El Sueño
Mexican restaurant · San Diego ·

El Sueño

Mexican restaurant · San Diego ·

Lobster tacos, Mexican fare, and a granite bar await

chips and salsa
great service
birria tacos
outdoor patio
margaritas
friendly staff
food was good
great food
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by El Sueno
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null
El Sueño by null

Information

2836 Juan St, San Diego, CA 92110 Get directions

$20–30

See Menu
Restroom
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Cozy
Trendy

Information

Static Map

2836 Juan St, San Diego, CA 92110 Get directions

+1 619 510 9813
elsuenooldtown.com
@elsuenosd

$20–30 · Menu

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining

Last updated

Jan 17, 2026

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@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The Best Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night | Eater San Diego

"In Old Town, this chic Mexican restaurant offers a romantic vibe most potent from its open-roofed outdoor patio that drips with green plants and vivid pink flowers. On the menu, find standbys like miniature tiger shrimp tostadas; molten queso Oaxaca loaded with lobster, shrimp, and chorizo; pan de elote (a Mexican corn cake served with chile-honey butter); a roasted half-chicken with mole; an abundant taco menu; and surf-and-turf fajitas. Dates had during happy hour will garner many dishes and the same potent drinks menu at a discount." - Helen I. Hwang

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-romantic-restaurants-date-night-valentines-day-san-diego
El Sueno
El Sueno
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

New Restaurants and Bars That Have Opened in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"The jungle-themed, two-story restaurant and cocktail spot from the Trattoria Don Pietro team has launched daily lunch service in Old Town and offers late-night dining and drinking with a menu informed by Mexican travels and Huasteca heritage, featuring dishes like crab empanadas, queso birria tacos, duck carnitas, and grilled whole fish." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/2023/1/3/23537203/san-diego-restaurants-bars-eateries-new-openings
El Sueño
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

A Dive Bar That Channels The Spirit of Baja Debuts in West Town | Eater Chicago

"Probably best known for Sandoval’s Soho House residency in the West Loop, Sueños is described as an upscale Mexican restaurant that takes a more refined look at the Baja‑Med nostalgia Sandoval, a San Diego native, grew up with; a new Sueños is planned to debut in West Town, and Danielle Lewis is slated to take her cocktail talents there when it opens." - Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/2023/7/27/23810537/diego-dive-bar-baja-med-stephen-sandoval-open
El Sueño

Chris A.

Google
There are so many locations to eat in Old Town. Mexican food is probably the most recurring and there are several locations of note. For this review my description will only be for El Sueño. We arrived after spending time at the Giving Machine in the center of Old Town, just down the street from the Mormon battalion. The taco place we had predetermined to visit had closed (who knew 🤷‍♂️) and so we decided on El Sueño. We walked (almost all the restaurants in the area are within walking distance. Upon arriving there was a 15 minute wait while our table was set up. We had a party of 10, so a wait is understandable. We were seated in a nice courtyard near the back and the area was warmed with patio heaters. We decided to stick with just getting tacos for all and ordered 24 if their best, carne asada, Pollo asada, and birria tacos. There were chips salsa and guacamole for everyone as well. The waitress and her assistant were all friendly and helpful with all we asked for. The food was very good with the corn tortillas made fresh and all the tacos had fresh toppings and salsa. I would definitely go again if and when I am in the area. While we did not make use of the bar they appeared to have a well stocked one inside along with some inside meal tables.

David M.

Google
El Sueño is absolutely fantastic. The food was outstanding from start to finish—fresh, flavorful, and clearly prepared with care. A special thank-you to Olivia, who truly elevated the experience. Her recommendations were spot-on, and her service was warm, attentive, and knowledgeable without being overbearing (a rare and beautiful balance). If you’re dining in Old Town, this place is a must. Great food, great atmosphere, and exceptional service—thank you again, Olivia!

je55icaLee

Google
We were excited to try this placing after seeing some posts about it and unfortunately left with the agreement we would never come back. To start, the table for two was kind of small. The outdoor patio was cute, but the music sounded like you were at a day club (not the vibe you want for a weekday dinner date). The waitress was attentive and kind. The food was terrible. The chips were stale although the salsas, especially the spicy ones, were good. We started with the calamari which was very underwhelming; something didn't feel right about the seasoning & batter. My boyfriend got the wagu chorizo burger. There was too much going on (which was ironic next to the basic fries they served with it). I got the Del Mar Enchiladas, and I ended up sending them back. There was no flavor; it was like eating textured oil (because they were so greasy). We decided not to order anything else and picked up something else on the way home.

