Went to Rubio's for a family dinner while we were down visiting family. We had been here before for the infamous taco Tuesday dinner. We we're horribly disappointed with the cleanliness inside the restaurant. There was food and napkins all over the floor, the salsa bar had salsa and napkins stuck all over it and the trash was overflowing. For a "Taco Tuesday" we've seen it MUCH busier and MUCH cleaner. All of the workers were young and standing around chatting behind the register instead of cleaning anything up. We had to wipe down our own table, and then one of us had to use the restroom. The bathroom was beyond disgusting. When our food came we had a small black hair on one of our taco plates. There were other customeds also complaining and asking for a refund over poor quality over cooked food, and lack of service/cleanliness. Very disappointed & will not return. Sad for a chain rest to be in such poor quality. read more

I must say I was a little taken back by the regular plates and metal forks. I used to be a huge fan of Rubio's in general, but my admiration has diminished over the years. They have changed the Fish Burrito from the one I grew up on and now (at least this location) serves the meals on real plates with metal forks. It's just not the same as the Rubio's of old. I think they should be leaning more towards a beach front taco shop, than a regular restaurant. The quality of the food is still good, however, one in our party ordered a side of beans and had to have them re-heated, as they were served cold. The staff was friendly and delivered the food to the table. The Fish Tacos are still good and have remained fairly consistent over the years. Rubio's is still a good place to grab a meal, but isn't near the top of my list any more. There are other places I would visit first, but I will return. read more

In my experience rubios is hit or miss. The chain is terribly inconsistent with the quality of their food. For example, this location served us hard tortillas and subpar fish. The location in mission valley on the other hand served us the most delicious fish taco plates I've experienced this side of the boarder. Overall their beans and rice are always good. Be mindful of which location you visit and you should be okay. read more

Pretty decent Mexican fast food in a mall setting. Tried their signature fish taco plus a fancier baja mahi-mahi version. Honestly, they tasted about the same -- gooey goodness wrapped up nicely in a corn tortilla. The decor is totally surfer-beach-tiki, which is pretty fun I guess. Not the most original thing for San Diego though. And street tacos are typically a lot cheaper and more delish. But hey Rubio's did the trick. We all need a little fuel to rev us up before we go and blow a wad of cash at Target, right? read more

Less than $2 per fish taco on Taco Tuesdays! I know people hate chain restaurants but Rubio's has the best fish tacos. The line was long when I went, however it moved quickly and I maybe waited no more than 10 minutes for my to go order. I also asked about getting extra sauce and got a lot of it. Grossmont though has bad parking but I'm still giving it 5 stars =) read more

I used to come to this place for many years.The food and the service always great and meeting our expectations.Heidi and the staff are very courteous and friendly. read more

Wow! We love our hometown Rubio's but this location blew us away! On vacation in San Diego and found an inexpensive place to rest our heads in El Cajon. Stopped by the Rubio's in the Grossmont center and had a great meal. Hector was our cashier and he is awesome! Feeling some love for him! The menu is great. Everything we ordered was awesome! And they bring it to your table. Best fast food ever! Do yourself a favor and eat here if you like Baja foods! read more

Rubio's Coastal Grill - My boys eating and hamin' it up at the same time! - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Loved the $1 (now $1.25) Tuesday Fish Tacos. Other than fish tacos one can find just about everything else on the menu somewhere else, where it is cheaper, better, or both ! Grossmont Center parking can be a hassle. read more

Yum! Okay so I am newly 'pescatarian' and I wanted to try the world famous fish tacos here. The two taco plate with beans and chips is a really good deal. The tacos were delicious and the chipotle salsa was addicting. Cheap, good food, and Rubio's started out in San Diego, what's not to love? The rest of the menu also looked really good, I'll have to come back soon and try more. read more

It's tough to find familiar food when traveling from northern ca. good to know that Rubio's is the same no matter where we travel CA. Wish you were in other states too! read more

I just want to update this review to say that Rubio's has been vigilant in following up with me about my experience and have gone out of there way to make things right and honor the original promotion. Just want to say thanks to Rubios for working to right a wrong and make things better. I appreciate the customer service and effort. Looking forward to going back and getting a shrimp bowl. read more

Do not eat at this Rubio's!!! I got terrible food poisoning from this place. I was expecting a normal, tasty visit. I had gotten shrimp tacos which were all undercooked( hence the reason I got sick). Waste of money and disappointing. I want expecting to be violently vomiting for 48 hours from a high end malls food court Rubio's. read more

