Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » El Primo Birrieria – San Diego
El Primo Birrieria - San Diego
Photo from El Primo Birrieria
El Primo Birrieria at a glance
San Diego Egger Highlands
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 101 of the guests
#356 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#38 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
543
Reviews
71.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Pleasant Ambience
- Attentive Service
Frequently criticized
- High Drink Prices
- Slow Service
- Loud Music
The restaurant El Primo Birrieria, a Mexican Restaurant located in San Diego’s Egger Highlands neighborhood, invites you to experience a truly authentic culinary journey. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a delicious meal.
This spot is known for its inviting ambiance, making it a great choice whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dining experience. It’s a place where you can unwind and savor traditional Mexican flavors.
Overview: Introducting El Primo Birrieria
El Primo Birrieria offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the warm atmosphere and decor. While the setting often receives praise, some have noted issues with the music being too loud, which can detract from conversation.
The culinary offerings at El Primo Birrieria are frequently highlighted for their quality, with many finding the food delicious and portions generous. However, the service can be a mixed bag; while some encounters are friendly and attentive, others report significant delays and occasional inattentiveness.
Good
7.4
out of 10
543
Reviews
71.3%
Satisfaction
126
negative
30
neutral
387
positive
El Primo Birrieria achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.4, indicating a generally good experience for diners. This is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 71.3%, suggesting that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 543 opinions, including 387 positive and 126 negative remarks, providing a comprehensive view of the restaurant’s performance. Diving into specifics, the Food (7.6), Ambience (7.7), and Service (7.3) all perform well, contributing significantly to the positive overall impression.
However, Value (5.5) stands out as an area where the restaurant receives a more mixed reception. While many appreciate the quality of the dishes and the pleasant surroundings, some find the pricing for certain items, particularly drinks, to be a point of contention.
What people like
- Delicious Food
- Pleasant Ambience
- Attentive Service
What people don't like
- High Drink Prices
- Slow Service
- Loud Music
With a Recommendation Score of 7.6, El Primo Birrieria generally earns a positive nod. If you prioritize delicious food and a pleasant atmosphere, this spot is likely to satisfy.
It offers a good overall experience for those looking for quality dishes in an inviting setting. However, be prepared for potentially higher drink prices and occasional service delays.
While the culinary offerings are a strong draw, these aspects might temper your experience. Consider it a worthwhile visit if you’re patient and focus on the main courses.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Primo Birrieria
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
Overall, the food here seems to hit the mark, with a 7.6 score indicating its generally good, and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 74.2%. Many diners rave about the authentic flavor, generous portions, and excellent food presentation. With 187 positive remarks out of 252, its clear that many leave happy and satisfied with their meals, enjoying the variety and quality of dishes.
However, not every dish is a winner, as 48 comments point to some areas for improvement. Some guests experienced issues with food temperature, noting cold dishes, while others felt portions were too small for the price. There were also mentions of food lacking flavor or being overly salty, suggesting inconsistency in preparation.
Food
252
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
48
negative
17
neutral
187
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful cuisine
- Generous portions
- Great presentation
What people don't like
- Food served cold
- Small portions
- Inconsistent seasoning
Often praised
- foodHonestly, I would return for the food, obviously, and for Elías's service. Thank you very much for the excellent food and customer service. The place is also very beautiful.
- drinksThe drinks are $12-17, and beer isn’t much cheaper. Any other place beats those prices, but the drinks do taste great, and the bartender I had (Luis) had excellent customer service. The temperature was a bit stuffy; it seemed like the AC was having issues.
- FoodFood was good
- birriaspecifically the birria
- octopusSoft not chewy octopus
- portionsthe portions were very good
- carne en su jugoMy husband had carne en su jugo
- clam chowderthe clam chowder "DELICIOUS"
- cocktailsThe cocktails were great too
- culichi omeletteWe tried the culichi omelette which has shrimp and cheese with culichi sauce poured over
Frequently criticized
- foodThe place is very beautiful, the service is good, buuuut. They take a long time, they take a long time to attend to you, the drinks take a long time, the food takes a long time, and that was with only 2 tables occupied at the time. Take advantage of your business and best of luck, wishing you the greatest success.
- drinksThe place is very beautiful, the service is good, buuuut. They take a long time, they take a long time to attend to you, the drinks take a long time, the food takes a long time, and that was with only 2 tables occupied at the time. Take advantage of your business and best of luck, wishing you the greatest success.
