Located in the heart of San Diego's Old Town, the Old Town Mexican Cafe has been a staple for traditional Mexican cuisine since 1977. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious dishes for over 40 years, and its popularity endures due to its rich flavors, generous portions, and warm hospitality. In this article, we will delve into 12 secrets that make the Old Town Mexican Cafe a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and those looking for an authentic Mexican dining experience.
A Brief History of the Old Town Mexican Cafe
The Old Town Mexican Cafe was founded by the Gonzalez family, who brought with them their own secret recipes and cooking techniques from their hometown in Mexico. Over the years, the restaurant has expanded its menu to include a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and carne asada. The restaurant’s commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and time-honored cooking methods has earned it a loyal following among locals and tourists alike.
Secret 1: Handmade Tortillas
One of the secrets to the Old Town Mexican Cafe’s success lies in its handmade tortillas. The restaurant’s skilled tortilla makers craft each tortilla by hand, using a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations. The result is a tender, flavorful tortilla that is perfect for wrapping around the restaurant’s delicious fillings.
Secret 2: Slow-Cooked Meats
The Old Town Mexican Cafe is known for its slow-cooked meats, which are simmered in a rich, flavorful broth for hours to create tender, fall-apart texture. The restaurant’s carne asada, in particular, is a favorite among customers, with its rich, beefy flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Secret 3: Fresh, Locally Sourced Ingredients
The Old Town Mexican Cafe is committed to using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients in its dishes. The restaurant’s chefs work closely with local farmers to source the finest produce, meats, and dairy products, ensuring that every dish is not only delicious but also sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Secret 4: Traditional Cooking Methods
The Old Town Mexican Cafe is dedicated to preserving traditional Mexican cooking methods, including the use of comals and molcajetes. These ancient cooking vessels allow the restaurant’s chefs to prepare dishes in a way that is both authentic and flavorful, with a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate using modern cooking methods.
Secret 5: Secret Recipes
The Old Town Mexican Cafe has a number of secret recipes that have been passed down through generations of the Gonzalez family. These recipes, which include the restaurant’s famous salsa and guacamole, are closely guarded and only shared with a select few.
Secret 6: Family-Owned and Operated
The Old Town Mexican Cafe is a family-owned and operated business, with multiple generations of the Gonzalez family involved in the restaurant’s day-to-day operations. This family-owned approach ensures that the restaurant remains true to its roots and committed to serving up delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine.
Secret 7: Community Involvement
The Old Town Mexican Cafe is deeply involved in the local community, with the restaurant regularly hosting events and sponsoring local charities. The restaurant’s commitment to giving back to the community has earned it a loyal following among locals, who appreciate the restaurant’s dedication to making a positive impact.
Secret 8: Extensive Menu
The Old Town Mexican Cafe has an extensive menu that includes a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and carne asada. The restaurant also offers a number of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great destination for diners with dietary restrictions.
Secret 9: Full Bar
The Old Town Mexican Cafe has a full bar, with a wide selection of cocktails, beers, and wines. The restaurant’s margaritas are a particular favorite among customers, with their perfect blend of tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar.
Secret 10: Live Music and Entertainment
The Old Town Mexican Cafe regularly hosts live music and entertainment, including traditional Mexican music and dance performances. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and vibrant entertainment options make it a great destination for families, couples, and groups of friends.
Secret 11: Outdoor Seating
The Old Town Mexican Cafe has a beautiful outdoor seating area, with plenty of tables and chairs where diners can enjoy their meals in the fresh air. The restaurant’s outdoor seating area is particularly popular during the summer months, when the warm weather and stunning views of the surrounding countryside make for a perfect dining experience.
Secret 12: Catering and Events
The Old Town Mexican Cafe offers catering and events services, making it a great destination for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. The restaurant’s experienced event planners work closely with clients to create customized menus and event packages that meet their unique needs and budget.
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Tacos | $12-$15 |
| Enchiladas | $15-$18 |
| Carne Asada | $20-$25 |
What is the history of the Old Town Mexican Cafe?
+The Old Town Mexican Cafe was founded by the Gonzalez family in 1977, with a commitment to serving up traditional Mexican cuisine using only the freshest ingredients and time-honored cooking methods.
What makes the Old Town Mexican Cafe’s tortillas so special?
+The Old Town Mexican Cafe’s tortillas are handmade by skilled tortilla makers using a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations. The result is a tender, flavorful tortilla that is perfect for wrapping around the restaurant’s delicious fillings.
Does the Old Town Mexican Cafe offer catering and events services?
+Yes, the Old Town Mexican Cafe offers catering and events services, making it a great destination for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. The restaurant’s experienced event planners work closely with clients to create customized menus and event packages that meet their unique needs and budget.
