Top 11 late night restaurants in San Ysidro
San Ysidro, a vibrant community in Southern California, offers a variety of late-night dining options to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll find an array of late night restaurants in San Ysidro that cater to a range of tastes and preferences. From tasty Mexican fare to classic American diner food, these establishments keep their kitchens open late to serve you. Come explore the diverse and delicious culinary scene of late night restaurants in San Ysidro.
1. Robertacos
Family-owned for over 30 years, cash only

Robertacos, located near the Outlet Malls in San Ysidro, is an excellent spot for authentic Mexican food. The parking lot is small, but it's possible to find a spot, and there's even a drive-through in the back. The restaurant has a typical Mexican vibe, and the workers are all Mexican, adding to its authenticity. The food is delicious, and if you're in the area shopping, it's a great place to stop for a meal.
Late-night cravings can be satisfied at Robertacos, where their carne asada fries are a must-try. While the service may be hit or miss, the food more than makes up for it. The menu offers a variety of options, and everything is made with fresh ingredients, adding to the overall flavor and quality of the food. Overall, Robertacos is a hidden gem that's worth a visit for anyone looking for delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
2. The Burger Den in San Ysidro

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
3. Denny's
Family-friendly diner with a variety of American comfort food

If you're looking for a place to eat late at night, this destination is an excellent choice. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, making for a pleasant dining experience. The food served is delicious and can satisfy any late-night cravings. However, it's worth noting that the service can be a bit slow, but the quality of the food makes up for the wait.
In summary, this restaurant offers a fantastic experience for those visiting late at night. Its strength lies in its delicious food and friendly staff. Although the service can be slow, the food makes it worth the wait. Therefore, it's a great place to satisfy your late-night cravings.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Budget-Friendly Eats
4. Jack in the Box
Offers mobile ordering and delivery services

Jack in the Box is a great option for a casual dining experience. The bathrooms are generally well-maintained, but can sometimes be affected by messy customers. Despite this, it is still a recommended place to eat.
Jack in the Box is particularly known for its breakfast offerings and fast food. The location provides a lovely view, making it an ideal spot to grab a bite, especially in the morning.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Lunch
- Downtown Spots
5. Jack in the Box
Well-known fast food chain with Munchie Meals for late night cravings

The cleanliness of the location is a contentious issue, with some users praising its cleanliness while others criticize it for being unkempt and having a dirty and smelly environment. Despite this, the location is a high-traffic area and is known for having the most sales compared to other areas around. This success can be attributed to the safety measures in place, including security guards and fencing, making it challenging for anyone to steal anything without getting caught.
In summary, while there are differing opinions on the cleanliness of the location, it is a high-traffic area with impressive sales figures. The safety measures in place, such as security guards and fencing, make it a surprisingly safe place despite the crowds.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
6. McDonald's
PlayPlace for kids, mobile ordering available

Customers frequently experience long wait times for their food, either waiting in line or parked outside. A few customers have reported receiving inaccurate orders, which can add to their frustration.
On a positive note, some guests have praised the service for being efficient, polite, and taking place in a clean environment. Unfortunately, there have been contradictory reports of subpar customer service skills and a rude approach from the morning manager. Thus, it appears that while some customers have had a favorable experience, others have not been as fortunate.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
7. Carl’s Jr. in San Ysidro
Features a Charbroiled Thickburger line and green-certified restaurants

I would like to extend a big thank you to Maria for her exceptional service during a late-night visit to Carl's Jr. Unfortunately, their in-house ordering system was down, but Maria went above and beyond to ensure we could still place our order through Uber Eats or DoorDash for pick-up. Her dedication to her work truly stood out, and it was clear that she takes her job seriously and cares about providing excellent service to her customers.
As for the food, we ordered from Carl's Jr. twice during our stay at a nearby hotel. The burgers were enjoyable and tasted as expected. However, during our second visit, we noticed a significant amount of trash littered around the restaurant. The trash cans were overflowing, which created a messy and unsanitary environment. While the food was satisfactory, the poor trash management was disappointing and detracted from the overall dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
8. McDonald's
PlayPlace for kids, Mobile ordering available

This place is great for satisfying late-night cravings. Even when it's late, the service is swift and efficient. The location is ideal for a quick, after-hours snack. However, while the staff is generally friendly, there can be inconsistencies in wait times.
If you're looking for a late-night eatery, this spot is a solid choice. Its location is convenient for those last-minute hunger pangs. The team is known for their friendly demeanor. But do be aware that wait times can fluctuate depending on the hour and customer volume.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
Relate link
9. McDonald's
Self-service kiosks and popular McCafé coffee

The quality of food and accuracy of orders at a certain establishment have been reported to be inconsistent. Guests have given conflicting reports, with some praising the food for being fresh and appropriately prepared, while others have mentioned issues such as stale chicken nuggets and inaccurate orders.
In terms of service, the establishment has received mixed reviews. Some guests have described the service as good, with employees demonstrating fast and clean work habits. Unfortunately, other guests have had negative experiences, citing poor customer service skills and rough treatment from the morning manager.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
10. Tacos El Guero
Family-owned and operated since 2005, using traditional Mexican recipes and fresh ingredients

Tacos El Guero is a can't-miss spot for delicious, authentic tacos. Located off the 5 in a strip mall, this no-frills eatery is known for its fresh flavors and friendly service. The adobada stand outside with meat on the spit is particularly popular, and the carne asada and carnitas tacos are must-tries. The restaurant also offers freshly made tortillas and a variety of salsas to complement the meals.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
11. Gran Vinta

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots