A group of friends and I meet to catch up every so often. We have a system on which there is a rotation among us to choose the restaurant. One friend chose Rubio's. It turned out to be a great choice. It's a place where you order at the counter and they give you a flag and bring your food to you. The young gal at the counter was friendly attentive knowledgeable and patient as we ordered. i liked the way she let my friend who is differently abled speak for himself and she spoke to him for clarification instead of asking me what he was saying. our food came out promptly. One friend had a Chicken quesadilla with chips and a Lemon Ade He really enjoyed it. I noticed that the quesadilla was a nice size, and seemed to have a good ratio of chicken and cheese . It was served with some sour cream, salsa fresca, guacamole and chips, He also ordered a chocolate chip cookie. It was rather large compared to your regular cookie, I felt $3.95 was a bit much personally. Another friend had the California burrito it was filled with seasoned fries, guacamole, melted cheese, salsa fresca, and chipotle lime crema and steak. He said that it was good and suggested I try it next time. On all my years of eating Mexican food I have never as much as entertained the idea I probably should but I'm really more inclined to get a Carne Asada Burrito . My other friend got the Taco Combo for $7.00 plus tax. It included a drink, chips a churro a trip to the salsa bar and a taco . He chose the original fish taco. A nice thick piece of pollock, with a white sauce, some salsa, and cabbage, on a corn tortilla. He said the fish taco was what he usually gets at Rubio's. They had a sign outside advertising the $7.00 Combo. They had me at Churro! When I saw I could get a taco, chips churro and I drink for 7 bucks I didn't need to look at the menu. I tried the mild salsa and the roasted chipotle from the half dozen or more salsas At the salsa bar both were great choice even better mixed together The one snag was that I had trouble with registering on the app. I'm not sure if it was my device or the app itself since was with friends I decided to order without the app I kept the receipt so I'll try to to get my loyalty points. The success I have with fixing this challenge will determine whether make a return trip. Thanks for reading . read more

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Hadn't been to Rubios in years. I see the menu has changed. You get tacos, burritos or bowls( rice or salad). I got 2 mahi mahi tacos with rice and beans. The salsa bar still the same.. great taste and fresh. The tacos were decent. I got more toppings than fish. read more

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Love Rubio's fish tacos! Was pretty quiet on a Sunday lunch and there's ample parking. Ordered the new $7 combo meal which came with one fish taco, a side of chips, a large drink and half a churro. It was good and actually filling, I like the variety. Service was quick and friendly and there's lots of indoor seating. read more

Rubio's - $7 combo meal with fish taco - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Rubio's is a vibrant, classic Mexican spot. their first is always spot on! love their surf and turf bowl, so richly flavored!. lots of seating, closes a bit early weekdays, at 9pm. lots of online deals read more

I love a good fish taco from Rubio's and this location did not disappoint! Wasn't too busy on a Sunday lunch. I ordered the $7 meal which is a steal and comes with a fish taco, chips, churro and a soft drink. It's surprisingly pretty filling. Service was fast and friendly and there's plenty of indoor seating and parking read more

Rubio's - $7 Meal - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

My husband and I stopped in for a quick lunch and everything was so good! Not only was the food really fresh but the restaurant was incredibly clean. Someone was outside cleaning the bases of the chairs where customers sit. I had no idea that this location was a testing kitchen for all other Rubio's which is so cool. I love the idea of being able to help test new items. I loved my chicken bowl. It had great portions of everything, including guac which is usually extra! The hot honey fish taco was nice and crispy. Perfect pairing with the pickled onions. Everything went great with my Pacifico. We will be back to try new items! read more

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Honestly just tried the new fish n chips and they were not good at all! Stick to the Marisco places your better off. I wanted to like them since there fish tacos are actually not that bad but the batter was off. The puerto nuevo burrito was also a disappointment. Hardly any lobster it was all beans and rice. Save your money you'll thank me. read more

