Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Don Rios – San Diego
Don Rios - San Diego
Photo from Don Rios
Don Rios at a glance
San Diego Sabre Springs
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#472 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#58 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
203
Reviews
67.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Clean atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Wrong orders
- Inconsistent quality
- High prices
The restaurant, a casual Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s Sabre Springs neighborhood, offers a convenient drive-through service for those on the go. When you visit Don Rios Mexican Food, you’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this spot has you covered with delicious options and usually plenty of parking available.
Overview: Introducting Don Rios
Don Rios offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its inviting atmosphere and a diverse selection of flavorful dishes. Many appreciate the salsa bar and the quick service, making it a convenient stop.
However, some visitors have encountered challenges, particularly with wrong order incidents and occasional inconsistencies with cashier interactions. While the food is often praised, there are mentions of certain items lacking flavor or being small in portion.
Good
6.9
out of 10
203
Reviews
67.5%
Satisfaction
54
negative
12
neutral
137
positive
Don Rios holds a respectable overall score of 6.9, indicating a generally good experience for many patrons. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.5%, suggesting that while many are pleased, a notable portion of diners have had less than ideal visits.
This blend of good and mixed sentiment is drawn from 203 customer observations, with 137 positive remarks against 54 negative ones. Looking closer at specific aspects, the Ambience (8.5) stands out as a strong point, creating a welcoming environment.
The Food (7.1) also receives good marks for its quality and variety. Service (6.2) is considered average, with some positive interactions balanced by concerns.
Value (6) also falls into the average category, with opinions split on pricing relative to portions.
What people like
- Flavorful food selection
- Clean, inviting atmosphere
- Friendly, quick service
What people don't like
- Frequent wrong orders
- Inconsistent food quality
- High prices, small portions
Don Rios presents a mixed bag, offering a pleasant atmosphere and often flavorful dishes that make it worth considering. With a recommendation score of 7, it leans towards a positive experience, especially if you prioritize a good setting and specific menu items.
However, be prepared for potential service hiccups, particularly with order accuracy, and consider that some find the value proposition inconsistent. If you’re seeking a casual meal with generally good food and don’t mind occasional imperfections, Don Rios could be a suitable choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Don Rios
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many folks are absolutely raving! With a solid 7.1 score and 70.7% customer satisfaction, its clear theres a lot to love. Out of 123 total comments, 87 were positive, highlighting delicious items like TJ Tacos, the unique Chilanga Green Sauce, and fantastic california burritos.
The salsa bar also gets a lot of love for its variety and flavor. However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied, with 30 negative comments among the feedback. Some diners expressed disappointment with the small burrito size and overall portion size, feeling they were underwhelming.
Concerns about meat quality and a general lack of flavor in certain dishes also came up, suggesting there might be some inconsistency in the kitchen.
Food
123
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
30
negative
6
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best TJ Tacos
- Great Chilanga Sauce
- Excellent Salsa Bar
What people don't like
- Small Burrito Size
- Lack of Flavor
- Upset Stomachs
Often praised
- foodThe cheese enchiladas were awesome👍. I've honestly never had anything that wasn't yummy. The food is a definite 5/5, and the service and atmosphere were also rated a 5/5.
- Mexican foodThe burritos were so good that I can't believe I'm saying this about a fast-food joint. It's now my favorite Mexican food in PQ! 😂 The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- tacosMy family and I frequently visit this restaurant for its great tacos. The drive-through option is a significant convenience.
- burritosQuesadilla, tacos, and burritos are our consistent go-to options
- salsa barTheir salsa bar was one of the better ones I've seen
- salsaschilaquiles, and the salsas deli deli
- BirriaBirria tastes great
- carne asada burritotheir carne asada and al pastor burritos truly kick @$$
- hot carrotsand a separate bin of hot carrots.
- Achiote ChickenThe regular size Achiote Chicken is my favorite
Frequently criticized
- foodThe drive-thru attendant, Angelica, was incredibly rude, displaying a lazy demeanor and lousy customer service. The food itself was extremely disappointing. The size of their burrito is a joke; these were fake food, play food, and ridiculously small.
- flavorno flavor in them and overwhelming lackluster
- mix burritoOur mix burrito wasn’t even bean or shredded beef, it was just shredded beef and pico de gallo
- Carne Asada Tacosgot Carne Asada Tacos for my wife
- Carne Asada burritoa Carne Asada burrito on 2/24/25
- Salsadidn't provide salsa for chips
- Tortillasforgot my for tortillas
- breakfast carne asada burritosbasically were potatoe burritos. Very bland and not made with much care.
