Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Carl’s Jr – San Diego
Carl's Jr - San Diego
Photo from Carl’s Jr
Carl's Jr at a glance
San Diego Rancho Bernardo
- 🍔 Fast-Food-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 23 of the guests
#721 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#16 Fast-Food-Restaurant out of 18 in San Diego
Average
4.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
133
Reviews
33.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Tasty burgers
- Cleanliness
- Helpful staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
- Poor ambience
The restaurant, a Fast Food Restaurant located in San Diego’s Rancho Bernardo neighborhood, is known for its great coffee. When you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, Carl’s Jr. provides a casual atmosphere perfect for any time of day.
You can enjoy everything from a hearty breakfast to a late-night snack, all with the convenience you expect from a top fast-food spot.
Overview: Introducting Carl's Jr
Carl’s Jr offers a mixed experience, where the quality of the food often stands out. Many appreciate the `tasty burgers` and the overall cleanliness of the dining areas.
However, the experience can be hampered by concerns over `high prices` and occasional inconsistencies in service. While some customers report `friendly staff` and efficient drive-thru interactions, others encounter `slow service` and issues with order accuracy.
This creates a somewhat unpredictable visit, balancing positive culinary moments with practical frustrations.
Average
4.1
out of 10
133
Reviews
33.1%
Satisfaction
83
negative
6
neutral
44
positive
Carl’s Jr registers an overall score of 4.1, placing it in the average category, yet customer satisfaction sits at a poor 33.1%. This notable divergence suggests that while some aspects are acceptable, a significant portion of customers leave feeling dissatisfied.
This assessment is drawn from 133 customer observations, with 44 positive remarks contrasting with 83 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food performs averagely with a score of (5), often meeting expectations.
Ambience also lands in the average range at (4.4). However, Service scores a poor (3.6), indicating frequent issues, and Value is a significant concern, rated poorly at (2.7), highlighting customer dissatisfaction with pricing and perceived worth.
What people like
- Tasty burgers
- Clean environment
- Helpful staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Slow service
- Unpleasant ambience
If you’re primarily seeking a satisfying burger and don’t mind potentially higher costs, Carl’s Jr might be worth a stop. The `Recommendation Score` of 4 suggests it’s an average choice, so manage your expectations regarding overall experience.
Be prepared for potential service delays or price points that might feel steep for the offering. It’s a place that delivers on its core food items, but other elements of the visit can be inconsistent, making it a functional rather than consistently delightful option.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Carl's Jr
Food (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, diners have shared a mixed bag of experiences, with the food scoring an average 5 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 40%. Many folks rave about the satisfying `flavor` of their `burgers`, especially the `bacon crisping` delight of some options. You might even get `fresh onion rings` and appreciate the `hot and fresh food`, with some praising the `veggies` and `meat` as delicious.
However, there are quite a few bumps in the road, with 25 negative opinions out of 50 total. Some found their `Western Bacon Cheeseburger` `soggy` or `greasy`, while others were disappointed by `old and cold` `fries` or poor `food quality`. Concerns about `sloppy` preparation and even `food poisoning` suggest inconsistency, making the overall food experience a bit of a gamble.
Food
50
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
25
negative
5
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious burgers
- Fresh onion rings
- Hot, fresh food
What people don't like
- Soggy, greasy food
- Old, cold fries
- Food poisoning risk
Often praised
- burgermy burger was tasty and not disappointing
- foodThe food is exactly what you would expect
- protein style burgersdelicious thoughtfully prepared protein style burgers
- Best Western Bacon CheeseburgersBest Western Bacon Cheeseburgers in San Diego, consistently mouth watering
- Famous Starin a while, but I'm glad I stopped by. I ordered a Famous Star, and it was delicious and big. The fries were not too salty, and they gave you plenty of ketchup when asked, unlike other places that only provide two packets.
- Greens PleaseWent to an organic drive through right in front of it called Greens Please which is a much healthier choice.
- bacon crispingbacon crisping delight
- flavorthe flavor of their double cheeseburgers is generally pretty satisfying
- fresh onion ringsthey got me fresh onion rings
- friesthe fries were not too salty
Frequently criticized
- burgerThe fries and the burger were both a little bit greasy
- foodfood was made very sloppy, meat and veggies looked old
- Western Bacon CheeseburgerWestern Bacon Cheeseburger only came with 1 onion ring
- friesThe fries and the burger were both a little bit greasy
- beef pattyThe Western Bacon Cheeseburger was totally soggy. Instead of grilling the beef fresh, it tasted like they kept the patty - cooked who knows how long ago - in a tray of hot water or something. I gave it 1 star for the cashier being friendly and cheerful.
