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oChef » Habaneros – San Diego
Habaneros - San Diego
Photo from Habaneros
Habaneros at a glance
San Diego Sorrento Valley
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 43 of the guests
#547 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#75 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
314
Reviews
60.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Good food
- Clean ambiance
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Expensive menu
- Environmental impact
The restaurant Habaneros is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant located in San Diego’s bustling Sorrento Valley neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving happy hour drinks, organic dishes, or small plates, this spot has you covered. Enjoy the convenience of outdoor seating and various service options, including no-contact delivery and takeout.
Overview: Introducting Habaneros
Habaneros offers a generally pleasant experience, with many appreciating its friendly vibe and the overall cleanliness of the place. It’s often seen as a reliable spot for a quick meal, providing a comfortable setting for diners.
However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the decor and the use of plastic and styrofoam trash, which can detract from the dining environment.
Good
6.5
out of 10
314
Reviews
60.5%
Satisfaction
104
negative
20
neutral
190
positive
The restaurant holds an overall score of 6.5, placing it in the average range, suggesting a decent but not exceptional experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 60.5%, indicating a mixed reception among visitors.
This balance reflects that while many find aspects to enjoy, there are also areas that leave some customers wanting more, based on 314 total opinions, with 190 positive and 104 negative remarks.
What people like
- Flavorful Mexican food
- Casual, clean atmosphere
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- High prices
- Plastic waste concerns
If you’re seeking traditional Mexican food with good flavors, Habaneros could be a worthwhile stop. The Food (7) is a clear strength, frequently praised for its authenticity and generous portions.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent Service (5.8) and keep an eye on the bill, as Value (4.2) is a common point of contention due to perceived high prices.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Habaneros
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, there's a lot to talk about! With a good score of 7 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 67.9%, it seems opinions are quite varied. Many diners rave about the Carne Asada Burrito, fresh salsa, and generous portions, praising the authentic taste across 131 positive remarks.
However, not everyone leaves fully satisfied, with 52 negative comments pointing to issues like no flavor, salty meat, and dry burritos. Some found the food quality inconsistent, suggesting a bit of a hit-or-miss experience depending on what you order.
Food
193
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
52
negative
10
neutral
131
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican flavors
- Great burritos, tacos
- Fresh salsa, drinks
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Lackluster flavor
- Salty, dry dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was a good find for me. The food was great, and my partner, who had been there before, introduced me to this place. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was pleasant.
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. They serve traditional, authentic style Mexican food with great flavors and fresh salsa. The portions are grande, so come hungry!
- salsaHaving lived in Mira Mesa for over 30 years, Habanero's has been a beloved "go-to" spot since our first visit. We especially love their rolled tacos, topped with salsa and freshly-made guacamole. The restaurant offers a friendly, casual vibe and a relaxed dining experience.
- Menudothe Menudo was tasty
- flavorsMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. They serve traditional, authentic style Mexican food with great flavors and fresh salsa. The portions are grande, so come hungry!
- tacospretty good tacos! ...tacos were stuffed to the brim!
- Carne Asada Burritoparticularly enjoyed the Carne Asada Burrito
- FoodFood:5
- burritosBest burritos & food.
- food qualityfood was of high quality
Frequently criticized
- burritofound out out they gave me some other burrito
- meatthe meat wasn’t fresh, but decent quality
- carne asada burritogave me some other burrito which wasn't that good
- flavorno flavor at all
- foodAbsolutely atrocious food
- rolled tacos$12 for 3 rolled tacos
- salsaIt lacks flavor and they know it
- Mexican foodbest mexican food in Mira Mesa
- arrachera burritoGot a arrachera burrito the guacamole was like rotten
- authentic Mexican foodIf you like authentic Mexican food cooked with heart and soul don’t come here
If you're craving authentic Mexican flavors and are willing to navigate a menu that can be a bit inconsistent, you might find some real gems here. Just be prepared that some dishes might not hit the mark, so choose wisely!
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems like this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 50% and an average score of 5.8. Based on 60 opinions, about 30 of them praise the team for being convenient and quick, with many highlighting the friendly staff and great customer service, often leading to a great experience and accurate orders. However, nearly as many, 27 opinions, point to some significant issues.
Concerns range from rude looks and bad service to long waiting times and inconsistent hours, with some even mentioning problems with closing times and order accuracy. It sounds like there's definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
60
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
27
negative
3
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Accurate orders
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long waiting times
- Inconsistent hours
Often praised
- serviceThe food was great, and my partner, who had been there before, introduced me to this place. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was pleasant.