- burritothe burrito was VERY underwhelming
- burrito sizeThe size of their burrito is a joke.
Overall, if you're looking for flavorful Mexican food with some standout items like their tacos and salsas, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistent portion sizes and occasional blandness, so manage your expectations for every dish.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely some good news! Many customers (26 positive remarks out of 47 total) praised the friendly staff, especially the girls that run the front and specific cashiers like Angelica, for their great customer service and accommodating special requests. The drive thru is often noted for being quick and efficient.
Overall, customer satisfaction sits at a rather 55.3%, indicating a mixed bag. However, its not all smooth sailing, with 19 negative comments highlighting some bumps. Issues like receiving the wrong order are frustrating, and some experiences with cashiers or managers have been described as rude or unhelpful.
There are also complaints about waiting time and confusing online hours. The service score is an average 6.2, suggesting there's still room for improvement in consistency.
Service
47
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Accommodating requests
What people don't like
- Wrong orders
- Rude staff
- Long waiting time
Often praised
- serviceFamily owned restaurant with service to match
- staffstaff were extremely nice
- 1amdrive thru is open till 1am
- ServiceService:5
- cashierThe cashier is always super friendly and helpful
- cashier AngelicaCashier Angelica gave great customer service
- cookthe cook came out of pocket to give us our change
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The cashier, Angelica, provided great customer service, attending to my urgent needs respectfully. The food tasted great, and I would definitely come back.
- drive inDo their drive in every week which is quick
- drive through optionoption for a drive through is great
Frequently criticized
- cashierOn the phone a man said 'okay' many times. So we drove back with two receipts in hand (our order receipt and the wrong one that came attached to the wrong order, all with timestamps - we got the order of the car ahead of us apparently.) I explained the situation to a different cashier and she just refused to make good on our order or to return our money. Even though the person on the phone said it was okay that we threw the burritos away.
- phone numberthe phone number wasn’t even connected so we couldn’t
- serviceService was horrible
- wrong orderwhen we got home they gave us the wrong order!
- customer serviceher customer service was lousy
- drive thru attendantThe drive thru attendant (Angelica) was rude.
- drive thru orderThe food is hit or miss, sometimes bland, sometimes salty or cold but it's open late, so we return. But tonight we were given the wrong drive thru order. We got home, took bites, realized it was not our order, gagged a bit, called the restaurant and explained the situation, asked if it was okay to trash the burritos we had bitten into and could we come back to pick up our correct order?
- fulfilling ordersThis is incredibly frustrating. I hope the restaurant takes better care in fulfilling orders in the future, as this experience has left me very unsatisfied.
- loyaltyloyalty means nothing to them
- managerManager admitted she had 2 similar orders and Keyed mine in wrong.
So, whats the verdict on service? It seems like a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter super friendly staff and quick drive-thru experiences, be prepared for potential issues like wrong orders or inconsistent customer service.
If youre feeling lucky, give it a shot, but manage your expectations.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre likely to be greeted by a fantastic atmosphere that leaves a very good first impression. Guests frequently praise the cleanliness and comfort, noting the perfectly air conditioned space. With a solid 8.5 score and a remarkable 89.5% customer satisfaction, its clear why 17 positive comments out of 19 observations highlight these aspects, making it a delightful find.
However, even great places have minor hiccups. Out of 19 observations, just one customer noted a small issue with a dirty table. While this is a singular point, it suggests theres always a tiny bit of room for improvement to ensure every guests experience is spotless.
Ambience
19
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Spotless cleanliness
- Perfectly air-conditioned
What people don't like
- Dirty table
Often praised
- atmosphereWhat an awesome employee and atmosphere you guys have here
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- air conditionedPlace was air conditioned perfectly
- cleanThe food tasted great, and I would definitely come back. The place was air conditioned perfectly and very clean, making it a delightful find.
- cleanlinessespecially very clean
- convenient locationConveniently right off the freeway
- first impressionOver all very good first impression.
- late hoursWe come here regularly. The food is hit or miss, sometimes bland, sometimes salty or cold but it's open late, so we return. But tonight we were given the wrong drive thru order.
- parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- restaurant smellrestaurant does not smell of oil, dirty or stuffy
Frequently criticized
- tablethe table was dirty
If you're looking for a place with a great vibe, comfortable setting, and overall pleasant surroundings, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Despite a very minor cleanliness note, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on its ambience makes it a strong contender for your next outing.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a bit of a split, but many diners are quite pleased! Based on 14 comments, with 7 positive remarks, folks often rave about the excellent Taco Tuesday deals and generally good prices. Many found it offered great value for the quality, especially around $20-30 per person, and appreciated thoughtful touches like no extra charge for a kids cup.
