Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Truckstop – San Diego
Truckstop - San Diego
Photo from Truckstop
Truckstop at a glance
San Diego Mission Beach
- 🍖 Barbecue Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 73 of the guests
#452 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Barbecue Restaurant out of 2 in San Diego
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
523
Reviews
68.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Atmosphere
- Food
- Staff
Frequently criticized
- Service
- Value
- Food quality
The restaurant Truckstop Saloon, a popular Barbecue Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Mission Beach neighborhood, invites you to a truly unique dining experience. You can savor delicious barbecue dishes in a friendly atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal.
What truly sets it apart is its incredibly pet-friendly policy, allowing you to bring your dogs both inside and outside while you dine.
Overview: Introducting Truckstop
Truckstop offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and unique vibe. Many guests appreciate the creative decor and overall feel of the place.
However, some experiences suggest that the music selection could be improved, and a few visitors have felt less than welcomed, hinting at occasional inconsistencies in the overall guest experience. Despite minor drawbacks, Truckstop generally delivers on its promise of a pleasant outing.
The culinary offerings frequently receive positive remarks, with many enjoying the diverse menu. Yet, a few patrons have noted issues with certain preparations, indicating that consistency in the kitchen might sometimes vary.
Good
7
out of 10
523
Reviews
68.1%
Satisfaction
138
negative
29
neutral
356
positive
Truckstop achieves a solid 7 out of 10 for its overall restaurant score, indicating a generally good experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 68.1%, suggesting that while many enjoy their visit, a notable portion encounters issues.
This divergence highlights that while the core offerings are strong, there are areas where the experience can fall short for some. This assessment is drawn from 523 customer opinions, with 356 positive and 138 negative.
Delving into specifics, the Food (7.1) stands out as a strong point, frequently mentioned and well-regarded. The Ambience (7.8) also scores highly, contributing significantly to the positive feedback.
While Service (6.5) is rated as average, it garners a substantial number of comments, indicating its importance to the dining experience. Value (6) is perceived as average, with some finding it reasonable and others noting it could be better.
What people like
- Distinctive atmosphere
- Delicious food options
- Attentive staff members
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Value concerns
- Specific food issues
Truckstop presents itself as a worthwhile destination, particularly if you appreciate a unique setting and well-regarded dishes. With a 7 for its recommendation score, it suggests a generally positive experience for many.
It’s a place that often leaves a good impression, especially for those seeking a specific kind of dining atmosphere. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service or value, as these areas have drawn some criticism.
While the food is often a highlight, there are occasional reports of specific preparations falling short. It’s a spot worth considering, but perhaps with tempered expectations regarding every aspect of your visit.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Barbecue Restaurant
3.6
out of 10
out of 10
490
22.4%
- $$
- Mission Bay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Truckstop
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.1 score and a 70% customer satisfaction rate. Many guests rave about the generous portions and delicious offerings, with 191 positive remarks highlighting items like the huge servings, delicious meals, wide selection, and fantastic bottomless mimosas. It seems you'll find plenty to enjoy here!
However, not every dish is a winner, with 63 negative comments pointing to some inconsistencies. Concerns include inconsistent food quality, overcooked eggs, and a bland taste in some dishes. There were also serious mentions of cross-contamination and food poisoning, which are definitely worth noting.
Food
273
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
63
negative
19
neutral
191
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Huge delicious portions
- Wide menu selection
- Excellent bottomless mimosas
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Eggs often overcooked
- Potential cross-contamination
Often praised
- foodThe quality of food was notable, and the best part was being just about 15ft from the beachfront. The restaurant had a good atmosphere, good service, and great food, all while maintaining social distancing and at an affordable price.
- bottomless mimosasWe ordered the bottomless mimosas (its worth the $)
- Hippie HashI recommend the hippie hash for any vegetarians. It was very delicious!
- chicken and wafflesI ordered the chicken and waffles, it was delicious!
