oChef » Carl’s Jr – San Diego

Carl's Jr - San Diego

Fast Food Restaurant Carl's Jr in San Diego
Photo from Carl’s Jr
How do the guests rate it?
Carl's Jr at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 42 of the guests
#649 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#10 Fast-Food-Restaurant out of 18 in San Diego
Average
5.5 out of 10
5.5
Food
5.6
Service
6
Ambience
4.3
Value
203

Reviews

49.8%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Cleanliness
  • Friendly service
  • Burger quality
Frequently criticized
  • Restroom hygiene
  • Wait times
  • Cost

The restaurant, a popular Carl’s Jr. , is a go-to Fast Food Restaurant located in sunny San Diego’s Kearny Mesa neighborhood. You can count on it for a quick bite, whether you’re grabbing a meal on the go or settling in for a casual dine-in experience.

Its convenient drive-through service makes it perfect for those busy days when you need delicious food fast.

Overview: Introducting Carl's Jr

Carl’s Jr presents a rather mixed experience, where a generally clean dining room and often friendly staff are appreciated. However, diners frequently encounter challenges such as long waiting times and occasional issues with cold food.

It’s a place where the basics can be hit or miss, impacting the overall visit. While some find the food satisfying, particularly certain burger options, the consistency of preparation and order accuracy can vary.

The atmosphere, though sometimes clean, can also be a point of contention, suggesting a need for more uniform standards across the board.

Average
5.5 out of 10
203

Reviews

49.8%

Satisfaction

93

negative

9

neutral

101

positive

Overall, Carl’s Jr registers an average performance with a Restaurant Score of 5.5 out of 10, and customer satisfaction sitting at 49.8%. This indicates a largely mixed reception, reflecting that about half of the customers leave content.

These insights are drawn from 203 customer opinions, comprising 101 positive and 93 negative remarks. Delving into specifics, Food (5.5) and Service (5.6) both hover around average, suggesting neither is a consistent standout nor a major drawback.

The Ambience (6) fares slightly better, often noted for cleanliness, though some experiences differ. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.3), which customers frequently find lacking, despite some appreciating specific deals.

What people like
  • Clean dining room
  • Friendly staff
  • Good burger variety
What people don't like
  • Unclean restrooms
  • Slow service
  • High prices

Given the 5.5 Recommendation Score, Carl’s Jr offers a serviceable option, but it’s wise to manage expectations. It might be a suitable choice if you’re looking for a quick, familiar meal and are prepared for an average experience, particularly if you can leverage their deals.

However, if consistent service, pristine facilities, or exceptional value are high on your priority list, you might find Carl’s Jr occasionally disappointing. It’s a place that can satisfy a craving, but it’s not without its potential drawbacks.

Similar Restaurants in San Diego

Verdict: Our expert take on Carl's Jr

Food (5.5 out of 10)

mentioned by 83% of the guests

The food here generally lands in the average range with a score of 5.5, and customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 48.9%. However, many diners, based on 43 positive comments out of 88 total, rave about the food fresh and quality food, especially the burgers and Jalapeno Poppers. Guests often found their orders fresh, hot, and delicious, with some items exceeding expectations.

On the flip side, 39 negative comments highlight some areas needing attention. Issues often revolved around the chicken sandwich, described as having a dry flavorless flat bun and being terrible chicken. Additionally, fries frequently arrived cold, leading to disappointment and a less-than-satisfying meal experience for some.

5.5 Food

88

Reviews

48%

Satisfaction

39

negative

6

neutral

43

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Fresh, hot food
  • Quality ingredients
  • Delicious burgers
What people don't like
  • Poor chicken sandwich
  • Fries often cold
  • Stale, flat buns

Often praised

  • food
  • burger
  • #4 double western cheese burgers
  • Beyond Meat Burger
  • Famous Star
  • Jalapeno Poppers
  • Super Star
  • Very Big Carl bunless
  • Western Bacon Cheeseburger
  • Western Star Burger

Frequently criticized

  • chicken sandwich
  • fries
  • burgers
  • chicken
  • Cherry Coke
  • Food
  • Santa Fe sandwich
  • bread bun
  • burger
  • cheese

If you're craving a burger and appreciate fresh ingredients, you might find some good options here. However, be cautious with the chicken sandwiches and expect a chance of cold fries. It seems like a bit of a mixed bag, so choose your order wisely.

Service (5.6 out of 10)

mentioned by 79% of the guests

When it comes to service, it's a bit of a mixed bag, but there are definitely bright spots! Many customers rave about the friendly and helpful staff, highlighting individuals for their great attitude and patience. There are numerous shout-outs for order accuracy and employees going the extra mile, making for some truly positive experiences, as seen in 43 positive opinions out of 83 total.

