Rockin' Baja Lobster - Old Town — Restaurant in San Diego

My girl and I go around SD trying all the Lobster rolls that can best resemble a good east coast Lobster roll. I see the reviews and I see the seafood does look good, however, that is not what we came for. They offered a Connecticut style Lobster roll for $30. I asked the waiter if they had clam chowder and they said yes so I asked for 2 clam chowder aswell. The meal came out within 7 minutes of us ordering. I like fast timing but I prefer quality. We received our Grey lobster rolls and what ended up being lobster chowder that was supposed to be included in our meal. Instead I was charged an additional 8$ for some soup we never got. When I asked the waiter where the clam chowder was he said "we dont have clam chowder." Back to the lobster roll. I can forgive missing out on clam chowder but I cannot let go how bad this lobster roll was. Appearance was absolutely horrendous, looks like the cook had no respect for the lobster and just cooked it dry. There is 2% red coloration making this the ugliest lobster roll I've ever seen. The taste was full of char as the cook overcooked the bun along with the lobster. Didn't look like they used any butter at all either, from bun to lobster it was dry. The only thing good about this meal is the fries as I had to mask the flavor from this awful roll with some nice crispy potatoes. Which doesn't say much as anyone can make French fries. As someone who was born and raised on the east I have been on the hunt for the best lobster roll that resembles an east coast one. This is just disrespectful to be serving something like that trying to sell it based on the name. I highly HIGHLY suggest you change that name to something else as it is no where close at all to what a real lobster roll is. I spent $111 not including tip for this terrible experience. Please, go ANY WHERE ELSE but here if you want even a decent lobster roll. We tried to eat as much as we could but we ended up taking 3/4 of it home so we can just improve it ourselves it's that bad. I have never seen a lobster roll this color until...

Was delicious! I don't remember the name of what I got, but it was a seafood and vegetable soup, I think in a lobster broth. The soup had onions, peppers, celery and I think I few others for veggies. As for the seafood it was grab legs, octopus, shrimp and something else too. But was delicious! And a large serving! I couldn't finish it all, and I eat a lot! The dish also came with warm corn tortillas, fresh chopped red onions, fresh chopped cilantro, and a sauce on the side!

My partner got a dish that was lobster stuffed into garlic bread which was also very delicious! The dish came with fries, which were good but ended up mostly being left. Not because they weren't tasty but because we cared about them less than everything else we ordered. They were good to dip in the soup broth.

There were chips and salsa that came as we waited for our food. The salsa was really good and looked fresh! I could have eaten so much more of the salsa! The chips had some sort of seasoning on them and were good too. My only problem with the chips is they are a bit thicker. I personally prefer thinner, almost fragile chips with my salsa. But I know that isn't everyone's preference so it doesn't bother me. They were still good! I just have other preferences for chips.

Since we visited on a Sunday, their drink special was a Sunday Sangria! It was delightful! It came with an orange slice and cherry.

There was a person who went around to a couple tables asking to take pictures for post cards. It was nothing I've ever experienced before but since we were on vacation I obliged. I am not sure if that is something that happens all the time there since I'm not local, but it didn't bother me.

It was a great experience and I enjoyed all the food we got. The service was good too and timely. We had no problem with the service at all. Our server was kind and got our order right.

I guess I only got a picture of the sangria!

I would definitely visit again if I were closer and I wish I could keep on...

I have been to Rockin' Baja Lobster in 2023, and now recently, March 24, 2025. I had a VERY different experience in 2023. Here's the difference.... The quality of the food is questionable, meaning the portion size/ taste, and I also have to include prices. So, for 18.00, I ordered a chicken Caesar salad. In the photo the chicken appears to be hearty. In reality it was pounded to a flat, cardboard consistency. Not only that, the romaine lettuce was, ( when moved around) full of the dull yellowish pieces that are the least tasty part of the lettuce. Bitter. Yes. I sent it back and asked for the " bucket" of fish and chips. Mind you, the bucket was tin and the size of a cereal bowl. Regardless, I took it and ate it. Hungry as I was by then as it took an additional 25 minutes to get the second serving to my table. The fish seen in the photo was very slender in size and fries were greasy shoe string size. The fish taste was dry, but with a well seasoned coating. The two shots of Mezcal Tequila shots were 11.00 each. Wasn't the best Mezcal but it was indeed Mezcal. The Chelada (beer) was mediocre. Again, the price was 13.50. I think it's a bit over priced at this location for the portion sizes you receive and the quality of food, and drinks ( alchohol mainly). If money is no object for you, and quality isn't an issue then definitely check it out. The salsa bar is stocked with three different kinds of non fresh / chunky salsa. However, lots of green onions, quite flavorful and jalapenos, cilantro and red onion/options. I did enjoy that. My advice is to be mindful of the portion sizes versus what's shown in the menu, photos and the prices. Too, taste is everything, regardless of size and cost. My expectations were dashed and I hope it changes because it's a beautiful atmosphere with a waterfall and...