Horrible service. I called and was placed on hold for 10 minutes and I could hear the cashier ringing up other people. I heard her continue to take orders. I came into the store and waited in line. I saw a lady get her order and question her order with the lady in the green shirt (hair pulled up in the bun). The lady was rude to her and when the customer turned around to leave she started laughing with another coworker. At this point I'm not rating their food. The customer service is HORRIBLE! As I am finishing this up I hear another customer have the same complaint as me "you should be answering your phones". read more

Ordered to go, was handed my food, drove maybe five minutes, sat down to eat and the food was cold. Super disappointed and would have driven back if I hadn't already clocked out on my lunch break. read more

Laaaaaame! Fell for their free delivery during the stay-at-home order for Coronavirus. They sent the wrong beans and the wrong salad dressing. That would've been ok if they send the salsas we also specifically ordered. We are under construction at our home and don't have silverware right now. They also forgot to include plastic cutlery and napkins! I called because it was just so many different problems, I needed to say something. When I told the lady what happened and what a bummer it was, she said it wasn't their fault and it was Postmates fault. Basically argued with me. Terrible customer service, pandemic or not. Wish I would've gotten her name. Okie dokie. Way to take absolutely no ownership whatsoever. She acted like I wanted something free. I wanted them to not have the same thing happen to the next customer. Gotcha loud and clear, lady, and I won't be doing that again. You've lost me. Another reviewer made a great point and that is there are too many great taco shops in San Diego to put up with such terrible food and service. Plus, I probably should be supporting small business right now anyway. Rubio's has gotten too big for their britches and their food quality and service is not what it used to be. I grew up here and have been going since the PB location was built. A loooong time. End of an era. read more

Gross. Frozen shrimp burrito. Yuck. Overpriced food that tastes like microwaveable food. Steak in my taco was very dry and bland. Fish in my grilled fish taco also very dry. Sad because I used to really like Rubio's in PB. read more

I have to give PROPS to Rubio's for their new Gourmet Tacos. My friend, Vero, has been raving about the steak and shrimp ones for 2 weeks! So, as I was driving through Grossmont Center, I made it a point to check this out for myself (with Mr. B of course). We both ordered the same thing... 2 Gourmet Tacos Plate--1 steak and 1 shrimp, with black beans and tortilla chips. Vero made it a point to order them without bacon...so I did. I gotta say that these tacos were pretty darn good. They have "browned" jack cheese on the inside of the corn tortilla. *Note---those of you who have had a real quesadilla from a TJ taco stand know what I'm talking about. The cheese is 1st thrown on the skillet before it's put into the tortilla...thereby making the cheese a little brown or "charred". Anyway...it had the cheese, either steak (or shrimp) and fresh slices of avocado. The steak was tender and the shrimp was fresh and grilled. The nice thing is that they weren't fried. But the cashier girl made it a point that it takes a little extra time to make these tacos because they are made fresh to order. I think I waited 15 minutes before we got our food--a long time when you're hungry. But they were worth it. I know Rubio's isn't a mom and pop shop, nor a small chain...but everytime I've had their tacos (mostly the fish ones), they are pretty consistent. So I'll definitely be back for these gourmet tacos again. read more

The Food was like any other Rubio's since i'm talking about a chain restaurant. What makes this Rubio's different from the rest of the other i have been to is the Customer service. The staff is super friendly with a genuine smile all the time. The thing about chain restaurants is that the pictures which advertise their food always look better than what you order. Well i have to admit that I ordered a Lobster burrito and it came just as the picture described it. They have a pretty legit Salsa bar better than any other Authentic Mexican restaurants. They do a good job at keeping clean that salsa bar. I also liked their unsweetened tea selection. My favorite was their mango Tea drink. I will definitely come back when ever i'm craving fresh Baja-Mexican food. read more

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This is my go to Rubio's! I do my homework almost everyday at the Starbucks next door so I'm here a couple of days a week. They keep the restaurant clean which I appreciate and the salsa bar is always stocked and clean. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Heidi is my favorite employee they have! She always is smiling and is extremely helpful! Overall good place to eat and good service. read more

