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oChef » Sayulitas – San Diego
Sayulitas - San Diego
Photo from Sayulitas
Sayulitas at a glance
San Diego South Crest
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 87 of the guests
#571 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#80 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
401
Reviews
59.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Flavorful variety
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Rising prices
- Subpar atmosphere
The restaurant Sayulitas, a popular Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s vibrant South Crest neighborhood, offers you a truly authentic culinary experience. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a late-night meal.
Whether you’re craving classic Mexican dishes or looking for a convenient spot, Sayulitas Mexican Food San Diego provides a welcoming setting for all your dining needs.
Overview: Introducting Sayulitas
Sayulitas offers a compelling experience for those seeking substantial meals, with many praising the generous portions and flavor of their offerings. However, some visits are hampered by inconsistent service attitudes, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
Despite this, the restaurant often delivers good value for its hearty fare, making it a popular choice for those looking for a filling meal. The atmosphere is generally welcoming, though some find it a bit understated.
Good
6.3
out of 10
401
Reviews
59.6%
Satisfaction
145
negative
17
neutral
239
positive
Sayulitas earns an overall Restaurant Score of 6.3, placing it in the average range. Customer feedback indicates a Customer Satisfaction of 59.6%, suggesting a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from over 400 customer observations, with 239 positive remarks balancing 145 negative ones. The Food stands out with a score of (7.0), frequently highlighted for its substantial nature and taste.
Value also performs well at (6.1), often noted for providing ample food for the price. The Ambience receives an average (6.0), while Service lags slightly at (4.2), indicating areas where the experience can be inconsistent.
What people like
- Generous food portions
- Flavorful menu variety
- Good value proposition
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service attitude
- Rising menu prices
- Subpar dining atmosphere
If you prioritize generous portions and flavorful, hearty meals, Sayulitas could be a worthwhile stop. The Recommendation Score of 6.5 suggests it generally delivers on its promise of substantial food, often providing good value for your money.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and be mindful of recent price adjustments. While the food often satisfies, the overall dining experience might be a mixed bag, so consider it for a casual, food-focused outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sayulitas
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here generally earns a solid 7, with many guests finding it delicious and satisfying. While customer satisfaction is a mixed 68.4%, a significant 182 positive comments out of 266 total highlight the huge portions, amazing flavor, and delicious specialty burritos, including unique fusion items and the popular Pacman fries. However, there are some bumps in the road, with 70 negative remarks indicating room for improvement.
Common complaints include mediocre or low-quality meat, often described as bland or dry, and fries that can be soggy or undercooked. Some also felt certain dishes had too much filler, despite the generous portion sizes.
Food
266
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
70
negative
14
neutral
182
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous tasty portions
- Unique fusion burritos
- Delicious Pacman fries
What people don't like
- Meat quality concerns
- Fries often soggy
- Food can be bland
Often praised
- foodWhile the biggest isn’t always the best, this thing was huge—it literally felt like it weighed 5 pounds. I ordered the Lumpia Burrito and the Volcano Tots, and honestly, it was enough food to feed four people and have everyone stuffed. The flavors were great, and the portions were almost overwhelming (in a good way).
- portionsI ordered the Lumpia Burrito and the Volcano Tots, and honestly, it was enough food to feed four people and have everyone stuffed. The flavors were great, and the portions were almost overwhelming (in a good way). If you’re looking for a serious meal that will leave you with leftovers, this is the spot.
- burritoI had heard that Sayulitas had the biggest burrito in San Diego, and they weren’t kidding! While the biggest isn’t always the best, this thing was huge—it literally felt like it weighed 5 pounds. I ordered the Lumpia Burrito and the Volcano Tots, and honestly, it was enough food to feed four people and have everyone stuffed.
- burritospushing Carne asada fries and burritos to the next culinary level
- carne asada friescompre un burrito con hot Cheetos y carne asada fries con hot Cheetos y estaba todo bien integrado
- flavorI ordered the California Burrito and a Flying Saucer through Doordash. Both items were huge, had a great presentation, and offered excellent flavor. It was an A+ experience, and I hope they maintain this quality for my next order.
- menuThey have a great variety of food. The menu is easy to read, and the combinations are a little different. The flavor was on point.
- Bacon Wrapped BurritoBacon Wrapped Burrito took 2 whole days to finish
- Bolt BurritoI loved the Bolt Burrito which came with Carne Asada, Longanisa
- salsasWhile the carne asada tacos were good, the meat was a bit on the dry side, but still quite tasty. I also tried their three main salsas, and each one was a winner. Be cautious with the orange sauce, as it packs an unexpected kick.
Frequently criticized
- burritoOn our first visit, I spent $45 for just three items. The fries were soggy, and the burrito was small. The cashier was incredibly serious, offering no smile or greeting, which felt very unwelcoming.
- friesthe fries in the Cali burrito weren't cooked all the way
- meatIsnt high quality Not that good that the most importan Thing the meat
- foodmissing out on the better taco shops with good food
- Cali burritoSame goes for the Cali burrito. So many fries that were dry and terrible quality meat
- carne asadaWhile the quantity of the beef was awesome and the salsas were very tasty, my burrito was disappointing. It was mostly fries with the smallest amount of carne asada. 😐 I won't be getting that again.
