Cuisine
Open
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner dailyFeatures
- Kid-friendly
- Private room(s)
- Full bar
- Reservations suggested
- Mariachi bands nightly
- Open late Fri.-Sat.
- Parking lot
- Casual
* Click here for rating key
| When the tourists are out in force there can be a line at the door at 3 in the afternoon, when most San Diego restaurants are locked up tight. But, then, most local eateries lack the rustic charm of Old Town Mexican Cafe, which looks like a century-old cantina. This joint jumps, especially at night; well-made margaritas add to the lively atmosphere. Carnitas are a house specialty, and we tend to favor these morsels of long-cooked pork above the standard Cal-Mex dishes that dominate the menu. The tortillas, made fresh through the day and served hot, move this popular eatery up another notch on our scale. |
Top 40 Restaurants
Once a year, we examine the best of the best, and compile our list of the Top 40 Restaurants in the country, featured in our Annual Restaurant Edition. Also check out the Top 40 Cheap Eats, and Best Restaurateur of the Year.
Cook Up a Storm
What's for dinner tonight? Or for your dinner party this weekend? Check out our recipe section to find healthy meals such as Broccoli Rabe Soup and sweet treats like Dark Chocolate Dipped Pineapple with Pistachio.
Taco Truck Trend
A phenomenon that started in East Los Angeles is sweeping the nation: food trucks are emerging from coast to coast, offering Korean tacos, French take-away and even gourmet desserts.
Latest Cookbooks
Whenever a chef or important food personality publishes a new book, we are among the first to review it. Find out what's worth whisking around with our cookbook reviews!

RESTAURANT AWARDS
Just published! Our annual restaurant issue features the Best Cheap Eats and our Top 40 U.S. selections, including including Corton in New York and more!















