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oChef » Todo Pa’ La Cruda – San Diego
Todo Pa' La Cruda - San Diego
Photo from Todo Pa’ La Cruda
Todo Pa' La Cruda at a glance
San Diego Golden Hill
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 77 of the guests
#557 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#76 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
362
Reviews
59.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Friendly service
- Vibrant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Parking issues
- Inconsistent service
The restaurant Todo Pa’ La Cruda is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s Golden Hill neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, happy hour drinks, or a full dinner, this spot offers a welcoming experience. They provide a range of dining options from breakfast to dessert, ensuring there’s always something delicious waiting for you.
Overview: Introducting Todo Pa' La Cruda
Todo Pa’ La Cruda offers a culinary experience where the food often takes center stage, with many finding dishes like chilaquiles and birria quite satisfying. Guests frequently appreciate the attentive staff, contributing to a generally pleasant visit.
However, some experiences at Todo Pa’ La Cruda point to concerns regarding value for money, with portions sometimes feeling small for the price. Additionally, issues like limited parking and occasional cleanliness remarks suggest areas for improvement.
Good
6.5
out of 10
362
Reviews
59.9%
Satisfaction
130
negative
15
neutral
217
positive
Todo Pa’ La Cruda registers an overall restaurant score of 6.5, placing it in the average range. Customer satisfaction stands at 59.9%, indicating a mixed reception from diners.
This assessment comes from a substantial 362 customer observations, with 217 positive remarks against 130 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food leads with a score of (6.9), often praised for its authentic flavors.
Ambience follows at (6.5), suggesting a generally agreeable setting despite some noted drawbacks. Service is rated (6.1), indicating a mostly competent but occasionally inconsistent experience.
The primary area for consideration is Value, scoring (3.5), which suggests many find the pricing out of step with the offering.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant, vibrant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Parking, cleanliness issues
- Inconsistent service quality
Todo Pa’ La Cruda presents a mixed bag. If you prioritize flavorful, authentic dishes and a lively setting, you’ll likely find something to enjoy here.
The culinary offerings are often a highlight, making it a worthwhile stop for those seeking specific Mexican flavors. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and consider the value proposition carefully.
With a recommendation score of 6.5, it’s a place that could satisfy if expectations are managed, but it might not be a standout for every diner.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Todo Pa' La Cruda
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Overall, the food here gets a pretty good nod with a score of 6.9, and while customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 64.6%, there's a lot to love. Out of 237 comments, 153 were positive, praising the authentic Mexican flavors, generous portions, and standout dishes like birria tacos and Micheladas. Many found the food delicious and satisfying.
However, 70 comments pointed to some areas for improvement. Some found the food to lack flavor, describing it as greasy, or noted small portions for the price. There were also specific concerns about fake scallops and inconsistent quality, suggesting that while some dishes shine, others might disappoint.
Food
237
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
70
negative
14
neutral
153
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Delicious birria
- Great Micheladas
What people don't like
- Lack of flavor
- Greasy food
- Fake scallops
Often praised
- foodI also tried their almond/coconut fresca, which was so delicious, it’s like drinking an Almond Joy. The staff is always great and the food is always on par. So do yourself a favor and go try toda pa la cruda!
- micheladasreal micheladas with all the flavor and we got them here, too rich auntenticas
- FoodMy enchiladas were so good and spicy, just how I liked them. This place definitely lives up to the hype. I’d definitely come back to try their Birria and pozole.
- birriathe birria which, again, was the best we ever tried
- quesadillaMy wife had the quesadilla also delicious and very well served
- MenudoMenudo and shrimp cocktail
- Mole Enchiladasthe Mole Enchiladas are fricking amazing
- beef birria quesadillabeef birria quesadilla was delicious
- birria chilaquilesbirria chilaquiles and they were perfect
- chilaquilesWith family in Tijuana, we often cross the border for authentic Mexican dishes. My fiancée declared this spot the best for most flavorful and authentic chilaquiles in SD so far! She's tried chilaquiles everywhere, and we've finally found a place that tastes truly authentic.
Frequently criticized
- foodHowever, the food took a really long time to come out, to the point where I had to take my food to go. Honestly, the food had zero flavor; it was the worst guisado I've ever tried. For the high price, I expected much more.
