Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Adalberto’s – San Diego
Adalberto's - San Diego
Photo from Adalberto’s
Adalberto's at a glance
San Diego Mid-City
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 39 of the guests
#645 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#96 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
305
Reviews
47.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Adalberto’s Mexican Food is a popular Mexican Restaurant located in San Diego’s vibrant Mid-City neighborhood. You can count on this spot for delicious late-night food, perfect for satisfying those after-hours cravings.
It offers a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy a quick bite, whether you’re dining in or grabbing something on the go. This local favorite provides a true taste of authentic Mexican flavors.
Overview: Introducting Adalberto's
Average
5.6
out of 10
305
Reviews
47.5%
Satisfaction
131
negative
29
neutral
145
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Adalberto's
Food (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Lets talk about the food! Many diners rave about the delicious Carne Asada burritos and crispy rolled tacos, often highlighting the generous portion sizes and flavorful meat. With 103 positive remarks out of 209 total, theres definitely some love for the menu, contributing to an average score of 5.8 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 49.3%.
However, it's not always a perfect plate. Some customers have faced issues with burned fish tacos, cold food, or bland flavor. Concerns about greasy fries and dry meat also pop up in the 80 negative comments, suggesting some inconsistency in food quality.
Food
209
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
80
negative
26
neutral
103
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Flavorful burritos
- Crispy rolled tacos
What people don't like
- Burned fish tacos
- Cold, bland food
- Dry, old meat
Often praised
- foodNext, let's talk about Lucio & Uvia, please forgive me if I misspelled either of your names because you're the nicest people ever. I'd come back just because of you even if the food wasn't stellar, but THE FOOD IS STELLAR. I'll be taking this way home from now on, can't wait to try the rest of the menu but it's going to be hard to order anything else but this.
- meatThe meat was seasoned and cooked perfectly.
- tacosMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. They offer good deals on tacos with solid portions, and the food always comes out quick. The service is quick and friendly, making it a perfect spot for a casual lunch or quick dinner.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. They offer good deals on tacos with solid portions, and the food always comes out quick. The service is quick and friendly, making it a perfect spot for a casual lunch or quick dinner.
- rolled tacosI usually get rolled tacos, so yummy and crispy.
- California burritoham breakfast burrito and California burrito, and both were loaded with tons of meat and were HUGE
- beefthe winner is the beef- NOT the carne asada- the beef!
- breakfast burritoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the most amazing breakfast burrito, which was packed with delicious bacon. I also added sliced avocado, which was a great touch.
- carne asada burritoLarge portion on a carne asada burrito
- guacamolemix the guacamole with the beans and salsa and you have the best, tasty snack!
Frequently criticized
- burritoThree dishes had add-ons that were missing, and the enchiladas were completely uncooked, with cold, unmelted cheese in a tortilla. The rolled tacos were soggy, and the burrito and quesadilla were also cold. It was a very disappointing experience, and I will not be ordering again.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the high prices and poor food quality. I found that you barely get any food for very high prices. The nachos were simply pathetic, and the taste of the burrito was mid.
- meatthe meat was over cooked dry it taste old it taste weird
- tacosSadly the food was so disappointing. Burnt and excessive salt on the carne asada and cabeza.
- breakfast burritoordered breakfast burrito and it so dry
- carne asadaBurnt and excessive salt on the carne asada and cabeza.
- cheeseWhat arrived was a hugeee quesadilla, not cut into fours, just a whole tortilla. It had huge chunks of chicken slopped inside, beans thrown in, and about a pound of cheese. It looked like dog food and was so messy and disgusting.
- chicken quesadillaordered a chicken quesadilla and me thinking the chicken was going to be grilled nope, it was spicy shredded chicken
- food qualitylooked like someone threw up on our rolled tacos
- quesadillaThree dishes had add-ons that were missing, and the enchiladas were completely uncooked, with cold, unmelted cheese in a tortilla. The rolled tacos were soggy, and the burrito and quesadilla were also cold. It was a very disappointing experience, and I will not be ordering again.
If youre craving a hearty Carne Asada burrito or rolled tacos, this spot might hit the mark, especially given the generous portions. However, with mixed reviews on consistency and flavor, its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a definite upside! Many folks rave about the fast service and friendly staff, especially highlighting the quick drive-thru experience. With 26 positive remarks, its clear that many customers have had great interactions, often praising the customer service and efficiency, making their visits smooth and pleasant.
