Came here most recently for some late night breakfast. A couple of the staff members that helped us this time were so rude. Definitely won't be coming back. I go here when I'm craving late night breakfast and it's better than Denny's so being open 24 hours is a big plus. The food is okay, but certainly a lot better breakfast places in SD. Glad they have turkey bacon though. They also charge a processing fee of 2.25% for the card.

We found Rudford's through a Google search and are so happy we did! We were in town for only one night to see the incomparable Elle King at the House of Blues on February 15, 2022. We'd had an early meal at the Water Grill and were looking for a late night snack. Our hotel staff didn't have any suggestions for food beyond Doordash or Uber Eats so we got creative and thanks to Google and Uber Black, we ended up at the cleanest, most charming retro diner we've ever found. We had the Mexican eggs benedict and a chicken quesadilla with homemade refried beans. The beans were creamy and flavorful with hints of lime and onion. The chicken in the quesadilla was moist and tasted as if it had been marinated in lime or pico de gallo. It was so good we took a roast beef sandwich with us for the plane the next day. The roast beef was house cooked, more pot roast than deli meat. The best part was that our waitress, Jessica, seemed pleased to have us there. She was so friendly to us, obvious tourists, who showed up at close to midnight. We felt as welcome and happy as we did earlier in the evening at the Water Grill. Not knowing the area, we were happy to discover it's an iconic San Diego institution and felt like a safe neighborhood. Can't wait for another trip to San Diego to return! @lifeinaskillet @travelsearcher

I had the bison burger, crinkle fries and, for dessert, a slice of banana cream pie. The bison burger was cooked perfectly and had that addictive grilled flavor with a slight grizzle crunch. The service was quick and pleasant. The place is a real destination spot for that old school east coast diner feeling. I sat at the counter for the full experience. They are open 24 hours and I can't wait to go back for a big 3am breakfast.

Wow, from the moment we entered Rudford's were greeted with friendly hellos and smiles. The diner was very clean and a great quaint place to have a delicious meal. We had the Bison burger and the Philly Fries pictured here. On the way out, it was fun to learn that a local teenager was able to capture a picture of President John F. Kennedy passing by Rudford's. If you are looking for a friendly place and great food, don't forget to experience this great location.

Adorable throw back to the 60s. This place is a true diner with oval windows, booths and seats at the counter. We had the handcrafted vanilla milkshake, onion rings (which were some o the best I’ve ever had) and the most insane French dip ever - it was literally like shaved carving off of a fresh roasted roast beef and so big I could barely get my mouth on it. Insane. We’ve seen this place forever but it was our first time here. Will definitely repeat!!!

10/28/23-10/29/23 I loved this place i went here for breakfast twice the staff is very nice, the food is good diner food and the prices are great. They have specials during the week days. You get plenty of food.

It's such a cool place! Iconic, and you feel the history when you walk in. Service was family-friendly, and two of our meals were delicious. We went for Thanksgiving and enjoyed our meals ,but the Thanksgiving turkey special wasn't that good and not worth the $22 .

Thanksgiving breakfast of corn beef hash. Very fresh and no overly seasoned. Service was better this time around…not their strength. Go for the food and tip accordingly. Also charging for debit card use. Lol.

Let say my tastebuds are so picky so I couldn’t give 5 for the food. My chicken fried steak’s coating was a bit hard with a gravy that lack of seasoning in it. My son loved his steak, tho. I found it’s a little bit pricey compared to the taste and the indoor ambience. The portion was huge, maybe it’s the reason for their pricing. You could split plate (for only $1.5 extra charge) if you think the portion is too big for your tummy. It’s 24/7, I might come back anytime. A 24 hr option in the area other than Mexican food is a good news.

Gone here so many times. Brought my wife and I's camera just to take photos of this great food. Highly recommend, only one time we had a less than expected customer service, but they quickly fixed the issue and was so helpful. Thank you Rudford Diner!

If you are looking for a good old diner style brunch or breakfast, then look no further then Rudford’s. This place is exactly what I like in a traditional diner. Large portions, well cooked food, Good service and hot coffee always ready to fill your empty cup. This place is usually always packed on the weekends, especially Sunday. If it’s just two of you, you might be able to sit at the counter to avoid waiting. I really cannot recommend this place enough. I wish it were in Los Angeles, but it will be a treat any time I come back to SD.