Rebekah C.

Google
Excellent food and drinks. The Cadillac Margarita was a great start to the meal with some chips & salsa. Next we indulged in a delicious grilled octopus with chorizo. My boyfriend and I both got tacos and shared - the shells were excellent and the filling was flavorful. The beans and rice were also good.

Kristen C.

Google
If I could give El Sueño more than 5 stars, I absolutely would! 🌮✨ This is hands-down one of the BEST Mexican restaurants in San Diego. From the moment we walked in, the energy was vibrant, welcoming, and fun. 🤩 Food: Everything we ordered was out of this world. We started with the elotes as an appetizer—they were absolutely bomb: creamy, perfectly seasoned, and full of flavor. I had the tacos, which were cooked to perfection, packed with flavor in every bite. My son’s burrito was huge and absolutely delicious, and my daughter’s chicken quesadillas were incredible—the chicken was tender, flavorful, and she loved them so much she didn’t even want to share! We finished our meal with churros and ice cream, which were warm, crispy, and the perfect sweet ending. Every single bite was amazing. 😋 Service & Atmosphere: The team at El Sueño truly makes this place special. Amberly, the hostess, was unforgettable—her energy was contagious! She welcomed us with the biggest smile, friendly conversation, and such an upbeat, bubbly personality that set the tone for our whole experience. Mailie, our server, was just as amazing—super sweet, thoughtful, and knowledgeable about the menu. She gave us great recommendations and made sure our dining experience was absolutely perfect!!! Between the incredible food, top-tier service, and the lively atmosphere, El Sueño is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be back every time I’m in San Diego! 🌟

Sean C.

Google
We took a chance and wanted something a little bit off the normal path for Old Town. We were very happily surprised and had a great experience. It was not very busy, so I think we got lucky, but everything was great. The drinks were fantastic, probably some of the best margaritas I've had. The food was fresh and tasty, the service was quick and easy, and it was all reasonably priced. I'd say to go for lunch and maybe off hours to get a quieter experience like we had. It's definitely worth stopping in!

Sophia R.

Google
the atmosphere of this place is so cool! the decorations and very beautiful and the outdoor seating has heating and a beautiful plant array, and the indoor has a bar with a great selection of drinks and a pretty interior, the food is also very very good, the fish tacos are excellent along with margaritas with black salt. they have a wide selection of drinks and they make the tortillas and tortilla chips there. overall a great experience and the atmosphere is very amazing, they also have another restaurant upstairs called tako, a sushi place with a total speakeasy vibe

Matheus P.

Google
From the moment I stepped in, Maile completely made my night. I came in after a rough day, but her energy was contagious, warm, upbeat, and genuinely caring. She was incredibly accommodating and immediately started giving me her favorite recommendations from the menu, which all turned out to be spot on. I started with the chips and salsa (amazing, especially with the variety they bring out), and Maile brought them over with the same bright personality she carried the whole night. For drinks, she recommended a couple margaritas, and the standout was definitely the pineapple coconut margarita, hands down one of the best margaritas I’ve had. It came in a cute little bowl. For my main dish, I went with the birria tacos, another one of her suggestions, and they were absolutely incredible. Flavorful, tender, and perfectly seasoned — easily a must-try. What really sets Maile apart is how she balances professionalism with a friendly, genuine vibe. She made me feel welcomed and taken care of, like I was alongtime guest. Her knowledge of the menu and cocktails really elevated the whole experience. The vibe at El Sueño, cozy yet modern, lively yet relaxed. felt even better with her taking care of me. Overall, thanks to Maile, our night at El Sueño turned into one of those rare experiences where everything just clicks: amazing food, great ambiance, and exceptional service. I HIGHLY recommend asking for Maile when you visit, she’s the kind of server who reminds you why dining out is such a joy.

Kyle L.