I was feeling bored with food and didnt wasn't too spend a lot and it was a Friday so I wasn't eating meat that day... and behold, I found myself at Rubios... But not just any Rubios. Their innovation kitchen ( formerly known as their treat kitchen). I was feeling like breaded shrimp so I got their beer battered shrimp taco, then I saw Shrimp al pastor taco and I love me since pineapply al pastor flavor and the lovely and kind cashier recommended the sweet potato taco...say what??? Really? A sweet potato taco? That doesn't sound good... but it was DELICIOUS! 3 tacos AND rice AND beans for under $15. Yes please and thank you. I will be back. Im so happy this Innovation Kitchen is here. Food had become interesting again. And the cashier was competent and helpful. Yay for service. read more

Rubio's - 3 tacos. Unbelievably good. Beer battered shrimp. Shrimp al pastor. Sweet potato. - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Great food! Clean, organized restaurant. Excellent customer service by manager Braulio and associate Valerie (Val). Helpful, friendly, and professional. My husband, friends, and I visit this restaurant several times a month. Braulio and Val always make us feel welcome. Will continue to visit this restaurant. read more

I normally don't come to this location but was in the area and realized my $5 entree promotion was going to expire and I was hungry. I originally posted a 3 star review, but yesterday Nov 2 I went to a fish taco restaurant that begins with the word California and has the word fish in it with a group of 12, which I have been to several locations of this chain in 2 states. I cannot mention the full name here, against Yelp rules. There is a California fish restaurant near every Rubios I looked up. I also after my visit to this Rubios, read a review by another Yelper named Linh N. who visited this Rubios location with her kids Sept 15, 2024, only 1 month before I did. She gave 3 stars because her "Sharable steak fries for $13 (new menu item)" was so skimpy, she wrote it was smaller than her shrimp bowl, which I assume cost the same as my shrimp bowl $15.95. Compare the picture of my little shrimp bowl that is priced at $15.95 or $16, with the other photos I posted from California . I got that fried catfish minus my $2.50 upgrade to Sweet Potato Fries, for $15.75. The most expensive item on the California menu is about $16. but when you go to their website and look at the menu prices and the portion sizes in their Yelp profiles, you get so much more food for same or cheaper price. And it is delicious ! I posted pictures below of the California restaurant menu items, that people in our group ordered, yesterday. The two tacos are $4.50 each, with two sides it is $13.50. The grilled fish plates with choice of 2 sides are all under $16. California's shrimp bowl is $13.99 and looks larger than Rubios. My point is I don't think Rubios is a good deal unless you go on taco Tues and order Tues tacos, and get a coupon for $5 for an entree, like I did. The rest of my review below, was the original 3 star review before I went to the California restaurant. They have a larger menu with more selections, too. Inflation has made eating out soooo expensive, and I really notice, that the portions are getting smaller too. So I don't think Rubios is a good deal outside of promotional prices, and there are still restaurants that serve fish and shrimp for more reasonable prices. So here I am at this Rubios. I immediately noticed that the only two tables that can hold four people were both dirty with crumbs and food particles on them. A few minutes later 4 people wanted to sit at such table. They passed up on the really dirty one and had to clean the less dirty table themselves. Also, when I went to the salsa bar, I stepped on something slippery. When I lifted my foot I saw someone had dropped a lime wedge on the floor and it was wet there I summoned a employee to the lime wedge and told her that that was a slip hazard. She picked up the lime wedge, but did not wipe up the other slip hazard fluid around it. So I am giving this visit a three-star. The food I ordered which was a shrimp and steak bowl costing $15.99, was delicious. 5 stars! However I don't like the steak meat at Rubio's . It is tough and dry and lots of oingy boingies that don't get chewed very well, so I substituted the steak for more shrimp. My promotion was for me to pay $5 for the $15.99 entree. I would not pay $15.99 for the shrimp bowl and this size in the picture. It was so delicious, and I saved $11! I told the cashier if I had two more $5 promotions I could have bought two more entrees with my savings. This rating would be lower than three stars due to the not clean tables if the shrimp bowl didn't taste so good. read more