However, the value isn't universally praised, with 4 negative comments highlighting some concerns. The overall score for value is an average 6, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 50%. Some felt the prices were too high for rather small portions, and a few even reported issues where they ended up losing money or needing a refund after problems, suggesting inconsistencies in perceived worth.
Value
14
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great Taco Tuesday
- Good value for quality
- No extra kids' charge
What people don't like
- High price, small portions
- Lost money on issues
Often praised
- Price per personThe atmosphere also received a 5/5, contributing to a wonderful dining experience. With a price range of $20–30 per person, it offered great value for the quality.
- Taco TuesdayOr 1.82 on Taco Tuesday
- Taco Tuesday dealsExcellent Taco Tuesday deals!
- extra chargeThe food was ready very quick. They also thoughtfully provided a kids cup for my daughter without an extra charge.
- good pricesa buenos precios
- priceprice were good
- pricesPrices are decent too
Frequently criticized
- PricesPrices are too high for such small portions.
- moneySo instead of going home, fishing them out of the trash, and returning a third time, we decided to take a break from this place. I hope to forget about this soon, but damn, just shocked at how they screwed up multiple times and we were still out $25 and two burritos.
- pricefor those two items it was 40 dollars
- refundafter a refund I still lose $13
If youre looking for a deal, especially on Taco Tuesday, this spot could be a winner. However, be mindful of portion sizes versus price, as some find it a bit steep for what you get. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Don Rios?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 45 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 tend to spend within this $11–$20 range, indicating prices are quite consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Don Rios
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Burrito, Quick Service!
My experience at this restaurant was great. I ordered the bean and cheese burrito, which was absolutely delicious. I used the drive-through, and the staff member was polite when asking about sauce.
The order was ready quickly. I'm definitely planning on returning.
- bean and cheese burrito10
- service8
- ready quickly9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Tacos and Great Salsa Bar!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive, especially for their Taco Tuesday special. I tried the carnitas, asada, adobada, and cabeza tacos, and found them all to be delicious, served on warm tortillas. The salsa bar was a standout, offering more than just a few options – I counted about six, along with pickled onions and hot carrots.
Overall, it was a very good first impression, and I will definitely be back. The convenient location right off the freeway is a plus.
- tacos9
- salsa bar9
- warm tortilla8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Awesome Employee and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, largely due to the exceptional service. When Mom didn't have change and the register was also out, the cook came out of pocket to provide us with our change. This act of kindness highlighted what an awesome employee and atmosphere the restaurant has.
Additionally, the lady up front was very nice.
- cook10
- atmosphere9
- lady up front8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Burritos and Tacos!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with their california burrito and street tacos. I love their green salsa. We use their drive-in every week because it's so quick.
The food is excellent, and the service is efficient.
- california burrito9
- street tacos9
- green salsa9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Legit Mexican Food - Sets Itself Apart!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The Mexican food here is truly legit, setting itself apart from other places. I was particularly impressed with their surf and turf fries, which were amazing!
I really hope they don't close down.
- Mexican food9
- surf and turf fries10
What Don Rios offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- 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
FAQs
What parking options are available at Don Rios Mexican Food?
When you visit Don Rios Mexican Food, you’ll find convenient parking solutions. The restaurant offers both free street parking and a free parking lot, ensuring there’s usually plenty of space for your vehicle.
Can I get my food to go or have it delivered from Don Rios Mexican Food?
Absolutely! Don Rios Mexican Food provides multiple service options to suit your needs. You can enjoy a quick drive-through, opt for takeout, or have your meal delivered right to your door. Dine-in is also available if you prefer to eat on-site.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Don Rios?
Don Rios receives an overall score of **6.9**, indicating a generally good experience. Its **Ambience** (8.5) and **Food** (7.1) are well-regarded, while **Service** (6.2) and **Value** (6) are considered average.
What are the standout food items at Don Rios?
Customers frequently praise the **tacos**, **burritos**, and the diverse **salsa bar**. Specific mentions include the **Birria** and **carne asada burrito** for their taste.
Are there any common issues with service at Don Rios?
While many appreciate the friendly staff and quick drive-thru, some customers have reported issues with **wrong order** delivery and occasional less-than-ideal interactions with **cashier** staff.