Yelp
Food and drinks were good. Price was fair. Staff was attentive and friendly. Really good salsa selection. We sat on the patio and it was really nice as well. Definitely will come back again
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Isaac W.

Yelp
This place is amazing. It's not traditional Mexican food in my opinion. It's more of a modern interpretation. I got the Duck Tacos (which had a mole sauce over it), and it was one of the most delicious things I've eaten in a long time. My wife had the birria tacos, which was also very good. Service is friendly, no complaints. Ambiance is more modern, and you're in Old Town of course. Highly recommend.
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M D.

Yelp
We came here on a Saturday night as two families with older kids. Each of us ordered a dish - seven total, as well as drinks and a couple of appetizers. Unfortunately, the evening was filled with mistakes from the kitchen, and it ended even worse when the bill arrived. We were charged for multiple things we never ordered, including an eighth dish that none of us had asked for. When we questioned it, the manager, Jacob, came out and insisted we had ordered eight dishes. He even claimed that I had ordered and been served Birria - not only do I not like that dish, but I never ordered it. Instead of listening, he doubled down, speaking in a condescending and dismissive way, particularly to us women at the table. For a manager, not being able to simply count the plates on a table is unacceptable, and the lack of basic customer service skills made the situation much worse. As a San Diego native, and someone who has worked as a Director of Marketing for fine dining restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter and who frequently dined and recommended Old Town restaurants as a concierge, I can say confidently this was the worst management interaction I've seen. Furthermore, afterwards, Jacob decided to take an employee off to the side and gesture and laugh at our table, as if it were some big joke. The inexperience and lack of people skills were glaring, and it ruined what should have been a fun evening with our families. The restaurant is called El Sueño, which means "the dream" in Spanish. They should change their name to The Nightmare.
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Di Anna A.

Yelp
While an aesthetically pleasing place, the service was bad and the food was overpriced. Our server was nice upon seating us, but we waited a long time for our check, she didn't come back like at all we had to seek her out to ask for a box (twice!) and the check. She also tried to bring an extra order of churros to the table to my 6yo because my 6yo "ordered one" despite me stating to my child in front of her that it was too late for them to have a whole dessert (it was a lot of ice cream and a good handful of mini churros- don't worry he was able share the ONLY order the adults at my table actually made.) while it seemed like a kind-hearted mistake, I felt the attentiveness and service my table received had negatively changed after I requested to send the second desert back. The restaurant was no where near full. I would recommend this place for drinks only w friends for sure.... But I wouldn't go back for dinner. Three meat tacos for $15. 2 fish tacos for $15. Does not include sides. The tacos are normal street taco size. Nopales salad was good, but very small portion for $15. Each mixed drink was around $15 and each shot was around $10.
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Carmen V.

Yelp
El Sueño should be called La Pesadilla. My friend and I were excited about trying this chic Mexican restaurant in Old Town. On paper all amazing, beautiful decor, great patio, modern and cozy. However, the entrance is managed by teenagers chatting with each others and ignoring the guests. No smiles, no good night, totally ignoring us. The restaurant was pretty empty when we arrived and we went to the bar but soon I told my friend that would be better to get a table. I went several times to the girls who kept chatting and told me they will go check with us at the bar. No one came, we waited cocktail in hand for at least 45 minutes and we left to eat cheaper and better treated ar Mike Red tacos. When we left, no goodbyes, no sorry, nothing. Please hire professional hosts, this was unbelievable. Other than that, pretty place.
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Alyssa S.

Yelp
Still a great patio - and much more comfortable in June than in January (when the heater was not quite enough to feel cozy). The service at the beginning was pretty annoying - no one would make eye contact with us or bring us water for a good 15-20 mins until we finally got our great server Mason (who also helped us last time). He's fabulous and kept checking on us after for the rest of the night. It was also disappointing that the two things I came for: pan de elote and huarache - they were both out of! We got the elote, which was good but not as good as the corn bread. I did get the fish tacos which I really enjoyed. I got the Oh. Behave cocktail which is a hard horchata and which I'd wanted to try last time but they were out of. It was tasty but the menu didn't mention it was a frozen slushy cocktail, which is not really my thing; I thought it would just be Horchata + Coconut + Dark Rum up in a martini glass. I would try a different cocktail next time. Anyway, Mason is the best. The patio was not full of tourists but lots of young Mexican Americans out for a fun night. I like it here but wish they didn't run out of so much stuff and that you might get greeted by someone when you sit down. But we'll ask for Mason again next time and hope to have the other dishes again!
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Marco A.

