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I ordered lunch on a weekday to split with one other person because the portions seemed large. We had quesabirria and consome with chips and salsa. The food was ready pretty quickly, which was good, but we only got through a few bites before having to stop eating. The quesabirria was sogged out and falling apart before even getting to the consome. The food didn't sit for long either. I was parked nearby, which was also where we ate. We were aware that it's a messy dish, but it shouldn't have been falling apart like that. Taste-wise, the food itself was underwhelming, salty and greasy. The consome tasted largely of beef bouillon, and had no chile flavor whatsoever. The salsa was fresh, with some nice heat, and fine, but the chips were also a little chewy. They ended up being the meal instead. We didn't order a drink and it was $24. If it was something we wanted to keep eating, I'd say it was a good deal since quesabirria is very filling, except it wasn't, so it was just expensive food that got tossed. I really wanted to like this place, the pictures were very appetizing. Bummer.
Very delicious and above expectations! I ordered the 2 Birria combo with rice and beans to go and it was the best choice! I got the consume on the side and the condiments like pickled onions and radish as well! The portions were very decent and satisfies a lot! The service was so nice when I picked it up. I hope next time I can sit down to eat there!
Was able to visit their newer location since they moved out of the food truck. The food has remained delicious and the dining space is so nice and inviting! We sat outside on their covered deck, but there is the option to sit inside as well. Our waitress was very friendly and we had some side chatter which was great. We decided on the full order of birria which came with 6 tortillas. We ordered an additional side of beans and just assembled our own tacos. We ended up ordering an additional half because everything was so flavorful!!
Love Birria El Rey! Things are different now that they have an actual restaurant; with tables, a hostess, servers etc. The food quality and taste remains the same. Better actually since now they offer various creative breakfast items. A couple negative comments or constructive feedback: What's lacking now is their seating/hostess system. Unfortunately they only have four tables for four , the rest are tables for 2 (about 6-8 tables) and bar seating. They have a few tables inside, but it's pretty loud so you're better off seating outside. Unfortunately when dining here you order at least two entrees, drinks, they bring salsas, and pickled onions/limes, etc... so seating in a table for two gets crowded pretty quickly. They do need to figure something out as most people prefer to sit on the larger tables. Another negative note. Our food took FOREVER to come out (about 30-40 mins) there were only two parties ahead of us. And, it seemed they had waited a while for their food too. The food is delicious but it almost seems they had more hustle when they had the small window/food cart. I hope they can figure out their kinks sooner then later.
Omg this place is bomb! I had a horchata and it came with coconut on the rim, yummm! The server was attentive and accommodating. Great service and the atmosphere was great. It was a cool evening on the deck.
Birria El Rey is simply gorgeous. The space isn't overrun with Spanish décor, but the influence is there in the best way, subtle, thoughtful, and warm. I especially loved the framed pieces around the restaurant. It feels comfortable and welcoming, both inside and out. The menu makes one thing very clear: their specialty is BIRRIA, just in case it was not obvious. You'll find it done every way you could want, and a few you didn't even expect: *Birria tacos *Rich, flavorful consomé *A full birria plate *Burritos *Queso birria tacos *Birria Fries *And to my surprise, a BIRRIA GRILLED CHEESE (yes, and YES ) *Menudo *DESSERTS: choco flan, churros, and cinnamon buns. We ordered all of the above and were not disappointed. The food tasted authentic, cooked to perfection, and the portions were perfect. We left full and happy. The consomé was deep, rich, and not overly greasy, making it perfect for dipping every bite. Nothing was overwhelmingly spicy, which made it great for kids while still being packed with flavor for adults. Must-order: the queso birria tacos with consomé--non-negotiable. Highlights: *Parking in the back *Plenty of space for kids to move around *Family-owned, and it truly shows *Just steps from Golden Hill Park, making it a perfect spot to take a walk after your meal Every employee was upbeat and friendly, and we were even helped by the owner, who made sure everything came out perfectly. That level of care really stands out. This is the kind of place you bring visiting family to when you want to show off real San Diego Mexican food, perfect for a casual family meal, a weekend lunch, or a serious birria craving.