- wineThey served a terrible glass of wine
- Clamatoit was a fail couldn't even finish it
- camarones de ajoHad no flavor
- food temperatureThe food temperature was off
- Frappuccinoswe got 2 oreos instead
- aguachileone of the worst aguachile I’ve ever encountered
- birriabirria and it was from a day before, it was super salty
- birthday girl's plateWe were there celebrating my sister’s birthday. All our food was served except the birthday girl's plate, and it took so long that everyone else had already finished eating. When we jokingly mentioned that the birthday girl should not have to pay for the plate she had not received, Karla reacted very confrontationally, as if she forgot she was at a workplace.
If youre looking for authentic flavors and generous portions, this place is generally a good bet. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistencies with food temperature or seasoning. Its worth a try, but keep an open mind.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The service here often hits the mark, scoring a 7.3 which is pretty good! Many of the 134 comments, specifically 92 positive ones, celebrate the friendly service and attentive staff. Youll often find "excellent customer service" and quick attention from the waitstaff, making for a pleasant experience.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at 68.7%. Despite the positives, 36 negative comments highlight issues like slow service and frustrating waiting time. Some guests also reported unattentive waitress experiences or even wrong order delivery, indicating some inconsistencies.
Service
134
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
36
negative
6
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent customer service
- Quick service speed
What people don't like
- Slow service speed
- Long waiting times
- Inattentive staff
Often praised
- serviceOn Wednesday, I went back and he was there again. The young man was very friendly, and even though he was the only one attending the entire area, he didn't neglect us for a moment. Honestly, I would return for the food, obviously, and for Elías's service.
- staffAdditionally, SANTO PLACER offers a full bar, where you can accompany your meal with a delicious drink, whether it's a classic cocktail or a typical Mexican beverage. The service is another strong point of this restaurant; the staff is attentive and always willing to recommend the best dishes and drinks, ensuring your visit is pleasant. With an accessible price range, SANTO PLACER offers excellent value for money, making it a perfect option for any occasion.
- customer servicethe customer service the server was great
- serverMiguel, our server, was knowledgeable about the menu and gave us recommendations when we asked.
- ServiceService:5
- waiterprops to waiter he was great and very attentive
- MiguelMiguel, our server, was very nice, friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive.
- attentionatencion, diseño, ubicacion pero sobre todo un sazon riquisimo!!!!
- bartenderthe bartender I had had (Luis) had excellent customer service
- recommendationsThey offer a lot of variety to choose from, making it easy to find something for everyone. Our server, Miguel, provided great recommendations and was very professional; he's a major reason we return. The food portions were generous and worth every cent, without being too pricey.
Frequently criticized
- servicePésimo servicio !!!! ... súper grosera la muchacha
- waiting timeThe place is very beautiful, the service is good, buuuut. They take a long time, they take a long time to attend to you, the drinks take a long time, the food takes a long time, and that was with only 2 tables occupied at the time. Take advantage of your business and best of luck, wishing you the greatest success.
- serverI have never left a negative review before this one. Unfortunately, our server, Karla, was incredibly disrespectful the entire time we were attended. We were there celebrating my sister’s birthday.
- Happy HourNo Happy Hour, hmmm
- KarlaAll our food was served except the birthday girl's plate, and it took so long that everyone else had already finished eating. When we jokingly mentioned that the birthday girl should not have to pay for the plate she had not received, Karla reacted very confrontationally, as if she forgot she was at a workplace. We stayed so silent; she tried to retract and apologize.
- ServiceService is kinda slow
- attentionwe didn't feel comfortable with the attention we received
- attentive waitressBut our waitress was just not attentive to us at all.
- charged for whatwaiter still charged for what we never received.
- cutlerypedirles cubiertos se tardaban y se tardaban
Overall, if youre seeking a place where staff can be incredibly friendly and attentive, its definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for the possibility of slower service or longer waits, especially if you're on a tight schedule.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at 78.3%, which is pretty good. Out of 115 total comments, a whopping 90 were positive, praising the beautiful place, fun atmosphere, great music and DJ, and overall cleanliness and cozy vibe.
It seems many folks really enjoy the setting! However, its not all perfect, with 22 negative remarks pointing out some potential snags. Some guests found the music too loud, creating an unpleasant atmosphere that made conversation tough.
There were also mentions of stuffy AC and even some cleanliness concerns like dirty floors or pests, which definitely put a damper on the experience for a few.
