El Prieto Cantina y Restaurant, located at 3120 Main St, Chula Vista, CA, has quickly become a beloved destination for authentic Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere is lively, with energetic music that adds to the vibrant dining experience. Customers rave about the Don Vargas dish and highlight the Birria burrito, often recommended to be enjoyed with the savory consomé. As one patron notes, "If you love Birria, you have to try this place!" This sentiment echoes across multiple reviews, showcasing the restaurant's dedication to delivering flavorful and satisfying meals.
The Horchata served here is notably generous in size, making it a perfect complement to any meal. Additionally, the warm Birria broth offered during colder weather demonstrates a thoughtful touch towards customer comfort. Diners appreciate the cleanliness and social distancing practices maintained within the restaurant, complemented by friendly service—"Service is on point as always," one review states.
Despite some occasional overcrowding, El Prieto's unique offerings, including a variety of homemade tortillas and customizable dishes, ensure that every visit provides a delightful experience. As one guest summarized, "Give this place a try, thank me later!" It’s clear that El Prieto Cantina y Restaurant is a must-visit for lovers of Mexican cuisine seeking both quality food and a welcoming atmosphere.
Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Photos
Reviews For El Prieto Cantina y Restaurant
Nina Saucedo
Jul 9,2025
Best Sunday Lunch. Service is on point as always. Thank you, Cassandra! Food is delicious. Don Vargas is a MUST TRY!
Jose Sanchez
Jul 8,2025
More people need to try this place. Horchata are huge and the food is Amazing
Timothy Hayden
Jun 20,2025
Birria burrito is definitely my favorite with consume! The birria quesadilla is a close 2nd favorite though! Only small downside is the music can be loud at times and customers can overcrowd but, other than that is perfect!
Franki Pagan
Jun 7,2025
If you love Birria, you have to try this place. We went on a rainy day and it was very cold. They seated us and immediately offered us warm Birria broth (consume’). The flavor was AMAZING. I wanted Birria and pozole, they didn’t have it on the menu, but they made it for me. I also had the pineapple drink and it was VERY good!! Give this place a try, thank me later! Side note. The restaurant is actually close for Reno, but they have a nice covered patio enclosure with three stationary food trucks. They have many food choices.
Ryant Takai
May 20,2025
A really great restaurant for Menudo. While visiting San Diego and friend in Chula Vista recommended this spot for some authentic Mexican cuisine. My wife, friend, and I all had their small bowl of their well known menudo. Served up with fresh handmade corn tortillas, onions, cilantro, oregano, fresh sliced limes, dried red chili's, and red chili salsa which is actually spicier than the dried chili. They practice social distancing, maintain sanitation, and cleanliness. Organized and friendly service are key points to their great review. We'll be coming back here to try some of their other items on the menu.
Phylicia Egbuna
Apr 29,2025
Love this place! The Birria is bomb and the fish tacos are thee best!! My coworkers and I go here almost every taco Tuesday for lunch and Cassandra always takes care of us!! && they have a really good taco Tuesday deal! Highly recommend! And ask for Cassandra! She’s the best!
Mario A Morales
Apr 28,2025
Food is excellent, I tried fish tacos, ceviche and aguachile. Everything was perfect they have flavored water and both are very good. The waitresses are very polite and friendly but they do get busy and sometimes it may take a few minutes to get their attention but that may be because it was mother's Day. Highly recommended.
Ricardo Zavala
Apr 12,2025
The quesabirria was great it has a savory flavor. The service was great. It is definitely a cool spot for a lunch time meal. I highly recommend it.
Reviews For El Prieto Cantina y Restaurant