McDonald's

This was our second time at Duke's, and once again, they did NOT disappoint! Everything was…read moreabsolutely amazing--from the Keila fries to my chicken sandwich and my boyfriend's burger. Every bite was delicious! Of course, we had to get milkshakes to go, and our absolute favorite is the strawberry shake! the death by chocolate one is a close second!!! It's seriously SO good! The food, quality, and overall experience make this place a 10/10 for us. We'll definitely be back again, and I would highly recommend Duke's to anyone looking for a great meal!

Duke's Old Fashioned Onion Burgers has become a pretty popular spot in La Mesa. Every time I've…read moredriven by, there's always a steady stream of people coming in and out, so I figured it was finally time to see what the hype was about. They also rotate fun milkshake specials, and when I visited they had an Apple Pie Milkshake that sounded really good. I just wasn't in the mood for something sweet that day. I kept it simple and ordered the Single Onion Burger ($13.95) with mayo, ketchup, and lettuce, plus an order of the Original Fries ($5.75). The onion burger is made with fresh ground beef that's smashed with onions on the grill, and you can customize it with toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, jalapeños, cheese, mustard, and ketchup at no extra charge. Bacon is available for an additional charge. The restaurant itself was really clean, and I appreciated the self-serve condiment station stocked with ketchup, spicy ketchup, ranch, plenty of hot sauces, and to-go containers. The fries ended up being my favorite part of the meal. They're fresh cut and double fried, coming out piping hot with a crispy exterior and fluffy center. The portion was also super generous. They packed so many fries that they were spilling outside of the container into the bag. Paired with the ranch and spicy ketchup, they were honestly worth ordering on their own. The burger was a little more disappointing. The patty was overcooked, which made it pretty dry. You could even tell by the color that it had spent a little too much time on the grill. Since I usually keep my burgers pretty simple, there wasn't much to balance out the dryness, so I found myself dipping almost every bite into extra ketchup and ranch just to add some moisture. I can definitely see why Duke's is a neighborhood favorite, and I still like the concept behind their onion burgers. It just didn't completely satisfy the burger craving I walked in with. I'd come back for the fries without hesitation, and I'd be willing to give the burger another shot hoping I caught them on an off day.

It's at the entrance

Garlic Parmesan Fries

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Single Onion Burger 10/10

Carl's Jr

2.1(123 reviews)

0.3 mi

Google Please update…read morethe hours of operation for this business I am with the company Carls Jr and this location opens at 7 AM Monday through Friday and closes at 10 PM on Saturday it opens at 8 AM and closes at 9 PM and on Sunday it opens at 8 AM and closes at 9 PM thank you

Ordered twice got charged twice , thru Apple Pay. Showed prod even tho I didn't get email or on…read morethere end . Left me to lose what I had left for gas . Was not given no food . I have both kids with severe autism and did not get food . Need a call soon as possible! As of now, my Apple did fully charge me twice for nothing

Dining room

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Habit Burger & Grill

3.3(400 reviews)

0.4 mi

Amazing burgers. I'm never going to in n out again. It's so clean and fresh! I loved the fries too…read more It's sooo good!

Tasty burgers are served here and they crank out the food quickly…read more Parking is tight here during the week because chic-fila shares this space and the weekends are very busy here so get here before the lunch rush. I get the char burger with cheese, fries, fried green beans and a drink makes for a very satisfying lunch. My wife gets the bacon burger without the bun both items were cooked perfectly and were delicious! They had a new passion fruit drink that was new to us but they have the standard fountain drinks. I didn't order it but they had a new double char burger advertised as you walk in. There are kiosks when you enter so they have the technology. There are plenty of indoor tables and outdoor tables. The staff is friendly and the place is clean. The AC was turned on high, I ended up getting our jackets from the car. This is one of my favorite burger places in town. Sorry, In-Out-Out, you are not my first choice unless I'm recovering from the night before. Enjoy!

