Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Californias – San Diego
Californias - San Diego
Photo from Californias
Californias at a glance
San Diego Sunset
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 63 of the guests
#543 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#70 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
325
Reviews
63.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Clean ambiance
- Welcoming staff
- Large servings
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- High prices
The restaurant Californias is a popular Mexican Restaurant located in the vibrant Sunset neighborhood of San Diego. If you’re looking for a quick bite, this spot offers a casual and quiet atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious small plates.
You can easily grab late-night food or a quick meal, making it a convenient choice for any time of day.
Overview: Introducting Californias
Californias offers a mixed experience, where many appreciate the substantial portions and overall value for their money. You’ll often find a friendly staff ready to assist, contributing to a generally pleasant visit.
However, some experiences point to significant issues. While the food can be quite satisfying for many, there are instances where quality falls short, and the service can be inconsistent, leading to frustration.
This suggests a place with notable highs but also some areas needing attention.
Good
6.6
out of 10
325
Reviews
63.1%
Satisfaction
108
negative
12
neutral
205
positive
Californias earns an overall score of 6.6, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at a 63.1% mixed level. This assessment is drawn from 325 customer remarks, comprising 205 positive observations and 108 negative ones.
It suggests a dining spot that generally meets expectations but has room for improvement in certain areas. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.4) stands out as a strong point, often receiving high praise.
The Food (6.9) also performs well, generally satisfying patrons. However, Service (6) is more of an average affair, and Value (4.5) appears to be a notable area where experiences vary, with some finding it less compelling.
What people like
- Clean Atmosphere
- Friendly Staff
- Generous Portions
What people don't like
- Long Waiting Times
- Inconsistent Service
- Overpriced Items
With a recommendation score of 6.7, Californias presents itself as a place with potential, particularly if you appreciate a clean setting and substantial meals. It’s worth considering if you’re in the mood for a casual experience and are prepared for some variability.
However, be mindful of potential service delays and pricing concerns that some patrons have noted. If you prioritize consistent, swift service and predictable costs, you might find Californias a bit of a gamble.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Californias
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to love here! With 134 positive remarks out of 200 total, many rave about the delicious burritos, especially the flavorful and fresh options like the California and Hot Cheeto burritos. Guests frequently praise the huge portions, ensuring you get great value for your meal.
However, the food experience isnt without its challenges, reflected in a good score of 6.9 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 67%. Some of the 57 negative comments point to issues with greasy food, inconsistent quality, and dishes being too salty or dry. Certain items, like the bean & cheese burrito, have received criticism for their taste.
Food
200
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
57
negative
9
neutral
134
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Huge portions
- Flavorful burritos
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Greasy food
- Inconsistent quality
- Salty/dry dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was miles better than Roberto’s across the street. The people are always chill and the food is always good. While it depends on the cook, 9 out of 10 times they hook you up with a great meal.
- breakfast burritosthe breakfast burritos real good too
- food qualityThe Hot Cheeto burrito was also incredibly delicious, truly fire. The food quality is exceptional, and I highly recommend trying these dishes.
- burritosI had some of the most amazing food I've ever tasted. The portion sizes are huge, which means there's more than enough to take home for later or to share with a friend, especially the burritos. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- salsa bartheir salsa bar is really liked good salsa chiles and other lil things
- California burritoreally love their California burrito
- Mexican foodi know good Mexican food, very tasty
- birriaFavorite was the birria.
- giant burritoThe giant burrito can feed four people easily
- #2 comboLive for my #2 combo
Frequently criticized
- foodAdditionally, the waitresses are not friendly at all. I believe this place is in decline; previously, the drive-thru was always full, but people, like me, are realizing the food is bad and they are putting less quantity in each order.
- enchiladasenchiladas which came in a black sauce which was new to me
- guacamolespoiled fake guacamole..The kind that comes in plastic with a seal on top
- California Burritoso much Guacamole was put in this burrito
- FoodFood:1
- GuacamoleI was surprised at how much Guacamole was put in this burrito. It was so much guac, I couldn’t taste the other ingredients. 😩👎🏼
- Malibu burritoToo many hot peppers in the Malibu burrito
- MenudoOrdered Menudo. Never Again.
- Pollo asadoPollo asado was soon salty I couldn't finish it
- basic rolled tacosbasic rolled tacos were so bad
If you're craving a massive, flavorful burrito and appreciate fresh ingredients, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might be a hit or miss, with occasional concerns about greasiness or seasoning.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the service here! Many customers consistently praise the friendly staff and quick interactions, often highlighting awesome customer service. With 42 positive remarks out of 76 total, theres a definite positive vibe, contributing to an overall score of 6 and a customer satisfaction of 55.3%.
