RuuBiiOoooooos.. Rubio's The Original Location in San Diego : A Review

 

Fish Tacos put them on the map.. continued fresh recipes and food keep them there..

Wednesday afternoon {the day before Thanksgiving} and the family was hungry, the discussion began as to what we were going to eat.  We live in Sunny San Diego in Southern California.  Do you have any idea how many eateries and restaurants...

are here?  Anything imaginable, plus food creations that you never could have imagined are available here in our town.

Craving something fresh and beachy, there was no doubt we wanted some Rubio's. 

We'd never been to The Original location off of 

Mission Bay Drive in Pacific Beach.. {that's where our vouchers were valid, so it was a perfect match.}

While situated next to a busy street, Rubio's designed the outside patio to block out the noise and pollution with straw cabana umbrellas.. we sat outside and felt the coziness of being inside with the fresh air and feel of outside. 

World Famous Fish Tacos.. and several other fresh choices.

 

Numero Uno since 1983.. they've had a long run already.. they must be doing SOMETHING right! Read more about their history HERE.

Daily deals.. {nice writing, by the way}

Hello, vouchers!.. feeling very VIP here.. the perfect opportunity to order something other than "the usual".. which is always a great option, as well.  Our "usual"?  World Famous Fish Tacos,  of course!  If you've never had Rubio's, never heard of it, wanted to try it but haven't gotten around to it, or are a regular, this post will inspire your taste buds to water at the very sight of these delectable dishes.  Read on, read on..

 

I love any quick-service eatery with a Club or Rewards Plan.  It encourages customer loyalty... and it works! Sign up HERE.

 

 Fruit Punch {cut with water} for those who don't drink soda.  Mmm..

Rubio's also offers 2 different types of tea, and a variety of sodas to drink.  I like that they have 2 different sized straws: 1 for regular beverages and 1 for kids' drinks.

The Salsa Bar could have been a tad tidier.. but the flavor was still there.  I like that the salsa here was consistent with all other Rubio's locations.. {that I've been to, at least.}  Consistency is essential when eating out.  Returning customers are looking for that same flavor and freshness upon arriving for round 2 that they experienced during their previous visit.

Salsa Bar Accoutrements.

 

The limes were fresh, and so beautiful.. enough to merit a cameo!

 

Salsitas.. all different flavors.  

 

Thank you, Valencia! ..and thank you, Ralph Rubio!

 

Every kind of Mex, Cal-Mex, or Tex-Mex food is enhanced with cilantro y cebolla.  {cilantro and onion}

 

Look at that!  I could eat it every day {not by myself}.. {the beans sloshed a little.. but I'll forgive them.}

On the left is the Langostino Lobster Burrito with beans and chips, on the right is the Chipotle Ranch Salad, and behind is a Quesadilla Kid's Meal with beans and a churro.

Another key point is that Rubio's provides nutritional facts, which make it extremely helpful in making meal choices.  They have something for everyone; fish, chicken, steak, veggie.. even dessert!  

Food Allergies?  No problem.. find out more about Rubio's food choices for those with food allergies HERE.

 

My favorite part of this salad was everything.  The dressing was perfectly balanced between flavor and quantity.  You know, we've all had those salads that are swimming in dressing.. "yes, I'd like a gallon of ranch with a side of lettuce.".  This was not THAT salad, which was delightfully pleasing.  The salsa was fresh, with small diced tomatoes and onions.. {Anne Burrell's mise en place was in place!}  Diced chicken, fresh guacamole, clean lettuce, and crisp crunchy tortilla strips were a nice contrast in texture.  THIS salad was not THAT salad.. THIS salad was fresh and fun!

This salad is what I am going to order during my next visit, for sure!

 

When you order "for here", Rubio's serves your meal on a real dish.  A REAL DISH!  This salad was served in an earthenware bowl, and the burrito was on an earthenware plate.  Those are nice, personal touches that make you feel "at home" and comfortable.  

That scrumptious first bite!  Mouth-watering..

 

I thought it was so nice, I posted it twice.. just kidding.  Two photos of this yummy Langostino Burrito is enough motivation to put my booty in the car and drive back to Rubio's.  {It is a limited-time offer only.. so move quickly to try it!}

 

Well-balanced, well-cooked, Langostino Lobster Burrito by Rubio's.  Hello.

 

{licking fingers and smacking lips}

 

If you didn't know, it's tradition to eat your beans with chips.. like little scoopers.  That's how we do it here in SoCal.  Eat like a native!

 

Tiny hands love quesadillas.. she calls them, "Kahzeezas".  {They don't skimp on the cheese either.. it was loaded.}

Wondering what each salsa tastes like?  Try them all.. I did!

My favorite for Taco Tuesdays?  Picante! 

 

Sipp Sippin' on some ponche!  {She was having a blast, sitting in a big chair.. highchairs are also available for babies/toddlers.}  This location is definitely family-friendly.
A plus for most of us.

 

Come visit me, and eat food from the sea, at Rubio's!

Open late to soothe those haunting hunger pangs..

• Mon.-Thu.  10am-9pm
• Fri.-Sat.  10am-10pm
• Sun.  10:30am-9pm

Do you see the sign in the sky?  Look up!  ..Precisely!  I ordered the Langostino Lobster Burrito.. remember?  It looks like Rubio's and I are in agreement.. I'm not in love, but in Yummy Like.  We scarfed it.. I mean, we thoroughly enjoyed the Langostino Burrito.. a combo with beans, chips, & a drink came out to about $12..

The Chipotle Ranch Salad was about $7, and the Kid's Meal, about $4 or $5.. standard.  Affordable.  Our tummies were super satisfied upon exiting..  Off to our car we gooooo.. 

 

Parking Lot Attendant.  {mucha luchaaaaaaaa}

Speaking of parking.. there is parking on the side and around the back.  I counted about 14 spaces plus 1or 2 for handicapped patrons.  I was surprised.. pleasantly surprised. 

It was a very pleasurable day at Rubio's, with yummy food and great family times. 

There were about 35 people total {dining and ordering}, seating for everyone.. and for a quicker bite, there's a bar counter inside for eating at or waiting for your order.  We waited a mere 5-10min, which was the time it took us to get situated, gather napkins, utensils, and all our salsas.

Art and fun photos line the walls, so there's never a dull moment.. and believe me, plenty of photo ops.

This Rubio's Original Location has existed since 1983.. Experience it!  

{Visiting San Diego?  Looking for some recommendations based upon your preferences?  Leave a comment or send a message for some customized suggestions.}

The current specials happening at Rubio's:

• Taco Tuesdays - every Tues. after 2:30pm, the Original Fish Taco is only $1.50.
• Fundraising - Receive 20% of total sales on Fundraisers at Rubio's.
• Catering - Receive a $10 gift card with any catering purchase of $125 or more. {perfect for office/party catering engagements, holiday gatherings, etc.  This is a busy time of year.  Let Rubio's make it less stressful for you.}
• Rubio's Beach Club - sign up for free and receive free food and exclusive offers {sign up HERE}

I don't know about you, but that sounds like VIP to me!  

Find your nearest Rubio's HERE. 

Rubio's The Original Location

4504 East Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109

Get Driving Directions 

Share the charm..
-Becky Charms

{This review is 100% my own opinion with my own perspective, photos, sparkle, and charm!  The "Free Eats" cards were provided gratis, courtesy of Bolt PR. Thank You!}