How do I park and make a reservation at Casa de Reyes in Old Town San Diego?

You can park in the free public parking lot in Old Town and then walk to the restaurant. Reservations can be made in advance through Yelp.

How much does it cost to add extra tortillas when ordering the Molcajete de la Casa at Casa de Reyes?

The Molcajete de la Casa comes with two tortillas by default. Ordering an additional two tortillas costs $3.

Are there any automatic surcharges added to the bill at Casa de Reyes?

Yes, a 4% surcharge is automatically added to the total food bill upon payment. Additionally, for parties of 8 or more, a 20% gratuity is automatically included in the bill.

Can I sit at the bar at Casa de Reyes right away without waiting?

You can sit at the bar immediately without waiting, but it may be uncomfortable due to strong sunlight. To avoid the sun, it is recommended to put your name on the waitlist and use the regular outdoor seating under the canopy.

Casa de Reyes San Diego Old Town Review 2026: Authentic…

Hey there, fellow foodies!

After strolling through the charming streets of Old Town San Diego, my stomach started rumbling.

Old Town is absolutely brimming with fantastic Mexican restaurants, each radiating that vibrant, authentic atmosphere.

Among them, one spot consistently caught my eye with its bustling crowd: Casa de Reyes.

What truly stood out for me were their freshly made tortillas and the complimentary chips and salsa. They were incredibly memorable!

If you're looking to dive into some delicious Mexican cuisine in San Diego, you'll definitely want to keep this place in mind.

Casa de Reyes Basic Information

📍 Casa de Reyes
2754 Calhoun St, San Diego, CA 92110 USA

Address: 2754 Calhoun St, San Diego, CA 92110

Item	Details
Operating Hours	Mon-Thu 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Fri 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sat 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sun 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Reservations	Available via Yelp
Parking	Free public parking lots in Old Town (short walk)

The restaurant's ambiance is truly something special, as you can see!

Casa de Reyes Waiting Game

Even on the bustling July 4th holiday weekend, our wait was only about 10 minutes.

Given how incredibly crowded it was during the July 4th celebrations, I was pleasantly surprised.

We arrived around 2:00 PM, which seemed to be a good time to avoid the longest lines.

Initially, we were told we could get immediate seating at the bar, so we checked it out...

But the sun was beating down directly!

No wonder there weren't many people there...

I figured my back would be toast after just five minutes, so we quickly gave up on that idea.

We put our names down for a regular table, and thankfully, a spot opened up pretty quickly.

I imagine during the peak lunch rush, typically between noon and 1 PM, you might wait a bit longer.

If that's the case, my tip is to put your name on the waiting list first, then explore the Old Town shops or enjoy some of the street performances. It’s a great way to pass the time!

Casa de Reyes Menu Highlights

The complimentary chips and salsa are surprisingly addictive!

As soon as you're seated, they bring out a generous basket of chips and fresh salsa, and let me tell you, they were delicious.

Before our main course even arrived, we were chatting and munching away, and suddenly, half the basket was gone!

I was actually a little worried we'd fill up before the main dishes came out, haha!

The dish we ordered was the Molcajete de la Casa ($26.99), which came with both beef and chicken. It was the perfect size for sharing between two people.

But honestly, the most memorable part of the meal wasn't even the main dish – it was the tortillas!

You can actually see a staff member making them fresh right in the restaurant.

Because they're made on the spot, the texture is just incredible, completely different from pre-made ones.

Our dish came with two tortillas, but we each wanted more, so we ordered two extra for an additional $3.

If you order this menu item, you absolutely MUST add extra tortillas.

They pair so perfectly with the meat, elevating the whole experience.

Mexican Food Calls for Mexican Draft Beer!

We also ordered Modelo and Pacifico draft beers, and let me tell you, enjoying a cold beer outdoors on a warm day is pure bliss.

They complemented the food wonderfully, and the overall atmosphere was simply fantastic.

Good to Know Before You Go

Item	Notes
Waiting	Expect longer waits around noon to 1 PM
Reservations	Available via Yelp
Seating	All outdoor seating (with some covered areas)
Restrooms	Located near the restaurant
Additional Charges	4% surcharge automatically applied
Large Groups	20% gratuity automatically added for parties of 8 or more

Before you get your bill, there are a couple of things to note:

A 4% surcharge is automatically added to your food total.

It's usually written in small print on the menu, so knowing this beforehand can save you from any surprises.

Also, if you're dining with a group of 8 or more, a 20% gratuity is automatically included. Keep this in mind if you're planning a group outing!

Final Thoughts on Casa de Reyes

I had a slight worry that, being a restaurant in a tourist hotspot, it might be overpriced with just average food. But I was genuinely more satisfied than I expected!

The handmade tortillas, especially, are still fresh in my memory.

If I visit Old Town again, I'd love to try another Mexican restaurant, but Casa de Reyes certainly made a strong impression and I'd happily return.

After our meal, we took a leisurely stroll through Old Town, and there was so much to see and experience.

If you're curious about Old Town itself, you might find my previous review on San Diego's Old Town helpful for planning your trip:

San Diego Old Town Review: Experience Mexican Vibes in the US