Cafe Coyote

Mexican restaurant · San Diego

Cafe Coyote

Mexican restaurant · San Diego

5

2461 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110

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Cafe Coyote by Deanna Sandoval
Cafe Coyote by Deanna Sandoval
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Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
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Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
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Cafe Coyote by null
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Cafe Coyote by null
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Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
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Cafe Coyote by null
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Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null
Cafe Coyote by null

Highlights

Handmade tortillas, 100 tequilas, lively mariachi music & festive setting  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured on Michelin
Featured in Eater

2461 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110 Get directions

cafecoyoteoldtown.com
@cafecoyoteoldtown

$20–30 · Menu

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2461 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110 Get directions

+1 619 291 4695
cafecoyoteoldtown.com
@cafecoyoteoldtown
𝕏
@cafecoyote

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Sep 13, 2025

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@infatuation

The 10 Best Breakfast Spots In San Diego 2024 - San Diego - The Infatuation

"For over two decades, Cafe Coyote has been an Old Town legend, with an excellent breakfast burrito and the famous tortilla ladies, who knead, roll, and sling tortillas all day long. These piping hot, soft-and-sturdy shells are used for many of the restaurant’s dishes, and can also be bought separately to take home. The breakfast highlight is the Machaca Burrito filled with shredded beef, eggs scrambled with peppers and onion, and melted cheese holding everything together like the eldest sibling. They also have a vast tequila collection—if you want a boozy morning, get the Coyote margarita, which is basically a tequila sunrise punched up with pineapple juice." - sabrina medora

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-diego/guides/best-breakfast-san-diego
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@infatuation

Cafe Coyote - Review - Old Town - San Diego - The Infatuation

"For over two decades, Cafe Coyote has been an Old Town legend, with an excellent breakfast burrito and the famous tortilla ladies, who knead, roll, and sling tortillas all day long. These piping hot, soft-and-sturdy shells are used for many of the restaurant’s dishes, and can also be bought separately to take home. The breakfast highlight is the Machaca Burrito filled with shredded beef, eggs scrambled with peppers and onion, and melted cheese holding everything together like the eldest sibling. They also have a vast tequila collection—if you want a boozy morning, get the Coyote margarita, which is basically a tequila sunrise punched up with pineapple juice." - Sabrina Medora

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-diego/reviews/cafe-coyote
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@michelinguide

Along the Inspector Trail: San Diego

"Vibrant and festive, this 12-acre expanse is the ideal place for Mexican plates at Cafe Coyote, with traditional south-of-the-border cuisine and a notable selection of tequilas." - MICHELIN Inspectors

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/travel/san-diego-guide-food-bakeries-bars-dessert
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@eater

63 San Diego Restaurants, Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries Offering Booze To-Go | Eater San Diego

"Cafe Coyote is offering to-go margaritas and bloody marys in addition to beer, wine and their extensive food options. Order online here for curbside pickup." - Kelly Bone

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/san-diego-restaurants-wineries-breweries-distilleries-wine-cocktails-beer-takeout-delivery
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@jascafe

at old town san diego, and you can get fresh tortillas to go (make sure you have coins!)

Fave Spots near Soma San Diego
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carmen garcia

Google
Recommend by two locals and it was the best choice I made. The food, services, and atmosphere were 10/10. Our server was the sweetest, she took her time to give us details about our dishes as well as give us recommendations. All the dishes were well presented, very flavorful and with plenty of food. We were very impressed and we are looking forward to coming back.

Markus “markobear1”

Google
**********3 Happy Howls for Cafe Coyote******** I've been coming here for years and Cafe Coyote always satisfies on all levels Service is always the best. Always friendly and efficient but never hovering. Food arrives quickly and extra tortillas---No Problemo! Atmosphere is festive and street side seating always provides for a great vibe in Old Town. *Street side, fresh-made tortillas are the absolute best!!!!!!!!! The food is predictably delicious. Favorites include the queso fundido, the guac ( of course) and salads. I am certain, everything is just as tasty. Prices are reasonable for the quality of the food, service and fun vibe. Handicap doable and recommended. Final Take---- The best and definitely the funnest in the SD area. Highly Recommended-----Vamos!!