Overpriced and small portions for the price. Shrimp tacos have the tiniest shrimp in them. They give you one tiny slice of avocado in a taco. Bad customer service, no one tends to care how you feel. If I'm paying $10 a plate I'd rather go to a legit Mexican restaurant. Not sure what the hype is about. Used to love this place haven't been in years and now I know why! And they put bacon in the surf and turf?! Gross. read more

Three years ago I moved to Dallas/Ft. Worth and I have missed Rubios so much. Unlike In N Out Burger, Rubios has not decided to move into the DFW area & take on Tex-Mex as a legitimate Mexican food in the DFW area. Too bad because in my opinion Rubios would win hands down. Something about Tex-Mex just makes me want to gag. I do crave Rubios fish taco especial with their roasted chipoltle sauce. Yum! Just had to get my Rubios fix! read more

I love rubios but my boyfriend and I came in and the girl working Ericka was super rude. Idk what her problem was but she had an attitude problem. She talked to me like I was stupid and kept rolling her eyes. Not the best. And the place was filthy. read more

This location has piss poor management and messes up food orders constantly. I've had four or five orders (take out) recently that have been wrong. If you're customizing your order in ANY way, then don't risk it. Take your business elsewhere. There are plenty of fish taco joints in the area to try. read more

I'm not a huge fan of Rubio's. We had them up in Ventura and I rarely went there. When I wanted corporate Mexican food I went to Baja Fresh. However Rubio's are more than abundant in San Diego and Baja Fresh is almost extinct. Sad face. The only reason we ever go to Rubio's is for their fish tacos. They are pretty decent. I loathe their beans and am not a big rice person, so a couple fish tacos is the most Rubio's will get out of me. I prefer the Fish Taco Especial with added guacamole and cheese, but during Taco Tuesdays they aren't included in the $1.50 deal so I settle for the regular fish tacos. Man, San Diego loves Rubio's. read more

Came here on a lunch break and tried all of the salmon chimichurri specials! They were delicious! I had the taco special and my coworker had basically the salad version of it. Delicious, defff waaaay better than I expected from Rubio's read more

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There really rude at this Rubio's. HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. I understand with covid happening but they don't need to be rude to the customers. It was a younger guy working and a older lady with bleached blonde hair. I needed salsa today for my two meals and they just stood there and stared and talked to each other while I was standing there waiting. Then got annoyed and rolled their eyes when I asked for salsa. Didn't even say anything after I said thank you . really bad customer service wow read more

Something is just amiss in the week without my Rubios Tuesday Tacos. It's become my little weekly take-out tradition. My only gripe is the struggle at the salsa bar. People can be SO rude! I know it's hardly the establishments fault, but the pain to get my salsa is a grumpy reminder of how self important a lot of people can be. Four stars for yummy fish tacos that fit into my budget. Can't be a five... As every trip hurts my soul a little due to human behavior. read more

My go to place for Catering trays when I am bringing lunch for customers. $65 feeds about 10 people. It's cheap, it's well liked and a solid choice for catering trays. As for their food, it is consistent and clean. Not a big fan of their fish tacos but I do love their Gourmet Tacos. So my suggestion will always be to come here for catering but not for dinner. read more

I am gluten intolerant and this manager is wonderful about making sure my food comes out right. I have been hear about 8 times and she is always greeting me personally and is so kind. read more

This is my favorite Rubio"s it is a high pace and large volume Rubios it is always busy assuring fresh food is coming front the kitchen. The manger Kelsey is always busy but never so busy that she says hello and always busy greeting and serving her guests. I love the staff at this Rubios because of the friendly staff and great food! Thanks for the great food and outstanding service! Keep up the great work. Was in last night Kelsey was hard at work in the kitchen her new hire Richardo is so pleasant and was very friendly! read more

The manager Kristina was so rude & hung up the phone when I mentioned they had not refunded me for a corporate order. Never doing business there again! read more

Ordered the gourmet tacos plate with chicken and black beans and chips. Meal was small and not cooked properly . Food was gross . Not what I expected or normally receive at Rubio's. Ruined my day . read more

Had the gourmet chicken tacos plate on Sunday February 28th. 2021 . Very disappointing. Meal was skimpy. Everything was undercooked. The bacon was disgusting practically raw and mostly fat. Good customer service at front counter though. read more