Very good 24 hour family owned diner. I tried a Little Nick medium rare burger that contains hash browns, egg, and cheese. It was very good and the burger was perfectly cooked and very tasty. I got it with a side of onion rings that were piping hot and very crispy. It was very filling and made me realize that I would never be able to handle the Big Nick Challenge which is the equivalent of four Little Nicks. My wife ordered the red snapper platter with green beans, fries, and a cup of chicken noodle soup. All were delicious. For dessert I chose the coconut cream pie which was very light and creamy. My wife got strawberry ice cream. We were very happy with the service and the quality of the food. We will definitely be repeat customers.

The service is hit and miss, though i have noticed things on an upswing in that department. The food is kind of a hit and miss, too. They have good breakfasts, and most of their dinners are good, but the way they're plated is not always well explained, and I do not like that their accompanying veggies are frozen and bland.

Found this diner when we were looking for a genuine diner experience and I’m so happy I found this place. On the outside it has the vintage sign and the early bird specials, on the side of the building it had some history of the business. On the inside I admire the seating and the overall style of the diner. The food was the full nine yards, we ordered a bacon cheeseburger, fries, grilled cheese and a chocolate shake. I’ve been visiting diners and burger places from the across California and I’ve never been more impressed with the quality of food. The burger alone is worth jumping on a plane immediately to get a taste, the shake is very tasty and rich. Highly recommend!

Rudford's is one of those old school diners on El Cajon Blvd. For those who've recently moved here, El Cajon Blvd was THE main east-west artery for San Diego from the 1920s thru the 1950s. So along here you will find many older storefronts and eateries. Some of the older buildings have been repurposed into boutique craft or food shops. Many of the original stores though have been demolished for new big box apartments/condos. Rudford's is one that survived. My wife said her 93 year old father wanted liver and onions for dinner and found that it was listed on Rudford's menu. Walking inside the restaurant was like walking back in time, a classic piece of Americana, the mid-century diner. The place was only about 1/3rd full, but I attributed that to my timing (I was there at 4:30pm on a Monday) and not because it was struggling. The clientele were quite varied in age and demographic which attests to Rudford's appeal to a large cross section of San Diego's citizenry. As some entered they were greeted by name by the waiter, it was clear that Rudford's has faithful regulars. There are (5) picnic tables outside on the sidewalk which may be left over from covid dining.🤷‍♂️ I imagine Rudford's probably gets pretty full on Friday's and weekends. My order was for carryout and then I had a 20min drive to my father-in-law's house so I must preface my food rating w/in that context. The entire order consisted of the liver & onions, a bacon bleu cheese burger, and a BLT. I've never had liver & onions growing up but my father-in-law said that it was good so I'll take his word on that. I ordered my wife Rudford's BLT and added avocado for an additional charge. She found it very good. I tasted the potato salad that was the side dish. The potatoes weren't overcooked and had a delicate tartness to them, quite flavorful overall. I had one of the chef's specialty burgers named "You're My Boy Blue". Basically a bacon and bleu cheese burger. After the 20min drive in a non-ventilated container, my burger was rather mushy. The beef patty was handmade as the edges were irregular unlike the neatly pressed and shaped patties you find at most chains. I usually have my meat cooked medium or medium well, and prefer a little pink, but I thought the patty in this burger was a little too pink in the center. Unfortunately during the 20min drive, the bleu cheese chunks melted, the lettuce became soft sitting on a hot patty, and the bun became soggy. I imagine the burger would've been much different (better) if I had a dine-in experience. Overall the flavors in the burger worked well and was quite savory. Some time I would like my family and I to dine at Rudford's, I think it would be a fun. Unlike other nostalgia-themed, chain diners, Rudford's would be a more authentic experience.

Rudford's has been my go to diner/comfort food spot forever! Yes, prices have went up but I'm so happy they survived the lock down. Anything you order will be delicious! I've never had a bad meal here. It can get busy from time to time. There is parking behind the restaurant. Staff is super nice. Treat yourself w a shake with a slice of pie in it. Yum! Their cherry cokes rock too. They do have a challenge should you dare. I haven't seen anyone do it yet but I'm tempted every time.

