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Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill opens in Menlo Park

by Jane Knoerle

Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, a local institution in San Diego since 1983, made its Menlo Park debut this month at 515 El Camino Real, in the plaza adjacent to Safeway.

Down south, Rubio's eateries are everywhere, and have fed generations of hungry college kids, with locations near major universities.

Founder Ralph Rubio was a college kid himself when he first discovered fish tacos while on spring break near the Baja village of San Felipe. According to his Web site, Mr. Rubio became pals with Carlos, the man behind the counter at the taco shop, who showed him how fish tacos were made.

Several years later, with his father, Ray, as his partner, he opened his first restaurant, a walk-up stand in Mission Bay. Since that time, Rubio's has sold more than 50 million fish tacos, according to the Web site.

Today there are Rubio's eateries in more than 180 locations in the West, with corporate headquarters in Carlsbad, California. The menu has also expanded. In addition to fish tacos, Rubio's serves carnitas street tacos, steak street tacos, grilled shrimp burritos, mahi mahi tacos and burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas and other items; it also offers a variety of sides and salads.

Beer and soft drinks are available, as are churros or brownies for dessert.

Rubio's also specializes in take-out, including box lunches, a Beach Mex buffet, and dinner-to-go.

The Menlo Park store is bright and colorful with a beach theme reflected in the palm leaf palapa (thatched roof) adorning one wall.

There is seating for 58. The store has 26 employees, according to assistant manager Kerby Johnson. Joshua Colby is store manager.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 326-6691.

Posted by taste hunter and gatherer, a resident of the Menlo Park: University Heights neighborhood, on May 19, 2009 at 4:03 pm

I was a first-timer at Rubio's last week, but after trying the shrimp enchiladas, I certainly won't make the first time my last time. Ummmmmmmmmm. And the service was really good and welcoming.

Posted by Jessica, a resident of another community, on May 20, 2009 at 9:47 am

I'm so excited about this! I've missed Rubios so much from when I used to live in San Diego I've been driving to Fremont and other not-so-close locations to get my chopped chicken salad fix. But now, right down the street? So awesome...

Posted by Doc, a resident of the Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park neighborhood, on May 20, 2009 at 7:16 pm

Any coupons?

Posted by G, a resident of another community, on Jun 7, 2009 at 7:49 pm

After living in San Diego for years, I was so sad to leave Rubios behind. I'm so excited they are opening up more locations. Now I won't have to fight the madness at the Valley Fair mall to get my Peske's combo fix!

Posted by Jennifer L., a resident of the Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park neighborhood, on Jun 8, 2009 at 5:07 pm

Doc: There was a coupon in the Almanac a few weeks ago, and I just got some more in the mail.