Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » sweetgreen – San Diego
sweetgreen - San Diego
Photo from sweetgreen
sweetgreen at a glance
San Diego University City
- 🥗 Salad Shop
€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 48 of the guests
#712 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Salad Shop out of 1 in San Diego
Average
4.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
317
Reviews
36.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh ingredients
- Friendly service
- Clean interior
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Small portions
- Slow service
The restaurant sweetgreen, a popular Salad Shop in San Diego’s vibrant University City neighborhood, offers a refreshing culinary experience. When you’re looking for a spot that prioritizes fresh, organic dishes, this is your go-to.
Specializing in healthy salads, bowls, and plates, sweetgreen – Healthy Salads, Bowls and Plates provides a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy nutritious meals crafted with quality ingredients. It’s the perfect place to grab a wholesome bite.
Overview: Introducting sweetgreen
Sweetgreen offers a fresh approach to quick meals, often praised for its fresh food and the generally friendly service from staff. Customers appreciate the quality ingredients and the effort put into preparing their bowls and salads.
However, some experiences at sweetgreen are marred by concerns over small portions relative to the cost, leading to feelings of being overpriced. Service can also be inconsistent, with reports of long waits and occasional errors.
Average
4.5
out of 10
317
Reviews
36.9%
Satisfaction
189
negative
11
neutral
117
positive
Looking at the overall picture, sweetgreen holds a 4.5 out of 10, placing it in the average range. However, customer sentiment tells a different story, with Customer Satisfaction at a poor 36.9%.
This notable gap suggests that while some aspects are acceptable, a significant portion of diners leave feeling disappointed. This assessment is drawn from 317 customer remarks, comprising 117 positive observations against 189 negative ones.
Digging deeper, the Food (5.1) is generally considered average, with many appreciating the fresh ingredients, though portion consistency is a concern. The Ambience (5.3) also falls into the average category, often described as welcoming and clean.
However, both Service (3.8) and Value (3.4) are rated poorly, indicating significant areas for improvement. Many feel the pricing is too high for the portion sizes received.
What people like
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Friendly, quick service
- Clean, airy interior
What people don't like
- High prices, small portions
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Unclean dining areas
Sweetgreen presents a mixed experience, balancing fresh ingredients with notable inconsistencies. With a Recommendation Score of 4.9, it suggests that while some find it a suitable option, it’s not a universally endorsed choice.
Consider your priorities before visiting. If you prioritize fresh, customizable meals and don’t mind potentially higher costs or occasional service hiccups, it might be worth a try.
However, if consistent value, generous portions, and flawless service are paramount, you might find yourself disappointed.
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Verdict: Our expert take on sweetgreen
Food (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems theres a lot to talk about, with 160 customer opinions weighing in. Many appreciate the focus on fresh, quality food, with plenty of customizable plates and bowls. Diners often praise the good portions and delicious options, making it a go-to for a healthy choice.
The overall score for food sits at an average 5.1, suggesting a mixed experience. However, the food experience isnt always smooth sailing, with 83 negative comments compared to 71 positive ones. A recurring concern is the inconsistent portion size, especially regarding protein, and the frequent issue of missing ingredients.
Some also reported issues with the quality of certain items, leading to disappointment. Customer satisfaction for food is at a mixed 44.4%, reflecting these challenges.
Food
160
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
83
negative
6
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Customizable healthy options
- Flavorful and delicious
What people don't like
- Small, inconsistent portions
- Missing ingredients often
- Poor protein amount
Often praised
- foodWe meant to go to Tender Greens but honestly, I am happy we made the mistake. This place is so good! We came in on Father's Day, and even though there was only one person working, he was very professional and fast.
- saladsExcellent, fresh, anything you want and then some salads.
- food qualityMy experience at the restaurant was centered around the high quality food. Although the line was a bit long, the food was definitely worth the wait.
- fresh foodI've been eating at Sweetgreen for a few months because I love how fresh the food is. However, this time I was very disappointed with my visit to this location.
- good portionsgave us good portions
- FoodFood is good though
- Rosemary of focacciaThe Rosemary of focaccia
- bowlsBowls, salads they are all great!
- compostable containersCompostable containers & utensils
- conceptThe concept is cool
Frequently criticized
- portion sizesThe portion sizes, especially protein have gotten a lot smaller.
- chickenI also found the portion sizes for chicken and other ingredients to be frustratingly small. My two scoops of chicken in a protein plate were like half scoops, and the overall bowl felt embarrassingly small. On one occasion, they were out of chicken and stated it would take 40 minutes to cook.
- portion sizeThe portion was tiny - $6 for less than 3oz!
- portionsWay too pricey for skimping on portions
- steakThe steak was abnormally salty, and it tasted like it was steamed
- FoodFood:2
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by inconsistent food and inconsistent service. Our food took an excessively long time to prepare.
- hot honey chicken platethe hot honey chicken plate was all chicken with no sweet potatoes
- pickled onionsMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the horrible service. I was ordering a custom bowl, and they were out of pickled onions. When I asked the worker if they could get more, he replied, “maybe later.