This place is so amazing. Wherever i come to this area I try to hit up Rudfords. The portions are nothing short of ridiculous. I’ve been here no less than a dozen times and never been disappointed. I really love the breakfast. Some of the best omelette and biscuits and gravy I’ve ever had. I had the special tonight which was the serloin tips. Holy goodness I could die happy just eating this goodness.

Delicious! A+ service and comfy atmosphere. The chicken salad sandwich was yummy.

Great traditional breakfast! Love the big, red booths, long breakfast counter, memorabilia and overall vibe of this place!

We usually go in the early morning for breakfast. The portions are very generous. Amanda is such an amazing server with a great memory. She’s always smiling and I’m a great mood. Perfect to start the morning. I order the Chicken fried steak and eggs. But their pancakes are so good and fluffy.

Tried this place for the first time tonight and it was very good!! We ordered the June Gloom and the You're My Boy, Blue! chefs specialty burgers. The burgers were AMAZING!! We also order 2 shakes... and YES, they do come with the extra silver cup on the side! After finishing our milkshakes we poured the extra in and it equaled up to a whole milkshake again!! 2 milkshakes for the price of 1!! The Bloody Mary was great too! Awesome restaurant/diner!!

We had dinner here on our final night in America, for me it was a great way to end our holiday. Rudfords is like a Diner you would expect to see in "Happy Days", and the music was like the theme tracks to "Dirty Dancing", i just loved this place. To eat i had a salad to start, then sirloin steak, jacket potato and veg, plus egg custard for dessert, my spouse had a salad to start, then buffalo burger and fries. The food and service was great.

Great diner with some Amazing shakes! Recommend the JFK Bacon Caramel Shake. The food is also tasty. I got a burger with hash browns and egg on top and my wife got chicken and waffles. They're open 24 hours so no doubt are the best option in the wee hours of the morning and night.

Fantastic food at any hour. Even if they get busy, the service is still great, efficient and never disappoints! Ordered a variety of things of the menu and can't pick a favorite. It's all amazing!!

I admit I had never heard of this place, but now I regret it because I Never. Want. To. Leave. It reminds me of the Corvette Diner, but with such a genuine feeling that I feel as though I've truly been transported back to the 50s. The food is absolutely delectable. I had the Kansas St. Francis Burger, and it was everything I wanted and more. The meat was juicy and perfectly cooked, the BBQ sauce was delicious, and the crinkle fries were delicious. The milkshakes and dessert options are also plentiful and they all sound and look so good!! Rudford's is an all-American gem of a place, and if you haven't been, you're seriously missing out.

A rare gem of San Diego! A diner that serves great food that is also happened to open for 24/7! Came here very late at night and everyone was respectful. Ordered some burgers and fries and they tasted great! Really wanted to try their desserts but I had to remind myself that it is very late at night. Will come back next time!

Wow I don't know how I stumbled upon this gem. Yummy. Two weeks in a row I've ended up here. Burgers delicious, potatoe salad was some of the best I've had at a restaurant, buffalo fries great. Had the omelet with chorizo and cheese with onion, perfect. Can't wait to come back and try a shake.

The food was good! The waffles were fire! The hollandaise was delicious and the eggs were poached perfectly! We enjoyed ourself. The service was just alright. Had to ask for the check. Didn't really know who our server was.

Awesome, old fashioned diner with legitimate local history. Wish their chicken fried steak was a little better, but it's not bad.

Their food and service are great

good food.....

First time at this place. They have outside sitting. They have TheBig Nick challenge here which I’m going to try next time. I like the mural on the side of the diner. The place was pretty clean and the staff were very nice. Ordered off the window menu special. Got drinks and my cup had some green stuff in it so that’s how we started hahaha. Kevin was the waiter and he did a good job of taking the order but messed up on the eggs. One over easy, two over hard well they all came out over easy but he was nice enough to take our plates back and get them recooked. The pancakes were ok. Nothing special just cheap and good.

Rudfords was a must stop place in town until tonight’s experience. This last visit was horrible. It took 20 minutes for our server to greet us. The bus boy was friendly. Food was bland and I asked for a well done burger and it was very pink inside. The waiter didn’t care. No discount was offered. No refire of the burger. I wish this place didn’t go so down hill. It has so much history and I have been going there since I was a kid.

