Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Cafe Coyote

    3.8 (8.9k reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Order Cafe Coyote Takeout or Delivery

    Services - Cafe Coyote

    Bartending services

    Catering services

    Post-event cleaning services

    Cafe Coyote Photos

    Business Info

    CAFE COYOTE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Touristy
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise

    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Coyote

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Amanda J.

    Cafe Coyote is a fun and vibrant place in Old Town San Diego. Extensive menu of delicious Mexican food. Large restaurant with outside and inside seating and different floors. There's a lot going on but the servers make you feel like you are their only customer. Great experience with lively atmosphere and good food

    Rachel M.

    I called someone and asked where I should eat, she said this location had okay food but I thought trying the highest reviewed item would be good. Rice, beans, and tacos (3) all underseasoned and my plate was $30. Good portion sizes, can't say I recommend the food from here though, I was disappointed. I'm not sure what the hype was in the other reviews. Good host, and I had absolutely wonderful service from Alejandro my waiter who was so attentive and the atmosphere was lovely. Some musicians came up and offered to play us a song while we were eating which added to the great ambiance.

    Sharon B.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a huge restaurant in Old Town.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We decided to go here because it was across the street from the Whaley House and there was no wait. We were a big group of 8 that Saturday evening. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The decor is very cute with lots of seating inside and outside on their central patio.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were seated right away and our waiter took all our orders. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a very busy restaurant with staff bustling around everywhere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have delicious freshly made flour tortillas so I always try to order a dish with them. The portions are generous so most dishes can be shared if you want to split a meal or take the leftovers home. Everyone was happy with the orders. The shrimps in my dish was so good! Not overcooked and fresh.

    Vivian C.

    I happened to walk by this place and noticed it was pretty busy with a fun atmosphere, so we decided to stop in and give it a try. Even though it was crowded, we got seated pretty quickly. The staff was friendly and welcoming. There were five of us, and four people in our group ordered the lobster because it looked really good on the menu. Each lobster plate was $69.95 and came with beans and rice on the side. Honestly, other than helping fill us up, the beans and rice weren't anything special. As for the lobster, I thought it was pretty small for the price. It was also a little dry, and I honestly didn't enjoy it very much. For almost $70, I feel like I could go to just about any Chinese seafood restaurant near where I live and get a bigger and better lobster meal than this. One of my friends ordered the Carne Asada Plate, which came with steak, beans, and rice. That plate was $24.95 and seemed decent for the price. I also ordered a cocktail, and that was actually one of the highlights for me. It was well made, tasted good, and felt worth the price. The restaurant is colorful and has a fun vibe that makes you feel like you're somewhere in Mexico. Since it's located right in Old Town San Diego, we chose to sit outside and watch people walk by while we ate. To be honest, I probably enjoyed the Old Town atmosphere more than the lobster.

    The restaurant
    Blenthony M.

    Came here with a group of 17 people. We had made a reservation prior to coming and they were able to accommodate large groups. We saw multiple groups here watching FIFA games. They had live singers coming around and serenading tables. They put us in a room that was secluded so we were able to talk and hear each other well, though it did start to get warm. The hostess was sitting another party there but it was too warm for them and they relocated. The thermostat was reading 81 in the room we were in. We all ordered our food and it came quickly and pretty much at the same time. The non-alcoholic drink cups were a lot larger so it helped to not need refills as much. Water cups were a little smaller but they brought a pitcher that was left at the table so we could refill as needed. We ordered 2 pitchers of Cadillac margaritas and shared amongst the table which was great. Parking around the area could be a little tough during crowded times but a nice stroll around the downtown area is always nice. We strolled into a few shops after eating. Overall a good experience for a large party. Would come back here again.

    Making tortillas
    Armando D.

    Small tortillas? Not bad but used to getting bigger tortillas flour. We had breakfast plates. Chorizo and beans/carnitas with eggs and chilaquiles. Chilaquiles were strips of tortilla and cheese not melted properly over the strips. Had scrambled eggs with beans and potatoes. Very touristy food, very little Mexican flavors...Jamaica was machine made...service was excellent as it should be.