Yelp
Decided to check this place out for my bday. Talk about a hidden gem! You really can never go wrong with any choice in Old Town. But, I digress. Today the spotlight is on El Sueño! And what a dream it was! We made reservations for 4, however it wasn't too full on a random Monday evening. We arrived a little early & were seated promptly. Our server was on point, from the dish recommendations to checking if we had enough napkins! They're on point here! And if weather permits, sit outside to snap a shot for the Gram! The food! My goodness, lest we forget the chilaquiles from heaven! Drowning in salsa verde! The Carajillo to wash down my dish was a pairing perfection! My sister had the California burrito. Kids had the tacos de asada & chicken rolled tacos. And for dessert, churros!! TL:DR Great food, great service, great time!
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Myrna T.

Yelp
Cozy ambiance but the food is meh and over priced. Got the tostada bites and it was just okay. The server did mention that it comes with 5 bites so thats a plus, but yeah.. no. Not for the taste or the price. Chips and salsa were served after our meal come out, cute presentation but salsa is just okay. Service was alright. Not coming back.
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Mary

Yelp
Just came here tn was having a great time ordered the Mole wings, no where on the menu did it say their mole contained peanuts. We ordered it-ate it, and I have a severe peanut allergy. The waiter said he had no idea and said "we both learned something new" We had to rush out of there to go to the store to get medicine. Didn't get to finish our drinks or apps and he still had us waiting there and pay. So ridiculous and insane. This was also a date night that had to be cut short
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Cindy J.

Yelp
Amazing service linzeeeeeee was wonderful Such a great vibe having her serve us the drinks here are soo good and the fries omg good
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Karen G.

Yelp
Round up your girlfriends for a very fun and delicious brunch! Even in the gloomiest and coldest of days, I would still recommend this restaurant! We came to El Sueño, to celebrate one of my girlfriends' bachelorette Sunday brunches. The day was gloomy, we had no reservations, there was no seating indoors, but the restaurant staff did their absolute best and graciously hosted our party of 8. They did not disappoint! They quickly cleaned our outdoor table, surrounded it with outdoor heaters, and promptly came by with menus, chips, salsa and drinks. Our party didn't even feel the cold weather, to tell you that much. The margaritas were HUGE, reasonably priced for the size, and had a perfect amount of tequila. The complimentary chips included a variety of salsas (red and green) from spicy, mild, and light (yes they offer a variety of complimentary salsas with your chips, not just one). All the salsa's were absolutely delicious!! At this point the DJ set up in the tiny elevated patio booth and began playing fun EDM tunes to brighten the mood. The dishes arrived shortly and were HUGE! Do not be fooled thinking that the tacos or quesadillas won't suffice, let me tell you they will! The tortillas are made with fresh dough (we could tell) and everything was simply spectacular! Our waitress ended our celebration with a sparkler for the bride and yummy watermelon shots for the table. All the girls had a blast under inclement weather! Would we have rather spent this day under the sun? Yes. Did we miss it while we were dining? No. Because the entire experience was so wonderful! Thank you El Sueño staff for hosting our party under such short notice!
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Michelle O.

