El Prieto Cantina y Restaurant

I love trying new places, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover this gem is owned by the famous seafood restaurant just down the street that we adore! We visited after my eldest's soccer win, and the experience was fantastic. The food was delicious, and even though there was a considerable wait, we were seated quickly as a party of four. Our waitress was friendly and brought our drinks promptly, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The music was enjoyable, and it was a nice bonus to witness another guest celebrating their birthday, it added to the festive vibe! Finding good cafe de olla can be a challenge around here, but this one was exceptionally delicious. My husband and daughter were thrilled with the agua frescas served in giant glass mugs. I ordered the carne en salsa verde, and I was so excited that I forgot to take a picture before diving in—so here’s a shot halfway through my meal! It was served with warm tortillas, while my toddler enjoyed sausage and eggs with a side of beans and potatoes. My daughter chose the chicken green enchiladas, and my husband opted for the shrimp omelette. Overall, the service was excellent, and the food was outstanding. We will definitely be back!

My husband and I finally tried Cantina El Prieto after his coworkers recommended it, and it did not disappoint! We had birria and the aguachile verde and it was absolutely delicious. Our waitress, Imelda, was prompt, quick, and so attentive. The manager also checked in after our meal to ensure we were happy. They served complimentary sweet bread , chips and salsa . The atmosphere is so cute and looks newly remodeled. We will definitely be back!

This unassuming establishment literally transports you to the wild west as soon as you enter. Everything from ceiling to floor is beautifully decorated! We came for breakfast and you can tell a place is popular because there were already 2-3 other parties that got here as soon as it opened which is 8am! By 8:50AM, it was almost 95% full! This is what we ordered: -El Prieto Omelet (asada, camaron, chile california, queso, salsa chipotle and aguacate) -Huevos Rancheros -Chilaquiles Compadres (chilaquil verde y rojo con asada y pollo gratinados) -Mole Enchilada -Cafe de Olla First of all, EVERYTHING we tried is phenomenal. Before you even order, you're given a basket with delicious Mexican pastries like conchas. I'm not exaggerating when I say that was one of the best conchas ive eaten. Everything else had sooo much flavor. The service is impeccable! You'll never run out of hot coffee because they make several rounds to ensure your cup is full. Beautiful decor, amazing service, and delicious food! I am definitely coming back to this hidden gem!

While you wait they offer you cafe de olla. Which is so nice! We got complimentary pan dulce. Ordered the quesabirria, red chilaquiles , el prieto omelette and all were delicious. Best omelette I’ve had - words of my husband! Shrimp in literally every bite. And frijoles the best- it’s not good Mexican without good beans. Then to finish off free desert - we tried the flan and fresa gelatina. Will be back!

The food was okay — not bad, but nothing that really stood out either. They do give complimentary Mexican bread and bake goods. Parking isn’t the best, which makes it a bit inconvenient. The place does have a nice rustic barn-style décor, but there’s only one bathroom for the whole restaurant and no visible emergency exits. Overall, it’s an average spot, not somewhere I’d go out of my way to visit again.

First time here and experience was amazing. Portions are amazing for the price. Aguas frescas are outstanding and they serve them in a huge glass cups. Food was as expected, big portion, lots of flavor and fast to come out. Will come back and maybe even make it my new spot. Thank you for this amazing place, we will come back. Oh and forgot to mention their in house made desserts those are 100/10!!

One of my few 5 stars The café de olla was very good, the free Pan Dulce was Def a Plus, the food quality was great, big proportions and a great price. Had the Compadre Chilaquiles and didn't disappoint. The Machaca aka Sonora plate was Delish.

The complimentary conchitas really good, service amazing. Chilaquilas compadres, and huevos rancheros were good no meat included Its expensive for breakfast and was charged $2.49 extra per egg $5 for 2 additional eggs when i get 12 in a pack. They forgot to bring out consome , but still charge me for it. They took it off after i said something, they did include a free small desert. Friendly but overpriced. Definitely not returning. Spent $100 when at cocina 35 the same dish would have included chicken. They are located in the ghetto with downtown sd prices.

Great Birria! Portions well served. Fast delivery & a place to purchase from again! Tortillas are a bit bulky but they have a good taste. The seasoning in the birria is great! Salsas are delicious as well.