This is another view of the interior of the restaurant from the counter where you order looking toward the street

My chicken sandwich is in the foreground, and it was indeed good, with two burgers on sesame seed buns seen in the background

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This is one view of the interior of the restaurant looking from the counter where you order out toward the street

Costco Food Court

3.4(94 reviews)

0.1 mi

I grew up on Costco food court pizza and hot dogs. Amazing how they can keep great prices in this…read moreeconomy. I will never turn down a slice of Costco pizza. Y'all remember the chocolate dipped vanilla ice cream bars with almonds? Yeah they need to bring those back.

Can't beat the convenience and price at the Costco food court. It's a tried and true place for a…read morequick and affordable meal with options at a variety of budget. The staff is quick with the food orders but there always seems to be a long line of people waiting for pick up. The food court is a chaotic place and the ambiance is loud and busy with families and kids grabbing a meal so be patient and enjoy!

People waiting b/c the service is awful

Pepperoni pizza slice

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BFF Burgers Fish and Fries

4.2(241 reviews)

0.9 mi

It was a great experience the cashier was lovely as well great customer service I will be going…read moreback again and checking it out asap :)

I went on an adventure trying to find a new lunch spot. I found this place on Yelp as Janna's…read moreBurgers, Fish, and Fries and the map took me to the Aztec Food Hub. Using the street address I was taken to Grossmont Center. The signage indicates this place is called BFF Burgers, Fish and Fries. I was feeling lucky today. So I ordered my fried fish with onion rings and paid $1 upcharge. The problem with onion rings is they range from not good to great. With fries they are usually fine. White fish was fried in a tempura batter infused with herbs. White fish had a mild flavor and was nice and moist. Batter was crunchy. Onion rings were mostly crunchy except the batter was too thick so some parts of the batter were not transformed by the frying process into crunchy goodness. I didn't like the flavor of the herbs in the batter which distracted from the fried onion flavor. Service from the guy in charge was friendly and efficient. My combo was $12.99 which is a great deal. I'd order the fish again but not the onion rings. Doing further research I found they are also listed on Yelp as BFF Burgers, Fish and Fries. So that's the story on my lunch adventure.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Fried Zucchini

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Jack in the Box

2.4(97 reviews)

0.9 mi

We did a mobile order for drive thru. They were efficient with our order. Although, the tacos were…read moreridiculously greasy. I expect them to be greasy but when the grease is leaking through the bag it's not good. The fries and mozzarella sticks on the other hand, were freshly made and served perfectly. Our mobile order was expected to be ready at 9:30pm but we waited at the drive-thru window for a while.

They could improve order accuracy. I ordered two "Grilled" chicken sandwiches. Got some sheet…read morecalled "Cluck" chicken sandwiches. I mean grilled and fries are a pretty obvious difference. Fucking idiots.

Kiosk not working

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El Azteca Taco Shop

4.1(497 reviews)

0.6 mi

My fiancé comes a lot and I'm usually the one to come pick it up, the service is always really good…read moreand the staff are incredibly nice. the food had always looked good and the prices are very reasonable, to give it a shot I decided on the California burrito, it was one of the best cali burrito's i've ever had, only wish it also had some sour cream, the salsa's are perfect spice level and the ambience feels so authentic and cozy that it's impossible to not want to come back, this is definitely going to be one of my go to spots, highly recommend 10/10