You wait to be seated and inform the hostess how many people are in your party. The seating area is very clean and spacious. I love the incorporation of the bright yellow seating and wood features. The greenery on the other side of the structure adds a brightness to the space. I love when the sun was shining through the area, it was beautiful. The worker that helped seated us and took our order was very kind. She did try to upsell us with chips and salsa, churros at the end, but in a kind way. She felt very friendly and not pushy at all. She was very prompt with service as well-- bringing the food and drinks out. As well as bringing the condiments and silverware. And removing the dishes when we finished. I ordered a horchata & a taco. The taco was their birria taco, nothing too complex. The name of it was very simple so she was confused at first as to what I was ordering, haha. I chose this one because there was no cheese! She did offer the consume as well, but I just had the taco alone. This was also my first time having birria so I'm not exactly sure what to expect from it. My initial thoughts: it's quite oily, but the meat fell apart nicely and had great flavor. I had it with their green salsa and it wasn't too heated, but it was a nice consistency. The horchata had condensed milk on the side and some desiccated coconut. It was different, refreshing, and cold. Overall, it was okay! My friends had their specialty fries, burritos, rolled tacos, combo plates...which looked even better. They polished off those dishes well, so I would say it was a hit! They have a considerable number of items on the menu so something for everyone to try. Would recommend stopping by!
Love this place and the new location is perfect!!!! Much better for the best birria in SD imy opinion!! I always get the full order because it comes with a big bowl of birria, a side of tortillas & salsas. Reina usually serves us and is always very sweet!! My family and I will continue to come here.
El Rey Birria has been living rent-free in my mind for over a year. I finally made it back and I can confirm their birria is still completely unmatched. Their menu is one of the most creative I've seen, using birria in every way you could possibly imagine. You truly can't go wrong with the classic birria tacos -- juicy, flavorful, and everything you want in a bite. If you're in the mood for a hearty meal that'll also hold up as leftovers, the quesabirria is the move. It's rich, cheesy, packed with meat, and still tastes incredible the next day. They're currently tucked away behind a building in Golden Hill, a little hidden if you don't know what you're looking for, but they're about to move into the main building with a proper street-front entrance. Easy fix either way: just plug it into your GPS and don't miss out. If you love birria or just good food in general, El Rey Birria deserves a spot on your list.
One of the better birria spots in my opinion. Yes, typical vast menu of birria related items and experimentations, but the birria was consistent had a good, distinct flavor across several dishes. A hard decision for a first visit but the easiest solution is to revisit and try more, which I plan to. Marco and the rest of the staff were kind and worked to get a table of preference, and check in frequently. My menu questions were easily answered and the quesabirria was exactly what I was expecting. The taco de asada was above average as well. Radish, onions, and other additions were brought to the table. TVs on the patio area with a small breeze made it enjoyable. Grateful for the parking in the back. Visited on 7/21/2026.
First time here, so I had the Tuesday special: three street-style Birria tacos for $9.99. Plenty filling for lunch and well worth the price. The tacos were excellent and the staff was friendly and attentive. The place was clean and there is spacious seating inside and out on the deck. I will def be back to try more from the menu.
Taco Birria combo with consommé! Was really good! Seating is good, service is ok not bad. Only down side was the Birria in the birria burrito was a bit dry and they cut the burrito in half with the foil put on so little peace's of the foil get in the burrito. Would come back.
Everything was delicious! I was starving so I ordered everything and was not disappointed with anything. The mulita was unreal and the consumé was perfect for everything. Staff was nice and helpful especially since we weren't totally sure how many how many would be in our party. Definitely grab a mulita or a quesadilla sometime!