Alicia Gonzalez

Google
We went to have dinner here for the 3rd time, we love the ambiance and the food. Our server was 1000/10 she was very polite and came about 3 times to ask us if we needed something. They make fresh flour tortillas. We love this place and will come back.

Jim Mayorga

Google
We had a good experience for our first time here. Out waiter was very attentive and made my daughters bday dinner celebration special with a surprise flan. Food came out quick and tasted great. The hand made tortillas were incredible. Highly recommend this place

Nate Ulsh

Google
Came for a late lunch and preliminary impressed with how busy and nice the restaurant was. No wait time and ambiance was nice, clean establishment and amicable staff. Unfortunately the food and drinks were subpar. The Moscow mule I ordered did not taste like a Moscow mule, tasted flat and flavor was off like a tamarind subsitute. The barbacoa (burrito) was okay, meat was moist but beans were salty and the rice was just rice. Seats were cramped and not enough room on one table for 4 people. I know the owners are battling to seat as many people as possible but it does affect the quality of dining as the person sitting behind me kept hitting me seat with theirs. Guacamole was okay. Service was good but felt rushed.

Tianna Keeler

Google
Seriously delicious food with thoughtful and impeccable service. Aidé made our experience amazing for us traveling parents with a toddler! She made excellent recommendations on our margarita (We got the “perfect for two”) and meals (Carnitas plate was drool worthy!). The food came out incredibly fast, and we ended with a warm churro far better than Disney! Thank you so much to the awesome staff at Cafe Coyote for a wonderful time. Would recommend to anyone visiting San Diego!

Tamara Knapp

Google
Loved our visit to Café Coyote! We sat outside and got to watch fresh tortillas being made right there—$10 for a dozen and totally worth it, they were excellent. The food was incredible—the California burrito still makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Chips and salsa were fresh and tasty, and the huevos rancheros were delicious. Tons of seating options—inside, patio, and sidewalk—and the service was quick and friendly. Oh, and the margaritas? So good. I may even fly back to California just to go here!

Aaron Palusso

Google
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cafe Coyote is such a fun spot for great Mexican food! The tacos were delicious and full of flavor, and the drinks really hit the spot. I especially loved the al pastor tacos – perfectly seasoned and cooked just right. The atmosphere is lively, and it’s a great place to hang out with friends or family. Definitely a must-visit if you’re looking for tasty, authentic food and a good time.

Alma L.

Yelp
Pozole is delicious! Pollo a la crema was bussin as heck!! Definitely recommend it. The homemade tortillas are a must! So FREAKING amazing please come and get food from here!! The strawberry lemonade is amazing this is such a good experience come and try!!!!! Angela was amazing!
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Molly A.

Yelp
Had a great time at Cafe Coyote. The ambiance and music was lively and fun! I ordered the steak tacos and large margarita. We had an order of chips and salsa which was just as good. The rice was a little cold, but I still ate it. which is the only reason I gave it 4 stars. Service was great!
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Stephanie H.

Yelp
Food- 7/10. If you like authentic mexican food this is not it. But it's not bad. The handmade tortillas however had no flavor at all. Slightly disappointing however the drinks alone would make me come back. The mango smoothie was chefs kiss. Service- awesome. Our server was great and everyone was friendly. We got seated quickly and were checked on through the meal. (On a Saturday during lunch) Ambiance- great spot, in old town so much to see and to do. We got seated outside which elevated the experience.
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Neil Arden D.

Yelp
(SD Old Town) Food: Carne Asada Tacos (7/10) Two corn tortillas filled with chopped carne asada. Topped with guacamole and salsa fresca. the meat was delicious. The tortilla however was very soggy and falling apart. Mexican rice was a little bland and the queso seco with beans was okay. Baja Style Fish Tacos (6.5/10) Fried battered fish fillets. Topped with cabbage, jalapeño white sauce and salsa fresca. This dish is a bit bland and lacked flavor. The coleslaw was bland and the fish needed more salt/seasoning Chamango Margarita (7.5/10) Our refreshing Mango Margarita mixed with Chamoy Sauce. Served in a Tajin Rim Glass and topped with a Tamarind Chile Treat. This drink was delicious but it tastes more like a smoothie than a margarita. I could barely taste any alcohol Setting: 2 stories high with plenty of sitting indoor/outdoor. Very busy. Might need reservations to be safe. Really loved the decorations with the Mexican theme. There's no restaurant like this that I've seen. There are a few stations where you can see the staff hand making the tortillas. Overall this is why you should visit the place not necessarily for the food Service: the server was nice when taking our orders. Unfortunately we got zero service throughout, never got asked if we want more water or anything. Only other service we got was when we got our check Price: it's pricy. Only go here for the vibes and setting Parking: we walked here from our hotel but there are side street parking
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Maria S.

