Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » El Primo Birrieria – San Diego
El Primo Birrieria - San Diego
Photo from El Primo Birrieria
El Primo Birrieria at a glance
San Diego Park Haven
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 15 of the guests
#663 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#100 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
62
Reviews
45.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious birria
- Authentic taste
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- High cost
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s Park Haven neighborhood, offers you a fantastic quick bite experience. El Primo Birrieria is known for its casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
You can enjoy your food with convenient outdoor seating or grab a quick takeout. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this spot provides a welcoming environment for everyone, including families with kids.
You’ll find it easy to park, making your visit hassle-free.
Overview: Introducting El Primo Birrieria
El Primo Birrieria offers a compelling take on birria, with many finding the birria tacos themselves quite delicious and authentic. However, some guests have noted issues with the availability of condiments and portion sizes, which can detract from the overall experience.
While the atmosphere generally receives positive remarks, the service aspect can be inconsistent. There are instances of good interactions, but also complaints about the lack of service regarding basic necessities and extra charges.
Average
5.3
out of 10
62
Reviews
45.2%
Satisfaction
30
negative
4
neutral
28
positive
El Primo Birrieria holds a 5.3 overall score, placing it squarely in the average category, reflecting a mixed experience for many diners. Customer satisfaction stands at 45.2%, indicating that while some are pleased, a significant portion of patrons feel their expectations weren’t fully met.
This assessment is drawn from 62 customer observations, with a near-even split of 28 positive and 30 negative remarks. The Food is clearly the star here, scoring a respectable (6.6), often praised for its delicious birria.
However, other aspects lag behind; Service (3.4), Ambience (3.4), and Value (3) all fall into the poor range. This suggests that while the main dish might draw you in, the supporting elements of the dining experience could use considerable attention.
What people like
- Delicious birria tacos
- Authentic birria taste
- Enjoyable dining atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent customer service
- Limited condiments/extras
- Questionable pricing/value
If you’re seeking truly flavorful birria, El Primo Birrieria is worth considering, especially given its 6.5 recommendation score. The core food experience often hits the mark, making it a destination for those prioritizing taste above all else.
However, be prepared for potential frustrations with service and value. If you can overlook these aspects and focus solely on the main dish, you might find it a worthwhile stop.
Otherwise, you might find the overall experience a bit of a mixed bag.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Primo Birrieria
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
Many diners are absolutely raving about the delicious birria tacos, especially the beef Birrieria tacos with their rich consomé, praising their incredible flavor and overall food quality. With 24 positive remarks among 38 total customer comments, its clear that these tacos are a huge hit, with some even declaring them the best birria theyve ever tasted. Yet, the experience isn't without its bumps.
Some customers have noticed a decline in portion sizes and a frustrating scarcity of condiments like lime wedges and radishes. The food scores an average 6.6, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 63.2%, indicating that while the core flavor is there, consistency in presentation and accompaniments could use some attention.
Food
38
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious birria tacos
- Rich consomé
- Great flavor
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Scarce condiments
- Limited meat/cheese
Often praised
- foodThe food was good, but they were very limited with napkins, lemons, and when I asked for more, they gave me a bad look. In the end, they charged me for them.
- tacoslos tacos están buenos
- birriaI ordered the birria with three tortillas for $22, and it was very delicious. If you run out of tortillas, you have to get back in line and wait for your turn.
- accompanimentslos acompañan con limones y rábanos, bolsita de cebolla curtida, y salsas
- beef Birrieria tacosThe beef Birrieria tacos with their consume is worth the drive
- birria tacoclosest to a birria taco in Tijuana
- birria tacosReally great birria tacos
- consomérecomiendo que los acompañen con un consomé para ponerle adentro
- consumeThe beef Birrieria tacos with their consume is worth the drive
- doradas tortillasI had the best birria I've ever tasted, even better than many I've tried in Tijuana. I highly recommend ordering the half order and the doradas tortillas.
Frequently criticized
- tacosthe tacos weren’t anything amazing
- birria tacoIs this even a birria taco?
- cheeseabsolutely nothing of cheese inside
- condimentsavailability of condiments
- hot sodasBefore the pandemic, they served rice over flakes, and during the pandemic, everything was limited. Now that things are back to normal, it seems they've taken that as an opportunity to limit everything – napkins, lemons, and even hot sodas. I come here for the flavor, but the limitations are becoming a drawback.
- lime wedgesHowever, I've noticed a significant decline in the portion sizes and the availability of condiments. For four tacos, they only provide two lime wedges 🍋, which feels insufficient; I'd at least expect one whole lime. Similarly, the napkins are scarce, and they only give two slices of radish.
- meatLittle to no meat
- mid tacosif you want mid tacos
- portion sizesnoticed a significant decline in the portion sizes
- quesabirriait was just a tortilla with birria inside
If you're on the hunt for truly delicious birria tacos with great flavor, this place is worth trying for the food itself. Just be aware that you might find the portion sizes a bit smaller and condiments sparse, so manage your expectations there.
Service (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The service here, based on 14 customer comments, has a few bright spots. Some folks found the service good overall, even noting that theyll reheat your birria if it gets cold while you wait. While theres a wait involved, a few customers felt it was worth it.
However, the overall impression for service is quite low, with a score of just 3.4 and customer satisfaction at a mere 21.4%. Many experienced a clear lack of service, citing issues like incorrect orders, scarce napkins and lemons, and even being charged for extras. Problems with waiting time and during pay also frequently came up.
Service
14
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
11
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Food reheated
What people don't like
- Poor service
- Scarce amenities
- Payment issues
Often praised
- reheatIf you run out of tortillas, you have to get back in line and wait for your turn. If your birria gets cold while you wait, don't worry, they will reheat it! But you still have to wait your turn!