Not only they have great service and amazing birria, but their customer service goes beyond your expectations. Today I went to pick up an order to go, while I waited, a very nice gentleman offered me water and/or coffee. Less than a minute later I get the coffee and, OMG, sooo good. Cafe de olla 100% recommended. Try this place if you haven't. You will mot be disappointed.

We were craving Mexican food and was recommended by a friend to try this spot: Here's my food recommendations: - HUGE agua drinks and tasty - Birria ramen with a side of birria taco - Surf & turf burrito - Seafood tower was huge! It was filled with shrimp, octopus, fish, scallops and more! This is easily shareable with a few friends over beer! Overall a good value. The staff was friendly. This place is a good size and has some open seating dining area. Parking can be a little tricky since they are on a main road. Overall, we enjoyed our food and definitely will be back! GO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES!!

Food was good w good flavor The consome soup they give u has a really good taste. The ceviche tasted fresh. The service was ok but I could understand on a busy Sunday. The waiters were really nice. The location was ok looks like they are still doing some upgrades inside.

I was craving some great Mexican food on my short stay in SD and saw this place on TikTok. I've been craving birria and found a great place . They start you off with birria soup which is very good . I order fish tacos(crispy) and two birria tacos and I was so full after . The place is very large with outdoor and indoor seating . Waitress checked on me often which was great. I'll be back for more amazing food.

First time here and will definitely be back. I had the Birria quesadilla. It's good. Definitely a shareable size. The service is welcoming and plenty of parking. Would recommend.

Start off with saying the place is big, they have inside & outside setting. Music playing on the tv. Service was 7/10 it wasn't busy. Drinks - michelada 10/10 Food- birra taco 7/10 Birra quesataco 8/10 Bowl of birra 7/10 Over all the birra tasted little bit salty. Taco de camarón was definitely 10/10 highly recommend. Would come back again to try out more of their seafood options.

A solid three. It was good, but not excellent. At first taste of the consommé, it tasted to much like chili powder. Once the birria bowl showed up, it was a little better once I put toppings on it. The service was friendly but forgetful. They forgot an item we ordered and didn't come back to check on us. We had to waive them down to get our missing item, Togo containers, and the check. Parking lot was small but there's also street parking. They share a lot with another restaurant next door. Some spots are marked. Overall, it was good. But I wouldn't come back. The restaurant smelled of strong cleaning products. It was very distracting and not very appetizing.

They take FOREVER to give you your food. Whether you call it in w/ time or order in the restaurant. I called my simple order in for just 2 tacos, 20 mins ahead of time & still drove there. (When they took my order they said 15 mims on the phone). I got there, paid & waited for it almost 45 mins just standing there awkwardly because the girl doesn't tell you it's still not ready or update w/ the wait time for it -__- I asked for a consome & she gave it to me at the end half empty unwrapped. No limes, no salsa or cebolla/cilantro for the consome.

Finally decided to try this place out since I've heard a few people rave about it. I was not feeling well so I ordered through Grubhub. I was so excited to try it out. First issue, I received a quesadilla instead of a birria taco that I ordered and 2) why does my menudo taste like caldo de marisco ??????? Sorry, but so SO disappointed, don't see myself ordering from here again.

We were so excited to try this place since we saw a post from SD foodies say it was a "must try." We were so disappointed. The consommé that is served as a starter was okay, very salty for my taste. We tried the michelada with clamato ($15 each) we got two. Nothing exciting there. We ordered 2 birria tacos, 1 pulpo tostada, 1 fish taco, one birria quesadilla and a regular quesadilla for the kids. I love pulpo (octopus) and I was su bummed out that my pulpo tostada was so chewy, not cooked right. The service was 5 stars, our waitress was very attentive, no complaints there. The place is big, a lot of room for seating and ambiance was okay. Overall, sucks that SD Foodie can be bought to give reviews for food that's not good. Food:* Service:***** Ambiance:****

Delicious food and stupendous service. Staff was very welcoming from the moment we pulled up. Plenty of space to eat in and they had a nice patio. Literally right off Main Street not too far from the 5. I got two two birriera tacos with corn tortillas and a cheese quesadilla. Everything tasted excellent, the birriera was super flavorful and the tortillas still had nice crunch. You can never go wrong with a big greasy quesadilla. The salsa they bring to the table was delicious and hot. They also carry the regular assortment of Mexican lagers which obviously pair well with tacos. They also have a decent seafood menu if that's what your looking for. All in all a 4.5 for me. Would recommend and will go back when I'm in the area.