- sweet potatoesWe politely inquired about our order at 6: 30 PM and again at 6: 45 PM. At 6: 50 PM, we were informed they were out of sweet potatoes, requiring an additional 10-minute wait. The total preparation time for our order exceeded an hour.
If youre looking for fresh, customizable, and healthy options, you might find some real gems here. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in portion sizes and ingredient availability, especially concerning protein. Its a bit of a gamble, but the good can be really good.
Service (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When service shines, it really brightens your day! Many customers rave about the friendly service and attention to detail from kind and attentive staff like Sanaa and Alma. These positive experiences, accounting for 33 remarks, highlight moments of immaculate service and impressive service speed.
However, the overall picture for service is quite challenging, with a score of just 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a low 28%. A significant 84 negative remarks point to frequent waiting times, severe staffing issues, and frustrating delays. Customers often report wrong orders and a general lack of communication, making the experience less than ideal.
Service
118
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
84
negative
1
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Positive employee attitudes
- Efficient service moments
What people don't like
- Excessive waiting times
- Frequent staffing issues
- Incorrect order delivery
Often praised
- serviceI absolutely love my shroomami bowl. Although this location usually gets busy, they are incredibly fast and the service is friendly. I highly recommend this place, especially for vegetarians.
- staffWhen the gentleman came over he was super nice to me and apologized for the wait.
- customer serviceThe best customer service! Alma was super friendly, patient and polite
- AlmaAlma was super friendly, patient and polite
- HanHan made my salad. One of the most enthusiastic charismatic guys
- Jodishoutout to Jodi! Always carrying a good attitude
- SanaaSanaa prepared my order and she was so kind
- attention to detailHer friendly service and attention to detail
- busythey move fast
- employeeEvery single employee was just the sweetest person
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the horrible service. I was ordering a custom bowl, and they were out of pickled onions.
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. I had higher expectations given that this place is known to sell pricey salads and bowls, but I ended up waiting around 25 minutes to be serviced, with only one person ahead of us. The staff who put our order together literally plopped our food in the bowl, causing some to splatter out.
- employeesAs an avid sweetgreen enjoyer, I must say this location is severely lacking the quality I’m used to. The portion sizes are ridiculously small, and there’s always multiple employees twiddling their thumbs in the back while the line grows. They also never offer the free bread; I mean, come on.
- orderThey got my order wrong on both first and second times.
- ordersThey completely get orders wrong
- waitafter a 30 min wait
- GaelThe worker Gael, gave us 3 shreds of Brussels and we politely asked if we could get more and he said that was a full scoop
- Manager OmarManager Omar and showed him the amount of chicken, he argue
- app and sweetgreen passThe app and sweetgreen pass is so stupid to use.
- assistanceit takes too long to get someone to help you
If youre lucky, you might encounter some truly friendly and attentive staff who make your visit great. But be prepared for potential long waits and order mix-ups, as the service consistency is a major concern. Its a bit of a gamble, so consider if you're willing to roll the dice on your next visit.
Ambience (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, theres definitely some good news! Many guests appreciate the bright and refreshing atmosphere, often describing the interior as welcoming, airy, and clean. With 11 positive remarks out of 20, it seems the overall vibe can be quite pleasant, contributing to an average score of 5.3.
However, the experience isnt always perfect, as reflected in the 55% customer satisfaction. Several folks pointed out issues with the serving line layout, dirty tables, and a general lack of store cleanliness, with trash often overflowing. The seating situation also drew criticism, making it not a nice place to sit for some.
Ambience
20
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming interior
- Bright atmosphere
What people don't like
- Dirty tables
- Poor seating
- Bad line layout
Often praised
- atmosphereThe employees acted as if I was asking for their firstborn when I requested a bowl to be mixed up and a slice of bread. Despite the poor service, the atmosphere was enjoyable, rated at 4.
- airy interiorThe interior is welcoming, airy and clean
- bigger kitchenI don’t think people realize how their supply chain works. The margin is lower because they have a bigger kitchen, and all of the food is freshly processed in the kitchen. This is dramatically different from many other food chains where ingredients are already processed to some extent.
- clean interiorThe interior is welcoming, airy and clean
- interiorThe interior is welcoming, airy and clean
- welcoming interiorThe interior is welcoming, airy and clean
Frequently criticized
- tablesthe tables were dirty
- brand reputationthis one is horrible and tarnishes the brand.
- food spilled on groundI generally like this chain, but this particular location is pretty bad. The tables were dirty and sticky, and there was food spilled on the ground. Ordering through the app was also extremely slow.
- huge lineThere was only one employee working the entire counter and register, which felt so ridiculous. The place is not nice to sit in because the huge line of people runs right along the tables. This place desperately needs more staff.
- place to sitNot a nice place to sit
- serving line layoutpretty bad design of the serving line layout
- store cleanlinessThe store is extremely dirty. Inside and out.
