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 Carmel Mountain Ranch
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#664 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#102 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
326
Reviews
45.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Good value
- Clean environment
Frequently criticized
- Service speed
- Inconsistency
- Hygiene concerns
The restaurant Rubio’s, a popular Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s vibrant Carmel Mountain Ranch neighborhood, invites you to experience a taste of the coast. You’ll find a welcoming, casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Known for its healthy options, this spot makes it easy to enjoy delicious food without compromise. Whether you’re craving classic Mexican flavors or something lighter, you’ll discover a menu designed to satisfy.
Overview: Introducting Rubio's
Rubio’s often provides a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the `fresh and tasty` food offerings. The establishment is frequently noted for its `cleanliness` and a decent selection of items that offer good `value` for money.
However, some patrons have encountered challenges, particularly concerning the speed and attentiveness of the staff. While the food itself often satisfies, occasional reports of `slow service` and inconsistencies in the overall experience suggest there’s room for improvement in operational flow.
Average
5.3
out of 10
326
Reviews
45.4%
Satisfaction
157
negative
21
neutral
148
positive
Rubio’s registers an overall Restaurant Score of 5.3, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer Satisfaction stands at 45.4%, indicating a mixed bag of experiences among diners.
This suggests that while some aspects are well-received, a significant portion of customers leave feeling less than fully satisfied. Delving into specifics, the Food (6.3) is clearly a highlight, often praised for its quality.
Ambience (5.4) and Value (5.2) hover around average, providing a functional but not exceptional backdrop. The Service (4.2), however, appears to be a consistent pain point, with many of the 326 customer opinions, including 157 negative remarks, pointing to areas needing attention.
What people like
- Delicious burritos, tacos
- Fair prices
- Clean facilities
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Inconsistent experience
- Cleanliness issues
For those seeking a casual meal with a focus on fresh, Mexican-inspired flavors, Rubio’s can be a reasonable choice, especially if you prioritize the food itself. The menu offers some appealing options that often hit the mark, making it a decent spot for a quick bite.
However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding service efficiency and overall consistency. With a Recommendation Score of 5.3, Rubio’s might not be a standout destination, but it could serve its purpose if you’re in the area and understand its limitations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Rubio's
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, but lean positive. With a score of 6.3 and customer satisfaction at 57.1%, its clear theres potential. Many rave about the delicious fish tacos, burritos, and the impressive salsa bar, often finding the food tasty and fresh.
Out of 147 statements, 84 were positive. However, not everyone leaves fully satisfied. Some experiences mention issues with food temperature, small portions, or soggy fish.
There are also comments about blandness and inconsistent food quality. These concerns appear in 52 negative statements, suggesting areas for improvement.
Food
147
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
52
negative
11
neutral
84
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fish tacos
- Great salsa bar
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Cold, bland food
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodWe also went inside to order additional food. The restaurant was neat and clean, the staff was friendly, our order was accurate, and the food was perfect – some of the best tacos I've had at Rubio's in a long time!
- burritosI’ve had an exquisite experience here at Rubio’s. Their burritos are absolutely delicious. Their customer service is brilliant as well.
- fish tacosLove the fish tacos here, there is no doubt!
- salsa barThe salsa bar also offer many choices of sauce
- tacossome of the best tacos I've had at Rubio's for a long time!
- Taco TuesdayTaco Tuesday at Rubio is a great dinner go-to
- food qualityTheir food was much better this time
- Baja chopped bowlLove their Baja chopped bowl
- Coastal TrioI received a BOGO offer for my birthday this month. For take-out tonight, we both ordered "The Coastal Trio" plates. This included The Original Fish Taco, Salsa Verde Shrimp Taco, and Wild-Caught Mahi-Mahi Taco.
- Fish Taco especialesthe Fish Taco especiales were the absolute best
Frequently criticized
- foodWhen she inquired, she was informed the restaurant had run out, with no prior mention or offer to compensate for this key ingredient. The service was very poor, and the food did not taste very good. It was a huge disappointment!
- chipsThe drink was $3. 50, and the chips were stale. The total for this lunch was $17.
- original fish tacosoriginal fish tacos and they simply are battered fish
- sauceThe sauce cup was cracked and leaking
- shrimponly three or four small pieces (not whole) of shrimp
- CA Bowlthe CA Bowl is 90% rice
- California bowlsMy wife and I both ordered two California bowls.
- California burritoThe California burrito I had wasn't as good
- Mexican ricemy order was wrong (asked for Mexican rice instead of citrus)
- RubiosI hope I don't get sick. I don't think I'll be buying from Rubios again.
If you're looking for a casual meal with potentially delicious fish tacos and a great salsa bar, it might be worth a try. Just be aware that consistency can be an issue, so you might encounter some hit-or-miss dishes.
Service (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.2 indicating an average experience, and customer satisfaction sitting at a poor 32.1%. Many appreciate the friendly and kind service, with an amazing team often mentioned for their quick work and willingness to remake food when needed. Positive feedback often highlights the staff, customer service, and efficient ordering process, based on 44 positive remarks.
