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 San Carlos
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 68 of the guests
#688 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#108 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
4.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
394
Reviews
42.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Pleasant Ambience
- Quality Food
- Daily Specials
Frequently criticized
- Overpriced Items
- Inconsistent Service
- Lacking Flavor
The restaurant, Primos Mexican Food, is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s San Carlos neighborhood. You can count on this spot for delicious late-night food, perfect for satisfying those late cravings.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, you’ll find a casual and welcoming atmosphere here, making it a go-to for authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Primos
Primos offers a mixed experience. Many appreciate the generally pleasant `atmosphere` and `restaurant cleanliness`, with some finding the decor appealing.
However, some patrons have noted issues like an unpleasant `bathroom smell`. When it comes to the offerings, the `food` often receives praise for its quality and `freshly cooked fillings`.
Yet, the `value` proposition can be a point of contention, with some finding items `expensive` despite daily specials.
Average
4.9
out of 10
394
Reviews
42.4%
Satisfaction
209
negative
18
neutral
167
positive
Primos registers an overall `Restaurant Score` of `4.9`, placing it in the average category. Customer sentiment is a bit more divided, with `Customer Satisfaction` at `42.4%`, indicating a mixed experience for many.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial body of feedback, including 167 positive and 209 negative comments out of 394 total observations. Digging deeper, the `Ambience` stands out positively with a `7.7`, suggesting a pleasant environment.
However, `Food` (4.9) and `Service` (4.8) both hover around average, indicating areas for potential refinement. The `Value` (3.5) score is notably lower, suggesting that many customers feel the pricing doesn’t quite align with the overall experience.
What people like
- Pleasant Ambience
- Quality Food
- Daily Specials
What people don't like
- Overpriced Items
- Inconsistent Service
- Lacking Food Flavor
With a `Recommendation Score` of `5`, Primos presents itself as a place with potential, yet also some notable drawbacks. If you prioritize a pleasant setting and appreciate good food quality, it might be worth a visit, especially if you can take advantage of their daily specials.
However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and service that can be a bit hit-or-miss. It’s a spot that could satisfy for a quick meal, but perhaps not for a consistently outstanding experience.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Mexican Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
522
93.3%
- $$
- Barrio Logan
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
65
90.8%
- $$
- North Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
466
89.9%
- $$
- Golden Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
498
91.8%
- $$
- Skyline
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
545
90.6%
- $$
- Banker's Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
555
89.4%
- $$
- Little Italy
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Primos
Food (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.9, placing it in the average range. Customer satisfaction sits at 41.9%, indicating a mixed experience for many. Based on 236 customer observations, there are 99 positive remarks about the food, often praising the delicious salsas, generous burrito sizes, flavorful meat, and consistent quality.
However, with 126 negative comments, there's certainly room for improvement. Some found the tacos dry or salty, while others noted issues with portion sizes, a lack of flavor, or the food being too greasy. These points suggest that while some dishes hit the mark, consistency can be an issue.
Food
236
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
126
negative
11
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Consistent quality
- Super sized portions
- Fresh food
What people don't like
- Bland food
- Small portions
- Too greasy
Often praised
- foodIf you see that car, you know your food is going to be delicious. The person who drives it works here, and every time they're on duty, the food is amazing. The tortillas are perfectly toasty, my order is always correct, and the contents are cooked and distributed to perfection.
- Mexican foodThey also have some good promotions running from time to time. This is my go-to place when I want good Mexican food to-go.
- beansthe beans and potatoes were decent
- tortillasThe food quality here is far from typical fast food. The fillings are freshly cooked and served on two soft corn tortillas, topped with cilantro, onion, and guacamole. It genuinely rivals the quality you'd find at a local Mexican mom-and-pop taqueria, but with the consistent quality expected from a franchise.
- FoodFood:5
- burritoburrito that he really liked
- fillingsthe fillings were generous
- friesthe fries by itself were pretty good
- hot sauceThe hot sauce is Outstanding
- meatThe meat was flavorful
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was consistently disappointing. It always takes forever to get served, and I'm rarely impressed with the food, especially considering the price and the long wait times. For a take-out lunch, the value just wasn't there.
- beanstasted like the beans were out of a can
- flavorthe flavor was lacking
- meatportions of meat that don't justify the cost
- portionsHowever, lately, the food has been NOT so very good. The price has gone up and the portions have gone down. I ordered 4 carne asada burritos and would be shocked if there was 8 oz of meat between the 4 of them.
- sour creamMy experience at the restaurant involved ordering the enchilada combo dinner. I specifically requested no sour cream, but unfortunately, it was still drizzled all over my meal. This oversight impacted my enjoyment of the food.
- tacosmy tacos looked like they were swimming in cooking oil
- Mexican cuisineThis was not just a bad meal. It was an insult to Mexican cuisine.
- Mexican foodUsed to be a great place for Mexican food. No longer.
