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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Old Town

Mexican food spots

A craving for a full meal calls for the specific flavors of Mexican cuisine.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Flor's Farm to Table image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with open market seating and plenty of outdoor patio space creates a chill, cozy atmosphere. Shared seating in a food hall setting offers a casual vibe with some quieter indoor tables. Energy stays relaxed, making it suitable for quick, quiet 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.

Grilled snapper taco offers fresh, crispy flavors wrapped in a perfect flour tortilla. Sopes and street tacos deliver authentic, delicious Mexican tastes, while the guava margarita with hibiscus rim complements the meal well.

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 Mexican torta spot with a no-frills setup and bold flavors offers a cozy, friendly atmosphere away from big crowds. Limited seating encourages quick snacks or takeaway, attracting a local, authentic vibe. Lines form regularly, reflecting steady demand for its affordable, flavorful food.

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.

Small spot serves handmade tamales and flavorful tortas with fresh veggies and a good kick. Shrimp tostadas and Mexican hot dogs stand out as tasty options for quick bites.

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
Old Town Urban Market image 1

Food court with colorful murals and cozy seating offers a festive atmosphere filled with upbeat vibes and good music. Open areas accommodate families while pop-up shops and a DJ add energy on weekends. The space combines varied cuisines and ample seating, making it lively and inviting for diverse groups.

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

Red snapper tacos stand out with fresh, made-to-order quality. Birria tacos come with bone marrow to spread on top. Corn cups and elote pancakes add a tasty twist to traditional Mexican dishes.

People are saying

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

"I found the food to be amazing."

"You have to try the red snapper tacos; they're the best Mexican food ever."

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.

04
Home & Away image 1
Sports bar

Sports bar features huge outdoor screen and numerous indoor TVs with loud game audio creating an energetic atmosphere. Outdoor seating under the stars offers a dog-friendly and lively environment. The space fills up during football season with fans enjoying pumping music and multiple viewing angles.

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.

Tacos stand out with perfect spice and phenomenal flavor. Burritos come loaded, especially the Spicy surf and turf variety. Taco Tuesday specials offer great deals and tasty options.

People are saying

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

"Their tacos are phenomenal, especially the barbecue ones."

"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.

05
BW Hacienda Hotel Old Town image 1

Outdoor areas include a popular pool and hot tub suitable for families. The bar offers delicious margaritas and a breakfast buffet starting early. The setting features 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.

Tortillas stand out as the best here, paired with great margaritas. The menu includes classic dishes like chilaquiles and beans, with some flexibility to serve items like chimichangas even if not listed.

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.

06
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Breakfast restaurant

Garden-style seating overlooks a river, creating a spacious outdoor setting with a warm, rustic-modern vibe. Soft jazz music plays, enhancing a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. The place feels well run and comfortable, offering breakfast all day in a clean, beautifully decorated space.

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

Fish tacos stand out with crispiness, freshness, and balanced sauce. Chilaquiles offer a tasty, authentic touch, while burritos and quesadillas deliver strong, flavorful Mexican dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

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

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, was delicious."

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.

07
Old Town Market image 1
Souvenir store

Market features vintage buildings and authentic Mexican charm with live music and traditional performances. Atmosphere feels lively and colorful, reflecting rich history and culture. Visitors explore unique handmade crafts and enjoy vibrant street scenes.

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.

Tamales stand out as a delicious option. Mexican food here offers a solid, flavorful experience.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic."

"I tried the Mexican food and it was delicious."

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.

08
Casa de Maria Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Charming patio dining offers a quiet, pleasant atmosphere with live music featuring flutes and saxophone enhancing the experience. Outdoor seating creates a cozy, open-air vibe where guests enjoy delicious tacos and margaritas.

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

Sizzling fajitas arrive on a hot plate with fresh corn tortillas. The grilled Mahi Mahi tacos are filling and flavorful, paired well with chips and salsa served right away.

People are saying

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

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

"Joel's service made our Mexican food experience amazing."

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.

09
El Sueño image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a spacious outdoor area with space heaters and a well-stocked bar inside. The atmosphere combines good music with a lively vibe, especially in the upstairs speakeasy bar where dancing happens. Tables are often close together, creating a crowded but energetic setting.

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

Tacos stand out with birria, Tacos al Pastor, and grilled chicken options that are flavorful and tender. Enchiladas come large with suiza sauce and generous chicken portions, paired with hot red salsa and creamy jalapeño salsa for added spice.

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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