Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Primos – San Diego
Primos - San Diego
Photo from Primos
Primos at a glance
San Diego Point Loma
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 95 of the guests
#541 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#69 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
431
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Flavorful dishes
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Loud music
- Long waits
The restaurant Primos is a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of San Diego’s Point Loma neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious food and drinks.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, late-night food, or happy hour specials, this spot has you covered. It’s a welcoming place where you can relax and savor authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Primos
Primos offers a generally pleasant experience, with many guests appreciating the friendly staff who often make them feel like family. The atmosphere is frequently described as fun and welcoming, providing a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some visits have been marred by concerns regarding customer service, with reports of rudeness and long waits. Additionally, issues like overly loud music and cleanliness in certain areas have occasionally detracted from the overall dining experience.
Good
6.6
out of 10
431
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
133
negative
22
neutral
276
positive
Primos holds an overall 6.6 score, indicating an average to good experience, supported by a 64% customer satisfaction rate. Guests frequently discuss the Food (6.6) and Service (6.7), both landing in the average-to-good range.
While many praise the flavorful dishes and attentive staff, some experiences suggest inconsistency in these areas. The Ambience (7.2) generally receives positive remarks, though specific issues like loud music are noted.
Value (5.4) is a more mixed bag, with some finding good deals while others feel prices are high for the portions. This assessment is drawn from 431 customer opinions, with 276 positive and 133 negative observations.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Flavorful Mexican dishes
What people don't like
- High prices, small portions
- Loud music, cleanliness issues
- Long waiting times
With a 6.8 recommendation score, Primos presents itself as a place with potential, offering a generally pleasant dining experience for many. If you’re seeking a casual spot with a lively feel and a chance for some tasty Mexican fare, it could be worth a visit.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and value, and perhaps a louder environment. If these factors are critical to your dining enjoyment, you might find the experience less satisfying.
It’s a place that can hit the mark, but also has its drawbacks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Primos
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners are quite pleased, with a solid 6.6 score and 63.7% customer satisfaction, suggesting a generally positive, though mixed, experience. Based on 170 positive remarks, guests often rave about the generous portions, especially the monster burritos, and appreciate the fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes. The extensive menu also offers a wide variety for everyone.
However, not all experiences hit the mark, with 81 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Concerns frequently mention chewy meat and dishes lacking flavor, alongside disappointment with fake guacamole and undercooked tortillas. Some also felt certain items were small or had too little meat, despite the overall generous portions.
Food
267
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
81
negative
16
neutral
170
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Huge portions
- Fresh ingredients
- Great flavors
What people don't like
- Chewy meat
- Lacking flavor
- Fake guacamole
Often praised
- foodI ordered a Chamango, which was delicious (though I didn’t really taste the liquor), and the happy hour taquitos and nachos—both were perfect choices for a light, satisfying bite. Overall, a great experience, tasty food, and a relaxing atmosphere. Even though I have other plans next time, it’s comforting to know there’s a nice Mexican cantina nearby that I’ll happily return to.
- burritosdelicious and authentic, truly among the best we’ve ever had
- tacosThe staff makes you feel like family the moment you walk in, and the atmosphere has that perfect balance of fun and welcoming vibes. If you’re craving tacos, enchiladas, or sizzling fajitas, this is the spot. Everything comes out hot and bursting with flavor.
- FoodFood:5
- salsaDon’t skip the salsa—it’s homemade and unforgettable!
- breakfast burritoI order breakfast burrito
- burritoburrito here and it was very good
- carne asadathe little carne asada I did get was good
- fajitasThe staff makes you feel like family the moment you walk in, and the atmosphere has that perfect balance of fun and welcoming vibes. If you’re craving tacos, enchiladas, or sizzling fajitas, this is the spot. Everything comes out hot and bursting with flavor.
- fish tacoshighly recommend getting the fish tacos
Frequently criticized
- tacosso many places who has so much better tacos
- beanstold them no beans on my order. We got our order and sure thing, the beans were there
- foodI typically have a high tolerance to salt, but these were so salty I couldn’t even eat them. Historically, I have not had a good experience with the food here, but decided to go anyway, and this was definitely the last straw.
- guacamoleThe guacamole for example doesn't look or taste like it's made in house. It's from a tube.
- meatbarely had any meat on it
- monster 619 burritoYesterday, I ordered the monster 619 burrito and it took 20 minutes to be called, despite few people in line. By then, the burrito was cold, as if it had been sitting out. This "monster" was also smaller than average, with very little chicken, steak, or guac, mostly sour cream and pico.
- burritoIt was astonishing how little meat came on something that expensive. While the restaurant has a good vibe and potential, I was really let down by the burrito itself.
- carne asadaThe California Jr. burrito itself was okay; the flavors complemented each other, but the carne asada tasted a bit old. I believe sautéing the carne asada before adding it would improve the dish.