- breakfast burritofor this garbage, just wow. Fries a mushy and it’s got zero taste not to mention the tortilla was burnt.
If youre looking for a quick bite and dont mind a bit of hit-or-miss, some of the burritos and salsas might be worth a try. However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent quality and portion sizes, especially if you're particular about flavor and grease.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have shared some really positive experiences! Folks often praise the friendly staff and great service, highlighting how employees like Mely go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant visit. There are also mentions of quick food prep time and generally good customer service, making for smooth interactions.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, with a 4.8 score indicating an average experience and 41.6% customer satisfaction showing a mixed bag. With 37 positive remarks versus 48 negative ones out of 89 total comments, some guests have unfortunately encountered rude staff, long wait times, and even poor customer service, suggesting inconsistency in service delivery.
Service
89
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
48
negative
4
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Great customer service
- Quick food prep
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff encountered
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceGreat service, fast turnaround on food "prep to serve" time
- staffWhile it's a bit more expensive and can sometimes take a little longer than other taco shops, the food is always good, and the staff is always friendly. They also have some good promotions running from time to time.
- MelyMely, Very nice and friendly. She is on point!
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceThe customer service was amazing
- bank cardI told my daughter what had occurred, and she said those people always have an attitude. I then went to another restaurant to buy pho for my daughter, and my bank card went through with no problem. Guess who got a tip?
- cookthe cook of the morning le di las gracias pues cocino excelente
- drive throughthere's a drive through
- drive-thruI enjoyed the big burritos and found the prices to be fair. The drive-thru was pretty quick, which is always a plus. They also offer several weekday specials that are definitely worth taking advantage of.
- employeethe employe there I think her name was hannah who helped me, did an awesome job
Frequently criticized
- serviceHorrible service, the drive thru lady obviously didn’t want to be working
- waiting timeWaited 10 minutes at the drive through only to learn that there was another 20-minute wait
- cashierwitnessed the cashier woman tell a USPS worker she was no longer aloud
- customer servicethe customer service was very poor
- attentionDid not pay attention to what I asked
- attitudeSHE SAID THOSE PEOPLE ALWAYS HAVE AN ATTITUDE
- chick at the drive throughthe chick at the drive through was rude
- customer lossWhy loose more then 1 customer over a bathroom
- customer service trainingmanagement should do some customer service training
- debit cardMy debit card did not go through.
Overall, service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter incredibly friendly and efficient staff, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less-than-stellar interactions. Its worth a try if youre feeling lucky, but don't go in expecting consistently excellent service.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
The ambience here is a definite hit, scoring a good 7.7 with 88% customer satisfaction! Many guests, 22 out of 25, praise the festive atmosphere and nicely decorated space. They love the great vibe inside, noting the restaurant cleanliness, tvs all around, and plenty of seating.
However, it's not all perfect. A couple of comments, specifically 2 out of 25, did point out a significant issue: the bathroom smell. One opinion described the bathrooms smell like hot sewage, which is definitely something to consider.
Ambience
25
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Festive, clean atmosphere
- Nicely decorated space
- Ample seating options
What people don't like
- Unpleasant bathroom smell
Often praised
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere are very good
- restaurant cleanlinessThe restaurant was super clean.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- album vinyl printsI did however love the album vinyl prints they had inside
- convenientthey are convenient to where I live
- decorationNicely decorated
- gender-neutral bathroomGender neutral bathroom for customers
- parkingBig open free strip mall parking
- placePlace was clean and friendly
- seatingOverall, this is top-notch taqueria fare. The restaurant also offers plenty of seating inside. I highly recommend it.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThere was no lard, no flavor—just a runny, tasteless abomination that screamed greed and incompetence. Their abysmal rating isn’t just a number; it’s a blaring siren warning anyone with taste buds to steer clear of this culinary crime scene. They should be utterly ashamed, and San Diego deserves better than this insult to our taco heritage.
- bathroom smellbathrooms smell like hot sewage
If youre looking for a place with a lively, clean, and well-decorated atmosphere, youll likely enjoy your visit. Just be aware that the bathroom situation might be a minor drawback for some, but it doesn't seem to overshadow the overall positive experience.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found bright spots, praising the great prices and the availability of happy hour deals. Many appreciate the promotions and daily specials that can make a meal more affordable, with a few even noting they got a lot of food for a good price. These positive remarks come from 9 observations.
However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with a low score of 3.5 and customer satisfaction at just 20.5%. A significant 33 comments highlight concerns, frequently calling the food overpriced and an outright waste of money. Many feel the cost doesn't align with the quality or portion sizes, making it feel expensive.
Value
44
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
33
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour available
- Daily specials
- Good promotions
What people don't like
- Food overpriced
- Waste of money
- Portions too small
Often praised
- Monday is Monster MondayMonday is Monster Monday So it's cheaper on Mondays
- daily specialsdaily specials which can bring the cost down
- fair pricesMy experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed the big burritos and found the prices to be fair. The drive-thru was pretty quick, which is always a plus.
