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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Old Town

Food spots

Made for those who prioritize local culinary history over the convenience of modern chains.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Flor's Farm to Table image 1
Flor's Farm to Table image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican flavors shine with authentic dishes served fast, perfect for lunch. Open market seating and outdoor patio create a chill, cozy atmosphere. Shared tables in a food hall keep the vibe casual and relaxed for quick meals or casual gatherings.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with quick service, especially at lunchtime. The chef often prepares orders early to have dishes ready upon seating.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the red snapper tacos."

"The vegetarian options, especially the potato taco, are delicious."

"The food here is delicious, especially the red snapper tacos."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $5 each, making them an affordable option.

2

The restaurant is located one block off Old Town Avenue.

3

Free public parking is available across the street.

02
Qué Sazón Deli image 1
Mexican torta restaurant

Small spot offers bold flavors in authentic Mexican tortas with fresh ingredients. Cozy, no-frills setup creates a friendly atmosphere perfect for quick bites or takeaway. Steady lines show its affordable, flavorful food draws locals regularly.

Small hole in the wall serving authentic Mexican food with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The dishes are consistently delicious and well served, making it worth trying a variety of options.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and authentic."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tortas, is gigantic and filling."

"I found the food to be a perfect spot for an affordable lunch."

Good to know

1

The chicken torta and a soda cost $17.xx.

2

The restaurant is very small, with less than 10 seats.

3

One torta is enough for two people.

03
BW Hacienda Hotel Old Town image 1

Enjoy popular pool and hot tub perfect for families. Savor Tex Mex cuisine and great margaritas at the on-site restaurant. Explore historic Old Town surroundings with nearby shops and attractions.

Good quality food appears consistently, with a variety of choices at the breakfast buffet. The on-site restaurant focuses on Tex Mex cuisine and serves great margaritas, though dining options beyond that are limited.

People are saying

"The breakfast buffet had plenty of food and great choices."

"The breakfast buffet food had plenty of choices."

"I loved the Mexican food here, especially the tortillas!"

Good to know

1

The location is unbeatable, being 10 minutes from the airport and in the middle of historic Old Town.

2

The parking garage is often full, and parking costs $25 per night.

3

The on-site restaurant opens at 6am with a breakfast buffet priced at $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids.

04
Old Town Urban Market image 1

Food court offers varied cuisines with consistently amazing taste. Colorful murals and cozy seating create a festive atmosphere. Open areas and pop-up shops add family-friendly energy, while a DJ livens up weekends with upbeat vibes.

Variety of food options covers many different cuisines. The food tastes consistently amazing and satisfies diverse preferences.

People are saying

"This market has an amazing variety of food vendors and shops."

"The donuts here have a thick, crunchy chocolate cover and a fluffy dough."

"I found the food to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The market features over 20 different vendors offering a variety of cuisines.

2

Parking is easy to access at the market.

3

Restrooms are clean and well-maintained.

05
Cocinas Del Monte image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Garden-style seating offers a spacious outdoor setting with a warm, rustic-modern vibe. Soft jazz music creates a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. Food shines with authentic Mexican flavor and fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Food bursts with authentic Mexican flavor and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every dish offers delicious seasoning and rich taste.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"I found the salmon salad to be delicious and bursting with flavor."

"The omelette here is served by super friendly staff."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and available nearby.

2

The restaurant serves breakfast all day.

3

Happy hour starts at 2 PM with special pricing.

06
Home & Away image 1
Sports bar

Sports bar buzzes with huge outdoor screen and loud game audio. Menu shines with smoked meats and surf and turf burrito. Outdoor seating is dog-friendly, perfect for lively nights under the stars.

Extensive menu offers smoked meats, surf and turf burrito, and tostadas with good variety and quality. Food pairs well with drinks and suits both indoor and outdoor settings.

People are saying

"Watching live sports outside on the big screen is perfect."

"Their barbecue tacos are phenomenal and super smoky."

"The food here was really good and came out quick."

Good to know

1

Home & Away is dog friendly and relaxed.

2

Parking can be a bit of a challenge.

3

There is a cover charge of $5 to $10 for pay-per-view fights.

07
Bonehead Burger Co. image 1
American restaurant

Open deck seating with fire pits and plant-adorned patio creates a warm vibe. Food offers fantastic flavors and welcomes dogs outdoors. TVs and draft beers add to the laid-back social scene with ample space for groups.

Food features fantastic flavors and wonderful quality. Outdoor dining welcomes dogs, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"Bri's friendly service made the burgers experience better."

"The burgers and tots here are amazing Date Spots."

"The food here is great, especially the burgers."

Good to know

1

The happy hour lasts until 8 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Street parking is available nearby, but paid parking is also an option.

3

The burger costs $13 for a 4 oz serving, which may be considered light by some.

08
Old Town Market image 1
Souvenir store

Market shines with authentic Mexican charm and vintage buildings. Food stalls serve delicious, affordable dishes amid lively scenes. Visitors enjoy live music and explore unique handmade crafts.

