Cafe Coyote

Mexican restaurant · San Diego

Cafe Coyote

Mexican restaurant · San Diego

5

2461 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110, USA

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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
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
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
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  

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

cafecoyoteoldtown.com
@cafecoyoteoldtown

$20–30 · Menu

Information

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

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

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Oct 26, 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
View Postcard for Cafe Coyote
@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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Linda Varvel

Google
*Go for the homemade tortillas, stay for the table side serenade* I was hesitant to eat at this restaurant as it is clearly located in a touristy area, but it was obvious both locals and tourists frequented this place. The tortillas and carne asada were a definite highlight. My daughter loved her tacos. Service was a little slow. But our server was very kind when he did stop by our table and met our needs, as requested. Overall, a solid choice in Old Town for Mexican food.

Youqing Zhou

Google
Busy busy restaurant. Their specialty is that the tortillas are made fresh from raw dough, not the packaged kind you find at the supermarket. They’re especially fresh with a nice flour aroma. But the other dishes are just so-so, a bit on the salty side. The salsa is decent, with a bit of that fresh tomato flavor. Atmosphere is great, super friendly and lively.

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.

Jacob Adams

Google
Overall, very good food and service, though definitely a bit on the pricey side. Additionally, I was a bit disappointed that, despite a few gentlemen with mariachi equipment wandering around, the music was just generic pop music. I do recommend getting something with their tortillas, as they were some of the best I've ever had.

Sky Thai

Google
A staple in Old Town! Huge venue perfect for large groups with many different rooms. They also sell tortillas and other to-go snacks up front if you’re just passing by. The portions are pretty big and filling. I ended up getting the Pozole since I wanted a smaller meal and was really happy with it. A very savory and tasty broth with some heat and came with a lot of toppings. Service was good for being busy and enjoyed our time!

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!!

Glenn Gatineau

Google
The moment you walk in, the place radiates a true Mexican vibe 🇲🇽✨. Colorful, lively, and full of flavor! Fresh tacos 🌮, free chips & salsa 🫔, and a fun Old Town vibe 🎶🍹.A must-visit in San Diego ☀️.

D R

Google
I had their house special " Carnitas plate". The pork tasted dry and over cooked. They didn't offer any other salsa than the pico that came on the plate. The atmosphere was great they had a live band and that's what drew me in.
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Yvette M.

Yelp
Aide was wonderful Great service and great food such an amazing person Good was wonderful
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Crystal R.

Yelp
Our server, Aide, was fantástico! Thank for a wonderful experience at your restaurant and meeting all of our needs. The 10 of us were visiting from Northern California and we will definitely be back again. ¡Muchísimas gracias!

Valeria E.

Yelp
Aide was an amazing and very friendly waitress. The food was amazing, plates are huge so be ready to eat a lot!!
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Grace K.

Yelp
Hi Yelp! Long time User, first time Reviewer. Had a fantastic dining experience at the café coyote in Sunny, old town, San diego. Where do I begin? I got there asked for a table, 2 handsome gentleman hosts immediately fell over themselves to see me. I think I got the best seat in the house. There is a patio there and I sat on the patio but it has a lot of places to sit but I asked to sit on the patio. I looked through the menu to find the best thing to get. I got the combination.. oh, one thing you should know about me before you read any further, I love a combination platter. Then my waitress, the second prettiest person there, asked what I wanted. I was totally ready to order. I said I want the combo with green sauce not red sauce. She said no substitutions, but I was not going to give up that easy! I had a brilliant idea I will get it with NO SAUCE (green sauce on side) it was great! Took a water to go. My husband (not pictured) also got something. Left feeling full, satisfied; and confident.
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Angelica O.

Yelp
Our friend said she heard so many good reviews about this place so we came to try it. It was just OK. we got seated immediately and they told us to put our luggage in a specific place out of the way. we ordered appetizers and drinks: Margaritas and chicharron with dip. we got some chips and the house salsa to go with our drinks before we ordered food: -fajitas 5/10 she said it was "JUST OK" -albondigas soup 2/10 was not impressed, had no flavor and was more on the stew side of thickness. ALSO it came with peas! real albondigas doesn't come with peas, and isn't thick -tacos: chicken, birria, steak 9/10
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Eva W.

