Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » El Borrego – San Diego
El Borrego - San Diego
Photo from El Borrego
El Borrego at a glance
San Diego City Heights
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 68 of the guests
#393 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#42 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
439
Reviews
70.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Inviting ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Pricey portions
- Service inconsistencies
The restaurant El Borrego, a vibrant Mexican eatery in San Diego’s City Heights, invites you to discover a truly authentic culinary experience. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying their great beer selection on the outdoor patio.
As a caterer and outdoor venue, they offer flexible options for your dining needs, whether it’s a quick bite or a special event.
Overview: Introducting El Borrego
El Borrego offers a taste of truly authentic Mexican food, with many praising its flavorful dishes, especially the lamb. The inviting atmosphere, often enhanced by live music or a beautiful patio, creates a relaxed dining experience.
This spot feels like a neighborhood gem, often run by a dedicated family. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding portions relative to the price, finding certain items expensive for what you receive.
While service is generally warm, there are occasional reports of less-than-friendly interactions or issues with order accuracy. Practical matters like parking and even flies have also been mentioned.
Good
7.3
out of 10
439
Reviews
70.4%
Satisfaction
108
negative
22
neutral
309
positive
El Borrego earns a solid overall score of 7.3, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 70.4%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 439 customer remarks, with 309 positive observations outweighing 108 negative ones, suggesting a restaurant that largely meets expectations. Diving deeper, Food is a clear highlight, scoring well at (7.6), praised for its authentic flavors and quality.
The Ambience also contributes positively with a score of (7.3), creating a pleasant setting. Service is rated as good at (6.7), often described as warm and family-oriented.
However, Value presents a notable area for improvement, registering an average score of (4.4), with some finding portions small for the price.
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Pleasant, relaxed atmosphere
- Warm, family service
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent service interactions
- Parking and flies
El Borrego presents a compelling option for those seeking genuine Mexican flavors, particularly its celebrated lamb dishes, within a pleasant setting. While the overall experience is generally positive, be mindful of the pricing, as some find portions don’t always justify the cost.
With a recommendation score of 7.4, it’s certainly worth considering for its culinary strengths and inviting atmosphere. If you prioritize authentic taste and a relaxed vibe over strict budget adherence, El Borrego could be a delightful discovery.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Borrego
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! Overall, its clear that the culinary experience here is a hit, boasting a solid score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 74.2%. With 207 positive remarks out of 279 total comments, diners frequently rave about the delicious lamb dishes, authentic flavors, homemade beans, and the fantastic chilaquiles and mole sauce.
However, there are a few areas where the food could improve. Some of the 57 negative comments point to concerns about small portion sizes, dishes being under seasoned, or having a bland flavor. A few guests also noted issues with cold items like consommé or tortillas, suggesting a need for more consistency in preparation and serving.
Food
279
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
57
negative
15
neutral
207
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican flavors
- Delicious lamb dishes
- Fantastic chilaquiles
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Bland or under seasoned
- Cold items served
Often praised
- foodThe place is beautifully decorated, creating a wonderful atmosphere. The food is great, and I particularly enjoyed the lamb special. It included a lamb rolled taco, a lamb taco, and a quesadilla with rice and cactus.
- chilaquilesWe came to this place for the chilaquiles and we’re not disappointed😋 they’re so good!
- lambTheir lamb by the lb is my absolute favorite! It comes with tortillas, salsa, cilantro, onions, consommé, and incredibly seasoned tender lamb. Everything you order in this place is incredible.
- Mexican foodMy experience at El Borrego was fantastic! I found it to be some of the best, most authentic and delicious Mexican food north of the border. I eat here at least once a month!
- flavorthe flavor is fresh and unique
- lamb tacosGet the lamb tacos with consommé
- portionsprices and portions are nice.
- vegetarian optionsThey also have quesadillas with squash blooms or rajas.
- Mexican restaurantsone of my top 3 favorite Mexican restaurants
- authentic Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the excellent customer service and the very delicious authentic Mexican food. My personal favorites include the Nopales salad, enchiladas, and squash blossom zucchini.
Frequently criticized
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the high prices and very small portions. While the flavors were okay, I don't think I would come back here again.
- flavorI would give them 0 stars if I could. The large consomés I ordered were only half full, the garbanzos were undercooked and it had 0 flavor. It tasted watered down and was cold.
- foodthe food was also horrible
- meatThe consommé was cold, and the customer service was equally uninviting. Regarding the food, the meat received a score of 6 out of 10; it was very dry. 😒
- ProteinProtein was thrown out as it seemed chewy and lacked salt
- Toluca burritotoluca burrito was not yummy
- amountthe amount really? When you order by kilo
- authentic Mexican foodI’m always looking for authentic Mexican food so I found this place
- bacalaoAdditionally, my orange juice was only half a cup. I was charged $80 for 2lb of romeritos and $80 for 2lb of bacalao, and the total given over the phone was different. I do not recommend this place due to the expensive and poor quality food.
- barbacoaHonestly, I expected more flavor in the food, but that wasn't the case. The consommé was super plain, and the barbacoa was the same. Making barbacoa is an art, and it needs more passion.
