Best of 16 fast food restaurants in Downtown San Diego
Fast food restaurants in Downtown San Diego are a popular dining option for both locals and tourists. These eateries offer quick, affordable meals, making them an ideal choice for those with busy schedules or for travelers exploring the city. With a variety of fast food chains and independent restaurants, Downtown San Diego caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you're craving burgers, tacos, pizza, or something else, you're sure to find a fast food restaurant in Downtown San Diego that satisfies your appetite.
- 1. Shake Shack Little Italy
- 2. Hodad's Downtown
- 3. Jack in the Box
- 4. McDonald's
- 5. Del Taco in Downtown San Diego
- 6. Jack in the Box in Downtown San Diego
- 7. Chipotle Mexican Grill
- 8. Subway
- 9. Burger Lounge
- 10. Burger King
- 11. Grab & Go Subs
- 12. San Diego Burger Co.
- 13. Subway
- 14. Freshii
- 15. Subway
- 16. Dogos el Yaqui in Downtown San Diego
1. Shake Shack Little Italy
Modern take on classic fast food with a gourmet twist
The first experience at Shake Shack was incredibly enjoyable, with Little Italy's location being particularly inviting. The burgers served at this establishment are simply delicious, and they might just be the best I've ever had.
Shake Shack is highly impressive, particularly when it comes to their burgers and fries, which have me completely hooked. I can't imagine a life without their offerings, as they're undeniably the best in the business. My admiration for this eatery is immense.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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2. Hodad's Downtown
Features surf-themed decor and live music on weekends.
The business offers a wide selection of delicious beers that are an excellent complement to meals. These beers are flavorful and provide a great addition to the dining experience.
In terms of food, the business is known for its giant, juicy burgers that come in a variety of options, including vegetarian. The prices are reasonable, making it a great value for the high-quality food. Additionally, the service is friendly and fast, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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3. Jack in the Box
Features a variety of innovative and indulgent fast food items
The cleanliness of the business in question has been called into doubt, with concerns about homeless individuals and unsanitary tables being raised. Additionally, the level of customer service provided has also been criticized.
Despite these issues, the business has gained a reputation for offering affordably-priced food options that are generally well-regarded in terms of quality. This has likely contributed to its ability to maintain a customer base in spite of the problems outlined above.
TOPICS
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
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4. McDonald's
PlayPlace for children, drive-thru and mobile ordering options
McDonald's is a globally recognized fast-food chain, famous for offerings such as the Big Mac and crispy fries. Despite concerns from some customers that prices have risen and portion sizes have decreased, McDonald's remains a convenient option for a speedy meal.
Regrettably, my recent experience with McDonald's was negative. The staff members were impolite and the food I received was incomplete. My happy meal lacked its expected components, and my order was missing essential items, requiring me to return to the restaurant.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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5. Del Taco in Downtown San Diego
Fresh ingredients, made-to-order meals, and 24/7 drive-thru in some locations
This place is known for its diverse menu, offering a range of taco and burrito options, as well as Carne asada fries. The customer service is friendly and efficient, ensuring a quick and enjoyable dining experience.
The food at this establishment is consistently delicious and high-quality. Each dish is carefully prepared and full of flavor, leaving customers satisfied and impressed. Whether you're in the mood for a tasty taco or a hearty burrito, this place is sure to deliver on flavor and quality.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
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6. Jack in the Box in Downtown San Diego
Features a drive-thru, has indoor and outdoor seating
I recently visited a fast food restaurant and spent 18 dollars on a meal that included two jumbo jacks without cheese, one large fries, and an order of onion rings. The value could have been better, but the order taker did not suggest any alternatives. The drive-thru experience was rushed, and the customer service was less than satisfactory.
In addition to my own experience, I have noticed that the drink aspect of the business is not well-received by guests. Complaints include unfriendly staff and malfunctioning soft drink machines. It seems that there are opportunities for improvement in both the food service and drink aspects of the business.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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7. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing
The Chipotle Mexican Grill in question is located in the heart of San Diego, not in La Jolla as one might expect. The restaurant offers the usual Chipotle menu, with fresh and well-made food. However, some of the staff seemed disinterested in the customers' orders.
In contrast, I was impressed by this particular Chipotle location's cleanliness and inviting atmosphere. The staff were friendly and welcoming, which made for an enjoyable dining experience. Furthermore, the fresh and delicious ingredients used in the food were evident, making for a satisfying meal. Its location is also convenient for those staying in the hotels near the harbor, as it is within walking distance.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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8. Subway
Eco-friendly packaging and emphasis on fresh ingredients.
The quality of food offered at this establishment can vary between orders. Some customers have reported missing items, while others have experienced long wait times for their food to arrive. These inconsistencies in food quality and delivery can be disappointing for patrons seeking a reliable dining experience.
On the other hand, the service provided by staff members is generally regarded as commendable. Customers have noted the speed, politeness, and professionalism of the service they received. However, there have been mixed reviews about the customer service experience, with some patrons reporting inconsistencies or dissatisfaction in this area. It seems that while the food may have some issues, the service provided by staff members is a positive aspect of this establishment.
