Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Gloria’s – San Diego
Gloria's - San Diego
Photo from Gloria’s
Gloria's at a glance
San Diego Golden Hill
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 25 of the guests
#338 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#32 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
202
Reviews
75.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Good value
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Rude service
- Hygiene issues
- Pricing issues
The Mexican restaurant, Gloria’s, in San Diego’s Golden Hill neighborhood, offers a casual spot where you can enjoy delicious food. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, this eatery provides a welcoming atmosphere.
You’ll find it’s a great place to experience authentic flavors in a friendly setting, perfect for a spontaneous meal or a planned outing with friends and family.
Overview: Introducting Gloria's
Gloria’s offers a welcoming spot where many appreciate the overall experience. Customers often highlight the friendly nature of the owners and staff, contributing to a pleasant visit.
The establishment maintains a clean environment, and the food often receives praise for its quality and authentic flavors. However, some experiences at Gloria’s have been less consistent, particularly concerning aspects of the service.
A few patrons have reported issues with the attitude of certain staff members, describing interactions as less than courteous. There are also occasional remarks about specific food items not meeting expectations.
Good
7.5
out of 10
202
Reviews
75.2%
Satisfaction
40
negative
10
neutral
152
positive
Overall, Gloria’s earns a solid 7.5 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This aligns well with a 75.2% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 202 customer remarks, with 152 positive observations outweighing the 40 negative ones, painting a picture of a well-regarded establishment. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8.0) stands out, creating a pleasant setting for meals.
The Value (7.9) also scores highly, suggesting customers feel they get good returns for their money. Food (7.6) is consistently rated well, while Service (7.0) also registers as good, though it’s the area with the most noted inconsistencies.
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Great value, portions
- Friendly owners/staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service attitude
- Hygiene concerns
- Inconsistent pricing/fees
Gloria’s generally comes with a solid recommendation score of 7.5, suggesting it’s a place worth considering. If you’re seeking authentic flavors and good portions at a fair price, this spot often delivers.
It’s a reliable choice for a casual meal. However, be mindful that service experiences can vary, and some specific dishes might not hit the mark for everyone.
If you prioritize consistent, top-tier service above all else, you might find some aspects challenging. Otherwise, it’s a decent option.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Gloria's
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Based on 134 customer opinions, the food here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.6 score and a 75.4% customer satisfaction. Many rave about the California burrito and fish tacos, often highlighting the big portions and authentic Mexican food that truly deliver on flavor. With 101 positive remarks, it seems there's a lot to love about the menu.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some found the Chimichanga underwhelming, and there were mentions of overcooked meat and watery salsa. A few also noted cold fish in their tacos or disliked the use of fillers like potatoes, contributing to the 28 negative comments.
Food
134
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
28
negative
5
neutral
101
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious burritos
- Generous portions
- Authentic Mexican food
What people don't like
- Overcooked meat
- Watery salsa
- Disappointing Chimichanga
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a Mom and Pop type taco shop with excellent food and friendly fast service. The atmosphere is nice, and they offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
- California burritobest California burrito in Golden Hill and South Park
- rolled tacosrolled tacos were decent
- tacosdelicious authentic tacos with all the classics
- guacamoleguacamole was equally impressive
- taco shopIt's a clean establishment. By far, this is the BEST taco shop.
- beefThey were cooked to perfection with just the right amount of crunch. The beef was tender and moist, complemented by fresh guacamole, cheese, and veggies on top. These roll tacos are definitely contenders for my top 5 favorite spots in San Diego.
- carne asada burritocarne asada burrito is excellent
- horchataI don’t care what yall say, this is the single best taco shop. Absolutely insane value, amazing horchata, 11/10. Please come here.
- menuI want tho try everything on the menu
Frequently criticized
- fish tacosfish tacos ... were a significant disappointment
- foodThe food is average/below average for SoCal.
- potatoesplease season the potatoes
- Chile rellenohad a Chile relleno that came from a fridge and was warmed
- Chimichangamy Chimichanga was not even average
- better optionsTo make matters worse, I found a free strand of hair in my meal. Due to these issues, I will not be returning, as there are better options everywhere.
