Scripps Green Cafeteria

I had chicken tenders and a turkey burger with cheese for lunch; it was decent. I have had worser cafeteria food from hospitals. Compared to most, this on the better end of the spectrum. However there isn’t anything spectacular about this place that would make me stop by the hospital for a quick bite. There are no gems here, just edible food that is a convenience if you are visiting and need sustenance.

Needs help! Came here for one of my parents surgery so it was going to be a long day. A second time to this cafeteria in three years. I went for a salad and chicken sandwich. The salad bar was not well stocked or attended to. Yes it was near the end of lunch but no excuse. As I had to lift a utensil handle laying in the bed of spinach. I elected not to help myself to the bottom of several trays. As I looked for a place to sit among many open tables I found the one the least unclean among most dirty tables that have not been cleared off and wiped by staff. The floor had napkins, forks and food crumbs all around. The only staff I saw was a cashier in the dining area whom saw the mess yet did not bother or care to do anything about it. This is a Hospital! There are no exudes. Plenty of people looking for work and would love to have a job! There should always be someone cleaning, adjusting scattered chairs and organizing the dining area! I have seen the Home Town Buffet on the busiest hour much cleaner than this place! I hope a Scripps upper management will read this and make an effort to improve this area!

This is a 4 star review compared to other hospital cafeterias, not to restaurants (or even regular cafeterias) in general.
During my wife’s stay, I ate here several times a week, and have eaten each meal of the day at the Scripps Green Cafeteria probably no fewer than 10 times each. The salad bar is pretty good, you can make sandwiches, they always have 3 soups (or 2 soups and chili) available, and there is a decent selection of fresh fruit. They also do a «salad of the week,» like Asian chicken salad or BBQ ranch chicken salad. These are hit or more, but I’ve had a couple (like the Asian chicken salad) that were very good. These are (as of the writing of this review on 3−29−14) 35 cents per pound.
During the week, they do a «build your own» bar for lunch and dinner. This may include items such as: taco salad, French fries, hot dogs, chili, wraps. Basically, you get to prepare an item with a bunch of different toppings or ingredients. This is also 35 cents per pound.
The hot food is hit or miss. They always have a vegetarian option, and usually a fish option in addition to a bunch of cafeteria classics. They also have a healthy option of the day that comes with 2 sides and a piece of fruit. I’ve had a couple of very good things, a couple of decent things, and a couple of bad things.
The grill is pretty standard: burgers, grilled cheese, etc. They have a daily grill special that will be a special burger, sandwich, or something similar. They put out fries, onion rings, and chicken tenders. If you get these when they’re hot, they’re pretty good, particularly the chicken tenders and onion rings.
On the weekends, it’s a bare bones operation. Not as many employees, the grill is closed, and the hot good is limited. Also, the hours are shorter. So, plan accordingly.
Plenty of places to sit, and they keep it pretty clean. I usually like to sit outside, there is a large patio in the back. Certainly not as good as a restaurant, but for a hospital cafeteria I’ve seen much worse.

Comment on the attitude and service on checkout. The older man they have working needs to work on his approach with customers. He was obnoxious with the 2 people ahead of me as well. If it weren’t for the captive audience, place would shut down based on his attitude.

A decent variety of options to choose from.
Love the chocolate brownie.
The salads arent over priced.
Overall, decent.

Great fresh affordable food.

I’m really impressed! Definitely pretty good Cafeteria food. Then again, this is snotty La Jolla.
The items available the day I was there are: Pecan crusted whitefish, Spinach Raviolli, and Lamb Shank. Can you guess what Miss Dani, the carni-​whore ordered? Of course the gigantic lamb shank that was bigger than my face with stir fried vegetables on the side. The lamb shank was sooo good, meat was soft, juicy and following off the bones, all that for only $ 4.59!
I may or may not have emitted some bodily air after that meal. –bat eyes innocently–

I would a little dissapointed in the wine selection. Very lacking…

Who knew hospital food would be good??? I was plesantly suprised with the Scripps Green Hospital cafeteria. They have really good food and their daily menu is definately restaurant quality. To top it off, their prices are in competition with fast food places.
Most folks wouldn’t go there unless they had to be at the hospital for something, but thought you’d like to know.