Yelp
I've been seeing this restaurant pop up on my TikTok and instagram for a while now. So when I was in the area today, I knew I had to try it out. It's very cute and trendy. It has a couple of places to take cute pictures. The food we tried was good. But I definitely feel like this place is more of appetizers and drinks kinda of place. We got 3 shots and some appetizers. MEXICAN CANDY Tequila, Watermelon, Lime Hot Sauce ... 9 ELOTE Com, Quaso Cotija, Lime secret Seasoning, Mayo, Butter...11 MOLE CHICKEN WINGS Fried Chicken Wings tossed in our house made Mole Sauce ... 18 TOSTADA BITES Sautéed Tiger Shrimp Guacamole, Queso Cotija, Pickled Onion, Chipotie Mayo ...15 Chips and chili sauce The Mexican candy shot we got tasted like a jolly rancher. It was good. My daughter really enjoyed it. The chips and green and red chili sauce had a nice spice to it. The Mole wings were our favorite. We really enjoyed the wings. The mole had a slightly sweet taste to it. The shrimp Tostadas were kinda spicy but were really good! We all enjoyed the elote. My daughter ordered a Cesar salad ($13.00) and it never came out. When the waitress came over to see if we got everything she noticed we didn't get the salad. She said they were probably making the dressing and would go check on the salad. The salad never made it to our table. At this point. We were all done eating our appetizers. So we canceled the salad. The restaurant wasn't even packed. So I have no clue why the salad wasn't brought out with the rest of our food. When it was time to leave, the waitress took a shot off the bill ($9.00). We spent a total of $66.81 Overall, this place was ok. If I'm ever in this area again, I would probably stop by for some drinks and some appetizers.
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Leslie B.

Yelp
I met up with a couple of friends on a Monday after work for happy hour. We had been looking for somewhere we could sit outdoors and that had happy hour specials. For those reasons, we chose El Sueño. The first thing that struck me was the lovely outdoor space full of plants. The seating are was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of shade. We arrived just about 5:30 and were readily greeted by our server. She told us about the happy hour menu, refilled our waters, and brought house chips and four different varieties of salsa. Service started out very strong, but as it got closer to 6, more diners entered, and it trailed off a bit. However, I was still able to order my second drink before 6PM happy hour cutoff time, though it took quite some time to come out. For the three of us, we ordered the elote, a chicken taco, a fish taco, guacamole, and dirty fries. I liked most of the food, but didn't try the dirty fries or the fish taco. I very much enjoyed the guacamole. I had two of the house margaritas with salt. They came in a beautiful glass with black Himalayan salt. They were not too sweet, but could have definitely used more tequila. Perhaps, when I return, I will order a different margarita. All in all, I enjoyed my time at El Sueño. The atmosphere was perfect for a summer evening, and they had a variety of happy hour options.

Thalii O.

Yelp
The worst food ever. We ordered the shrimp taco & the shrimp "mini tostadas" which was btw a tostito chip & they boiled the tiny shrimp all together, NO FLAVOR. The birria tacos was probably the worst birria I've ever tried.. and omg the caldo de pollo. LMAO, it was clear caldo, with BELL PEPPERS inside the soup.. NO FLAVOR! The only thing that had any flavor was the salsa! The service was ok, the hostess was on her personal phone & didn't want to turn the heaters on for us outside (lazy) & the server seemed sweet up until I complained about the caldo de pollo. The atmosphere is cute but you can definitely get better food at Roberto's! Y'all need new chefs/ or could it be recipes? I've worked in the restaurant industry a huge part of my life & I don't understand how you could have such a lazy FOH. Unbelievable.
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Neddy C.

Yelp
I ordered the carnitas tacos with rice and beans. As a Hispanic person I know how Mexican food should taste and this food I got was bland no taste to it what so ever and the carnitas were so watered down that all the water just drained onto my plate. My husband ordered the carne asada plate with rice and beans with the same blandness lack of flavor. Now I know this is probably a new trend place that makes our Mexican a different way but damn when I sit down for a Mexican meal I want an authentic Mexican meal but then again it's my fault for not looking this place up.
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Michelle F.

Yelp
Dined in on a Friday afternoon just in time for the tail end of HH. Service started strong and then our waiter disappeared to be the bartender. The indoor space is dark and moody, and loud. The food: Mole chicken wings- cool concept. Just ok. Grilled Octopus- cooked right but it was very salty. Tacos: Mahi mahi/fish: really good, would order again. Carne asada: good, steak was thicker for carne asada. Al pastor: meat was dry and flavor was bland. Loved: -the three salsa options -fact they have Mexican wine on the menu -corn tortillas are good! Bad: -service, unattentive, mediocre -the overly seasoned octopus -dont order al pastor tacos We live in the city of amazing Mexican food. This is simply not it.
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Kristen C.