- breadingbreading was just toasted as opposed to dropped in a fryer
- breakfast burritothe breakfast burrito has potatoes (more filler)
- burritosthe burritos have rice in them which I see as just a filler
- cheeseCheese wasn't melted
If you're craving classic Mexican dishes like California burritos or fish tacos and appreciate generous servings, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some specific items, like the Chimichanga or certain seafood tacos, might not always live up to the hype.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
Many customers have had truly positive interactions here, with 28 positive remarks out of 41 total! Guests frequently rave about the friendly staff and owner, often highlighting their quick efficient and even perfect service. It seems the team goes out of their way to make people feel welcomed, with many appreciating how regulars are remembered and orders are handled smoothly.
However, despite a good score of 7 for service, and a mixed customer satisfaction at 68.3%, there are 10 negative comments that paint a different picture. Some patrons have unfortunately encountered a less-than-stellar attitude or outright rudeness, with a few even mentioning slow service. More seriously, there are concerning accusations of staff being racist or talking down to customers.
Service
41
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Welcoming owners
What people don't like
- Rude attitude
- Slow service
- Racist behavior
Often praised
- ownersGloria and José are wonderful people and awesome owners
- serviceI regret not taking a photo because the tacos were STUFFED full and the meat was perfectly tender. The tortillas were tasty and fresh, and the service was quick and efficient. Even with multiple customers waiting, my order was ready in about five minutes.
- staffWhat sets them apart is that guacamole and sour cream are included in the price, unlike other places. The portions are large, and the staff is friendly.
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The man owner is so sweet and nice, always making people feel welcomed. It's a clean establishment.
- consistencynever disappoints
- friendlythey are friendly
- gentlemanThe gentleman is very friendly
- honestthey are honest
- man servingThe man serving the counter and cooking was extremely nice
- man who works hereThis is my most favorite burrito spot! The man who works here remembered my face even though I haven’t been in over 2 years and live in a different state now 🥰🥰 I highly recommend ordering the California burrito. It’s THE BEST!
Frequently criticized
- attitudeit’s the attitude of the woman ringing me up
- serviceAlso, the service was not courteous and upbeat as described by others. Actually, the service was dry and rude, as if just going through the motions of just one more ticket number. This is actually the second time I've come here with both experiences being alike.
- courteous and upbeat servicenot the courteous and upbeat service described by others
- evil eyeI get the evil eye from the woman there
- lady ringing upthe rude and mean lady ringing up the order
- racist towards black and brown peopleRacists towards black and brown people.
- rudenessI am constantly getting rudeness from these people
- talks down to brown peopleTalks down to brown people
Service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. You might encounter incredibly friendly and efficient staff who make your day, but theres also a chance of running into some less pleasant interactions. If youre willing to take that small risk for potentially great service, it could be worth a visit.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot is really hitting the mark. With a solid score of 8 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 83.3%, its clear most folks are loving what they find.
Out of 12 total mentions, 10 were glowing about the clean establishment, welcoming atmosphere, and convenient parking, making it feel like a true neighborhood taco shop. What's even better? There were absolutely no negative mentions about the ambience!
It seems like this place consistently delivers a great experience, with customers frequently praising the clean space and family-friendly vibe.
Ambience
12
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean establishment
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Convenient parking
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmospherea welcoming atmosphere
- cleanSpotless clean
- clean establishmentThe man owner is so sweet and nice, always making people feel welcomed. It's a clean establishment. By far, this is the BEST taco shop.
- family establishmentGreat family establishment
- neighborhood taco shopThe rolled tacos truly rocked, and the horchata was flowing perfectly. This is a fantastic neighborhood taco shop. If you’re in the area and in need of Mexican flavors, this is a solid option.
- parkingfree street parking makes it very convenient
- seating areathe seating area accommodates all
- spaceThe space is clean
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a spot with a great atmosphere, youre in luck! This place offers a clean, welcoming environment that customers consistently rave about. It's definitely worth checking out for a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.
Value (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a great 86.7%, many folks rave about the affordability and value. Based on 13 positive remarks, terms like reasonably priced, inexpensive, and value pop up often, highlighting generous portions for the cost.
However, its not entirely without its snags. A couple of the 15 total opinions mention some frustration, specifically around prices on menu not matching expectations and an unexpected card fee. ' While these instances are few, they did cause some confusion at the register.
Value
15
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great affordability
- Excellent value
- Portions for price
What people don't like
- Inaccurate menu prices
- Unexpected card fee
Often praised
- pricesthe prices is worth every penny
- affordabilityaffordability, which was a perfect 10/10
- affordablefood is good and affordable
- guacamole and sour creamI had the best California burrito in Golden Hill and South Park. What sets them apart is that guacamole and sour cream are included in the price, unlike other places. The portions are large, and the staff is friendly.