birria_el_rey I was absolutely amazed by the quality of their food! Their Trio Taco is a must-try--it was incredibly delicious! On top of that, the service was so friendly, welcoming, and attentive. And if you love tacos, you definitely have to check out their amazing Taco Tuesday! Definitely a spot worth trying! read more
If you like birria, this is the best place in San Diego to go! The birria is well seasoned and the consomme is just delicious!!! I've been several times. One time I got a birra burrito and I'm so glad Daveed get's the tacos cause he can't finish the consomme and I have some to dip my burrito in. My last visit I got the birria flautas. These are really good! You get four big rolls and consomme to dip them in. I also ordered a side of beans and rice. Soooooo good! Also, I always get the chips and salsa. They make their own and it is really good! The patio is a great place to eat out on especially since it's been so warm. The staff is always friendly and always bring water out for Cako. Cako still approves! read more
They have a small parking lot in the back for customers. Service and food are good. Tried nerve taco, birria taco, chicharron taco, birria ramen, etc. I like their complementary pickled onions & habanero and radishes. However, chips & salsa are not complimentary, it's $4 an order, but they can refill your chips until you finish your salsa. Consome is not complimentary for birria tacos, it's $3.5 extra. Added Chiles Toreados for $4 but they were not good. Tried their new Tamarindo Margarita with chamoy rim dip but didn't taste any tequila in it, had two glasses and didn't feel anything - just a sweet drink. Churros are good but it's $8 per order. Overall spent $170+ for 4 people. read more
5 hours ago
I ordered lunch on a weekday to split with one other person because the portions seemed large. We had quesabirria and consome with chips and salsa. The food was ready pretty quickly, which was good, but we only got through a few bites before having to stop eating. The quesabirria was sogged out and falling apart before even getting to the consome. The food didn't sit for long either. I was parked nearby, which was also where we ate. We were aware that it's a messy dish, but it shouldn't have been falling apart like that. Taste-wise, the food itself was underwhelming, salty and greasy. The consome tasted largely of beef bouillon, and had no chile flavor whatsoever. The salsa was fresh, with some nice heat, and fine, but the chips were also a little chewy. They ended up being the meal instead. We didn't order a drink and it was $24. If it was something we wanted to keep eating, I'd say it was a good deal since quesabirria is very filling, except it wasn't, so it was just expensive food that got tossed. I really wanted to like this place, the pictures were very appetizing. Bummer. read more
26 days ago
Very delicious and above expectations! I ordered the 2 Birria combo with rice and beans to go and it was the best choice! I got the consume on the side and the condiments like pickled onions and radish as well! The portions were very decent and satisfies a lot! The service was so nice when I picked it up. I hope next time I can sit down to eat there! read more
2 months ago
Was able to visit their newer location since they moved out of the food truck. The food has remained delicious and the dining space is so nice and inviting! We sat outside on their covered deck, but there is the option to sit inside as well. Our waitress was very friendly and we had some side chatter which was great. We decided on the full order of birria which came with 6 tortillas. We ordered an additional side of beans and just assembled our own tacos. We ended up ordering an additional half because everything was so flavorful!! read more
5 months ago
Love Birria El Rey! Things are different now that they have an actual restaurant; with tables, a hostess, servers etc. The food quality and taste remains the same. Better actually since now they offer various creative breakfast items. A couple negative comments or constructive feedback: What's lacking now is their seating/hostess system. Unfortunately they only have four tables for four , the rest are tables for 2 (about 6-8 tables) and bar seating. They have a few tables inside, but it's pretty loud so you're better off seating outside. Unfortunately when dining here you order at least two entrees, drinks, they bring salsas, and pickled onions/limes, etc... so seating in a table for two gets crowded pretty quickly. They do need to figure something out as most people prefer to sit on the larger tables. Another negative note. Our food took FOREVER to come out (about 30-40 mins) there were only two parties ahead of us. And, it seemed they had waited a while for their food too. The food is delicious but it almost seems they had more hustle when they had the small window/food cart. I hope they can figure out their kinks sooner then later. read more
8 months ago
Birria El Rey is simply gorgeous. The space isn't overrun with Spanish décor, but the influence is there in the best way, subtle, thoughtful, and warm. I especially loved the framed pieces around the restaurant. It feels comfortable and welcoming, both inside and out. The menu makes one thing very clear: their specialty is BIRRIA, just in case it was not obvious. You'll find it done every way you could want, and a few you didn't even expect: *Birria tacos *Rich, flavorful consomé *A full birria plate *Burritos *Queso birria tacos *Birria Fries *And to my surprise, a BIRRIA GRILLED CHEESE (yes, and YES ) *Menudo *DESSERTS: choco flan, churros, and cinnamon buns. We ordered all of the above and were not disappointed. The food tasted authentic, cooked to perfection, and the portions were perfect. We left full and happy. The consomé was deep, rich, and not overly greasy, making it perfect for dipping every bite. Nothing was overwhelmingly spicy, which made it great for kids while still being packed with flavor for adults. Must-order: the queso birria tacos with consomé--non-negotiable. Highlights: *Parking in the back *Plenty of space for kids to move around *Family-owned, and it truly shows *Just steps from Golden Hill Park, making it a perfect spot to take a walk after your meal Every employee was upbeat and friendly, and we were even helped by the owner, who made sure everything came out perfectly. That level of care really stands out. This is the kind of place you bring visiting family to when you want to show off real San Diego Mexican food, perfect for a casual family meal, a weekend lunch, or a serious birria craving. read more
