The one thing Old Town San Diego has is lots of restaurants and bars, some of which serve just plain old bar food, and others, classic Mexican food. Inside the Old Town Historic state park lie’s a unique Mexican Restaurant. Casa De Reyes is an original Mexican Pueblo established in 1821 with loads of ambiance and a very authentic menu. So, when in Rome…….
I am not the biggest fan of Mexican food, it’s just not my drug of choice, but Casa De Reyes has so many options that you will leave happy, and glad you tried their cuisine. The chef uses authentic recipes from his grandmother’s kitchen.
Here’s what I tried:
Margaritas:
The Classic Cadillac with 1800 reposado tequila, premium orange liquer, fresh lime and lemon juice with house made sweet and sour, agave nectar and a splash of orange juice because the Cadillac didn’t exist in the 1800’s! Nice well rounded cocktail with a lot of spunk!!
The Ultimate Revolutionary with Herradura blanco tequila, lime squeeze, sweet and sour and agave nectar shaken with a float of cointreau and served with a salted rim. A little different then your usual Margie, with a nice sour zing, this one is an attitude adjuster.
La Riviera Maya with a refreshing blend of 1800-blanco tequila, Matusalem rum, coconut, strawberry and pineapple juice-a Mexican Riviera delight. For the sweet drink lover, for me, not so much.
Appetizers:
Mexican Caesar Salad with tender hearts of romaine lettuce, tomato wedges, cotija cheese, pico de gallo, tortilla strips and chipotle Caesar dressing. This is a huge salad with a lovely tangy Caesar dressing. A good light choice.
Food:
Sea Bass con Pico de Gallo de Naranja with fresh sea bass rubbed with Mexican spices and topped with a refreshing spicy orange pico de gallo. Served with ensalada de nopales and black beans. A little on the salty sauce, but the fish alone was worth ordering it.
Tampiquena Especial with carne asada steak and a cheese enchilada served with guacamole (gluten-free). Imagine a gluten-free Mexican entree, thats the whole reason for selecting this one.
Pork Tamales with white corn masa stuffed with pork, topped with cheese and tomatillo sauce (gluten-free). Another gluten-free dish, oh my!
Crispy Chicken or Beef Tacos with chicken or beef, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce and shredded cheese. I loved both of these tacos, done the old school way.
Fish or Shrimp Tacos with grilled fish or shrimp on a soft corn tortilla with a shredded green and red cabbage slaw, spicy cream, cotija cheese, cheddar, and jack cheese, pico de gallo and avocado. The shrimp taco was better then the fish taco, lots of plump fresh shrimp.
The outside patio has different entertainment every night, and is extremely lively; you get the feeling that there is always a party. On any given night they have; Mariachis, Folklorico dancing, bands, themed historic melodramas, guaranteed lots of excitement!
There are many fun stores that are all part of the Fiesta de Reyes; you can buy anything from kitchenware to a Mexican serape. All within stones throw from your outdoor dining experience.
Owned and operated by Old Town Family Hospitality Corporation, Chuck Ross, dubbed as “The Old town Parks Turnaround specialist”, Chuck owns Barra Barra, Casa De Reyes, and The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant. His successful business ventures here in Old Town Park have made him a pillar in this community.
Fiesta de Reyes means celebration of kings and you will feel like Mexican Royalty after enjoying this authentic cuisine.
Casa de Reyes
2754 Calhoun St
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 220-5040
www.fiestadereyes.com
