Continuing with San Diego's summer suppers (last week's was modern Starlite), I bring you a classic 2-fer: Casa Guadalajara and Cafe Coyote in Old Town, San Diego. Just in case you didn't know, Old Town's Bazaar del Mundo is known as "The Birthplace of California". When the hand model and I visited a couple weeks ago, he felt the need to remind us on the half of every hour – and I'm pretty sure Casa Guadalajara's gigantes margaritas had a thing or 2 to do with it. (One would think that Cafe Coyotes' silky, greasy-in-all-the-right-ways homemade Tortillas 'n Guacamole would've remedied that tequila-induced spout of Tourette's – unfortunately not.)
Walking into the Bazaar del Mundo, a mariachi band greets you on center stage while shops loaded with traditional Mexican goods line either side. Straight ahead is Casa Guadalajara's hostess stand with a beautiful open air patio behind to enjoy the music outside. Cafe Coyote, on the other hand, is located outside the Bazaar, on the main strip. Make sure to allow yourself 2-3 hours to take in all the charm Old Town San Diego has to offer.
The Grubdown:
Casa Guadalajara
- fit for three, ridiculously oversized, if you can imagine it still could have been stronger La Natural Margarita with Fresh Lime Juice, Lemon Juice, Agave Nectar, Triple Sec, and Hornitos Silver $35 (yes, it's true)
Cafe Coyote
- greasy, dense, not fluffy, yet still soul satisfying Housemade Tortillas ~ $3
- everyone must order this, so rich & bountiful not even three people could finish it Concha of Guacamole made with freshly mashed Haas Avocados $7.95
- tamale was hard, chicken was overcooked, but Beef Taco was juicy 'n tender Dos Combination with Rojo Beef Tamale, Enchilada Suiza, and Beef Taco $11.95
Casa Guadalajara Cafe Coyote
4105 Taylor Street 2461 San Diego Avenue
San Diego, CA 92110 San Diego, CA 92110
619-295-5111 619-291-4695
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