8 months ago
You wait to be seated and inform the hostess how many people are in your party. The seating area is very clean and spacious. I love the incorporation of the bright yellow seating and wood features. The greenery on the other side of the structure adds a brightness to the space. I love when the sun was shining through the area, it was beautiful. The worker that helped seated us and took our order was very kind. She did try to upsell us with chips and salsa, churros at the end, but in a kind way. She felt very friendly and not pushy at all. She was very prompt with service as well-- bringing the food and drinks out. As well as bringing the condiments and silverware. And removing the dishes when we finished. I ordered a horchata & a taco. The taco was their birria taco, nothing too complex. The name of it was very simple so she was confused at first as to what I was ordering, haha. I chose this one because there was no cheese! She did offer the consume as well, but I just had the taco alone. This was also my first time having birria so I'm not exactly sure what to expect from it. My initial thoughts: it's quite oily, but the meat fell apart nicely and had great flavor. I had it with their green salsa and it wasn't too heated, but it was a nice consistency. The horchata had condensed milk on the side and some desiccated coconut. It was different, refreshing, and cold. Overall, it was okay! My friends had their specialty fries, burritos, rolled tacos, combo plates...which looked even better. They polished off those dishes well, so I would say it was a hit! They have a considerable number of items on the menu so something for everyone to try. Would recommend stopping by! read more
Love this place and the new location is perfect!!!! Much better for the best birria in SD imy opinion!! I always get the full order because it comes with a big bowl of birria, a side of tortillas & salsas. Reina usually serves us and is always very sweet!! My family and I will continue to come here. read more
10 months ago
El Rey Birria has been living rent-free in my mind for over a year. I finally made it back and I can confirm their birria is still completely unmatched. Their menu is one of the most creative I've seen, using birria in every way you could possibly imagine. You truly can't go wrong with the classic birria tacos -- juicy, flavorful, and everything you want in a bite. If you're in the mood for a hearty meal that'll also hold up as leftovers, the quesabirria is the move. It's rich, cheesy, packed with meat, and still tastes incredible the next day. They're currently tucked away behind a building in Golden Hill, a little hidden if you don't know what you're looking for, but they're about to move into the main building with a proper street-front entrance. Easy fix either way: just plug it into your GPS and don't miss out. If you love birria or just good food in general, El Rey Birria deserves a spot on your list. read more
2 months ago
One of the better birria spots in my opinion. Yes, typical vast menu of birria related items and experimentations, but the birria was consistent had a good, distinct flavor across several dishes. A hard decision for a first visit but the easiest solution is to revisit and try more, which I plan to. Marco and the rest of the staff were kind and worked to get a table of preference, and check in frequently. My menu questions were easily answered and the quesabirria was exactly what I was expecting. The taco de asada was above average as well. Radish, onions, and other additions were brought to the table. TVs on the patio area with a small breeze made it enjoyable. Grateful for the parking in the back. Visited on 7/21/2026. read more
15 days ago
First time here, so I had the Tuesday special: three street-style Birria tacos for $9.99. Plenty filling for lunch and well worth the price. The tacos were excellent and the staff was friendly and attentive. The place was clean and there is spacious seating inside and out on the deck. I will def be back to try more from the menu. read more
5 months ago
Taco Birria combo with consommé! Was really good! Seating is good, service is ok not bad. Only down side was the Birria in the birria burrito was a bit dry and they cut the burrito in half with the foil put on so little peace's of the foil get in the burrito. Would come back. read more
14 days ago
16 days ago
Everything was delicious! I was starving so I ordered everything and was not disappointed with anything. The mulita was unreal and the consumé was perfect for everything. Staff was nice and helpful especially since we weren't totally sure how many how many would be in our party. Definitely grab a mulita or a quesadilla sometime! read more
Came here on a recommendation from a friend and it didn't disappoint! We opted for the El Rey plate which was a huge portion of birria with beans, rice, and tortillas. So good! Only bummer is they sell the consume on the side, but let me tell you it's worth it! I made little tacos out of the birria and added salsa and red onions that came on the side and it was EPIC. Everything had amazing flavor here and I will be back! read more
1 year ago
