reliable food, Rubio’s is a solid choice. The efficient service often ensures a quick and pleasant visit, making it suitable for a casual meal.
However, be mindful that the value proposition can be a bit inconsistent, and minor service oversights occasionally occur. With a recommendation score of 7.2, it’s worth a try, especially if you prioritize a good setting and tasty food over strict budget concerns.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Rubio's
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it generally hits the mark with a 7.4 score, which is quite good! Many customers consistently praise the quality of nearly every meal, highlighting delicious options like the picante salsa, classic chicken tacos, and fish tacos. Based on 15 positive remarks out of 22 total, it seems theres a lot to love on the menu.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a 68.2%, indicating a mixed experience for some. A few concerns arose, with mentions of issues like rice being unexpectedly charged or a burrito not meeting expectations. While these are fewer, with only 4 negative comments, they suggest theres still some room for improvement in certain areas.
Food
22
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Consistent food quality
- Amazing picante salsa
- Delicious tacos
What people don't like
- Burrito quality issues
- Unexpected rice charges
Often praised
- foodThey have greatly flavored food
- FoodThe food was delicious.
- California bowlCalifornia bowl, with Salmon. It was sooo good.
- Puerto Nuevo BurritoHad The Puerto Nuevo Burrito & Really Liked It
- SalmonCalifornia bowl, with Salmon. It was sooo good.
- burritothe burrito was amazing
- classic chicken tacos5-STAR CLASSIC CHICKEN TACOS
- fish tacosGood fish tacos
- good foodI usually get good food when I eat there
- picante salsaRELIABLY AMAZING PICANTE SALSA
Frequently criticized
- bean and cheese burritosended up biting something hard, which turned out to be this piece of wire
- burritothe burrito was horrible
- largethis was supposed to be a large
- ricethey charged me $3.99 for rice
Overall, the food here seems to be a solid choice for many, especially if you stick to their highly praised items like tacos and salsa. While there are a few minor hiccups with specific dishes or charges, don't let them deter you from trying out their generally delicious offerings.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.5. The team here is often described as fantastic, with many appreciating their efficiency and how quickly they move, especially given how busy it gets. Based on 5 positive remarks out of 8 total, customers frequently praise the service and team for their ability to move pretty quick and maintain efficiency even during peak times.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 62.5%, suggesting theres a bit of room for improvement. A couple of observations, from 2 negative comments, point to some workers seeming a little forgetful or tired, and a few instances where basic items like napkins' were missed. So, while the overall speed and team effort are commendable, consistency could be a touch better.
Service
8
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fantastic team
- Quick service
- Efficient order taking
What people don't like
- Forgetful workers
- Missing napkins
Often praised
- ServiceService:5
- efficiencyThey are very efficient about taking orders and outputting food
- fundraisethey are awesome about helping student clubs on campus fundraise
- move pretty quickDespite how busy this place gets on campus, they move pretty quick! What's even better, they maintain the quality of nearly every meal while simultaneously pumping out one after another each minute.
- teamThe team is fantastic
Frequently criticized
- napkinsThey also didn't give us napkins
- workerssome of the workers seem to be a little forgetful and tired
If youre looking for quick and efficient service, especially when its bustling, this place generally delivers. Just be prepared that the team might occasionally overlook a small detail or two, so a quick check of your order could save a minor inconvenience.
Ambience (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! Guests are absolutely loving the vibe, with a perfect 100% customer satisfaction. The atmosphere is consistently described as a Great place with Positive Vibes 💯, contributing to an excellent score of 9.3.
Based on 3 positive remarks, its clear the atmosphere and positive vibes are a major hit. Whats even better is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the ambience. With 0 negative remarks among the 3 total pieces of feedback, it's clear that guests consistently find the atmosphere to be a positive aspect of their experience, with no deal-breakers to worry about.
Ambience
3
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Positive vibes
- Excellent place
What people don't like
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereGreat place
- positive vibesPositive Vibes 💯
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place with fantastic atmosphere, youve found it! The ambience here is universally praised, making it a definite highlight for your visit. Dont hesitate to check it out if good vibes are what youre after.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners are quite pleased, especially noting the amazing pricing and finding it a Great place to go to on the meal plan. With 2 positive comments out of 5 total, the pricing and meal plan options seem to be hitting the mark for a few. The overall score for value is an average 5.6, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 40%, indicating theres a bit of a split feeling.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as one person felt they lost money. This single negative comment, out of 5 total, points to a potential concern where some might feel the value isnt quite there. While the lost money sentiment is isolated, its definitely something to consider.
Value
5
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing pricing
- Good meal plan
What people don't like
- Lost money feeling
Often praised
- meal planGreat place to go to on the meal plan
- pricingamazing pricing
Frequently criticized
- lost moneyI lost money
Overall, value here is a bit of a mixed bag. While some find amazing pricing and appreciate the meal plan, others have felt they lost money. If the meal plan aligns with your needs, it might be worth exploring, but manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Rubio's?
You’re looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 9 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.
Most guests spent in the $11–$20 range, though a few found options for $1–$10, indicating prices are clustered on the more affordable side. While we only have 9 reviews, it gives us a good feel for the pricing.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 9 reviews. This data is limited, but it gives a good indication of typical spending.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Mexican restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value, especially with options available across a couple of affordable price points. Wed say its a solid choice for a tasty meal that won’t break the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rubio's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Food and Fantastic Service!
My experience at the SDSU Rubios was amazing! The team was fantastic, and the food was always delicious!
- team10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious California Bowl!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the California bowl with Salmon, and it was sooo good. The food quality was excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal.
- California bowl10
- Salmon10
- Food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Disappointing Rice Portion and Price
I usually get good food when I eat there. Because I recently had surgery, I have to be selective in what I eat. I can't believe they charged me $3.
99 for rice. And this was supposed to be a large. Last time I ordered large rice it was much much bigger.
- good food8
- rice2
- large3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Food, Okay Service
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially concerning the food quality and pricing. The food is consistently really good and the prices are amazing. It's a great place to go to on the meal plan.
However, I did notice that some of the workers seemed a little forgetful and tired, which I understand. The atmosphere was enjoyable.
- food9
- pricing9
- meal plan8
- workers4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Puerto Nuevo Burrito was Great!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the Puerto Nuevo Burrito and really liked it. The positive vibes were definitely there, and I even did a vlog about it.
The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- Puerto Nuevo Burrito10
- positive vibes10
- Food10
What Rubio's offers
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
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
- Healthy options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What service options and amenities does Rubio's Coastal Grill provide?
Rubio’s Coastal Grill offers a variety of service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, outdoor seating, and dine-in. You’ll also find convenient amenities like free Wi-Fi and clean restrooms available for your comfort.
Is Rubio's Coastal Grill suitable for families and those with specific dietary preferences?
Absolutely! Rubio’s Coastal Grill is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs. For dietary needs, you’ll appreciate the healthy options and vegetarian choices available, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone.
How does Rubio's score overall and in key areas?
Rubio’s holds a good overall restaurant score of 7.3. Its Ambience (9.3) is excellent, while Service (7.5) and Food (7.4) are rated good. Value (5.6) is considered average.
What do customers generally appreciate about Rubio's?
Customers frequently praise the positive atmosphere and the efficiency of the service team. The food is often described as greatly flavored and delicious, with specific mentions of good fish tacos and picante salsa.
Are there any common complaints or areas for improvement at Rubio's?
Some customers have expressed concerns about the value, feeling they ‘lost money’ or were overcharged for certain items. There are also occasional reports of forgetful staff and, in rare cases, issues with food quality like finding foreign objects.