Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Cali’s & Fries – San Diego
Cali's & Fries - San Diego
Photo from Cali’s & Fries
Cali's & Fries at a glance
San Diego Tierrasanta
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 81 of the guests
#231 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#19 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
407
Reviews
81.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Quick service
- Salsa bar
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Rude staff
- Sticky tables
The restaurant Cali’s & Fries is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant located in San Diego’s welcoming Tierrasanta neighborhood. You’ll find it’s the perfect spot for a quick bite, whether you’re grabbing lunch or enjoying some late-night food.
Its casual atmosphere makes it an inviting destination for delicious Mexican cuisine, offering a relaxed setting for you to enjoy your meal.
Overview: Introducting Cali's & Fries
Cali’s & Fries offers a casual dining experience where the focus is clearly on the food. Many patrons rave about the flavorful carne asada fries and the overall quality of the dishes, often highlighting the tender meat.
The service is frequently described as quick and friendly, contributing to a pleasant visit. However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the prices, occasionally finding them a bit steep for certain items.
While the atmosphere is generally clean, a few comments mention sticky tables, which can detract from the dining comfort.
Good
7.9
out of 10
407
Reviews
81.1%
Satisfaction
50
negative
27
neutral
330
positive
Cali’s & Fries achieves a solid 7.9 overall score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong 81.1% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from over 400 customer observations, with a significant majority being positive (330 positive versus 50 negative remarks). Delving into specifics, the Food (8) stands out as a clear strength, garnering the most attention and praise.
Ambience (7.9) and Service (7.8) also perform well, contributing positively to the experience. While still good, Value (6.7) is where opinions are slightly more varied, suggesting some items might feel less economical to certain diners.
What people like
- Flavorful carne asada
- Quick, friendly service
- Generous salsa bar
What people don't like
- Inconsistent prices
- Occasional rude staff
- Sticky tables
For those seeking robust flavors, particularly in their carne asada and burritos, Cali’s & Fries is certainly worth considering. The quick and friendly service often makes for an efficient and enjoyable meal, especially if you appreciate a well-stocked salsa bar.
With a strong 8.3 recommendation score, it’s clear many find this spot a reliable choice. Just be mindful that while the food delivers, some aspects of the prices might require a closer look, and the dining area could occasionally use a bit more attention.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cali's & Fries
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction of 82.8%, its clear most diners are happy. Out of 290 comments, 240 were positive, praising items like the California burrito, Carne Asada fries, and the fantastic salsa bar.
Many found the large portions delicious and authentic, often hitting the spot. However, not every bite is perfect, with 33 negative comments. Some found the food salty at times, and there were mentions of meat texture being tough or dry.
A few also noted oily quesadillas or bland salsas, suggesting there's a little room for consistency improvements in certain areas.
Food
290
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
33
negative
17
neutral
240
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious California burritos
- Excellent Carne Asada fries
- Awesome salsa bar
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Tough meat texture
- Oily food items
- Inconsistent salsas
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive, especially regarding the food. I had the Carne Asada Fries, which I first tried last year during a trip to San Diego and found them to be the most tastiest food ever. Returning to California, I got the same dish, and it was still amazing.
- carne asada friesI ordered a half order of carne asada fries, rolled tacos, and a coconut horchata. The fries were massive for a small size, and everything was as expected 🤙. You order at the cashier, there's open seating, and you put your trays up when you're done.
- FoodFood is really good here.
- friesThe fries in the carne asada fries are very crispy and yummy.
- carne asadaIt's the best taco shop in San Diego, and I mean that with no exaggeration. They've been a staple for a long time, and I always find myself driving here to get the best carne asada in town, no matter where I move. The quality of their carne asada is so good that it makes the trip worthwhile.
- salsa barAnd awesome salsa bar, with chips, spicy carrots and jalapenos and very tasty salsas!
- burritosSo creative! For the burritos, you pick your meat
- meatThe meat is always tender and flavorful
- rolled tacosrolled tacos with guacamole. They were perfection
- Cali burritoLoved my Cali burrito with guacamole
Frequently criticized
- Cali burritocali burrito had no guac/avocado, lettuce, rice/beans
- salsasMost of the salsas at the bar were empty
- FoodFood:2
- allergic reactionshe had an allergic reaction and here face swelled up
- asadaThe asada was not good
- beansadd beans instead — they still charged me $1.50 extra for the beans
- breadthe bread fell apart from being soggy
- burrito ingredientsI've been here three times in one month, which indicates they are doing something right. However, my only feedback is that some of the ingredients of my burrito were not included. The same happened to my friend with her burrito on a separate occasion.
