Mendocino Farms — Restaurant in San Diego

I wanted to give a shout out to an employee, by the name of Gabby, at the Mendocino Farms in Scripps Ranch, California. Her service today was exemplary and she is a true asset to this company. She was like a breath of fresh air with a warm, uplifting smile and positive demeanor. She was very professional, patient, accommodating, and kind-hearted, which is difficult to find in an employee nowadays. In a world where most people go out of their way to leave negative reviews when they’re unhappy, I thought it was important to recognize Gabby for her strong work ethic and kind spirit.

I also want to mention Vanessa, one of the managers there, who has the same kind-hearted spirit, professionalism, and enthusiasm. I think she is such a great example for her employees.

Also, I love Mendocino Farms and it has become one of my top go-to restaurants. I particularly like the Scripps Ranch location because it has a drive-thru which makes it so convenient. Usually drive-thru’s are associated with fast food, but this is not a fast food restaurant. In fact, you have to either call in your order or order online to use the drive-thru. I just feel really fortunate to have a drive-thru Mendocino Farm near me. The only criticism I have of the restaurant is that some of their meals and/or dressings have canola oil in them. If they were smart, they would eliminate all seed oils altogether. Normally, I would give a restaurant serving seed oils a 3 or 4 star rating, but today, because of Gabby’s amazing service, I’m giving this...

April 2025 edit: Holy moly. I just ordered a drive thru order and the lady who served me did not do anything to hide her seething contempt for me or customers in general. She scraped out the bare minimum in terms of customer service script words, but really made it very obvious that being aware of my existence for that excruciating 27 seconds was absolute hell for her and exhausted her limited patience. If people that work there are that unhappy, I am afraid about the food quality. Unhappy food service employees who seem overtly hostile to me making my not cheap lunch is not something I want to continue. Mendocino farms had become a go to place for me for once or twice a week quick meals but I'm in the market for a new go to place. I am going to check this food carefully for signs that it was tampered with.

Original review segment begins here:

I saw this place replace an El Pollo Loco in Scripps and one day I decided to give it a whirl. I went through their drive through expecting it to be like any other place and the guy looked at me like I was from Mars and told me I had to order online. That was jarring so I just went somewhere else, but I didn't let that stop me completely. [Edit: original review continuation deleted here because I should have let it stop me completely. Free advice to anyone happening to be reading this: if someone gives you the strong impression that they do not like you for no valid or discernable reason, do not let that person prepare or...

I have been to a couple of different Mendocino Farms before so when this one opened up down the street I had to give it a try. I always loved their sandwiches and salads.

I saw a new sandwich on the menu…the black tie Turkey club so I knew I had to try it. Dang was it amazing, the pickled onions are a great addition. Now I went inside this time to order and when I did I noticed they had in house homemade lemonade and drinks. I had already ordered so I saw the manager Vanessa there and asked her if it was ok if I took a water cup to try one of the drinks. She said I’ll do you one better and went over and grabbed a drink cup. She told me to take the water cup and try all the different ones then fill up my drink cup with my favorite. She then proceeded to tell me exactly the ingredients in all 5 drink combos!! Way above and beyond her duty so thank you so much for the info and for letting me try your amazing drinks!!

FYI the pomegranate mint lemonade is by far...