Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Porkyland – San Diego
Porkyland - San Diego
Photo from Porkyland
Porkyland at a glance
San Diego Carmel Valley
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 39 of the guests
#637 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#95 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
305
Reviews
53.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Small portions
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s Carmel Valley, invites you to experience authentic flavors. At Porkyland, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With convenient outdoor seating available, you can savor your meal in the fresh air, making it an ideal spot for any time of day.
Overview: Introducting Porkyland
Porkyland offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly when it comes to the main dishes. Many appreciate the quality of the food, with several finding it quite satisfying.
The staff often receives praise for being friendly and efficient, contributing to a pleasant visit. However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the overall value, feeling that certain items can be a bit pricey for the portion.
There are also occasional remarks about the ambience, specifically cleanliness in some areas, which can detract from the experience.
Average
5.6
out of 10
305
Reviews
53.1%
Satisfaction
129
negative
14
neutral
162
positive
Porkyland registers a Restaurant Score of 5.6, placing it squarely in the average category. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 53.1%, indicating a mixed reception from diners.
Based on 305 customer opinions, with 162 positive remarks against 129 negative ones, it’s clear there’s a balance of experiences. Digging deeper, the Food (5.8) is generally well-regarded, often highlighted as a strong point.
The Ambience (7.2) surprisingly scores highest, despite fewer mentions, suggesting a comfortable setting for those who notice it. However, Service (4.7) and especially Value (4.3) show room for improvement, with some finding the pricing a bit steep for what’s offered.
What people like
- Quality food offerings
- Friendly, quick service
- Convenient location, parking
What people don't like
- High prices noted
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Occasional hygiene concerns
With a Recommendation Score of 5.9, Porkyland presents a mixed proposition. If you prioritize tasty Mexican food and appreciate genuinely friendly service, it could be a solid choice for a casual meal.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some items might feel a bit steep for the portion size. It’s a place that delivers on flavor but might not always hit the mark on value or consistent cleanliness, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Mexican Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
522
93.3%
- $$
- Barrio Logan
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
65
90.8%
- $$
- North Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
466
89.9%
- $$
- Golden Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
498
91.8%
- $$
- Skyline
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
545
90.6%
- $$
- Banker's Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
555
89.4%
- $$
- Little Italy
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Porkyland
Food (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.8 indicating an average experience and 56.1% customer satisfaction. Based on 189 opinions, there are definitely some highlights to savor. Many customers rave about the delicious Mexican food, especially the burritos like the California, al pastor, and surf and turf.
Folks also appreciate the quality carnitas, fresh salsa bar, and generous portions, making for some truly great food experiences. However, not everything hits the mark, with 73 negative comments. Some find the protein, like carne asada, can be dry or lack flavor, and portions are sometimes considered small and overpriced.
There are also mentions of cold food, bitter sauces, and even concerns about excessive plastic waste with takeout orders.
Food
189
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
73
negative
10
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious burritos
- Fresh salsa bar
- Authentic flavors
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Dry protein
- Flavor inconsistencies
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by extremely fast service and surprisingly good food. While the staff's English proficiency can sometimes be limited, it rarely posed a significant problem.
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the very good Mexican food and found the prices to be good as well. The restaurant also offers lots of parking places and has a good location.
- tasteportion size, price, and taste are fine
- burritosI tried the burritos and torta and they were good
- salsa barIt was good and filled with chicken, beans, and guacamole. They have a salsa bar with 3 salsas and cut limes. They also provide chips with the burrito order.
- great foodMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a cool spot with great food. They offer your normal options alongside some creative offers.
- salsasa few salsas to choose from, each is distinct
- surf and turf burritoThe service was amazing, and the atmosphere was friendly. I will definitely go again for the surf and turf burrito 🌯.
- Cali burritolove the cali burrito
- California Burrito BowlCalifornia Burrito Bowl is a Must Get
Frequently criticized
- salsaI am giving this restaurant one star because I detest ordering burritos and not having the restaurant add salsa or a place to request it on food delivery apps. Because of this, I will no longer order takeout from this establishment.
