Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Gallego’s – San Diego
Gallego's - San Diego
Photo from Gallego’s
Gallego's at a glance
San Diego Mid-City
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 33 of the guests
#562 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#79 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
174
Reviews
59.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Flavorful food
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Poor cleanliness
The restaurant Gallego’s, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s Mid-City, invites you to experience a truly cozy dining atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for any meal, whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely dinner.
With its casual yet trendy vibe, Gallego’s offers a delightful escape where you can savor authentic flavors and enjoy a comfortable setting. It’s a fantastic choice for delicious Mexican cuisine.
Overview: Introducting Gallego's
Gallego’s offers a mixed experience, where the warmth of its `service` and the hearty flavors of its dishes often stand out. Many find the `food` satisfying, with generous portions that evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
It’s a place where the staff aims to be `helpful` and quick, contributing positively to your visit. However, the dining environment can be a point of contention, with some noting a need for better `cleanliness` and a general refresh.
While the culinary offerings are generally well-received, some aspects of the overall `atmosphere` and the perceived value can detract from the experience, particularly concerning pricing.
Good
6.4
out of 10
174
Reviews
59.2%
Satisfaction
62
negative
9
neutral
103
positive
Gallego’s earns an overall restaurant score of 6.4, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 59.2%. This indicates that while many patrons leave content, a significant portion has reservations.
The restaurant’s strengths clearly lie in its Service (7.5), which is frequently praised for being friendly and efficient, based on 103 positive opinions. On the culinary front, Food scores a respectable 6.5, suggesting a generally positive reception for its offerings.
However, the Ambience (5.7) is perceived as average, with some concerns about cleanliness and the general state of the dining area. The most notable area for improvement is Value (3.1), which customers frequently cite as a drawback due to rising costs and additional fees, contributing to 62 negative opinions out of 174 total customer remarks.
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Flavorful Mexican food
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Rising prices, fees
- Cleanliness concerns
- Order accuracy issues
With a recommendation score of 6.6, Gallego’s is a place worth considering if you prioritize friendly service and substantial, flavorful Mexican fare. It’s a solid choice for a casual meal where the food often hits the mark, especially if you’re looking for generous portions.
However, be mindful of the pricing structure and don’t expect a pristine dining environment. If `Value` is your top concern or if you’re particular about `cleanliness`, you might find aspects of your visit less appealing.
It’s a spot with clear strengths, but also some areas that could use attention.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Gallego's
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many customers rave about the delicious food and big portions, often highlighting a varied assortment that feels like homemade food. With 71 positive remarks out of 118 total, the sentiment is generally upbeat, contributing to a decent score of 6.5. However, not all experiences are stellar.
Some diners have noted concerns about portion size, particularly regarding meat, and occasional issues with food quality, like salty dishes or food being served cold. These 40 negative comments contribute to a customer satisfaction rating of 60.2%, indicating a mixed bag where there's definitely room for improvement.
Food
118
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
40
negative
7
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious homemade food
- Generous portions
- Wide variety dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Disappointing meat portions
- Salty dishes
Often praised
- foodthe food and everything was great
- Mexican foodMexican food melts in your mouth and it freshly
- burritosWhen in San Diego, this place is a must stop. I found their burritos to be the best burritos in town. My experience was excellent, with great food, service, and atmosphere.
- Birria noodlesThe Birria noodles are really good and flavorful.
- Caldo de RezCaldo de Rez is the most nutritious and is enough for two people
- Cali burritolove the Cali burrito
- Carne Asada FriesHUGE CARNE ASADA FRIES
- FoodFood:4
- Gallegos TortaGallegos Torta it’s SO FAT!
- Liver and OnionsLiver and Onions SO SO Good for you
Frequently criticized
- foodThis taco shop is the second time they have gotten the food wrong. I live far away and have to go back and waste my time and gas.
- Cali burritoserved a cold and salty Cali burrito
- meatMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The roll tacos had significantly more lettuce than meat, which was a letdown. I cannot recommend this place to anyone based on this experience.
- Mexican foodOn top of being nasty, the food was cold. It felt like an insult to Mexican food, and the dishes looked and tasted like vomit.
