Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Joses Pollos – San Diego
Joses Pollos - San Diego
Photo from Joses Pollos
Joses Pollos at a glance
San Diego Golden Hill
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 59 of the guests
#201 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#15 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
206
Reviews
78.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Good service
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- Service issues
- Parking difficulty
The restaurant Joses Pollos is a charming Mexican Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Golden Hill neighborhood of San Diego. If you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy authentic flavors, this is a fantastic choice.
You’ll find a casual and quiet atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a full dinner, Joses Pollos offers a delightful dining experience for you.
Overview: Introducting Joses Pollos
Joses Pollos offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking flavorful chicken and well-regarded ribs. Many appreciate the attentive customer service, contributing to a generally positive dining atmosphere.
However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies in food quality. While the overall impression is favorable, a few diners have noted instances of dry chicken or less-than-welcoming interactions with the cashier.
Finding a convenient parking spot can also present a minor challenge for some visitors.
Good
8
out of 10
206
Reviews
78.2%
Satisfaction
30
negative
15
neutral
161
positive
Joses Pollos achieves a solid 8 for its overall performance, complemented by a 78.2% customer satisfaction rate. These figures reflect a generally positive reception from diners, with 161 positive remarks outweighing 30 negative ones across 206 total observations.
This indicates a consistent and largely satisfying experience for many. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring a strong (8.1), being the most frequently discussed aspect.
Service also earns high marks (8.2), often described as welcoming and efficient. Diners find good Value (8.1) in their meals, while the Ambience (7.4) provides a pleasant, albeit less remarkable, backdrop to the dining experience.
What people like
- Flavorful chicken and ribs
- Welcoming, efficient service
- Good meal value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional unfriendly service
- Challenging parking
Joses Pollos generally delivers a satisfying meal, particularly if you appreciate well-prepared chicken and ribs. With a strong recommendation score of 8.2, it’s a place worth considering for a casual and flavorful dining experience.
While most visits are positive, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food preparation or occasional service hiccups. If you’re seeking good value and robust flavors, Joses Pollos could be a solid choice for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Joses Pollos
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.6%. Many rave about the rich flavor and quality of the marinated chicken and ribs, with 110 positive remarks out of 140 total, highlighting delicious and well-prepared dishes. However, not every experience is perfect.
A few of the 19 negative comments mention concerns about dry chicken and inconsistent quality, particularly with the marinated one. Some also found the beans to be bland, suggesting there's a little room for improvement.
Food
140
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
19
negative
11
neutral
110
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Rich flavor
- Juicy marinated chicken
- Delicious ribs
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Chicken can be dry
- Bland beans
Often praised
- chickenThe chicken is juicy, tender, and ridiculously flavorful
- foodThe food here is amazing
- ribsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I highly recommend checking this place out for the best ribs in San Diego. Thank you to all the staff for the delicious food.
- FoodFood:5
- flavorLove the flavor
- marinated chickenbest experience in marinated chicken
- chicken and ribsthey smoke the chicken and ribs to give it flavor
- Acapulco style chickenMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best Acapulco style chicken in San Diego here. I always end up ordering 3 or 4 chickens because they are so good.
- food qualityfood quality and taste phenomenal
- green salsagreen 💚 = Delicious 😋 hot but manageable.
Frequently criticized
- chickenWe got chicken and after the first bite even the smell bothered me.
- ribsthe ribs where a little hard
- foodPersonally i did not like the taste!!!
- beansthe beans were bland.
- chicken comboI've bought the marinated chicken combo three times. The first two were delicious, but the third time the chicken was very dry and had a different marinade flavor. Food quality was inconsistent.
- drydisappointed at how dry it was.
- food qualityFood quality was inconsistent
- half order of ribsGot the half order of ribs and it came with like 4 bones that had no meat on them
- marinated oneWe got the marinated one thinking it would guarantee juicy chicken.. negative. Still dry.
- quantityquantity went down by like 30%
Overall, if youre looking for flavorful, well-marinated chicken and ribs, this place is definitely worth a try. While there might be occasional inconsistencies, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youre likely in for a delicious meal.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a strong score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 83.3%, many folks, 25 to be exact, raved about the awesome service and hard working staff. Youll often find friendly service and a kitchen that ensures you wont wait long for food.
However, out of 30 total opinions, 5 did point to areas for improvement. Some mentioned needing more attention to customer service, specifically noting that the cashier or cash register person sometimes had a bad attitude, suggesting a need for a more welcoming approach.
Service
30
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly service
- Hard-working staff
- Quick food delivery
What people don't like
- Rude cashier
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- customer serviceThe combos they offer are very well-priced and truly satisfy hunger and cravings. Friends and family who have tried Joses Pollos have been more than satisfied with their customer service and the delicious food they serve. 100% recommended to give them a try next time you have a craving for roasted chicken or marinated ribs Acapulco style!
- servicewelcoming, informative, appreciative service
- ServiceService:5
- EricEric is amazing and will greet you with a smile and a positive attitude
- awesome serviceI definitely liked the delicious ribs, chicken rice, and beans. The awesome service and hard-working staff made the meal even better. I definitely recommend this place.