However, it's not always a smooth ride. A similar number of 26 negative comments point to significant issues like frustrating waiting times, concerns about order accuracy, and occasional problems with staff attitude or unhelpful customer service. Overall, the service scores an average 5.3 and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 49.1%, indicating a noticeable inconsistency in experience across 53 total customer observations.
Service
53
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
26
negative
1
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast, friendly service
- Quick drive-thru
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Order accuracy issues
- Unhelpful staff
Often praised
- serviceThey offer good deals on tacos with solid portions, and the food always comes out quick. The service is quick and friendly, making it a perfect spot for a casual lunch or quick dinner. Whether you're grabbing a few tacos to go or dining in, you really can’t go wrong here.
- staffThe burritos were so big, it felt like my appetite had shrunk. I absolutely love this place, and the staff are so friendly. They also offer military/student discounts.
- drive-thruthe drive-thru even on a Friday night was super fast and efficient
- ServiceService was friendly and quick.
- carne asada burrito requestsfelt they did a great job with his requests
- customer servicethey have great customer service
- drive thruyou can get thru drive thru
- drive-thru serviceQuick drive thru service
- experienceboth times I had a great experience
- front ladyfront lady she was very well spoken and explained
Frequently criticized
- ServiceReceived fish and Barbacoa. Missing carne asada and Birria
- cook talkingOn this occasion, I had worked a very long restaurant shift, with lots of non-stop hustling to make customers happy. Now at the taco joint, I placed my order and watched the cook blab through the window. He read an order, blabbed with the window girl, then started the order.
- service accuracytook our money but did not give us the food we paid for
- waiting timeOn at least two occasions, I saw him screw up an order halfway through, blab to the window girl, then restart the order. What should have taken just a few minutes for my order took nearly 30 minutes. I told the girl at the counter that her cook should spend less time talking and more time cooking.
- HonestyHonesty is the key guys
- card declinedtold my card declined when i definitely had enough money
- cashierthe casier tell me they only sale them by 3
- changed ownersI guess they changed owners or something.
- customer serviceRude customer service
- drive through customerdrive through coustomer was being told that they could order carne asada fries
So, when it comes to service, you might experience a quick and friendly visit or face frustrating delays and accuracy issues. If you're looking for a fast, no-fuss experience, it could be great, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many guests really appreciate the overall atmosphere and even love this place, especially noting the noise level is quiet and easy to talk. Out of 15 total remarks, 6 were positive, highlighting the appeal of their locations. Yet, the ambience is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in a customer satisfaction of just 40% and an average score of 5.3.
Many of the 7 negative remarks point to the location being nondescript, a confusing drive thru entrance, and tricky parking. Some also found it’s a tiny place, which can impact the overall feel.
Ambience
15
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quiet, easy to talk
- Loved locations
- Positive overall vibe
What people don't like
- Confusing drive-thru
- Difficult parking
- Tiny place
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationsI LOVE both of their locations
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- this placeLove this place
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- drive thru entranceEntrance to the drive thru is through the car wash, a little confusing
- locationa nondescript location that you would normally just Drive by
- parkingParking is not easily available.
- tiny placeit’s a really tiny place
If a perfect atmosphere is your top priority, this spot might be a mixed bag due to its average score and mixed satisfaction. While some love the quiet vibe, be prepared for potential parking challenges and a possibly nondescript exterior. It's worth a visit if you prioritize the food over the setting.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with some customers finding the price reasonable and even a great value, especially with tempting offers like the Taco Tuesday deal. Many feel the food is truly worth it, particularly when considering available military/student discounts. Based on 10 positive remarks out of 28 total customer comments, there are definitely some happy wallets out there.
However, the overall customer satisfaction for value sits at a rather low 35.7%, indicating significant room for improvement, despite the score being an average 4.3. A notable 18 negative comments highlight concerns about being overcharged, feeling it was a waste of money, and generally finding the prices too high, sometimes even for basic items or when paying extra for sauces. It seems some feel they barely get any food for what they pay.
Value
28
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
18
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value deals
- Taco Tuesday savings
- Discounts available
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Waste of money
- Unexpected extra charges
Often praised
- priceHalf the places we've gone to want to charge $10 and skimp on more expensive ingredients like meat and cheese
- pricesWhether you're grabbing a few tacos to go or dining in, you really can’t go wrong here. I consistently experience good food, great prices, and fast service every time.
- Taco Tuesday dealfantastic, especially with the Taco Tuesday deal
- costI 100% recommend the super burrito. It is a giant burrito and it cost the same as the regular burritos. It has the best flavor all the way through the burrito.