Ambience
115
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
22
negative
3
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful, elegant decor
- Great music, DJ
- Clean, cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud, disruptive music
- Comfort issues
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereWe left pleasantly surprised by the experience at this beautiful place, where the food is simply delicious and the warm atmosphere is very pleasant. Special thanks to Valeria who served us so kindly, and to all the service staff in general.
- placeThe place is very beautiful, the service is good, buuuut. They take a long time, they take a long time to attend to you, the drinks take a long time, the food takes a long time, and that was with only 2 tables occupied at the time.
- musicI was anticipating the opening of this restaurant as I live right down the block. The overall atmosphere is great, the decor is awesome, and I really like the music and bar setup. However, I was not so impressed with the food.
- ambianceThe ambiance is simple but elegant with a beautifully decorated bar.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- DJIt's a great place for breakfast 🥞, lunch, and dinner. They even have a DJ for happy hour and the weekend. A kids menu is available, and it offers full service with a full bar and added extra space.
- cleanlinessVery clean and nice looking inside
- ambienceThe ambience was very cool and mellow.
- barThe music, the bar and the atmosphere in their point
- 80s and 90s musicWednesday is 80s and 90s music
Frequently criticized
- musicMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The music was too loud, creating an unpleasant atmosphere. The service was below basic, lacking attention and efficiency.
- atmosphereIf you’re considering dining at this restaurant, be prepared for an experience where the music is so loud that having a conversation with the person next to you is nearly impossible. The atmosphere is far from relaxing, and it’s hard to enjoy a meal in such a noisy environment. For a better birria experience, I highly recommend Ed Fernandez Restaurant Birrieria.
- ACAny other place beats those prices, but the drinks do taste great, and the bartender I had (Luis) had excellent customer service. The temperature was a bit stuffy; it seemed like the AC was having issues. I don’t know what the problem was with the plumbing in the bathroom, but if I had walked in there after eating, I would’ve puked.
- Spanish symphonyI personally liked the place and would enjoy coming back. First thing first, I am a person with a wide taste in music; I can listen to anything, but I personally did not enjoy the very loud Spanish symphony that played for over an hour. I had a hard time hearing the bartender standing right in front of me.
- TVsplaying MTV type of music videos on multiple TVs
- closes earlythey close early
- disco musicplaying disco music at almost full volume
- flies and gnatsSwated flys and gnats as soon as we were seated.
- floorel piso estaba poquito sucio debajo de la mesa
- mousesaw a mouse 🐁 hide behind a bench seat
If you're looking for a lively spot with a beautiful setting and good music, especially with a DJ, this place could be a great fit. Just be prepared for potentially loud music and keep an eye out for minor comfort or cleanliness issues that might pop up.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to offer a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 42.9%. Many guests appreciate the reasonable prices and feel it offers good value for money, especially noting the availability of happy hour deals and convenient free parking. Some even found it worth every dollar for the quality received.
However, the experience isnt universally stellar, reflected in an average score of 5.5. Out of 42 comments, 20 voiced concerns, frequently mentioning that certain items, particularly drinks, were often considered pricey or even overpriced. The added credit card charge or service fee' also left a sour taste for some patrons.
Value
42
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
20
negative
4
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good food value
- Free parking
- Happy hour deals
What people don't like
- Overpriced drinks
- Credit card fee
- Overall pricey
Often praised
- pricesWe ordered the Aguachile negro, Pulpo a las brasas, and camarones a la diabla, and all three dishes were incredibly delicious. The prices are very reasonable, and the staff was very friendly. The music was the only thing we didn't like that much; otherwise, everything was super good.
- priceThe drinks were a bit sweet for my taste (the flavored waters). The food was very delicious and the price is good. The service is excellent, our waiter was super attentive and suggested food, and the manager was super friendly and cordial.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- free parkingFree parking
- happy houroffer happy hour which is always great
- paid $40paid only $40 including tip
- value for moneySANTO PLACER offers excellent value for money
- worth every dollarit is worth every dollar
Frequently criticized
- priceportion was small for the price
- pricesThe drinks are $12-17, and beer isn’t much cheaper. Any other place beats those prices, but the drinks do taste great, and the bartender I had (Luis) had excellent customer service. The temperature was a bit stuffy; it seemed like the AC was having issues.
