Restaurant Reivew
Casa Guadalajaro
Southern California is known for being home to an abundance of top end Mexican restaurants; no doubt some of the best Mexican cuisine you can find anywhere in the country can be found in cities like San Diego.
Casa Guadalajaro, an amazing Mexican dining choice in San Diego's Old Town neighborhood, is one of these exceptional finds. To date, it the best Mexican food I've ever tasted in a restaurant. Everything here is outstanding, from the food, to the service, right down to the colorful authentic decor.
Expect a long wait to get into one of San Diego's most popular and (rightfully so) highest regarded restaurants.
Food
Casa Guadalajaro offers a great menu with a little something for everyone, even a full vegetarian menu, which is pretty rare. You will find all your standard Mexican favorites on the menu like fajitas, burritos, chicken, beef & seafood plates, tamales, along with daily and seasonal specials. In addition, various lunch specials are available.
The complimentary chips and salsa were delicious: just the right amount of crispiness in the chips and a tasty salsa with just the right amount of spice. Looking back we wished we would not have indulged so much in the chips, in order to leave more room for the gigantic entrees!
We started with the Concha de Guacamole appetizer which included a tortilla overloaded with guacamole and topped with shredded cheese. The presentation here was great: a cute little face was made by using tomatoes and olives.
For our entrees, we tried out the Combination Vegetariana and the Chicken Chimichanga. The Vegetarian Combo plate was amazing, an enormous serving of 3 different dishes: a vegetarian tostada, a vegetarian enchilada, and a chile relleno. The dish was served with Arroz Poblano (a tasty Mexican rice) and black beans. Everything was spectacular, although it was way too much food to eat in one serving, especially after 2 appetizers.
For just $13, this plate was such a steal considering the fantastic quality and shear amount of food (you will leave with plenty of leftovers). The Chimichanga was one of the best we have had in a while. Like the veggie combo plate, it was very filling and a great value for the mere $11 price tag.
A fantastic Happy Hour is offered from 4pm-7pm on weekdays. This includes various drink specials and a complimentary appetizer bar.
Everything at Casa is prepared fresh daily. No MSG is used in any dishes. In addition, they are willing to work with anyone with food allergies. Just inform your server prior to ordering. A few favorites entrees of guests include the Grilled Fish Tacos, Enchilada Suizas, and Burrito Carne Asada.
Service
Service was professional and friendly. Our waiter even sent us home with a complimentary bag of chips and a container of salsa to go with our leftovers.
Atmosphere
Like the food and service, the decor was authentic. The dining area is bright and colorful featuring traditional Mexican art and furniture. A bright outdoor patio with fountains and shade is a great choice too if you prefer to take advantage of San Diego's beautiful year-round summer-like weather.
A mariachi band serenades guests from 6pm-9pm on weekends. Listening to the traditional Mexican music while feasting on authentic Mexican fare in a festive dining room really made us feel like we were dining in Mexico for the night.
With the fantastic food, exceptional service, authentic dining room, and traditional music, a meal out at Casa Guadalajaro is the perfect date or party night out in the city: a great alternative to the basic, bland chain restaurants overpopulating the area.
If you want to truly feel like you are in Mexico for an hour or 2, there is no better place than Casa Guadalajaro.
Final Remarks
Casa Guadalajaro is highly recommended for new San Diego visitors, as well as any locals who have not tried it out yet (what are you waiting for?!). The wonderful Mexican cuisine, combined with stellar service, the most gorgeous dining room, & fun live music, easily makes Casa one of the most fun & delicious dining experiences you will enjoy during your time in San Diego.