- foodThe Chile relleno was served cold, and the sauce had a bitter taste. I was really looking forward to eating here, but the food lacks flavor overall. I suspect they use canned enchilada sauce, which contributed to the bitterness.
- burritosI am giving this restaurant one star because I detest ordering burritos and not having the restaurant add salsa or a place to request it on food delivery apps. Because of this, I will no longer order takeout from this establishment.
- portion sizeburritos have been a fraction of the normal size
- portion sizesstart being a bit more generous on the portion sizes
- burritoToday, a burrito, quesadilla, and fountain drink cost $20. I would comment on the quality of the carne asada, but there was barely any to comment on – the burrito was all tortilla. It's a shame to see how much the price has increased and how little meat is now included in the burritos.
- carne asadaToday, a burrito, quesadilla, and fountain drink cost $20. I would comment on the quality of the carne asada, but there was barely any to comment on – the burrito was all tortilla. It's a shame to see how much the price has increased and how little meat is now included in the burritos.
- chilequileschilequiles were not very good
- portionsHowever, if you are seeking authentic Mexican food, this is not the place for you. The food was high priced with small portions.
- tacosThe price is high and the food is way too overpriced. Even if the tacos were $2, I wouldn't come back. The surf and turf was a shocking $15, and it was not fresh and tasted horrible.
If you're craving specific items like their popular burritos or fresh salsa, it might be worth a try. Just be prepared for potentially smaller portions or inconsistent flavor in some dishes, and perhaps consider dining in to avoid plastic waste.
Service (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! While the overall score for service sits at an average 4.7, and customer satisfaction is a bit low at 39.3%, there are definitely some bright spots. Many customers rave about the friendly staff, quick service, and timely manner of food preparation.
Shout-outs to El Compa AJ for consistently providing excellent customer service, making interactions with employees a pleasant experience, as noted in 22 positive remarks. However, its not all smooth sailing, with 32 negative comments highlighting areas for improvement. Some patrons have encountered a rude way of speaking from staff, particularly cashiers, and frustratingly long waiting times.
Issues like employee attitude, incorrect orders, and a general lack of good customer service are also mentioned, suggesting a need for some attitude adjustment in certain areas.
Service
56
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
32
negative
2
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Professional staff
- Timely food pickup
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Long waiting times
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- servicemost of the time the service is better
- staffI've been coming here for years and have never been disappointed. The staff are very kind and friendly, so I'd take any negative staff reviews with a very large grain of salt. I've only had pleasant interactions with employees, and they are perfectly professional.
- El Compa AJEl Compa AJ always nice and polite
- Friendly cashiersfriendly cashiers
- customer serviceThe customer service here is phenomenal
- extra shrimpThey cooked some mire shrimp quickly and did not charge me
- friendly and quick serviceWith friendly and quick service
- friendly serviceIt’s great to find a place that serves Real Mexican FOOD. AJ consistently provides the best and most friendly service. This makes the 2-hour car drive absolutely worth it to eat here.
- interactions with employeesThe staff are very kind and friendly, so I'd take any negative staff reviews with a very large grain of salt. I've only had pleasant interactions with employees, and they are perfectly professional. While people are welcome to their opinions on the food, the staff's professionalism is undeniable.
- pickup timefood was ready upon the appointed pickup time
Frequently criticized
- cashierI waited 20 minutes for a cheese quesadilla while observing the cooks cleaning the grill, taking out trash, and cleaning the salsa bar. The cashier prepared my quesadilla without washing his hands or using gloves between taking orders. While I've had better service and good food on previous visits, there are times when a strong chemical odor from the bathrooms is very off-putting and has even been tasted in my takeout food.
- customer serviceI responded that I am a customer, and he looked at the cash register as if to say 'get to it. ' My response was, 'I guess my business is not wanted here, ' and I walked out. I have eaten here many times in the past.