- breakfastIt’s an incredible breakfast with a bit of a kick
- coffeeI had the best French toast in PB. We enjoyed fresh brewed coffee and a delicious savory breakfast. The bacon was cooked well and the sausage was delightful.
- portionsexcellent service / portions
- FoodFood:5
- French toastMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the best French toast in PB. We enjoyed fresh brewed coffee and a delicious savory breakfast.
- baconWe enjoyed fresh brewed coffee and a delicious savory breakfast. The bacon was cooked well and the sausage was delightful. The biscuits and gravy were made right!
Frequently criticized
- foodBelow average food
- eggsNext, I tried the Cali, which was not as good as the burrito. The eggs were overcooked, and the hollandaise sauce lacked the expected sriracha flavor, possibly due to a shortage or careless preparation. Furthermore, the hash browns lacked flavor and texture, appearing and tasting burned.
- baconthe bacon was super overcooked
- hash brownsthe hash browns lacked flavor and texture. They tasted and look burned
- poached eggsThe poached eggs where Easter-egg hard
- rosemary potatoesthe rosemary potatoes have a lot of Rosemary on them, overwhelming sometimes
- Bloody MarysBloody Mary's tasted like dirty celery.
- CaliNot as good as my burrito.
- Cali Benedictforgot to put the avocado on the Benedict
- allergic reactionhad a major allergic reaction
If you're looking for a place with generous portions and a wide selection of tasty breakfast and brunch items, especially with bottomless mimosas, this spot is worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might be inconsistent, and there have been concerns about food quality and preparation.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has some real shining stars! With 93 positive remarks out of 156 total, many guests raved about the attentive service and excellent service from friendly staff like Haleigh, Otis, Anahi, and Kate, often noting a quick spot for seating and refills. It seems that when theyre on their game, the team truly delivers a memorable experience.
However, the experience isnt always consistent, contributing to a mixed customer satisfaction of 59.6% and an average score of 6.5. There were 58 negative comments, with common complaints about slow service, being short staffed, and frustrating wait time for orders or even a greeting. Some even encountered an awful attitude from servers, suggesting a need for more consistent training or staffing.
Service
156
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
58
negative
5
neutral
93
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Excellent service
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Understaffed issues
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceThe quality of food was notable, and the best part was being just about 15ft from the beachfront. The restaurant had a good atmosphere, good service, and great food, all while maintaining social distancing and at an affordable price.
- staffThe avocado toast tasted amazing but was undercooked. The staff was very friendly, and the location and atmosphere were great, described as beautiful and calm. However, the experience then went downhill.
- serverI highly recommend it to EVERYONE. Anahi was our server and she was very nice.
- ServiceService:5
- wait timeThe food was rated a 5, and the service and atmosphere were also rated a perfect 5. We experienced no wait time and the noise level was moderate. The price per person was between $10–20 for our group of 2 people.
- AndrewAndrew is the man!!! Super great energy
- DakotaAsk for Dakota if you come. She's awesome.
- HaleighHaleigh was very attentive and accurate
- JustineJustine is the best! She is super friendly.
- OtisBartender Otis…well let me tell you. He’s number 1.
Frequently criticized
- servicePretty much every order was wrong, which significantly impacted our meal. The service was also very slow, and we didn't feel welcomed at all. The wait staff looked annoyed when we asked for basic necessities like napkins, ketchup, and mustard.
- serverWe are very patient people, but we sat for 10 minutes without a menu or a greeting while the server visited the table next to us 3 times. They were friends of hers and were chatting about how good the mimosas were.
- waiting timeThe food was good, and the server was very nice. However, it took forever to get our food, and the bacon was burned.
- Google listingI walked 30 minutes just to find this place was closed. Google says OPEN. Website says OPEN.
- Ralphs cartsyou have some Ralphs carts that need to be returned
- Website listingGoogle says OPEN. Website says OPEN. Yelp says OPEN.
- Yelp listingWebsite says OPEN. Yelp says OPEN.
