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    Cantina El Prieto

    4.4 (89 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    Monica A.

    New spot for a dinner date with my hubbby. We loved the cowboy/ vaquero theme. Great vibe & service, , nice music & yummy food. #DiningWithTheAndersons #Mariscos #ComidaMexicana #Yummers

    Michelada
    Tina T.

    Came here for brunch and honestly loved it. The cowboy-themed vibes were fun and different, and the place just had a good energy overall. We tried the huevos rancheros, mole chilaquiles, and hot cakes -- everything was really good and super flavorful. The house-made salsas were delicious and the portions were BIG, so come hungry. Nothing felt skimpy and everything tasted fresh. Great spot for a laid-back Mexican brunch in San Diego. Good food, good vibes, good service and I'd definitely come back again.

    Well prepared egg break with bacon
    Frank N.

    Dinner at El Prieto didn't disappoint, first time trying the Birria , it came well seasoned, tender and the juice mouthwatering. The abundant tortillas warm and fresh. Two salsas red and green were excellent. I sat at the bar, very nice and comfortable, the bartender Lily spoiled me taking my drink order promptly then dinner order. Food was served quickly and they kept checking up on me asking if I needed anything else. I really like the food, the atmosphere and the friendly service. I highly recommend El Prieto for breakfast lunch or dinner !

    Huevos nortenos
    Kelly M.

    Loved my breakfast here- huevos nortenos with half n half red/green, chicken and carne over crispy tortillas so flavorful I didn't even add salsa. Beans were also good and nice texture. Cafe de olla was delicious but a splurge at $7. Free pan dulce a super nice treat in addition to the little complimentary desserts. The decor is fun and everyone was very welcoming-actually happy to be working there and genuine. Full menu available if you're wanting some variety. A can't miss spot if you are craving Mexican breakfast or an overall good meal.

    Fish tacos! This is my new fish tacos spot!
    Kim D.

    What a cute restaurant! We ordered chicken enchiladas verde, fish tacos, birria quesotaco, and a regular birria taco. Everything was truly delicious. The service was friendly and attentive. Our dinner included two complimentary tasty dessert samples! Our waitress may have been new she did ask us the same questions twice. She'd walk away with the answer and return 4 min later and ask the same question again. She was perfectly friendly though, kinda like having Dori, from finding Nemo, as your waitress. The two minor details that kept this from being 5 stars for me: I like beans in my birria quesotaco and they only offered can sodas, a 5 star experience for me has fountain diet soda with free refills

    Zain N.

    elprietocantina @prietoscoffee -- Not only you enjoy a delicious breakfast menu here, but you can also celebrate your birthday with a complimentary full cake! And that's not all--the restaurant offers a free dessert to every guest. Who can resist that? I definitely can't! I loved the Western-style interior; it truly makes you feel like you've stepped into another world, everybody was so friendly and welcoming there. Highly recommended!

    Garnish
    Victor F.

    First time visit. Here for breakfast as a party of 2. Courteous and attentive staff! Only a 10 minute wait with what looked like a packed house. Good vibes as soon as we walked in. We were quickly greeted by our server who served us a courtesy basket with two conchas (Mexican pastries). They were warm and soft. Definitely made in house and freshly made! Unfortunately this was the highlight of our visit. We ordered 1 regular and 1 Cafe de la Olla, huevos rancheros, 1/2 order of red menudo and one Marlin Taco. When we received our plates, I quickly noticed the stench of the menudo. Like most Mexican households, we grew up eating menudo. And the number 1 rule is to make sure it's properly cleaned before cooking. This menudo was not! For the huevos rancheros, the plate was flat. Portions were minimal. The two eggs were lost among the sauce and hardly any beans served. The marlin taco was below average. Ambiance was good. A bit loud but nothing overwhelming. I had the opportunity to flag down the "owner," I believe his name was Alberto and I politely shared my concerns about the menudo, but he didn't seem interested in offering any sort of compensation for it. Not a problem in my part. I would like to add that I requested "pata," the pigs foot in my menudo and was charged an additional $3.99 for it. Never seen this before anywhere else. Needless to say, I will not be back here as quality and portions are not worth my money.

    Chilaquiles with carne asada, beans and potatoes
    Aricka M.