If you're looking for authentic Mexican flavors, especially lamb dishes and chilaquiles, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some portions might be on the smaller side, and occasionally, dishes could use a bit more seasoning.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
The service here often leaves a good impression, with a score of 6.7. Many guests, based on 45 positive remarks, frequently praise the friendly staff, kind employees, and attentive owner. Diners highlight the warm, welcoming, and efficient service, making for a truly enjoyable experience.
However, the customer satisfaction, at 61.6%, suggests a mixed experience for some. With 23 negative comments, issues like a grumpy older lady or staff with a horrible attitude are noted. There are also mentions of confusions and mistakes with orders and occasional long waiting times, which can certainly detract from the visit.
Service
73
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
23
negative
5
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Order mistakes
- Long waits
Often praised
- serviceThe food quality is consistently excellent, and the atmosphere is great. Coupled with the great service, it makes for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
- customer servicefocus on quality, ingredients, and customer service
- staffAll the staff I have seen so far are ladies. Majorily women who are moms
- ServiceService:5
- familythe family that runs it are the nicest people!
- RosarioRosario is such a warm and kind person
- attention and kindnessla atención y amabilidad de lo mejor
- employeesthe employees were so kind!
- family ownedFamily owned and the service proves that
- family-ownedfamily owned and so friendly
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceworst customer service from the older lady
- attitudeI waited 17 minutes and was called up, only to be told my green chilaquiles were ready. They took the wrong order and had a horrible attitude about it. I wasn't going to keep waiting or arguing, so I took it home.
- customersThey have zero regard for customers
- older ladyI've been going to this place for a while, but the older lady there is very grumpy. She doesn't let customers eat in peace.
- cashierI came here on a Sunday, and it wasn't too busy, but I had a very bad experience. First, the cashier kept skipping the ordering line, taking payments, and giving out items. After waiting, I ordered the mole chilaquiles.
- closing timehere it says they close at 6 and we arrived at 4:30 and it turns out they close at 4
- confusions and mistakesconfusions and mistakes on not only our order
- customers eatI've been going to this place for a while, but the older lady there is very grumpy. She doesn't let customers eat in peace. My daughters are afraid of her.
- ladythis lady was rude since we walked in
- lady sitting in one cornerthe lady sitting in one corner looks like she was starting at him the whole time
Overall, the service at this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While many rave about the friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for the possibility of encountering some less-than-stellar interactions or occasional delays. If you value warm hospitality, it's worth a try, but manage your expectations for consistency.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
The ambiance at this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at a solid 74.2%. With 49 positive comments out of 66 total, guests frequently rave about the lovely back area, beautiful decor, and the authentic feel, often enhanced by live music and a charming outdoor patio. It truly sounds like a place designed for comfort and relaxation.
However, the 16 negative opinions highlight a few areas for improvement. Some guests noted issues like a weird smell and the inconvenience of difficult street parking. A few even mentioned disposable plates and an unfortunate presence of flies, which can certainly detract from the overall experience, especially on the patio.
Ambience
66
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live music events
- Beautiful outdoor patio
- Authentic decor
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Unpleasant smells
- Flies present
Often praised
- atmosphereThe whole afternoon felt easy and relaxed and I got to enjoy spending time with friends rather than being stressed about hosting. The mellow music they played set a nice atmosphere for a Sunday afternoon. This restaurant is such a neighborhood gem!
- patioThey have a patio in the back too and it was nice
- outdoor patioThe food was exceptional, and the service was warm, welcoming, efficient, and gracious. We particularly enjoyed the live music events on Thursday nights on the outdoor patio. I highly recommend giving this place a try.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- decorThe decor was satisfying to look at.
- placeThe place felt like we were eating straight out of a personal kitchen
- Latina-owned small businessMother and daughter duo Latina-owned small business jewel
- Secret Garden patioTheir ‘Secret Garden’ patio is beautiful
- ambiancethe ambiance is lovely: calm and soothing :)
- authentic Mexican feelreally give an authentic Mexican feel
Frequently criticized
- parkingOn the positive side, the outdoor patio was cute and spacious, and the service was friendly. Unfortunately, there was no parking available. A major downside was the presence of too many flies on our table, which made the experience unpleasant.
- cooking areacooking area also did not look well maintained, clean, or to code
- disposable platesshitty little one use plates that are small, limiting how much you get
- dogs allowedno dogs are allowed
- experienceIt was a sour experience
- fliestoo many flies on our table!! It was not pleasant
- kid-friendly restaurantthis is not a kids friendly restaurant
- placeThe place is small with no room to expand
- street parkingit’s all street and there’s construction going on
- weird smellthe place have a weird smell
If you're seeking a place with a great vibe, live music, and a beautiful outdoor patio, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and keep an eye out for minor cleanliness issues like flies.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the pricing to be quite fair, appreciating the quality for the cost. Many felt the price was reasonable, with the amount of food often being worth it, making it a go-to for good food at an affordable pricing. This positive sentiment is shared across 8 comments out of 21 total.
