Good Mexican restaurants in Old Town? (El Cajon, Mission Hills: husband, interest, atmosphere)

[Encinitan]

Originally Posted by skeke

I loved Casa de Bandini when it was part of Old Town. I still miss Tres Hermanas in Sacramento. Mole sauce to die for.

Make the drive up to Carlsbad (south Carlsbad at that!). It's worth it. Bandini is top notch, even if it is a bit industrialized and mass produced compared to smaller joints.

[bloom]

Originally Posted by Encinitan

Make the drive up to Carlsbad (south Carlsbad at that!). It's worth it. Bandini is top notch, even if it is a bit industrialized and mass produced compared to smaller joints.

The OP's question was specifically about Old Town not Carlsbad or Las Olas.

[Encinitan]

Originally Posted by bloom

The OP's question was specifically about Old Town not Carlsbad or Las Olas.

I'm sure you noticed, but I wasn't replying to the OP. I was replying to Skeke who said how much he (she?)liked Casa de Bandini. I thought I'd be, you know, helpful and constructive instead of a prickly know-it-all jerk. Nice try, though.

[littlewheels]

I can't believe no one mentioned Casa de Reyes, sure it screams "I'm a tourist!," but it has a great atmosphere. Mostly outdoor seating, pretty darn good food and not too espensive. If you are lucky, you'll catch some dancers on the stage or a Mariachi band playing to the crowd. Margaritas are delish and it's just a good time all around.

Try it!

[bloom]

Originally Posted by Encinitan

I'm sure you noticed, but I wasn't replying to the OP. I was replying to Skeke who said how much he (she?)liked Casa de Bandini. I thought I'd be, you know, helpful and constructive instead of a prickly know-it-all jerk. Nice try, though.

You win this time except for your resorting to name calling.

[socketz]

Old Town Mexican Cafe is pretty good: Old Town Mexican Cafe | Home

I used to work in old town and we ate there alot. Good service and much better than average food.

Casa De Bandini was ok, but very commercial. The environment and huge Margaritas were what rocked at this place when it was around.

There is of course better Mexican food in SD, but Old Town Mexican is a respectable place.

[MAK802]

I realize there are better Mexican places, as I mentioned in my OP. I specifically asked for Old Town, because that's where we wanted to go on Cinco de Mayo and it's not an area we usually go to unless we have visitors. It has come and gone and we took cruitr and Gentoo's advice and went to Rockin Baja, which was pretty good actually. No need to argue over which Mexican place is best in SD, I'm sure we all have our opinions! I just wanted a rec for Old Town.

[DubHaze]

SKIP Old Town Mex Cafe... we have given it a couple chances and always end up on the toilet right after. I had horrible service the first time we were there, second time was better but it's just not worth the hype. Like everyone else pretty much said, Old Town is a tourist spot (Like seaport village) and the food just isn't great... good for a drink tho! Rancho's in North park is pretty decent, and El Zarape in university Heights is usually always busy!!!... I'm still looking for a GREAT mexican place that is a little more sit down... we really like the cheap eats though like Taco Surf and even Marisco's Taco Truck off of El Cajon. try Taco surf for there Tues/Thurs 1.50 tacos

[hanna_house]

In Old Town my husband and I really enjoy Casa Guadalajara. We liked the atmosphere and the food was tasty too! We also like Lucha Libre's, a hip little taco shop with some very interesting decor, but that's technically in Mission Hills.

[PHItoLAX]

I've always enjoyed El Agave. The mole sauce is pretty good there. Also, nothing wrong with eating where the walls are practically made of tequila (over 2,000 different varieties there I believe).