    IG: happyfoodietown
    Vy D.

    A historic Mexican restaurant in Old town San Diego. The restaurant is huge offer multiple yummy dishes for family style. Their cocktail selection is great and of course I have to have a mojito when I was here. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Crowded during dining hours, good to dine in big group.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Combo Enchilada
    Rebecca A.

    I've been to San Diego plenty of times but have never eaten here. We've only bought fresh flour tortillas from them. This was our first time and the food was crazy good! There were six of us and we all ordered different items from enchiladas, to chile verde, pozole, tacos, and more. We all tasted each other's food and we really liked the food! Diego was our waiter and he was so kind! He took care of us despite our constant requests. I know our group can be a lot but he was super patient and kind towards us. Thank you Diego! We quickly got a table which is so nice! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The whole environment is fun and festive![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would order everything again with the exception of the chicken enchilada. That's the only thing I didn't care for because of the chicken. But all other six dishes/sides were super good! We will definitely visit again!

    El Rey" the king dish
    Alma T.

    Café coyote is beyond amazing food atmosphere, our server was great her name was Ash :) we watch the World Cup! For all travels that are not from San Diego this restaurant is 10/10 for old town. Drinks are great and hand made tortillas free parking . Cheers enjoy

    Julianne G.

    Cute spacious Mexican cantina in Old Town San Diego. Outdoor and indoor seating in themed rooms. Very cute decor. Our waitress was friendly and took good care of us. Complimentary chips and salsa are brought to the table. I had the tortilla soup and a cheese enchilada. The soup was very good, albeit slightly heavy broth, but a great smoky chile flavor. The enchilada was a little salty but again the red sauce had a great flavor. Everyone else enjoyed everything they ordered, and most of the items come with freshly made flour tortillas.

    If you check in on Yelp you can get something special like this
    Amanda C.

    Okay guys it's definitely really touristy but sometimes that is what's FUN! We love taking people who come from out of town to walk around Old Town and this is just a great stop with a great vibe. The food may be not as typically authentic as other places in the same area but you get great photos, the bathrooms are easily accessible, and the food and drink is pretty good, and the vibe is just fun with music and ambiance! In terms of what to get, I especially LOVE the carnitas here and could eat them all day. They're super good. I also feel that even when this place is busy it's still pretty easy to get a spot and the service is fast and efficient. This last time we came we had such a sweet waiter named Lucy/Lucia who was so on the ball with us, even though it was a busy Saturday!! It made our experience so positive and I would come back in a heartbeat just to get served by her. We always have fun here and I love taking others here as well!

    My partner and my Mom in Law enjoying the margaritas!
    Ana P.

    We make it a point to ALWAYS come to Coyote Cafe whenever we're in town, we're from LA. Today was extra special, we're celebrating our impulsive girls day and we ended it at coyote cafe with amazing service from our server Michelle! They were very attentive and friendly which is always the case here. On our way out, we were intreated in getting the newest iconic coyote cafe T-shirt since it was a FIFA World Cup one! The manager Trevor was so nice when we asked about them and brought some out to show us and ended up gifting us the shirts as well since we get a shirt literally every time we come. We probably have like 10 of these shirts by the way. During this interaction our daughter dropped her apple juice and the host Alyssa quickly came and brought her back a whole brand new one! [[HIGHLIGHT]]We LOVE Coyote Cafe with our whole heart and we love recommending it to everyone we know, great food, great atmosphere and AMAZING MARGARITAS![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We can't wait to come back again and again!! ‍

    Margarita flight
    Devon S.

    Came here to celebrate my husband's birthday and this place did not disappoint! We ordered a chimichanga, el Rey, margarita flight, and flan as complimentary dessert for birthday. Everything was delicious! Best flan I've ever had, margarita flight was fun and unusual flavors. My husband said el Rey had "so much meat". Also the salsa was so good, we bought a pint of it to take home.