- fish tacosfish tacos and the tortilla was undercooked
- ingredientsingredients should be a better quality
If youre looking for generous portions and a wide menu, this spot could be a good bet, but be aware that consistency in flavor and ingredient quality can be a mixed bag. Its worth trying for the popular monster burritos, but some dishes might disappoint.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a 6.7. Many of the 45 positive comments out of 69 total remarks highlight the incredibly attentive and friendly staff, often making customers feel like family. Youll frequently hear praise for the fast service and excellent customer service, with staff members like Rosie even getting special mentions for their kindness and attention.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 65.2%, suggesting theres room for improvement. The 23 negative observations frequently mention rude staff, specifically a girl behind the counter, and frustratingly long waiting times for orders. Some even felt the overall customer service was horrible or unprofessional, leading to a less than friendly experience.
Service
69
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
23
negative
1
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Super quick service
What people don't like
- Rude staff encounters
- Frustratingly long waits
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- servicethe service was exceptional
- staffThe staff makes you feel like family the moment you walk in
- ServiceThis significantly impacted the atmosphere, which I rated a 2 out of 5. Service was excellent, receiving a perfect 5 out of 5.
- customer servicetalk about customer service. Then she said you come by anytime today, and we'll hold it for you.
- RosieRosie thank you so munch for everything
- ServicesServices wise was excellent Rosie
- attentionexcelente atención
- cooksthe cooks are generous
- dine inalways dine in because the portion sizes are amazing
- fast serviceFast service!
Frequently criticized
- staffstaff didn’t seem professional and in immature head spaces
- cookThey also asked for a tip, which I found unusual for fast food, and I did tip 20%. The cook did not wear gloves. The service was particularly rude to women, as I observed with two women in front of me.
- customer servicecustomer service is horrible!
- waiting timeMake the trip to a different location; this place just doesn't get better. A year and a half ago was my first visit, and I waited 40 minutes for tacos that were really hard to chew on and dry. It was a horrible experience.
- Disgusting companyDisgusting company.
- cared about customersthey cared about their customers
- friendlyIt feels like a poor business model: increased prices with less product. This place used to be friendly and attentive to their customers, but that doesn’t seem to be the way any longer.
- girl behind counterThe girl behind the counter was rude
- instructionsFive minutes later, my borrito was stuffed with pork. If they don't follow instructions, customers might get hurt due to medical or religious reasons. I was so furious and left the place right away.
- long waitI waited a really long time for my order
Overall, service here is a bit of a mixed bag. While youll likely encounter friendly, fast staff who make you feel welcome, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less-than-stellar interactions. If you value quick, attentive service, its generally a good bet, but there's a chance you might hit an off day.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The vibe here is generally quite positive, with a 7.2 score indicating a good atmosphere and a solid 77.6% customer satisfaction. Many of the 45 positive remarks highlight the great Atmosphere, vibes and environment, and decor. Guests also appreciate the ample parking options, the pleasant outdoor seating, and the dog friendly patio, making it a comfortable spot to hang out.
However, not everything is perfect, as 11 negative comments point out some areas for improvement. Issues like a coed bathroom with a urinal and the presence of flies were off-putting for some. Loud music also impacted the overall atmosphere negatively for a few, and there were concerns about general cleanliness and a nasty kitchen mentioned by one guest.
Ambience
58
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Ample parking
- Dog-friendly patio
What people don't like
- Flies present
- Loud music
- Coed bathroom
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere has that perfect balance of fun and welcoming vibes
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- parkingNo problem parking
- Dog friendly patioKiller homemade chips. Dog friendly patio.
- Parking optionsFree parking lot
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
- Seating typeIndoor dining area
- TVthe TV always has something sports on
- bathroomsThe bathrooms are clean and that is a bonus for me
- casual ambiancenice casual ambiance to hang out
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereHowever, the music was way too loud, to the point where it could be heard across the street. This significantly impacted the atmosphere, which I rated a 2 out of 5. Service was excellent, receiving a perfect 5 out of 5.
- fliesruined by all the flies that kept flying into my food
- cleanlinessIf it was cleaner I would have considered giving it five stars
- coed bathroomthe coed bathroom made me gag
- musicMusic was way too loud
- nasty kitchenI gave a nasty kitchen my money.
- no smoking signsmy only suggestion would for the to post no smoking signs
- sizeToo small
- urinalTo see a urinal in the bathroom
If you're looking for a place with a generally good vibe, plenty of parking, and nice outdoor seating, this spot is worth checking out. Just be aware that some guests have noted issues with flies, loud music, and the bathroom setup, which might be dealbreakers for you.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to value, many folks find some real gems here! With 16 positive remarks out of 37 total, customers often praise the great value and feel its worth every penny, especially with great daily deals and a good happy hour. While the overall score for value sits at an average 5.4, there are definitely opportunities to enjoy good food on a budget.