- staffThe Chili Colorado was excellent! The staff went out of their way to ensure I had a good visit. I'll be coming here more often now.
- ServiceService:5
- employeesemployees, are nice, and courteous
- lady at the counterWe came here right after renting a car down the street at Enterprise, and WOW. The lady at the counter was super helpful, and the food was fresh and tasty. What else can you ask for?
- CashierCashier was so nice and took my order respectfully
- StaffStaff super friendly
- cashierthe cashier is super friendly
- convenient and quickthey were convenient and quick
- customer serviceExcellent customer service.
Frequently criticized
- servicebesides the service being horrible
- waiting timeI ordered a combo and had to ask for a cup for my drink because she didn't give it to me. I had to wait more than twenty minutes for my food, even though there were only three other customers.
- bad serviceI don't recommend this place at all and will never return. They double-charged me, didn't offer a refund, and just overall bad service and food quality. The 3rd burrito was donated to a homeless person; that's how bad the food is.
- cashierMy experience at the restaurant was very poor. The cashier was so rude, she even frowned at me and I had to repeat myself. I ordered a combo and had to ask for a cup for my drink because she didn't give it to me.
- closed earlythey had closed early two days in a row
- closing timechanged their closing time to early saturdays and during the week
- consistencyif they were more consistent
- delivery ordersOrders for delivery takes even longer
- drink cupThe cashier was so rude, she even frowned at me and I had to repeat myself. I ordered a combo and had to ask for a cup for my drink because she didn't give it to me. I had to wait more than twenty minutes for my food, even though there were only three other customers.
- eat in restauranttold us no because they were closing earlier than 230
If you catch them on a good day, youll likely experience quick and friendly service. But be prepared for potential inconsistencies, as some customers have faced rude staff and long waits. It might be worth a try if youre in the area, but manage your expectations.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7. Many folks appreciate the friendly, casual vibe and relaxed dining experience, often highlighting the spacious and clean environment, including the seating areas and even the salsa bar. With 25 positive remarks out of 36 total, it seems many find the atmosphere pleasant, especially its convenient location.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 69.4%, suggesting there's still room for improvement. Some of the 9 negative comments point to issues like the excessive plastic and styrofoam waste, which can be a real turn-off for environmentally conscious diners. Other concerns include a somewhat lacking decor, small tables, and a badly designed parking lot, particularly during the busy lunch rush.
Ambience
36
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, casual vibe
- Spacious and clean
- Good location
What people don't like
- Excessive plastic waste
- Lacking decor
- Bad parking lot
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was great, and my partner, who had been there before, introduced me to this place. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was pleasant.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeThe place is super clean
- Mexican restaurantour GO TO Mexican restaurant
- Pokemon Go playersif you play pokemon go there is 2 gyms right there
- casual vibeits friendly, casual vibe
- covered patioSat on the covered patio. Everything was great!
- friendly vibeits friendly, casual vibe
- locationlocation is good
- mirrorsmirrors are so clean
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- decordecor is a bit lacking
- extra trashAVOID PRODUCING EXTRA TRASH
- lunch rushI don't reccomend during lunch rush
- parking lotbadly designed parking lot
- plastic and styrofoam trashbothers me is the PLASTIC AND ESPECIALLY THE STYROFOAM TRASH
- styrofoamavoid using styrofoam that you don't even need
- tablesTables are small
- wasteaware of all the waste we produce
If youre looking for a clean, spacious spot with a relaxed, casual vibe for a quick bite, this place is a good bet. Just be prepared for potentially small tables and a less-than-ideal parking situation, and be mindful of the waste if thats a concern for you.
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.2 and customer satisfaction at a low 16%. However, some folks have found good things to say! Out of 25 total opinions, 4 positive remarks highlight that it can be a great place with reasonable prices and good price per person for a quick bite.
On the flip side, the majority of the feedback, with 16 negative comments, points to significant concerns. Many feel the prices have jumped, with some saying they overprice everything or even charged extra for the cheese. There are also mentions of being double charged or incorrectly billed, which is definitely a bummer.
Value
25
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
16
negative
5
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good lunch value
What people don't like
- Prices too high
- Overpriced items
- Billing issues
Often praised
- placeI was pleasantly surprised by how great this quick, inexpensive place was! The food was great, the staff was nice, and the space to eat was pleasant.
- price per personThe food received a high rating of 4, and while the service and atmosphere were rated a 3, they were still good. It's a great spot for lunch, with prices per person ranging from $10–$20.