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Soooo.... was kinda craving Rubios. Hadn't had it since they closed a bunch of locations so the one closest to my house shut down. So I went to this location with my kids... here's how it went. First, I didn't know it changed to "innovation kitchen" but ok cool.... rebrand, All good. I was actually craving my go to Rubios mango salad but that was no longer on the menu. Was disappointed to see that there were only two salads on the menu. So I decided to go for a bowl, they sounded pretty good! Opted for the Rainbow Shrimp bowl. It was good for what it was.... but disappointingly small for what I paid in my opinion. The kicker tho that floored me was the steak fries my daughter ordered. On the menu it's listed as a "shareable" so you expect it to be a share worthy size.... omg that thing was tiny. Less filled than the bowl I ordered. See my photo for reference. False advertising if you ask me. I should have gone to a real taco shop for carne fries that would have been more than double this size for same price. That was my bad. (Remember I was craving my mango salad) Between my small bowl, the even smaller "shareable fries", and a cali burrito that my easy to please son ate.... I walked out paying $46 (did not purchase drinks) and less than satisfied. I honestly think bowl-wise.... I'm better off going to Chipotle. Rebranding Rubios didn't do much. read more

Rubio's - Misleading calling these fries "shareable". Can't believe I paid $13 for this. - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Fantastic location! Braulio is friendly, welcoming and always has great recommendations. The rest of the team are nice too. The food is always delicious and I particularly enjoy coming to the test kitchen to try the latest dishes. The rewards program has a good point system and coupons. I like the relaxed atmosphere/ambiance making it a nice spot to dine-in anytime. Highly recommend Rubio's and any of their locations. You've gotta try their picante salsa! read more

Came in for Rubios famous Taco Tuesday! I know I was in Asian town but one cannot resist the power of a taco Tuesday. The service was great because they explained the different combos and were very patient of my indecisive self to choose regular or the especial. The only difference between the two is that the especial has cheese, guacamole and onions. Definitely recommend! If you're looking for something affordable and delicious must try rubios read more

Rubio's - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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Rubio's tacos are always of exceptional quality and tonight I was met with exceptional service as well. Both my original fish taco plate and the sweet potato taco were delicious and the staff was very kind and prompt in preparing my food. One of the best taco Tuesday deals out there! Will be back next Tuesday. read more

God bless who reads this, feels like the bad parts of Mexico ! Rude and uneducated , horrible Management and employees, They try to Close the bathroom at 8 pm ! so they can leave early. They do NOT care about the local community . I've Been eating rubios for 16 years , it's changed for the worst, Hispanic employees Bringing their culture to ruin real Kind, honest , local California culture . As a veteran Wildland Firefighter who ordered 3 corn tacos and got 3 flour tortillas , and I get attitude from the big taco police, insulting me and insinuating I'm lieing about it. Theyre lucky my grandmother isnt alive. lucky. mopping the floors while customers still eating at 8:05 pm , what is that ? In Del Mar this would never happen . never . stop trying to change San Diego into South Bay ! unbelievable ! instead of engaging with the local hero's of the community, they disrespect a daily customer. I will pray for them all they need it obviously. Money isn't life. life is being kind to your neighbors. Leviticus 19:18 God Bless , thank God there's other locations ! read more

Rubio's - An Incorrect order. 100% incorrect but the big lady says " You always have something wrong " like I bother her because my order was wrong - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

An amazing establishment with amazing hearts. The people here are so welcoming and grateful for your business it makes you want to return. 10/10 will return. Shift leader is a great guy. The ambience is great and the food is amazing. read more

Rubio's - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

I LOVE this Rubio's! The food is always fresh, fast and tastes great and the staff and manager are amazing! read more

Rubio's - Fish burrito so yummy! - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

From the moment I walked in I was greeted with a smile and a welcome! The customer service was excellent and felt like a the employees actually enjoyed their job! The food was very good and everything was HOT! Definitely the best location to come to if you are wanting a rubios! Braulio was so nice!! read more

