I recently visited Primo on Carrera de San Jerónimo, tucked into Madrid’s historic Cortes district. This spot blends youthful energy and urban style with a bold Mexican-Californian vibe—bright neon signage, exposed brick, graffiti-covered walls, and a lively bar scene.
I started with their loaded nachos and guacamole—fresh, creamy, and just the right crowd-pleasing crunch. Next, I dug into a trio of tacos that stood out: one with perfectly spiced al pastor, another with tender carnitas, and a third with smoky grilled fish—all wrapped in warm corn tortillas and garnished with crisp onions and cilantro. The balance of seasoning and freshness was excellent.
I tried their signature quesadilla too—crispy, cheesy, and stuffed with flavorful fillings. For dessert, their churros with avocado ice cream struck a delightful, unexpected note: cinnamon-sweet meets creamy—with a nice twist .
Drinks include a solid lineup of creative margaritas, mezcal cocktails, and Latin-American craft beers. I went for a mezcal margarita—the smokiness played beautifully with my tacos and added to the festive vibe.
Service was upbeat and fun. Staff recommended dishes based on spice preferences, kept everything flowing at a good pace, and made me feel welcome without rushing.
The atmosphere buzzed—with hip-hop and Latin music, friendly chatter, and a crowd that felt young, diverse, and energized. It felt less like a tourist trap and more like a local hotspot where each visit offers something new.
In short, Primo delivers vibrant, well-made tacos and street-food favorites in a dynamic and colorful setting. It’s perfect for sharing with friends, exploring inventive flavors, and soaking in a lively Madrid evening. I’ll definitely be returning for more tacos—and maybe...
Read morePrimo Taqueria: Like Dinner at Your Quirky, Lovably Single Cousin’s Place (If He Had a Margarita Shaker and a Deep Love for Talavera Tiles)
Walking into Primo Taqueria doesn’t feel like entering a restaurant so much as stepping into the living room of your oddly charming, eternally single cousin—the one who never quite grew out of collecting things, but somehow makes it all work. The space is an unapologetic mashup of bright Mexican folk art, vintage lucha libre posters, and enough ceramic skulls to suggest he might be slightly overcommitted to Día de los Muertos as a lifestyle.
But then the tacos show up. And the drinks. And suddenly you’re thinking, Okay, maybe this guy’s on to something.
The food is low-key excellent, like your cousin casually mentioning he “just threw something together,” and it ends up tasting better than anything you’ve paid twice as much for elsewhere. The tortillas are made with care, the fillings hit the right notes (especially the carnitas—slow-cooked, deeply seasoned, just a little crispy), and the salsa selection doesn’t mess around.
Cocktails come out strong—sometimes literally. Your cousin, it turns out, makes a dangerously smooth mezcal margarita and isn’t stingy with the pour.
Service is laid-back but attentive, like everyone knows you’re a guest in someone’s odd-but-endearing home, and they want you to feel welcome without fuss. No airs, just vibes.
All told, Primo Taqueria is the kind of place you think about the next day—not because it tried too hard, but because it didn’t have to. It’s comfortable, a little weird, full of heart, and somehow exactly where you want to be on a...
Read moreThe Carne Asada That Ruined All Other Meals for Us — In the Best Way Possible!
Absolutely mind-blowing. Hands-down the BEST meal of our entire trip — and we’re talking better than high-end restaurants and even Michelin-star spots. We stumbled upon this place not expecting much, and it ended up completely stealing the show.
The Carne Asada — specifically the Kearny Asada — was so spectacular, we actually went back a second time just to experience it again. Whatever they’re doing with that marinade is nothing short of culinary wizardry. The meat is incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor — the kind of flavor that hits all the right notes: smoky, savory, a little citrusy, and perfectly balanced. Every bite felt like a celebration.
The tacos? Knock-your-socks-off good. Truly. Overflowing with fresh, bold flavor and generous portions of that heavenly asada. We found ourselves talking about them for hours afterward.
And the service — phenomenal. Warm, welcoming, and attentive without being overbearing. The drinks were also top-tier, perfectly crafted and just strong enough to match the boldness of the food.
This place didn’t just serve us a meal — it gave us an experience. If you’re anywhere nearby, run, don’t walk. It’s not just a hidden gem — it’s a...
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