- chicken tendersWHAT THEY SERVED ME WAS 9 SMALL PIECES OF CHICKEN THAT LOOKED MORE LIKE SHRIMP.
- food poisoningCaused my family and I to get food poisoning
- food qualityfood quality has really gone down in quality
- ketchupKetchup too. I mean c'mon man.
- lettuce and breadThe burger was mostly lettuce and bread!
If youre craving a classic burger and dont mind a bit of a gamble, you might find a satisfying meal here. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in quality, as some experiences point to issues like soggy items or cold fries. It's a place that can hit the spot, but also has room for improvement.
Service (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
It seems some customers have had pleasant experiences with the service, especially praising the efficiency of the new AI drive-thru and the speed of their orders. Many also highlighted the helpfulness of the order taker, friendly staff, and even managers who went above and beyond for special order requests, making for a smooth and quick visit. However, the overall sentiment for service is quite low, with a score of just 3.6 and customer satisfaction at a mere 28.6%, based on 63 opinions, with 44 negative compared to 18 positive.
Many reported frustratingly slow service, an unfriendly demeanor from staff, and a general lack of customer service. Issues like incorrect orders, missing condiments, and even poor management were frequently mentioned.
Service
63
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
44
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Efficient AI drive-thru
- Friendly staff interactions
- Fast service sometimes
What people don't like
- Very slow service
- Unfriendly staff demeanor
- Orders often wrong
Often praised
- servicereally great service today from a clerk and manager
- cashierInstead of grilling the beef fresh, it tasted like they kept the patty - cooked who knows how long ago - in a tray of hot water or something. I gave it 1 star for the cashier being friendly and cheerful.
- AIDrive thru AI gets simple order correct
- AI drive-thruTheir new AI drive thru is very good.
- Carl's brandthey totally redeemed themselves
- ServiceMuch quicker
- app issueswent above to be helpful to me and figure it out
- drive-thru lineit moves pretty fast
- friendly staffwere super friendly too
- managerasked the manager to come to service me
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceforget a fundamental principle of any business, that is good customer service
- drive-thru serviceMy experience at the restaurant involved a super slow drive-thru service. They made us wait before coming to the window to pay, seemingly to manipulate the timer.
- napkinsno napkins ketchup nothing in the our bags
- orderMy experience at the restaurant involved issues with the drive-thru service. I was instructed to park out front, but my order was incorrect. Upon returning, despite being asked twice if I wanted condiments, they were still missing from my bag.
- serviceAbsolutely terrible service you can definitely tell the staff at this location hate their jobs.
- staffyou can definitely tell the staff at this location hate their jobs.
- AI when you orderingHATE the ai when you ordering
- ServiceService took so long
- apologyNo apology or nothing
- bad businessObviously bad business
If you're hoping for a quick, friendly interaction, especially via the AI drive-thru, you might get lucky. However, with a poor overall service score and very low customer satisfaction, be prepared for potential delays, incorrect orders, or less-than-friendly staff.
Ambience (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, there are some definite upsides! Many folks appreciate the practical aspects, noting the parking options are free and plentiful. Reviewers frequently mention the restaurant itself and the overall place as clean and organized.
With 4 positive remarks out of 9 total comments, it seems the cleanliness is a consistent win, even if the overall customer satisfaction sits at a rather mixed 44.4%. However, the ambience isn't without its challenges. The general atmosphere gets a low rating from some, with specific concerns about zillion bugs on window sill and a dirty cup shake or greasy wrapper.
A significant issue, highlighted by 5 negative remarks, is the restaurant smell, described as a sewer-like odor making dining uncomfortable. The ambience score is an average 4.4, indicating definite room for improvement.
Ambience
9
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free parking lot
- Clean restaurant
- Organized place
What people don't like
- Bugs on window sill
- Sewer smell
- Dirty cup/wrapper
Often praised
- parkingParking options:Free parking lot
- placeThe place is clean
- restaurantRestaurant was clean and organize
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- bugs on window sillzillion bugs on window sill at drive thru gross
- cup shakea dirty cup shake
- restaurant smellRestaurant smells like sewer it's uncomfortable to dine in
- wrapperwrapper was greasy on both inside and outside
If you prioritize convenience like free parking and a generally clean space, you might find it acceptable. However, be prepared for potential issues with the overall atmosphere, particularly concerning cleanliness details and a reported unpleasant smell. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Value (2.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, a couple of folks (2 out of 11 comments) did mention the potential to save a few bucks and appreciated the price per person being in the $1–10 range. It seems there's a glimmer of hope for those looking for a budget-friendly bite, at least in theory. However, the overall picture for value is quite poor, with a score of just 2.7 and customer satisfaction sitting at a low 18.2%.