However, the overall score for service sits at an average 5.6, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 51.8%. This reflects concerns about long wait times and instances of wrong order delivery. Some experiences point to understaffed situations and even horrible customer service, with staff sometimes appearing unpolite or dismissive, as noted in 39 negative opinions.

5.6 Service

83

Reviews

51%

Satisfaction

39

negative

1

neutral

43

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Friendly, helpful staff
  • Great customer service
  • Accurate order delivery
What people don't like
  • Long wait times
  • Wrong orders received
  • Poor customer service

Often praised

  • service
  • staff
  • customer service
  • server
  • Ben and Jacob
  • cashier
  • cheerfulness
  • customers
  • employee
  • friendlier employees

Frequently criticized

  • waiting time
  • Service
  • order
  • service
  • DoorDash people
  • WiFi
  • attention
  • cashier
  • cashiering and serving
  • closing times

If youre lucky, youll encounter some truly stellar employees who make your visit great. But be prepared for potential long wait times or even a wrong order, as consistency seems to be an issue. It's a bit of a gamble, so go in with an open mind.

Ambience (6 out of 10)

mentioned by 25% of the guests

When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some definite upsides! Many folks were pleasantly surprised by the clean dining room and a generally `clean` `facility`, with some even calling it spic and span. Plus, accessibility is a big win here, with `Handicap parking`, `wide doorways`, and `ramps` making it welcoming for everyone.

Out of 18 total comments, 10 highlighted these positive aspects. However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 55.6%. While the overall score is an `average` 6, there are some clear areas for improvement.

Several reviewers pointed out issues with `store cleanliness`, particularly the `bathrooms` and `restrooms`, with one even calling the `mens restroom` consistently disgusting. Some also felt the `atmosphere` was horrible or noted `locked doors` and dim lighting, with 7 negative remarks.

6 Ambience

18

Reviews

55%

Satisfaction

7

negative

1

neutral

10

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Clean dining room
  • Accessible parking, ramps
  • Spic and span facility
What people don't like
  • Dirty restrooms
  • Poor atmosphere
  • Locked doors

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • clean
  • Handicap parking
  • clean dining room
  • facility
  • place
  • ramps
  • wide doorways

Frequently criticized

  • Atmosphere
  • atmosphere
  • bathrooms
  • doors
  • men's restroom
  • restrooms
  • store cleanliness

If a clean dining area and good accessibility are important to you, this place might be worth a visit. Just be aware that the restrooms and overall atmosphere might be a bit of a gamble, reflecting the `mixed` customer satisfaction.

Value (4.3 out of 10)

mentioned by 19% of the guests

When it comes to value, some folks have found some sweet spots! Out of 14 comments, 5 positive remarks highlight that using coupons or the app can snag you a good deal, making things like the 2 for $5 breakfast special feel worth the price. While the overall score sits at an average 4.3, there are definitely ways to make your money go further here.

However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with 8 negative observations pointing to concerns about the price and feeling over charged. Many feel the prices are climbing, and theres frustration over being charged extra for condiments like syrup or ranch. This contributes to a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 35.7%, suggesting value can be a real hit or miss.

4.3 Value

14

Reviews

35%

Satisfaction

8

negative

1

neutral

5

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • App offers good deals
  • Breakfast special great value
  • Coupons save money
What people don't like
  • Prices keep rising
  • Condiments cost extra
  • Risk of overcharging

Often praised

  • 2 for $5 breakfast special
  • cheaper than a normal burger
  • deals
  • good deal
  • price

Frequently criticized

  • $40.00 dollars
  • condiments
  • meals
  • over charged
  • price
  • prices
  • ranch and bbq sauce
  • syrup

If you're savvy with coupons or their app, you might find some decent deals, especially for breakfast. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially higher prices and unexpected charges for extras, which could leave you feeling less than satisfied.

How are the prices at Carl's Jr?

You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 42 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.

Looking at the full picture, most diners spend in the $1–$20 range, with a clear sweet spot around $11–$20. So, prices definitely cluster around that mid-range, with just a few folks splurging a bit more.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 42 reviews.

Comparing value for money: How this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.

Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Fast Food Restaurant. Its a solid mid-range option that wont break the bank for a quick meal.