    I really wanted to love this place but I just didn't like my chilaquiles at all. It just lacked so much flavor in my opinion. The staff was so amazing and kind and the service as incredibly fast. The inside of the restaurant was so pretty too. But not my fav. The Jamaica was too sweet too.

    Enchiladas de mole 10/3/25
    Marcia R.

    We were pleasantly surprised here First the chips came out, salsa's were okay the green tomatillo salsa was ok flavor need more The other had kick but it would be better with seafood I feel. We waited for a table it not to big but small tables And booths We were given a booth They have a bar very cute rustic feel inside With ranchero feel This server and have jeans with cowboy hats The music was play good music Great enchiladas de mole A little cream on would great, mole was on the sweeter side once I salsa it was perfect But the Chile relleno Stoled the show here!! That light tomate sauce had so much great flavor And Chile was good too. Whatever kind of cheese They have in melts so good too And beans were refried yum mmm. I ordered the Barría taco not hot in temp. But broth was good We'll be back to try more on menu Maybe breakfast :). Thank you Sharlene She was super sweet and busy

    Costillas de puerco
    Bianca G.

    Our server was quick and attentive. We were seated right away on a Tuesday afternoon. The chips and salsa were the best I've tried in a while (flavorful and fresh). Our food came out perfectly hot. Good lighting and the music was a good volume to have a conversation. Costillas de puerco were seasoned to my liking and not overly salty. They go big on birthdays so I definitely will go back for either my own or my boyfriend's

    Riley S.

    Hubby and I visited el prietos yesterday ( 4/10/26 ). We had an AMAZING experience. Walked into a rancho style vibe eating area. Small and welcoming. I love the ambience in here everyone's dressed in a cowboy hat and boots super dope. The service was great. Food was amazing. And the plates were hooked tf up !! Really felt like being in the rancho due to the amount of food they served you !! My husband ordered a cafe de la olla and I got a lemonade. Idk if the pastries came with the coffee or if it was just a free appetizer but it went perfect with my husbands coffee. My lemonade was fire as well. I ordered the compadre chilaquiles and added an egg. Food was beautifully made. Tasted bomb also. I was so full !!! And after not finishing my plate here they come with 2 cheese cakes also on the house. I had a great experience and I enjoyed eating here next time I'm coming for mimosas !!! Muchas gracias prietos!! I will be back very soon

    Desserts
    Crystal C.

    I absolutely love this place, for starters the food is authentic, Mexican food, exactly like my grandmother would've made it. The customer service is excellent. Reminds me of what service is like in Tijuana. Majority of us got the small portions, which are not small at all, they really serve you a lot even on the smaller side portions. The chips and salsa to start you up are amazing. we love the red salsa. At the end of our meal, we were happily surprised that we all received a free dessert. This place deserves more than five stars. It's definitely a must oh one last thing the aguas are huge! And delicious. We went during Christmas time and it was very cute decorated the whole place is a vibe. I definitely recommend.

    Aguas frescas huge amount!!
    Maria T.

    Great place for breakfast, lunch or early dinner . Our server was very attentive as same as the Manager. Food was very tasty and delicious . Decor of the place was on point it is like Cowboy Theme. Service was fast. They have a complementary dessert so good!! It is a little pricey but it is worthy. I'll be back for brunch with my friend as for sure!

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    4 months ago

    Great food, service and atmosphere. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a Mexican / Western experience. I'm coming back!!!

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    GrindHouse

    GrindHouse

    4.3
    (375 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $

    I believe I have just found my new favorite coffee shop on Third ave. I've been here once before…read morebut this was my first time trying the food and holy moly! Lets talk about the vibes first...amazing decor and vibes, decor and walls and atmosphere is very cool and unique I truly love it so much. The staff is very nice, offering suggestions on drinks with big smiles and welcoming energy. Now the drinks and food: the drink I got last time was an iced mocha (no picture but I remember it was very good). This time I went with my mom and we both got the "Moon" drink.. a Chai/Matcha which was such a good drink, I want like a 40oz of it to take with me home for the week. I also ordered the pesto turkey sandwhich to share and I can not express how good this was. Perfectly crispy, juicy and fresh. Took the first bite and literally gasped because not only was the bread toasted to perfection but the veggies and turkey were so flavorful. The veggies and pesto and turkey were also layered in a way that made every bite delectable and that to me is art. Loved it, want more of it and I WILL be back to try more drinks and sandwhiches.