Yelp
I've never been here before. It was surprising to see how big this place is. I think this is the biggest restaurant I have ever been to. The place was pretty busy too. We had a party of 14 on a Saturday night. We made reservations ahead of time. We sat at a big, long table. Service was a bit slow. We waited quite a while for someone to show up. They took our drink order and then we waited again. I totally understand they were busy. But if you have this huge place and it is busy, hire more staff to cover. It took them awhile to get chips and salsa to our table and to refill anything. They final took our orders. I ordered two tacos plate, one chicken and one shredded beef. The beef was good, but the chicken was a little bland. The rice and beans were just ok. I was disappointed with my plate. Overall, we had a good time. We enjoyed our margaritas, and some of my friends enjoyed their food.
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Julia P.

Yelp
The good: The staff are all very nice and helpful. They have someone out front making fresh tortillas, which is fun to watch. It's on the main street in Old Town, so a good location. They have a huge menu with lots of options, including veggie choices. The not so good: We were disappointed in the food. I had the chicken chopped salad which could have been so much better. The chicken was not great and neither was the dressing. It was mostly lettuce and overpriced for what it was. We had the margarita sampler, which was fun, but the margaritas were just okay. The ceviche was also just okay. The rest of our group had other dishes but we all thought the food was mediocre, unfortunately. We sat outside and there was a roach running around by our table, which isn't the restaurant's fault, but it was pretty gross.
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Ritu R.

Yelp
Wow what an amazing experience!! I found easy parking in their structure, every staff person I interacted with was very kind. The vegetarian an combo was flavorful and delicious. I highly recommend eating here!
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Allison L.

Yelp
Girls night out in Old Town included the perfect margarita, queso with Carne Asada, and the Chipotle Camarones. The guava sol margarita was not too sweet with fresh fruit. I don't always finish my drinks but this went down smooth. If I was at the beach by a pool I would have requested another. The Chipotle Camarones comes with 6 shrimp, rice, beans, and flour tortillas. Dish has a little heat but put it in the fresh made tortillas and it is delicious. The tortillas alone could be a dish in my opinion. I will go back just for those and the margaritas. Our server Alicia was very helpful with food and drink choices. She even suggested the perfect spot to do a little shopping when we were done. Copy of the menu can be found here: https://cdn.qr-code-generator.com/account8391884/54855963_1.pdf?Expires=1757818805&Signature=WnTrqzp~bpL8fSvzILx-I~U4Yr11vnWIJQibzRPKXd4pS1xMpt-LEl1TWQLZoXU9MsQXfGSwJTRT7uNM1r-mDoyy2eKnSQ4BVCz8~5rht~VxQDyEpG5N6lCsanEyjeoFawH8GpiBSeMtOBGaRRefWowoRUK7ErbCWVh9YH3lf8NTY~3Cmkc82PXS~oDN8102liHrhsBj4GSauaqbijG4dHCy1VdSFpi0dFcVtIlYIeiAHTP5uiwNrpvlY8on0mD6w0E4VF~La4E4m1SO4be6OTSNs6LwMixjVhUsODY0i2WctsGk1uyB97zigsuB91k4v9EhnnmeS6QHJOpCS~e1TQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KKMPOJU8AYATR
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Tia G.

Yelp
Celebrated a wedding here in one of their private rooms. Restaurant itself is very big with various room sizes. They sat 60 of us in a room a bit too small, but we made the best out of it. You can't stop by without having a margarita!! We started off with a flight then got grande sizes.
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Sky T.

Yelp
A staple in Old Town! Huge venue perfect for large groups with many different rooms. They also sell tortillas and other to-go snacks up front if you're just passing by. The portions are pretty big and filling. I ended up getting the Pozole since I wanted a smaller meal and was really happy with it. A very savory and tasty broth with some heat and came with a lot of toppings. Service was good for being busy and enjoyed our time!
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Victoria R.

Yelp
My bf and I visited SD for our anniversary trip, he wanted us to try out this cute little cafe in old town Needless to say, we were both quite pleased with our meals. The food is excellent quality, the salsa is chunky and fresh (just how we like it) and the tortilla chips were made fresh in house! We shared a delicious margarita as well To add on to our experience they took our photo and gave us a free copy! Unfortunately we didn't take them because we were both mid stuffing our mouths so it was awkward but such a kind gesture The service was okay, not too great; but i wouldn't hold it against them, it was Labor Day weekend and super busy!! Not to mention our waiter was brand new to the job and still learning I highly recommend, we will be coming back!
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Zien T.

Yelp
We noticed a long line outside and decided we had to give this place a try. The food was good, and they welcomed us with free chips and salsa, which was a nice touch. Our waiter was excellent, and the fresh-made tortillas were a highlight. We ordered a dish with chicken, rice, and beans--the chicken was flavorful, but the portion size was surprisingly small, especially for the price. They only gave about a tablespoon of rice, which was shocking. In contrast, the carnitas dish we also ordered had a much more generous portion, so the consistency in serving sizes could be improved. The restaurant itself is spacious and welcoming, with a kid-friendly atmosphere.
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Brittany C.

