Mr. Ruribertos Mexican Food

Most Mission Beach restaurants chase either tourist-facing boardwalk real estate or craft a tight niche — sliders, Greek-fusion, morning crowds. Mr. Ruriberto's runs the opposite play: authentic Mexican counter service that locals hit for California burritos when the beach hunger kicks in and nobody wants to sit through table service. The shrimp tacos get consistent mentions from regulars, and the California burrito lands with the kind of heft that makes splitting one a reasonable move unless you've been in the water all afternoon.

This is the spot you hit when you need fuel, not ambiance. The menu stays simple — tacos, burritos, plates — and the team behind the counter doesn't upsell or pressure tips, which reads as refreshing in a neighborhood where every transaction can feel like a negotiation. They'll let you sample the aguas frescas if you can't decide, and the spice levels run authentic enough that ordering mild still carries some heat.

Seating exists both inside and out, trash cans are accessible, and the operation moves quickly even when the line backs up during prime post-beach hours. The cost runs slightly higher than inland spots, but that's the Mission Beach tax — you're paying for proximity, not for being ripped off. The shrimp tacos balance char and citrus without drowning in sauce, and the California burrito arrives properly stuffed with fries integrated throughout, not just dumped on top.

Parking is street-only and tight during summer weekends. The weekend lunch rush peaks between noon and two. If you're ordering takeout through apps, double-check the order before you leave — third-party platforms occasionally miss modifications. Cash moves faster than card during busy periods.