However, the service experience isnt always smooth, with 88 negative comments pointing to significant issues. Common complaints revolve around long waiting times, slow service, and problems with order accuracy. Some experiences with managers and overall customer treatment have also left customers feeling disregarded and disrespected, suggesting areas needing serious improvement.
Service
137
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
88
negative
5
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind service
- Amazing team
- Food came fast
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Slow service
- Poor manager behavior
Often praised
- serviceI particularly love their salsa verde shrimp tacos, Baja chopped bowl, and mango avocado bowl. The clean restroom, friendly service, good selection of beers, and a great salsa bar all contributed to my repeated visits. I will definitely come back!
- staffWe also went inside to order additional food. The restaurant was neat and clean, the staff was friendly, our order was accurate, and the food was perfect – some of the best tacos I've had at Rubio's in a long time!
- customer serviceThe wait was minimal, and the food was outstanding. The customer service was also fantastic. As I always say.
- orderWe also went inside to order additional food. The restaurant was neat and clean, the staff was friendly, our order was accurate, and the food was perfect – some of the best tacos I've had at Rubio's in a long time!
- workersMy absolute favorite place to go! The workers are always super nice. One time, a random dude took my takeout food before I got there, and the workers were so kind – they remade the food and apologized.
- Store Manager RobWhat an amazing team! Store Manager Rob was incredibly helpful during a mishap with DoorDash. We worked through the situation together and were able to make sure someone got a happy tummy!
- amazing teamWhat an amazing team!
- employeealert and thoughtful employee to inform me
- food came out fastMy experience at this restaurant was great! The ordering process was relatively quick, and the food came out very fast, which was impressive considering how busy they were. The tacos were great.
- friendly and kind servicefriendly, kind people working there
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by very slow service. While the food itself was good, the wait times were significant.
- waiting timeAlmost 1 hour waiting time.
- managerThe manager was running around like she had no idea what to do.
- customer serviceNot a single bit of customer service
- waittell you that it will be a 25 minute wait
- staffingI understand everyone is short staffed, but it's upsetting when the general manager declares that they close in 25 minutes and there is a 25-minute wait for food, suggesting people should leave. I used to go to this location a lot as a kid, but at this point, I feel like this location should close.
- wait for foodThe staff was friendly, and the facility was clean and neat. However, we encountered a shockingly long wait for our food. Unfortunately, the food itself was not as good as we were led to believe.
- ConsistencyBe consistent!!
- RobRob brought our food to us and accidentally dropped the clear sauce cup
- acknowledgementwe weren't acknowledged, let alone greeted, for at least several minutes
If you're lucky, you might catch them on a good day with friendly staff and quick service. However, be prepared for potentially long waits and inconsistent order accuracy, which could make for a frustrating visit.
Ambience (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
Based on 29 comments, the ambience here gets an average 5.4 score, with customer satisfaction at a 51.7% mixed bag. Despite this, 15 positive remarks highlight a convenient and beautiful location, often praising the restaurants cleanliness and neat facilities. Many guests appreciate the tidy atmosphere, noting clean restrooms and well-maintained tables.
However, 10 negative comments paint a different picture, describing an uninviting atmosphere with cafeteria looks. Concerns include filthy tables covered in food scraps, and even alarming reports of roaches crawling around the drink station. ' A broken patio door also added to the disappointment.
Ambience
29
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great location
- Clean facilities
- Tidy tables
What people don't like
- Roaches present
- Filthy tables
- Cafeteria-like appearance
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was the same as other Rubio's locations and was clean.
- restaurantMy last experience at Rubio's was eight years ago during a trip to San Diego, and I knew we had to return. We visited during off-hours, and the restaurant was very quiet. The burrito was too large for me to finish, but the choice of salsa was incredible.
- business thrivingseeing business seeking to thrive in this crazy time
- cleaningalways cleaning when not taking orders
- cleanlinessso clean
- facilityThe facility is clean and neat
- locationI'm so glad that this location is still open! It offers a very convenient and beautiful location. While there is indoor and outdoor dining, we usually just order on the app and take it home.
- promisethis place has a lot of promise
- restroomClean restroom
- tablestables, always cleaning when not taking orders
Frequently criticized
- tablesnever seen more than 2 tables occupied and eating.
- atmosphereUninviting as you can get.
- cafeteria looksStay away from the cafeteria looks.
- door to the patiothe door to the patio was broken and kept locking us out
- drink stationroaches crawling around the drink station
- establishmentThis establishment has seriously gone downhill
- food scrapsFood scraps all over every table
- locationI understand everyone is short staffed, but it's upsetting when the general manager declares that they close in 25 minutes and there is a 25-minute wait for food, suggesting people should leave. I used to go to this location a lot as a kid, but at this point, I feel like this location should close. If they can't keep it staffed, they should shut their operations down.
