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oChef » Yesenia’s – San Diego
Yesenia's - San Diego
Photo from Yesenia’s
Yesenia's at a glance
San Diego University Heights
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#505 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#61 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
321
Reviews
62.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great salsa
- Caring staff
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Poor value
- Needs refresh
The restaurant Yesenia’s Mexican Food & Ice Cream is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant located in San Diego’s lively University Heights neighborhood. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here, perfect for a casual meal.
With convenient outdoor seating available, you can enjoy the San Diego weather while savoring authentic flavors. It’s a fantastic spot for you to grab a quick bite or settle in for a relaxed dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Yesenia's
Yesenia’s offers a culinary experience that often hits the mark, with many praising its flavorful dishes and diverse options. The food is frequently highlighted as a strong point, particularly the salsa bar.
However, the overall experience can be inconsistent. While some appreciate the customer service, others have noted issues with slow service and concerns regarding cleanliness and perceived value.
Good
6.7
out of 10
321
Reviews
62.9%
Satisfaction
99
negative
20
neutral
202
positive
Yesenia’s earns a respectable overall score of 6.7, indicating a generally good experience for many. Customer satisfaction, however, sits at a more mixed 62.9%.
This feedback comes from a substantial 321 opinions, with 202 positive remarks outweighing 99 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Food (7.8) stands out as a clear strength, consistently receiving high marks.
Conversely, Value (3.6) is a notable area for improvement, with many finding prices less appealing. Service (5.4) and Ambience (6.5) fall into the average range, suggesting they are neither major draws nor significant deterrents for most patrons.
What people like
- Delicious, varied food
- Excellent salsa bar
- Caring, helpful staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Questionable value, pricing
- Ambience needs refresh
Yesenia’s presents a compelling case for those prioritizing flavorful Mexican cuisine, especially if you appreciate a good salsa bar and a relaxed setting. The food quality often shines through, making it a worthwhile stop for a satisfying meal.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and perceived value. With a recommendation score of 7, it’s a place worth considering, particularly if you’re not in a rush and can overlook some minor rough edges.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Yesenia's
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction of 77.8%, its clear many diners are happy. Out of 133 positive remarks from 171 total comments, guests frequently rave about the authentic and flavorful and delicious Mexican food, often highlighting generous portion sizes and the fantastic salsa bar.
However, not every dish is a home run. The 27 negative observations point to occasional issues like forgotten ingredients in burritos, some items lacking flavor, or more fat than actual meat in carnitas. There were also a few mentions of bland salsas that didnt quite impress.
Food
171
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
27
negative
11
neutral
133
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Generous portion sizes
- Excellent salsa bar
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Forgotten ingredients
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodI have to say it’s one of my very favorite Mexican places. Everything I have tried is unique and delicious. Please don’t expect the food to be ready in 5 minutes like a fast-food restaurant.
- salsa barthe salsa bar is delicious
- Mexican foodbest Mexican food in North Park
- quesabirria tacosquesabirria tacos, and they slapped
- birria tacosbirria tacos and a California burrito. The food was amazing!
- burritothe burrito I got was great
- carne asadaTheir carne asada is great quality
- carne asada burritoHad a carne asada burrito and it was very good!
- churrossome churros which were delicious!
- green salsasall the green salsas and they are delicious
Frequently criticized
- chickensoggy, boiled/microwaved chicken taste and feel
- foodHorrible food
- GÄ° issuesparents had to go to the hospital because of GÄ° issues
- Quesabirriaworst Quesabirria I’ve ever tasted
- bean and cheese burritoIt was all beans. I didn't taste any cheese.
- beansthe beans tasted so plain and that's all there was.
- burritosforgot ingredients in the burritos
- carnitas tostadathe carnitas were more fat than actual meat
- cheeseno cheese
- consomméleft my consome at the resturant
If you're craving authentic, flavorful Mexican food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might be inconsistent, so stick to the highly praised items for the best experience.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to unpack from the 92 customer opinions weve gathered, with 43 positive and 45 negative. Many folks praised the friendly staff, quick service, and how easy the team, including the owner, was to work with. Positive feedback often highlighted speedy order delivery and a genuine care for customers.
However, the service experience is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 (average) and customer satisfaction at 46.7% (mixed). Many customers reported long wait times, slow service, and issues with customer service, especially concerning online orders and inconsistent hours. Some even mentioned being ignored or having orders canceled without notification.