Your locally loved taco shop that's always booming, especially around dinner time. El Azteca Taco…read moreShop keeps it simple. Quick service, fast food, cheap eats. No frills, no thrills, just solid Mexican food. There's a reason it's been a local favorite for over a decade. If the regular menu prices aren't cheap enough, Taco Tuesday makes it cheaper. Who doesn't love mini tacos after a long work day. Especially $2.10 tacos. The plaza has decent parking and even when it's busy, you can usually find a spot. Most of the surrounding businesses are quick stop places, so you will find parking fast. Inside, there's a large menu board and plenty of seating, though most people seem to grab takeout. There's no salsa bar. When you order, the cashier asks how many salsa cups you need and tosses them into your bag. Taco Tuesday offers six meats: adobada, birria, buche, carnitas, cabeza, and pollo. Again, $2.10 (+tax) Up front, I would skip the adobada and birria. On past visits, both came out a bit dry and needed a lot of salsa to bring them back to life. The flavor was there, but texture matters. Everything else is solid, but the real star here is the buche. This is what keeps me coming back. Ever since I tried their buche tacos, I compare every other buche taco to them. It's super tender with a slight crisp on the outside. The flavor is rich without being greasy. The salsa they give pairs perfectly with it and the freshness of cilantro and onion pulls everything together. At $2.10 plus tax per mini taco, it's hard to complain. I will say tortilla consistency can vary. Sometimes it's sturdy, sometimes it breaks easily, and occasionally they double it up BUT the buche makes up for it every time. Now, it's not perfect. This visit, the carne asada missed the mark. Previously, it was tender and juicy. This time it was dry and chewy. Even with pico and guacamole, it was hard to chew. No amount of salsa helped. The horchata was also extremely sweet. It tasted like straight concentrate from a mix, almost overpowering. My four stars are definitely for the Taco Tuesday deal and the quick, friendly service.

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Horchata

Vallarta Express

2.7(563 reviews)

0.6 mi

This was my first time trying this place. I got some super fries with carne asada. The fries…read morecould've been crispier. The meat was good but a little overcooked. I wish there was more guac and it was more seasoned. $22 for mid carne asada fries. Salsas were good and luckily I like spicy because my friends couldn't handle it. There are definitely better places.

How do you rate a restaurant where the food is typically fantastic, but can never seem to get…read moreeverything you ordered into a bag. What if they get the right number of items but incorrect items? Mistakes happen, no doubt. I understand that as well as anyone. They happen at Vallarta a disproportionate amount of the time. Literally more often than not. We've always went back through the order at the window with them just to make sure, and still would find items missing when we got home. I've advised them before that having a sharpie at the packing station to check off against the receipt would probably serve them well. All of this is known, and in and of itself, despite the real frustration one feels when this happens once, much less dozens of times, it would not lead me to updating with a one-star review. What did happen is that, the last time they forgot my order of rather expensive guacamole, we called. The phone rang for sometime before being picked up by a gentleman we believed to be the owner-- clearly a cell phone, and he was not onsite. We told him what had happened. He apologized, like one does, and told us to just let them know the next time we went through the drive-thru and they would replace it. He took our name. That was that. Except it wasn't. When we next went back through the drive-thru, we reminded them of our missed guac, and they refused to honor the owner's promise. Beyond that, they became rude and hostile at the idea. Obviously, we canceled that night's $50+ order and left. We have not been back. We used to go in once or twice a week. Maybe the message was not relayed. Possible. It does seem to me, however, that if your error rate is as high as there's is-- and it's not like they don't know this-- instead of arguing with the guest that has come back to your establishment anyway, you should probably bend over backwards to accommodate them. They used to make up for their horrible order fulfillment with friendly service and pretty darn good food. As the service tent pole fell, so did the tent.

Dine in

Carne asada fries

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Dinning area

Los Tito's Mexican Food

3.1(442 reviews)

0.1 mi

This place was amazing! My first time and the women at the register was so nice and greeted me with…read morea smile! Not just that when I had originally placed the order of 2 carne asada Tj tacos over the phone she was still super nice on the phone! But back to the tacos there, they were amazing!! So delicious and so full of flavor! The best part is they came with a topping of onion and cilantro with guacamole! Also when you order these tacos you get free limes on the side. Other places don't bother offering or you have to ask , but at Tito's I didn't! I will be coming back there all the time not to mention they're 24/7! I loved my meal there!

It's been about 12 or so years since I worked nearby and would frequent this shop at least three…read moretimes a week because of how good they were. Recently moved back and tried again today. What happened!? I ordered three rolled taco meal. The tacos were tiny, hardly any meat, beans were dry and bland and so was the rice. Not the return I was hoping for. Two stars for the aguacate salsa.