- roachesnoticed 2 roaches crawling around the drink station
If you're looking for a spot with a potentially clean and convenient setting, it might be worth a try. But be prepared for a mixed experience, as cleanliness and overall atmosphere can be quite inconsistent, with some serious red flags.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, some customers are pleasantly surprised, finding that cheap can indeed be good here! Many appreciate the prices as reasonable for the area, especially when they get the deals. Out of 13 customer remarks, 5 were positive, highlighting that you can find some real bargains.
However, the overall picture for value is a bit of a mixed bag. While the score for value is an average 5.2, customer satisfaction is quite low at 38.5%, indicating a poor experience for many. The 7 negative comments frequently mention things getting pricey or being still on the pricey side, suggesting that for some, the value just isn't there, especially compared to other options.
Value
13
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good deals available
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Getting pricey
- Not good value
Often praised
- pricesI was impressed by the quality of service and the food, which was incredibly fresh and tasty. The prices were very fair, and the selection of drinks was great, with a special mention for the Margarita in a can. I highly recommend trying The Original Fish Taco.
- cheapCheap can be good. Definitely true here.
- dealsget the deals
- priceI've been here multiple times and consistently find it to be very clean. The workers are pleasant, and the food isn’t expensive. I love it!
Frequently criticized
- priceit’s to price for this regular bowl of rice
- chainIf the service had been decent, a tip would have been warranted for the food delivery. Overall, I was not impressed with this chain.
- pricesthe prices are higher
- priceystill on the pricey side
- tipThe question of amount of tip seems out of context
- valueAs for value, there are several Mexican restaurants within blocks that are a much better value.
If youre on the hunt for a good deal, you might find some worthwhile options here. But be aware, many customers feel the regular prices are a bit steep, so it might disappoint if youre expecting great value across the board.
How are the prices at Rubio's?
You’re looking at roughly $15 per person – reported by 52 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 right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, with only a few venturing into slightly higher or lower spending.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 52 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering it’s a Mexican Restaurant, the pricing feels quite fair. We think it offers good value for a casual meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rubio's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Efficient phone ordering saved the day!
My experience at the restaurant was great. Despite a long line to place order, I cleverly used my phone to order and received my food before those who were in front of me even placed their orders. This made for a great experience.
- phone ordering9
- great experience10
- long line4
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fast Service, Great Tacos!
My experience at this restaurant was great! The ordering process was relatively quick, and the food came out very fast, which was impressive considering how busy they were. The tacos were great.
- ordering process8
- food came out fast9
- tacos9
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Food, Minor Door Issue
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, primarily due to the consistently great food. This is why we keep coming back. The servers were friendly, nice, and helpful.
The only problem we encountered was a broken door to the patio that kept locking us out. Despite attempts to tape it, the solution was not effective and looked tacky.
- food10
- servers9
- door to the patio3
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Team, Hot Food, Accurate Order!
My experience at Rubio's was fantastic! The team there is truly great. The food arrived hot and I didn't have to wait long.
They ensured my order was accurate. The salsa, drink, and utensil areas were consistently clean, and the tables were always being wiped down even when they weren't taking orders. It's a great team, and I'm thankful for their excellent service.
- team10
- food9
- waiting time9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Experience with Wrong Order and No Guac
My experience at this restaurant was overall very disappointing. We visited on a Sunday night and left feeling underwhelmed. My wife and I both ordered California bowls.
While the worker's friendliness wasn't a major issue, the main problem arose when our food was served. My order was incorrect; I received Mexican rice instead of citrus rice, and there was barely any guacamole. To make matters worse, my wife's bowl had no guacamole at all.
When she inquired, she was informed the restaurant had run out, with no prior mention or offer to compensate for this key ingredient. The service was very poor, and the food did not taste very good. It was a huge disappointment!
- Worker5
- California bowls2
- Mexican rice2
- guacamole1
What Rubio's offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ 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
- 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
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of food and dining options can you expect at Rubio's Coastal Grill?
At Rubio’s, you’ll discover a delightful Mexican menu featuring healthy options, small plates, and vegetarian choices. You can enjoy lunch or dinner with counter service, and catering is also available. Don’t miss their happy hour drinks and food for a great deal.
What amenities and accessibility features does Rubio's Coastal Grill offer in Carmel Mountain Ranch?
Located in Carmel Mountain Ranch, Rubio’s provides a comfortable, casual setting with free Wi-Fi and restrooms. You’ll find excellent accessibility, including wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. Plus, there’s usually plenty of free parking available, and dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
How does Rubio's perform overall according to customer feedback?
Rubio’s holds an overall Restaurant Score of 5.3 out of 10, with a Customer Satisfaction rate of 45.4%. While Food (6.3) is generally well-regarded, Ambience (5.4) and Value (5.2) are average, and Service (4.2) often falls short.
What do customers appreciate most about Rubio's food?
Customers frequently praise the food quality, highlighting delicious items like burritos and various tacos, including fish tacos. The salsa bar also receives positive mentions for its variety.
What are some common concerns customers have about Rubio's?
Many customers report issues with slow service and long waiting times for food. There are also occasional mentions of inconsistent experiences, including cleanliness concerns in some areas and general operational inefficiencies.