Old Town Mexican Cafe

07/31/09

It appeals to tourists...

by CSMobileUser at Citysearch

That's the only reason this place is in business. Anyone remotely familiar with mexican food will find this place mediocre. The service is awful, the wait is not worth it.

07/30/09

Why anyone goes here is a mystery

by sd103 at Citysearch

First of all, remember where you are. This restaurant is in old town and caters mainly to out-of-towners who probably won't be back soon. The service is absolutely terrible and the long waits are not worth it for the quality and taste of the food. Take it from a local, if you're looking for good mexican there are lots of other places besides this.

• Pros: Old Town kitsch
• Cons: Terrible service, long waits, average food

06/09/08

Outstanding Mexican Food; brave the crowds, it's worth it!

by TheBestCritic at Citysearch

My wife and I were visiting from Houston, TX, and we actually felt we'd be dissappointed coming from a state who's Mexican food is the best in the land. However, we were greatly suprised with OTMC!!

The tortillas are fabulous and served too hot to handle, Texas could learn a lesson from these babies. We had guacomole and ceviche as starters and both were outstanding. Having been to El Agave two nights before where the avacodos were hard as green pears, we were concerned but ordered anyway. It couldn't have been better! The ceviche was very good, but not excellent. It contained only white fish (like the munu stated), but had great flavor and plenty of fish, unlike those that try to strech it by adding too much tomatoes and onion.

My wife designed her own plate with a chicken enchallida, a cheese enchallida, and a tostado. She was extremely impressed and didn't leave a morsel. I had the carnitas platter; unlike Texas carnitas it didn't have any sauce served on it, but the pork as tasty as it was.

After two margaritas each and the meal described above we walked out for $65 (including tip), feeling we had just finished a meal fit for a "Mexican" king. Two nights before we left El Agave with a $144 tab, and not nearly as impressed with the food quality.

Again, this comes from a couple of Texan's who eat Mexican food in restaurants at least 3 times a week. Next time in San Diego, we'll have OTMC on our agenda for a couple of nights.

• Pros: Food, Service, Value for Money
• Cons: Parking, Wait, Noisy