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A very popular Mexican restaurant in the Old Town area, Casa Guadalajara has quite a variety of menu selections to suit every palate. To me, the food is a little on the bland side, but others whom I've taken there have enjoyed it. The best values are the combination plates, about $9 each. The other entrées are in the $12+ zone. Portions are generous and most are large enough to share.
This restaurant gets very busy on weekend nights, especially during the Summer, so you'll want to make a reservation. I was told that you can call ahead to get your name put on the waiting list, which helps a lot as it can easily reach 45 minutes.
Casa Guadalajara
4105 Taylor Street
(619) 295-5111
Driving directions: Turn left onto Sea World Drive out of the main parking lot exit. Go to the second traffic light, Pacific Avenue, and turn right. Drive about one mile until you reach Taylor Street, where you will turn left. There is a small sign just before you reach Taylor indicating that Old Town is to your left. Casa Guadalajara is a few blocks ahead on your right. Parking can be bad when they're busy; look for a space in the back.
This is one of those hole-in-the-wall type places, though it is a little dressier. They have a pretty good selection of authentic dishes, including Chicken Molé. My girlfriend prefers Casa Guadalajara; I am the opposite. The food runs somewhat on the spicy side.
El Tecolote
6110 Friars Road
(619) 295-2087
Driving directions: Turn left onto Sea World Drive out of the main parking lot exit. Go to the first traffic light, Friars Road, and turn right. Drive about 1-1/2 miles until you reach the traffic light at Via de Las Cumbres, where you will turn left. El Tecolote is in the small center on the northeast corner. There is also a pizza place and "Mr. Peabody's Burges & Ale," both of unknown calibre.
I found this place by accident a few years ago, just driving around Old Town at night. The pizza is really good, probably the best in the area, and they have a great selection of specialty pizzas along with the old standbys. It is a small place, so expect to wait a bit to get a table.
They have a great lunch special that is available until 4:30 PM. If you can't make it for lunch, I highly recommend you go there for an early dinner both to save a few bucks and to beat the night time dinner crowds.
Does a pizza place need a website?
Pizza Bella
2707 Congress Street
(619) 692-4333 or 692-4434
Driving directions: Turn left onto Sea World Drive out of the main parking lot exit. Go to the second traffic light, Pacific Avenue, and turn right. Drive about one mile until you reach Taylor Street, where you will turn left. There is a small sign just before you reach Taylor indicating that Old Town is to your left. Complete your turn onto Taylor in the right lane. Congress Street is just after you cross the train tracks. Turn right on Congress, and start your quest for the very elusive parking space. Parking is horrible in this area, especially during the Summer. Pizza Bella is about three blocks from Taylor, on the right side of the street. In theory, you can park in the back of the building. Read the signs carefully to make sure that you're car won't be towed while you're inside eating!
This page last updated 3/20/2001 at 4:19 PM.