Yelp
Delicious home made flour tortillas, that you can also watch be made, friendly fast service, beautifully decorated with a couple of guitarist available to play you music. The food was amazing! We would definitely stop by again when in town!
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Analiea M.

Yelp
I've been coming here for years now and it's a place I never miss when in SD. It's located right in Old Town, and they are known for the fresh tortillas and giant margaritas. It was a pretty busy day since it was a Sunday but we got seated pretty fast. We got the menudo and a beef enchilada on the side. The menudo is amazing, so much flavor. We didn't notice there was little to no meat in the smaller serving which was kind of disappointing. We also got the Puerto Vallarta which is a shrimp enchilada, a shrimp taco and rice and beans. The shrimp enchiladas were packed with shrimp. The beans are very tasty the rice on the other hand is a bit dry. Theres also a crystal store that has been here for quite some time, It's located toward the back of the store and it's just another fun thing to explore in Old Town. It's a very family friendly environment. Great for brunch or lunch.
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Jason B.

Yelp
A regular for Old Town goers, The Coyote Cafe has it all. Great atmosphere, good music and vibes, excellent drinks and appetizers, very friendly staff, and pretty reasonable prices too! We went in for just a couple of drinks and some chips and guacamole. Their Chamango Margarita was really tasty, and their house Margarita wasn't bad either. The chips and salsa are delicious, and the fresh made chunky guacamole served in a taco shell is next level. We ended up ordering dinner too: chili relleno, and some carne asada tacos. The chili relleno was great, but I was not super impressed with the tacos. The beef was not as flavorful as I would have expected. Regardless, this will be a stop whenever I come to Old Town, just for the ambiance and the vibe.
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Ann C.

Yelp
Located in Old Town Pasadena... cute resto with patio and inside seating. Our server Kennedy was great! So attentive even though it was super busy. Good vibes and it was very busy for a Monday. Food was good. We didn't get any alcohol except beer but others looked like thru were enjoying it. Parking is streetside or a small lot at the back. Restroom way at the back of the restaurant. I'd come here again.
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Susan L.

Yelp
Cafe Coyote is a HUGE open restaurant. There are indoor, outdoor and patio seating. It's a popular restaurant in Old Town San Diego. The staff are friendly and attentive. My husband and I enjoyed the chips n salsa, and guacamole as a starter. We loved the authentic flavors of Mexico. I had their combo plate with carne asada, carnitas and chicken enchiladas. It was very satisfying. My husband dined on their fish tacos and said it very fresh and delicious. I ordered their regular sized Cadillac Margarita. It was served in a BIG glass. I had to use two hands to drink it... LOL... Note, they have a larger size available if you're extra thirsty. I highly recommend this restaurant.
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Adeline S.

Yelp
The sampler plate was super good, perfect for those as indecisive as me. The margaritas were huge but def was strong. We had a happy hour with some coworkers who are from out of town and cafe coyote was the perfect place to bring them! Service was quick and helpful and the place is def great for friends, families, tourists, etc.
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Ashley D.

Yelp
I've been visiting Cafe Coyote for years. The food was always good and dependable. The real highlight was the freshly made tortillas and being able to buy some on the street as you walk around Old Town. My last visit, I definitely felt that the food was not as it once was. The flavors were not the same. We also ordered an appetizer of guacamole, which they happily can make without either tomatoes or onion. We elected for no tomato. Unfortunately there was no flavor other than avocado. There was no lime, salt, onion, nothing else. It was a great portion, but I was bummed. The enchiladas are pretty solid. I chose to try the chile rellanos, they were fine, but nothing special. Service I feel has gone downhill. It was very hard to get refills of water. I would have been happy to order iced tea, but they only serve pre-made soda fountain tea. The best part of the meal really is the tortillas and if you choose a margarita. Other than that, it's pretty standard.
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Kevin T.