- staffIncredibly rude staff
- accurate estimatewill never give an accurate estimate
- attitude adjustmentPlace definitely needs an attitude adjustment
- cash registerworking the cash register without washing his hands
- closing timeMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. Although the posted closing time is 8 pm, they seem to close earlier. I waited 20 minutes for a cheese quesadilla while observing the cooks cleaning the grill, taking out trash, and cleaning the salsa bar.
- delivery driversextremely inconsiderate of delivery drivers
- discriminationdiscrimination and the staff's rude way of speaking
- employeeWe brought our own containers and asked if we could use them instead to avoid plastic waste. The employee refused and told us they would put the food on regular non-plastic plates and bowls. Then, they put the food in the plastic containers anyway and gave it to us.
This place offers a mixed bag when it comes to service. If you catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy friendly and quick interactions, but be prepared for potential rudeness or long waits. It might be worth trying if youre in the area and don't mind a bit of a gamble on your service experience.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction at a strong 83.3%, most folks enjoy their surroundings. Out of 30 opinions, 25 were positive, often praising the clean interior and restrooms, the good location, and outdoor seating options like the patio or parking lot oasis.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. A few of the 4 negative comments pointed out a chemical odor from the bathrooms, and some concerns about the kitchen looking dirty or the salsa bar being messy. While these are fewer, theyre definitely worth noting for a complete picture of the establishment's atmosphere.
Ambience
30
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean interior, restrooms
- Convenient location
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- Chemical odor
- Dirty kitchen
- Messy salsa bar
Often praised
- atmosphereenjoy Porkyland's atmosphere
- locationI enjoyed the very good Mexican food and found the prices to be good as well. The restaurant also offers lots of parking places and has a good location.
- COVID-19 safetyDespite its strange name, this is a local, fast food Mexican restaurant well worth supporting. With friendly and quick service, low prices, and attention to COVID-19 safety, we sometimes "splurge" on their Jumbo Veggie Burrito with extra guacamole inside. Tuesday beers are $2.
- Good locationgood location
- Outdoor seatingI find myself returning every time lunch comes around and I'm in the area. The food is good, the location is convenient, and they offer outdoor seating. The cashiers are also very friendly.
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- Restaurantthe Restaurant itself
- TV showing sportsthere's a TV showing sports!
- bathroomsThe bathrooms were in good condition
Frequently criticized
- bad placemal lugar
- chemical odorchemical odor from the bathrooms is very off putting
- kitchenkitchen looks really dirty
- salsa barsalsa bar looks messy
Overall, if you're looking for a place with a generally pleasant environment, good location, and convenient parking, this restaurant is a solid choice. Just be aware that a few guests have noted some cleanliness issues in specific areas, which might be a minor detractor for some.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found pleasant surprises. Many appreciated the affordable and low prices for decent Mexican food, often noting generous portions. Specific mentions of a good price and even Tuesday beers for $2 highlight where the restaurant shines.
With 9 positive remarks out of 30 total, theres certainly a segment of customers who feel theyre getting a fair deal. However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a 30% customer satisfaction rating indicating poor value. A significant 20 negative comments out of 30 total point to many feeling the food was overpriced or expensive for the portion sizes.
Several found items to be on the pricey side, leading to a perception of poor value despite an average score of 4.3.
Value
30
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
- Cheap Tuesday beers
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceIt was accompanied by a soda and corn tortillas. The price was $12.
- Tuesday beersWith friendly and quick service, low prices, and attention to COVID-19 safety, we sometimes "splurge" on their Jumbo Veggie Burrito with extra guacamole inside. Tuesday beers are $2. You can call ahead, or use their website, to order pickup.
- affordableaffordable and the portions were generous
- good pricethey were good at a good price
- low pricesDespite its strange name, this is a local, fast food Mexican restaurant well worth supporting. With friendly and quick service, low prices, and attention to COVID-19 safety, we sometimes "splurge" on their Jumbo Veggie Burrito with extra guacamole inside. Tuesday beers are $2.