    Eeeeek! Omg I love this place and you will too after reading my review…read more I've recently found this place from a studio I go to nearby. It's third ave I mean if you are from San Diego you know it's either neighborhood parking or the meters. Not a big deal though. I am greeted by Karely and her big smile, one of the baristas. It is tiny location but long, they have two gender neutral bathrooms at the end. A few tables to sit down inside and out. A cute bench with the view of third ave traffic. Interior decor is super cute I loved, one of my favs was this board they have which is a basically you pay a coffee forward and you put the sticky there for the next person to get their drink. I totally don't work there so I would just reconfirm what can be redeemed. Drink: I get an iced dirty chai WITH banana cold foam. 10/10 must try. They also offer matcha for you matcha lovers. Grind house has found a new customer and yes, I've already brought so many friends here. My only suggestion would be to maybe have a phone charging station, that's all! :)

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Breakfast sandwich
    Breakfast sandwich
    View of El Comal from one of Grindhouse's tables just outside on the sidewalk

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    View of El Comal from one of Grindhouse's tables just outside on the sidewalk
    Yaqui Coffee House

    Yaqui Coffee House

    4.4
    (189 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    I've driven past this coffee shop for years and finally decided to try it. The inside was decorated…read morecute with a rustic, desert vibe. There's indoor seating with chairs & tables as well as comfy chairs. The outdoor seating is covered under umbrellas. I got a matcha with almond milk and added lavender. It was an average matcha, nothing too special. Maybe I should have chosen a different add-in flavor. They made my drink within minutes so service was great! I'll definitely give this place another shot. Gotta support our local coffee shops!

    After seeing this place raved on TikTok I wanted to get it to try myself. The parking is decent…read more When I went in the staff was quick to greet me and asked if I had any questions. I took a look at the menu and decided on getting the Matcha Meets Fresca and chilaquiles. The Matcha was actually pretty good. And the Chilaquiles were decent however I can tell the green salsa is not a fresh salsa. I also did not care for the chicken. It tasted like pre-cooked chicken that had been warmed up. The chips were very crispy however. I think it's a great option for folks in the area, however I would not return given it's not located in my community and can find not your preferred closer to me. There were folks in their meeting and working and although it may be a little noisy, it is a great option to work from. They also have tables outside which I found were nice and provide a more quieter space

    Photos
    Savory crepe
    Savory crepe
    Dulce de Beso Latte w/ sweet cream!
    Dulce de Beso Latte w/ sweet cream!
    Ube Dream and Mayan on Wheels

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    Ube Dream and Mayan on Wheels
    Tlaloc Deli

    Tlaloc Deli

    4.4
    (29 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $

    Today (10/24/24) I had a facial appointment at Bellus Academy, and had never been there before. My…read moresister was dropping me off and briefly pulled into a spot for this deli to let me out because it didn't appear that there was a way out of the parking lot in the back. I literally told my sister "oooh a deli, I want a torta after" and then I headed into Bellus. As I was walking in the owner of this deli confronted me telling me not to park there and I let him know I had just been dropped off and wouldn't be taking up any of his parking and he continued "the car, the car" so persistently I had to just about yell at him that she left and we weren't parked there. Mind you his establishment was completely empty at the time. Not that it would be an excuse if we did park there( which I would never do). Throughout my entire appointment I was thinking about how crazy he came at me and when I decided to mention it to the esthetician student doing my facial she mentioned she had ordered some tostilocos from him the day prior that came with apple on them (unusual) and that the cueritos on them were mushy and when she asked for her money back on them he had an attitude about it, which I believe given what I saw from him today. On my way out I stopped to let him know that I was a potential customer and he totally deterred me from patronizing his business. Oh and shocker: his place was still empty when I told him this and it was lunchtime. Interesting.

    Very delicious pesto chicken torta. They have smoothies, fruit bowls, salsas, sandwiches (bread or…read moretortas). They have some chips and candy bars as well. Nice man that works here. Very accommodating. Call and order ahead. The parking lot is a bit congested as it shares the lot with the beauty school.

    Photos
    Tlaloc Deli
    Tlaloc Deli
    Horizontal street sign.

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    Horizontal street sign.

    Cantina El Prieto - seafood - Updated June 2026

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