However, its not always smooth sailing. Some experiences point to frustrating waiting times, rude cashiers, and even inconsistent orders. With 32 negative comments, theres certainly room for improvement, especially concerning staff attentiveness and order accuracy, as some mentioned staff being on their phone.
Service
76
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
32
negative
2
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Awesome customer service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude cashiers
- Inconsistent orders
Often praised
- staffThe staff is great and always a pleasure to interact with.
- serviceAlways great service from the staff.
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicethere customer service is incredible
- peoplethe most friendly respectful and kind people
- 24/7this 24hr 7dayz a week
- El Jefeel jefe is one of the nicest and polite front end amigos
- Friendly StaffVery Friendly Staff
- awesome serviceThe food is amazing; I try something new every time and have always loved whatever I got. The customer service is incredible – the people are the most friendly, respectful, and kind, and they genuinely go out of their way to provide awesome service, even when they don't have to. I truly love this business and the people who work there!
- catering for partiescatering for parties!
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was terribly overpriced with horrible service. On one occasion, I waited at the drive-through for 20 minutes.
- staff membershe got all mad at me and threw my money at me
- waiting timeGet ready to wait even for the smallest order
- bag handlinghand you the bag tilted so the juice in the plate runs out
- cashiercashier seemed bothered
- cashier ladyCashier Lady Was Rude And Hard To Communicate With.
- customer service numberNO website or customer service number
- customer service staffCustomer service staff comes across like it's just a job
- drive thru speaker systeminvest in a new drive thru speaker system
- drive-through wait timeMy experience at this restaurant was terribly overpriced with horrible service. On one occasion, I waited at the drive-through for 20 minutes. When I went inside to inquire, the staff member was on her phone texting.
Service here is a bit of a mixed bag. You might encounter super friendly and quick staff, but be prepared for potential waits or occasional order mix-ups. If youre patient and understand its not always perfect, it could be worth a try.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youll find the ambience is generally a hit, scoring a solid 8.4 and boasting a fantastic 87% customer satisfaction! Many folks rave about the clean dining room, the great atmosphere, and how chill the people are. It truly feels like a welcoming neighborhood place, with easy parking and a favorite spot vibe, based on 20 positive comments.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A couple of opinions (2 out of 23 total) did mention the atmosphere wasn't quite up to par for them, with one even giving it a low score. There was also a slight concern about cleanliness standards, which is worth noting despite the many positive remarks about tidiness.
Ambience
23
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spotlessly clean environment
- Welcoming neighborhood vibe
- Great atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent atmosphere
Often praised
- atmospherea great atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Clean placeClean place
- West Coast ridea West Coast ride with pride
- best onesone the best ones
- coming homeLike coming home!
- dining roomdining room was clean and tidy
- favorite spotThis is our favorite spot so far.
- groundsThe grounds of the property at the restaurant is on is also clean
- higher standardsI will still eat this order, but I no longer trust this place with their standards. There are plenty of other good Mexican spots in the area, and my suggestion is to go to one that appears to have higher standards for their kitchen and staff.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere a 2
- standards for cleanlinessstandards for cleanliness.
If you're looking for a place with a generally great, clean, and welcoming vibe, this spot is definitely worth checking out. While a few found the atmosphere inconsistent, the overwhelming majority had a positive experience, making it a solid choice for a pleasant outing.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners have found some real gems, with 9 positive remarks out of 26 total. Folks often praise the affordable price and reasonable meal options, frequently mentioning great value and reasonable prices that make the generous portions a standout. The overall score for value is an average 4.5, indicating a decent, if not stellar, offering.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with 17 negative remarks expressing concerns. Many feel the prices have gone up, citing issues like Temp Beef Adjustment charges and generally overpriced items, leading some to feel ripped off. ' This sentiment is reflected in a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 34.6%, suggesting that while some find value, many others are left wanting.
Value
26
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
17
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable price
- Great value
- Reasonable meals
What people don't like
- Rising prices
- Unexpected charges
- Overpriced items
Often praised
- pricesstill reasonably priced compared to all other Mexican restaurants
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially considering the "bang for your buck" it offers. It's honestly the best value for a burrito in the area, delivering exceptional taste and affordability. The food is delicious, and their salsa verde is a standout, a "killer" addition to the meal.
- affordable priceEl Jefe is one of the nicest and most polite front-end amigos. If you're in the Clairemont area, this is definitely a place to come for a great atmosphere, friendly personnel, and some really bomb food for an affordable price.
