For the record, my bowl is half 'n half (half chicken, half steak) with white rice and vegetables. It's fast food. It's affordable. It's filling. It's somewhat healthy. But is it any good? Depends. I appreciate the intense char-grilled flavor imparted into the meat here in small amounts. My first 9-10 bites are great, and then it starts to wear out its welcome and I need to smother everything in their branded "magic sauce" (essentially a teriyaki sauce variant) which adds back all the calories I was trying to avoid. Still, you definitely could do worse than this place. Food-Décor-Service: 2.9/2.7/NA read more

Hard not to like a place that's quick/cheap/filling in the UCSD area. I was looking for something to grab and go and found it here at The Flame Broiler. Rubio's had a line out the door but this place was a simple walk in. I ordered then two minutes later I had my food. It actually took longer to fill up the little plastic cups with additional sauces than to order and receive my lunch. There was a lot of rice, veg, and protein for the price. I couldn't even finish it! - Parking here sucks. read more

Flame Broiler - good value. - Fast Food Near Me - La Jolla, California

I love all flame broiler locations!! This one in particular has very nice attentive staff up front. I have ordered food to go dozens of times and have never had a problem. They always ask me if I would like sauce that they already have packaged, so I don't have to fill up containers myself, awesome!! If it's your first time trying this place out, just keep in mind the location is very tiny, with absolutely no sitting room inside. I would say maybe 4 people max could fit standing inside. They have tables outside that are shared with the neighboring business. Not a big deal if it's a nice, sunny day :) read more

My regular go to lunch stop. I typically get the mini half and half, brown rice w/onions. It's just enough to satisfy during lunch and not enough to put me in a food coma which is exactly what I need mid day. Also, for the area it's on the lower end of more costly foods in the area. Their menu is simple, not too many variations aside from the size of bowl, or combo plate and chicken and beef, so easy to order and fast. Love thier secret hot sauce! read more

Awesome healthy spot for a quick lunch! They have a variety of different size bowls with different proteins to choose from. I don't usually eat red meat so I always get a regular chicken or tofu bowl. The chicken is grilled and nice in flavor. They have a variety of hot sauces to choose from. The place is very small and there is seating outside. This place is located in La Jolla Village square so parking during lunch time is a bit of a nightmare. The staff is always very friendly. read more

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I am really glad that this little Flame Broiler location is still in this center with all the construction that has been going on here. I typically order the half and half bowl with white rice and green onions. My husband always gets double chicken, white rice, green onions. Service is so fast...my order is typically ready while I'm still getting their secret magic sauce and hot sauce to go. -There is no indoor seating, it's just a take out place, although there are a couple tables outside. -You can ask for larger to go containers for their sauce (they only put the small containers out next to the sauce) -You must get the magic sauce -Add the green onions (no additional cost) -Coupons are typically available in the mail No frills and super quick; what more can you ask for?! read more

Came here quite a bit during college and pick up a quick bite when I'm working down in San Diego. Many of the shops and restaurants in La Jolla are completely different than what I remember, so it's nice to see that Flamebroiler is still around. The gentleman that works there is really friendly and food is good for what it is. read more

Good food - fast friendly service. Got the chicken bowl with rice and veggies and was impressed! Guy working let me try the beef and chicken was better in my opinion. No indoor seating - just a quick grab & go place with outdoor seating that's part of the plaza it's in. Overall good quick stop! read more

Flame Broiler - Outside - Fast Food Near Me - La Jolla, California

Great food and workers there are nice do not like how they did not have the tofu ready but still great read more

Flame Broiler - Bowl tofu veggies white rice - Fast Food Near Me - La Jolla, California

The only real descent spot to eat in La Jolla with customer service always being spot on. Cashier knows what I want as I come here so much. Love you guys, keep being great in an area where cust service is a foreign language. read more

The last time I was here was nearly 20 years ago. I used to eat here nearly every other day during grad school. Glad to see they still have the sauces and half-and-half bowls on the menu. Great spot. read more

Great place to grab lunch or maybe an early dinner before heading home from work. The rice bowls are delicious and very convenient to take home. Your choices of meats are chicken and angus meat; also vegetarian bowl is offered. My favorite is the half and half bowl, well done, with extra green onions. The magic sauce adds a great taste to it. You can also get hot sauce. Busy times are during lunch: BUT they're efficient and quick. If you're in a hurry and would like to grab the food and go; make sure to call ahead. read more