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Chipotle Mexican Grill

2.3(505 reviews)

0.0 mi

I was taken to CHIPOTLE in LA MESA, my first time ever going…read moreto that restaurant. I was blown away by the Food and the Service!!! We walked in to a nearly empty restaurant, W/ nobody being helped. We walked straight up to the counter, where we were met by SERVER, Food Clerk Stella. She could not have been nicer, and more kind and helpful to this NEWBIE!!! We both had a POLO ASADO BOWL. As I worked my way down the line, she explained all of the different toppings. I have to point out that, when it came to the chicken, she even allowed us to taste the two different types of chicken. It was a HUGE PLATTER of Food, a great value. I bought home a To-Go BAG. In addition, she even gave my partner some HOT, HOT SALSA to take home.

Chipotle honey chicken, Pollo asado, and the new chili lime chips have been flavorful rotations…read more Staff have been helpful and friendly here. This chipotle has a drive-thru pickup lane. There is some uncovered outdoor seating, and quite a number of indoor seating in the bright open space.

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White rice, honey chicken, and black beans

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23 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Mali P.

223

6 years ago

McDonalds is a great on the go stop. It's my go to spot if I'm on the road and when I need something to eat! it's convenient, cheap, and fast. The fries are undeniably the best out of all fast food places, in my opinion, and the hash browns are pretty amazing too. McDonalds nails fast food! Walking inside McDonald's, they have an express booth, that makes you skip the wait line. You can order your food from the app, or from the machines, and is 100 times faster than the line. I've had better experiences with the app and I'm so glad that technology has advanced. I got some of the best fries, and the breakfast here is amazing. You can get so many breakfast deals using the app, and sometimes you can get things for free. I wish they could bring back the McRib sandwich, because it was one of my favorite. I love how McDonald's treats everyone like family, and the staff does a great job incorporating what was taught today. If you're craving ice cream, the only downside is the ice cream machines doesn't work all the time. Other than that, this place will make sure you arent full! read more

Emilio G.

9 years ago

The last two times i went to this mcdonalds...i've had the worst service i've ever received no joke..lack of care is definitely a thing. customer care is a joke.. been two times in the last 2 months ive went and been ignored at the drive thru and when i go up to the window to ask to speak to a manager.. he casual walks towards the window then walks away...what type of shit is that? Nice job McD's and for those of you that are like "well thats what you should expect from fast food" remember these are the same people are doing a job...that they get paid to do, to hold the standards of the company and to do the job they came to do... 0/5 honestly read more

Chris C.

12 years ago

McDonald's is usually known for Happy Meals and kids friendly. I don't expect customer service from Mckie Dee's but this is unacceptable!! This McDonald's is by far has the worst customer service in San Diego. The lady helping us ( me and my son) seem irritated because she has to ring in an order. I believe she's the manager because of her white uniform. Each key strokes as she type in our order and body gesture seem dreadful. And smile was pulling tooth. I wouldn't be surprise if she spit in peoples food. read more

Kelsie E.

14 years ago

Going trough the drive-thru, the employees, They were slow, unorginized, almost gave me the wrong order and just over all completely unprofesonal. It even looked like the main manager was there getting upset with them in front of me and making himself and the others look foolish. Its just McDonalds, but they should be a little better then that. I worry about how they treat the food that is going to the customers. Not good, not good at all. read more

Me H.

13 years ago

So mad at myself for coming back to this discussing place! First off after this review I will be sending a letter to the county of La Mesa/SD my daughter got sick for four days after eating 1 in a half Mc double. Let me just say this! MANAGERS get this place Cleaned up, and cook your Dorn meat this is no Joke! We got kids eating here! Clean your guys act or stop serving our kids with poison!!!!!! read more

Rob B.