Yelp
Heard about this place and decided to stop to spend some time in Old Town San Diego. Such a fun vibe on a Saturday night, super lively and full of energy. I loved the interior and how the space feels like an old house. Even though it was incredibly busy, we didn't have to wait for a table. We got a margarita flight, the Sol y Mar combination plate, and the shrimp fajitas. The margarita flight was good, definitely a strong pour and fun to sample all the different flavors. The Sol y Mar plate was solid. The steak was flavorful and the garlic butter sauce it came with was delicious. The shrimp was juicy and well seasoned. The enchilada was just okay as the chicken inside was a bit dry. The famous handmade tortilla was fine, a little thick for me. My partner really liked his shrimp fajitas, especially the fresh and flavorful veggies that came with it. It's easy to see why this place is loved by both locals and tourists. Definitely worth checking out if you're visiting Old Town.
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Adam C.

Yelp
Super busy, super loud, but one of, if not the best Mexican restaurants I've eaten at! Definitely a must stop if you're in the area. But a little tip, if someone comes to your table and offers to take photos of you and your party, say no. All the food I ate here was high quality and tasted fantastic and fresh. The chips were thick and tasted homemade and the salsa had a nice little kick to it without being overly hot or spicy. My chicken fajitas were unbelievably delicious. The chunks of chicken were large, they had an amazing flavor, and they were super moist. The flour tortillas also tasted like something that was homemade and very fresh rather than that store bought taste you sometimes feel like you get when you eat out. I devoured my entire meal, or at least as much as I could eat. The sides of rice and beans seemed enormous! Mom really enjoyed her carne asada and shrimp. We talked about how good the dinner was multiple times afterwards. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was one of the employees going around to each table and offering to take a few photos of everyone and that it was free. We said sure and they snapped a few. Halfway through our meal the person came back and hands us a tiny wallet sized picture which was the "free" picture, and then proceeded to show us the other photos they took of us on this little photo holder but that of course costs money. The thing is, the pictures they took of us were just plain bad. Low quality and low effort. After we declined, I just used my mom's phone and took a few pictures of us at the table to commemorate our time there. While I get that some people may like to have that kind of photo souvenir from eating here, the least they could is be honest from the start. Just approach the table and offer to take photos of everyone but that if we'd like prints it will cost extra. Don't say the pictures are free and then come back with a tiny pixelated print that's washed out and over exposed and then try to sell us normal sized photos. It felt like predatory behavior trying to milk more money out of us while we were enjoying our meal. The food was amazing, no question about it. But I did not enjoy the whole picture racket they had going on. Yes I would recommend eating here but if someone show up at your table offering to take photos of you and your party at the table, just say no. They'll come back with the pictures in a fancy sleeve and want more money from you.
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Angelene C.

Yelp
Lovely establishment located in Old Town San Diego. It was Monday night, and we were sat right away. I chose outside seating because it was a nice night and our server Kennedy was there promptly to take our order and answer any questions we had. I ended up getting the "El Rey" plate because I wanted variety - and this had it all. Carnitas, carne asada, an enchilada PLUS rice, beans, guac, and sour cream. It was great. I didn't get one, but I loved the big margarita cups, they were so cute! Overall, we had a wonderful experience for our first time here. My friend recommended this place to bring my family visiting from out of town. Bathrooms are in the very back of the restaurant.
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Katie A.

Yelp
Had the best time coming in here ! I love the service from the moment we came in we were treated with kindness. Our waitress Aide is so sweet and funny and made everything enjoyable ! Food was a 10/10 !
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Cristina A.

Yelp
I've been eating at Cafe Coyote for ten years and they consistently serve the best chicken enchiladas I've tried. Their stewed chicken is so savory and flavorful, I can't help but finish my plate every time. When I visit, I also like to order some guacamole, churros, and homemade flour tortillas to go. In a city like San Diego, good Mexican restaurants are in abundance. Personally, the atmosphere and nostalgia of Cafe Coyote is what brings me back every time I'm in town.
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Anita M.

