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    Ruben's

    4.1 (102 reviews)
    Closed • 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Ruben's Photos

    RUBEN'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Ruben's

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    Reviews With Photos

    Female performer on Sundays for Brunch. Best Mexican brunch ever
    Lisa G.

    This is our to go place when down south. We love Sunday brunch and live entertainment on Sundays. The female performer is awesome and knows how to get the crowd going. She sings all rules of music. We are always ready to dance and of course the shots Ruben passes around. Highly recommend. Ruben is always great.

    Fresh Salmon Chef's Choice...Excellent!
    Larry F.

    We've eaten here a few times and this particular evening when we came I saw two fish specials walking in on the board so I asked and the waiter said the two fish specials were salmon or sea bass and I asked which might be better he said the salmon was fresh. He asked how would I like it prepared and I said please ask the chef for his own choice. I am so glad I did that! The chef wasn't super busy and he took great joy in preparing what he thought is the best method and he was right! He cooked a variety of small vegetables in a light teriyaki sauce and poached to the salmon in the same sauce with beautiful garnish and a wonderful presentation. I thought I was in the fanciest restaurant in Baja California! Even the house salad was better than most house salads on the north side of the border.

    Sampling from the buffet
    Missy B.

    We recently discovered Ruben's and we've back twice since our initial visit! First off, go on Sunday for brunch! I think it's better than the over-hyped La Fonda and not as crowded (though still busy). They have a buffet style brunch with bottomless mimosas, or you can select meals from their menu as well. We've been for the buffet and for a typical dining experience on a Saturday and both times the food was excellent! The buffet has everything from chilaquiles and omelettes to seafood and other traditional Mexican dishes. There are obviously fresh-made tortillas (quesadillas, anyone?!) and they even have paella! There really is something for everyone. We enjoyed sitting back down at our table and laughing at all of our randomly (yet perfectly) put together dishes! Service at Ruben's is top-notch. The servers are always hustling and are quick to fill up your drink and bring you whatever you need. You'll even see Ruben himself running around, greeting guests and making sure everything is running smoothly. The view is insane so definitely sit on the patio if you can and the weather is nice. Otherwise, there's plenty of room in the dining room as well. There's even seating at the bar if that's more your style. I highly recommend you check this spot out. I think you'll find you favorite new brunch spot, too!

    Outside patio with
    Ryan M.

    Still killing it! After covid I was worries spots like Ruben's may not survive or that the buffet would stop. They've adjusted and now have the buffet served cafeteria style and the food quality hasn't lacked. Went last weekend and it was $22 a person w/unlimited mimosas and of course Ruben himself is out there working his ass off and pouring shots in peoples mouth assuring we all have a good time.

    Wendy B.

    Ruben had a dream. A classy, big, gorgeous restaurant that offered fine dining. And he made it happen. And even though the huge back patio (intended for brunches and wedding receptions) is still incomplete, that is something we must get used to if we are to immerse ourselves in the "there's always mañana " Baja way. That's ok with me. It was quite beautiful inside, tastefully decorated, rich with stone work, tile and lots of wood, with white table cloths, flickering candles, and quite elegantly modern in attitude. And the hospitality that would not quit. We were guided here by someone who knew Ruben and had no doubt he would make us happy. It was a memorable evening. We tried to be discrete in ordering, our group of 6 friends. We failed miserably. And we really barely sampled the menu. First, a huge bar where we sat around, imbibed, and admired the new surroundings. After being seated at our table, we ordered a bottle of wine to share, then started with a tableside Caesar salad, something I haven't seen in a couple decades. Had to try it. The waiter pushed out a cart laden with tons of small dishes and bottles, even the raw egg, all the ingredients necessary for making an authentic salad. It took about 5 minutes, each ingredient added one at a time and expertly blended. The performance was fascinating. Out came a couple of baskets of garlic bread. Mind you, not just any garlic bread. Thinly sliced, delicately buttered, still soft and hot. Then out came another appetizer. Guacamole. Not your Grandmother's guacamole. This one was generous, lumpy, even had cubes of cream cheese in the mix. Served with thin pita chips, it was unusual and tasty. When I saw Shrimp Scampi listed as an appetizer, I knew this was my "dish" for the evening. And I was so right. Despite only 5 large, sweet shrimp, it was the copious amount of garlic, wine and butter sauce that pushed me over the edge. I cleaned my dish, left not a drop of sauce, greedily sopped it all up with that great bread. I shall probably go to hell for this. And I spent the rest of the evening, and most of the next day, fiendishly calculating how to get that dish again. Nobody took my blatant hints, but some day, I shall. The rest of the group each naïvely ordered a bowl of the lobster bisque. Eating light? Right. Who knew it was so huge? Who knew it was completely sealed with a buttery puff pastry lid? Who knew it would be another showpiece as the waiter cracked open the middle and drizzled sherry into the hot soup inside. It was creamy and rich and filling (I stole a spoonful). My only wish would have been to discover chunks of lobster meat inside. This one was a smooth one. No matter. I was still sopping up that amazing scampi butter and tearfully moaning words of endearment. The grand finale was yet another tableside showpiece. If you have never seen Mexican Coffee made, this is* the* place to do it. The cart came out displaying the bottles of Tequila and Kahlua. First they glaze the edge of your glass with sugar, then caramelize it by fire. Then comes the igniting of the different alcohols that have first been poured into a ladle. And a generous sprinkling of cinnamon that sparks like fireworks. Still blazing, they pour it into your glass. Then comes the hot coffee. And lastly, a generous topping of whipped cream and a cherry. What fun. And how delicious. After all this great food and several spectacular shows, each couple only paid $75. Total. Where can you do all this in the states? And where can you find kinder hospitality?