- great valueI particularly loved their breakfast burritos and the food in general. The generous proportions and great value make it a standout choice.
- priceprice the best quesabirria
- reasonable mealvery reasonable meal
- reasonable priceswith reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was terribly overpriced with horrible service. On one occasion, I waited at the drive-through for 20 minutes.
- moneyBasically stole my money
- pricesPrices again have shot thru the ceiling
- Temp Beef Adjustmentbothered me was on receipt said $1.25 Temp Beef Adjustment
- Totalplus tax Total $28.53 What a ripoff
- beef adjustmentA $2.50 added beef adjustment Added to Bill
- food pricesfood prices certainly not coming down anytime soon
- jalapeñoscharge me $2 for 2 jalapeños
- picturethe picture they have on here is years old.
- pricingthey are NOT 4 for $6.99 they are 4 for $10
If youre seeking an affordable price and great value on specific items, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be cautious of potential rising prices and unexpected charges that have left many customers feeling ripped off, ' as overall satisfaction is quite low.
How are the prices at Californias?
You’re looking at roughly $16 per person – reported by 63 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.
Digging into the details, most folks are spending right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with a good chunk also finding tasty options for under $10. This shows the pricing is pretty consistent around the average, offering good value without straying into super premium territory.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 63 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican Restaurant. It hits that sweet spot for a casual, enjoyable meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Californias
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Awesome Nighttime Drive-Thru Service
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially the food. The guy working the drive-thru at night was awesome; he was so friendly and always working hard. It's clear he's dedicated to his job.
- food10
- guy that works the drive-thru at night10
- friendly10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Consistently Excellent California Burritos
As a true burrito enthusiast, I’ve tried countless California burritos all around San Diego, and honestly, C. T. S.
Continues to impress us every single time. Their consistency is what really stands out. The flavor, temperature, and overall balance are always on point.
Every visit feels reliable, not mass-produced, but made with real care and pride. The tortilla has that perfect sear, the fillings are well-proportioned, and the taste is just spot-on. It’s the kind of burrito that earns your trust and keeps you coming back.
Being literally a 1 min walk from my work, and having tried it multiple times, I can assure my review is 100% accurate! C. T.
S. Absolutely deserves this 5-star rating. 🌯👏
- consistency10
- flavor10
- temperature10
Service Intent
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
1
Found a penny in my son's food!
What a disgusting experience 🤮. I found a penny in my son's food 😡😡😡😡😡😡.
- penny1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Authentic and Flavorful Mexican Food
My experience at this restaurant was great! The service from the staff was always excellent; they were friendly and quick. The food was authentic and flavorful.
I also appreciated that the seating area was always clean. I would recommend this place to any local or visitor looking for quick, fresh-tasting Mexican food.
- service10
- staff10
- food10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Delicious Burrito, Unique Menu, Minor Billing Issue
This was my first time trying a different Mexican spot besides Cotixan in Clairemont, as my business is located down the street. I ordered the San Diego Burrito, which was huge and absolutely delicious. I appreciated that their menu is different, offering many custom burritos, which sets them apart from other Mexican restaurants.
The only thing that bothered me was seeing a '$1. 25 Temp Beef Adjustment' on the receipt. I wish they would update their menu to reflect current prices, as food prices are certainly not decreasing anytime soon.
My own business has a large sign stating a 5% card fee, and we advise customers to pay cash to avoid it – it's that simple.
- San Diego Burrito10
- custom burritos8
- Temp Beef Adjustment3
- food prices4
What Californias offers
Crowd
- 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
- Small plates
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- 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
- Quiet
FAQs
What dining options and meal types are available at Californias Taco Shop?
At Californias, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with seating. Catering is also available. They offer small plates, late-night food, and quick bite options, perfect for any time you’re hungry.
What service options and accessibility features does Californias Taco Shop provide?
Californias provides drive-through, dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. Parking is easy with free street parking and a free lot. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms.
What is the overall rating for Californias?
Californias holds an overall score of 6.6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 63.1%. While Ambience (8.4) and Food (6.9) generally impress, Service (6) is average, and Value (4.5) can be inconsistent.
What do customers generally appreciate about Californias?
Many customers highlight the generous portions and the overall value offered. The friendly staff and a generally clean atmosphere also receive positive remarks, making for a pleasant dining experience.
Are there any common complaints about Californias?
Some patrons have noted issues with long waiting times and inconsistent service, including instances of rudeness. Concerns about overpriced items and occasional food quality discrepancies have also been raised.