However, the overall customer satisfaction for value sits at a low 38.1%, indicating significant room for improvement, despite an average score of 4.4. Many customers felt the portion sizes were too small for the price, describing items as expensive or feeling overcharged. With 12 negative comments, there's a clear concern about the cost versus what you get.
Value
21
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair pricing
- Good quality for price
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Small portions
- High prices
- Overcharged customers
Often praised
- priceamount of food was worth the price
- pricesprices and portions are nice.
- affordable pricingMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive, especially considering the affordable pricing. I visited on a Saturday morning and it was surprisingly empty.
- fair priceMy wife enjoys the chilaquiles, and I usually opt for a burrito. This is definitely one of our go-to spots for good food at a fair price.
- pricingPricing is fair
- qualityPriced for quality!
Frequently criticized
- expensiveThey overcharged me, and the prices on the menu were significantly different from what I was charged, nearly doubling the amount. I ordered barbacoa tacos, which were poorly served and way too expensive. The place also had a weird smell.
- priceThumbs down on the small portion and price
- $20 for half a plate$20 for half a plate of fried tortillas with green sauce is excessive
- amount of foodexpensive for the amount of food
- chilaquiles saucecharge $3.99 for this half container of chilaquiles sauce
- chips and salsaThe chips and salsa for 3 dollars was a waste
- menu pricesthe price that came on the menu are totally different
- overchargedthey overcharged me
- portionThumbs down on the small portion and price
- pricesToo over priced
If you're looking for a place where value is consistently praised, this might not be your top pick. While some find the pricing fair, a significant number of customers feel the portions are small and the cost is too high. Proceed with caution if budget and generous portions are your main priorities.
How are the prices at El Borrego?
You’re looking at roughly $24 per person – reported by 68 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, a good number of guests actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range. This suggests a nice mix, with some enjoying more budget-friendly options and others opting for a fuller, slightly pricier experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 68 reviews.
Comparing the value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a quick, affordable bite and those ready to spend a little more for a full experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Borrego
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Outrageously Good Enchiladas!
My son treated me to a wonderful lunch here yesterday. I had the cheese enchiladas with mole sauce, rice and beans. The food was so outrageously good that I have been thinking about it off and on all day.
The service was so friendly.
- cheese enchiladas with mole sauce10
- rice and beans9
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Tender Borrego and Delicious Sopes
My experience at the restaurant was quite positive. I ordered the cochinita sope and the borrego 1/2 lb, along with a Tamarindo agua fresca. The amount of food was definitely worth the price.
The borrego was exceptionally tender and flavorful. They provided both salsa verde and rojo on the side, and both were delicious. The red salsa had a good kick.
The agua fresca was tasty, though a bit too sweet for my preference, so I watered it down.
- cochinita sope8
- borrego 1/2 lb10
- Tamarindo aqua fresco6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Delicious Chilaquiles and Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive, especially considering the affordable pricing. I visited on a Saturday morning and it was surprisingly empty. While I didn't capture photos of everything, my chilaquiles were very good.
They offer a choice of red, green, or mole sauce, and both my mole and my friend's green sauce versions were excellent. This recipe is one of the better ones I've had. I also enjoyed their carrot and ginger juice, which was very good.
The restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside, but there's ample, fresh, and airy seating on the patio. The service was decent; you order at the counter and then find your own seat. Parking is street parking.
I will definitely return for their chilaquiles.
- affordable pricing9
- chilaquiles9
- mole sauce8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
A Cozy Gem with Delicious Food
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. It's a small hidden gem with a cozy atmosphere. The food was delicious, and the customer service was friendly.
It's a must-stop restaurant that will leave you feeling full and with a smile.
- atmosphere9
- food10
- customer service9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Wonderful Food and Service!
My experience at this little restaurant was wonderful. The food was exceptional, and the service was warm, welcoming, efficient, and gracious. We particularly enjoyed the live music events on Thursday nights on the outdoor patio.
I highly recommend giving this place a try.
- food10
- service10
- live music events9
What El Borrego offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Halal food
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at El Borrego?
At El Borrego, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere with various dining options. Whether you prefer outdoor seating, dine-in, or takeout, you’ll find flexible service. They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and even catering, ensuring a comfortable experience for you with seating and counter service available.
Does El Borrego offer options for different dietary needs?
Absolutely! El Borrego is committed to accommodating diverse preferences. You’ll find a range of healthy options, along with dedicated vegan and vegetarian choices. For those seeking specific dietary requirements, halal food is also available, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone.
What is El Borrego's overall rating and how do its key aspects perform?
El Borrego holds an overall score of 7.3. Its Food is highly rated at (7.6), followed by Ambience (7.3) and Service (6.7). Value, however, scores lower at (4.4).
What kind of food does El Borrego offer and what are some popular dishes?
El Borrego is known for its authentic Mexican food, with many praising the lamb dishes, especially the tacos and barbacoa. They also offer chilaquiles and vegetarian options like squash blossom quesadillas.
Are there any common concerns or things to be aware of before visiting El Borrego?
Some patrons have noted concerns regarding the value, finding certain portions small for the price. Occasional issues with parking, flies, and inconsistent service interactions have also been mentioned.