    Shrimp Echilada

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Lobster Bisque was really good, but could of used a lil bit more lobster. Place was good and I will be going back.

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    10 years ago

    Rubens has one the Best Lobster Bisque I've ever had. Going this morning for our first Sunday Brunch.

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    11 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Sunday brunch is awesome here. Live music, great service and good food. The serve paella, prime rib, chili replenish, bbq ribs, etc.

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    9 years ago

    Great food. Great dinner. Had garlics shrimp for dinner and octopus in chipotle sauce. Flavors were amazing.

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    12 years ago

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    Page 3 of 3

    Ruben's Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Ruben's

    “I've been coming to Ruben's Sunday brunch for about 10 years now.”

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

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    Las Rocas Resort - Room bar

    Las Rocas Resort

    3.3(229 reviews)
    5.4 km
    •$$

    Last minute spur of the moment trip-after extensive research, decided on staying at Las Rocas…read moreResort! Almost reserved through bookings.com but decided to call the resort directly. Perla took my call and provided me with amazing customer service. She was very kind and informative and took the time to assist me. I told her exactly what I was looking for and she was able to guide me to their website, which shows the different types of rooms and includes pictures and virtual tours of the rooms. Their Junior Suite is what we picked. It had everything that we wanted and it just so happened to be the one with the biggest square footage (out of the various suites they offer) Came with a King Bed. Living room with a fireplace and directly behind...the beach views!! The BALCONY is nice and big with a patio that was perfect for enjoying a gorgeous sunset over the ocean. Large bathroom with a Bathtub and shower!! And a kitchenette and coffee maker. No AC but a very strong fan in the bedroom area and a ceiling fan in the living room. The patio door is huge and has blackout curtains, but we chose to sleep with the patio door open and it was such a vibe with the sounds of the waves crashing! Beautiful heated infinity pools and jacuzzis! Best part is the drive to Puerto Nuevo for delicious sea food is super close by! Took us like 10 mins! Drove there for dinner and to catch the World Series game (GO DODGERS) Back at the resort we enjoyed some house margaritas that were included with our stay. The breakfast at their restaurant was also such a delight. I would absolutely recommend and return again! Good for relaxing romantic vibes. Their spa offers great value for their services-they have massages and facials. Didn't see any kids during our stay and it was cool having access to their bars and fireplace seating downstairs. Music and good vibes with pool tables and karaoke. The entire staff was very welcoming and kind. Checked us in quickly and escorted us to our room. Zero complaints.

    From the food to the service , everything was amazing. Very nice staff , very delicious food,…read moremassages were very nice and professional , wine was tasty. I will be coming back again with family soon. In my opinion a great bang for your buck. Even came out making new friendships. Totally recommend , I don't know what some of the negative comments are about. My experience was something to remember. Thank you to the staff for the weekend.

    Photos
    Las Rocas Resort - Sunset was beautiful

    Sunset was beautiful

    Las Rocas Resort - The view from our patio .

    The view from our patio .