- trashAnd don't even get me started on the pickled onions, which aren't even pickled most of the time. To top it off, the tables were dirty and the trash was full.
If you're just grabbing a quick bite and the atmosphere is a bonus, you might find the interior pleasant. However, if a comfortable, clean dining area is a must-have, you might want to consider other options, as the seating and cleanliness can be a real hit or miss.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, a handful of diners did mention finding some items at a reasonable price, suggesting that not everything on the menu feels overpriced. These few positive remarks, though scarce, highlight that value isnt entirely absent for everyone. However, the overwhelming sentiment suggests value is a major sticking point.
With a score of just 3.4 and customer satisfaction at a mere 10.5%, many feel theyre being nickel and dimed with extra charge and find items pricey or overpriced. Out of 19 total comments, 13 were negative, with many feeling its not worth spending your money'.
Value
19
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Small portions
- Extra charges
Often praised
- pricethe latter is more expensive
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceOverall, the food is okay, but the portions were pretty small. I asked for double, and I ended up with a plate full of spinach for $34. The service and atmosphere were great, both rated 5/5.
- $17 saladIt’s not on the secret menu, it’s free bread! This location has made me question the need for a $17 salad. I’ve been to sweetgreens all over the country, and this one is definitely towards the bottom of the list… sad.
- $20The quality and the portion is not worth $20.
- costfor the cost, bigger portion would be appreciated
- extra chargepay an extra $2.50
- nickel and dimednickel and dimed with toppings and substitutions
- not worth spending your moneyIt's not worth spending your money here
- overpricedOverpriced and def not worth the wait.
- priceyWay too pricey for skimping on portions
- pricey salads and bowlsMy experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. I had higher expectations given that this place is known to sell pricey salads and bowls, but I ended up waiting around 25 minutes to be serviced, with only one person ahead of us. The staff who put our order together literally plopped our food in the bowl, causing some to splatter out.
If youre looking for great value, this might not be your spot, as many feel the prices are too high for what you get. Be prepared for potentially smaller portions and extra charges, which could lead to disappointment if youre on a budget.
How are the prices at sweetgreen?
On average, you’ll spend around 20 per person – from 48 guests. That puts this Salad Shop in the 11 – 20 € category. For a Salad Shop, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners tend to spend within the 11 – 20 € range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, though there are a few options for those looking to spend a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 48 reviews.
Comparing this Salad Shop’s value for money against similar restaurants in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Salad Shop. It offers a good balance for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about sweetgreen
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Fresh Salads, Great Experience
My experience at this restaurant was excellent! I was specifically looking for high protein-low carb options that were also tasty, and I found exactly that. The salads were fresh and offered everything I could want and more.
I'm already looking forward to returning soon.
- salads10
- high protein-low carb9
- tasty9
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
My Go-To Spot for Fresh Food
This is basically my go-to now, and overall, it's very good. I don’t think people realize how their supply chain works. The margin is lower because they have a bigger kitchen, and all of the food is freshly processed in the kitchen.
This is dramatically different from many other food chains where ingredients are already processed to some extent.
- margin6
- bigger kitchen7
- food9
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
No physical gift cards available
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing as they did not have any physical gift cards available, which I needed for a Christmas gift. Turkeys!
- physical gift cards2
Service Intent
- Delivery
Visit Type
- Delivery
1
Awful Service, Lost Order
My experience was terrible due to the service. I ordered through DoorDash, and the lady at the to-go counter gave my order to someone else. To make matters worse, she said she couldn't remake it for me.
This is awful, and the restaurant needs to improve its employees. I have lost a customer.
- service1
- order1
- employees1
Service Intent
- Delivery
Visit Type
- Delivery
1
Avoid UberEats Orders Here!
I strongly advise against ordering from this restaurant through UberEats. My experience was that they completely get orders wrong, and to make matters worse, you won't get a refund.
- orders1
- refund1
What sweetgreen offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Organic dishes
Dining options
- Seating
- Counter service
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is parking available at sweetgreen in University City?
Yes, when you visit sweetgreen in San Diego’s University City, you’ll find both paid and free parking lots available. There’s usually plenty of parking, making your visit convenient and stress-free.
What accessibility features and service options does sweetgreen offer?
sweetgreen provides excellent accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. For service, you can choose from no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, or dine-in options, ensuring flexibility for your needs.
What is the overall customer sentiment for sweetgreen?
Customer satisfaction for sweetgreen is currently at a poor **36.9%**, indicating that many diners have had disappointing experiences, despite some positive feedback.
How does sweetgreen score in terms of food quality and value?
The **Food** scores an average 5.1, often praised for freshness. However, **Value** scores a poor 3.4, with many customers feeling the portions are too small for the price, leading to perceptions of being overpriced.
What are the main issues customers encounter at sweetgreen?
Key issues include **small portions** and high prices, leading to poor **Value**. Additionally, **Service** (3.8) can be inconsistent and slow, and some locations struggle with **dirty tables** and overall cleanliness.