Big fan of Flame Broiler, I love stopping by and grabbing a chicken bowl for lunch really quick. I've never visited any of the locations besides the one in Mission Valley. I was in the area doing some work and was stoked to see they had a location near by in La Jolla. This location is inside the strip mall that Whole Foods and BJ's restaurant is in. It's really hard to call it a strip mall, more like a mega strip mall. The parking in this place gets pretty limited around lunch time. Luckily this Flame Broiler opens early at 1030 (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-flame-broiler-la-jolla?select=BsgclkqrBlQ1uoNAmPg-ew#-Y31oQB26G7z9uvQ34dCWA ) so you can beat the lunch crowd. This location has no dine in seating area as all the tables are outside and its simply a cashier area where you order your food and grab your drinks. They have Vitamin water of all things on tap here (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-flame-broiler-la-jolla?select=BsgclkqrBlQ1uoNAmPg-ew#i5-t0WAXxX2E9JSKdyPvDQ), which I haven't seen before. Just like the other locations they have their "magic" and "hot" sauces up front where you can grab little cups of it to pour on your food. The hot sauce being my favorite, the magic sauce is a little bit too sugary for my taste. The chicken veggie bowl here (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-flame-broiler-la-jolla?select=BsgclkqrBlQ1uoNAmPg-ew#BsgclkqrBlQ1uoNAmPg-ew ) was on the smaller side compared to the other location. They seemed like they didn't want to pack enough stuff in there. Usually the bowls are overflowing when you take to the top off. As you can see though, this location doesn't like giving you your money's worth of chicken, they were pretty damn skimpy on it. They also kinda lacked on steaming the veggies, as some of the broccoli had a little too much crunch to it. In my humblest of opinions, I think the Mission Valley one serves up way better food and gives you your money's worth. Also, if its raining you won't be able to sit and eat your food because of the only outside seating. read more

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I have to mention that I had food poisoning from here once, but it was entirely my fault (I took my bowl to-go and put it in and out of the fridge three times during the summer after long days of it staying outside. Yeah, I'm a UCSD graduate). So after recuperating from my traumatic experience years later, I'm healed from the scars of the smell of their teriyaki sauce exiting my...okay I'm done. THIS PLACE IS GREAT. My friend is a health nut and is sensitive to chemicals that are sometimes in food in cheap establishments. He has NO problem eating here and came day after day during finals week. What a stud, but also this testifies to the legitimately healthy food they have here for a decent price. No chemicals, formulas, MSG, or funny substitutes. You actually feel GOOD afterwards! I always get The Works bowl (Chicken, Beef, Veges) which is a heck of a lot of meat. Get the green onions too and brown rice. For 5.75 (around 6 bucks after tax), it was a great price for Lunch or Dinner; I felt so healthy that I allowed myself to indulge in butter later. Hah. I kid. Tip: Look for coupons that are sometimes in circulars. They sometimes have BOGO coupons which are invaluable! I want to steal their "Magic" teriyaki sauce. This would solve all my home cooking issues... read more

Great little shop, staff was very quick with my order and friendly when I went in to pick it up. Food was exactly what you'd expect at flame broiler.. great Plus they're open till 9 where most flame broilers aren't. Big plus read more

This is a great place for a nice healthy alternative from the everyday fast food place. Their proteins (chicken and beef) are all grilled at their location and they also offer the choice of white or brown rice. Their magic sauce is in the name... MAGIC! A little can go a long way so just keep that in mind, but man, what they've done here is happiness. read more

This tiny place has barely enough room for the soda dispenser, the cash register and 3 people. If you want to eat here, you'll be sitting at a table outside. This is all fine but the inside is dirty and run down. I took a look around while I was waiting to order and I seriously had second thoughts about ordering food from here. That's how dirty it is. I always think that if they let the front of the place look that dirty than the back/kitchen must be even worse. I ordered the Chicken Bowl with veggies. I paid extra for chicken breast. I would have preferred chicken breast, sliced over different size chunks of breast that had some fat still attached. I feel like the quality of the chicken has gone down some. Needless to say, I ate half and threw the rest away. I used to come here often but I think I'm done. read more

I have to agree with the other review in that flame broiler doesn't season their meat really well. I go there and usually get a regular bowl with brown rice, veggies, chicken, and green onion. But I end up getting the hot sauce and just kind of pouring it on the meat and rice and it makes it amazing. I recommend this place to people who are trying to eat healthy and want a quick way to get some food that is good for them. It's really convenient for college students because the bus stops right in front of the complex and it's a short walk to the shop. It's also made in a bowl with a lid so you could take it to go with you easily to school or work. I heard that people like magic sauce but I think I'm much more of a fan of the hot sauce. It has a sriracha taste to it but with a liquid texture. Get as many of those as you can fit in your bag!!! read more

