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oChef » Rolberto’s – San Diego
Rolberto's - San Diego
Photo from Rolberto’s
Rolberto's at a glance
San Diego City Heights
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#641 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#93 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
180
Reviews
52.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Pleasant Atmosphere
- Mexican Food
- Generous Portions
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Service
- Food Freshness
- Value Concerns
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican eatery in San Diego’s City Heights, offers a truly authentic experience. You’ll find Rolberto’s to be a go-to spot, especially if you’re craving delicious late-night food.
This casual establishment is perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, providing a taste of local flavor that keeps you coming back. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing food to go, the atmosphere is always welcoming.
Overview: Introducting Rolberto's
Rolberto’s offers a mixed experience, where a pleasant atmosphere and generous portions often stand out. Many appreciate the quick service, contributing to a generally positive dining feel.
However, some experiences suggest a need for more consistency. While the food can be a highlight, concerns about meat quality and overall value sometimes arise.
Instances of less-than-stellar customer service also temper the experience, indicating areas where Rolberto’s could refine its approach.
Average
5.6
out of 10
180
Reviews
52.2%
Satisfaction
79
negative
7
neutral
94
positive
Rolberto’s earns an overall Restaurant Score of 5.6, placing it squarely in the average category. This is reflected in a Customer Satisfaction rate of 52.2%, suggesting a mixed reception among diners.
Based on 180 customer remarks, with 94 positive and 79 negative, there’s a clear split in experiences. Looking closer, the Ambience (7.8) is a strong point, often described as pleasant and clean.
Food (6.0) is considered average, with some dishes receiving high praise while others fall short. However, Service (4.2) and Value (3.9) are areas that frequently draw criticism, indicating room for improvement in these aspects.
What people like
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Legendary Mexican food
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Questionable food freshness
- Value concerns
With a Recommendation Score of 5.7, Rolberto’s presents a bit of a gamble. If you’re seeking a casual spot with a decent atmosphere and potentially satisfying Mexican staples, it might be worth a visit.
Just manage your expectations regarding consistency. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and food quality, and consider the value proposition carefully.
It’s a place that could hit the spot for a quick bite, but it might not be your go-to for a consistently stellar dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Rolberto's
Food (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, many customers find plenty to love! With a score of 6 (which is average) and customer satisfaction at a mixed 55.7%, there's a good foundation. Based on 64 positive remarks out of 115 total, diners often rave about the hearty portions, legendary Carne Asada fries, and flavorful burritos, often praising the delicious salsa.
However, not all experiences are stellar. The 46 negative comments highlight concerns about the meat quality, with some finding it spoiled or lacking flavor. Issues with soggy fries, watered-down salsa verde, and a general decline in food quality have also been noted by some patrons.
Food
115
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
46
negative
5
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hearty portions
- Legendary Mexican food
- Delicious Carne Asada fries
What people don't like
- Spoiled meat
- Poor food quality
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodthe best food I've eaten in San Diego
- carne asada friesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a place with legendary Mexican food and, in my opinion, the best carne asada fries in San Diego. This establishment has been around for a very long time, making it the perfect spot to take an out-of-towner to experience great San Diego Mexican food.
- burritosCarne Asada fries and burritos #1
- friestheir fries are da bomb
- portionsThe portions are hearty
- tacosThey have great tacos I had the Carnitas the cabeza and the fish taco
- Breakfast Burritoour favorite place to pick up a Breakfast Burrito
- CabezaI had the Carnitas the cabeza and the fish taco they were all excellent
- Carne Asada FriesGreat Carne Asada Fries. Worth every penny.
- Carne Asada friesCarne Asada fries and burritos #1
Frequently criticized
- meatFor example, the carne asada fries and nachos were exceptional back then. They are mid now, as the meat feels and tastes old or refrigerated. The one thing I can give them today is that the breakfast burritos with bacon, ham, and sausage are very good.
- foodfood is airborne old shrimp
- carne asada friesthe carne asada fries and Nachos were exceptional back then. They are mid now
- friesThe fries were soft and gritty
- roll tacosthe roll tacos where cold
- rolled tacosordered 5 rolled tacos took one bite instantly smelled fish
- California burritono love in that burrito I regretted getting it
- Machaca BorittoMachaca Boritto with cheese. Again, there was absolutely no cheese on it
- Queso BoritoThe Queso Borito was amazing before. Now it's average
- bean & cheese burritobean & cheese burrito it hardly had cheese
If youre craving classic Mexican staples like Carne Asada fries and burritos, this spot might hit the mark, but be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience. Its a mixed bag, so your visit could be a delicious discovery or a bit of a disappointment.