Customer Reviews: what people think about Carl's Jr

Price per Person
  • $1–$10
Service Intent
  • Quick Meal
Visit Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Leon P.
Review date: 11/09/2025
9
Excellent Service at Carl's Jr!
My experience at this Carl's Jr was amazing! Janet provided exceptional customer service, staying patient, polite, and very helpful throughout our numerous separate orders. Her cheerful and professional demeanor made for a great experience. The atmosphere was also rated highly. Overall, a great experience at this Carl's Jr!
  • customer service10
  • patience10
  • helpfulness10
Service Intent
  • Casual Outing
Visit Type
  • Dine-in
Fatima B.
Review date: 11/05/2025
9
Excellent Service and Food!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, largely due to the exceptional service provided by Nathan and another co-worker. They were not only pleasant but also ensured I was happy with my order. It had been a while since my last visit, and I'm so glad I stopped by again. These two gentlemen deserve a round of applause!
  • service10
  • order9
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Service Intent
  • Regular Visit
Visit Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Cammala,julien M.
Review date: 10/18/2025
2
Inconsistent Orders and Cleanliness Issues
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently disappointing. Every time I visit, I leave without receiving all the items I ordered. Furthermore, the prices seem to increase daily. The cleanliness of the store itself could be significantly improved, especially the bathrooms. I ordered chicken strips, curly fries, and fried zucchini rounds.
  • chicken strips5
  • curly fries5
  • fried zucchini rounds5
  • items ordered2
  • prices2
  • store cleanliness3
Service Intent
  • Quick Meal
Visit Type
  • Takeout
Ryan N.
Review date: 10/11/2025
2
Condiments are a Rip-off
My experience was centered around the restaurant's policy of charging extra for condiments that should be included with certain meals. It's absurd to have to ask for syrup with French toast sticks, and even more so to be charged extra for ranch and BBQ sauce with chicken fingers. The meals themselves are already too expensive, and these additional charges for basic condiments feel like a way to skimp on value. I believe these condiments should be included with the meals.
  • condiments1
  • syrup1
  • ranch and bbq sauce1
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Service Intent
  • Quick Meal
Visit Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Wait Time
  • Long (31+ min.)
Jason G.
Review date: 09/12/2025
2
Terrible Service, Dirty Restrooms
My experience at this restaurant was genuinely the worst service I've ever had from a fast food place. If I didn't work nearby or had the option to go to a less crowded place, I would never go here again. The men's restroom is also consistently disgusting; if you think you'll need to use the toilet, go anywhere else. The service at this location is utterly abysmal. I've walked in during lunch to order at the counter and on several occasions, the staff literally never looked in my general direction while I was waiting at the unmanned cash register. They would just walk back and forth from the kitchen to the drive-through, sometimes taking orders. On numerous times, I've waited about 5-10 minutes, just staring at their back before they even looked my way or took my order, which is insane. I understand they might be busy with the drive-through during lunch rush, but simply checking if someone is waiting at the cash register shouldn't be that hard, and a simple "Welcome to Carl's Jr. I'll be with you in a second" isn't difficult either. It's strange because if you walk from the drive-through window to the cash register area, you should automatically see if anyone is waiting. To not see someone, you'd have to deliberately turn away. I've waited enough times that if I have to wait 5 minutes before my order is taken or even acknowledged, I'll just walk to somewhere else across the street because they clearly don't seem to care. This isn't a problem with one specific person; this neglect of in-person diners while focusing so much on the drive-through is incredibly common. I went one evening around 8 pm and waited a few minutes at an unmanned cash register before someone emerged from the kitchen to take my order. The men's restroom remains consistently disgusting. I try to avoid using it, but every time I do, there's usually toilet paper on the ground and wet patches. If I felt I'd need to use the restroom during my meal, I'd consider going elsewhere. The food seems average for a Carl's Jr.
  • food3
  • service1
  • men's restroom1
  • waiting time1

What Carl's Jr offers

Accessibility

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

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 and services are available at Carl's Jr. in Kearny Mesa?
At Carl’s Jr., you’ll find a range of convenient dining options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with both seating and counter service available. For your convenience, you can choose from drive-through, dine-in, takeout, or delivery services.
Yes, this Carl’s Jr. location is well-equipped with amenities like a restroom and is highly accessible. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Free parking is also usually plentiful.
Carl’s Jr typically offers a mixed experience, with an overall Restaurant Score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction at 49.8%. While Food (5.5) and Service (5.6) are considered average, Ambience (6) is slightly better, but Value (4.3) often falls short.
Many customers highlight the generally clean dining room and the efforts of friendly staff. Positive comments often mention specific burger options like the ‘Beyond Meat Burger’ or ‘Western Bacon Cheeseburger’, and the availability of deals such as the ‘2 for $5 breakfast special’.
Frequent concerns include issues with unclean restrooms and long waiting times for orders. Customers also often express dissatisfaction with the perceived high prices and occasional inaccuracies or coldness in food preparation.
Loading map…
Location
7404 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, 92111 San Diego
Opening hours
Monday – Friday
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday
7:00 AM – 9:00 PM