Came by to check out the Quesataco De Birrieria. Didn't realize they close so early. We got there around 4:30 and was told we can only order to go. The hours are not that great since coming from work you have no way of making it by closing time. Anyways the inside is pretty big, smells like Fabuloso. Parking lot is decent size. The service was good, food came out quick. We ended up sitting in another place behind them that serve corn on the cob. The taco itself was filled with meat and cheese and we got a side of the sauce to dip it in. Overall the taco was crunchy and the hot sauce they gave was good. I would like to go back to get the full experience.

Bad service. Overall wont be comin back. Food is cold and greasy. Lacks flavor and the ambience is okay

The food was flat out plain. The asada tacos had absolutely no flavor. I had to use a ton of lemon and some salt just to give it some flavor. The birria taco was very mid. The service lady watched us as we were paying expecting a generous tip, while she only came to service us food. Not once did she ask how it tastes or asked us for refills.

Their birria fries are my favorite. I usually get a side order of consume to dip my fries in BUT the give you the smallest cup in the world for it and it cost like $3.00 which makes absolutely no sense. The inside is a decently sized and it might take the waitress a little bit to get to you because it looks like they only had 1 waitress the three times a went.

First time here at this new spot. Straight to the business. I ordered 1/2 orden Birria and 2 quesatacos de maiz. Shit is bomb! Good flavor and filling as F. If I'm ever back down this way I'll definitely be stopping by. Check out my pics and see for your self! IG: jimmyg_eats_world

Eh this place was average at best. It's sad that chula vista consistently puts out average or below average mexican food, and yet so close to Mexico. Tostada was sloppy, burned, and just overall non eventful. Didn't even finish it, and the price tag is 14 dollars. Disappointed as usual. Do yourself a favor and go to TJ oyster bar

Highly recommended! Fast service. Friendly. Yummy food. Price is good for quality of food.

Don't know why they have a 3.5 they deserve more than that! Had to be the best birria we have tasted! It's a very homey vibe give u all the consomé

Found out about this place on IG. With so many Birria places to choose from this place did not disappoint. We ordered to go, I feel that if we would have eaten at the restaurant everything would have been way better. Their hours are incorrect on this app, they actually close at 5 pm week days and 4 pm weekends. The Quesataco De Harina was delicious, the tortilla tasted home made, slightly crunchy, and a lot of melted cheese, so worth the $7. Also had 1 orden de Birria. The container was filled to the rim with meat. Lots of meat. Very flavorful, I usually end up adding some salt to most of my food, this birria needed nothing but some cilantro which was provided with the order. The corn tortillas are the only thing I would change. They were the standard size and were a bit thick for my taste. Ordering over the phone was quick and easy. When we got to the restaurant the cook and the server were pleasant and helpful making sure we had everything to enjoy our food, and we sure did. We'll definitely be back to dine in.

First and Last Time My Husband and I Come to this Restaurant, the food was ok. We ordered Just Tacos but we waited 40 minutes just for the tacos to get to our table. A BIG NO for us.

Super delicious place!! Really enjoyed the food, service, and ambiance! Would highly recommend checking this place out!

Great Birria tacos y fish tacos. Great service and relax environment. Take sometime to check it out.

I've had Birria un SD from several places like Fernandez in the South Bay and 664 in Barrio Logan. When it comes to Birria tacos, I think these are the best. Especially the Birria tacos in flour tortilla! They're amazing. The Birria and the beans on a their lightly toasted flour tortilla is just perfection. Their red salsa really complements their Birria nicely as well. The place is clean. Really friendly service. And during Covid, your temperature is checked before entering and you are given hand sanitizer. Indoor dining is available too.

This place was AMAZING! Super relaxed atmosphere with delicious food. We had 4 beers, 1/2 order of Birria, 2 shrimp tacos, 2 fish tacos, and 2 quesatacos for $45! We will 100% be back. Highly recommend!