However, its not all sunshine and savings. With 18 negative comments, some customers feel the place is overpriced and expensive, noting an increase in prices and that its simply not cheap. The customer satisfaction for value is a mixed 43.2%, indicating that many feel the cost doesnt always match the quality or portion sizes.
Value
37
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great daily deals
- Worth every penny
- Good happy hour
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
- Prices have increased
- Not worth price
Often praised
- value for moneyExceptional value for money!
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- dealsdoesn’t break my pockets with those deals
- deals for certain daysthey got deals for certain days
- free parking lotFree parking lot
- good food on a budgetenjoy good food on a budget
- good value for familyGood value for family.
- great daily dealsIt was worth every penny! There is something for everyone, and they have great daily deals.
- great valueGreat value!
- happy hourGood happy hour.
Frequently criticized
- priceI ordered a $20 burrito that was surprisingly lacking in meat. It was astonishing how little meat came on something that expensive. While the restaurant has a good vibe and potential, I was really let down by the burrito itself.
- JR. burrito14$ for a JR. burrito
- PricesPrices have gone up
- break a 100 dollar billshe could not break a 100 dollar, bill
- expensivevery expensive
- increase in pricesincrease in prices less product
- medium drink4$ for a medium drink
- not cheapThis place is not cheap
- overpricedthis place is overpriced
- pricesThe prices are high so I expected good quality but it's not.
When it comes to value, its a bit of a gamble. If you hit their daily deals or happy hour, youll likely find it worth every penny. Otherwise, be aware that some items might feel overpriced or expensive, so choose your order carefully.
How are the prices at Primos?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 95 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves spending right around this average, with prices clustering nicely in the $11–$20 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 95 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego. It offers good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a tasty meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Primos
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best California Burrito Ever!
As a lifelong resident of San Diego, I was surprised it took me this long to visit Primos. I can confidently say they served me the best California burrito I've ever had in my life. The vibes and environment were great, and the customer service was excellent.
The food itself was simply amazing! The scenery was also a nice touch.
- California burrito10
- vibes and environment9
- customer service9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Raw Dough and Terrible Fries
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I ordered the fish tacos, and the tortilla was undercooked. My daughter ordered the carne asada fries, and they tasted horrible.
To top it off, everything was very expensive.
- fish tacos2
- tortilla2
- carne asada fries1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Mexican Flavors and Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the verdadero sabor mexicano (true Mexican flavor) and the chilaquiles verdes were absolutely delicious. I also loved the variety of salsas they offer, including a habanero salsa that was both delicious and spicy.
The excellent attention and kindness of the staff made the experience even better. 👌👌
- Mexican flavor9
- chilaquiles verdes10
- variety of salsas9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Wonderful Service and Tasty Bites at Primo's
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ I stopped by Primo’s Mexican Food & Cantina on Friday, October 31st, after a long flight—tired, hungry, and craving something light during happy hour. The service was wonderful! My server seemed a bit busy juggling multiple things at once—pickups, a DoorDash order, and dine-in guests—but she handled it all like a pro.
She was friendly, cordial, and made me feel welcome. I ordered a Chamango, which was delicious (though I didn’t really taste the liquor), and the happy hour taquitos and nachos—both were perfect choices for a light, satisfying bite. Overall, a great experience, tasty food, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Even though I have other plans next time, it’s comforting to know there’s a nice Mexican cantina nearby that I’ll happily return to.
- service10
- server9
- Chamango8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Massive Burritos, Great Tacos!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially regarding the food. The monster burritos are absolutely massive, easily twice the size of those at Chipotle. I opted for the street tacos this time, and they were delicious.
The overall food quality is excellent, as reflected by the perfect 5/5 rating. The service was also top-notch, receiving a 5/5, and the atmosphere was equally impressive with another 5/5. It was a great lunch experience.
- monster burritos10
- street tacos9
- food10
What Primos offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- 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
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and meal services are available at Primos Mexican Food & Cantina?
At Primos Mexican Food & Cantina, you can enjoy a wide range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. They also offer catering services, counter service, and a selection of desserts. Seating is available for your comfort.
What service and accessibility features does Primos Mexican Food & Cantina provide?
Primos Mexican Food & Cantina offers convenient service options like delivery, no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in. Outdoor seating is available. The establishment is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms.
How does Primos rate overall, and what are its key strengths and weaknesses?
Primos has an overall score of 6.6. Its Ambience (7.2) is generally well-regarded, while Service (6.7) and Food (6.6) are average to good. Value (5.4) is the lowest-scoring aspect, indicating it’s a mixed bag for many customers.
What do customers typically enjoy about Primos?
Many customers appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, often describing the atmosphere as fun and welcoming. Specific dishes like burritos and homemade salsa are frequently praised for their flavor.
What are some common complaints or areas for improvement at Primos?
Common concerns include high prices for portion sizes, leading to mixed feelings about value. Some guests have also noted issues with overly loud music, occasional cleanliness problems, and long waiting times for orders.