Royal Rooster

Restaurant · San Diego

Royal Rooster

Restaurant · San Diego

1717 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA 92109

Highlights

Nestled by the water, this casual eatery serves up mouthwatering sandwiches and tacos alongside refreshing margaritas, all with stunning bay views.

1717 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA 92109 Get directions

@royalrooster13

$10–20

@eater

"Rapp, who previously cooked at San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Spruce and Ad Hoc in Napa, arrived in San Diego after a two-year hiatus from restaurants in which he worked on a local sport fishing boat. Through his fishing connections, the chef took over the bay view cafe at Quivira Basin’s Seaforth Marina in 2019, building Royal Rooster into a bustling spot where he makes sausages for breakfast sandwiches and hot sauce for his popular tacos. Telling Eater that he loves opening restaurants in unlikely locations, Rapp will run his latest kitchen out of a trailer parked behind Bitter Brothers. Calling it a “farm-to-trailer” operation, he’s planning on sourcing all the produce on his menu from the nearby Fruit Stand, which opened on Morena over 20 years ago. He’ll do a classic burger on a brioche bun made with a house-ground brisket and chuck blend and a grilled fish sandwich with green goddess aioli using fresh, sustainable local catch as well as sandwich specials that could feature porchetta or pollo al mattone, chicken cooked under a brick. Sides will range from a market salad to onion rings, grilled zucchini, and fried pickles." - Candice Woo

Bay Ho Brewery Launches Permanent Kitchen With ‘Farm-to-Trailer’ Burgers - Eater San Diego

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@eater

"A veteran chef has opened a uniquely-situated waterfront eatery along Mission Bay with a casual menu reflecting his culinary training. The counter-service eatery features breakfast sandwiches, tacos, and burritos with house-made sausage, local rockfish, filet mignon, grilled chicken, and smoked carnitas. The beverage program includes all-local beer, cider, and wines, with outdoor seating offering panoramic bay views on a dog-friendly patio." - Candice Woo

San Francisco Culinary Team Launches Dockside Taco Spot - Eater San Diego

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Ally Hunter

Google

This place will KNOCK your socks off!! The service is exceptional and the food was outstanding! It is located next to the water and about Harbor and so the view is just stunning. We ate out on the patio and the tables have umbrellas, so it was extremely comfortable! We got the chips and salsa, guacamole, the fish tacos, and the California burrito with all the varieties of meat! I would HIGHLY recommend this place!!

Dimitry Morgan

Google

This place is amazing. Been coming here for breakfast for the past few months and one thing for sure is that the food is consistently on point. Eggs cooked to perfection, I’ve had the two breakfast burritos and the breakfast sandwich, always perfectly portioned and the quality of meat and ingredients is evident. I heard the owner is a real chef and perhaps that’s why the food has a restaurant quality to it? Regardless, the staff has always been and is friendly and the view is amazing. Buddy if mine comes here for Taco Tuesday and he said it’s fantastic. Going to make it here one of these evenings.

Quentin Fraser

Google

Update April 2022: Sad to say but after giving Royal rooster 5 stars originally I have to edit my rating. They have completely overhauled their menu. Going from baja cuisine (tacos and burritos) to now just 3 meats and buns 🤔 - chicken sandwich, fish sandwich or beef burger. And a few side dishes like fries, onion rings, crab cakes and crackers and dip. Gone are the delicious smoked meats, fried shrimp and fish tacos. I ordered a burger and chicken sandwich. Burger was just ok and the chicken sandwich wasn't good at all - all it was is tiny piece of chicken on a large greasy bun with tons of spinach and sweet bacon jam. If I want a chicken sandwich Dave's hot chicken can't be beat. As a long time loyal regular, sadly I will not be headed back until they bring back those tasty tacos! If it was too much to keep up with they should have reduced the taco options to just a few best sellers. Sorry to say but a legendary taco place in the making has come to an end. If you tried them then you know and if you didn't you missed out. The food went from stellar to now what you expect to find in the harbor. Such a bummer! Old review: Probably the best tacos in all of San Diego. These are not your average tacos, they are fairly large and packed with fresh slaw and pickled onions. Carnitas and barbacoa are both smoked on site and are delicious. My favorite is the baja fried shrimp. Their california burrito is also really good. The venue is unbeatable. Views of the harbor are amazing and certainly make the experience even better. This is San Diego's best kept secret!

Marcus Shurtleff

Google

To start off, the food tasted great. If you have the sweet tooth, come by for a home made churro. Eat it first if you get anything else. It’s best while it is warm. 1 taco is a snack, 2 tacos is a meal. These were not your average street taco size. The burrito was nice and full and no skimping on the meats. The portions were perfect. Small little spot that is hidden by the bay and nice view even at night. You definitely get what you pay for. Which is well worth it. Only reason it didn’t get the last star was for the taste in music. A little picky on it, maybe. But not the music for more of a family environment.

Shea Lewis

Google

Reflecting on the most excellent experience I’ve had eating tacos. They deserve max stars, whether it’s 5, 10, or 100/100. Great service, very impressionable behind the counter. Reminded me of several friends I have. Which leads me to the food itself, best tacos I’ve ever had. The tri tip was tender, the creamy zing of the sauce was other worldly. Had to go back for every flavor. Barbacoa, chicken, another tri tip. They were all amazing. Fantastic job to the kitchen staff and whoever builds the menu. Paired it with the house hazy ipa. Smoooth and refreshing. Maybe I was the perfect amount of hungry to think the way I do about this food but it’ll forever go down as the best tacos I’ve had. I’ll be back whenever I’m in the area and available.

Brian Tucker

Google

Omg! It is good Tacos are a bit pricey But worth it We had 2 fish tacos - fresh cod generous and well prepared 1 barbacoa, so much love in that brisket, best I’ve had 1 cauliflower taco which was great will do again Could do 1 taco each But you only live once

Matt Perrone

Google

Royal Rooster is a Mexican food place on the docks. They have a large menu, lots of options, great prices with good portions and delicious flavor. Food comes out fresh and they have lots of parking in the front with a few tables in the back outside. The staff is really nice and sometimes there is live music outside. Would highly recommend if you're passing between Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach.

Tina M.

Google

Overall a mixed impression. 👍 Positive Aspects: The patio with its chilled outdoor seating and umbrellas created a delightful atmosphere. The fish taco exceeded expectations with its crispy and flavorful fish filet, leaving a lasting impression. 🙅 Disappointments: Unfortunately, the tri-tip taco fell short as it was overly sour! Also the prices for the food were a bit on the higher side.