Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » McDonald’s – San Diego
McDonald's - San Diego
Photo from McDonald’s
McDonald's at a glance
San Diego Golden Hill
- 🍔 Fast-Food-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 14 of the guests
#670 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#11 Fast-Food-Restaurant out of 18 in San Diego
Average
5.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
88
Reviews
43.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fast, friendly service
- Reliable fries
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Access restrictions
- Food quality
The restaurant McDonald’s, a popular Fast Food Restaurant in San Diego’s Golden Hill neighborhood, is known for its great coffee. You can easily grab a quick bite here, whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
It’s a casual spot perfect for a late-night meal or just a refreshing coffee break. With convenient service options like curbside pickup and dine-in, it caters to your busy schedule.
Overview: Introducting McDonald's
McDonald’s offers a familiar experience, often highlighted by its friendly staff and the consistent quality of certain menu items. Many appreciate the quick service, especially during busy periods, making it a reliable stop for a fast meal.
However, the experience isn’t without its hitches. Some customers have noted service consistency issues and challenges with limited dining access at certain locations, which can detract from the overall visit.
Despite these points, the core offerings remain a draw.
Average
5.2
out of 10
88
Reviews
43.2%
Satisfaction
43
negative
7
neutral
38
positive
Overall, McDonald’s holds an average standing with a Restaurant Score of 5.2 out of 10, and Customer Satisfaction sitting at a mixed 43.2%. This assessment is drawn from 88 customer comments, with 38 positive and 43 negative remarks shaping the picture.
It suggests a place that meets expectations for some, but leaves others wanting more. Delving into specifics, Food scores an average (5.7), often praised for items like crispy fries, while Value also lands in the average range (6), thanks to affordable deals.
Ambience is similarly average (5.4), but Service lags slightly behind with an average score of (4.4), indicating areas where improvements could enhance the customer journey.
What people like
- Friendly, fast service
- Crispy, hot fries
- Affordable meal deals
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Limited dining access
- Food quality concerns
With a Recommendation Score of 5.1, McDonald’s is a practical choice when you’re seeking a quick, affordable meal without high expectations for a gourmet experience. It delivers on its promise of speed and familiar flavors, especially if you stick to popular items.
If you prioritize consistent service, a diverse menu, or a traditional dine-in atmosphere, you might find the experience here a bit of a mixed bag. It’s best approached as a convenient option for a specific craving rather than a destination dining spot.
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Verdict: Our expert take on McDonald's
Food (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners celebrate the consistently fresh and hot items, especially the crispy and hot fries. Some also highlighted creatively prepared dishes and the Graveyard Brownie. Based on 19 positive remarks out of 36 total comments, there are definitely some crowd-pleasers that keep people coming back.
However, not all experiences were stellar. With 14 negative comments, some found bagel sandwiches and pancakes to be lukewarm, while others reported soggy fries or even mold on bread. With a score of 5.7 and customer satisfaction at 52.8%, the food quality seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, showing room for improvement.
Food
36
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Crispy, hot fries
- Consistently fresh food
- Scrumptious brownie
What people don't like
- Lukewarm food served
- Soggy, poorly served fries
- Unpleasant food surprises
Often praised
- foodIt's good, but you can only buy it by car and online. It's not open to the public for eating in the establishment.
- friesThe fries are on point 90% of the time
- Big MacI always order a Big Mac
- Graveyard BrownieGraveyard Brownie which was a moist chocolate brownie and was scrumptious
- McDonald'sThis McDonald’s is the standard
- McDoublesordered two McDoubles
- creatively prepareddish was creatively prepared
- crispy and hot friesI'd go here just for the crispy and hot fries.
- dry experienceNever had a bad dry experience here.
- large friesMy experience at this restaurant was centered around ordering my usual favorites. I always get a Big Mac with large fries. I also decided to order two McDoubles, which were a great deal at two for $4!
Frequently criticized
- friesThe only thing that stood out was that the fries were poorly served. They were filled only halfway and were a bit soggy.
- FoodThe Food was rated 1.
- McDoublepaid $4.50 for a McDouble
- bagel sandwichBagel sandwich was luke warm
- burgers and friesThere was hair in the burgers and fries.
- cappuccino macchiatocappuccino macchiato coffee, wow, all sugar
- food choicessame old bad choice of food
- hairThere was hair in the burgers and fries.
- hungerI was inside a military base, and as a civilian, I couldn't get in 😭. We were hungry.
- meatThe meat also tasted old and expired.
If you're craving reliably hot fries and some classic comfort food, you might find something to enjoy here. However, be aware that consistency can be an issue, with some dishes arriving lukewarm or having other unexpected problems.
Service (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
The service here has some bright spots, with many customers appreciating the waitstaff and staff for being quick, helpful, and friendly. Based on 10 positive remarks, folks often highlight how fast-paced the team is, especially when handling lunch crowds, and how accommodating they can be. However, the overall picture for service is a bit of a mixed bag, scoring an average 4.4 with a rather poor 30.3% customer satisfaction.
With 21 negative remarks, many highlight issues with phone service, waiting times, and general customer service. A significant frustration is the lack of clear information about civilian access to this military base location.
Service
33
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
21
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Accommodating team
What people don't like
- No civilian access
- Slow drive-thru
- Poor communication
Often praised
- staffMy favorite part about this place is the staff. Awesome and friendly.
- serviceGreat service, food is delivered as ordered
- fast-pacedThey are fast paced though
- lunch crowdsThey seemed miserable, and it clearly showed to the customers. On the positive side, they are fast-paced and cleared lunch crowds pretty well.
- no picklesthey ALWAYS accommodate me
- waitstaffwaitstaff played their parts very well
- workersthe workers are always so friendly and nice
Frequently criticized
- McDonald'sI was looking for a McDonald's today, but there was no McDonald's here. They told me security was present.
- ServiceThe Service was rated 1.
- app issueapp the restaurant is in a different building
- app locationapp has the wrong location for the restaurant
- being cut offshe cut me off
- cashierthe cashier didn’t give us the cups or the cookies
- civilian accessDO NOT VISIT IF YOU ARE A CIVILIAN. This is on a military base.
- communicationcouldn’t answer me in English well
- customer serviceweren't the most customer service based I've seen
- drive thruDrive thru is often very slow
Given the mixed feedback, especially the significant access issues, this spot might be a hit or miss. If you're a civilian, definitely check access beforehand to avoid disappointment. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially slow service, though the staff can be friendly.
Ambience (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to ambiance, this spot has some interesting points! While the overall score sits at an average 5.4, and customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed 42.9%, there are definite upsides. Many guests appreciate the atmosphere and specifically praise the spooky ambiance for creating an immersive experience inside.
Based on 6 positive comments out of 14 total, folks also consistently mention how clean it is. However, the experience isnt without its quirks. An equal number of 6 negative comments highlight some significant challenges.
Some found the Atmosphere itself lacking, while others noted issues with non-diners occupying tables. A major sticking point for many was accessibility, particularly concerning military base access and the fact its not open to the public, leading to a cookie-cutter place feel for some.
Ambience
14
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spooky immersive ambiance
- Very clean inside
What people don't like
- Limited public access
- Non-diners present
- Cookie-cutter feel
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanIt’s also very clean
- immersive experiencemake the experience even more immersive
- insideVery clean inside
- spooky ambiancegreat job in bringing out a spooky ambiance
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereThe Atmosphere was rated 1.
- accessibilityit was not accessible to civilians
- cookie-cutter placecooke cutter kinda place
- eating in the establishmentIt's good, but you can only buy it by car and online. It's not open to the public for eating in the establishment.
- military base accessI was inside a military base, and as a civilian, I couldn't get in 😭. We were hungry.