Yelp
If I could give El Sueño more than 5 stars, I absolutely would! This is hands-down one of the BEST Mexican restaurants in San Diego. From the moment we walked in, the energy was vibrant, welcoming, and fun. Food: Everything we ordered was out of this world. We started with the elotes as an appetizer--they were absolutely bomb: creamy, perfectly seasoned, and full of flavor. I had the tacos, which were cooked to perfection, packed with flavor in every bite. My son's burrito was huge and absolutely delicious, and my daughter's chicken quesadillas were incredible--the chicken was tender, flavorful, and she loved them so much she didn't even want to share! We finished our meal with churros and ice cream, which were warm, crispy, and the perfect sweet ending. Every single bite was amazing. Service & Atmosphere: The team at El Sueño truly makes this place special. Amberly, the hostess, was unforgettable--her energy was contagious! She welcomed us with the biggest smile, friendly conversation, and such an upbeat, bubbly personality that set the tone for our whole experience. Mailie, our server, was just as amazing--super sweet, thoughtful, and knowledgeable about the menu. She gave us great recommendations and made sure our dining experience was absolutely perfect!!! Between the incredible food, top-tier service, and the lively atmosphere, El Sueño is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back every time I'm in San Diego!
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Tina A.

Yelp
Super excited to try out this little gem located in Old Town. Cute spot, nice and intimate. Also great for larger parties. However, in my opinion the food was ok. The shrimp was on the tough side and the rice and beans were meh. They were also out of the shot we wanted to try. In addition, service was slow as we had to ask for water more than once. There were 3 of us and we all thought it was okay. Not bad. Not great. Would I go back? Sure! If someone else is paying
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Cassandra H.

Yelp
The rice, beans, guacamole, and pollo asada tacos were delicious but everything else was alright. Great time to go is during tacos tues. As for the service it seemed they may have been short staffed because tables around us were still dirty from previous customers it wasn't a very busy night but you could tell the servers were being stretched thin. They were still kind and attentive as much as they could be.
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Dawn C.

Yelp
Food was very fresh! Service was excellent. The waiter was very friendly. Corn appetizer was messy but delicious and we'll definitely order it again. I had the birria tacos. They were delicious, especially the broth, which I usually don't care for at other restaurants. Next trip to San Diego will be stopping by.
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Charlotte B.

Yelp
I came here with a couple girls for HH and we had a great time! I went to their adjoining restaurant a couple weeks ago and knew I wanted to visit El Sueno soon! The ambiance is fantastic and their decor is lovely. I absolutely recommend sitting outside (they do have heaters). I love that they brought out 4 different salsas with the chips. Their guacamole was flavorful and had a great taste and texture to it. The rolled tacos were quite tasty and had a great crunch to them and I liked the toppings. The birria tacos had great flavor as well and were a bit dry and I wish it came with consomme. I did just get the single taco so I wonder if it comes with consomme with the plate. Our server was so so sweet and friendly. She was relatable and knowledgable about the menu. I told her I was looking for a rum drink so she went to ask the bartender if a certain drink can have substitutions. She came over to check on us multiple times throughout the night (almost too many times IMO lol). Great service! I would recommend coming here! Street or parking lot.
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Christina M.

Yelp
good music and friendly staff, Hector at the bar throw in good drinks and delicious food means a nice relaxing afternoon for our last day enjoying San Diego We enjoyed a Cadillac margarita and Fortaleza neat one of their many tequilas available. But of course had to order chips and all their delicious tasty salsa. The Elote was tasty slightly spicy and juicy. Rolled tacos full of juicy flavorful chicken crunchy covered in marinated red onions some pico and a side of guacamole. First time here and will definitely be sure to come back.
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Dara T.

Yelp
We actually went here thinking it's Tako, but we were on the wrong floor. We kept it light since we still wanted to eat at Tako later. We order 2 appetizers and the carne asada street taco (comes in three). The appetizers were the mole chicken and the octopus. Both were good, but I've had better at other places. Octopus was soft, but a little more on the chewy side. It doesn't melt in your mouth and flavor was a little salty. The mole chicken just tasted like they threw it in mole sauce and popped it in the oven and that's it. It wasn't even flavorful. The tacos were good, but we had to wait an hour to get them. Overall spent about 1 hour just waiting for our food. Parking is on the side of the building towards the back on Wallace street. Overall, ambiance was really nice with indoor and outdoor seating areas. Overall, food wasn't worth the wait. Not much was memorable.
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Felina V.

