Old Town San Diego

[Hipcheck]

Havent been here in a long time and I know its changed a bit. I normally go to Old Town Mexican Cafe but thought Id throw out the idea and see if any of our LGK San Diego contingent can give some ideas on some other places that may be better.

I will be with the kids so will limit my margarita intake to 1 pitcher between me and the wife. The Rest of the time will be spent wandering the shops/village/Whaley House.

Anyhow, would Freds be an upgrade over the Cafe? Is Guadalajaras an option?

Any help much appreciated.

[Goallum]

Fred's Lobster Tacos pwn, but you got Fred's in your neck of the woods in HB, so maybe try something unique instead? Definitely stay away from the Cafe Coyote though.

[Hipcheck]

Originally Posted by Goallum

Definitely stay away from the Cafe Coyote though.

A place to avoid is every bit as valuable as a recomendation. On that same note-Ive yet to go to the Freds in HB so it would still be a semi new experience.

[lunchbox]

you. must. go. to. fred's. in. HB.

[A-FROGIRL]

Are you just going to eat in Old Town? There's better food in Gaslamp but the best Mexican food is Casa de Pico in La Mesa. It used to be in Old Town but moved.

[Hipcheck]

We like Old Town because it gives us a chance to get some margaritas and still have a couple of hours to walk around and enjoy ourselves before making the drive home. Were probably going to do Cabrillo Natl Monument in the AM with Old Town for late lunch before making our way home.

[ianmonsta]

Not really old town but my personal favorite places to eat in San Diego are

Hodad's Burgers in Ocean Beach, definately in my top 3 burger places - Hodad's - Ocean Beach - San Diego, CA 92107

Ramiro's Taco Shop in Pacific Beach, some damn good burritos - Ramiro's Taco Shop - Pacific Beach - San Diego, CA

[lagwagon0]

Originally Posted by A-FROGIRL

Are you just going to eat in Old Town? There's better food in Gaslamp but the best Mexican food is Casa de Pico in La Mesa. It used to be in Old Town but moved.

Concur, Casa de Pico is quite good.

[Goon Squad]

The wife and I are quite partial to the Cosmopolitan Hotel (formerly known as Casa de Bandini). The food and margaritas are excellent. It's a historical building, right there in Bazaar del Mundo. To get the proper ambiance though, you have to sit outside on the patio by the fountains. In the evenings they sometimes have Mariachis that play for tips. Good times.

[roenick]

My Mexican wife (and her family) swears by Old Town Mexican Cafe. Doesn't matter to me as I would pass on every other Mexican place for the Cafe's Carnitas plate. Just go where you know to go Hip!

Viva La Cafe!

[Azagthoth]

Hey Hip, you are in luck my good friend..... There is an Olive Garden close to the Old Town area.

[homersimps]

Originally Posted by ianmonsta

Not really old town but my personal favorite places to eat in San Diego are

Hodad's Burgers in Ocean Beach, definately in my top 3 burger places - Hodad's - Ocean Beach - San Diego, CA 92107

I second the Hodad's. Great burgers and they also sell Red Trolley.

[FlyinKIng]

What's wrong with the fresh tortillas from Coyote Cafe? Or the Carnitas? Or the 64oz margaritas?

[hockeychick]

I just went to Casa de Guadalajara last weekend. LOVED it. Got the chicken mole and it was so good! Or was it the ginormous margarita I had before that for only $7.75? Either way, that's my recommendation!

[Salty Dog]

Guadalajara isn't bad at all, and is kid friendly.

Avoid Rockin' Baja Lobster - total tourist trap where the put all the stuff in a bucket and people think it makes it good food.

[So Sumi]

[quote=hockeychick;1159661]I just went to Casa de Guadalajara last weekend. LOVED it. QUOTE]


Yeah, if you want a nice alternative to Old Town Mex. Cafe try Guadalajara.

One thing I've noticed at OTMC is that a lot of the "normal" variety is okay. But the last time I went I had the spinach (chicken?) enchildas and they were spot on amazing. Wow.

If you don't mind going down to Ocean Beach, there's also Ortega's on Newport. If:u go there all of the chef's specialties are awesome. Really.

OH, and for fast food Mexican (the best you'll ever have), go up the 5 north to West Mission Bay Drive (it's not far, about five miles), and turn left off the freeway. Go a block and a half and just after Wendy's on the left side is SANTANA'S. Holy crap, try their California burrito or their carne asada burrito, or their grilled fish tacos, or....jeez, anything! Cheap and tasty, better than any Mexican fast food I found in LA (barring Tito's) the ten years I lived there.

[hockeyinsd]

I don't have anything to add about the Old Town places, but there are a few others in SD that might be worth checking out. First is Fidels Fidel's Little Mexico - San Diego Entertainment Guide at SignOnSanDiego.com. They have one in Solana Beach (on Stevens) and one in Downtown Carlsbad. Personally, I think the one in Solana Beach is way better. Their carnitas are fantastic! Plus it is built on multiple levels (it used to be Fidels house) so it can be fun to wonder through. Also good is El Callejon in Encinitas Restaurant - Home Page. Small place, but good food, good drinks and good time. Simple food, its not drowned in toppings and sauces. They have a chorizo & cheese dip that is amazing. Lastly, no trip is complete with a visit to Los Cuatro Milpas Las Cuatro Milpas - San Diego Entertainment Guide at SignOnSanDiego.com It is kind of a hole in the wall, and is not a restaurant, but man do they have the best tamales, beef tacos and tortillas! If you want to bring home tortillas, you have to call ahead to order them so they can make them. Trust me, its worth it!