- non-dinersSome non-diners come in thru side door to sit & rest on tables
If youre looking for a unique, potentially spooky, and clean atmosphere, you might enjoy it, especially if you have the right access. However, be aware that accessibility is a major hurdle for many, and the overall experience is quite mixed, so it might disappoint if you cant get in easily.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
Many customers find some real gems when it comes to value, especially with popular two for $4 offers and generally cheap food options. Its great that you can still scan for deals and rewards to save a few bucks. Out of 5 total comments, 3 highlight these affordable choices, contributing to a mixed customer satisfaction of 60%.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 2 comments pointing out that prices can be too high. Some also expressed frustration when they werent eligible for certain 2 for deal promotions. The overall value gets an average score of 6, suggesting there's a bit of a mixed experience here.
Value
5
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Find cheap food
- Enjoy two-for deals
- Scan for rewards
What people don't like
- Prices too high
- Deals not eligible
Often praised
- cheap foodMy top scene for cheap food
- deals and rewardsYou can still scan deals and rewards
- two for $4I always get a Big Mac with large fries. I also decided to order two McDoubles, which were a great deal at two for $4! It's hard to go wrong with such classic and affordable options.
Frequently criticized
- 2 for dealnot even eligible for the 2 for... deal
- pricesthe prices are too high
If youre savvy with deals and rewards, you can definitely find some affordable eats here. However, be mindful that not all promotions are universally applicable, and some everyday prices might feel a bit steep. Its a good spot for budget-conscious diners who know how to navigate the offers.
How are the prices at McDonald's?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 14 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Fast Food Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, prices arent all clustered here; theres a nice spread, from budget-friendly bites to a few more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 14 reviews.
A look at how this Fast Food Restaurant in San Diego compares on value against similar places.
We think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Fast Food Restaurant. It offers a good range, so you can pick what suits your wallet and your hunger!
Customer Reviews: what people think about McDonald's
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great food, but a bit of a crowd issue
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with food and staff being highlights. The food was excellent, and the staff were great. However, there was an issue with non-diners using the side door to sit and rest on tables, which detracted slightly from the atmosphere.
- food9
- staff9
- non-diners4
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
2
Disappointing McDouble Deal
My experience was disappointing. I paid $4. 50 for a McDouble, and it wasn't even eligible for the 2 for $X deal.
Smdh.
- McDouble2
- 2 for deal1
2
Unprofessional Phone Service
My experience with the restaurant's phone service was quite negative. The person who answered the call was unprofessional. They struggled to communicate effectively in English and cut me off during the conversation.
- phone service2
- communication3
- being cut off3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Hair and old meat in burgers
My experience at the restaurant was very disappointing. I found hair in the burgers and fries. Additionally, the meat tasted old and expired.
The service and atmosphere were rated poorly by the reviewer.
- hair1
- burgers and fries1
- meat1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
1
Disappointing Breakfast Experience
My experience at NavMedCtr Balboa for breakfast was far from enjoyable. The bagel sandwich was served lukewarm, and to my dismay, I discovered a small spot of mold on the bottom slice of bread. My wife's pancakes were also lukewarm.
The cappuccino macchiato was overwhelmingly sweet, tasting like all sugar. I will not be eating there again!
- bagel sandwich2
- mold on bread1
- pancakes2
What McDonald's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Late-night food
- Coffee
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at McDonald's in Golden Hill, and is there a kids' menu?
At McDonald’s in Golden Hill, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Seating is available for your convenience. Plus, if you’re dining with little ones, you’ll be pleased to find a dedicated kids’ menu, making it a good choice for families.
What accessibility features does McDonald's in San Diego offer?
This McDonald’s location in San Diego is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
How does McDonald's rate overall?
McDonald’s receives an overall Restaurant Score of 5.2 out of 10. Customers generally find the Food (5.7) and Value (6) to be average, while Ambience (5.4) is also average. Service (4.4) is noted as an area needing improvement.
What are the standout food items at McDonald's?
Customers frequently praise the fries for being crispy and hot. The Big Mac and McDoubles are also popular choices, often highlighted for their consistent taste and affordability.
What are the main service challenges at McDonald's?
Service can be inconsistent, with some customers experiencing slow drive-thru times, communication issues, or cashiers not providing all ordered items. There are also specific complaints about limited civilian access at certain locations.