- another servershe took one look at my friend and kept walking away without saying anything. Then came back after 5 minutes and said "I was busy helping someone else, what can I do for you?" With a really angry/irritated tone
- attitudeshe had an awful attitude
- billthat took another 15 minutes, finally got it
You might encounter some truly excellent and attentive service here, making for a great visit. But be aware that staffing issues can lead to slow service and longer waits, which could impact your experience.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to the overall vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 84.7%, the ambience here is definitely considered good. Based on 61 positive remarks out of 72 total, guests frequently rave about the atmosphere, location, and vibe, often highlighting the decor and music as standout features.
Many appreciate the beachfront setting and even that its dog-friendly! However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 9 negative comments mention a lack of excitement or concerns about debris and dust.
While music is often praised, some found it blaring, and a couple of patrons felt the ambiance was simply missing or that the place was poorly located. These are minor points, but worth noting for those seeking a pristine or perfectly quiet experience.
Ambience
72
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great location
- Cool atmosphere
- Dog-friendly place
What people don't like
- Dust and debris
- Loud music
- Lack of excitement
Often praised
- atmospherea very cute western-themed restaurant with a nice atmosphere
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was excellent! We enjoyed the good prices and the great location. The food was fantastic, with our group particularly loving the pesto baked eggs, rosemary bread and potatoes, and the chicken and waffles.
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was a thoroughly enjoyable Sunday brunch. It's a really cute, unique restaurant with a great vibe. The food was excellent, earning a 4 out of 5.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- experiencecan’t say enough good things about our experience here
- musicGreat music
- restaurantit was a pretty cool little restaurant / bar
- aesthetics and ambianceloved the aesthetics and ambiance!
- ambiencethe ambience is comfy
- barNice bar
Frequently criticized
- musicThe service was really great, and the staff were attentive. While the music could be better, I otherwise really enjoyed the overall experience.
- ambiancethe ambiance .. well, which ambiance ?
- code violationsDefinitely code violations going on here!
- debris and dust and plasticnoticed debris and dust and plastic all around
- excitementleast exciting place I’ve been too
- feeling welcomedDidn't feel welcomed
- poorly locatedhow poorly located the restaurant is.
- restaurantits pretty empty
Overall, if you're looking for a place with a generally good atmosphere, a great location, and a lively vibe, this spot is worth checking out. Just be aware that a few minor details like occasional loud music or cleanliness might not be perfect for everyone.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6 with 50% customer satisfaction across 22 opinions. Many guests appreciate the reasonable prices, especially for meal combos, and some even benefit from a veteran discount, making their experience quite affordable. However, some diners found the prices a bit high for breakfast entrees, and there were concerning reports of being double charged or mandatory 20% gratuity.
The small parking lot also adds an unexpected cost, leading some to feel it's a bit of a tourist trap.
Value
22
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great meal combos
- Veteran discounts offered
What people don't like
- Double charging issues
- Can be pricey
- Mandatory gratuity
Often praised
- pricesPretty reasonably priced for large portion sizes
- pricean affordable price
- meal combogreat prices for the meal combo
- parking ticketthe restaurant will validate your parking ticket.
- reasonablethis establishment was more reasonable compared to many other choices
- veteran discountMy girlfriend and I had a 10/10 time during our vacation in San Diego. We stayed at The Wayfarer and discovered that The Truckstop offered a veteran discount on bottomless mimosas for the weekend. We enjoyed some great eggs and steak, and indulged in a lot of mimosas 😋.
Frequently criticized
- 20% gratuity20% gratuity was already included
- billToday (02/09/2025), we asked for our food to NOT be spicy, and they brought us a dish that was quite spicy, which we politely communicated. The waitress approached us without being asked to pay the bill, which she said was $66 without a ticket or anything. We gave her $80 and she didn't return with the change.