Yelp
YUMMY Mexican food in Old Town San Diego. This restaurant is huge! I can't even tell you how many rooms they have and they also boast a great patio space. It's a great place for groups of all sizes. Service is fast and friendly. Atmosphere is buzzing. They also have some cute traditional looking Mexican flags outside above the patio area. Menu is expansive. I enjoyed the California Burrito and their fresh tortillas. You can even buy fresh tortillas or banuelos to go now - highly recommend that! Free parking in their parking structure for two hours if you dine here. Major perk as parking in this area can be tough during busy times. Overall a great experience and I can't wait to come back.
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Siu M.

Yelp
Service Fast, friendly, attentive. We made a reservation online and was seated right away. It's a pretty big restaurant, spanning upstairs and downstairs, so reservation probably wasn't needed for Food 1)Dragon pop mocktail (sept special)- delicious and unique 2) Guava sol margarita(sept special)- alcohol pretty light since I drank 16 oz and didn't feel buzzed. (I am a lightweight). 3) Half dozen fresh tortillas with butter- came out piping hot, but I have had better ones in Old Town 4) Shrimp plate- eh its ok. Passable. The corn tortilla might have been a bit stale- not quite crunchy but not soft either. Rice a bit dry. Beans very dry. Will not repeat this one again. Vibes and atmosphere- 10/10 lively Good place for tourists if you would like to experience the vibe. Probably not much of a foodie destination
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Felisha T.

Yelp
Came here with a group of ladies, we all met at a conference being held in town this week. It was a little loud, but it was due to a big group of young men sitting inside the room with our group of 14-16 ladies. Add in the live guitar players and tequila, we'll let's just say lots of FUN was had. Aside from the ambiance, the food was very good, particularly the lobster and freshly made tortillas. The margaritas were yummy. Aside from the candy margarita, I completely enjoyed my spicy watermelon margarita; it was not super sweet like most places serve them. The service was as good as it could be with the one server having 3 really large tables to manage. She did a good job though. No disappointment here. This was a great recommendation.
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Tiffany R.

Yelp
The service and overall theme of the restaurant were pleasant, and my margarita hit the spot, but everything else fell flat. The birria tacos? Dry and flavorless. The beans and rice? Forgettable. The guacamole? Just blah. Overall--just no.
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Angeline C.

Yelp
Meh. Too touristy.. surprised they have 4 stars on Yelp. We ordered the carne asada burrito. It was pretty small for $16 and meat literally tasted microwaved or not grilled at all. Chips & salsa was good! I asked for horchata.. and my bad for not asking for the price. Such a huge glass for $10! My server knew what he was doing by not being truthful on the size & price point. My friend & I could have easily shared one. Don't bother with this place.. more other authentic places that don't price gouge!
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Caitlin D.

Yelp
10 out of 10 AMAZING! I am in San Diego for work. A few days ago I came here with some customers. Tonight we had a free evening to go wherever we wanted to, and I chose to come back to café coyote! The tortillas are absolutely amazing. The food is fresh and delicious! The service is fast. And the staff is excellent.
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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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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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Omar F.

Yelp
Any place that makes tortillas "hecho a mano" is off to a great start. Fresh corn and flour tortillas absolutely tasted great. Ordered the beef fajitas, rice, beans with queso, fresh guac and a good portion of carne asada with veggies. Very hearty meal, tasted excellent. My Only recommendation is that the salsa needs more heat and less tomatoes. La salsa no pica! The service is great. Attentive and extremely friendly. Will be back soon and bringing more friends.
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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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Jerry J.

Yelp
Thank you Myra for such awesome customer service! Food is PERFECT! Ambiance always awesome here! I been coming here for almost 2 decades. Lately I like getting the Chicken Tortilla Soup to go after our walk! Myra makes sure EVERYTHING is in that nice to-go bag! Myra is a professional at what she does here! (Bartender/server) Thank you Cafe Coyote for having such an awesome person working here! I also want to thank the gentleman that was bringing ice to the bar. This guy gave my doggie a little bowl of water. I have water for Lulu in my car but our car was across the street! Thank you Mr Ice guy! And again thank you Cafe Coyote for your awesome staff!!
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Martha W.

