Rubio's original fish taco typically features beer-battered fish tucked into a soft tortilla with cabbage, white sauce, and salsa. The key distinction of this version is its status as a prototype for San Diego–style fish tacos in a more casual setting, with a recipe that emphasizes a light batter and creamy dressing. The taco is modest in size but built to be eaten in multiples, and the texture stay crisp at the edges while the sauce keeps the interior juicy. Local writeups often note this taco as an accessible baseline for the style, especially on discount days when the price drops.