TOPICS
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
9. Burger Lounge
Uses organic and sustainable ingredients
A new restaurant has opened in the neighborhood, offering delicious lunch options. I recently tried it and found the food to be incredibly tasty, particularly the burger and onion rings. However, some customers have noted that the food can be a bit pricey and may not always be served at the ideal temperature.
In general, the restaurant's food is well-regarded, with many reviewers praising the quality and flavor of the burgers and fries. However, a few have expressed concern about the value for money or issues with food temperature. Despite these minor criticisms, the service at the establishment is reportedly excellent, contributing to an overall positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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10. Burger King
Drive-thru, delivery, and mobile ordering available. Playland for kids.
The sandwich I received from Burger King was exceptionally well-prepared and incredibly tasty, making it the best fast food meal I have had delivered so far. I have always been a fan of Burger King, but this experience has further solidified my preference for the restaurant.
One of the main reasons I enjoy Burger King so much is because of the freshness of their buns and the overall quality of their food. The restaurant I ordered from in San Diego, in particular, stands out for its exceptional offerings. From the taste to the presentation, every aspect of my sandwich suggested high-quality ingredients and attention to detail.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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11. Grab & Go Subs
Uses Boar's Head meats and fresh ingredients
If you're in the mood for a delicious and satisfying meal, consider trying the hot pastrami sandwich or a fresh pizza at this popular establishment. The pastrami is generously portioned and served hot, making for a mouthwatering experience. This can be an excellent choice for a lunch spot, and it's a shame that they don't have locations in other areas, such as San Francisco.
On the other hand, if you're looking for something a little lighter, the open-faced veggie bagel is a fantastic option. The staff works diligently in this busy location, providing excellent customer service and friendly interactions. In addition to the delicious food, this establishment stands out for its exceptional customer service, as they have been known to go above and beyond to address any issues that may arise. The individual pizzas are also a highlight, as they are made to order and stay true to the SoCal pizza taste. Orders typically take around 10 minutes to prepare.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Social Gatherings
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12. San Diego Burger Co.
Waterfront location with pet-friendly outdoor seating
Seaport Village is a great place to visit, boasting a wonderful atmosphere and outstanding service. The staff are helpful and create a welcoming ambiance, making it a fantastic dining choice in the area. One of the most popular menu items is the Veggie Burger, which is delicious and highly recommended.
When it comes to the food, it is generally described as delicious, with generous portions that leave guests satisfied. The flavors are bold and impactful, making for a memorable meal. However, some visitors have noted that the prices can be a bit high for their liking. Overall, Seaport Village offers a great dining experience, with only a few guests expressing concerns about the cost.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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13. Subway
Can accommodate dietary restrictions (e.g. gluten-free, vegetarian)
The food at this establishment is consistently described as fresh and nutritious, with a focus on their sandwiches. Guests have raved about the quality of these sandwiches, citing their freshness and great taste. However, there have been some complaints that certain items were out of stock.
The sandwiches themselves have been well-received, with guests praising their freshness and the quality of their preparation. Unfortunately, some guests have reported slow service or issues with customer service during their visit. Despite these issues, the positive comments about the food suggest that this establishment has something to offer.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. Freshii
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Freshii – Clair Rd, Guelph (@freshii_clair_rd_guelph) Freshii is a Canadian-based restaurant chain with nearly 350 locations in the US and Canada. Freshii specializes in serving fresh, healthy and sustainable salads, bowls, burritos, wraps, soups, smoothies and juices. Freshii was founded in 2005 by Matthew Corrin, who at the time worked for fashion designer Oscar de la Renta. Corrin was inspired by mom-and-pop delis that serve fresh, delicious, convenient and affordable meals, but lacked a strong marketing and brand presence. This is how Freshii was born. Freshii's menu offers three different salads and seven different bowls, each with its own unique flavor profile. One of the most popular salads at Freshii is the Market salad. It is made with field vegetables, quinoa, feta cheese, dried cranberries, beet salad, strawberries and carrots and dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette. One of the most popular bowls at Freshii is the Mediterranean Bowl. This dish is made with quinoa, field greens, feta cheese, kalamata olives, almonds, red onions, cucumbers, roasted red peppers, tomatoes and cilantro, dressed with a red pepper sauce. Freshii's salads are also available in wrap form and their bowls are also available in burrito form.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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15. Subway
Eco-friendly packaging, Subway app for ordering ahead
Guests have reported long wait times for service, causing frustration and dissatisfaction. This issue has led to a significant number of complaints, with some guests expressing their disappointment with the lengthy waiting periods.
On the other hand, the quality of service appears to be inconsistent. While some guests have praised the service for its excellence, others have criticized it for being either bad or rushed. This inconsistency in service quality has resulted in mixed reviews, with some guests praising the establishment and others expressing their disappointment.
Overall, the long wait times and inconsistent service have negatively impacted the guest experience, leading to a significant number of complaints and mixed reviews. It is essential for the establishment to address these issues to improve guest satisfaction and ensure a positive experience for all guests.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots
16. Dogos el Yaqui in Downtown San Diego
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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