    See all

    Review Insights

    22 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Our server Ash did amazing and was very attentive and friendly! Food was great and the vibes are always great here.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 day ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 day ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 day ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 134
    Thanks 40
    Love this 90
    Oh no 39

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vy D.
    3707
    968
    10868

    20 days ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    14 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 hours ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 37
    Thanks 21
    Love this 36
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ana P.
    0
    11
    10

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Devon S.
    31
    127
    51

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    29 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Sonia K.
    114
    17
    30

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 day ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kneil A.
    112
    11
    11

    15 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 223

    Cafe Coyote Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cafe Coyote

    Do you have lobster puerto Nuevo style ? If so how much?

    Yes, we do best in Town! Puerto Nuevo Style Lobster… 

    Do you have lobster today?

    Yes we do!! Best in town!

    Are dogs allowed?

    Yes! We are dog friendly in our outdoor areas. We also have a dog menu 🐕

    I'm planning a party for 50 people, you guys have place for this cane of party?

    Yes they even offer separated rooms if needed

    Planning to go for lunch but two people in our group use walkers and find it difficult to walk from the car into the restaurant. Is there close parking with handicap signs near the restaurant or valet parking available?

    They have a free parking garage under the restaurant, as well as a few free spots on the right side of the restaurant. No valet but I'm sure you could pull up front and drop off with the hazards lights. Super friendly staff! Great food

    Do they charge a service charge on top of the bill?

    I still have my receipt from two weeks ago and it doesn't show a service charge. Just the tax. At the bottom it does indicate that 20% gratuity will be added to parties of 8 or more.

    Are dogs allowed on the patio?

    No they are not. I have asked.

    When is happy hour?

    It's an extremely touristy restaurant in a very touristy area. The bar may have special prices on certain drinks, but it's just a place to take money from tourists.

    What Vegetarian options do you have that don't contain lard or chicken broth in the beans, rice or tortillas?

    This is a Mexican restaurant. What you're looking for is a vegan restaurant.

    I see conflicting comments in the reviews. Can you buy the fresh tortillas by the dozen?

    Sure can

    Do they have Mariachis every night?

    Yes

    Do they have Apple Pay?

    Yes!

    Do you have Mariachis on Saturday for DINNER and specifically for June 11th, 2022? And do you take…

    They do take Reservations, but sometimes it is hard getting through to them by calling. if you have under 6 people you can make reservations on their website.

    What time do the Mariachis play on Sundays?

    I generally go there on Saturdays or Sundays around brunch time ...the mariachis are there ...they are walking from table to table ...asking for permission to serenade you... And make your visit very special

    Do they still have live mariachi bands there during covid time?

    Yes they do and they still do pictures table side

    Are you animal friendly?

    No pets, unless service animals

    Do u serve wet burritos?

    Yes. They can make your burrito wet! Enjoy

    What forms of payment do the street side tortillas take?

    Cash

    Can you seat a table of 30? Thank you!

    Yes

    Hi I never been here and trying to book a large group for girls' weekend. Is there good shops around this area and things to see? This is for a twenty something crowd. Any feedback is appreciated. Thank you

    Yes there is the old hard rock which is now called zozo. There is a club their and like a pool party vibe at this hotel. However when covid19 was going on it was more of a chill relax vibe. Their is a drag show spot restaurant near by and a club… 

    View All 41 Questions

    The Cordova Bar - Martinis at The Cordova Bar.

    The Cordova Bar

    4.7(223 reviews)
    1.5 miLinda Vista
    $$

    Stopped by here after dinner and had a blast. This place is a vibe…read more They had a DJ. There's plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors. Service was awesome from start to finish, and the drinks were reasonably priced, which is always a plus. They're dog friendly, which is awesome. Overall, it had a great crowd and an easy, laid-back atmosphere. Definitely a fun spot to hang out.

    Dope cocktail bar in Morena area. Just dropped in on a routine Saturday night for 1 cocktail and…read moreended up having many lolol They had a DJ in playing which was cool and kept the vibes right for the night (although I think the volume could have been a bit lower as I felt like I had to yell to talk or do the awkward lean in to hear). Bartenders were cool. Nick was our fave though for sure. He made some mean cocktails. Solid liquor selection plus a list of cocktails to choose from. I initially ordered the something and picante (can't remember the full name) and found it to be way too sweet. Then switched to a basic Lalo with soda and lime to cleanse my palette. After tried their version of an espresso martini which was quite good but made with nitro brew and kahlua so a bit on the sweeter side. I ended the night with my fave drink though which was a Hugo spritz and it was perfectly balanced. Definitely will be going back, especially for the love band Sundays. Parking is all street parking.

    Photos
    The Cordova Bar - Happy Hour 5-8PM features specials on Martinis, Craft Beer on Tap, Wine and Wells.

    Happy Hour 5-8PM features specials on Martinis, Craft Beer on Tap, Wine and Wells.

    The Cordova Bar - Peanut Butter Espresso Martini

    Peanut Butter Espresso Martini

    The Cordova Bar - Classic Martini $10 During Happy Hour 5-8PM

    See all

    Classic Martini $10 During Happy Hour 5-8PM

    Oculto 477 - Tsunami -- THE BEST

    Oculto 477

    4.2(306 reviews)
    0.1 miOld Town
    $$

    I plan to come back to San Diego every few months, and since I'm a creature of habit, I'm looking…read morefor something that I can do every single time. I'm really glad that I found Oculto because it has been one of the highlights of my San Diego trip. First of all, the concept of the seven deadly sins is really cool. The space is absolutely moody, intimate, and thoughtfully designed. It has an atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and enjoy your drink rather than rush through it. And since I don't really drink, I was definitely going slow. And I was alone, but the good part was I found myself just taking it all in instead of reaching for my phone. I started with an espresso martini-style cocktail that was smooth, balanced, and the perfect way to ease into the evening. For my second drink, I asked for the bartender's choice, and it ended up being one of my favorite cocktails I've had in a long time. It featured lychee, strawberry, and cardamom, and was garnished with a beautiful little rose. It was creative, elegant, and every flavor worked together perfectly. The cocktails were outstanding, but what really made the experience stand out was the service. Devin was an excellent bartender and an amazing conversationalist. He was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely engaging, making me feel welcome from the moment I sat down. He took the time to craft a drink based on flavors I enjoy, and it was clear he cares about creating a great experience, not just serving drinks. If you're looking for a cocktail bar with incredible drinks, a gorgeous atmosphere, and exceptional hospitality, I can't recommend Oculto enough. I'll absolutely be back the next time I'm in San Diego.

    The self-appointed king of speakeasies is back at it with another one. I stopped by Oculto 477 on a…read moreWednesday evening an hour before close. Located in Old Town San Diego, we had dinner at a restaurant within walking distance from Oculto. I parked for free on the street and made a reservation day of. It's a pretty small speakeasy so if you're going on a weekend, you're probably going to have to make a reservation in advance. Ambiance (4.5/5): Oculto has the seven deadly sins theme going which is pretty cool. I've been to a similar speakeasy in St. Pete, Florida. Once you arrive at the mezcal bar that houses Oculto, check in with the host, and he will bring you to a "confessional." There, you must confess one of the seven deadly sins before the door to the speakeasy is opened for you. Naturally, I went with "lust." Once you get inside, it's a charming speakeasy. Service (2.5/5): This is one of the areas that leaves a little to be desired. There was only one bartender working when I was there. Since speakeasies have elevated cocktails, service was quite slow. They definitely needed two bartenders there to speed up the process. They also have a two-drink minimum which I was annoyed about on principle. I often have multiple drinks at a bar, but I never feel like I'm forced to do it. Food (N/A): I'm not sure if they have food, I don't believe they do. Regardless, I was on a liquid diet. Drinks (4/5): Pretty interesting menu of craft cocktails. When I'm at a speakeasy, I look for unique drinks that have an interesting combination of ingredients and flavor profiles. In addition to a nice list, they also have a dealer's choice cocktail where you can tell the bartender what you're into and they will craft a custom cocktail for you based on your taste. Another cool thing about Oculto is that it's located next to the cemetery in Old Town. That adds to the spooky theme.