Poor service and dirty Went to Rubios with my two grandchildren on a busy Friday night. Saw that there was a new Sangria drink and ordered it. Sat down at a dirty table and looked around for someone to wipe it off. When the server came she put the food down on the dirty table. I asked for a fork for my salad and was told "they're over there". Really? I didn't want to leave the kids alone at the table but had to go get the fork. Also had to go back to the counter to ask for my Sangria. Shrimp salad was too spicy for my taste. The kids enjoyed their food and didn't mind the rude service and dirty table. Servers need training to treat the customers better. I realize the restaurant was busy but a little thing like getting me a fork would have made my experience more pleasant. read more

Neryeda apologized on my behalf to the customers behind me for waiting because I paid in exact change. Literally one cashier on taco Tuesday and you're apologizing because of me? No. read more

Apparently they forgot my order... A $10 salad... Chipotle orange and shrimp. After waiting about 10 minutes the guy who took my order asked me what my order was. Sucks to spend so much and get such bad service. They didnt even offer to make it right. read more

2 stars because the food was good minus 3 for bad customer service. We had placed an order through Postmates and did not receive any dressings for our salads or additional salsa that was requested. This isn't the first time we've had issues with orders. So after we payed for delivery, I still had to go in store to get dressings because our order was incomplete. Big inconvenience! When I went into the store I let them know of the mistake and my frustrations, she asked me if I wanted the dressing... Um, obviously! She asks me the name on the order and puts the dressings in a bag and hands them to me. Beyond the initial frustrations of not being able to eat my lunch when it arrived I was surprised I didn't even get an apology. I would have expected some thing like " oh no, I'm sorry about that I understand your frustrations, here is your dressing, is there anything else you need..." but nothing. Disappointed as we have been loyal customers and would have expected friendlier, more caring workers behind the counter. No "thank you" no "have a nice day"...nothing. Im big on good customer service and that is lacking here. That will probably be our last order at this location. read more

Bad experience ALL Around and I was trying to use 2 $10 coupons for 4-5 Fish Tacos, but Kaylee had a problem trying to figure out that there were NO Restrictions on the 2 $10.00 Coupons and all I wanted was 4-5 Fish Tacos. Very bad experience and when Kaylee acted RUDE, I told her she was acting rude and she snapped back that I was Rude.(Really?) Rubios has a problem and now Customers are rude? I am a return customer for many years older than Kaylee is old. I've never been accused of being "rude" even when I arrested criminals as a Police Officer or a Fed. It is an insult to have some young girl acting defensive for no reason except that she seems to be "new" or "incompetent" . Either way, I hope Management will teach this young lady and the local female "managers" that were there on how to process a simple Coupon which was based on a previous BAD Rubio experience. I ended up going to Pollo Loco and spent only $16.00 for a whole Mexican style BBQ chicken(8 pieces) with 8 flour Tortillas and Pico De Gallo salsa.(Delicioso !) I had to eat as I am Diabetic and if I don't eat I will get sick. Thanks to Rubios, I had to go to another food restaurant and I love the Rubios Salsa. It is to die for, ....but not any more. When are you going to fix this one Ralph Rubio?? Where's the owner when you really need him? Or maybe he's off in Baja surfing and eating real Mexican food? I heard he moved to Canada cause things are getting to "hot" in Mexico? Is that true Ralph? Why are your letters addressed with a Canadian address? Moved to Canada eh? There's no fish tacos in Canada verdad? Have Ralph call me. You have my number. I then called the Rubios and spoke to a Canadian who was shocked at what happened and I still haven't gotten a call back. read more

Love rubios!!! My new favorite burrito place to replace Chipotle!! Get the Baja grill burrito it's amazing!

To give you an example of how this Rubio's is run, you only need to look to the lackluster manager...Angel. This used to be one of my favorite locations, but the past two times being there I have had to endure a manager that is the visual representation of "I don't want to be here". Last time we came here, Angel came outside to give us our food. He just moped over with the food and handed it over in a way that seemed both burdensome and dropped in general direction of the table. Tonight we came in and my family ordered from Angel. I asked him to verify the contents of one of the orders (due to an allergy); when I pointed out that he did not convey the absence of the ingredient that would make my daughter throw up and be sick for hours, he seemed to chastise me, yet really not give me any assurance of its absence. The Rubio's at College Grove feels more like a neighborhood restaurant, with the staff being helpful, energetic, and accommodating; these are the the exact opposite traits the Angel brings to La Mesa read more