- serviceThe service was also good
- waitworth the drive and wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhen it comes to food, I expect excellent customer service. Because when the service is bad, your food doesn't taste as good, and you just want to finish and walk away. The food itself was rated a 3, while service and atmosphere both received a 2.
- napkinsThe food was good, but they were very limited with napkins, lemons, and when I asked for more, they gave me a bad look. In the end, they charged me for them.
- customer servicewhen the service is bad your food doesn't taste as good
- lack of servicelack of service, this place offers that
- lemonslimited with lemons
- payBad service when it comes to pay!!!
- waiting timewait for your turn. If your birria gets cold while you wait
Given the consistently poor service feedback, don't expect a smooth experience here. While they might reheat your food, be prepared for long waits, potential order mix-ups, and issues with basic amenities like napkins. If service is a priority for you, this might be a place to skip.
Ambience (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, theres a tiny glimmer of hope! One person found the atmosphere enjoyable, suggesting theres potential. However, with a score of just 3.4 and customer satisfaction at a low 20%, it seems most guests arent quite feeling the good vibes.
On the flip side, the ambience definitely needs some TLC. With 3 negative remarks, concerns were raised about the general atmosphere, specifically mentioning a lack of proper handwashing facilities and a less-than-pleasant smell from the parking lot. Clearly, theres room for significant improvement to make the overall experience more inviting.
Ambience
5
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- No handwashing facilities
- Smelly parking lot
- Poor atmosphere
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was enjoyable
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere:2
- handwashing facilitiesIt's good, but they should have something to wash hands. And give the parking lot a little wash so it doesn't smell like urine.
- parking lotIt's good, but they should have something to wash hands. And give the parking lot a little wash so it doesn't smell like urine.
If ambience is key for you, this place might not hit the mark right now. With low scores and specific concerns about facilities and the parking lot, it seems the overall vibe needs a lot of work before it's truly inviting.
Value (3 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, there arent any positive remarks to highlight from the customer feedback. With 0 positive opinions out of 5 total comments, it seems customers havent found much to celebrate in this area. Unfortunately, the feedback paints a clear picture of disappointment, with a poor score of 3 and a poor customer satisfaction of 0%.
Many feel the `price` is too high for basic items, and some mention `charging for extras`. The need for `cash` also came up, adding to the perception of poor value. Out of 5 comments, 4 voiced concerns about the cost.
Value
5
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Extra charges
- Cash payment only
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- priceWhen I received it, it was just a flour tortilla with birria inside, like a taco. There was absolutely no cheese in it, and they are charging $12 for this. I will not be returning here again!
- cashbring cash with you!!!
- charging for extrastelos cobren
If you're looking for great value, this might not be your spot. Customers frequently express that prices are too high for what you get, and some even mention unexpected charges or cash-only policies. Be prepared for a potentially disappointing bill if budget is a concern.
How are the prices at El Primo Birrieria?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 15 diners. That puts it in the 21 – 30 € category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits in this range, we see a good mix of prices. Many diners spend less, often in the 11 – 20 € bracket, but there are also some higher-end options reaching up to 61 – 70 €, suggesting a diverse menu.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 15 most recent reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, especially given the range of options available. It seems like you can find something for different budgets here, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Primo Birrieria
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Tacos and Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I found the tacos to be overpriced, and despite requesting my tacos without a specific topping, they were still included. The tacos themselves were not particularly amazing.
I ended up throwing the rest away as I needed something to eat after skipping breakfast. If you're looking for mediocre tacos and poor service, this place might fit the bill.
- tacos3
- price2
- service1
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
7
Great Food, Bad Payment Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was exceptional, earning a perfect score. However, the service, particularly when it came to paying the bill, was problematic.
If you're in a rush during your break time, it's advisable to bring cash with you to avoid delays.
- food10
- service2
- pay2
- cash3
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
3
Service Impacts Food Experience
My experience at the restaurant was significantly impacted by the service. When it comes to food, I expect excellent customer service. Because when the service is bad, your food doesn't taste as good, and you just want to finish and walk away.
The food itself was rated a 3, while service and atmosphere both received a 2.
- food3
- customer service2
- service2
- atmosphere2
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Authentic Birria Taco Experience
I really liked this place. It's the closest I've found to a birria taco in Tijuana. The food was great, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
The service was also good.
- birria taco9
- food8
- atmosphere8
Price per Person
- 41 - 50 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Birrieria Tacos Worth the Drive!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for a lunch outing. The beef Birrieria tacos with their consume were absolutely worth the drive and the wait. I highly recommend this place if you're in the mood for great tacos.
- beef Birrieria tacos10
- consume10
- great tacos9
What El Primo Birrieria offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available at El Primo Birrieria?
You’ll find convenient parking options when you visit El Primo Birrieria. The location offers free street parking and a free parking lot, ensuring there’s usually plenty of parking available for your vehicle. This makes it easy for you to stop by for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Is El Primo Birrieria accessible for everyone?
Yes, El Primo Birrieria is designed to be accessible. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy to enter the premises. Additionally, there is a wheelchair accessible parking lot available, ensuring a smooth experience from arrival to dining for all guests.
How does El Primo Birrieria score overall?
El Primo Birrieria has an overall score of **5.3**, placing it in the average range. While **Food** scores well at (6.6), **Service** (3.4), **Ambience** (3.4), and **Value** (3) are areas needing improvement.
What are the standout dishes at El Primo Birrieria?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and authentic birria tacos, with many noting the quality of the beef birrieria tacos and their consomé. The doradas tortillas are also a popular recommendation.
What should I be aware of regarding service and extras?
Service can be inconsistent, with some customers experiencing long waits for tortillas or issues when asking for more napkins and lemons, sometimes even being charged for them. It’s also noted that portion sizes and condiment availability have declined.