Old Town Mexican Cafe Has the Best Carnitas

Old Town Mexican Cafe is award-winning. Photo courtesy of Old Town Mexican Cafe.

Old Town Mexican Cafe and Cantina, 2489 San Diego Ave., Old Town (619-297-4330) [oldtownmexcafe.com]. Open Sun.–Thurs., 7 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 7 a.m.–midnight ($8–$15). Happy hour Mon.–Fri., 3 p.m.–7 p.m. and 10 p.m. till closing. Bar is open daily till 1 a.m. And their popular Taco Tuesdays run all day long. This year is their 36th year in business. Authentic Mexican cuisine and a ­festive spirit fill the air at this award-­winning restaurant. Winner of the 2002 and 2008 San Diego Restaurant Association’s Gold Medallion Award for Best Mexican Casual Restaurant and rated San Diego Best’s 2008 by Zagat.

This San Diego legend is a favorite of residents and their out-of-town guests. Perhaps it’s because the tortillas are made right before your eyes in their sidewalk window. The tortillas are served hot, plump and delicious. You can order almost anything on the menu all day long. For breakfast the huevos rancheros are outstanding. Lunch and dinner present numerous choices. The oak-fired rotisserie chicken is a winner. The carnitas are as delicious as they are famous. For a spicy treat, try the excellent Colorado burrito combination. Filled with tender chunks of marinated beef and covered with two cheeses, it is really tasty. There’s plenty of seating and two cocktail bars. They have more than 100 quality tequilas to make your margarita perfect. Cocktail lounge. Banquets & Catering. Food to go. Credit cards: AE, DC, DISC, MC, VISA.

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