Buckshot Deli & Diner — Restaurant in Calipatria

During our recent visit to Buckshot Deli and Diner in Niland, CA, we encountered a blend of positives and negatives. The greeting we received was warm, featuring friendly smiles from the staff. However, the ambiance was more akin to a small-town, mom-and-pop restaurant rather than a typical deli or diner.

Our order included specials like fish tacos and shrimp tacos, as well as a classic BLT from their standard menu. The food quality was mediocre – not terrible, but not impressive either. The fish tacos were notably bland, and the fries accompanying the BLT were undercooked.

The pricing struck us as excessive, particularly $3.50 for a can of soda, which seemed like price gouging. On a positive note, the staff maintained a pleasant demeanor, engaging in light-hearted conversations with us and allowing for a comfortable dining experience. Their friendly interaction was a highlight of our visit.

Buckshot Deli and Diner is suitable for a quick, no-fuss meal, especially if you're in a pinch. While the food and prices didn't quite meet our expectations, the amiable staff and casual atmosphere could make it a decent stop for a...

What a great place, run by really sweet people!

I love chimis & try them everywhere we travel, but didn't see one on the menu... our waitress was happy to ask anyway, & it came out insanely good...even looked better than any other! Normally a chimi just has cheese all over with some greens & sour cream on the side... but hers was like artwork! Presentation was like I imagine some uppity world-class chef would be smug about, but this kind lady came out & thanked me for the praise... That just doesn't happen.

The owner (I think? Maybe family owned?) came to check with us several times, and service was perfect. My wife says the chicken tacos were the best she's ever had, which I can't begin to tell ya how impressive that response is.

There are plenty of fancy places out there with expensive decorations & hip names or all types of distractions that will sell you an "experience", with mediocre food with poor service. Experience great food & service for a change... EAT...

I came in after visiting slab city, The “lawless city” around march 25. After enjoying a 30$ meal my girlfriend and I got slipped a 80$ bill and the staff played a “joke“ saying “we’re the only restaurant in town what you gonna do about it.” You guys really had me fooled and not in the good way. I mean, Bud if you would have played the joke for 30 seconds to 1 minute longer I was going to strike you in the face or worse. If you have cameras you will see me inch my knife out of my pocket and grip it with ill intent as we argue about the bill at the desk. I was under the impression you were extorting me and I was getting stressed and going into fight/flight mode in a lawless city. Thank you for not continuing the joke. I said “are you extorting me !?” And I was laughing but please remember , psychopaths laugh when they stress and think bad thoughts.

Overall review: the food was decent , wasn’t bad at all and your service was cool, Just the end...