Yelp
Pretty good spot overall. I made a reservation online with a special note that it was my partner's birthday. We got up to the restaurant. I told the host I made a reservation but she didn't check the tablet. Since there were tables open anyways we got sat somewhere. Though I was also kinda hoping she would check the tablet to see the birthday note. Our server Oscar was nice. He rang up an extra entree so we were confused when it came out but they fixed it. We reminded him about napkins a couple times. The food was good and came how we ordered. I think there was too much sauce in on enchiladas for my preference. The menu has a wide variety of items. I do wish the drinks came before the food but they all came at the same time. The ambiance is very inviting and colorful. There's a ton of seating in and outside as well as private rooms.
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Brooke N.

Yelp
Just what you need! The food was good but the service was amazing. I came with a party of 15+ and our waiter managed everything so smoothly! Our food came out quickly and fresh. I wish we could've had better views but because our party was so large we were placed in a room. The room was nice and worked out so we didn't need to yell over the noise. Heads up, the bill can only be split 3 ways. There is also a band that came by to play for tips and a photographer comes by to take pictures.
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Danielle R.

Yelp
Night out with the girls! Great service, food and drinks! We are looking forward to coming back.
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Melissa M.

Yelp
This is more of a 3.5. Service is quick. Although busy, they can accommodate a large amount of people as they have seating EVERYWHERE! Up, down, left, right...they have a table for YOU! I saw some previous reviews that spoke to the service not being up to par... it our server was attentive and gracious. No problems there The food...hmmm...it is ok. The free chips and salsa are not that great. The chips were hard...i mean cardboard-ish hard and the salsa...i know plenty use canned tomato...but at least try to hide it. Nonetheless...they are free so I really can't complain...it will hold you over till you get your food. We ordered guacamole...it tasted old :( we also ordered the chile relleno, steak, and enchilada suiza. The enchilada suiza was a bit on the heavier side....so so much cheese. The steak and the chile relleno was good! Just the red sauce again tasted like canned tomatoes. Would I come here again? Yes...if I couldn't find a table elsewhere.
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Chelsea B.

Yelp
Soooooooooo good! Everything was amazing. The beef in the enchiladas was flavorful, juicy, and well seasoned. The carne Asada fries were bomb! Got the large margarita and it was HUGE. The dining is outdoors and indoors. Beautiful location with awesome service. Parking is free the lot is 4 minute walk. Came here on a Thursday and it was pack but they got us a table right away.
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Jordan W.

Yelp
Took my team to Cafe Coyote for lunch yesterday. Really enjoyed our experience. 7 of us total and nobody ordered the same dish. I enjoyed chicken enchiladas with red sauce and they were very well done. The chips and salsa were very good - ate too many of course! Our server was fast and attentive, refills were fast, and everything was just as ordered. Super fun vibe with multiple seating areas and vibrant colors. Parking is terrible but that's all if Old Town SD so no fault of the restaurant.
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Meeks C.

Yelp
Been to Cafe Coyote a few times and it's not lost its touch. The tortillas are so good and made fresh to order. The food is also good and there are many options to choose from. Our waitress was very nice on our last visit and got everything we ordered. The restaurant is huge and taken care of. It's always been clean and it's cool that they have shops in it. Great job cafe coyote!
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Chelsey M.

Yelp
Loved everything about this place the music the food and the culture. I love how big it is and plenty of seating. We went for Mother's Day brunch and it did not disappoint. The service was a little so so but I imagine it was because it was busts we were seated in a room and forgotten about a few times where we had to ask for a bust boy or passing waitress to get our server. However overall loved it! The homemade tortillas were the best part of the fajitas!!!! They even provided a free Mother's Day photo or you could buy the big prints for 1-$25 or 2 for $40 In my opinion that's a bit much for photos of dining haha maybe 1-$10 or 2- for $15 that way they still make money and you get a cute keepsake
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Tracey K.

Yelp
Been coming here for over 20 years every trip we make out to SD! Food is always good! They have a great food and drink menu. I love the carnitas! This trip I tried a protein bowl with carnitas..chef kiss! My husband got the Puerto Viarto meal. Quick service. Lots of seating. Worth the weigh that is normally quick.
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Daniele F.

