Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Los Ruiz – San Diego
Los Ruiz - San Diego
Photo from Los Ruiz
Los Ruiz at a glance
San Diego Pacific Beach
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 47 of the guests
#230 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#23 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
411
Reviews
80.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Homemade tortillas
- Friendly service
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Rude staff
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Los Ruiz invites you to experience authentic Mexican flavors right in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Pacific Beach neighborhood. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With delicious vegetarian options and convenient service options like outdoor seating, it’s a local favorite for any time of day.
Overview: Introducting Los Ruiz
Los Ruiz offers a generally satisfying dining experience, often praised for its authentic flavors and homemade tortillas. Many appreciate the generous portions and the overall value provided, making it a popular choice for a hearty meal.
However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies in food preparation. Guests frequently highlight the friendly staff and efficient service, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
While the setting is generally pleasant, a few comments touch upon minor cleanliness concerns. Overall, it’s a place where the positives often outweigh the occasional missteps.
Good
7.9
out of 10
411
Reviews
80.5%
Satisfaction
63
negative
17
neutral
331
positive
Los Ruiz earns a solid Restaurant Score of 7.9, indicating a good overall performance, which aligns well with a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 80.5%. This suggests that the majority of guests leave pleased with their visit.
These figures are drawn from 411 customer observations, with 331 positive remarks against 63 negative ones, painting a clear picture of general approval. Breaking it down, the Service (8) and Value (8) both achieve good scores, reflecting efficient and friendly interactions alongside fair pricing.
The Ambience (8.2) also stands out positively, contributing to a comfortable dining environment. While Food (7.9) is also rated as good, some specific dishes occasionally fall short of expectations, despite many positive comments about quality and taste.
What people like
- Homemade tortillas
- Friendly, fast service
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional rude staff
- Minor cleanliness concerns
If you’re seeking a casual spot with a focus on generous portions and authentic flavors, Los Ruiz is certainly worth considering. The consistent praise for its service and value, backed by a strong Recommendation Score of 8.1, suggests a high likelihood of a positive experience.
However, be mindful that while many dishes are well-received, there can be occasional variations in food quality. For those prioritizing friendly service and good value in a relaxed setting, Los Ruiz generally delivers a satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Los Ruiz
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here is definitely a crowd-pleaser, boasting a good score of 7.9 and a strong 79.4% customer satisfaction. With 235 positive remarks, many highlight the fresh ingredients, homemade tortillas, and generous portions. Popular items like the California burrito and tacos are often praised for their vibrant flavors and overall quality.
However, not all 48 negative comments are glowing. Some diners found the al pastor chewy or their breakfast burrito missing key elements like hashbrowns and bacon. Other concerns include salsas being watered down, carnitas being dry, and general disappointment with food flavor or quality of food.
Food
296
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
48
negative
13
neutral
235
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade tortillas
- Generous portions
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent burritos
- Watered-down salsas
- Dry carnitas
Often praised
- foodIt's not their fault at all. I wanted to mention that when I first got it and took a couple of bites, it was delicious. Good job!
- breakfast burritoMy experience at this restaurant is consistently great. It's my go-to for their massive filling breakfast burrito and their salad with al pastor or chicken, served in a freshly made PERFECTLY FRIED LIGHT AIRY tortilla bowl. Both are an incredible value at only $11!
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was excellent and well prepared, with generous portions. They offer a good variety on their menu, including daily specials.
- tortillasTheir tortillas are homemade and absolutely to die for
- tacosbest tacos I’ve had in such a long time
- Mexican foodthis place is legit. ... I know my Mexican food.
- FoodFood:5
- burritosmakes incredible burritos
- corn tortillasappreciate the fresh and authentic corn tortillas
- homemade tortillasmountain of their homemade tortillas home
Frequently criticized
- foodIt was packed almost entirely with beans and had no hashbrowns or bacon, despite being a hashbrown breakfast burrito, which isn't supposed to have any beans even. My experience with the food was very disappointing this time, especially considering my usual positive experiences.
- insidesThe special Azteca Burrito with carne asada and nopales/cactus also offered the same eating experience. The flour tortilla was really good, grilled and made crispy in the right spots around the body of the burrito, but the insides were both not cut small enough and far too tough to chew through. I'll be back at lunchtime one day to give them another shot and to update the review accordingly.
- al pastorwasnt the marinated pastor i was expecting
- baconno bacon
- bad cheesesanitary cheese that had turned bad
- bad meat" However, due to the rudeness of the guy at the counter, whose name I don't know, I felt I couldn't voice my concerns. It's clear they served me unclean and unsanitary food, including cheese that had turned bad and meat that had turned bad. It should be illegal for restaurants to operate this way, selling old food and making customers sick.