Bring a Hardy appetite because the portions are huge! Enjoyed a very nice thick juicy cheeseburger with a combination of fries and onion rings, burger was cooked perfectly tender and juicy. Fries and onion rings very crispy. Cool vide scene..great neighborhood! Our server Rusty did an excellent job!

We were in the neighborhood and googled somewhere to eat. It looked nice on Google. We were very delighted to find that the food was delicious. The service was great. We felt taken care of and will definitely be making a note to visit the area again to eat there.

Do not know too many 24 hour diners in San Diego (if any besides this place) but Rudford’s reminds me of a Philadelphia, NYC, New Jersey diner. Menu was plentiful, food was delicious, and again most importantly open 24 hours for when you need those late night munchies:). Located on El Cajon Blvd in North Park this place is a must for after the bar…weekdays/weekends. And probably during the day too, just haven’t been there during that time yet:)

Outstanding! My husband brought us here for Mother's Day brunch and it was delicious. The food was really good and good portions. I asked if i could have a certain part of a meal combined with a different meal, and with no hesitation, they agreed, and they plated my food beyond the way I expected them to do. Excellent customer service! I definitely recommend and will go back.

I love going here! The service is amazing! If you come here, expect it to be a bit crowded. The food is alright. The wait does take awhile. The parking is pretty bad, barely any spots available. But your choice to come! I like it.

The potatoes were a cold burnt flavorless mess. The scrambled eggs aren't even REAL eggs and were bland and flavorless. The T-bone steak was bland and pathetically gray. I actually had to add my own seasonings to the steak and resear it. Glad I ordered it medium so I had a little room to work with. I could've prepared a better breakfast for myself. Such a disappointment. NEVER AGAIN!!!

We found this place randomly and it didn't disappoint. It's the good ole American diner experience with the food you expect. Big portions, big flavor. A bit overpriced compared to a Denny's (another diner). I deducted 1 star because of improvement opportunities they have compared to other places (the price, slower service - not the server's fault, they're clearly understaffed like most places nowadays -, and my hash browns were burned and a bit stale). But honestly, we'll be back. It's worth it and recommended.

So I finally made it to this iconic Diner that’s been around forever, I guess! I do like going places that have accessible parking lots and Rudford’s has that, albeit it is modest in size. It is a good sized Diner and the two times I joined friends there, we did not have to wait for a table and even got parking spots. Sooo, this is Diner Food. However, it is well done Diner Food that clearly has some of its offerings made from scratch, or so it seems! Dishes are plated nicely. They do not use paprika nor onions in their hashbrowns (the grated kind), nor the home fries which are thin golden brown slices of potato, which I greatly appreciate because I like my potatoes salted and peppered is all! The cinnamon roll was a huge surprise hit. I do not like sickeningly sweet stuff, and the cinnamon roll is just right! (Although one of the times, it was way over slathered with drizzle so I just scooped excess away!) The cream cheese and spinach omelet was very good, as was the Gi-normous Baja omelet. What I loved most was that no one rushed us along. We could sit and have a great visit, ~and we, of course, tipped accordingly! I only gave it four stars because of the underlying diner-“grease” factor. I just taste it as an underlying thing. Not bad at all, but not necessarily my preference! And for some people it’s that true diner-taste that makes it a win!

Awesome old school diner. Food here is amazing and the service is good. Haven't had anything bad here yet. They're open 24 hours too! Sometimes they are super busy so be a lil patient.

👎

Very nice restaurant with safe outdoor dining. Thanks to them for being open

I love this place

Wonderful food. Great place.

Mediocre even for diner food, and overpriced. Service generally not great, and often out of items on the menu.

We love Rudfords!! Their food is very yummy!! When you get to eat inside again they have the most comfy booth seats ever. Everyone is do nice too.

this place has a good design. feeling here is similar to a place in columbus i liked.

the service here is outstanding. it has a nice feel to it.

excellent spot to spend time alone or talk business. had a sister come into town and asked me to take her here again. this place has a great design. menu is like a cafe in indianapolis i liked.