Yelp
Tony's service was genuinely kind, efficient, and with a smile. He brought us our tasty taquitos, menudo, pancakes, and chorizo and eggs, oh, and our Bloody Mary!! This is another place we visit when we come to San Diego. We love the colors, the sounds, and the friendliness of the restaurants and old town everyday.
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Trinh T.

Yelp
Food: I had the chicken chipotle flautas plate and they were great--super crispy (which I love), cheesy, and everything on the plate just worked really well together. We also had complementary chips and salsa--the chips tasted fresh and weren't overly salty, and the salsa had a nice kick without being too spicy. Portions are pretty big and really tasty! Service: The staff was really nice--helpful, patient, and kept things moving even with how busy it was. Ambiance: It's a lively spot, definitely popular. We made a reservation, which helped. Expect a fun atmosphere--there might even be someone coming around offering to play guitar at your table. It is very decorated as well and adds to the vibe. Overall, a busy but upbeat and enjoyable experience.
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Jack L.

Yelp
If you've never been to Cafe Coyote, can you say've been to Old Town San Diego? A staple here and definitely a cool place to be, at the heart of the hustle and bustle. Come here for the vibes and margaritas, not the food. Service was great, but I was really disappointed with how my food tasted. The carne asada was tough and bland. The rice was soggy, and my eggs were overcooked. Overall just not great food.
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Joseph T.

Yelp
Ambiance was nice 5/5 Drinks selection 5/5 Service today 2/5, we sat down and waited about 14 mins before we were greeted and ordered our drinks, apps, entrees all at once because we were so ready. Food was 4.5/5 The server did apologized to us for coming to us after taking so long.... I thought of getting up to leave but really wanted my wife to try the food here and the tortillas that were hand made. Food comes with a hefty price to fair.... Depends what you order... They also have kids menu, and it doesn't not taste bad for the kids. I mean for some reason, anywhere you go, after you shop, every vendor in town hands you a card to come eat here to get a free appetizer, which was a bean cheese chorizo dip with chips. It was pretty decent actually.... Like the Frito can dip but the real thing.
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Brittney W.

Yelp
Came here since the resort I stayed at gave us a coupon for a complimentary appetizer. First...the place is HUGE! I sat towards the front but the restrooms were all the way in the back and there was sooooooo much seating space back there. Started with the standard chips and salsa. It was ok. The tortilla chips are not the best i e ever had hit they worked. I only had a shrimp taco and it was ok. The creamy sauce on top was a new twist that I've never experienced My watermelon mocktail was YUMMY! My parents had the beef and chicken tacos and thought they were yummy. Personally the best part was the gentleman coming around to play their guitars. Overall, I will definitely be back when I'm hungrier.
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Nikkomae S.

Yelp
It was our last day in San Diego and we decided to have our last meal at Old Town and decided to try out cafe coyote for a late lunch. This restaurant was popping and was very busy. Honestly for the amount of guest they had, they were quick and very efficient. I'm not sure what the difference is between the cantina and the cafe but I know they are one of the same. This restaurant is huge. It goes all the way to the back where they have rooms for larger parties which I thought was amazing and very considerate. Honestly their line didn't end. There were always people waiting to dine. On to our experience with our server Ana. Once we were seated, we got some chips and salsa right away which btw was so good. Our server refilled it twice and gave us a taste of their spicy salsa as well. All I can say is shoutout to Ana. She was very attentive and would swing by every a couple of mins or so to check on us to make sure we had everything we needed. She was very personable and someone you can joke with. That's what you really want for a server is someone you can have conversations with and have some personality and Ana was just fun and always had a smile on her face. What we ordered: Lobster plate (MP): this was on the pricier side but was well worth it. It was very tasty and my god did it have a lot of lobster meat. Also Idk what they do to their butter but it was so good and not overwhelming. It had a perfect taste of lemon and definitely wasn't oily. My boyfriend ordered some carne asada tacos which was very delicious and was really good per my boyfriend's comment. I also got their original 16oz margarita blended with patron and I pretty much destroyed that drink lol. This restaurant is very engaging, they have folks singing for you if you as well as taking photos of you for souvenirs. You get a photo to keep for free and some to purchase. This was a great end to our trip. Amazing server, amazing food and just overall amazing experience. Highly recommend this restaurant and make sure to ask for Ana. She's amazing. Keep smiling girl you're awesome.
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Louise F.

