I prefer to go to (and review) the mom and pop restaurants in this price range but I have to say something about the reinvented rubios.
I used to eat there because the kids really like their bean and cheese burritos but I always went grudgingly.
However - times have changed! Rubios has introduced several gourmet options over the past several months and have hit a home run.
Their new mahi mahi tacos, tilapia tacos and salmon tacos taste as fresh as restaurants that charge twice as much. Moreover, the portion sizes are borderline ridiculous. I force myself to eat three tacos every time I'm there because I like them all so much and can't decide which tastes best. (Also, if you order as a coastal trio- even with the price upgrade- the meal is $9.99). I defy anyone to have a fish centric lunch or dinner that tastes anywhere near as good with as large a portions for the price.
I am totally impressed.
I did not mention the gourmet shrimp tacos, but probably should. They are also excellent and worth a visit.
My only concern is that given the price point, they will either reduce the portion sizes or the quality of fish they are buying or both. Until then I'll be visiting a lot.