Service (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
Lets talk service! It seems to be a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 4.2 putting it squarely in the average category, and customer satisfaction at a rather poor 36.6%. Still, many guests have had positive experiences, praising the friendly staff, quick service, and the convenient take-out/delivery options.
Out of 41 total comments, 15 highlighted these bright spots, noting the nice people and good vibes from the cashier. However, a larger group of 25 negative comments points to significant issues. Customers frequently mention rude staff attitudes, incomplete orders, and even concerning hygiene practices like staff handling money and food with the same gloves.
These experiences, including instances of bad customer service, suggest theres definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
41
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
25
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Good take-out option
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Incomplete orders
- Poor hygiene practices
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by pretty quick service. The food is generally good, but I've found it to be inconsistent.
- peoplethe people are so nice
- ServiceService:5
- Uber eatsI got on Uber eats and it came to my house
- cashierTalked to the cashier today and bro had great vibes
- customer for over 12 yearsThank you, and I hope you bring order. I've been a customer for over 12 years and something like this has never happened before.
- liberal policytheir liberal policy makes it easy to ask
- new staffNew staff after their re-opening
- other staff membersthe rest are great
- take-outget in there quick for take-out
Frequently criticized
- serviceIt smelled very bad. I returned them, and they didn't even say anything; they just laughed. So, be careful because they might poison you.
- customer serviceIf the server had shown a smile and actually responded to my questions, the experience might have been halfway decent. I would only recommend coming here if you are looking for horrible customer service.
- attitudeAlways has an attitude
- cashierThen the cashier had the audacity to act like she didnt car
- female workersthe female workers are so rude
- gloveshandling money and preparing your meal with the same gloves
- handling moneyshe was both handling money and preparing your meal
- hoursthe fact that they can't put the right hours
- incomplete orderIt's a shame that after paying for my food, some people in charge deliver my order incomplete. This message is for the owner: if you truly care about your business, pay more attention to the people you hire because at this rate, you're going to lose customers.
- kid taking orderskid taking orders with a bad attitude
If youre looking for quick take-out and a friendly face, you might get lucky. But be prepared for the possibility of rude staff, incomplete orders, or even hygiene concerns. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 7.8 and boasting a strong 85.7% customer satisfaction. Many appreciate the pleasant atmosphere, describing it as a great late-night spot with a classic taco shop vibe. Guests love the cleanliness, the homie feel, and even the coin toy machines, making it a welcoming place with people always coming and going, as noted in 12 positive remarks.
However, there's one minor hiccup to consider. The primary concern, mentioned in 1 negative opinion, revolves around the restrooms. Specifically, the lack of available restrooms is a drawback for some, which could be a significant inconvenience despite the otherwise pleasant indoor dining experience and good parking.
Ambience
14
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant late-night vibe
- Very clean atmosphere
- Fun coin machines
What people don't like
- No restrooms available
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was like stepping onto a sidewalk in authentic Mexico. The atmosphere was very pleasant, and the place was very clean. They even have coin toy machines for the kids, making it a great spot to sit inside and eat any time of day.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessVery clean
- coin toy machinesThe atmosphere was very pleasant, and the place was very clean. They even have coin toy machines for the kids, making it a great spot to sit inside and eat any time of day.
- indoor diningindoor dinning is open
- late night spotBest late night spot
- late-night taco shop vibeThe service was fast and friendly. The prices were great, the portions were generous, and the shop had that classic late-night taco shop vibe. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- neighborhoodI just moved into the neighborhood
- parkingGood to OK parking
- people coming and goingalways have people coming and going
Frequently criticized
- restroomsI would definitely eat here again! The only drawback is that there are no restrooms.
If youre looking for a clean, pleasant late-night spot with a great vibe and dont mind the absence of restrooms, this place is definitely worth a visit. It offers a homie atmosphere and good indoor dining, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
A few customers found some bright spots regarding value, praising the `price` and `pricing` as `great` or `nice`, with some even feeling it was `worth every penny`. These positive remarks, though limited to 3 out of 10 total opinions, show that good value can be found. However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging.