Service
92
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
45
negative
4
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, caring staff
- Quick order delivery
- Owner shows care
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent hours
- Poor online order
Often praised
- serviceMy first experience at this restaurant was marked by wonderful service. However, my second visit was terrible.
- ServiceService is great
- customer serviceGreat customer service
- ownerThe owner is an awesome hard worker
- staffMy partner and I had a fantastic experience here. The service was speedy and the staff were polite. We tried all the green salsas, and they were absolutely delicious.
- CashierCashier was nice
- Quick serviceQuick service too.
- TonyUnable to resolve the issue with Uber Eats, I contacted the restaurant directly. Tony was extremely nice and helpful, inviting me to stop by to pick out anything to compensate me. He could have easily kept my money, but his offer shows how much he cares about his business.
- business careTony was extremely nice and helpful, inviting me to stop by to pick out anything to compensate me. He could have easily kept my money, but his offer shows how much he cares about his business. I will definitely continue to be a customer with Yesenias.
- care about customersI've enjoyed the fish taco plate a few times, and each time the quality and freshness have been outstanding, authentic, and flavorful. The people are also very kind and care about their customers and the quality of the food they serve. I'm so happy this place is close to my new apartment.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was incredibly slow
- online orderme vieron esperando por una orden en linea y seguÃan trabajando sin atenderme
- customer serviceWhen I tried to get a refund from an employee, I was told to come back when the owner was present. I will not use the app again due to this worst customer service.
- orderI had an experience where I accepted my order on their website. However, when I showed up to pick up my food, the restaurant was closed.
- closing timeGoogle Maps says they close at 11PM on Tuesdays.
- cashier was also the cookthe cashier was also the Cook 🤔
- closing earlythey are closing early (1 hour before)
- credit card machineIt wasn't busy as it was late for dinner, but they also sell quite a variety of ice creams. The credit card machine was down, so they were only taking cash, which left me just buying a quesadilla. What they lacked in working equipment, they made up for in cheese!
- delivery driversrecurring issue with delivery drivers forgeting items
- delivery serviceTerrible delivery service
If youre not in a rush and value friendly interactions, you might find the service quite pleasant. However, be prepared for potential long waits or inconsistencies, especially if youre relying on online orders or specific closing times. It's a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some definite upsides, with 21 positive remarks out of 38 total observations. Many appreciate the generally quiet atmosphere and the convenience of a free parking lot. Folks enjoy it as a relaxed hang-out spot, often catching soccer on the TV, contributing to a well-kept environment that feels welcoming.
The overall score for ambience sits at an 6.5, indicating its somewhat positive. However, the customer satisfaction for ambience is a bit mixed at 55.3%, with 13 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some patrons noted cleanliness concerns, wishing things were a little tidier inside.
The use of styrofoam cups was a minor gripe, and several felt the overall ambiance was a bit sad or that the place needed a much-needed makeover, describing the inside and outside as an eyesore'.
Ambience
38
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quiet atmosphere
- Free parking
- Relaxed hang-out spot
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Styrofoam cups
- Needs makeover
Often praised
- atmosphereI’m in love with this charming little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. All the food is amazing but especially the quesabirria tacos!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- best spotBest spot out there man
- best spotsone of the best spots around
- futbol on the TVThis is not the place to go if you are in a hurry. Instead, swing by, hang out, watch futbol on the TV, and enjoy the food. It's a great spot to relax and have a good meal.
- hang outThis is not the place to go if you are in a hurry. Instead, swing by, hang out, watch futbol on the TV, and enjoy the food. It's a great spot to relax and have a good meal.
- noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- ofrendaI loved the quesadilla and the salsa from the bar. I was also given permission to take a picture of their ofrenda; the relatives/ancestors had great taste in food as everything looked so very yummy.
- parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also rated low
- restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was horrible. I was charged for my food, given a pickup time, but the restaurant was not open. When I tried to get a refund from an employee, I was told to come back when the owner was present.
- ambiancethe ambiance was a bit on the sad side
- ambienceambience is not too good
- cleanlinessthings could be a little cleaner inside
- hours postedThere's no hours posted either.
- inside and outsidethe inside and outside is just an eyesore
- makeoverin need of a much needed makeover
- place isn't very cleanThe portions were great and there's a wide variety of dishes. They do take a little while to serve, and the place isn't very clean.