- beansI've regularly gotten great food from this restaurant, but just now I threw almost an entire breakfast burrito away. It was packed almost entirely with beans and had no hashbrowns or bacon, despite being a hashbrown breakfast burrito, which isn't supposed to have any beans even. My experience with the food was very disappointing this time, especially considering my usual positive experiences.
- beans and cheeseBeans and cheese were just not tasty at all
- beef rolled tacosbeef rolled tacos burned to a crisp
- breakfast burritoI'm really perplexed right now. I've regularly gotten great food from this restaurant, but just now I threw almost an entire breakfast burrito away. It was packed almost entirely with beans and had no hashbrowns or bacon, despite being a hashbrown breakfast burrito, which isn't supposed to have any beans even.
If you're craving authentic Mexican food with fresh ingredients and generous portions, this spot is largely worth a visit. Just be aware that some items might be inconsistent, and the salsas could be a hit or miss. Overall, the positives strongly suggest a satisfying meal.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8 and an impressive 82.4% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners walk away happy. Out of 68 comments, a whopping 56 praise the friendly staff, amazing service, and the personal touch from owners like Edgar, often noting the impressive service speed and positive staff attitude.
However, its not entirely without its bumps. A few of the 11 negative comments mention encounters with a rude guy at the counter or a bald waiter, leading to service that wasn't always friendly or welcoming. There were also some concerns about wait times during busy periods, suggesting consistency could be improved in certain interactions.
Service
68
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, amazing staff
- Personalized owner service
- Fast service speed
What people don't like
- Rude counter staff
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by friendly and great service. The portions were healthy, offering good value for the price.
- staffThe staff is so friendly and nice!
- ServiceService was fast, friendly, and straightforward
- peoplethe people are friendly too.
- EdgarThe meat is also high quality. The people that work here are always super friendly and courteous, especially Edgar! So happy they are in our neighborhood.
- EveryoneEveryone is very friendly
- Rafa, the ownerRafa, the owner, is a real stand up gentleman and is always happy to help you quickly.
- customer servicecustomer service was 6 star
- foodfive minutes later food was out
- friendly stafffriendly staff
Frequently criticized
- serviceI found this confusing, as I reasoned if they have the tripa and the flour tortillas, the difference to make a burrito seemed minimal. The fact that the tripa burrito is listed on the menu but unavailable makes no sense to me. Unfortunately, I won't be returning.
- bald waiterthe bald waiter is the the rudest person
- glovesThe guy making it wasn’t wearing any gloves
- person behind the counterThe ingredients were flavorful and the tortillas had a great char. While the food was excellent, the person behind the counter was a little rude. However, they were getting busy, and I had a list of questions, so I understood their situation, having worked in the service industry myself.
- restaurant carethey surely don't care
- rude guyknowing how rude the guy is at the counter
- rude guy at the counterThe rude guy at the counter said
- simple orderHow can someone mess up an order like that?
- waitWatch out for the wait in lunch rush.
Overall, you can expect a largely positive experience here, especially with the warm and friendly staff often going above and beyond. Just be mindful of potential waits during peak hours and the occasional less-than-stellar interaction, but it's definitely worth a visit for the great service.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 84.6%, its clear most folks are loving the atmosphere. Out of 26 comments, a whopping 22 praised the Atmosphere, cleanliness, and outdoor seating, making it a truly great spot with a super clean and organized feel.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A couple of comments (2 out of 26) touched on initial cleanliness concerns, with one person mentioning they felt like it wasn’t going to be good and clean. While minor, it's worth noting that first impressions can sometimes be a mixed bag.
Ambience
26
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Spotless cleanliness
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- atmospheregreat atmosphere
- cleanlinessy limpio
- parkingPlenty of parking
- authentic taqueriaThe people were nice, the salsa was bomb, and the portions were big. The prices were good too, making it an authentic taqueria experience. What more could you ask for?
- eat outdoorsThey have the option to eat outdoors which I loved
- experienceThe food was really good and tasted pretty authentic. The woman behind the counter was very kind, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The burrito I ordered was massive!
- great spotThe staff was incredibly friendly, making the overall visit very pleasant. It's a great spot, and I will definitely be back next time I'm in San Diego.
- locationde la zona está riquÃsimo y preciosa accesible
- outdoor seatingthey have nice outdoor seating
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessfelt like it wasn’t going to be good and clean
- restaurantsrestaurants were going open up again they're closing up
If youre looking for a place with a genuinely pleasant vibe, clean surroundings, and the option for outdoor dining, this place is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find the atmosphere contributes positively to your overall experience.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.7%, many diners rave about finding a great affordable meal and excellent value for money. Out of 21 total opinions, 18 highlight the good prices and generous portions that make the experience well worth it.