The food was tasty. The service here is above par. Reminds me of a cafe in Chicago I loved to visit.

This place is a little pricey and often not worth the quality of the food for the price but it's open 24 hours so we kinda take what we can.

nice ti dine in always great!

A great place for traditional American meals. Staff very friendly and the prices very reasonable. I try to visit more than once a month.

Dine in was amazing. It felt nice to sit down and eat a meal with my girlfriend. Great service and the chicken fried steak was to die for

Yummy food with large portions and friendly service. My husband had the California Omelet and I had the Blueberry Pancakes with a side of the chicken sausage. The omelet was huge and had a very generous portion of chicken sausage inside. My blueberry pancakes were as large as the dinner plate they come on and were delicious. Loved the sausage as well and the fact that they had a non-pork option. Would definitely come here again.

The food was so savory. The service was very friendly and kind. The bill was good for what you get.

The outside set up, they have for the pandemic is chill and cool as you can bring doggy babies. Oh course I had to try their chicken and waffles, which was tasty. Cripsy chicken and waffles were fluffy.

My friends had the lentil soup, which was the best soup we’ve ever tasted! Followed by toasted ciabatta with salad and crisps. We tried the homemade carrot cake, and it was delicious! We loved how all the cups and plates were prepared. We can’t wait to go back! Thank you so much!

It was all delicious and satisfying. Besides, the waitress that entertained us at that time was very accommodating, nice, and careful. Honestly, we greatly love to spend our precious time in your cafeteria. It was clean, comfortable, and refreshing. Till next time!

First time visiting. I ordered the French toast with eggs whites, bacon, side of hash brown and orange juice. Everything came to about $26. The food was good & the hostess was nice. I would have given this restaurant 4 stars but the bathrooms were dirty & unsanitary. I would not be visit again.

Im a 50 year fan of Rudfords, and I can truthfully say I've never had a bad meal there. One time they forgot some bacon I ordered, that's their only mistake in 50 years! Best bet: The Turkey Dinner on Sunday is as good as any Thanksgiving feast! 😎

Food is marginal but it is one of the only places open 24 hours

Had Xmas Eve dinner here. We love it, so dog friendly and hard working people. Support our local eateries during this ridiculous lock down. Five Stars for Rudford's!

Great food... Outdoor dining

Awesome food and atmosphere!

I love this place its genuinely great !

Friendly staff , breakfast diner comfortable. But no indoor seating due to Covid19

Local and legendary establishment

The best service. Food was great. Excellent location.

Awesome and flavorful food, I loved the character this spot has, and the staff members were very friendly. I will surely visit here next time.

Love inside dining !!!!!!

Glad there open and serving up great food

We were able to eat inside, Christmas Eve.. Friendly place..

We had our best get-together at this place! Food is great! Service is great! What else you can ask for?!

Dinner was fabulous! Thanks for being open for sit down dining.

Way over priced, my Philly sandwich was not edible, asked for side of au ju to make it into a French dip. Had to spit out my sandwich. It was so reduced it was like a salt block. Had the waitress taste it, she agreed. No offer for a discount, no offer to exchange it or take it off the bill. Been in the restaurant business over 20 years, would never let a customer walk out unhappy or dissatisfied. Won't be back that's a promise.

Good place to eat outside during covid-19. Good food ,I had cob salad,, slightly pricey but overall was a safe pleasant experience..I will return soon.

NICK AND HIS SERVERS ALWAYS DOING WELL IN TOUGH-TO-SMILE -ALWAYS TIMES....LARGE PORTIONS THAT FILL OR OVERFILL LARGE PLATES...NO SKIMPING HERE...ON QUANTITY OR QUALITY....HATS OFF TO THE CHEFS...THE SERVERS...DO TIP THEM WELL IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO SO...THEY DESERVE IT SO MUCH....AFTER DINNER BUTTER MINTS A BY GONE CLASSIC FINISH...!!! AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN MOM'S BEST....KEEP AN IMPRINTED NAPKIN AS A SOUVENIR..!!!!

Big portion!!! Good food

I love Rudfords. Great breakfast ❤

A little overpriced for what you get. Definitely a cool spot that's been around for a while. Kind of a legacy spot. Pretty much what you're mostly paying for...