You want legit/authentic Birria? Say no more. Birria el Rey was a little drive out of our way, but it was WELL WORTH IT. I'm normally not a rice/beans girl - but even that was legit and delish!! The service was fast, the food was unreal, and the weather outside was perfect. It's always good day to get fresh Birria!!! read more
6 months ago
I was visiting SD for the third time and desperately tried to hunt down the incredible quesabirria I had on my last visit. Unfortunately I couldn't find it (the spot may have closed) so I searched for a promising alternative to satisfy my birria cravings. This place was okay. I ordered the quesabirria with a side of consomé (I wasn't thrilled that it was an add on and not included). It was solid but not super memorable. I will say that the birria felt less heavy/greasy than others I've had which was a huge plus. The consomé was delightfully flavorful but a little too salty for me. Overall, decent service, cute decor, and okay food - but I probably won't be back with so many other birria options around SD. read more
9 months ago
Food was amazing! Birria is nice tender melts in your mouth. Really recommend. Service is great ensuring we had everything we needed and that our food was up to what we hoped for. Ambiance is nice mellow outdoor seating. Really enjoyed it. We will be back. We had the quesabirria, mulita birria, and grilled cheese birria. read more
8 months ago
Outstanding. Simple and easy and clean an delicious. My friend Yvonne was here YESTERDAY and loved the Taco Chicharón so much, she brought us all back here today! read more
2 months ago
3 months ago
6 months ago
The birria is delicious but I stayed for the michelada. Everyone is kind and welcoming. The location is in the charming neighborhood of Golden Hill. The outdoor patio is inviting. Try the michelada it's the best! read more
4 months ago
7 months ago
When I came in I was seated quickly the service was so amazing and welcoming thank you to the waiter that sat me. The food came out quickly and was fresh and hot definitely enjoyed it! The ambiance was super nice and clean definitely recommend going you won't be disappointed good food,drinks and service. read more
4 months ago
2 years ago
I came to San Diego on a mission to eat authentic birria! This is not an easy find in my hometown, so I couldn't wait to try it in Southern California. Their storefront is a walk-up window that shares a parking lot with a small strip mall. While there is no space for indoor seating, there are a few tables on the sidewalk along the street. As you can imagine, the menu features birria in all forms... tacos, burritos, nachos, ramen and more! All the items include limes, radishes, salsa and pickled red onion with habanero. Shortly after we ordered, one of the employees brought our food to our table and it was served piping hot! I had to wait a few minutes before I could even take a bite. The QUESABIRRIA ($12) was ginormous! A whole flour tortilla was stuffed with cheese, shredded beef birria, white onion and cilantro. The meat was super tender and succulent, although it wasn't as bold in flavor as I expected. However, I enjoyed how it wasn't too salty and the seasonings didn't overpower the natural flavor of the beef. The melted cheese was so gooey and the crisp tortilla held everything together. The only thing was that the juices from the beef pooled at the bottom of my plate, so the underside of the tortilla became soggy after some time. I ordered a cup of their consommé ($2.50) for dipping since this is a core component of any quesabirria in my opinion (and I was somewhat surprised that it didn't come included with the order). This beef broth had a very deep flavor, and was both savory and salty. For me, an ideal bite was the quesabirria dipped in the consommé and topped with a piece of the pickled onion. For those seeking a lighter option, consider the TACOS ($4.25 each) in which the shredded beef birria is wrapped in corn tortillas with onion and cilantro. Two people in my group were happy with this order and I recommend getting a cup of the consommé with these as well. If you're looking for solid birria, this is the place! 4.25 stars. read more
10 months ago
10 months ago
They just opened the new restaurant space and it took an already incredible birria spot to a whole new level. My girlfriend and I both had the birria chilaquiles and cafe de olla and they were delicious. They're still getting everything dialed in but as always the service is kind and it feels like you're at home. 6/5 stars read more
8 months ago
9 months ago
8 months ago
Excellent service. And the food was amazing! Really nice restaurant too and the ambiance was great! Must visit. read more
4 months ago
Great service. Average prices, but very much worth it. Birria was incredible along with the grilled cactus I forgot the name of. read more
4 months ago
10 months ago
I've been eating at Birria El Rey for over 3 years and they never disappoint, their Birria tacos give me life. I'm so happy they finally opened their restaurant, it's beautiful! Their new breakfast menu is great, especially as someone who likes a more hearty/savory breakfast. My breakfast was incredible. My husband got the chorizo burrito and coffee and said both were very good, he said the coffee transports him back to his grandmas house in Mexico. Always amazing food, nice people, and now a great sitting area. read more
1 year ago
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More info about Birria El Rey
1128 25th St
San Diego, CA 92102
Golden Hill
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(619) 230-5990
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Ask the Community - Birria El Rey
Do they serve anything else besides beef?
I mean, you might be able to ask them for a plain quesadilla or just plain tortillas, but everything on their menu has birria (and therefore beef). If you're avoiding beef, I wouldn't come here.
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