Rubio's - Mahi tacos and rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Literally the best Rubios by far. The Manager Braulio is dedicated to great customer service, his staff consistently exceeds the standards of great customer service. My family and I drive 15 minutes passing several other rubios to eat at this location because of the great service. The atmosphere and look of the Rubios is great, always cleaned and well maintained.. plus great foods.. thanks to the staff, Chris, Aron, Christina, Briana, and all of them. read more

Wow! Just wow! Great food and new dishes I've never tried it was exciting! Service everyone was helpful and friendly. The Ambiance was calm and at the same time inviting...I liked it! read more

I am redoing my rating after one year. They have change menu, service, and quality I had this beginning taco you can die for; as well as excellent rainbow shrimp bowl- I found this location is test location - well you got my vote ! read more

Rubio's - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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I can say that this is best Rubio's I've ever picked up a meal from! Actually, I felt like I got a real deal set of fish tacos like I get from some of the other better places that offer seafood meals. I had just wrapped up another fabulous photography class at George's Camera across the street from this Rubio's location, and after a solid recommendation from one of the instructors, I determined to head over and give it a try. This Rubio's, during my visit was slow but the shop was clean and prepped up well for customers to enjoy a good visit if they wanted to eat at Rubio's instead of going for take-out. I like the appearance of this Rubio's. It has varying types of seating in a large space and mostly wooden chairs and barstools. There is no problem with distancing and it is sizable enough to support groups comfortably. On this day, I ordered one of the taco grilled seafood plates. For me, it had to be the mahi mahi plate - well which one?? There is a wild caught mango mahi mahi and the wild caught mahi mahi. Well, good for me I was told I could mix and match, and though I'm favorable to anything mango, I chose to try both with no regrets! These two tacos were pretty large - more than expected for a Rubio's and pretty stuffed too! The mahi mahi is blackened on both offerings and fills the whole taco. The shell is flour and soft. The mango version includes guac, mango salsa, cabbage and chipotle sauce. The regular version includes roasted corn, cabbage, cilantro/onion, and chipotle sauce. The plate also includes refried beans and nacho chips. With superb service from the moment I arrived, I took home a delightful meal that made my Saturday even better! Recommend: HIGH read more

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Rubio's has been around since the 80s! I remember going to their 2nd restaurant located by SDSU often...the perfect place to establish a following with refreshing, tasty and affordable Baja style food for college students! These days,, I still find myself craving and enjoying their well-known and delicious fish tacos! Only this time it's at their "test kitchen" location on Clairemont Mesa Blvd by my work. I'm so glad this location remains open amidst some financial challenges and closures recently in the news. The manager and staff are very welcoming, friendly and professional. Story has it that the owner is a SDSU graduate who shared the concept of fried beer battered fish tacos with San Diegans, after experiencing them in San Felipe during his college days. Having been in business for 40 years, Rubio's is certainly a long-time San Diego staple serving fresh tasting food that creates some wonderful nostalgia for me. read more

Rubio's - The Original Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Great location. Great employees. I've been enjoying Rubio since 1989. The fish tacos aren't the same. Since the bankruptcy, their menu items, for example "The original fish taco" is not the same taco delivered just a year ago. I hope Ralph Rubio cashed out and is living the coastal dream. Just another taco shop now. read more

I have to say this Rubios is outstanding!! I've been coming to this location for a few years now and every time is a great experience.. Food is always good and warm, super friendly staff and very clean.. Thank you guys for always provide a great service !! read more

Pleasantly surprised with their to-go/delivery packaging. Food was still warm and nicely presented and they included salsas which almost never happened at other locations. Docking a star because they went a little light on the serving size for the chips, white sauce on the tacos and no utensils or napkins. Would order again the next time I have a promo code. read more

Rubio's - To-go packed nicely! - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Quiet on a weekend mid afternoon not many people. Two taco $9 and change not much flavor wise I thought but clean and fresh. It was good for a small quick bite. Service was good and friendly read more