    Photos
    Oculto 477 - Seat at the bar

    Seat at the bar

    Oculto 477 - La Llorona

    La Llorona

    Oculto 477

    See all

    Starlite - Starlite Burger

    Starlite

    4.1(2.6k reviews)
    1.6 miMiddletown, Mission Hills
    $$$

    After dinner at Kingfisher, we were looking for a great place to end the night with dessert, and…read moreStarlite turned out to be the perfect choice. The funniest part was actually finding the place. We kept looking at the Yelp photos of the exterior, and the logo made us think the restaurant was in a large standalone building. Our Tesla kept navigating us to the same location, but we couldn't find what we expected. On our second pass, FSD actually pulled us right in front of the entrance--even in a red zone for a brief moment--just so we could finally see the Starlite sign. It honestly felt like the car knew we weren't recognizing the place. It was such a funny experience that made FSD seem almost human. Once inside, we were blown away. The interior is absolutely top-notch--stylish, elegant, and full of character. The pistachio dessert and the chocolate mousse were pure heaven, rich, smooth, and beautifully presented. The hidden disco room with the waterfall is simply insane and adds such a unique vibe to the experience. Even the restrooms are thoughtfully designed and incredibly cool. Starlite isn't just a place for dessert--it's an experience from the moment you arrive until you leave. Highly recommended if you're looking for an unforgettable atmosphere paired with amazing desserts.

    One of the most beautiful cocktail bars ever! It looks like something out of a Star Wars movie…read more However, me and my friends had to share a small table and sat in tiny stools. If you make a reservation be sure to reserve the booth seats. Parking was HARD and nonexistent. Less than 10 parking spots provided by Starlite, then you need to drive through the hilly residential area for a spot. Drinks were decent but nothing special! You really just come here for the ambiance. Presentation was nice. Service could be better, was slow.

    Photos
    Starlite - Bar area after entering

    Bar area after entering

    Starlite - Chef's vegetable salad, beautiful presented and super yummy!

    Chef's vegetable salad, beautiful presented and super yummy!

    Starlite - Cocktails are fun!

    See all

    Cocktails are fun!

    The Gärten - Daily Special Bacon, Jalapeño, pineapple

    The Gärten

    4.6(79 reviews)
    0.9 miLinda Vista
    $$

    This biergarten is awesome. As soon as you walk in, there's a food truck immediately to your left…read moreserving wood-fired pizzas that are absolutely phenomenal. They also offer a great happy hour special Tuesday through Friday with $5 off pizzas. I don't remember the exact hours, so you'll want to check those before visiting. One of the things I love most about this place is the variety. There are three different brewery stations throughout the venue. I got a flight from the back room, where they serve mead, which is tough to find around San Diego. I ordered a flight, which came with six selections, and every single one was excellent. The staff here are fantastic. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and one of the chefs even came out to give the pups some pepperoni, which was a nice touch that definitely stood out. The space itself is huge with plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating. It's a great place for groups to gather, relax, and enjoy a few drinks without feeling cramped. Overall, this is a fun and unique spot with great food, excellent drinks, and outstanding service. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back.

    This is a great space! Love meeting friends here - locals and tourists are always pleasantly…read moresurprised by this literal 'hidden' gem tucked in the middle of an industrial area (parking may take a bit to find). The main food available is from Pizza Cassette, which has delicious sandwiches and wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza pies. Drinks are available from a brewery, a trendy and unique wine spot, and a meadery! Truly something for everyone. It's dog friendly and great for groups to still feel intimate with standing areas, barrel table tops and picnic style tables. There's usually always something happening like trivia night or live music, but heads up, they don't stay open too late - won't be an issue for most, but in case you're looking for a spot at 8pm, double check the hours, especially for food.

    Photos
    The Gärten - VIP flight from Lost Cause Meadery

    VIP flight from Lost Cause Meadery

    The Gärten
    The Gärten

    See all

    Cafe Coyote - mexican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...