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Cafe Coyote
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
2461 San Diego Ave(between Conde St & Harney St)
San Diego, CA 92110
Neighborhood: Old Town
(619) 291-4695
Announcement
Now taking Reservations for Valentine's Day. Treat your Special Someone to a Fantastic Mexican Meal! http://www.cafecoyoteo...
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 7 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 7 am - 10:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
778 reviews for Cafe Coyote
Review Highlights
"But nothing tops the fresh tortillas."
(in 59 reviews)
"The carne asada was highly recommended."
(in 110 reviews)
"Their chips and salsa were delish too."
(in 114 reviews)
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778 reviews in English
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Review from Akvile H.
Hungry like a Coyote roaming the streets of Old Town San Diego?
Worry not my hungry friend, this place is meant for you!
With a menu to satisfy just about any hungry wolf, you'll be welcomed by friendly staff, provided quick service, delicious food, and with plenty of seating options, what more could you ask for?
There is a ton of space to sit indoors or outside under the covered patio by the nice little fountain. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and they can definitely recommend just the right dish to hit the spot. We tried the Huevos Rancheros and Huevos Estrada. The Estrada was phenomenal. Bursting with cheese, sauce, and massive amounts of flavor! Other reviews say it's super loud, but maybe we got lucky or it's just not bad at all. It was very comfortable.
I was in town visiting and to this day, my group and I still discuss how great this place was. Their breakfast menu is amazing, the coffee is decent, and their flan is some of the best I've had to date! The plate sizes are massive and are super well priced. I guarantee that you won't leave hungry. We felt like I needed to be wheeled out because it was so delicious and we over-stuffed our tummies but it was well worth it. I would definitely come back here to eat again!
Don't forget to treat your sweet coyote sweet tooth with some flan! It's totally shareable with a pal! -
Review from catherine q.
Irvine, CA
This place looks super cute and it's packed.
There were too much choices in this area makes it feel like there is no choice at all.
Me and Mr.Q want to try this out, since we are both tired and hungry.
We got sat down pretty fast.
A 6 ft tall stick insect lookalike waiter brought us into the restaurant. He wasn't friendly or attentive, he didn't even have any facial expression at all. What a big contrast in between the crowded restaurant and the stick insect faced waiter.
Luckily he was just a doorman, cuz after a minutes or two our waiter shows up with a great smile and he's very attentive all the time.
+++Tortilla soup is really good, it's tasty, spicy and there is a huge chunk of melted cheese in the soup. It didn't make the soup taste messy or oily. It's a good soup.
+++Handmade Tortilla's is really good. It's fluffy and fresh.
--+ Taquito sampler platter - Chicken and beef taquito are mediocre. It's very oily, but it was okay. Potato taquito in the other hand is disgusting. It was cheesy, greasy, mushy and oily. I didn't like its texture and the taste of it.
---Beef enchiladas taste the same as Carna Asada burritos. Shredded tasteless beef wrapped in the flour tortilla. The flour tortilla was good, but the shredded beef was chewy, dry and it has no flavor. The whole plate is tasteless. Sour creme didn't have this milky, sour flavor and red sauce has no other flavor than tomato sauce. I wish I just ordered a Margarita at this place after I tried the beef enchiladas here. Yes, That bad!
-++ Baja fish taco tasted okay, but after Mr.Q listened to the suggestion of our waiter, he decide to order two more flavors and he couldn't finish the dish. It was too much.
---Steak Ranchero was over cooked. It has no flavor, the texture was very dry, hard and chewy. The sauce that goes with the steak tasted boring and the rice that goes with the steak was under cooked. It was a completely bad dish.
I will only recommend my friends to come here just for the crowded happy atmosphere and a Margarita. -
Review from Jules R.
San Diego, CA
2/3/2012
I hate to say this but I stopped going to this restaurant not too long ago due primarily to the inconsistent service. I'd been going to Cafe Coyote for awhile - and usually the service and food were good. But then, about year or so ago, the service started getting 'iffy," culminating in, what turned out to be my last dinner there. Ever.