- carne asada tacoscarne asada tacos weren’t grilled over charcoal — they’re just steak, and they taste bad
- menudoThe menudo seemed like it had been reheated for a month
- pozoleel pozole aunque no me lo comà porque estaba de muy mal sabor
- shrimp tacosOne of the owners directed us to the location in Imperial. Once seated, we accidentally ordered the wrong kind of tacos. When we asked the waitress if they had the other kind of shrimp tacos we were looking for, she very rudely cut me off and said that those tacos weren’t made there, only at the Logan location, and walked away without letting me speak.
- Cafe de Ollathe Cafe de Olla was not!
- Camaron Enchilado tacoThe Camaron Enchilado taco was tiny and bland
- FoodFood was Tasteless in all aspects
- Green PozoleGreen Pozole it was lukewarm with cold spots
- MenudoThe menudo was so bad she had it sent back
If you're craving authentic Mexican flavors and delicious birria, this spot could be a hit, especially with their great Micheladas. Just be aware that some dishes might lack flavor or be a bit greasy, and portions can be inconsistent, so choose wisely.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests found a lot to love! With 38 positive remarks out of 66 total, customers frequently praised the friendly staff, attentive service, and overall customer service. Youll often hear about nice people and servers who go the extra mile to make your experience warm and welcoming.
However, the service isnt without its bumps, contributing to an average score of 6.1 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 57.6%. Some of the 28 negative comments highlight concerns about long waiting times, especially for pickup orders and DoorDash orders, and occasional issues with service speed or staff attitude.
Service
66
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
28
negative
0
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm customer service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Slow service speed
- Poor staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceI tried the chilaquiles, the café de olla, and the birria; they were absolutely delicious! The service was excellent, and the staff were very friendly. We had to wait a bit, and there's no parking, but we will definitely be back!
- Servicegot our drink order taken shortly after
- staffI tried the chilaquiles, the café de olla, and the birria; they were absolutely delicious! The service was excellent, and the staff were very friendly. We had to wait a bit, and there's no parking, but we will definitely be back!
- peopleThe atmosphere and people are terrific.
- Logan locationAs an LGBTQ+ family, it felt really uncomfortable and we all felt a bit judged by her. We have been to the Logan location a few times and never had an issue. Lastly, when it was time to pay, I asked if I could see an itemized receipt and she got annoyed and asked someone else to take over.
- StaffStaff is always great
- attentivestaff was nice and attentive
- customer serviceThe food and customer service were amazing
- entertainment couponhonored it anyways
- everyoneThe horchata was homemade and not too sweet, just the way it should be. The place was clean and everyone was nice.
Frequently criticized
- serviceel servicio es muy malo, es como si no les importara si vas vienes o te quedas
- waiting timeour order wasn’t ready when we got there. We still had to wait a little bit
- waitressa Different waitress that never approached our table
- DoorDash orderslong wait times on doordashers pickup orders
- ServiceService:2
- foodthe food did take a long time to come out
- in-person customersthey'd rather attend the people inside
- itemized receiptWe have been to the Logan location a few times and never had an issue. Lastly, when it was time to pay, I asked if I could see an itemized receipt and she got annoyed and asked someone else to take over. Unfortunately, we won’t be returning to the Imperial location, but thank you to the sweet waitress who tried to make things right with our tacos.
- judgedShe never took her eyes off of me or my children. As an LGBTQ+ family, it felt really uncomfortable and we all felt a bit judged by her. We have been to the Logan location a few times and never had an issue.
- kid-friendlinessthe way that the staff treated our kids
If youre seeking genuinely friendly and attentive staff, youll likely enjoy your visit. Just be mindful that you might encounter longer waiting times, particularly for takeout, which could impact your overall experience.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many guests really appreciate the atmosphere here, with 23 positive remarks highlighting things like the vibrant DÃa de los Muertos atmosphere and an amazing ambiance. People often describe it as having good vibes and being a small intimate place. Overall, the ambience scores an 6.5, suggesting its generally well-received, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 57.5%.
However, not everything is sunshine and roses, as 17 comments point out some areas for improvement. The biggest recurring issue seems to be parking, which many find scarce or difficult. Some also noted an unpleasant damp smell or even a dirty floor, contributing to an overall ugly atmosphere' for a few.