- inexpensivegood, inexpensive place
- priceportion size for the price
- price per personI'm usually a picky eater, but the authentic Mexican food here was beyond delicious. It was a take-out order for breakfast, and the price per person was very affordable, between $1–10.
- pricingSimple, standard pricing
- reasonably pricedvery reasonably priced!
- valueI don’t care what yall say, this is the single best taco shop. Absolutely insane value, amazing horchata, 11/10. Please come here.
Frequently criticized
- card feeWhen I inquired, she pointed to a sign on the register that said, "minimum $5 or 50cent fee. " My food cost more than $5, yet she added about a $1 fee, which seemed inconsistent with the sign's stated fee.
- prices on menuHowever, my experience was marred by the rude and mean lady ringing up the order. The prices on the menu were not correct, leading to a different total than expected. To add to the frustration, when I received the receipt, the total was about a dollar more than what she initially stated.
Overall, if you're looking for great value and generous portions, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential discrepancies with menu prices or unexpected card fees, especially if paying with plastic.
How are the prices at Gloria's?
You’re looking at roughly 12 per person – reported by 25 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 find themselves in this $11–$20 bracket, with a good chunk even enjoying options in the $1–$10 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 25 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, we think this pricing feels pretty fair. It’s a good spot for a quality meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Gloria's
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious and Affordable Eats!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was very tasty and the portions were big. A great bonus was that they are very reasonably priced.
The chili relleno was $4 and tasted amazing, the carnasada taco was $3. 50 and was a pretty decent size, and the flying saucer was $10 and was pretty big. Overall, the food was really good!
I would definitely recommend!
- food9
- big portions9
- reasonably priced9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Favorite Burrito Spot!
This is my most favorite burrito spot! The man who works here remembered my face even though I haven’t been in over 2 years and live in a different state now 🥰🥰 I highly recommend ordering the California burrito. It’s THE BEST!
- California burrito10
- man who works here10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Carne Asada Burrito!
My experience at the restaurant was great! I had the Carne Asada burrito, which was delicious. The space was clean, and the staff was friendly.
Overall, a very positive experience.
- Carne Asada burrito10
- space9
- staff9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
10
Best Taco Shop - Insane Value!
I don’t care what yall say, this is the single best taco shop. Absolutely insane value, amazing horchata, 11/10. Please come here.
- taco shop10
- value10
- horchata10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
7
Mixed Feelings on Carne Asada Burrito, Great Roll Tacos
As a first-timer, I decided to try this place based on recommendations from Google, Yelp, and "foodies. " I ordered a carne asada burrito and 5 roll tacos. The carne asada burrito was just okay; it wasn't bad, but it wasn't particularly good either.
The meat was overcooked to the point of being nearly burnt, though the fresh veggies did help to slightly offset the char taste. The roll tacos, however, were really good. They were cooked to perfection with just the right amount of crunch.
The beef was tender and moist, complemented by fresh guacamole, cheese, and veggies on top. These roll tacos are definitely contenders for my top 5 favorite spots in San Diego. For context, a 3-star rating is generally good in my book, while a 5-star rating signifies something truly mind-blowing.
- carne asada burrito5
- veggies7
- roll tacos9
- meat2
What Gloria's offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available at Gloria's Taco Shop?
When you visit Gloria’s Taco Shop, you’ll find convenient parking options. There is free street parking available, and usually plenty of parking spots to choose from. Additionally, paid street parking is also an option if you prefer. This makes your visit hassle-free.
Is Gloria's Taco Shop accessible for everyone?
Yes, Gloria’s Taco Shop is designed to be accessible. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access for all guests. The parking lot also offers wheelchair accessible parking, and once inside, there is wheelchair accessible seating available for your comfort.
How does Gloria's generally rate among customers?
Gloria’s holds a good overall score of 7.5, with customer satisfaction at 75.2%. Its Ambience (8.0) and Value (7.9) are particularly well-regarded, followed by Food (7.6) and Service (7.0).
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food and value at Gloria's?
Many customers praise Gloria’s for its authentic Mexican food, including delicious tacos and burritos. The value is also a highlight, with generous portions and inclusions like guacamole and sour cream often mentioned as affordable.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some patrons have reported inconsistencies with the service, noting occasional issues with staff attitude. There have also been mentions of specific food items being disappointing and minor concerns regarding card fees or menu pricing discrepancies.