On the evening of my last meal at Cafe Coyote, we had a rather expressionless young man as a waiter. We gave our order and, to our utter astonishment, he ignored us for nearly an hour until he finally brought out our entrees, slapped them down on the table without a word, and then turned on his heel and disappeared. Needless to say, our waiter did not receive a tip from us that 'special' night. And, I'm happy to say, I now take my business elsewhere when I'm in the mood for Mexican food. -
Review from Grace V.
Murrieta, CA
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had my first taste of Machaca breakfast 8 years ago at this joint. Since then, I've been on a constant quest to find one JUST as comparable to Cafe Coyote's and have yet to do so. This place is my go to place to gorge on AMAZING Mexican food (I seriously think it's their fresh, homemade tortillas because really, no meal is complete without them!)
We've also discovered that its also a great place to nurse an awful hangover as proven by my 21 year old niece, 23 year old brother in law and my 33 year old husband and his best friend... they all felt so much better as we came in bright and early New Year's day. :) -
Review from Julia S.
San Diego, CA
2/8/2012
Just went here for the first time last week. Had a friend from out of the country who Really wanted some good/authentic Mexican food, and seeing how we only usually go to our hole in the wall burrito shop, I didnt know where to go. We decided to go to Old Town and try Cafe Coyote. I wasnt blown away but it was pretty good. Ginormous portions! massive margaritas and about a bazillion different tequillas if your into that. Good chips and salsa to start too. Would probably go back again...
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Review from Jen M.
Yorba Linda, CA
2/3/2012
Went here on a sunday before heading home from a fun wknd in SD / sea world! Loved the fresh tortillas & salsa, they were so good! Ordered the carnitas torta & it was only 'ok' not the best but my husband got the chilli verde burrito & he loved it! Would go back again when in the area.
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Review from Marshall S.
Milwaukee, WI
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Sat outside for lunch on a beautiful December afternoon. Unfortunately they had either very shaded and somewhat chilly spots or tables that were very hot in the noon sun. However, knowing that it was 20 degrees in Wisconsin at the time, the sun was great.
Food was good. What you would expect from a Mexican restaurant. Good chips and salsa. Guac was also good but not amazing. Quesadilla appetizer was very greasy and not worth it.
I shared a combo plate with my wife, which was good. All the food comes with really big portions, so I would recommend sharing. -
Review from Savvy S.
San Diego, CA
1/24/2012
Head towards the rear to find the CANDY / Ice cream Shop!
4 sum FUN!
The Watermelon flavored white fudge......, and then try the Almond Joy (my 2nd fav) or the Butterfinger (too sugar-y even for me)
In addition to barrels full of various candies you will find Taffy in every flavor you can imagine and some you might just wonder 'why?'.
Grab a bucket and buy by the pound or by the piece, no minimum buy (Thank You!).
Ice cream by the scoop as well.
WARNING: tired, whining kids known to frequent the joint = they know the best candy places in town :)) -
Review from Megs B.
Anaheim, CA
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is OK.
Decent food and our waiter was pretty on top of things.
I advised of my citrus allergy and he made sure I didn't order anything containing citrus.
Which meant, however, no margaritas for this girl. Boo.
Had to settle for a typical "Mexican" beer, but it did go nicely with my meal.
They definitely pack the house and it does have a good vibe to it.
Very tourist friendly.
There is also a section outside with ladies making fresh tortillas, which are delicious!
But I'm not sure if they are affiliated with the restaurant? -
Review from Heidi M.
Sacramento, CA
1/10/2012
As I made the plane reservations for my husband and I to return to San Diego in May, I started daydreaming about our last trip, and this particular restaurant came to mind. I have been here two or three times now, and it is delicious. First of all, I love the homemade tortillas! Secondly, I thought the Mango Margarita was awesome and big. Thirdly, my husband really liked the carnitas. They were fresh, not greasy and filled his plate. I had never had flan before, but I tried it here, and now I consider it one of my favorite desserts. I can't wait to go back!