- friendly servicefriendly service
- hard working staffhard working staff
- hoursLos horarios son extensos
- kitchenthe kitchen pumps out orders in record time
- peopleMuy amables las personas que me atendieron
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceNecesitan poner cuidado con la atención al cliente
- cash register personel sujeto de la caja tiene pésima actitud
- cashierEl cajero perece que está enojado 😅
- serviceel que atiende le falta ser más amable
Overall, you can expect a generally good service experience here, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. While there are a few concerns about cashier interactions, its likely youll receive quick and welcoming service.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
Based on 13 positive remarks out of 21 total customer comments, the vibe here is generally quite pleasant. Many guests rave about the overall atmosphere, noting its a clean place with a fantastic smell and a cozy place feel. The noise level is often highlighted as quiet, making it easy to chat, contributing to a truly enjoyable dining experience.
With a solid score of 7.4, its clear the ambiance is a strong point. However, it's not entirely without its quirks, as customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 61.9%. While the interior shines, 4 critical observations point to a recurring challenge: parking.
Several visitors found it limited and difficult to find, which can be a bit of a hassle before you even step inside. This seems to be the main area where the experience could be smoother.
Ambience
21
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Fantastic smell
- Quiet noise level
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was pleasant
- placeI was recommended this place and I really liked it
- clean placeclean place
- cozy placevisit this cozy place
- noise levelthe noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk
- parking lotthey have parking lot
- smellthe smell is fantastic
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe only challenge is parking, which can be tough
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
If youre looking for a pleasant and cozy spot with a great atmosphere and quiet setting, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potential scavenger hunt for a parking spot, as thats the main hurdle before enjoying the good vibes inside.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this place really delivers! With a strong score of 8.1 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 86.7%, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a great deal. Out of 15 comments, 13 highlight the excellent value, good prices, and how well its priced for families, often calling it a great price point.
However, not everyone is entirely thrilled. A couple of voices, 2 out of 15, expressed concern about the price having gone up and feeling it's no longer the best deal in town. They noted a decrease in quantity, hoping it was just a one-off experience.
Value
15
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable prices
- Good portions
What people don't like
- Price increases
- Quantity decreased
Often praised
- priceThey also served it with beans, rice, and tortillas. On Tuesdays, they have a special deal: 2 whole pollos for $40. The food was excellent, earning a perfect 5/5.
- pricessuper good and affordable prices
- valuegreat value
- great price pointThe street-style presentation came with good portions, and the service was friendly. All of this was offered at a great price point. I highly recommend it!
- priced for familiesvery well priced for family’s
Frequently criticized
- dealThe price has increased by 15%, and the quantity of food has decreased by about 30%. It's no longer the best deal in town. I'm hoping this was a one-off experience and will update my review after my next visit if things improve.
- priceprice went up 15%
Overall, if youre looking for a place that generally offers great bang for your buck, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. While a couple of recent comments mention price increases, the vast majority still find it to be an excellent value, especially for families. Its a solid choice for affordable, satisfying meals.
How are the prices at Joses Pollos?
You’re looking at roughly $22 per person – reported by 59 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average spend is $22, our data shows that a good number of guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $11–$20 range, indicating a nice variety of price points available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 59 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 Mexican Restaurant in San Diego. You get good value for a mid-range experience, with options for various budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Joses Pollos
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Flavor and Value!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the great flavor and the excellent value. I highly recommend ordering with their in-house marinade; you can't go wrong.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5. The noise level was moderate.
- flavor9
- value9
- in house marinade10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Phenomenal Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was marked by welcoming, informative, and appreciative service. The food quality and taste were phenomenal. I highly recommend visiting on Tuesday for their special.
I enjoyed the original chicken and original ribs, served with sauce on the side, as I prefer to taste the meat itself. However, their hot sauce is FIRE 🔥.
- service10
- food quality10
- original chicken9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Acapulco Sabor!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, starting with the smell that instantly drew me in. My mouth was watering as I waited for the 1/2 & 1/2 combo. I enjoyed watching the sunset on my neighborhood while indulging in the Acapulco sabor😋🤤🍗.
- smell9
- 1/2 & 1/2 combo9
- Acapulco sabor10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Ribs and Chicken at Jose Pollos!
I've been to Jose Pollos before, and it's always been so delicious and great customer service. My favorite food is the ribs and the chicken, especially with that green salsa 🔥🔥💪🏾💪🏾.
- ribs10
- chicken10
- green salsa10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
6
Inconsistent Chicken Marinade
I've bought the marinated chicken combo three times. The first two were delicious, but the third time the chicken was very dry and had a different marinade flavor. Food quality was inconsistent.
- marinated chicken8
- chicken combo3
- food quality3
What Joses Pollos offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
Is Joses Pollos accessible for everyone?
Yes, Joses Pollos is committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Joses Pollos?
At Joses Pollos, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. They offer various dining options including lunch, dinner, and table service, with outdoor seating available for you to enjoy the San Diego weather.
How does Joses Pollos generally perform?
Joses Pollos holds a good overall score of 8, with Food (8.1) and Service (8.2) being its strongest aspects. Value (8.1) is also highly regarded, while Ambience (7.4) is considered pleasant.
What are the highlights of the food at Joses Pollos?
Many diners praise the chicken for being juicy, tender, and flavorful, and the ribs are also frequently recommended. The green salsa is noted for its delicious taste.
Are there any common issues to be aware of when visiting Joses Pollos?
Some customers have experienced inconsistencies in food quality, such as dry chicken or bland beans. There have also been occasional remarks about less friendly service from staff and challenges with parking.