I've been coming to this location for a long time. I am generally a fan of Carl's Jr. as opposed to other fast food places. I find their burger to be the best, especially this new All Natural burger, the patty is quite good for fast food, as is the bun, the swiss cheese, and the mushroom. Sometimes when Carl's introduces a new item, it takes a while for the chains to get consistent with it; that has never been a problem here.
Service is fast and efficient. When I ask for a change on an item, such as a substitute type of cheese, I get it most times. It can be tricky if you need a customized item, the employees don't always catch this, so make sure you got what you want--if not, they are quick about fixing things. I have never received rude service here. Amanda was a great associate for several years but I have not seen her there in a while. Current management is adequate.
This location also has a "Green Burrito", with some nice options that give Del Taco a whoopin'. Sorry Del, your beer battered fish tacos are OK, but Green Burrito is close to Baja Fresh for quality (though obviously not quite there), so there's no comparison--Carl's Jr. rolls right over ya'. As for Jack in the Box next door, sorry, I will go to Carl's perhaps 10 times in a given year, I might visit Jack once. Jack discontinued the only things I liked--Marinara Sauce as a condiment for my mozzarella sticks, and the deep-fried Mac'n'Cheese--so they can say goodbye to me as a customer. Plus Carl's makes hamburgers that actually taste like real food, not some frozen, trans-fat filled, pre-packaged garbage they shoved into a microwave for 30 seconds. Breakfast all day? Who cares, I want something that actually tastes good.
For a quick bite and my money, you can't beat Carl's Jr. This is not health food, but comparing nutrition info you could do worse. At least the lettuce is real big leafy pieces, not that weird shredded stuff. The biggest factor is, as usual, salt. Make sure to drink plenty of water before your meal, and then have at it! It's cheap (two Westerns for five bucks, you can't beat it), it fills you up, and some of the new menu items--like that new hamburger bun they use for the 'six dollar burger' type items--these are really some gourmet additions for a restaurant like this, and so I'm glad CJ is stepping up their game in the wake of heavyweight newcomers like Hookburger and Umami (who wipe the floor with Carl's BTW, but you'll pay for it).
There are, I believe, three Carl's in Simi--this one, the one on Erringer, and the one on Tapo Canyon. Their spacing in the valley is very well-distributed, so no matter where you are there is one close by. All three are similar, but this one is the one I prefer overall. They recently renovated its appearance too, which is a trend with fast food these days. It looks great inside and out. Keep up the good work Carl's. Just don't get addicted--this is cheap, tasty food--it is *not* health food. read more