- carne asada burritoCalifornia burrito and a carne asada burrito, I told my son it was garbage
- carne asada friesLas carne asada fries te las dan en un plato que tiene divisiones ovio para darte mucho menos
- California burritoCalifornia burrito and a carne asada burrito, I told my son it was garbage
- beanslas otras dos divisiones te avientan frijoles como si yo aiga querido comprar frijoles
- brothToday I ate there. They didn't fill my cup with broth. It's disappointing.
- eatingmakes for messy eating
The food here offers a good variety and generous portions, often hitting the mark for delicious, homemade-style Mexican cuisine. While many find it great, consistency can be an issue, so be prepared for a bit of hit-or-miss. Its worth trying if you prioritize hearty options and dont mind occasional inconsistencies.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and a customer satisfaction rate of 75%, its clear most folks have a good experience. Many rave about the excellent customer service and quick and friendly staff, often finding them helpful.
Plus, calling ahead seems to be a popular tip, as seen in 21 positive remarks. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A few experiences, totaling 6 negative remarks, point to some hiccups.
Some mention issues with the cashier not being attentive or waiting time being a bit long. Theres also a strong recommendation to Check your order' before you leave, which suggests occasional errors.
Service
28
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Excellent customer service
- Call order ahead
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Check your order
- Unfriendly cashier
Often praised
- servicethe service was top-notch
- customer serviceI love there customer service always very friendly
- ServiceService:4
- Señorita OlÃmas con la seÅ„orita olÃ
- call aheadYES YOU CAN CALL AHEAD
- chefthe chef was there to take my order
- employeesall the employees are quick and friendly
- helpfulthey are so helpful
- order aheadcall your order ahead of time like 15 min
- order by phoneis better to Order by phone
Frequently criticized
- cashierThe cashier.ni mebolteo a ver.
- waiting timeI waited. Mi.horden.por.25minutos.
- Check your orderCheck your order before you leave
- timeThis taco shop is the second time they have gotten the food wrong. I live far away and have to go back and waste my time and gas. Honestly, a very bad experience.
Overall, the service here is quite good, especially if you plan ahead. If youre looking for a friendly and efficient experience, its definitely worth a try, but be mindful of potential wait times and double-check your order before heading out.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, many customers found a lot to appreciate about the vibe! With 10 positive remarks, some fondly described it as just childhood and a perfect place, praising its clean atmosphere and the convenience of a free parking lot. It seems theres a comforting, well-kept feel that resonates with many.
However, the ambience isnt without its snags, with 9 negative observations pointing to areas for improvement. Concerns arose over dirty tables and sticky enamel, with some feeling the atmosphere is not that good due to poor lighting and a general need for a remodel. Overall, the score sits at an average 5.7, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 52.6%, indicating a balanced experience with room to grow.
Ambience
19
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean atmosphere
- Nostalgic vibe
- Free parking
What people don't like
- Dirty tables
- Needs remodel
- Poor lighting
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere, me gustó que pusieran en TV lo que yo querÃa ver
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- childhoodthis place is just childhood
- clean atmosphereClean atmosphere and huge portions.
- cleanlinessvery very clean
- perfect placeA PERFECT PLACE
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere is not that good
- enamelsticky enamel is fading from wiping down clean
- insecurityhay mucha inseguridad por las personas sin hogar y maleantes
- lightingDespite the darkness of the lights being off over the dining areas
- place cleanlinessthe place was not very clean
- restaurant remodelal restaurante le hace falta una buena remodelación
- security and cleanlinessa los negocios les afecta que no haya seguridad y limpieza en las calles
- streetslas calles están sucias
- tablesDirty table's
If youre looking for a place with a nostalgic, clean feel and dont mind some dated elements, this spot could be a pleasant surprise. However, if a pristine, modern environment and perfect upkeep are your top priorities, you might find some aspects disappointing.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres just one glimmer of light, with a single opinion noting the Price per person falls within the $10–20 range. However, with a low 3.1 score, its clear this isnt enough to sway the overall perception. Unfortunately, the picture darkens quickly, as 7 out of 9 comments express concerns.