- styrofoam cupswish they had paper cups/bowls instead of the styrofoam ones
If youre seeking a casual, relaxed spot to unwind, perhaps catch a game, and arent overly concerned with pristine aesthetics, this place could be a good fit. However, if a sparkling clean environment and a polished look are high on your list, you might find the ambience a bit disappointing.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems to be a bit of a mixed bag here, with an overall score of just 3.6. Out of 20 customer remarks, 5 positive ones highlighted reasonable prices and feeling like they got a good amount for their money. Some even gave a nod to the Taco Tuesday deals for being pretty good.
However, the general sentiment leans negative, with a poor customer satisfaction rating of only 25%. Many of the 14 negative comments expressed frustration, feeling that items were overpriced or a waste of money. Issues like misleading Taco Tuesday deals and problems with refunds also left some customers feeling ripped out.
Value
20
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good Taco Tuesday
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Misleading deals
- Refund problems
Often praised
- pricestheir prices haven't gone up too much
- Taco Tuesday dealsTaco Tuesday deals are pretty good
- moneyYou get a lot for your money
Frequently criticized
- refundcould not refund me and charged me an additional 14$
- EBTDoes not accept EBT
- Taco Tuesday dealmisleading advertised Taco Tuesday deal
- credit card chargeIt was awful! Now I have to dispute the credit card charge.
- felt ripped outI felt ripped out
- good dealthat is not a good deal
- lost revenuelosing money
- overpricedOverpriced, mediocre
- priceOverpriced for that experience especially.
- tacostacos are outrageously expensive
If youre looking for consistent value, this spot might disappoint, as many found it overpriced. While some deals exist, be cautious, as the overall experience suggests you might not always get your moneys worth.
How are the prices at Yesenia's?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 71 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 diners (a whopping 52 out of 71!) are comfortably in that $11–$20 sweet spot. A few venture into the $21–$30 range, but overall, prices really cluster around that mid-range average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
We think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Mexican spot, especially considering it’s in San Diego. It hits that sweet spot of good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Yesenia's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Reliable Taco Spot with Elite Salsas
My experience at Yesenia’s was a go-to taco shop experience! I never encountered a bad option, and their salsa options are elite! The food received a perfect score, as did the service and atmosphere.
There was no wait, and plenty of parking was available. The noise level was moderate.
- taco shop experience9
- salsa options10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Caldos on El Cajon Blvd
My experience at this restaurant was a definite level up from most Taco Shops, and it's certainly the best on El Cajon Blvd. I consider this my go-to spot for caldos (soups), and they consistently offer a few delicious options. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5.
- caldos10
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Carne Asada Burrito Ever!
My late-night experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the carne asada burrito, and it was hands down the best burrito ever. The service was also great.
I 100% recommend this place! 👌
- carne asada burrito10
- service9
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
3
Order issues and forgotten ingredients
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to issues with my online order. We arrived to pick up our order only to find it had been cancelled without any notification. To make matters worse, ingredients were forgotten in the burritos we ordered.
On a positive note, the cashier was nice, and the food was okay.
- Cashier8
- Food5
- online order2
- notification2
- ingredients3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
9
Go-to Spot for Burritos
I moved into the neighborhood about 6 months ago, and this has become my go-to spot for a burrito. You also get a lot for your money. The owner is always so nice when I go in.
Go support a small local business.
- burrito9
- money8
- owner10
What Yesenia's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
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
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and amenities does Yesenia's Mexican Food & Ice Cream offer?
At Yesenia’s, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating available. They also provide amenities like restrooms and offer convenient service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery for you.
Is Yesenia's Mexican Food & Ice Cream family-friendly and what are the parking options?
Yes, Yesenia’s is good for kids, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs for your little ones. For parking, you’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space available for you.
How does Yesenia's generally rate among customers?
Yesenia’s holds an overall score of 6.7, indicating a good experience for many. Its Food scores highly at 7.8, while Ambience is 6.5, Service is 5.4, and Value is 3.6.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Yesenia's?
Many customers consistently praise the delicious and varied food, especially the **salsa bar** and items like quesabirria tacos. The staff are also frequently noted for their caring and helpful **customer service**.
What are some common concerns or areas for improvement at Yesenia's?
Some patrons have experienced **inconsistent service**, including slow wait times and issues with online orders. Concerns about **value** and pricing, along with the need for an **ambience** refresh and better cleanliness, are also mentioned.