Authentic Mexican food offers a variety of delicious and reasonably priced options. Plenty of spots serve yummy dishes alongside drinks and souvenirs, creating a lively food scene.

People are saying

"You can learn about the area's history through its buildings."

"This market feels like stepping into Mexico with its vibrant culture."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find unless you pay for it.

2

Expect various events throughout the year, including concerts and celebrations.

3

The market features unique handmade items from local vendors.

09
Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant image 1

Historic hotel offers authentic vintage atmosphere with cozy rooms featuring copper tubs. Courtyard provides a quiet retreat amid lively surroundings. Nearby, find delicious dishes and unique desserts with drinks that perfectly complement the menu.

Food includes delicious dishes and unique desserts within walking distance. Drinks complement the menu well, and service matches the quality of the food.

People are saying

"It feels like stepping back in time with all this historic charm."

"The rooms were clean and comfortable."

"The food here is delicious and great."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served from 8 to 10 am daily.

2

The hotel offers a Happy Hour with limited offerings mostly on weekends.

3

The hotel is located in the heart of Old Town, close to shops and restaurants.

10
Coral Tree Tea House image 1

Historic Victorian house creates a quaint setting with delicious dishes and amazing teas. Warm atmosphere invites guests to relax on the peaceful front porch where dogs are welcome. Reservations ensure a leisurely afternoon perfect for gatherings.

Food includes delightful and delicious dishes paired with several amazing teas. The Afternoon Tea offers enough food for a full lunch, and the staff treats tea, food, and service with serious care.

People are saying

"The afternoon tea is delicious, plentiful, and beautifully presented."

"This historic home offers a memorable afternoon tea experience."

"The food was delightful, delicious, and plentiful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required and can only be made via phone call.

2

Parking spots are ample, making it easy to access the venue.

3

The high tea experience lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.

11
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Diego Old Town image 1

Outward-facing doors and a courtyard with a fountain give Old Town charm and a motel feel. Breakfast offers hot food and waffles in a clean dining area with great service. Outdoor patios and a pool with string lights create cozy gathering spaces amid a quiet day and noisy night.

Breakfast includes hot food, waffles, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, muffins, fruits, juice, and coffee served in a pristine dining area with excellent customer service.

People are saying

"The hotel staff's quick, caring actions made my stay amazing."

"The breakfast here is great and super convenient."

"The breakfast food here is awesome, especially the tender muffins."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $30 per night.

2

The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast from 6 to 9.

3

The location is within walking distance to Old Town attractions.

12
Tako image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi shines with unique rolls amid a live DJ and loud music. Playful decor and small tables create a fun, tight space. Energetic vibes make it perfect for celebrations and nights out.

Amazing food stands out with some of the most unique sushi available. The overall experience pairs great food with a lively nightclub vibe and a DJ.

People are saying

"This speakeasy's rolls have a Mexican flare with unique, flavorful combinations."

"The DJ played nothing but bangers, I was seat dancing!"

"The food here is hot, tasty, and surprisingly good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required unless you want to sit or stand at the bar.

2

There is street parking and nearby free lots.

3

If those parking options are full, I can park at the trolley lot and walk 6 minutes, or pay $8 to valet in the El Sueno lot.

13
Casa de Maria Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Charming patio dining creates a quiet atmosphere with live flute and saxophone music. Guests enjoy delicious tacos and margaritas in a cozy outdoor setting. Excellent Mexican dishes offer a wonderful variety with consistently great flavors.

Food features excellent Mexican dishes with consistently delicious flavors. The menu offers a wonderful variety that stands out for quality and taste.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the carne asada."

"I enjoyed the live music while I ate and drank."

"I highly recommend the surf n turf burrito; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect high prices; a meal can cost around $160 for five tacos and four cocktails.

2

There is a 4% surcharge for additional charges on the bill.

3

Live music occurs on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday.

14
El Mercadito image 1
Ice cream shop

Courtyard offers a fun vibe with live music and a large green area for relaxing. Mexican-style dishes come in big portions, perfect for sharing. Unique skeleton-themed decor adds character to this busy spot known for fresh churros.

Mexican-style food comes in big portions here. The dishes are good and often shared between two people.

People are saying

"I thought the churros here were the best I've ever had."

"The churro paired so well with the ice cream."

"The food here is good and served in generous portions."

Good to know

1

There can be a 10-minute wait sometimes.

2

There are free restrooms with changing facilities at the entrance to Fiesta de Reyes.

3

Each churro costs $4.50.

15
El Sueño image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients and great drinks. Spacious outdoor seating with space heaters keeps it cozy. Upstairs speakeasy offers a lively vibe and dancing, while the bar inside is well-stocked for a fun night.

Offers authentic Mexican cuisine with a contemporary touch using fresh ingredients. Food consistently impresses with quality and pairs well with great drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is really, really good."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, thanks to Maile's recommendations."

"The outdoor seating has a really pretty atmosphere and colorful decor."

Good to know

1

For Taco Tuesday, all appetizers and select tacos are 50% off.

2

The grilled fish tacos cost only $4 during happy hour.

3

Happy hour at El Sueño offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

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Old Town, San Diego

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