I ordered the half and half (Angus beef and chicken), which is around $7. My friend and I both agree that the meat to rice ratio could be higher, but then again, we are carnivorous beasts. Btw, The chicken definitely tastes more flavorful than the beef. You also have the option to choose bwtween white or brown rice. (Go for brown rice. It tastes just as good and it is more nutritious) There is also this magical black jizz sauce that is titled "magic sauce". Dont get weirded out by the sketchy label, as it is indeed quite magical (aka teriyaki-ish soy sauce). The plastic containers for packaging the sauce were so small, I ended up pumping full four containers. Little did I know that I only needed only two max for my bowl. The magic sauce is really salty, so a little goes a long way! Two max or face the consequences of hypertension and cardiac arrest. Overall this place is where I go when Im hard core studying and I dont want to cook food or binge on mexican. Its a much healthier alternative and the taste and price are not too shabby. Solid 3/5! read more

Flame Broiler - Half and half bowl + magical black jizz sauce - Fast Food Near Me - La Jolla, California

Decent lunch for what it's worth. I opted to try the half-half mini brown rice bowl. For less than 500 cals and $5, the mini was just enough. The half and half included both beef and chicken. The beef was super dry so next time I'll opt to get the all chicken bowl. I declined the green onions. Lunch is cray! There's usually a line out the door but service is really quick. There are 2 sauces available next to the cashier so after you place your order hurry and get your sauce or else you'll be stuck in a cluster with all the customers ordering and picking up their meals. Oh and parking sucks so go early! Save the cals for some Sprinkles cupcakes just a few doors down! read more

I got The Works at The Flame Broiler for $7.50, and it was twice as much food as I could eat. The Works is 820 calories if you eat it all, and it includes beef, chicken, veggies, cabbage salad, and rice. No MSG yay. It's tasty but it's too much meat for me and despite being flame broiled it's a little heavy for my personal taste, as a little more fat than I can digest clings to the meat and gets absorbed by the rice. Do I recommend Flame Broiler? Sure I do! Give them a try if you are nearby. The food is tasty, and the staff is friendly and efficient. Next time I will just order rice, veggies, salad and a small portion of the chicken or beef. You order at the counter, and there aren't any inside tables. You take your food to go, and eat at an outside table. The Flame Broiler is near Rubio's, in the same parking lot as Whole Foods Market. read more

Flame Broiler - The Works at Flame Broiler - Fast Food Near Me - La Jolla, California

I go to UCSD for 4 years already, and always want to come here for lunch. Finally, I came and TFB didn't disappoint me! I ordered mini bowl with beef and chicken, ad they are pretty good! The magic sauce is good for rice! I recommend beef if you are going! Why not 5 stars? Even though the bowl is pretty good, I am not very impress by their food! FYI: My friend told me they don't put MSG on their food!!!!!!!!! I like non-MSG restaurant! read more

Flame Broiler - mini bowl - Fast Food Near Me - La Jolla, California

Not sure if it was the manager, owner, or just an employee, but the two individuals working there went above and beyond to serve me and my starving young kids even though they didn't have to. For a chain restaurant they were extra kind and exceeded service standards. Definitely a location you want to give your business to. read more

I've been to this location a couple times when I was too lazy to cook. There is no indoor seating and the restaurant itself is pretty small, but there is a lot of outdoor seating. This location is in a big parking lot but the last couple times I've been there, they've been doing construction so it's SO difficult finding parking. I usually get the chicken bowl. I get a TON of the magic sauce because it just tastes sooo good. I use a lot of sauce on my food and this is so exception at all. The sauce goes really well with the chicken and the rice. Sometimes I'll have leftover sauce and I'll keep it in my fridge so I can use it with other food again. It's a nice quick meal. read more

I frequent the Flame Broiler by my house A LOT and I'm so glad I was able to stumble upon this one on my drive up the I-5. It is a walk-in location with minimal dine in seating. I don't mind this though since I was on the road. The food came out quick, great portions and tasted just like the one back home. You just can't beat a healthy, guilt free meal like this. read more

For a while I lived off of this stuff during my undergrad years. I would not know how I could have survived UCSD without this place. Next to Spice and Rice, this place has become my stable, my to-go-places in times of despair. So what if they use low grade meat or load up on salty sauce---either way, it tastes damn good to me. Here are my reasons for recommending this place: 1. It is tasty, yes we have already covered that, even if that means loading up on teriyaki sauce to cover the taste of low quality meat. 2. It is a quick fix for your need of rice dosage. Why does Convoy have to be so faaaaar away??? 3. You don't have to pay tip... at least I have not in the past....maybe that's why they glare at me. 4. It is convenient. Let's face it, we are all leading very busy lives here. The location is perfect for people like us that either go to UCSD or work there. 5. It sure beats dorm food. 6. None of my friends have gotten food poisoning there...yet. I will soon compile a list of food poisoning restaurants soon, I promise, which includes Tofu House, Oceanview Terrace at UCSD (do not order fish, I repeat, no fish!), etc. 7. You should go now before they raise the price again. read more