With a score of just 3.9 and customer satisfaction at a low 30%, many felt `overcharged` or that it was a `waste of money`. Terms like `expensive` and `overpriced` frequently appeared among the 7 negative comments, indicating a significant disconnect in perceived value.
Value
10
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Worth every penny
What people don't like
- Overcharged
- Expensive items
- Poor value
Often praised
- priceWorth every penny.
- pricesGreat prices
- pricingNice pricing
Frequently criticized
- expensiveThe rolled tacos I ordered were expensive
- moneyMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. The food was nasty and definitely not worth the money. The meat had a fishy taste and smell.
- monies worthnot there for our monies worth
- overchargedovercharged on my card
- overpriced taco shopalready an overpriced taco shop
- tipcashier charged me a tip that I didn’t approve
- waste of moneywaste of money for 17
When it comes to value, this place seems to be a gamble. While a few found the prices fair, the majority felt it was `expensive` and `overpriced`, not getting their `monies worth`. If value is your top priority, you might want to consider other options.
How are the prices at Rolberto's?
You’re looking at roughly $14 per person – reported by 37 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 prices cluster around this $11–$20 sweet spot, with a good number of even more budget-friendly options in the $1–$10 range, showing a nice mix of value.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, for a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rolberto's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Classic Taco Shop Experience
My experience at Rolberto’s Taco Shop was fantastic! 🌮 The burritos were large, bursting with flavor, and made with fresh ingredients. I also enjoyed the delicious tacos and salsa with the perfect spice.
The service was fast and friendly. The prices were great, the portions were generous, and the shop had that classic late-night taco shop vibe. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- burritos9
- fresh ingredients9
- tacos8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Still a Favorite After All These Years
I've been dining here since 1997, and it's still a favorite. The menudo is off the charts delicious!
- menudo10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Quesaburrito and Vibes!
I had a fantastic experience at this restaurant today. I spoke with the cashier, and they had great vibes. They even hooked me up with extra salsa and hot carrots!
I asked how long they've been open, and they mentioned around 30 years, which is crazy – longer than I've been alive. The quesaburrito was fire, and the horchata was amazing too!
- cashier10
- salsa and hot carrots9
- quesaburrito10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Incomplete Order After 12 Years
It's a shame that after paying for my food, some people in charge deliver my order incomplete. This message is for the owner: if you truly care about your business, pay more attention to the people you hire because at this rate, you're going to lose customers. I'm leaving a photo of the receipt so that if you're interested, you can see the time, day, and who was in charge, and review your cameras to see what was delivered.
In my country, we call that kind of riffraff thieves. Thank you, and I hope you bring order. I've been a customer for over 12 years and something like this has never happened before.
- customer for over 12 years8
- incomplete order1
- people you hire2
- lose customers2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Overcharged and Unresolved Issue
My experience at this restaurant involved an unexpected overcharge on my card. The total was listed as 23. 66, but the final charge was 27.
16. I suspect the cashier may have added a tip that I did not approve. I would appreciate it if a manager or owner could contact me to provide a proper receipt to clarify this discrepancy.
Otherwise, I advise everyone to check your receipts carefully.
- proper receipt7
- overcharged1
- tip2
What Rolberto's offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and service does Rolberto's Taco Shop provide?
At Rolberto’s Taco Shop, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating available for dine-in guests. If you’re on the go, convenient delivery service is also offered, ensuring you can savor their Mexican dishes wherever you are.
Is Rolberto's Taco Shop a good spot for families with children?
Absolutely! Rolberto’s Taco Shop is considered good for kids, making it a family-friendly destination. They also provide high chairs, ensuring that even the youngest diners are comfortable and well-accommodated during your visit.
How does Rolberto's generally perform?
Rolberto’s holds an overall score of 5.6, indicating an average experience. While Ambience (7.8) is good and Food (6.0) is average, Service (4.2) and Value (3.9) tend to be weaker points.
What do customers like about the food at Rolberto's?
Many customers praise Rolberto’s for its “legendary Mexican food,” particularly the carne asada fries and burritos, noting the generous portions.
Are there any common complaints about the service at Rolberto's?
Yes, some customers report issues with customer service, mentioning experiences with staff attitude, incomplete orders, and concerns about hygiene practices like handling money and food with the same gloves.