Yelp
A little cocktail hour with my girls was just what the doctor ordered! We enjoyed round of drinks, chips and salsa, and some super yummy chunky guac. Immaculate vibes! Can't wait to come back for a full meal!
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Andrea M.

Yelp
I love it here. I've been with friends several times for Taco Tuesday- all day HH. I usually get the Cadillac Margarita and rolled tacos. Nick and Ryan are amazing bartenders. Ryan waits tables as well as the bar. He can't get pretty busy but stays on top of everything. There's a small parking lot around the restaurant, some street parking. Excellent customer service from everyone.
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Jordyn J.

Yelp
Margs were great! Flavorful. Love the atmosphere here. Definitely will come back to try some food since the drinks were so great.
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Arion R.

Yelp
Rarely do we write 5 star reviews but this establishment certainly earned one. We were greeted promptly and courteously by several staff members. The selection of salsas being brought out quickly was a nice treat since we walked in quite hungry. Nick was a very kind and patient server who was very knowledgeable about the menu. He made a special drink for our table which we appreciated big time. The food. The food was full of flavors from start to finish. The chef prepared great dishes that hit the spot
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Saadia P.

Yelp
Yummy food. Loved the rolled tacos. Server was extremely pleasant. Went there for my friends birthday and they were very kind to give us ice cream with churros that was very delicious. The place was cute and felt like we were in a courtyard with trees. Weather was perfect too. Good thing is they have their own parking.
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Perry F.

Yelp
Fun Fun FUN! After seeing all the positive reviews we decided to give El Sueno a try. We arrived a bit early for our reservation but were still seated promptly which was nice. We had a variety of drinks and all were solid and tasty! Taylor was our server who was EXCEPTIONAL! Was attentive but not overbearing. She made sure we were happy with our food and service which was a resounding YES, YES! Guacamole was fresh as can be. The tortilla service with the butter honey was RIDICULOUS. The entrees were all on point, freshly prepared and served up hot and proper. Couldn't ask for more! Thank you
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Heather K.

Yelp
Grabbed a bite before our train. Food was so very, very tasty. Everything was great, but the fresh tortillas knocked the meal out of the park. Will be back!
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Britt W.

Yelp
Tacos were fabulous! A must order. Also the Cadillac margarita was delicious. Definitely a spot to stop at in Old Town.

Ingrid H.

Yelp
The place is beautiful. But there were so many flies and the food was overpriced and not good at all. The drinks were good. But if you're looking for authentic Mexican food then l would suggest somewhere else.
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Natalie B.

Yelp
We had a large party here Sunday as sort of our "pre wedding" dinner. The restaurant was very accommodating of our group which was appreciated. The actual restaurant is stunning, the outside was such a vibe. Food was delicious as were drinks. We really loved the elote and the cornbread appetizers! As a surprise, they brought out congratulations shots for us at the end. We had such a nice time!
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Bouchra F.

Yelp
My husband and me went here for lunch and we loved it. Maile the bartender was amazing, she was so kind, welcoming and great at her job. She made us some awesome cocktails, Cadillac margaritas and blooming lotus. Our food was super delicious too, we had the grilled fish tacos and lobster tacos and we also had the rolled tacos and mole wings. Everything was excellent. Also they have all day happy hour on Tuesdays. I would highly recommend this place.

Caroline C.

Yelp
Highly recommend! Great food! Great atmosphere! Great service! The hostess was very friendly. Our waitress, Maddie, was very friendly and attentive. The serving sizes are generous. Everything is so beautifully presented. Food is top quality. If you're looking for top quality Mexican food in Old Town without the tourist atmosphere, El Sueño is your spot!
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Bev C.

Yelp
Food was excellent. Enjoyed open air dining. We had the guacamole appetizer and the TH Dog which was surprisingly good. All large servings.
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Grace F.

Yelp
Great place for dinners with a group of friends or family. It's in a great area that's walkable around Old Town while you're waiting for your table or just want to spend the day and get a bite to eat. I've had a couple dinners here with a group of friends and the service has always been lovely. They also have a speakeasy, so I would recommend checking that out as well!

Gabrielle M.