Many of the 9 comments expressed frustration over service fee and mandatory imposed fee adding to the cost, with some feeling items were over priced or offered less quality for the price charged.
Value
11
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Mandatory service fees
- Overpriced items
- Poor value for cost
Often praised
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- save a few bucksto save a few bucks
Frequently criticized
- priceI think $14 is a little pricey for a double cheeseburger
- $11not worth $11
- charged for foodGet charged for food and they don’t even put in the order
- costHigher cost for less quality
- mandatory imposed feeit was a mandatory imposed fee
- moneySo expensive for nothing.
- pricingadded pricing for items at the RB site
- service feeadds and charges about 3.5% service fee to your food bill
If youre heading out, be prepared for potential hidden costs and a feeling that you might not be getting your moneys worth. While a few found it budget-friendly, the overwhelming sentiment suggests that value is a significant concern here, so proceed with caution if price is a priority.
How are the prices at Carl's Jr?
On average, you’ll spend around 16 per person – from 23 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Fast Food Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the price distribution, most diners spend in the $11–$20 range, which is right where the average sits. There are a few options below $11 and some slightly higher, but it’s mostly concentrated around that sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 23 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Fast Food Restaurant in this range. Its not the cheapest bite in San Diego, but it offers a solid mid-range option if youre looking for something a bit more substantial than typical budget fast food.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Carl's Jr
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
1
Horrible Food and Service at Carl's Jr.
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The staff seemed to lack basic education and manners, exhibiting no customer service whatsoever. The food was also horrible.
I ordered a 5-piece chicken tenders meal, but received 9 small pieces that resembled shrimp. Both the cashier and cook were rude and argumentative. I will never return to Carl's Jr. ; they suck and are overpriced!
- staff1
- customer service1
- food1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Service too slow, went elsewhere
My experience at this restaurant was marked by very slow service. The wait was so prolonged that I decided to leave and went to Jack in the Box next door, where the service was much quicker.
- Service2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
1
Charged but Not Served
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly frustrating. I was charged for food, but the order was never actually placed. This is a significant issue that needs to be addressed to improve the overall experience.
- food order1
- charged for food2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Good burger, a bit pricey
My experience at the restaurant involved a good burger. However, both the fries and the burger were a little bit greasy, which is perhaps expected from fast food. I found the price of $14 for a double cheeseburger, medium fries, and a medium drink to be a little pricey, though I acknowledge that's the current cost of things.
- burger7
- fries4
- price3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Burger and AI Ordering
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I found the burger to be mostly lettuce and bread, which felt like a lot of money for very little substance. Additionally, I really HATE the AI when you ordering; I just don't understand why it's necessary.
- burger2
- lettuce and bread2
- money2
What Carl's Jr offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
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
- Quick bite
- Late-night food
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Counter service
- 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
FAQs
What convenient service options does Carl's Jr. in San Diego offer?
At Carl’s Jr. in San Diego, you have several convenient service options to choose from. You can easily pick up your order via the drive-through, enjoy your meal inside with dine-in seating, or opt for takeout. Delivery service is also available, ensuring you can get your favorite fast food delivered right to you.
Is Carl's Jr. in Rancho Bernardo suitable for families and accessible for all guests?
Yes, Carl’s Jr. in Rancho Bernardo is designed to be family-friendly and accessible. They offer a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for younger diners, making it good for kids. For accessibility, you will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Carl's Jr perform overall?
Carl’s Jr holds an overall score of 4.1, indicating an average experience. While Food scores an average 5 and Ambience 4.4, Service is rated 3.6 and Value a poor 2.7.
What are common customer complaints at Carl's Jr?
Customers frequently mention concerns about high prices and additional fees, as well as instances of slow service and occasional issues with order accuracy or missing items.
What do customers generally like about Carl's Jr?
Many customers appreciate the tasty burgers, with some highlighting specific items like the Western Bacon Cheeseburger. The restaurant’s cleanliness and the friendliness of some staff members are also noted.