- cheesenot enough cheese
- chips/Salsa barbummed we discovered this place after the chips/Salsa bar
Overall, if you're craving flavorful Mexican food with generous portions, especially their California burritos and Carne Asada fries, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some items might occasionally miss the mark on seasoning or oiliness.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a strong 80%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Out of 60 total comments, 48 praise the friendly, accommodating staff and the quick service, often highlighting the family-owned feel.
However, not every interaction is perfect. A few of the 9 negative comments mention instances of rude staff or an unhelpful attitude. Some also noted issues with waiting times or inconsistent opening hours, suggesting theres a little room for improvement in these areas.
Service
60
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Family owned
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long waits
- Inconsistent hours
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere was clean, and the service was incredibly quick. The Cali burritos were a standout, bursting with flavor.
- ServiceMy only minor complaint was that there wasn't enough cheese, but I now know to request more next time. Overall, the food was great, and the service was excellent.
- staffThe fish tacos were nice and crispy, and the crema was addicting. Good specials, and friendly and helpful staff. Worth checking out!
- accommodatingthey are all very friendly and accommodating
- customer serviceGreat customer service
- family ownedIt's the best Mexican food in San Diego. The restaurant is family owned and operated, which contributes to a wonderful experience.
- family run businessFamily run business and they are all very friendly
- food made quicklyfood was made quickly
- friendlythey are all very friendly and accommodating
- great serviceI also appreciated the salsa bar, complimentary free hot carrots, and clean bathrooms. The self-serve chips were a nice touch, and the great service made the visit even better.
Frequently criticized
- Uber eats orderwaited 30 minutes for an Uber eats order
- attitudethey had an attitude about it 😖
- customer serviceIt’s frustrating to see a place nickel-and-dime customers like that, especially when you’re trying to support a local business as a first responder. The food was decent, but the customer service and policy left a bad taste.
- menudidn’t really care to help us figure out what to order (the menu is massive)
- opening hoursnot consistent with opening when they say they do
- policyIt’s frustrating to see a place nickel-and-dime customers like that, especially when you’re trying to support a local business as a first responder. The food was decent, but the customer service and policy left a bad taste.
- rudehe gets very rude and calls me a liar
- take outWe took our order to go. We ordered fish tacos too and never got them
- waiting timealready waited 30 minutes for an Uber eats order
If you're looking for a place with generally good service and a friendly vibe, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. While a few minor hiccups like occasional waiting times or inconsistent hours might occur, the overall experience points to a welcoming and efficient team.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.9 score and a solid 79.4% customer satisfaction. Guests frequently praise the convenience of plenty of parking, the ample space with clean bathrooms, and the overall pleasant atmosphere. Many appreciate the small restaurant vibe and even the fun addition of a foosball table, making it a comfortable and inviting place to hang out, based on 27 positive comments.
However, a couple of guests (2 negative comments out of 34 total) did point out some minor snags. Specifically, the tables and chairs were described as cafeteria style and, more notably, some found the tables to have a stickiness to them, which could detract from an otherwise good experience.
Ambience
34
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
2
negative
5
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Plenty of parking
- Clean, pleasant atmosphere
- Foosball table fun
What people don't like
- Tables feel sticky
- Cafeteria-style seating
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great service and a clean and pleasant atmosphere. The food was good, though I felt there were better options available for the same price.
- parkingLots of parking in front
- Foosball tableFoosball table to play
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ParkingParking: Great
- clean bathroomsThey offer plenty of parking, ample tables, and space. I also appreciated the salsa bar, complimentary free hot carrots, and clean bathrooms. The self-serve chips were a nice touch, and the great service made the visit even better.
- convenient placeThe food portions were pretty big and definitely freshly made. While the food can be salty at times, for the most part, it's a pretty convenient place to get some Mexican. They have a wide variety menu, and I definitely recommend it!
- environmentClean environment
- foosball tablea fooseball table
Frequently criticized
- tablesThe tables are sticky though.
- tables and chairsThe tables and chairs are cafeteria style. They have a stickiness to them
If you're looking for a place with easy parking, a generally clean and comfy atmosphere, and even a bit of fun with a foosball table, this spot is a good bet. Just be prepared that the seating might feel a bit cafeteria-like, and some tables could be a little sticky.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real winners! Many folks rave about the 6.7 score for value, finding things like taco tuesdays and daily specials to be a great deal and worth the price. With 15 positive remarks out of 23 total, it seems many customers appreciate the affordable prices and generous portions that make their money feel well-spent.
However, the value experience isnt entirely consistent, with customer satisfaction sitting at a 65.2% mixed bag. A few of the 6 negative comments point out that some items can feel pricey or overpriced, especially when charged extra for the beans. Some even suggest there are better options out there' for similar prices, indicating a bit of a hit-or-miss situation.