- Don JulioUpgrading to Don Julio more than doubles the cost
- Johnny Walkerno way am I going to pay $20 on Coronado Avenue for JohnnyWalker on the rocks
- PricesPrices are a bit high
- PriceyPricey
- beer1 beer cost 10$
- credit card chargete cobran $3.75 por usar tarjeta de crédito
- expensiveit's a bit expensive
- margaritasheard the margaritas are $15. That's just wrong 😕
If you're looking for a meal that offers decent value, especially with their happy hour or if you stick to the food, this place might be worth a try. Just be mindful that drinks can be on the pricier side, and watch out for that credit card service fee, as these aspects tend to disappoint some guests.
How are the prices at El Primo Birrieria?
You’re looking at roughly 41 per person – reported by 101 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 41$, many guests spend less, often in the 21-30$ range. However, there’s also a good number of diners enjoying more premium options, spreading the prices quite widely.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 101 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant to similar ones in San Diego.
Given the spread of options, we feel the pricing is fair for a Mexican Restaurant. It allows for both a casual meal and a more indulgent experience, which is great for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Primo Birrieria
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Birria and Friendly Service!
This was my first time trying this place, and we found it by luck as a few other places were closed. Primos was open, and I'm so glad we decided to come in and try it. We ordered takeout but sat inside while we waited.
We were greeted by a nice gentleman who offered recommendations and informed us about their weekly promotions, like the 2x1 birria tacos on Wednesdays. We ordered a half order of Birria, which was more than enough to feed three people. While we waited, we were given complimentary tacos de birria, and they were incredibly good!
This made us confident that the half order of birria would also be delicious, and it certainly was. Overall, the food was a 10/10; whether you get the tacos or the order of birria, you will definitely enjoy it! The service was also great.
The staff was very friendly and attentive, not just to us but to everyone coming in, which is something I always notice. Receiving complimentary birria tacos was a super cool gesture. The customer service was definitely a 10/10!
The atmosphere looked fun and welcoming. Even though we were just picking up food, we felt like we had to come back to try some of the drinks at the bar because they looked appealing. The overall experience was a 10/10.
- Birria10
- tacos de birria10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Mexican Flavors and Beautiful Ambiance
The food is truly delicious, with a unique and homemade flavor! It genuinely tastes like authentic Mexican cuisine. The place itself is very beautiful, with decor that's perfect for taking great photos :) and it's very clean.
The service is 10/10, everyone is very friendly. I would definitely go back and recommend it 100%.
- food10
- authentic Mexican cuisine10
- place9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
6
Large Portions, But Pricey and Salty
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The portions were large, which was a pleasant surprise. However, I found the price to be a bit elevated, paying $32 plus tip for a half order and two quesatacos.
The tortilla was soaked in oil, and the meat was a little too salty. Despite these issues, the overall flavor was good.
- portions8
- flavor7
- price3
- tortilla2
- meat4
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
1
Horrible Service and Overpriced
My experience at this restaurant was marred by several issues. As soon as we were seated, we were bothered by flies and gnats. The waiter brought out the wrong order and failed to include our full order.
To make matters worse, the place is overpriced. When we informed the waiter about the incomplete order, we were still charged for items we never received. The service was horrible, and I couldn't even give a lower rating.
- flies and gnats1
- wrong order1
- full order1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Favorite Spot: 10/10 Food, Service & Ambiance!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! The food/drinks were 10/10, and the customer service was equally impressive. The place is beautiful too!
I 100% recommend it. 😋😍👌🏼
- food/drinks10
- customer service10
- place is beautiful10
What El Primo Birrieria offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you find at El Primo Birrieria?
At El Primo Birrieria, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with comfortable seating and table service. It’s a great spot for a relaxed dining experience, offering a variety of delicious Mexican dishes.
Are there convenient parking and accessibility options at El Primo Birrieria?
Yes, El Primo Birrieria offers free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What is the overall verdict on El Primo Birrieria?
El Primo Birrieria holds a Restaurant Score of 7.4 and a Customer Satisfaction of 71.3%. Diners particularly appreciate the Ambience (7.7), Food (7.6), and Service (7.3), though Value (5.5) receives a more mixed response.
What do customers enjoy most about El Primo Birrieria?
Customers frequently praise the delicious food, often highlighting generous portions and well-prepared dishes. The restaurant’s pleasant and warm atmosphere, along with its appealing decor, also receives consistent positive feedback.
Are there any common complaints about El Primo Birrieria?
Some patrons have noted that drink prices can be on the higher side. Additionally, there are occasional reports of slow service and loud music, which can sometimes impact the dining experience.