Yelp
A huugge space so it's really not horrible when you see a long line out front. A staple of old town sd and they had me at free chips and salsa. I got the Roberto's special which had chile rellano and asada. I was fully prepared for the possibility of the asada being tough, dry, bland. But it was none of the above! And with a flavorful mouthful with rice beans, salsa, guac, or jalapeno, every bite was a party. And it was so much food. Everyone had a great time.
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Aaron J.

Yelp
The only thing bad about this place would be the wait! The staff are prompt and courteous, the open air atmosphere is lovely, and the food is amazing! Every single time we are in San Diego this is a mandatory stop, no exceptions! Pro tip- get some of the fresh handmade tortillas on your way out, you will be so glad you did! Oh and when they tell you the salsa can be a little hot, trust and believe it's hot. The medium had me sweating!
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Odalys M.

Yelp
Just flew in into San Diego and the weather was feeling great out here. Heard about this place through TikTok and I immediately had to come and check it out. I ordered a horchata to start off with and wow that was a huge glass compared to what I typically get. The chips and salsa were fresh and homemade. Can't go wrong with Asada tacos so I ordered 3. The waiter Richy was helpful and a sweetheart! This place lives up to the expectations. Highly recommend this place to anyone flying in.
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Morgan H.

Yelp
Cafe Coyote is an Old Town institution. It's a huge place and although there was a long line to check in it seemed like people were getting seated right away. We had made a last minute reservation about an hour before which ended up being a good call. There were mariachi walking around playing music and plenty of servers attending to the tables in the vibrant atmosphere. The menu was so large that I was almost intimidated! I ended up going with one of their big margaritas and one of the specials for the month, the Sonora Tacos. We also used the Yelp check-in offer for the chorizo bean dip. Our group of 6 really enjoyed all the food. While it's not the best you'll ever have, the combo of the fun atmosphere, variety of dishes and large portion sizes are worth coming back for.
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Minerva C.

Yelp
My friend and I stopped by Cafe Coyote before heading back on the train. It was a great stop before heading home. I had the Menudo and my friend had scrambled eggs with a side order of guacamole. There's great seating facing the street and the lady making homemade tortillas that are super yummy. Our server, Jesus B,, did such a great job checking on us and always making sure we had plenty of tortillas. A great stop if you're in the old town area.
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Katrina V.

Yelp
My friend and I grabbed lunch at Cafe Coyote around 12pm on a Wednesday. It was my first time at the restaurant, and I think my jaw dropped by how stunning the outside courtyard area was. Loved how the decor represented Mexican heritage. It was warm but overcast day, so we opted to sit outdoor. Overall service was fine. Our waitress was attentive, and the food came out fairly quickly after we ordered. Towards the end of our meal, a mariachi duo showed up and went around the tables to duet. The homemade chips were awesome, and the guac was so fresh. I thought my meal was fine. I ordered the fish taco and chile relleno a carte. The common thread between my taco and chile relleno was the lack of seasoning. Both were bland to me. Nonetheless, I was full and satisfied because the a la carte portions were huge.
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Bri S.

Yelp
Friendly, beautiful, and yummy. Authentic, hand made tortillas that you're able to watch be made, which is the main reason for coming. The margarita flight had 5 different flavors to try with a "sweet treat". They were decent but next time I would just get a regular marg, although it was nice to try the different flavors. The carnitas were a little bit dry, more than I'm used to, and came with 2 flour tortillas but I definitely use more than that. Wasn't a bad portion of meat but there were some dry chunks. They have a mariachi duo that goes around to the tables and they perform very well, it's a very nice touch to the ambiance. The environment is the main attraction here, but I'm hoping to go back and find a dish that really pops out.
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Naomi P.

Yelp
We always go to Cafe Coyote when we visit San Diego but after today we might be looking for a new spot. They have since replaced their chairs with the most uncomfortable metal chairs and the service was a disappointment. I understand they get very busy but the food was not great. They have reduced the quality in the food it seems as well. Smaller portions and waiter checked on us one time. Tables are so packed together people can barely get in and out.
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Donald G.