Yelp
Maile was such an amazing server!! She was super attentive and made sure we had everything we needed! The food and drinks were great and the vibes are so cute definitely will be going back!
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Adriana C.

Yelp
I checked this place out on aSunday afternoon and there was no wait. We sat outside and weather was nice. You start with chips and 4 different salsas. I enjoyed two of them. We got elote, chicken flautas, a birria quesadilla, and the crispy rice. I kid you not everything was sooooo delicious 10/10. The quesadilla was huge. Margs were also very good. Check this place out.

Adwoah Y.

Yelp
Great service!! Miley was so nice abs bubbly! The food was great! Amazing ambiance and great for pictures!
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Jessica P.

Yelp
Amberly! You were so sweet and gave us amazing service. Timely and always offering us exactly what we needed. Thank you doll. We will be back soon
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Karen W.

Yelp
El Sueño is a relatively new restaurant in Old Town. The restaurant interior is beautifully decorated and there's plenty of seating on the patio. Lindsey was our server. She was attentive and helpful. They bring you chips and 4 kinds of salsa. 2 are mild and 2 spicy. All were flavorful and distinct. We ordered Al Pastor Tacos and Queso Birria Tacos. The tacos were tasty, brimming with bright flavors. The Al Pastor tacos were topped with micro cilantro leaves. All the tacos were served piping hot. The only disappointment of the meal was the rice and beans which were not even lukewarm warm. They need to have better quality control over the basics. The quantity of food served was good. The menu is simple yet varied. We'll be back in the not too distant future to try other items.
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Sydni S.

Yelp
I love a restaurant with complimentary chips and salsa but El Sueño is even better because they give you 4 kinds! The verdes were my favorite but we loved them all. The california burrito was really good but the surprise scene stealer was the tortilla service which came with honey chili butter. It was pretty cheap and gave the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The service was great as well and the food came out very fast on a Friday night. We sat on the patio and it looks like it would be a fun place to have a big group.
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Bridget C.

Yelp
Apparently newer management decides when regulars should go-even though no one is doing anything wrong. It was my first time, and I went with regulars, and I'll never go back. No one was misbehaving, no problems...the place was practically empty. They just wanted us out and thinly veiled it. The regulars found it odd, but have some endearment to the place so they kind of accepted it. Fresh eyes on my part and it was very confusing how they handled it-hard pass going there anytime forward.No Ac to boot on a super hot day. So many other good places are nearby -unless you go for one and done, I'd pick elsewhere.

Jon H.

Yelp
We came in for lunch today. Food was good but the service was the high point. Maddie was so awesome, fun efficient, warm and friendly. I'll come back again! Thanks Maddie!
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Sarah M.

Yelp
Absolutely loved it here! Ate here with my family and had an amazing time. The outdoor patio area was so cute and inviting. Our server was wonderful, food & drinks were great quality. My drink - Que Rico - was really tasty and refreshing. Really enjoyed the chips & salsa and the enchiladas Del Mar!
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Kaloni S.

Yelp
I've heard great things about this place so decided to give it a try! I love that there is a parking lot for the restaurant. During the week reservations aren't necessary, but they're easy to make online if needed. There's both inside and outside seating available. Staff were very attentive and welcoming. The decor is super cute outside! Food was bombbbb. There is a newer speakeasy right above the restaurant named Tako that I'm excited to try soon. Definitely worth giving this place a try if you're in the area. Food review: Complimentary chips and salsa: (5/5) The chips are perfectly cooked and seasoned. They give you 4 different house salsas to choose from. All very different in flavor, but super tasty! Enchiladas suizas: (5/5) These were soooo delicious. It comes with 2 enchiladas and they are very filling and flavorful. Birria tacos: (5/5) Equally as delicious. They're on the smaller side, but packed with flavor. It comes with a side of rice and beans.
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Bailey G.

Yelp
Vito is THE BEST. So kind and helpful- food was amazing, patio is cute, does it get better for a GNO?
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Katie O.

Yelp
Best place in old town! Our bartender Hector gave us the best service! He checked in on us to make sure we enjoyed our drinks and food! He even offered to take pictures of my group before we asked! I'm excited to come back and I will definitely be looking for Hector's service!