It seems while the interior has its charm, the practicalities and some cleanliness aspects could use attention.
Ambience
40
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
17
negative
0
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Amazing ambiance
- Intimate setting
What people don't like
- Scarce parking
- Unpleasant smell
- Dirty floors
Often praised
- atmosphereThe cafe de olla is a treat as well- highly recommend for my fellow coffee lovers. The staff is quick, attentive, and friendly, and the atmosphere is lovely. Highly recommend!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- advertisingThe truth is, the best thing this place has is its advertising, even commercials on TV, very good. The rest, no comment.
- amazing ambianceThe unique twist on this classic dish was a delightful surprise. Todo Pa' La Cruda is a must-visit for its fantastic food and amazing ambiance. I’ll definitely be back for more!
- hole in the wallI highly recommend this hole in the wall
- placePlace was clean
- small intimate placeSmall intimate place
- vibesthe place is cool and all with good vibes
- vibrant DÃa de los Muertos atmospherecaptivated by the vibrant DÃa de los Muertos atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe service was excellent, and the staff were very friendly. We had to wait a bit, and there's no parking, but we will definitely be back!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- atmospherethe entire atmosphere was ugly
- bacteriaay mucha bacteria x estar al lado de la avenida
- damp smellrestaurant had a damp or stuffy smell
- establishmenton a hot day you'll feel the heat
- floorthe floor is dirty
- parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- restaurant smellrestaurant did not smell like food?
- street cleanlinesses muy notorio lo sucio de la Estrada
If you're looking for a place with a unique and lively atmosphere, especially if you can overlook potential parking challenges, this spot might be worth a visit. Just be prepared that while the overall vibe is often praised, some practical aspects like cleanliness and accessibility might be a mixed bag.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
While the overall sentiment leans negative, a few diners found some silver linings regarding value. Some felt the food was worth your buck and appreciated good price points, even if the bill was hefty. This positive outlook, however, is quite rare, with only 3 positive opinions among 19 total, suggesting these experiences are not the norm.
However, the overwhelming feedback points to significant concerns about value. Many found the price too high for the amount of food received, often describing it as expensive or overpriced. This sentiment is reflected in a poor score of 3.5 and a poor customer satisfaction of just 15.8%, indicating that most customers felt they didn't get their money back in terms of worth.
Value
19
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
15
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good price
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- High price
- Small portions
- Overpriced food
Often praised
- All foodAll food there is worth your buck.
- billWe had a hefty bill at the end but it was worth it
- pricesthey have good price
Frequently criticized
- priceThe staff was also nice and attentive. My only issue was with the camaron (shrimp) micheladas, which only came with three shrimp, making them not worth the price.
- expensiveIt has no flavor and is too greasy. And expensive. Furthermore, the waitresses have no courtesy towards customers.
- amount of foodMy experience at the restaurant was centered around their pozole, which was absolutely amazing. However, I found it to be a little on the expensive side for the amount of food they provide. Nevertheless, the taste was incredible.
- high pricepaid high price for scallops
- money backIf a place takes that long to serve, it might be good to let the client know at least ahead of time. Cannot speak about the food, since we asked for our money back.
- total spentIn total I spend $24 for a carne asada burrito
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a tough sell for most. If you're looking for generous portions for your dollar, you might be disappointed, as many found it quite expensive for what you get. Proceed with caution if budget is a primary concern.
How are the prices at Todo Pa' La Cruda?
On average, you’ll spend around $30 per person – from 77 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners cluster comfortably in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 brackets, showing it’s a solid mid-range experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 77 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value 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 where you can get good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Todo Pa' La Cruda
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Slice of Heaven for Pregames!
My experience at this restaurant was a true slice of heaven! The food is exactly what you'd expect from a place with this name. The service is great and the atmosphere is spot on.
If you're looking to get rid of 'the hair on the dog, ' you won't be disappointed. The posole/menudo is very well cooked and seasoned, and the tacitos with consome are the best. And THE MICHELADAS THO!
They are on point and get you ready for any upcoming pregame or day drinking. I highly recommend this hole in the wall.