Yelp
I stopped in to get some tortilla soup to go. It was fantastic! Very rich and flavorful. It comes with 2 tortillas and some tortilla strips to go in the soup. It had generous portions of chicken, avocado and cheese. I have been to this restaurant before for lunch and really enjoyed it. It's always busy and now I know why.
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Catherine F.

Yelp
Cafe Coyote is HUGE. So much space to bring your noisy, happy group of friends -- but there are still nooks and crannies to tuck away with your bestie for delicious margaritas and some surprisingly authentic Mexican menu choices. It's colorful, bright, filled with delicious aromas, and the tiny Abuelita making tortillas by hand was fascinating to watch -- she was so FAST! (She'd obviously been doing this much of her life. I wonder what she was thinking of? Her hands worked automatically, to free her thoughts for other things...) Our server, Alejandro, was full of such understated youthful energy and goodwill it was a pleasure just to watch him. Also, apart from being friendly and courteous, he was really efficient, always at my elbow just when I wanted him, never hovering. His Goatness and I split a bright, fresh, decent-sized order of ceviche, with all the delicate seafood marinated perfectly. Just exactly what needed to be in the dish; nothing else. The tortilla chips were hot, fresh, endless, and came with plenty of mild salsa. The spicy watermelon margarita was irresistible -- living in the midwest, all I can find are margaritas that are made with disgusting schlocky sweet and sour, made with high fructose corn syrup, unless I make margaritas at home. Here, the watermelon juice and lime juice were obviously fresh, the pour was balanced (not too heavy, not too light), and the tajin rim was generous, served in Mexican hand-blown glasses. I felt like we'd finally arrived back on my native soil. While there were some fantastic offerings on the menu, including a lot of dishes I have a hard time finding in the midwest, I wanted simple comfort food -- fish tacos. And they did them perfectly: tender fresh local fish, fresh shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, a squeeze of lime and a light, fresh crema, on handmade hot corn tortillas. I was able to taste and appreciate the flavors of all the ingredients, and savor the way they melded. Sometimes simple food, done right, is the way to go. His Goatness tried multiple varieties of tacos, all of which he devoured with gusto and pronounced delicious. While the restaurant is pricey, the food, service, and ambience were worth the cost. This was a great launching point for a stroll around Old Town, as well. Remember, Old Town goes pretty quiet after dark, so leave yourself plenty of time to explore, or stroll first then end your day at Cafe Coyote.
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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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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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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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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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Chris C.

Yelp
Little bit mixed on this. Definitely the busiest place in Old Town. My party all really enjoyed their burritos. One got a bowl that got super soaked with salsa. Margaritas were fine but highly overpriced. Overall, decent meal just a little too expensive.
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Michele F.

Yelp
Thank you so much Cafe Coyote, Christine, Trevor and James. You made our day amazing. The food, the ambiance, the atmosphere, the service everything was top notch. Last time was a fluke and I'm so thankful you welcomed us back. Thanks again and Feliz Dia de Los Muertos amigos. Can't wait to come back!!
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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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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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Mariana L.

Yelp
Great service great ambience food was so good especially the skinny margaritas and homemade flour tortillas! Special Gracias our server Aide she was on top of everything and so attentive, so sweet and professional!
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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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Daphney J.

Yelp
Service was good, they were packed too yet seated quickly w a party of 4, they have indoor/outdoor seating, some people will play music for you for some $$$, fun experience, fresh tortilla being made in sight, I had the Birria taco and oh man that was worth the calories. Def coming back when we're in San Diego area.
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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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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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Ryan P.

Yelp
What an awesome experience! My wife, our 2 month old baby, and I got seated within 5 minutes which was perfect. Carlos was our server and he was awesome, super friendly, chill, and got everything right. Service was on point and the food came out great. Big shoutout to Carlos and the team for making it such a good experience!
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Amanda M.

Yelp
Such a vibe!!! Richy was our waiter and oh em gee!! So fantastic. Such a personality and great service. He was the most attentive server ive ever experienced. We had a photographer come to the table and take group photos and also a cute little mariachi sang some como la flor for us. We had an absolute great time. Highly recommend. And oh dont get me started on the fresh tortillas made right before your own eyes. Dee-LISH-us!!!!
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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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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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Christopher S.

Yelp
The ambiance of cafe coyote is fun! Old Town can be a bit touristy, but even as a local, I like to visit a few times a year. Cafe coyote is one of those "go to" spots. When I have family or friends visit, I always take them here after walking around Old Town. This place is huge! There is sometimes a small wait but pretty much I tend to get seated quickly.
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David S.

Yelp
Fish taco not fresh. They charge above menus price to "make" the margaritas. Won't be back.
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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.