Cafe Coyote is colorful and beautiful, too, with murals, mariachis, fountains, outdoor seating, etc. It feels like you are in Mexico.
Also, they have great souvenir t-shirts!! -
Review from Karena Q.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Huge place. Loud. Mediocre food. Mega touristy.
Came in here on New Yrs day since our first choice was closed. A Yelp check-in got us a couple free quesadillas, but honestly, I could have done without them. Super greasy.
Salsas were pretty bland and there was something strangely bitter in my fish taco. Not ok.
Thankfully we were tucked away in a private room and our waiter was surprisingly cool with our large table of ladies with a few complicated orders. -
Review from Tariq B.
San Diego, CA
1/30/2012
Just ate here for the first time and I must say I was very impressed. The food was well above average mexican food, but what really surprised me was the amazing service. Our waiter ryan was on top of everything, and hilarious. I definetly recommend this place.
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Review from Jenny H.
1/26/2012 3 Check-ins Here
This is my go to Mexican restaurant in San Diego. I love the pollo a la crema, their fried ice cream is delicious & service is usually very good. I always feel like I won the lotto when we're seated at one of the window booths. Sometimes i'll buy the tamal's to go when we visit my parents in LA and they're still very good after they're re-steamed. And they usually have Yelp check-in deals too!
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Review from Mel M.
San Diego, CA
1/24/2012
The tortillas are made on the spot and the queso fundido is AMAZING. Seriously.
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Review from Alison J.
Winnetka, CA
1/13/2012
I came here for the fried ice cream since I had heard so much about it.
Just TERRIBLE. They supposedly take a frozen scoop of ice cream, coat it with corn flakes and then fry it. I think that's a lie. When we got our ice cream, it was pretty clear there was no frying involved. The ice cream was still frozen solid, and the corn flakes had small pieces of ice crystals on them. Not only that, but the corn flakes were deeply embedded into the ice cream and were so soggy and stale - not like water logged soggy the way they get in cereal, but stale chewy - that it was hard to chew them. I'm thinking that they just take their ice cream, coat it with the flakes, and then just freeze it like that. Whenever someone orders it, they just take it out, maybe let it defrost a bit, and pour some honey on top. It was really gross.
We also ordered the taquito sampler platter. NOT GOOD. But edible, I guess.
The service was okay. I dunno. Not worth it though. -
Review from Willy W.
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cafe Coyote is a pretty nice place to dine while in Old Town. Be sure to either get a little card from a tourist center for the free quesadilla or just check-in with Yelp app. Our server was super kind and gave us two cuz we were a pretty large party! So props to him and the super good service we received. It was a pleasant dining experience.
Everyone seemed pretty content with their food. I ordered the carne asada fajitas. While the super fresh tortillas were great, I've had much better steaks elsewhere.
It's a nice ambiance especially if it's nice enough to eat outdoors in the sun. They had live music playing as well. Overall, a good meal and very good service.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others if they want a traditional sit-down type of place to eat. But there are plenty of other options in Old Town as well. -
Review from Jaime S.
San Diego, CA
1/31/2012
Carne asada tacos meal was great. Service was poor, waiter kept leaving and coming back in big gaps. After we sat down, he gave us our menus and asked for drinks..we ordered water. Our last guest joined us 5 minutes later and he didn't return for another 15-20 minutes even though it was clear we were ready to order. I think he checked on us once for the whole two hours we were there, and then screwed up our check separation on separate cards. Definitely have had better experiences here before, maybe this weekend was just a bit off for them.
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Review from Faye H.
San Diego, CA
1/29/2012
It's a cool atmosphere. But its expensive and I've had way better and paid less for the food and margaritas.
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Review from Stef B.
Fremont, CA
12/13/2011
Cafe Coyote is the epitome of great San Diego Mexican food. They have the best handmade tortillas, huge margaritas, and fresh, simple yet traditional, Mexican cuisine.