- carne asada friesI got the carne asada fries Here and the fries to toppings ratio wasn't good.
- dry friesThere were so many dry fries underneath
- portionsthe portions are huge but just because they are massive doesn't mean the food is good
- Carne Asada Breakfast Burritothe Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito was bland, no flavor
If you're craving huge portions and unique, flavorful fusion burritos, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some experiences mention blandness or issues with meat quality and fries, so pick your dish carefully.
Service (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 4.2, placing it in the average range. Many customers appreciated the kind staff, quick service, and friendly encounters, especially with the woman at the counter. Out of 26 positive remarks, several highlighted the efficiency and pleasant demeanor of the people who work there.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a poor 32.1%, largely due to 55 negative comments. Many experiences were marred by issues with the cashiers attitude, described as rude or having bad service. Some felt there was a lack of greeting, eye contact, or even basic respect, suggesting a need for better staff training.
Service
81
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
55
negative
0
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Rude cashier
- Bad attitude
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceI had massive burritos that were epically huge and incredibly tasty. The woman at the counter was really friendly, and the service was quick. The ingredients were quality all around, and the portion size was so generous it was easily two meals.
- ServiceService:5
- staffThe staff was also attentive and nice
- customer serviceMy son and I visited Sayulitas in Santee for the first time on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, and the food was very good. They offer a variety of salsas, and the young man at the counter provided excellent customer service. I enjoyed 3 mini carne asada tacos, and my son had the medium-sized adobada fries, which were huge and he described them as delicious.
- quickThey were quick too
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- cashier and staffCashier and staff were very friendly
- everyone elseeveryone else is so nice
- guac and cream on the sideI asked for guac and cream on the side
- lady at the frontlady at the front was very nice
Frequently criticized
- cashierthe cashier is horrible. Siempre ke vengo a comprar la Señora ases sus caras y tiene una actitud horrible
- serviceThe food was amazing. However, the lady with glasses taking our order was very rude and making ugly faces. My husband is Asian, so I suspect she might be racist, as she was greeting everyone else of a different race very kindly.
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by really bad customer service. One of the staff members was on speakerphone throughout our entire meal, which was quite disruptive.
- attitudeShe genuinely looks like she hates being there and makes sure you know how unhappy she is.
- staff memberMy experience at this restaurant was marred by really bad customer service. One of the staff members was on speakerphone throughout our entire meal, which was quite disruptive. When I was served, the other staff member made a bad face when I told her it was for dine-in.
- bad serviceMal servicio la señora de lentes siempre atendiendo mal
- better hearingNeed better staff or better hearing
- better staffNeed better staff or better hearing
- cashiersThe cashiers were so rude and have attitude
- colleaguesmaltratando a sus compañeras
If youre looking for quick service and dont mind potentially encountering some less-than-friendly staff, you might find it acceptable. However, be prepared for a significant chance of a disappointing interaction, especially with the cashier, which could impact your overall experience.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the vibe of this place! The ambience here scores an average of 6, with a mixed customer satisfaction at 56.5%. Based on 13 positive remarks out of 23 total comments, many folks appreciate the overall atmosphere, finding the place welcoming with more seats and even parking options.
It seems like a bigger, clean spot with a great atmosphere. However, its not all sunshine and roses. With 8 negative observations, some customers have pointed out issues with the parking situation, mentioning business vans taking up space.
There are also comments about the atmosphere being a bit lacking, with some finding the place dirty or describing the shop as dumpy and having 0 positive energy.
Ambience
23
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- More seating options
- Clean environment
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Lacking atmosphere
- Unclean conditions
Often praised
- atmospheretop marks for atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- bigger restaurantis a bigger restaurant
- parkingParking options:Free parking lot
- placeclean place
- seatsThis location has more seats
- small spotSmall spot but definitely welcoming
- welcomingdefinitely welcoming ❤️
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere was a bit lacking, scoring only a 2 out of 5
- energy0 positive energy
- parkingbusiness vans takes most of their front parking
- parking situationbecause of the parking situation
- parking spacePreviously, she made a bad face because we didn't tip, even though she treated us poorly. Additionally, their business vans take up most of the front parking, making it somewhat difficult to find parking.
- placeit was somewhat dirty and not very pleasant for dining
- shopThe little shop is a bit dumpy
- work environmentun ambiente laboral súper horrible
If you're seeking a generally welcoming spot with more seating, it might be worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and a vibe that some find a bit lacking or even a little dirty.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot lands an average score of 6.1, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 58.1% based on 31 comments. Many diners rave about getting their moneys worth, highlighting generous portions and reasonable prices. Folks appreciate the "bang for your buck" Mexican food, daily specials, and even military discounts, making it feel "not overpriced" for the amount of food you receive.
However, not everyone feels the same. Some guests have noticed recent "prices" going up significantly, with complaints about being charged a "convenience fee" for card payments. There are also mentions of online prices not matching what you pay in-store, leading to frustration and feeling like theyre spending too much money for what they get.