3 years ago

used a promo receipt from another location , I travel around, and was told it could be from there store ! what's the purpose of that ... if I keep coming back to the same location it must mean I like it ... if you travel around that's the kind of feedback they should be looking for to better each location ! read more

Marianne F.

14 years ago

filthy, filthy, filthy! i don't the play area is ever thoroughly swept and mopped and the high chairs are never wiped down. i was totally grossed out. this is the only playplace around, but i think we'll skip it in the future. oh yeah, and there was poop on the slide. poop, folks. read more

Jessica N.

8 years ago

Please, for the love of God, DO NOT GO TO THIS MCDONALDS. They gave away my order and then lied in multiple ways to try to not give me my order. After "finding" my order and said for me to wait we noticed that it was not my order. It also smells like feces there. read more

Brain S.

18 years ago

I like McDonalds because it is popular. The most popular restaurants are the best. Otherwise they wouldn't be popular. McDonalds is popular, therefore it is good. I like good food and McDonalds serves good food. read more

Christopher H.

5 years ago

Just went to McDonald's to get a sausage egg and cheese waited like 12 mins for nothing slowed hell go to take a bite were is the sausage????? The the hell McDonald's get it together. read more

Daniel L.

5 years ago

I like they always open, pretty good coffee, at least better than Starbucks, and much cheaper. Burgers are the worst at MC, but the coffee and shakes are almost one of the best. read more

Jennie C.

171

111

4 years ago

Just walked in 01/18/2023 at 1:20pm wanting to buy gift cards and the girl said they don't sell gift cards. Really?

Kobe G.

3 years ago

U guys suck so much u guys need new employees that don't treat their customers like garbage.

Emma D.

3 years ago

The staff on Sunday 7/2/23 at 9:40 pm were wonderful. Nicest staff ever. Food was superb.

Stef L.

4 years ago

Fresh fresh fresh!!! Always! I will go out of my way to go to this Location ! Keep it up!

Beverly L.

6 years ago

This McDonald's is one of the worst McDonald's ive went to, they never get my order right

Arthur E.

5 years ago

Fat girl with the ponytail got the worst attitude. Not my fault you work at fast food.

Joshua M.

Elite 12

200

1482

170

15 years ago

We got overcharged and they got our order wrong. I'm not lovin' it.

Kelly H.

13 years ago

This McDonalds is ok. Not a big fan like I was when I was a kid.

Phyllis L.

179

10 years ago

If You have any problems speak to Sonia!!! She's awesome!!!

McDonald's - burgers - Updated October 2026

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In-N-Out is by far the "crème de la crème" of top tier burger joints! Their unwavering commitment…read moreto fresh, never-frozen ingredients is unparalleled. They don't use freezers, heat lamps, or microwaves. Patties are made from fresh beef (100% USDA), and produce is delivered fresh and prepared daily. I love coming to this location to get my fix on fast-food! The menu is simple, affordable, and delicious! Staff are always friendly, helpful and welcoming. My go-to is the double-double animal style (because why the hell not), and animal style fries! On occasion I will also order the Flying Dutchman (secret menu) on a bed of animal style fries (FIRE!!!!!). Something about the crisp edges on a soft bun elevates my dining experience every time!

#1. Getting in and out TO the place is near impossible because on and off busy freeway exit is…read moreactually the restaurant's entrance. (Bad City Planning) 2. Used to get good burgers here when I order inside. NOT TODAY, July 5, 2026. Because I ordered from Drive Thru since few cars ahead of me..and no parking place nearby. See below for my $10.01 XL drink and Double Double order with extra pickles and onion, K and M instead of their sauce. No Combo because fries are always cold in drive thru A. Meat was sparse, dry, flavorless and cold. B. Tomato was 1/2 a slice that looked like it was near rotten. C. Cheese looked like a spread not a slice. D. No Ketchup and/or Mustard as requested instead of spread. Worst I have ever had Anywhere. This was going to be my traditional American Burger on this 4th of July weekend. What a disappointment. Could have had better at Burger King or Carl's Jr around the corner. What a disappointment. Won't be back.

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