Many feel the prices have gone up and are frustrated by being charged for everything, including chips and salsa. Adding insult to injury, theres even a card commission fee. This leads to a very poor 11.1% customer satisfaction, indicating significant disappointment.
Value
9
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Card commission fee
- Charging for everything
- Prices increased
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
Frequently criticized
- card commission feeif you pay by card also charge commission
- charging for everythingyou are going to consume and charge for everything
- chips and salsaThe food was good, but they now charge for chips and salsa. Additionally, there's a commission fee if you pay by card.
- gaswaste my gas
- priceit is a robbery what they do to you
- pricesthe prices have gone up
- specials signsSome of the specials signs were not all too clear to me regarding price
If youre looking for good value, this might not be your spot. Be prepared for potentially higher prices and extra charges, especially if paying by card. It seems many feel the overall cost isnt justified.
How are the prices at Gallego's?
You’re looking at roughly $20 per person – reported by 33 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 tend to spend right around this average, with the majority of prices clustering nicely in that $11–$20 range. While there are a few options for a quicker, cheaper bite or even a special occasion splurge, the pricing generally feels consistent.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 33 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Mexican Restaurant, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Gallego's
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Burritos in San Diego!
When in San Diego, this place is a must stop. I found their burritos to be the best burritos in town. My experience was excellent, with great food, service, and atmosphere.
- burritos10
- Food8
- Service8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
A Long-Time Regular's Top Pick!
As a regular customer since 2008, I absolutely love Gallegos Mexican Restaurant! I highly recommend it. The staff are incredibly polite, respectful, and welcoming.
Their food is simply delicious. Please consider supporting this wonderful small business!
- food10
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Chimichangas and Fried Fish!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved the shredded beef chimichangas and the Cali burrito. The Mojara (fried fish) was also a highlight, served with a side of salad, rice, and beans.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating. The free parking lot was convenient, and the price per person ($10–20) was reasonable. While I'd somewhat recommend it for vegetarians, the vegetarian offerings were not specified.
The green and red hot sauce are a must-try!
- shredded beef chimichangas10
- Cali burrito10
- Mojara (fried fish)10
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Carne Asada Burrito Disappointing
I usually buy carne asada burritos and they are very good. However, the last one I bought was full of fat and nerves from the meat, and it was also very salty.
- carne asada burrito2
- meat2
- salty2
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Takeout
2
Burrito Missing Ingredients, Guac Placement Odd
My experience at the restaurant involved ordering a mixed burrito with extra guacamole, for which I paid an additional $2. 50. The guacamole was placed in dollops at each end of the burrito, ensuring some guacamole with every bite.
However, as I continued eating, I realized the rest of the burrito contained only shredded beef and beans. Furthermore, the burrito was supposed to include tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, but these ingredients were completely missing. I advise checking your order before leaving the establishment.
- extra guacamole5
- guacamole5
- mixed burrito3
- tomatoes, onions and bellpeppers1
- Check your order2
What Gallego's offers
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
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
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Gallego's Mexican Restaurant?
Gallego’s Mexican Restaurant offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere for your dining pleasure. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. They also provide catering services, making it a versatile choice for any meal or event.
What convenient services and accessibility features does Gallego's Mexican Restaurant offer?
Gallego’s Mexican Restaurant ensures convenience with dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. You’ll benefit from free street parking and a free parking lot. The venue is fully accessible, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for every guest.
How does Gallego's generally rate?
Gallego’s holds an overall score of 6.4. Its Service (7.5) and Food (6.5) are considered its stronger points, while Ambience (5.7) is average, and Value (3.1) is an area needing significant improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about Gallego's food?
Many customers appreciate the `Mexican food` for being fresh and flavorful. Specific dishes like `Birria noodles`, `Caldo de Rez`, and the `Cali burrito` are frequently mentioned positively for their taste and generous portions.
Are there any common complaints regarding Gallego's?
Customers frequently express concerns about `Value`, citing `card commission fee` and `prices` that have increased. Additionally, issues with `cleanliness` in the dining area and occasional `order accuracy` are noted.