My boyfriend lives in San Diego and he brought me here for dinner last week. It was my first time at Cafe Coyote and in Old Town San Diego. I ordered the Old Town carnitas platter. The presentation was lacking but I paid no mind because the food was delicious. The carnitas were so tender and not at all oily. The platter included all the makings of a great taco-fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, cilantro, and beans. The best part of Cafe Coyote were the tortillas. I don't think I have ever tasted tortillas that fresh in my life. I wish they made tortillas like that in the Bay Area. All in all great food, great drinks, great company.Listed in: Travel Eats
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Review from Zuha R.
Campbell, CA
1/18/2012
Do not order the enchiladas. The sauce is awful. They taste like they have been microwaved. My friend ordered the fish tacos and the fish was undercooked. the chips for the salsa were awful. How can you mess up chips and salsa????!!! I give it 2 stars because the staff was very friendly.
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Review from l c.
North Hollywood, CA
1/25/2012
Best homemade flour tortillas!! Whenever we go down to SD from LA, we bring back extra tortillas to freeze and enjoy later. You lucky San Diegans! Have always enjoyed the food and margheritas as well.
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Review from TJ X.
San Diego, CA
1/28/2012
I saw them on Food Network so I had to try! I am under the impression that all the restaurants in the area are overpriced, so I am giving them 4 stars when I would probably give them 3 if they were located anywhere else.
I had the pollo crema! It was pretty good, but a bit burnt/dry. It came with rice, refried beans, and fresh tortillas. Be smart and ask them to sub rice for the refried beans! The tortillas really were very, very fresh (:
The chips and salsa are great. The chips are very crunchy and thick! -
Review from Eduard G.
Los Angeles, CA
12/28/2011
This place was amazing and it really made old town worth it. It was way better than Old town Mexican cafe. They really know how to make great Mexican food and great tortillas.
My girlfriend and I got tortilla soup the typical gringo thing to order because we do not know anything else haha.
Their shrimp quesedilla was amazing lots of cheese and shrimp, not to mention their "King" combo was enough to feed two foodies. The carnitas, steak and pork, with refried beans, rice, and guacamole, with an enchilanda.
All good food all the time. -
Review from Judy L.
San Diego, CA
12/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Our service was great and our server Marty was awesome. Seriously awesome.
The atmosphere of this place is great. It's mostly outside seating and with the hustle and bustle of people touring about Old Town and the people actually dining at the restaurant, it makes it a nice lively place to eat out on the weekend.
We checked in on yelp and got a free quesadilla appetizer!
I ordered the black bean burrito and my friend got the fish tacos. I thought the food was nothing spectacular. Definitely tasted like standard fare that I could get at any other "Mexican food restaurant" ... or perhaps something I could make myself. It's not something I would describe as authentic, I suppose, after tasting the quesadilla, my burrito, and then a dessert flan.
I noticed early on that they had comment cards for the restaurant experience. Only thing I thought that wasn't exceptional was the food ... it's alright ... the prices are fair for the fare anyway. The atmosphere and the service we received that night would be the only reasons why I would go back, since it would be nice to go with a group of friends just to eat and chat.
Again, our server Marty was spectacular and went above and beyond to give us great service. If you have him as your server, consider yourself lucky! -
Review from Molly L.
San Diego, CA
12/26/2011
Cafe Coyote is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. The atmosphere is great, food is excellent, and service is decent. My favorite items are the Rojos tamales, guacamole, and the tortilla and butter appetizer. I usually make reservations so I never have to wait.
Although, I could not give it 5 stars because I went on a Saturday night when it was really busy and the food was not as good as it usually is. I will not be going back there on a Saturday night again. -
Review from Nidhi J.