- pricesgood prices
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The price is high and the food is way too overpriced. Even if the tacos were $2, I wouldn't come back.
- foodthe food was pretty expensive. Definitely not worth the steep price
- pricesextremely high prices for Mexican food
- beansThe beans were very expensive
- burritocharging $14 for a much smaller burrito
- chips and beansa small tray of chips and beans was billed at almost $10
- guacamolepay extra for guac dosn't make sense
- overpricedstreet tacos i thought were little and overpriced
- priceythis place is a little pricey
- pricey sideLittle on the pricey side
If youre seeking truly budget-friendly Mexican, this spot might be a hit-or-miss, especially given the mixed opinions on pricing. While some find good deals, many feel the portions dont justify the cost, so manage your expectations for value.
How are the prices at Porkyland?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 39 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 the numbers, most guests spend right in this sweet spot, with a few opting for slightly cheaper or pricier options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 39 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican spot in San Diego. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Porkyland
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Tiny Portions, Big Price
My experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the portion size and price. I ordered a protein bowl for $20, which was described as a meal, but it was incredibly tiny and shallow. It looked more like a small side dish than a full meal.
I was still hungry after spending all that money, which was frustrating.
- portion size1
- protein bowl1
- price1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Pre-Cooked Protein
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the way the proteins were prepared. While they advertise "food assembled to order, " this doesn't extend to the main proteins like carne asada, chicken asada, or pastor. Even when requested, these are not prepared fresh upon order.
As a result, I received a pre-cooked protein that was dry and tasteless, having languished in a stainless steel container. The cashier's response was that they had just cooked a large batch, so fresh preparation wasn't necessary and wouldn't be done. I believe it wouldn't take much time to cook the protein upon order and provide better quality, which would lead to a happier customer.
Additionally, the carne asada needs some spice for flavor.
- food assembled to order5
- protein2
- carne asada3
- chicken asada3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Mediocre Experience with Too Much Lime
My experience at this restaurant was decidedly mediocre. While it wasn't outright bad, it certainly wasn't very good either. A significant issue was the excessive amount of lime used on everything, which overpowered other flavors.
The salsa was also disappointing, lacking in both quantity and spice, making it not spicy at all.
- food5
- lime2
- salsa3
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
1
Unwelcoming staff, terrible experience
I walked into the restaurant fresh out of work on a Friday night around 6: 30 pm, needing to use the restroom. I asked the counter person for the code, and she looked confused before directing me to another employee. This employee looked me over and stated that the restroom is for customers only.
I responded that I am a customer, and he looked at the cash register as if to say 'get to it. ' My response was, 'I guess my business is not wanted here, ' and I walked out. I have eaten here many times in the past.
For your information, I am a middle-aged white male with a military haircut and I am clean-cut. This place now SUCKS, DON'T GO THERE!
- washroom code1
- employee attitude1
- customer service1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food, Atmosphere, and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was equally delightful. Furthermore, the service was very good.
I will definitely be coming back.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service10
What Porkyland offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Porkyland Mexican Grill - Carmel Country Plaza?
At Porkyland Mexican Grill, you can enjoy a wide range of dining options throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, seating is available for you. They also provide catering services for your events.
Is Porkyland Mexican Grill - Carmel Country Plaza family-friendly and accessible?
Absolutely! This location is great for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for your little ones. For your convenience, it is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom.
How does Porkyland generally rate among customers?
Porkyland holds an average Restaurant Score of 5.6 with Customer Satisfaction at 53.1%. While Food (5.8) and Ambience (7.2) are noted positively, Service (4.7) and Value (4.3) receive more mixed feedback.
What do customers appreciate most about Porkyland?
Many customers consistently praise the quality of the food, often highlighting specific burritos. The staff also frequently receives commendation for their friendly and quick service.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Porkyland?
Some patrons express concerns about the value, finding certain items to be on the pricey side, and occasionally mention inconsistent portion sizes. There have also been isolated comments regarding cleanliness.