- good pricefor a good price
- great pricesGreat prices
- happy hourthey have happy hour from 3 to 6:00 on every day but saturday
- priceIt was a lot of food for a good price
- promotionsgood promotions running from time to time
- weekday specialsweekday specials that are worth taking advantage of
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was quite good, although it was a tad expensive. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a Mexican food fix.
- expensivea little more expensive
- overpricedthey’re completely overpriced
- pricesAlso, prices are hi
- $4.00Por $4. Dólares. Mal preparado caro
- $9This is absolutely the last time. I spent $9 on a "breakfast burrito" that was only 5 inches long. The tortilla was stale and wrapped poorly, resembling a child's attempt.
- ExpensiveExpensive and the Mulitas had very little meat
- OVER PRICEDmention OVER PRICED
- PriceAlmost $14 for a breakfast burrito. I wouldn’t mind paying the price but for this garbage
- burrito for $10that's the burrito for $10
If youre looking for a bargain, you might find some relief with their happy hour or daily specials. However, be prepared that many customers feel the regular menu items are quite expensive and dont offer good value for the price, potentially leading to disappointment.
How are the prices at Primos?
You’re looking at roughly $18 per person – reported by 68 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 diners are finding their sweet spot right around this average, with the majority of prices clustering within the $11–$20 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 68 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Mexican restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It’s a solid mid-range option that offers good value for a tasty meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Primos
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Big Portions, Questionable Value
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was expensive, and while the portions were big, especially for the monster burrito, the quality didn't justify the $21 price tag. The quality of the burrito was not worth the cost.
On the positive side, the service and atmosphere both received a rating of 4, indicating a decent overall experience in those areas. There was no wait time, which was a plus.
- portions7
- monster burrito5
- service7
- food quality3
- price3
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Service Intent
- Delivery
Group Size
- Large Group
2
Terrible food, forgotten items
My experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. We placed a large order, but they forgot several items. The food itself was terrible, and the portions were very small.
I do not recommend this restaurant.
- forgotten items2
- food1
- portions2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Experience with Cold Food and Poor Service
My experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. I ordered the Monster Fries and unfortunately, I really disliked them. The fries were excessively crispy and hard, and the accompanying cheese, tomatoes, and guacamole were cold.
It was a disgusting combination to eat something cold with something that should have been warm. The customer service was also subpar; the staff seemed bored and indifferent, lacking smiles and courtesy, as if they didn't want to work. My girlfriend couldn't finish her burrito because it was also cold and hard, which was surprising as we are accustomed to their food and have visited Primo Mexican Food before.
This visit was a significant departure from our previous positive experiences.
- Monster Fries2
- fries1
- cheese, tomatoes and guacamole1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Value and Delicious Mexican Food
My experience at Primos was very positive. The young lady taking my order was both nice and professional. I ordered the 2 for $10 deal, which included a bean, rice, and cheese burrito and a quesadilla.
The food was good, and it was a generous amount for the price. I particularly enjoyed the beans, which were really good, and the salsa was amazing, with a nice kick of heat. Thanks, Primos!
- young lady9
- food8
- amount of food8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Debit Card Declined Publicly, Poor Service
My debit card did not go through, and an older woman told me it was declined because it had no money, which she did in front of other customers. I told my daughter what had occurred, and she said those people always have an attitude. I then went to another restaurant to buy pho for my daughter, and my bank card went through with no problem.
Guess who got a tip?
- bank card9
- tip10
- debit card2
- older woman1
- other customers2
What Primos offers
Crowd
- Family-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
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What convenient service options does Primos Mexican Food offer?
At Primos Mexican Food, you can enjoy your meal exactly how you like it. You have the choice of a quick drive-through, comfortable dine-in seating, convenient takeout, or even delivery right to your door. It’s all about making your experience easy and enjoyable.
Is Primos Mexican Food a good place for families with children?
Absolutely! Primos Mexican Food welcomes families with open arms. You’ll find a dedicated kids’ menu with delicious options, and high chairs are readily available to ensure even the littlest diners are comfortable. It’s a great spot for a family meal.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Primos?
Primos has a mixed customer sentiment, with a `Restaurant Score` of `4.9` and `Customer Satisfaction` at `42.4%`. While the `Ambience` scores well (7.7), `Food` (4.9) and `Service` (4.8) are average, and `Value` (3.5) is a concern for many.
Are there any good deals or promotions at Primos?
Yes, many customers appreciate Primos for its `daily specials`, `happy hour` from 3-6 PM on weekdays, and other `promotions` like “Monster Monday” that can help bring down the cost.
What are common complaints about Primos's food and service?
Regarding food, some customers have noted `lacking flavor` and `small portions` for the price. Service can be `inconsistent`, with reports of `long waiting times` and occasional `rude staff` at the drive-thru.