San Jose, CA
On my last trip to San Diego, I was introduced to Cafe Coyote. Here is the trivia I learnt at dinner "Café Coyote's has been Voted Best Mexican Restaurant 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011!" and it indeed was one of the best Mexican food experience for me
We got a spot in the patio, It was fun, watching fresh tortilla's being made and we enjoyed the hustle bustle of Old Town with the super delicious Margarita's. Occasional disruptions by girls wanting to sell roses or the band wanting to entertain with music. It was a very lively atmosphere.
For all you Yelpers... Check into Yelp, you get a free appetizer (quesadilla). The quesadilla is made with spinach tortilla, It was the best quesadilla I've ever had.
We got the Fajita's for dinner and everything was simply fantastic. The rice was so full of flavor and the beans cooked to perfection. This place surely has my vote for the Best Mexican Restaurant for 2012. -
Review from Thomas B.
Temecula, CA
1/18/2012
We ate here after a day at the beach in Coronado. The burittos were excellent, as were the chips and salsa. The Flan they serve is quite different than others I have had, but was really flavorful and had a very interesting texture, unlike any other I have had before.
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Review from H A.
Orange, CA
12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow!! Best Time I've had so far in San Diego, Eating Mexican food and enjoying the evening!
this place located in Old Town San Diego is great for people watching and just enjoying some good Mexican fare with your significant other or a group of friends. The Margaritas are Amazing here!! Love them!! If you are a first time guest here, make sure to check in on Yelp. we checked into here and got some free cheese Quesadillas.
The Staff was very friendly and they sat us down within a couple of minutes. I've heard that at dinner time you might have to wait a little bit longer but I feel is worth the wait.
Try it out, you will Thank me for going here! -
Review from Arlene P.
11/9/2011
This is kind of the old staple that I have been to over the years.
Some memorable times include, once for my friends birthday, once for meeting a friend and her new guy, and Taco Tuesday seeing a friend I hadn't seen in awhile and his friend.
I can't tell you that I remember any other food here but the carne asada small baby tacos on Taco Tuesday. I like them! But everything else I've eaten just blends in with the basic "mexican restaurant" food indistinguishable to me from Alcapulcos or El Toritos... it is pretty much not memorable at all. it's just a really cool location central in Old Town.
Oh yeah, they did have this 'special't aco made from cactus... I cannot recall the name of it, but it was intersting and can serve a a decent vegetarian option. Worth a try, if even just to say you tried it.Listed in: Old Town San Diego
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Review from Charles R.
Pasadena, Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Many choices for Mexican food in this area, so we decided to try Cafe Coyote because of the ratings. We were not impressed. The service was terrible and the chips and salsa were bland. We had intended on just going for a drink and some appetizers, so we got some margaritas and nachos. The margaritas were actually really good, but the nachos were nothing to rave about. I'd be willing to give the place another try so I could sample some main courses.
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Review from Sunny G.
San Diego, CA
1/10/2012
Great Mexican food and atmosphere, good for small or large groups.
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Review from Ken P.
San Diego, CA
1/18/2012
A hidden gem when it comes to football Sundays. Big, TVs, great Mexican breakfasts, and cold beers with good service. Parking kinda sucks
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Review from Jim W.
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Totally touristy cantina atmosphere and surprisingly good food and service.
Wow I captured this place so succinctly my review is painfully short...
So there used to be a river near where this place is in Old Town San Diego. It ran through the Mission Valley to the sea.
Later several Spaniards "discovered" the area. It probably wasn't called Mission Valley back then though. Natives, exploitation, more Europeans, blah, blah.
You know what, you can wiki the rest of the story.
Later. -
Review from Jason N.
San Marcos, CA
1/15/2012
Went here today for the second time, and it was still amazing. Food was awesome!! Got the fish tacos and the chicken tortilla soup for app. Soup was deliche!! Broth was amazing , chicken was juicy and tender. The fish tacos were pretty bomb as well, granted I have had better. The place is huge, so wait time was practically zero. The homemade tortillas fill the air and the staff were all very attentive and pleasant (especially for it being Sunday and football and such). Got a guava margarita to top it off, and that too blew me away... You could actually taste alcohol in it. Definitely recommend to all.
