Michelle Forrester
I just got back to San Diego 11-28-2025 after being out of state for a Year & My daughter said Mom we need to go to My spot. Well her spot Birtia El Rey did NOT disappoint. Apparently they actually have an actual open restaurant NOW , CONGRATULATIONS on that. We had Birria Noodles and they were ! We also got 2 Keto Birria tacos and those were as well. The service was AMAZING and HIGHLY RECOMEND and we will continue to be repeat customers .
… moreChris Valdez
This is a spot we have been coming to since they were a small stand down the street. Always a delight. The food is amazing. Service too. The new location is beautiful and has parking to the rear via the alley way. This is a gem of local eateries of San Diego.
… moreScott L
Birrieria El Rey – A Local Gem for Flavorful Birria in Golden Hill
Birrieria El Rey is a well-loved local spot in San Diego’s Golden Hill neighborhood, serving up authentic birria-based Mexican dishes. Originally a popular taco truck, the restaurant now operates from a cozy storefront that still proudly displays the front end of their original food truck—a nostalgic tribute to their roots.
While individual tacos or burritos are priced a bit high, they offer great deals during the week, such as Taco Tuesday with three-taco combos and Happy Hour specials on Wednesdays. I visited around 1 PM on a Wednesday and scored their Happy Hour combo, which included a birria taco, a queso birria taco, a small portion of rice and beans, and a bowl of beef birria broth.
The broth was rich and savory, slightly on the salty side, and perfect for sipping between bites. Both tacos featured double-layered, crispy tortillas, packed with juicy, shredded beef birria, onions, and cilantro. The queso taco, with its added melted cheese, had an especially satisfying depth of flavor and texture. Accompaniments like marinated onions, radish, lemon, and spicy dipping sauce elevated the meal further.
The restaurant has outdoor seating that flows seamlessly into the street atmosphere, offering a relaxed and casual dining experience. It’s also dog-friendly, making it a great stop for pet owners. There’s a shaded parking lot right in front, along with additional street parking nearby.
The staff is welcoming and bilingual, and the owner’s young son adds a cheerful charm to the environment. The friendly service and lively ambiance, combined with the delicious birria, make Birrieria El Rey a must-visit for birria lovers in the area.
… moreZayra Meza
If you are looking for an authentic, delicious birria spot, Birrieria El Rey is the place! You can tell they make the food with lots of love. My favorite and go-to is the quesabirria with an horchata. Their red sauce is absolute amazing. Has the perfect spicy kick. Service is always top-tier. Servers are very attentive and friendly. Everything about the place makes me feel like I am at home.
… moreBrad Penley
I’m blown away at how good these tacos are!!! Queso-birria tacos are to DIE for!! Best tacos in San Diego, this place deserves a Michelin Star ⭐️
… moreChristina Vazquez
I wish I would have taken pictures but I will next time! The food is so delicious, the kids had the Ramen Birria which was completely different than other places, they use real ramen not maruchan, we also tried the quesabirria and regular tacos, the taste is great and not salty. And the Cafe de olla with piloncillo.. wow and last, you HAVE TO TRY THE CHILAQUILES TORTA!! Such a unique combination and taste… so happy we have a place like this one here! Enjoy!
… moreStephany Gomez
I have been coming here for over a year and absolutely love their food each time ! It is the best birria spot here in San Diego! Cristian and Karen the owners have done such an amazing job curating their new menu at their new location. The ambience is homey and feels like we are eating at our grandmas house. Highly recommend visiting !
… moreRobert Fanella
Total surprise. Excellent food. Came for brunch and ate amazing omelettes. I recommend this place.
… moreCero Grubs
This is the spot to come for all your Birria needs! I saw Birria chilaquiles and I just had to get them! So yummy cheese was melted and cheesy! Then I got two Birria tacos, and I added nevero which is the foot. Sooo amazing! We shared the Birria chilaquiles breakfast burrito very yummy. I had a piece of my friends Birria quesadilla and it hit!!! Definitely coming back here !
… morePatrice Henry
I wanted to love it! My birria ramen was nothing more than spaghetti and birria— no onions, no cilantro as advertised. I am disappointed and will not be returning…
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