- changedidn't return with the change so we begged her to return the difference
- double chargedthey double charged me too
- kid price for a smaller wafflethere wasn't any way to honor the kid price for a smaller waffle
- priceA bit pricey for breakfast entrees
- small parking lotThe only downside was small parking lot that you have to pay.
- tourist trapplace is just a tourist trap
If you're looking for a good deal, especially with meal combos or a veteran discount, you might find decent value here. Just be sure to double-check your bill for any extra charges or unexpected gratuity, as some guests have faced issues.
How are the prices at Truckstop?
You’re looking at roughly $25 per person – reported by 73 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Barbecue Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around $25, it’s interesting to see that many guests actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range, suggesting a nice mix of budget-friendly and more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 73 reviews.
See how this Barbecue Restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Diego when it comes to value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Barbecue Restaurant in San Diego. There’s a good range of options, so you can likely find something that fits your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Truckstop
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Andrew's Service & Tri Tip Nachos!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, largely thanks to Andrew, who provided super great energy and ensured my family and I had a great time during our vacay to SD. We had a lot of love for the experience. The tri tip nachos were 🔥🔥🔥🔥.
- Andrew10
- tri tip nachos10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Cute Brunch Spot with Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was a thoroughly enjoyable Sunday brunch. It's a really cute, unique restaurant with a great vibe. The food was excellent, earning a 4 out of 5.
However, the service was slow, though the staff were very friendly. This was attributed to being understaffed, so it wasn't their fault. Overall, a pleasant experience despite the service speed.
- food8
- restaurant9
- vibe8
- service4
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
7
Bottomless Drinks & Food, But Inconsistent Hours
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. On one hand, the food is great. However, there was some confusion regarding the bottomless mimosa offer.
We were only informed about the 1. 5-hour limit once seated, which wasn't advertised. Additionally, on a subsequent visit, we arrived at 8: 20 AM, expecting them to be open as advertised (8 AM), but they were closed.
This inconsistency in operating hours was frustrating.
- food9
- bottomless mimosa5
- operating hours2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Tasty Southern Comfort Food with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. The food was very tasty and offered a wide selection. I tried the chicken fried steak and the breakfast with biscuits n gravy, which were both quite good, especially considering I grew up in the South.
The service was spot on, and the prices were quite reasonable. The only downside was the music, which was blaring loudly at 2 pm when the restaurant was nearly empty. Despite this, I'd recommend putting it on your list!
- food9
- wide selection8
- chicken fried steak8
- music3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
8
Reasonable Homestyle Brunch
My experience at this restaurant for a Monday brunch was fantastic. The porch area provided a cozy atmosphere while we enjoyed the food. The menu features homestyle meals, cafe-style.
Considering typical California prices, I found this establishment to be more reasonable compared to many other choices within a 10-mile radius.
- porch area9
- homestyle meals8
- reasonable9
What Truckstop offers
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
FAQs
What dining options are available at Truckstop Saloon?
At Truckstop, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They serve delicious Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch. You can also stop by for Dessert. Seating is available for your comfort.
Is Truckstop a family-friendly restaurant, and can I bring my dog?
Yes, Truckstop is good for kids and offers a special Kids’ menu. Plus, it’s very pet-friendly; you can bring your dogs as they are allowed both inside and outside the premises.
What is the overall rating for Truckstop?
Truckstop holds an overall restaurant score of **7** out of 10. Its **Food** (7.1) and **Ambience** (7.8) are particularly well-regarded, while **Service** (6.5) and **Value** (6) are considered average.
What can I expect from the atmosphere at Truckstop?
Many describe Truckstop as a cute, western-themed restaurant with a nice **atmosphere** and great **vibe**. Guests often appreciate the aesthetics and comfortable ambience, though some have noted concerns about the music or feeling welcomed.
Are there any common concerns about service or value at Truckstop?
Some patrons have experienced slow **service**, incorrect orders, or issues with staff attitude. Regarding **value**, there have been mentions of a 20% gratuity being included, occasional double charges, and some finding prices a bit high or the parking lot costly.