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Review from Mady V.
Laguna Hills, CA
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
The food was kinda bland, the service was fast and friendly. Overpriced!!
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Review from N D.
Dublin, CA
12/9/2011
Stay away. This place is clearly geared toward the tourists and not anyone with a remote idea of what Mexican food should taste like.
Three of us went on a MNF night and the Chargers were playing. The game was nearly over with not much time left and the Chargers clearly winning. So, the place was busy, but not packed. We were seated on the patio because that's all that was left. They had heaters working as it was an usually cold spell in San Diego (50 or so degrees in the evening.) The hostess sat us and then we were promptly forgotten about. There was one server working the entire patio. After 20 minutes we go menus and water. We got attention again 10 minutes later and ordered. Somewhere under an hour after getting there, our food was served.
The black beans I ordered were clearly from a can and not really that well reheated. I got a fajita burrito and the fajita carne asada was tough and chewy. The tortilla was average. My friends ordered chicken dishes and neither one was happy. Everything on my plate was bland. Unfortunately, that was where we were. It was near 9:00 PM and we had made our choice. I ate what I could and all of us were more than happy to clear out of that place.
We all agreed everything sat in our guts heavy the next day. AVOID AVOID AVOID this place. While I can't imagine there's a spot in this country that doesn't have a Mexican food joint, this place clearly targets folks who don't know what authentic Mexican cooking is.
We didn't order any alcohol and maybe that is why others like this place so much. So take their advice on drinks but I promise you, Taco Bell would be a step above the food here and you don't have to wait or tip. -
Review from Sam B.
Rowland Heights, CA
1/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
good food... not great but good... everyone says the tortillas are awesome... its good but not AWESOME
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Review from dina s.
Concord, CA
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
I went to college in SD and this place has a special spot in my heart. I came here with my parents when they visited, I came here with friends, and I love Old Town in general. Cafe Coyote still holds a spot in my heart, even though I have realized that it is not the best food ever.
My most recent trip was a pre-wedding weekend getaway in August. I needed to come here for old time's sake and to get my mexican food fix.
They had a free quesadilla deal running when you checked in on Yelp, so we definitely took advantage of that. Their quesadillas are very full and deliciously crispy on the outside. For the main meal, we ordered the taco trio to share with chicken and fish. The chicken tacos were ok, the fish was a little better.
This place is giant and usually pretty loud. The food isn't the best, but the hand-made, hot tortillas you can bye as you walk by are delicious.
Next time I'm in Old Town, I will try something different. -
Review from Don D.
Burbank, CA
11/27/2011
Apparently I never had fresh tortillas-
After having our first bites into our meals.. my girlfriend and I just looked at each other as we experienced the ultimate tortillas experience..
I never knew tortillas had taste or so much taste... THE BEST I"VE EVER HAD-
I don't know... top notch service, great outdoor patio, the food off the hook.-
You need to eat here. It deserves every award it gets for sure. -
Review from Ron J.
Carrboro, NC
12/3/2011
Ate here on a Friday night and it was great.
Even though the place looked packed, we got seated right away at a table on the patio. It got a little cold that night, but we were fine because they have heat lamps spread out around the patio.
Within minutes, our waiter brought us chips and salsa, and took our drink orders. The chips were just ok but I thought the salsa was really good. It wasn't your typical Mexican restaurant salsa - it had a nice bite to it and kept me wanting more. The margaritas were delicious. Tasty and not short on the tequila.
We got a coupon for a free quesadilla mexicana appetizer (for buying something at one of the shops around Old Town) so we started with one of those. (I think you can also get one for free if you check-in at the restaurant on Facebook.) The quesadilla was made with tortillas that were hand-rolled and cooked on-site. You can actually watch their employees making them from outside the restaurant.
I ordered a chili verde burrito (with pork), which was very good, but not spicy at all. The meat was soft and had lots of flavor.
All in all, we really enjoyed eating here. Would definitely recommend it to others.
