Festive Old Town comes alive at this new shopping and dining attraction in historic Old Town. Shop at the Beacon Artworks Gallery (619-823-6130) for colorful San Diego paintings. Sample San Diego’s best tasting wines at the Hacienda De Las Rosas’ tasting room (619-840-5579). Dine on the spacious patio at the Casa de Reyes Mexican Restaurant,… Read more »
As seen on Travel Channel with Andrew Zimmerman, Aqui es Texcoco is an authentic Mexican restaurant serving Barbacoa de Borrego, since 1990. The TV personality referred to the restaurant as “the best of the best in San Diego County,” and Zagat said it had “the best tacos in 15 U.S. cities.” Texcoco has its first… Read more »
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… Read more »
Alfonso’s of La Jolla (5) is always festive with happy diners. Alfonso is there too, chatting with his guests, catering to special requests. He is a perfect host, always cordial and accommodating. If there is a secret to his success, it has to be in the well-guarded Mexican recipes that have been in his family… Read more »
Roberto’s was one of the first, and continues to be the best local taco shop in Mission Beach. They have set the standard for fresh, authentic and inexpensive Mexican food. A passion for good ingredients, friendly service and a welcoming environment is what made Roberto’s a pioneer of classic Mexican food 40 years ago, and… Read more »
El Indio Mexican Restaurant, Tortilla Factory & Catering (1) is also the most popular Mexican caterer in the city. They have been providing first class professional catering services to the greater San Diego area since 1985. Ask them and they will help you plan your wedding, banquet, birthday or gathering. Their seasoned and well trained… Read more »
Soon after Juan Bandini built his thatch-roofed adobe family home, 1827–29, it became the social center of San Diego. Bandini himself was often seen waltzing gracefully and elegantly across the parlor floor. In 1869, after Bandini’s death, stage master Albert Seeley purchased Bandini’s home and converted it into his family home and a hotel. When… Read more »
This Festive Mexican Cantina and Restaurant, which is in the heart of historic Old Town State Park is a real find. Not only is the Mexican food delicious, but the restaurant and its name are of historical significance. The site and the restaurant’s name date back to the 1800’s when there was a restaurant… Read more »
At Fred’s, you’ll not only get the best tasting Mexican cuisine, but it’s also a great place to have fun, fun, fun. Their dining room incorporates funny themes like the Boom Boom Room and Fred’s Chop Shop. The most popular drinks are the frosty margaritas with salt on the rim. Great tasting entrées are the… Read more »
Marieta’s Mexican Restaurant is a well-established East County favorite with a loyal following of happy diners, who visit their three locations so often that customers are often greeted by their first name. The great appeal of dining here is of course the delicious authentic south-of-the-border cuisine and the equally authentic atmosphere including their friendly waiters… Read more »
For great San Diego Restaurants, Miguel’s Cocina always comes to mind. It’s so popular that they have locations in Coronado, Point Loma, Old Town, 4S Ranch in North County Inland and East Lake. They are well-known and well liked because they always use the freshest ingredients and they make everything from scratch. Plus, they serve… Read more »
This seafood restaurant is a great discovery. The tropical atmosphere is lively with people talking, laughing and rhythmic music from Mazatlán playing. Also recommended is their “Donna Reyna” style fish filet. It’s baked with shrimp, mushrooms, celery, onions, chile, bacon and cheese. They also offer 3 cuts of steak including a steak and lobster combination…. Read more »
This popular restaurant has been serving Mexican food Guadalajara-style for over 20 years. You can’t miss this free-standing, two-story building of over 6,000 sq. ft. with balconies and an elevator. There simply isn’t any Mexican restaurant like it anywhere. Their cuisine features generous portions that complement their huge margaritas. Recommended entrées are the chile Colorado… Read more »
This delightful medium-sized restaurant has a loyal following of happy diners. And once you dine here, you will undoubtedly become a regular too! Baja Cactus has a loyal following because the food is exceptional, the atmosphere is as authentic as that of old Mexico, the decor is upscale and the service is prompt and friendly…. Read more »
This is fine dining at its best in Ensenada. El Rey Sol Restaurant has been family run since 1947 and has won many awards for their excellent seafood, distinctive international cuisine and impeccable service. Mexico’s oldest French restaurant prides itself on a diverse menu, professional staff and sophisticated atmosphere. The extensive French menu includes seafood,… Read more »
This cozy cantina is famous for serving the best and most extensive selection of Mexican beers. These include Indio, Potro, Estrella, Montejo, Leon and much more. An added bonus for coming here are their free botanas, which are small plate appetizers similar to tapas. Popular choices are their rolled tacos and sopes, or mini tortillas… Read more »
Celebrating their 40th anniversary, Casa de Pico Mexican Restaurant is home to their world-famous bird-bath sized margaritas. It is undoubtedly the most colorful and enjoyable Mexican restaurants in San Diego County. They were previously located in Old Town’s Bazaar del Mundo for 35 years. Now, by popular demand, it has been relocated to La Mesa…. Read more »
Casa Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant (31) won the Gold Medallion Award in 2010 for the Best Mexican Dinner House, and for good reason. For great San Diego Restaurants, it’s at the top of the list. It’s an excellent Mexican restaurant, which is popular with locals and out-of-towners alike. Ask for a seat on one of their… Read more »
This restaurant is a hidden gem in Old Town San San Diego State Historic Park. Located in a lush garden setting, the atmosphere is warm and festive and the food is delicious. At night you can even dine under the stars. An added plus is that it also features live Mexican music while you dine…. Read more »
For San Diego Restaurants, this one’s a winner. In fact, it’s been selected as the top Mexican Restaurant in San Diego by the San Diego Restaurant Association for 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010. They received the Gold Medallion Award for Best Mexican Restaurant. This year this Mexican Restaurant in Historic Old Town is celebrating… Read more »
El Indio Mexican Restaurant is the winner of the California Restaurant Association’s Gold Medallion Award for Best Casual Mexican Restaurant and was recently featured on the Travel Channel’s Mexican Food Paradise and also on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. This San Diego legend, which is celebrating over 70 years in business, is so… Read more »
This seafood restaurant is a great discovery. The tropical atmosphere is lively with people talking, laughing and rhythmic music from Mazatlán playing. As for the decor, it’s nautical. Altogether, the menu features more than 50 fresh seafood selections including traditional dishes and their very popular “Los Arcos” specialties. Also recommended is their “Donna Reyna” style… Read more »
Hacienda Casa Blanca is El Cajon’s newly renovated hot spot. Delicious food, paired with authentic Mexican decor blend together to immerse you in culture, making your dining experience an event. Hacienda is a great place to dine with family, friends, or that special someone. Their amazing weekend brunches are a must try and have been… Read more »
This Mexican Restaurant has a spacious Baja decor complete with thatched palapas, a large patio and a large bar where zesty margaritas and ice-cold cerveza are the order of the day, along side their famous Mexican cuisine.
Festive south-of-the-border cuisine served by attentive servers in colorful attire has made Diane Powers’ Casa de Bandini the most popular Mexican restaurant in North County. Adding to the ambiance are strolling mariachi that serenade you at your table while you dine. A great beginning to any meal are warm tortilla chips and a frosty margarita…. Read more »
Costa Azul Coronado, Grill & Cantina is Home of the Swordfish Taco and #1 ranked by Zagat as Coronado’s top rated Mexican Restaurant. Join their VIP Club for great savings on food and drinks (Text Costa 91944). They have happy hour daily 3:30–6:30 p.m. with live music almost nightly and Taco Tuesdays with Latin guitarist… Read more »