Value
31
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great money's worth
- Generous portions
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Unexpected price hikes
- Credit card fees
- Inaccurate online prices
Often praised
- priceThe food is tasty, and the staff is friendly. I tried the Bacon Wrapped Burrito, Bionic Fries, and Spamaslog Burrito, and they were all filling and worth the price. No complaints here.
- money's worthMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They definitely give you your money's worth, and the food is delicious. My son had the hot Cheeto burrito and was able to enjoy it for two meals.
- pricesMy experience at the restaurant featured a cool menu and cool prices. However, be prepared for potential digestive issues as it seems they use lard in cooking, which, while making the food taste great xD, might lead to constipation.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- bang for your buck Mexican foodThe Horchata was sweet and delicious. If you’re looking for a place with big portion sizes and bang for your buck Mexican food, then yes, go here. They were quick too.
- daily specialsthey have daily specials for some good deals
- military discountMilitary discount on Monday night
- moderate priceBig portions for moderate price
- moneyI think next time I would order takeout. If you're hungry, it's a good place, with a lot of food for relatively little money.
- not overpricedMy experience at this restaurant was damn good. The lady at the front provided very nice service, and the entire visit was quick and not overpriced.
Frequently criticized
- priceI spent over 40 bucks here and I would NOT do it again
- pricesThe VOLCANO TOTS are absolutely amazing! The only downside I noticed is that the prices have recently gone up quite a bit. For instance, the big burritos used to be $16 but are now $23+.
- $18I will never go back to that place. I just went to waste my $18.
- charge customers moreanother excuse to charge customers more
- convenience feecharge customers a convenience fee for using a credit card
- moneymi dinero tirado ala basura
- online priceschange their online prices , what you see online, it's not what the true price is
- payingno me.lo están regalando estoy pagando
- paymentNo nos están regalando la comida, uno está pagando por cada uno de los productos
- too much moneynot worth going too much money
If youre looking for huge portions and good deals, especially with daily specials or discounts, youll likely find great value here. Just be mindful of potential price changes or extra fees, and perhaps check current prices before you go to avoid surprises.
How are the prices at Sayulitas?
You’re looking at roughly $20 per person – reported by 87 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 find themselves spending in this sweet spot, though a good number also explore options in the slightly higher $21–$30 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 87 reviews.
Comparing value for money: This restaurant vs. Similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego. It offers good value for a mid-range dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sayulitas
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Burrito was burnt and greasy
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I ordered the longanisa burrito, but almost every piece was burnt. The entire burrito tasted like it was made in a rush and with old oil.
There were more grilled onions than pork longanisa, and the eggs had no taste. It was just greasy and hardly seasoned.
- grilled onions5
- pork longanisa5
- longanisa burrito2
- burnt1
- old oil2
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Flavorful Pacman Fries and Friendly Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I tried the Pacman fries, which were incredibly flavorful. The cashier and staff were exceptionally friendly throughout my visit.
I will definitely return here.
- Pacman fries9
- cashier and staff10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Biggest Burrito Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was incredible! I tried the Bacon Wrapped Burrito, which was so massive it took me two whole days to finish. They also added nacho cheese and chips to my tasty dish.
It's a must try!
- Bacon Wrapped Burrito10
- nacho cheese and chips9
- tasty dish9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Solid Tacos, Service Lacking Late
My experience at the restaurant involved solid tacos that didn't skimp on the beef and toppings. However, the service and friendliness were on the lower end, though I'll attribute that to it being later at night. The atmosphere was rated a 3, and the food a 4.
- tacos8
- beef and toppings9
- service and friendliness3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Huge Servings, Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the best servings I've seen in years. Unlike 99% of other Mexican restaurants where portions are so small a newborn would starve, this place rocks.
The servings are huge, and you truly get what you pay for and more. It reminds me of JV's restaurant.
- servings10
- value for money10
What Sayulitas offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Late-night food
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What dining and service options does Sayulitas Mexican Food San Diego offer you?
At Sayulitas Mexican Food San Diego, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For your convenience, they provide dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, making it easy to savor their delicious Mexican cuisine wherever you are.
Is parking available and is Sayulitas Mexican Food San Diego accessible?
Yes, you’ll find plenty of parking options at Sayulitas Mexican Food San Diego, including free street parking and a free parking lot. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your comfort.
How does Sayulitas perform across different aspects?
Sayulitas holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.3, indicating an average performance. Its Food scores well at (7.0), while Value is decent at (6.1) and Ambience is average at (6.0). Service, however, is a weaker point at (4.2).
What do customers appreciate most about Sayulitas' food?
Customers frequently praise Sayulitas for its incredibly generous `portions` and the `flavor` of its diverse menu. Items like the Lumpia Burrito and Volcano Tots are often mentioned for their size and taste.
Are there any common concerns about Sayulitas' service or pricing?
Some diners have noted issues with `service` attitude, describing staff as occasionally `rude` or `unwelcoming`. Additionally, there are mentions of `prices` increasing, impacting the perceived `value` for some.