I guess this is a step above fast-food type teriyaki places b/c they do seem to grille your meats to order. I've been here twice and have had their rib (galbi) plate. Not bad - I actually enjoy the long a** wait time to have them make this (I might be exaggerating but i swear it's a 12 min wait for this). But the rib pieces are nice and fresh. The rib plate comes w/ veggies and rice $7.88. The can substitute the rice w/ extra veggies at no extra charge. My friend got the 'works' bowl $6.50: steamed veggies and steamed rice--topped with teriyaki-basted chicken and marinated beef, finished with teriyaki sauce. He liked it - kinda thought the sauce was a bit sweet. Portions are decent for what you pay for. I'd go there if i was in the area and hungry for fast food teriyaki. Otherwise, try Bowl to Go in Miramar/Sorrento - that's my go to place right now for fast Korean style bbq food. read more

In college, the chicken was off the chizzain! But, sometime in the last more than a few years, they changed their recipe. It's definitely not as good anymore but can still hit the spot when you're craving a quick, substantial meal. I like the chicken better than the beef even though there's a lack of consistency with the chicken. Tonight, my chicken was tender but other times it can be quite dry. The beef is usually always a bit on the dry side. I like that they give you a brown rice option for the same price as white. I like the chewy yet soft texture of their brown rice. I'd recommend filling at least two containers with magic sauce and one with the hot sauce. Note that the hot sauce is actually not that spicy, and this is coming from someone who starts sweating on a number 3 spicy level at a Thai restaurant. read more

Pros: Quick Cheap Sort of healthy Cons: A bit bland Cheaper quality ingredients read more

Flame Broiler's grilled chicken, beef, and veggies bowls appeal to many people. Whether you're a fan of their addictive Magic Sauce or simply trying to choose a healthier fast food option, Flame Broiler is where it's at! Their rice bowls are simple; you can choose brown or white rice, steamed vegetables, grilled chicken or beef. Service is very quick - you can expect them to have your food in ready in a couple of minutes. Also, this location is very small and has no indoor seating, but they do have several tables outside. read more

It was okay. i remember my bf first taking me here when it wasn't all popular years ago, to this exact location. i thought it was okay. it's still okay now, the chicken meat is dry and hard, i felt like they left it out sitting for awhile! some of my chicken was hard and burned like a rock! on the bright side, the veggies were good. they shouldn't cook it in batches, maybe cook to order! on the spot instead of big batches. i had better teriyaki chicken, FRESH ones. read more

The Flame Broiler is always consistently good. The vegetables and meats at this location are fresh. I loved their magic sauce combined with hot sauce. read more

I love this place! I order a bowl and am super full after eating half of it! The service is quick and the concept is super easy. I love the 50/50 bowl because it gives me a little bit of chicken and a little bit of beef. I think they could put more meat and less rice though. All in all, the sauces are good and the price isn't too bad. I'd go there again! read more

I gave this place a try again cause I was too lazy to drive to Homestyle Hawaiian. Since I knew I would not get enough meat I decided to get the rib plate with a side of beef. The rice was fine. The ribs were pretty good. The beef was barely edible. I was hoping for something like teriyaki beef but instead I got these little pieces of beef which tasted funny and were kinda rough... The half orange was fine. I should have gone to Homestyle Hawaiian. read more

I love Flame Broiler. I first ate at the one in LA and I've been happy to eat at one whenever the opportunity arises. You really can't go wrong with a simple bowl (take your pick of veggie, chicken, beef, combo) or a plate if you're a fatass (like me). Other than that, huzzah for noms!.. if only you would make it the price of a McDonalds burger .. you'd be cleaned out .. by me. read more

The Flame Broiler on Nobel drive is Quick, easy, friendly, good parking and delicious! Their sauce is extra good.

Very tasty place of just rice and meat. This place has survived for many years because it is quick and tasty and simple. I always come here when I visit San Diego! read more

Came here for a quick bite. It's Korean food cooked by Mexicans, but that's not what gave this review 2 stars. For the price of the food, it isn't worth it. Portions are decent sized, but lacks flavor. The chicken and beef meats were dry. They were nice and hot so I'm assuming they were already cooked and then recooked when an order is made. Either way, both lack flavor. Had a nice color to it and looks flavorful like Korean meats, but hardly any flavor. It's not bland but you can't taste the flavor either. We had to add the Flame Broiler sauce for more flavor. I'm sorry but I won't be back. It was a nice quick bite, but not one that will be repeated. Also, there's outdoor seating. read more

Flame Broiler - Half and half - Fast Food Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Food taste great and quick !! Area is really nice as well I stay buying the chicken bowl with extra veggies read more

This place opened more than 20 years ago, and it was a great and convenient spot when I was in college. Nothing fancy, but a simple and efficient setup. And the food was good. I'd never really had teriyaki bowls before, and they hit the spot. Service was usually pretty quick, and the meals were inexpensive. read more