Clean simple & good service. Food is delicious every item I've tried up to now is good. I recommend the birria tacos , fish tacos, shrimp tacos, menudo and my all time favorite the ceviche verde

The Birria is delicious! Very tasty and clean! Not greasy at all like other spots and to top it off their seafood is great too! Definitely coming back for the tostada de ceviche.

I placed three orders of birria from this restaurant and when arrived we noticed that the meat had turned. The food was spoiled. I contacted the restaurant immediately to let them know that the birria was spoiled to help prevent them from food poisoning anyone. The person in charge just blew me off. So if anyone gets sick you know from where .

This is the BEST birria I have ever tasted! It is moist and so tasty. The service is fast and awesome.

Tried the menudo and didn't like it. The spoons on the table were dirty with dust and lint. The container with condiments were rusty and old. I felt bad leaving after food was served, so I ate a bit and left after paying, but waitress noticed, "Sorry you didn't like the food," she said.

La mejor birria, no se van a arrepentir y ahora cierran mas tarde! También tienen mariscos, mi heladas precios accesibles.....

Just got my order from Uber eats. Usually very good. Tastes horrible. The menudo tastes like they dropped 2lbs of salt. Out $25 and can't eat it. Definitely won't be back now. I was a solid customer too. Ruined my dinner.

Outstanding Service Birria and Tacos are one Of the best I have tasted in San Diego in the South Bay.

Great lunch spot! Visited after 1:00pm on a Sunday. The staff is friendly and do their best to ensure you are taken cared of. The birria has lots of shredded meat if that's your thing! (It's mine!) The menudo rojo is delicious and the tripe isn't overly cooked.

I had birria and menudo and both are pretty average. I had my food to go, and by the time I ate my food the taco's tortilla was hard. The portion is good and food is not bad... maybe eating there would be better

Le falta más sabor al menudo, me gustaría que el caldo del menudo tuviera el sabor de la panza. El sabor de la panza es mínimo por lo cual hace el menudo insípido.

This place has some BOMB quesotacos and menudo . The birria is so flavorful, my mouth is watering and I just ate two! They are also larger tacos, so be mindful of that when you order thinking you're gonna scarf down your usual 4 Street taco sized tacos like I made the mistake of. The tripe in the menudo is so soft, and prepared well. You know how sometimes tripe can have a weird smell/taste if people don't know how to clean the tripe. Well there is just fine in my book.

Good customer service, amazing food, a lot of parking space and good prices. The place does need a little TLC

This place has that STRAIGHT FIRE Bruhh Best birria in chula NO CAP Don't @ me h oe

Great food! Loved this place. Good carrots and hot sauce as well. Very clean. Reasonable prices.

New Spot! this is my 3rd time here Quesataco de Birrieria must try. The birria has flavor, you can definitely eat a plain taco with no problem.

Surf and turf fries are sooo good. I would definitely recommend getting it. They have really good Fresca too.

The customer service here is horrible. They gave us food that was nasty and when we asked to switch it they said no because too much was eaten when we only took a couple of bites. Then all the waitresses Ignored us just because we asked to switch food. We had to pay $40 for food we didn't like. Honestly don't go here. El servicio al cliente aquí es horrible. Nos dieron comida que era desagradable y cuando pedimos que la cambiaran nos dijeron que no porque se comía demasiado cuando sólo tomamos un par de mordidas. Luego todas las camareras nos ignoraron sólo porque pedimos que cambiaran de comida. Tuvimos que pagar $40 por la comida que no nos gustó. Honestamente, no vayas aquí.

This was the first time we ordered from this place - I will say that the birria hands down super yummy- enough seasoning, great portions. Now I debated in giving them a four star review because our entire order was essentially wrong. However They did a great job in a refund- but of course we had broken hearts and disappointments because we had our hearts set on our original order- in addition be the food was so good and we still had enough food for everyone, I still give them a five- I would just watch out as a business to ensure that your orders are consistently correct.

Enjoy the food it was great recommended and definitely will come back. Don't know what else to write but if you want to enjoy some good food go to this place

As someone who grew up in Mexico, this was the most authentic birria I've had in the US. It should have 5 stars!! Hidden gem! The large bowl is enough for two!!

Great food! Great service! Will always choose this place for birria! Flavor is delicious qnd portions are great!

Food was good , customer service was horrible, the servers give us bitchy looks as soon as we walked in I'll probably won't come back again