Went for dinner tonight during Labor Day. There was an amazing young man with braces that was so helpful. I was confused about the new beer batter shrimp taco and the gentleman working was patient and insightful while assisting me with the menu. The restaurant was clean, the food was fantastic and the service was impeccable. Thank you so much! read more

You can't go wrong with the California Burritos at Rubio's. Plus their salsa's are fuego My fav is the roasted chipotle! And their service is amazing. Braulio the manager is a very kind person and the staff is always ready to help. Especially Aron - he goes the extra mile for his customers. read more

Rubio's - Chicken California Burrito - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Just about every time I've ordered online for pickup, my order is missing sauces including the non-free ones like extra white sauce for the fish tacos. Is this an issue with the website order process or are workers being that careless about putting online orders together? read more

They are 6 stars!!! Absolutely the best customer service. Restaurant is clean and staff upbeat and cheerful. Food is always great. Visit today!! read more

I had a pair of pretty good wild salmon tacos on corn tortillas from this Rubio's. I has the combo with black beans and tortilla chips. The salmon was tasty but unfortunately it was on the dry side. I asked for it blackened and I really liked the outside crust the seasoning created. However, I do prefer my fish a nice medium when cooked. The rest of the ingredients in the tacos were good and so were the black beans. They were tender but I would of appreciated more of that white cheese on them. The salsas were good but for some reason the green one was a little on the salty side. This a bus Rubio's and even more busier parking lot so it can get pretty tight. read more

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A quick and easy dinner option, but not much to rave about. I had the cilantro lime bowl with shrimp - it comes with quinoa and black beans. The main complaint was that the quinoa was not cooked properly, it tasted like I got the pot scrapings and they were hard to chew and kept getting stuck in my teeth. I rated this 3-stars ok because the cilantro lime flavor was there and I thought they gave a good amount of shrimp. read more

Rubio's - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Food was delicious. Their new menu is great...plus the service is fast and friendly. Clean restaurant, too. read more

Rubio's - QUESA ASADA TACO COMBO - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Extremely disappointed by the bait and switch marketing at Rubios. I walked in and ordered the Grilled Chicken bowl BASED ON THE PHOTOS ON THEIR MONITOR yet look at the half portion JOKE they gave me. The young boy and girl working could have cared less when I questioned them about it too. I'm wondering if I should leave a review like this at each of their locations that does this type of unethical bait and switch. Tell me do these bowls look even remotely alike? Rubios needs to remove the misleading photos soon or I will continue ordering these at different locations and reporting each bait and switch job they stick me with. Next im posting it on Twitter. I'm seriously pissed. I was actually looking forward to my food until I saw this, that looks nothing like I ordered. Plus I told the girl PICO ON THE SIDE and I'm the only person in line yet they couldn't get that right either. 1 Star is KIND for how I'm feeling :-( read more

Rubio's - This is the bait and switch "half portion" in a cardboard bowl that I got. NOT WHAT THEY ADVERTISE - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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I came in because I really couldn't decided where to eat so I just came here. The lady who helped me was really friendly and seemed to be a manager. I forgot her name but she deserves 5 stars for her service. I got a burrito and it was pretty good. So I would come back here because it was clean and even though the prices are a little high the food was good. read more

Very friendly staff, food is very good. Getting pricey like everywhere else. Clean, thoughtful ambience. Make sure you get the app to get special deals/discounts. read more

I ordered ahead from this location for the first time and had a great experience! I ordered the Mexican street corn grilled shrimp bowl and it was delicious and well made. The service was great, the order was already prepared when I got there and the worker that gave me my order checked in with me to make sure they included all of my items. This is a great Rubio's location and I will be back! read more

Consistently good food regardless of the location. Menu has a nice selection of of traditional Mexican choices as well as its trademark fish tacos read more

They got one of our orders wrong, which we didn't even notice (or maybe the one whose order it was didn't care because she had already eaten a third of it), but they went out of their way to remake the order and gave it to us (to go). That initiative to correct a mistake impressed me so much that I had to leave a review. Also, we come here pretty regularly, and it's a really dependable place to eat. read more