    Las Rocas Resort - Seating inside restaurant

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    Seating inside restaurant

    Ocean Buffet - Crabs

    Ocean Buffet

    3.8(184 reviews)
    109.7 km
    •$$

    Ocean Buffet Restaurant is an Asian seafood buffet restaurant that is located in Carlsbad…read more Anytime I go to a buffet of ANY type and the price is under $25, I don't really have any high expectations from it. I've been here about 3 times and it's exactly what I expect it to be. I don't touch the sushi. I don't touch the pastas or noodles. I only eat the flan for dessert. It's good for $25 lunch. I expect mid-quality food and I also expect health risks and this is why I avoided the sushi, the mussels, soft-she'll crabs, the noodles and a few other dishes. I personally love the jalapeño chicken, the mushrooms in brown sauce, the bao buns, the plantains, sesame balls, flan and a few other select items. Ocean Buffet has plenty of parking nearby and they also have a lot of seating options inside. Lunch Special Price is $19.50. Dinner prices are $30.99. Curiously, I didn't see any Time Limit Announcement. But it's safe to say I think I was there for 2 hours. Overall, this is a good priced buffet with a decent selection of food.

    Food at best? I'd give it a 3. Wanted sushi so bad. First look at the sushi . I'd rather eat gas…read morestation sushi! Plus the sushi chef ( if that's his title) was smoking out back when I parked! My stomach started to bubble after a few bites. I was scared to fart until I got home! The establishment wasn't very clean. Never wanted to go from jump. But my Sister and dad been bugging to try it out. And now they regret it Should be called TJ ocean Sewage Buffet

    Photos
    Ocean Buffet - Salad and sauce bar

    Salad and sauce bar

    Ocean Buffet - Seafood

    Seafood

    Ocean Buffet - Peel shrimp

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    Peel shrimp

    Shalom - Buffet bar

    Shalom

    4.4(7 reviews)
    53.4 km
    •$$

    We came to Shaloms for their Sunday mornings buffet. I really wanted something other than street…read moretacos. They had fresh menudo both the red and white. I enjoyed it, I just wish it had less hominy. They had baked potatoes, hot dogs, empanadas, beef stew with potatoes. There was an omelette station that was working at a fast speed. There was a dessert station of sweet treats. I believe I paid $140.00 pesos for two. The baked potatoes were loaded with sour cream, butter and bacon bits. The empanadas were good but could use more seasoning inside. There are pancakes, fresh fruit and Mexico rice. If you enjoy coffee this place has a great brew. I wish the set up was different. They have the omelette station with people waiting where the menudo station is. A lot of foot traffic. The service was just ok for me. At least from the drink person, I was almost done eating by the time I got my drink. However everyone else was awesome! I was expecting something different because of the name. This is a Mexican restaurant. I would come back here again. If you are ever in town, this is a great Sunday buffet.

    An excellent restaurant with quality food and exceptional service…read more They had a lunch buffet (Mexican style food), but I ordered some Tlalpeño soup off the menu because I wasn't that hungry. They do have steaks and other great food available, including American style dishes), and the atmosphere is also quite pleasant and family friendly. The wait staff was very professional and attentive. The food was delicious. When you want something more than tacos this is a great place to eat.

    Photos
    Shalom - Entrance

    Entrance

    Shalom
    Shalom

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    Buffet House - Sashimi

    Buffet House

    3.9(155 reviews)
    41.7 km•Otay
    •$$

    Definitely one of the better Chinese buffets I've been too. It seems like all the buffets have gone…read moredown hill or close since covid. But this place was delicious and definitely worth the $17.70 lunch buffets price. Huge selection of all your traditional Chinese food, American, and sushi!!! They also have mongolian grill and free soda. They have a huge salad bar and a desert bar as well. Plenty of parking and easy to find. Staff was very friendly and picked up our plates pretty fast. Only downside was the ice cream machine was broken. I love that they used thick noodles for their chow mein. I went back for a second portion. Your typical chinese buffet ambiance. Large dinner area with plenty of sitting.

    Not impressed. It may be other buffets up north that I've been to that have more and fresher…read moreofferings. I went at 11:30AM shortly after opening, and the sushi was already dry and stale. Orange chicken was kind of runny, and there wasn't much beef in the beef and broccoli. The salmon was super dry. I probably go to one of these spots once a year or so, and I'm good for the rest of the year. I may be spoiled since my last experience was at casino buffet. I won't be coming back to this place though. The lady who took my payments was super nice, and the staff is really quick at clearing your table of finished dishes, and they're super nice so there's that. The place is clean and the place was packed, but this is the only buffet I could find in the area, and Golden Corral's ratings were an immediate pass. Good luck if you try this place.

    Photos
    Buffet House
    Buffet House
    Buffet House - Blue crabs :)

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    Blue crabs :)

    Ruben's - mexican - Updated October 2026

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