- reasonable pricesGood food at reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- pricesSuper high prices though, $13.69 for chilaquiles is absurd
- pricepriced at a whopping 4.60 for 1 crispy beef taco which is pretty high
- $15Pretty mediocre burrito for $15
- Double chargedDouble charged me
- PricesPrices sure jumped up
- charged for 3 cali burritosI visited today for the first time during lunch and was disappointed in the service and food. For the service aspect, I ordered 2 cali burritos and 2 fish tacos but was charged for 3 cali burritos. I didn't notice until the lady that took my order mentioned she would credit me, then proceeded to give me the run-around about how it's easier to compensate with food than refund.
- extra for the cheesewas charged extra for the cheese.
- overprice everythingIt lacks flavor, and they know it. So I'm not sure why they overprice everything on the menu. Thanks.
- price for a flavor drinkthe price for a flavor drink is insaine
So, should you go? If you catch it on a good day, you might find a decent meal for a fair price per person. But be warned, many customers feel the prices are too high and there are consistent issues with billing, so keep an eye on your tab!
How are the prices at Habaneros?
You’re looking at roughly $17 per person – reported by 43 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests stick right around this average, with the vast majority of prices clustering within the $11–$20 range. It seems like the pricing is pretty consistent.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 43 reviews.
Comparing the value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a mid-range Mexican spot. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Habaneros
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
1
Disappointing Service and Bland Food
I visited today for the first time during lunch and was disappointed in the service and food. For the service aspect, I ordered 2 cali burritos and 2 fish tacos but was charged for 3 cali burritos. I didn't notice until the lady that took my order mentioned she would credit me, then proceeded to give me the run-around about how it's easier to compensate with food than refund.
In the end, I ended up with 3 burritos that were mediocre, with no flavor at all. The salsa was plain with no taste. My spouse and I were completely unsatisfied with the food quality and service for $60.
I don't recommend this place at all and will never return. They double-charged me, didn't offer a refund, and just overall bad service and food quality. The 3rd burrito was donated to a homeless person; that's how bad the food is.
- service1
- food1
- charged for 3 cali burritos1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Delivery
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Plastic Found in Son's Burrito
I just ordered from them today and found plastic in my son’s burrito. I am very disappointed that something like that would even get in a burrito, and he is a little over a year old. I’m lucky that I found it rather than him eating it.
- plastic1
- burrito1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Good food, tricky menu
My experience at this restaurant was marked by good food at reasonable prices. However, the menu was a bit hard to navigate. The best approach is to simply tell them what you want, and they will suggest an a la carte or combination item that fits your needs.
The food received a perfect score of 5, and the service and atmosphere were rated a solid 4.
- good food9
- reasonable prices8
- food10
- menu4
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Habanero's: A Long-Time Favorite
Having lived in Mira Mesa for over 30 years, Habanero's has been a beloved "go-to" spot since our first visit. We especially love their rolled tacos, topped with salsa and freshly-made guacamole. The restaurant offers a friendly, casual vibe and a relaxed dining experience.
- rolled tacos9
- salsa9
- guacamole9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Habaneros: Consistently Top 5 Mexican!
Having visited Habaneros at least a dozen times, I can confidently say it's consistently among my top 5 Mexican restaurants. The carne asada plate is a standout, offering amazing portions and incredibly tasty meat. It's a must-try!
- carne asada plate9
- portions9
- meat9
What Habaneros offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Organic dishes
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and amenities can you expect at Habaneros Mexican Grill?
At Habaneros Mexican Grill, you can enjoy a wide range of dining options from breakfast, brunch, and lunch to dinner and dessert, all with comfortable seating. They also offer catering services. For your convenience, you’ll find restrooms and gender-neutral restrooms available.
Does Habaneros Mexican Grill accommodate families and pets, and what are its accessibility features?
Absolutely! Habaneros Mexican Grill is good for kids, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs, plus changing tables. You can also bring your dogs to enjoy the outdoor seating. The restaurant is fully accessible with wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms.
How does Habaneros score overall and in key areas?
Habaneros has an overall Restaurant Score of **6.5**, indicating an average experience. Its strengths lie in **Food** (7) and **Ambience** (7), while **Service** (5.8) is mixed, and **Value** (4.2) is a notable area for improvement.
What are customers saying about the food quality at Habaneros?
Many customers appreciate the food at Habaneros, describing it as traditional, authentic, and flavorful. Specific items like rolled tacos, Menudo, and Carne Asada Burritos receive positive mentions for their taste and generous portions.
Are there any common issues with service at Habaneros?
Service at Habaneros can be inconsistent. While some customers praise the staff as helpful and friendly, others have reported issues such as long waiting times, rude cashiers, and problems with order accuracy or being double-charged.