- food10
- service9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Delicious Food, Terrible Service
My family and I visited for lunch and had a mixed experience. The food was absolutely delicious; we ordered birria chilaquiles, a shrimp burrito, kids' fish tacos and quesadillas, sodas, beer, and agua frescas. The coconut nut agua fresca was a standout, and we cleaned our plates because the food was so good.
However, the service was horrible. Initially, I thought it was just the cashier, but it became clear the entire staff interacted poorly with customers. No one smiled, and no one checked if we needed anything.
While some staff repeatedly asked to clear plates, one waitress even tried to take my food before I was finished, requiring me to ask her to leave it. The worst part was a different waitress who approached our table solely to tell our two 4-year-olds to watch their children, even though they were only standing on the bench and not causing any disruption. This happened more than once, leading us to leave early, abandoning some drinks and food to go.
As we were leaving, the cashier asked if I wanted my food to go, holding the box. I took it, but felt her approach could have been more polite. The kid-friendliness was negatively impacted by the staff's treatment of our children, despite the good quality and price of the kids' meals.
- food10
- birria chilaquiles10
- shrimp burrito10
- service1
- staff1
- waitress2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Breakfast with Huge Portions!
I had the most DELICIOUS breakfast here! The chilaquiles verde with steak and eggs were to die for, and the portions are huge, so I have plenty of leftovers. The cafe de olla is a treat as well- highly recommend for my fellow coffee lovers.
The staff is quick, attentive, and friendly, and the atmosphere is lovely. Highly recommend!
- chilaquiles verde with steak and eggs10
- portions9
- cafe de olla9
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Uncomfortable Experience with Rude Staff
Today my wife and kids drove down from Hemet to visit the location in Logan, unfortunately it was closed. One of the owners directed us to the location in Imperial. Once seated, we accidentally ordered the wrong kind of tacos.
When we asked the waitress if they had the other kind of shrimp tacos we were looking for, she very rudely cut me off and said that those tacos weren’t made there, only at the Logan location, and walked away without letting me speak. Another waitress came and asked if everything was okay. I mentioned that we ordered the wrong tacos and the other waitress mentioned they didn’t have them at that location.
This waitress mentioned that they indeed did make those tacos there and took care of our order. The whole time my kids were ordering different things or talking to a waitress, I noticed the rude waitress asking other waitresses what my kids were asking for. She never took her eyes off of me or my children.
As an LGBTQ+ family, it felt really uncomfortable and we all felt a bit judged by her. We have been to the Logan location a few times and never had an issue. Lastly, when it was time to pay, I asked if I could see an itemized receipt and she got annoyed and asked someone else to take over.
Unfortunately, we won’t be returning to the Imperial location, but thank you to the sweet waitress who tried to make things right with our tacos.
- Logan location8
- shrimp tacos2
- waitress1
- judged1
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Flavors, Vibrant Atmosphere
My experience at this local spot was fantastic! I was impressed by the authentic Mexican flavors, with food that was incredibly flavorful and served in generous portions. The staff was friendly and attentive, contributing to a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
While parking can be tricky at times, the overall experience was absolutely worth it. I'll definitely be returning.
- authentic Mexican flavors10
- food9
- generous portions9
- parking4
What Todo Pa' La Cruda offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Todo Pa' La Cruda?
At Todo Pa’ La Cruda, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere with various dining options. They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, alongside counter and table service. You can also find small plates, desserts, and happy hour drinks.
Does Todo Pa' La Cruda accommodate different service needs and dietary preferences?
Yes, Todo Pa’ La Cruda provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery. For dietary preferences, you’ll find vegetarian options available, and they also offer a selection of wine, beer, and coffee.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Todo Pa' La Cruda?
Todo Pa’ La Cruda holds an overall score of 6.5, with customer satisfaction at 59.9%. While Food (6.9), Ambience (6.5), and Service (6.1) generally perform well, Value (3.5) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Todo Pa' La Cruda?
Many customers praise the food for its authentic flavors, highlighting dishes like chilaquiles and birria. The Mole Enchiladas and micheladas also receive positive remarks for their taste.
Are there any common concerns regarding the dining experience at Todo Pa' La Cruda?
Some diners have noted issues with the restaurant’s value, finding portions small for the price. Additionally, limited parking and occasional remarks about cleanliness or service inconsistencies have been mentioned.