- great valuea great value
- military/student discountsAlso got military/student discounts
- worth itfood is delicious, fresh, and worth it!
Frequently criticized
- pricethe menu said a chicken burrito was $10 but it was actually 11.99 plus tax
- moneythis "business"stole money from me
- overchargedgetting overcharged.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the high prices and poor food quality. I found that you barely get any food for very high prices. The nachos were simply pathetic, and the taste of the burrito was mid.
- fifteen bucksMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. Prices have gone up, and I spent fifteen bucks for a bland horchata that was mostly ice. The rolled chicken tacos were dry and had ZERO flavor.
- fifteen dollarsfifteen dollars? No thanks.
- funds takenthe funds had been taken out of my account
- paid extrabut I paid extra for it!
- paying $13 for a burritoI'm not a fan of paying $13 for a burrito
- receiptsreceipts showed a different day, month, and year
If youre looking for a deal, especially on Taco Tuesday or with a discount, you might find some great value here. However, be mindful of the regular menu prices and potential extra charges, as many customers have felt overcharged or that it wasnt worth the cost.
How are the prices at Adalberto's?
You’re looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 39 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.
Looking at the full picture, most guests spend in the $11–$20 range, which is right where this restaurant sits. But hey, there are also quite a few folks finding great value in the $1–$10 bracket, showing a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 39 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Mexican restaurant in San Diego, the pricing feels pretty fair, especially with options for both budget-conscious and mid-range diners. We think it offers good value for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Adalberto's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Noise Level
- Quiet
6
Good food, but no special orders
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was good, but they do not accommodate special orders. Today, at 9: 22 am, I asked the cashier for a California burrito with a roll taco inside.
The cashier informed me that they only sell them in sets of three. I didn't need three; I just wanted to add crunchiness to my burrito. As I was the one paying, I found this inflexible.
Oh well, next time I'll know to go somewhere else, not too far away, for nothing.
- food7
- California burrito5
- special orders3
- cashier4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
2
Overpriced and Underwhelming Food
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the high prices and poor food quality. I found that you barely get any food for very high prices. The nachos were simply pathetic, and the taste of the burrito was mid.
It felt like it was about half tortilla.
- burrito5
- food2
- prices2
- nachos1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Experience with Bland Food
UPDATE: I wrote my initial review *before* reading the other posted reviews. Lesson learned. It seems there have been multiple complaints about the "carne asada" nachos, or more accurately named "cartilage asada" nachos.
They've had multiple opportunities to improve, but clearly don't trust the honest feedback from actual customers. Ehh. Ok.
ORIGINAL POST: Welp. Disappointing sums it up. Definitely not worth the money.
The chips were flavorless, the rice was bland, and the "refried" beans were equally uninspired. I ordered the "carne asada" nachos, and calling them that is a blatant lie. Cartilage is the honest ingredient, not at all carne asada.
How embarrassing and disappointing. On the upside, if you are on a seasoning-free diet, this is your place. Zero flavor.
Zero salt. Zero Asada. Not a fan.
- seasoning-free diet5
- carne asada nachos1
- chips1
- rice1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Consistently Great Food, Prices, and Service
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. They offer good deals on tacos with solid portions, and the food always comes out quick. The service is quick and friendly, making it a perfect spot for a casual lunch or quick dinner.
Whether you're grabbing a few tacos to go or dining in, you really can’t go wrong here. I consistently experience good food, great prices, and fast service every time.
- tacos9
- portions8
- food9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Cabeza Burrito Star, Carne Asada Lacking
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. I tried the cabeza burrito, which I rated a 9. 2/10.
It was great overall, though it could have used a bit more salt. It comes with onion and cilantro. The carne asada street tacos, however, were a disappointment at 6/10.
They were just 'whatever' because the carne asada wasn't seasoned and was bland. The green salsa was spicy but lacked any lemony flavor. The red salsa was more like enchilada sauce, but it wasn't bad.
I would definitely come back for the cabeza.
- cabeza burrito9
- green salsa5
- red salsa6
- carne asada street tacos6
- carne asada4
What Adalberto's offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at Adalberto's Mexican Food?
At Adalberto’s Mexican Food, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy your meal with dine-in seating, grab a quick takeout, or utilize their efficient drive-through. Delivery and outdoor seating are also available for your convenience.
Is Adalberto's Mexican Food suitable for families and what are the dining options?
Yes, Adalberto’s Mexican Food is good for kids, making it a great family-friendly choice. You can visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they also offer dessert. Seating is available for your comfort.