However, a couple of voices (2 out of 21) did mention that prices were a bit steep, with some feeling the food was not worth the price. While these opinions are few, they suggest that expectations for quality relative to cost might occasionally diverge for some guests.
Value
21
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable meals
- Good portions
What people don't like
- Quality vs. price
Often praised
- pricesespecially at their prices
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was super yummy and definitely well worth the price. The staff is also amazing, and I want to give a special shout out to Edgar, who always makes me feel like family.
- value for moneyVery good value for money
- $11Both only $11!
- free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- good pricesgood prices
- great affordable mealThe food was amazing, and the service from Edgar was superb. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great affordable meal.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- valueMy experience at the restaurant was marked by friendly and great service. The portions were healthy, offering good value for the price. I highly recommend the carne asada torta, and the bean burrito was impressively huge.
Frequently criticized
- pricefood was not worth the price
- pricesPrices are a little high for the quality
If youre looking for a place that generally offers great value and affordable meals, this restaurant is a solid choice. While a few guests felt the quality didnt quite match the price, the vast majority agree you'll get good bang for your buck here.
How are the prices at Los Ruiz?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 47 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 cluster around this $11–$20 price point, showing a clear sweet spot for what people are spending.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 47 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It hits that sweet spot for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Los Ruiz
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Tacos and Friendly Service
My experience at this taco shop was fantastic. It's one of the greatest around San Diego. The food is top notch, and the staff is friendly & helpful.
I highly recommend trying the hashed brown breakfast burrito; you won't be disappointed.
- food10
- staff9
- hashed brown breakfast burrito10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Best Breakfast Burrito in San Diego
My experience at Taqueria Los Ruiz's Cass Street location was outstanding. I had a breakfast burrito that I can honestly say is one of the best I've encountered in the area. The focus was on real flavor and quality, with no unnecessary frills.
The tortilla was perfectly warm and fresh, the eggs were cooked just right, and the meat was well-seasoned. They were generous with the fillings, and the portions were solid. The service was impressively fast, friendly, and straightforward.
If you're serious about breakfast burritos in San Diego, this place is a must-visit. It's a definite five-star experience.
- breakfast burrito10
- real flavor and quality10
- tortilla9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Mexican Food Gem!
After over 30 years in San Diego, one becomes pretty damn particular about Mexican food. Moving nearby recently, I am so stoked to be next door to this shop. The grilled chicken burrito is top-notch, and their beans and rice are consistently on point.
Excellent service and prices also. ¡Muchas gracias Los Ruiz!
- grilled chicken burrito10
- beans and rice9
- service9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Delicious Burritos, Service Needs Work
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their breakfast burritos, which were very good. As someone from SoCal who has tried many burritos, these truly deserved 5 stars. The ingredients were flavorful and the tortillas had a great char.
While the food was excellent, the person behind the counter was a little rude. However, they were getting busy, and I had a list of questions, so I understood their situation, having worked in the service industry myself. The seating is mainly outside, but there's a decent amount of four and two tops.
It was warm inside because the door was propped open. Overall, it's all about the food. Based on my experience, I would recommend it.
- breakfast burritos10
- ingredients10
- tortillas10
- person behind the counter3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Tacos and Amazing Soup!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially regarding the food. I have to admit, I initially rated the atmosphere lower, but the carne asada tacos and the nopal tacos were so incredibly good that they deserve exceptional recognition. The nopal tacos are the best and most authentic I've ever had this side of the border.
They use homemade tortillas and serve generous portions, which are a staple here. Even the caldo (soup) was so good it would make my Mexican mother-in-law happy.
- carne asada tacos10
- nopal tacos10
- homemade tortillas9
What Los Ruiz offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What service options and accessibility features does TaquerÃa Los Ruiz offer?
At TaquerÃa Los Ruiz, you can enjoy your meal with outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, or delivery. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Plus, you’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot available for your convenience.
What kind of dining experience and menu can you expect at TaquerÃa Los Ruiz?
You can visit TaquerÃa Los Ruiz for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, with comfortable seating available in a cozy and casual atmosphere. Their menu features small plates and delicious vegetarian options, ideal for a quick bite. It’s also a great spot for families, as it’s good for kids.
How does Los Ruiz score overall?
Los Ruiz has a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.9 and a Customer Satisfaction of 80.5%. Key areas like Service (8), Ambience (8.2), and Value (8) are rated well, with Food (7.9) also performing strongly.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Los Ruiz?
Many customers praise the authentic taste, especially the homemade tortillas, and appreciate the generous portions. Dishes like breakfast burritos and tacos often receive positive feedback, though some note occasional inconsistencies in preparation.
What is the service like at Los Ruiz?
The service at Los Ruiz is frequently described as friendly, fast, and courteous. Many guests highlight the welcoming nature of the staff, contributing significantly to a positive dining experience.