Yelp
Just had a great dinner at Cafe Coyote. Food was great, service was very good, and the guacamole was exceptional. The manager, Adam, stopped by to check on our table, he was professional, friendly and welcoming. I will be returning soon!
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Michael M.

Yelp
I recommend making a reservation! Stopped by here on a Sunday for brunch. My wife and I. Got seated quickly, food was amazing, the vibe was awesome! Home made tortillas with my food, and the churros I got for dessert was icing on the cake! Would definitely be back next time in town.
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Aimee F.

Yelp
Ana is an absolute doll! Her welcoming demeanor and attentive service significantly enhanced our experience. She wished me a happy birthday and brought over the most delicious flan with a candle on top, I mean how sweet is her thoughtfulness? We thoroughly enjoyed our interactions with her. We highly value her contributions and anticipate our next visit. We will certainly request her services again. Thank you Ana for being so amazing!!
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Debbie G.

Yelp
Food is delicious and authentic, they even have MexicanGrandmas making the tortillas and burrito wraps fresh! Margaritas are perfect Service is excellent! I highly recommend this place
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L M.

Yelp
Love the food and service here. Good authentic Mexican food. Yummy chips and salsa. Amazing cocktail drinks. They also have live mariachi that go around to tables. We will be back
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Jamilett A.

Yelp
Today was the busiest day for restaurants and yet we got EXCELLENT SERVICE!! Great food!! Our waiter ALEJANDRO is the Best 5 STAR SERVICE!!
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Jennifer C.

Yelp
Tried a few more things this time and I gotta say that I enjoyed my experience this time way more. From the amazing service from Francisco, to the delicious margaritas and fresh homemade flour tortillas, I will definitely come back. The new general manager Trevor also stopped by to check in and say hello which was really nice. We got to sit at the bar and started with the yummy complimentary chips and salsa. The chips were nice and crispy and seemed fresh. We got a spicy margarita and a blended mango margarita. Francisco did not skimp on the spice which I loved and you could even see the fresh jalapenos he used! My partner really enjoyed his mango margarita. For food we got the shrimp ceviche and the al pastor tacos ($5 on taco Tues). The ceviche came in a large portion and a very healthy side of chips. My partner liked the al pastor tacos. We also got to try a couple of the homemade flour tortillas and I am forever ruined. These are nothing like the ones you get in the store. Way more flavorful and soft. Located on the main street in old town, it's a big space with both indoor and outdoor seating. Lots of people there on a Tues night but didn't seem to be a wait to get seated. We had a reservation and got seated right at our reservation time.
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Jem M.

Yelp
I was here for Mother's Day and I have to say that I'm so disappointed at the quality of the food that came out. Both of our food arrived cold. It was so cold to the point where the cheese in the tortilla wasn't even melted (it was supposed to have been fried in oil). This location shouldn't be as hyped up as it is on TikTok (that's how we found this place). Definitely a huge waste of money for what we got. When I mentioned it to the server, he told us he would give us 10% off but didn't help rectify anything haha. We didn't end up eating the food. We paid and left. Never again.
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Greer S.

Yelp
Situated in historic Old Town San Diego, Cafe Coyote is a lively and expansive Mexican restaurant. I visited for a weekend breakfast and was fortunate to be seated before the rush. By mid-morning, the line stretched all the way along the front of the building, though it seemed like it moved fairly quickly. Guests can choose to sit indoors, outdoors, or on the patio. If seated outside, you can watch employees making fresh tortillas by hand--a fun touch to the experience. Complimentary chips are also provided at each table. Regarding the food and pricing, I was disappointed. Breakfast was rather expensive, and the flavors didn't quite justify the cost. Simply adding bacon as a side to the Coyote Breakfast Plate was $5.95, which felt very steep for what was offered.
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Tina B.

Yelp
Loved everything about this restaurant from the food to drinks to service!! I got the birria plate and it was so delicious!! The portion given was also really good for the price! I also got a mango margarita which was also super good and huge! Our server was amazing! He always made sure we had everything we needed and had such a fun, positive attitude! The location was also super cool and lively!