Value
23
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great daily specials
- Worth the money
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Some items pricey
- Extra charges apply
- Better options exist
Often praised
- pricesI don't consider decor very important in casual places like this, so nothing much to say there – it was clean and lively. Decent prices, great flavor. I don't usually pay much attention to beans and rice, but this place does it right.
- priceIt was a generous portion, offering more food than I could eat at once. For the price, it was an incredible amount of food, providing lots of food for the price.
- Price per personI paid $1 extra and got a Coconut Horchata
- daily specialsThe daily specials are also helpful when on a budget
- food priceFood was decent for its price
- taco tuesdaysThe $2 tacos were a great deal
- worth the moneyWe ordered Surf and Turf Fries and a Surf and Turf burrito. It hit the spot and was worth the money.
- worth the priceIt is worth the price
Frequently criticized
- pricesvery overpriced. Plenty of other spots around that are $3-4 cheaper
- burritoIt’s like Cotixan. It was $18 for the burrito too, because I literally just added cheese and rice in it lol.
- extra for the beanscharged me $1.50 extra for the beans
- priceNot too great for $12
- priceyThe wait time was short, which was appreciated. While it was a bit pricey, I would definitely recommend it overall.
Overall, if youre savvy about what you order, you can find some fantastic deals here, especially with their daily specials and taco tuesdays. Just be mindful that some individual items or add-ons might feel a bit pricey, ' so choose wisely to get the best bang for your buck.
How are the prices at Cali's & Fries?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 81 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 diners (55 out of 81) find themselves in the $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices are pretty consistent around that average. While there are a few cheaper bites and a couple of pricier splurges, the majority stick to that comfortable mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 81 reviews.
How this Mexican spot in San Diego stacks up against similar restaurants in terms of value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego. It hits that sweet spot where you get good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cali's & Fries
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Taco Tuesday Perfection!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food is super tasty, and I especially love their bean and rice burritos. Taco Tuesday is a must-not-miss event here.
Overall, a 10/10 experience!
- food10
- bean and rice burritos10
- Taco Tuesday10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Value and Delicious Salsas!
My experience at this minimalist taco shop was very positive. The prices were fair, and I didn't notice any shrinkflation. My bean and cheese burrito was a very good size, and my mom enjoyed her rolled tacos.
The salsa bar was awesome, offering chips, spicy carrots, jalapenos, and very tasty salsas. I sampled the red, green, and pico de gallo salsas; the pico de gallo was quite spicy, which I enjoyed, though it was too much for my mom. The habanero salsa is definitely HOT!
The staff was friendly. I will definitely come again!
- prices8
- bean and cheese burrito8
- rolled tacos7
- habanero salsa3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Carne Asada Fries, Fast Service
My experience at the restaurant was great! I ordered the carne asada fries late at night. The food arrived super quick and it was a big portion and delicious.
Although I hadn't been here before, I might have to try more items now.
- carne asada fries10
- food9
- service10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Takeout
6
Frustrating Policy Despite Decent Food
I stopped by Cali’s & Fries in uniform after a long shift and ordered a California burrito. I asked to take off sour cream and add beans instead. They still charged me $1.
50 extra for the beans. When I asked why, I was told, “It’s not in the burrito. ” This kind of reasoning makes no sense, as I wasn’t asking for anything extra, just swapping one ingredient for another.
It’s frustrating to see a place nickel-and-dime customers like that, especially when you’re trying to support a local business as a first responder. The food was decent, but the customer service and policy left a bad taste.
- food5
- California burrito5
- beans2
- customer service2
- policy2
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Quintessential San Diego Mexican Joint
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a quintessential San Diego Mexican joint with excellent salsa and carrots. The burritos were a highlight, possessing just the right structural integrity.
The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- salsa9
- carrots9
- burritos9
What Cali's & Fries 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
- Small plates
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Cali's & Fries?
At Cali’s & Fries, you can look forward to a casual dining experience perfect for any meal. They offer small plates, late-night food, and quick bites for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can also enjoy your meal with outdoor seating.
What are the parking and accessibility options at Cali's & Fries?
Finding parking is easy with free street parking and a free parking lot, usually offering plenty of space. Cali’s & Fries is also fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests.
How does Cali's & Fries generally perform?
Cali’s & Fries earns a 7.9 overall score with 81.1% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8) is a standout, supported by good Ambience (7.9) and Service (7.8), while Value (6.7) is considered good.
What are the food highlights at Cali's & Fries?
Many appreciate the flavorful carne asada and carne asada fries, often noting the tender meat and crispy fries. The salsa bar and burritos also receive positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns at Cali's & Fries?
Some customers have found the prices to be a bit high or inconsistent. There are also occasional mentions of customer service issues and sticky tables.