Old Town Mexican Cafe: Hype or Hip?
 

Visiting San Diego, CA next month.<BR>Should we visit Old Town Mex. Cafe?<BR>Reservations? Best time to frequent <BR>with Toddler?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Jen

Yes, visit Old town.<BR>There are a number of Restaurants.<BR>Reservations are needed. Mexican cafe not more or less than others.

Old Towne Mexican Cafe can be a fun visit, a mix of locals and tourists, very crowded and lively. Food is good, but no reservations are accepted and the wait is usually an hour, so may or may not be hard on the little one.

Old Town Mexican Cafe is good, but after living in San Diego for 7 months I would recommend Casa Bandini in Old town over the cafe. It's a little difficult to find(not right on the main street), but just ask anyone in old town and they should be able to point you in the right direction. It's across the parking lot from Bazar del mundo. Most places in Old town don't take reservations and all are loud so you can bring the toddler at any time. Have Fun! The carnitas there are my favorite!

Here is the definitive answer. Old Town Mex at one time was an original and the best; now it is just good. Very hot spot for tourists. That said, it is still worth going to for the experience of fresh warm homemade tortillas and the lively festive atmosphere. But there are better places for quality Mexican food. I haven't eaten there myself, but lots' of people swear by Miguels. Check out other posts about that restaurant.

I agree with post that recommends Casa de Bandini. Old Town Cafe is less classy. Pres. Clinton ate there --don't know quite why but I feel the food at Casa de Bandini plus the beautiful atmosphere is far superior. Ask to eat out on the patio. If cooler weather.....the inside is beautifully decorated. Enjoy!

I also recommend Casa de Bandini. Get a table in the courtyard. Even if it is cool (shouldn't be a problem next month, though), they have those big propane heaters all over the place. We were there last November and, if anything, the heaters made it too warm.<BR><BR>One warning, I don't think they have a kids menu.

While in San Diego, we visited the zoo from opening until 2 pm and then went to Old Town to explore and a late lunch. We chose Casa De Pico. Excellent atmosphere, staff and food. Huge portions.

Casa Bandini is very good and I would also recommend it. However, I have a passion for tortillas that are hand made on the premises and Old Town Mex is known for great hand made tortillas. That is what has made it so popular and different from most of the other Old Town Restaurants.

We did Old Town Mexican Cafe for breakfast. And would do that again, but prefer Casa Bandini or Casa de Pico for dinner, though for atmosphere Casa Bandini is best when out on the patio.

Coyote Cafe is also graet for breakfast in Old Town. Nice patio, home-made tortillas (made right there on the patio!)wonderful carnitas and five home-made salsas. Good Stuff!<BR><BR>Davidcs

Old Town Mexican Cafe has great food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! It is a must everytime we go to SD. Try it! You won't be disappointed.