Very surprised by the mixed reviews here! I have gone to this place 3x within 2 weeks of living here, though I admit I am a creature of habit. Each time I get a lime margarita blended with cheese enchiladas. They have the best margaritas and enchiladas I have ever had and I have been to MANY Mexican restaurants (whole in the walls, etc.) all over Socal., Arizona, and Mexico. I think the place is really cute as well, and I always try to get a seat outside. I feel like I am on vacation each time I am here. I actually think the pricing is pretty reasonable for what you are getting. Can not wait to come back. read more

For a classier Mexican dining experience in east county this is a decent bet. Sister restaurant to Casa Guadalajara, so it has the same look/decor and food. Parking is doable but you may have to park far if it's a busy day since this is a shopping center as well. Most times I go here, I also end up having to wait a few minutes...maybe 10-15 max. Sometimes if you don't mind sitting outside in the patio area you can get seated faster. Otherwise you can just wait it out...if you head in the bar during the right time there are free snacks to hold you over. Inside there is a lot of seating and it can get fairly noisy with all the chatter. Outside isn't as bad and it's well lit. They also have a Mariachi band that strolls around sometimes, so you may or may not be embarrassed if they come to your table haha. The service is quick, you get the usual chips and salsa while you wait. The menu is cluttered and confusing to look at like most Mexican restaurants, but everything here is pretty good. The portions are typically large and many things you can split with someone else and be ok. Decent location, but I'd rather head over to Casa Guadalajara...while it's all pretty much the same, that once just seems a bit more authentic and has a better atmosphere, perhaps because it's in Old Town vs. Grossmont. read more

Went for lunch great food great service. We sat on the patio and the breeze and environment was nice. Need regular ground beef tacos for kids menu though. Ordered my son who only likes tacos some ala cart tacos and they only have shredded beef :(. Other then that it was great read more

I have been coming for years... Since this place was in Old town... The service has excelled since you hired Luz Elena. I love coming in to be served by Luz Elena, she's very attentive and nice with all customers. I love this place, I love the way Luz Elena help us. read more

One of my biggest pet peeves with San Diegans is their obsession with crappy sit-down Mexican restaurants. You live in San Diego! There's awesome Mexican food everywhere! So why do you keep telling out-of-towners to go to Old Town Mexican Cafe, Cafe Coyote, etc (btw, if you're from out of town, dining-wise, stay away from Old Town). Casa De Pico is one of those restaurants. It actually used to be in Old Town, but now it's in La Mesa. So why would I go there? Well, it's close to where I live, and, more importantly, they have Entertainment coupons. It's also slightly better than OTMC and its ilk. I got the Chicken Mole Enchiladas. Nothing mind-blowing, but they were pretty good. Rice and beans were pretty blah. Oh, here's something I did. For reasons I can't quite comprehend, I thought that the pepper on top of the enchilada was a pepperocini? Why would I think a Mexican place would have a pepperocini on their food? Anyways, I ate it, and lo and behold, it was not a pepperocini. I do not know what exact type of chile it was, but it took about three glasses of water to balance out my mistake. If you do find yourself at a tourist trap Mexican restaurant, here's some advice. Never go with the salsa they bring out. It's meant for the gringo-iest of gringos. No heat at all, and very watery. I'm sure someone from Iowa (no offense) would be thrilled, but it's really not good. You have to ask if they have any house salsa that is hotter. Then they'll bring out the real stuff. To Casa De Pico's credit, theirs is pretty darn hot and tasty. Very seedy! I'd probably never go if I didn't have a coupon, but I did have a coupon, so I went. That's the M.O. of a cheap bastard. It's not that it's not good food in and of itself, it's just that there are soooo many better options coughMamaTestacough. read more

What to say about CDP? Ummmm, lots! I have been here several times before and will be going to go back again! The first time I went here was via my Employer-- they gave me a $25 gift certificate to enjoy... ironic because I work at a Mexican Restaurant too -___- My bf and I went for one of our date nights during the week so it was not busy and we were seated right away. Upon arrival I noticed the plentiful decorations and the beautiful colors, although they were corny, it was very eye catching. As soon as we sat our server came within 2 minutes. He took our orders and before we knew it our food was out! The food preparation was very very quick. + 1 for that cause I get impatient and like when my food comes out fast. I ordered the carnitas and the bf ordered the chimichanga... OMFG so good! I loved everything and tried to stuff it all in my stomach but it didn't agree with me later :( [I knew I shouldn't have murdered the chips and salsa...] the carnitas were so tender and juicy that right now as I'm typing this, my mouth is watering ... my bf's chimichanga was so delicious that I stole a few bites lol... fatty, yes. Like I stated earlier, I am going to be a repeat customer, lol. Love this place even though it's in Hicktown [La Mesa]. read more

Been there several times before and just don't love it. Atmosphere is pretty good. It's a large restaurant with plenty of parking at the mall. Food is pretty good. But it's so overpriced. The service wasn't good. I'd rather go to its Old Town counterparts (Casa Guadalajara) for a more authentic location, better service, and food that is just as good (if not better). read more

Came here for dinner after my best friends graduation. Even though we were a huge group (15+) and the restaurant was packed because of other graduation parties, the staff was very attentive. I had the chicken mole and while it was okay, I've had much better elsewhere. My friend and his family said their dishes were good so maybe it was just mine. One thing I'll say though is that the portions are generous so at least you get your moneys worth from the size of the food. read more

Casa De Pico - Mole. - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

i am starving from work very excited for food, well i had not come here in years. My experience was awful. So i ordered a lunch special of salad and three crummy pieces of quesadilla. well the only thing they could get partly right was the salad. Their were two hairs in my quesadilla the manager Julie takes it and says she'll take it off the tab and dissapears. Never offering if i would like anything else. As a manager her customer service stinks. i was starving finally we told the waiter he brought another one, no one came up to apologize or make the customer feel satisfied. dude how are you earning your tips.. I worked in food industry all my life and they have no clue how to satisfy a customer. I will not come here again. Service was soo slow the waiter kept avoiding us walking aimlessly he didnt even come to get our credit cards to pay we had to go to the cashier. slow service, no customer service or satisfaction, over priced, this is a no go. My bloody mary awful.. so sad left completely bummed of such horrible experience. read more

From Old Town to La Mesa this restaurant just got better. They have a outdoor seating area, indoor seating and bar seating. We've even had a large party in the semiprivate area tucked away to the side. The food, is always perfect. I don't stray often from my usual smothered chicken burrito but when I do I am never disappointed. And the fried ice cream is delicious. The ladies wear a traditional dress and always look beautiful, and who doesn't love a live mariachi band singing at each table? I know I do! read more

This is one of my favorite places to eat. As a little girl we would celebrate at the one in Old Town. I was bummed when they closed but ecstatic when I heard they were coming to LA Mesa. I love the cheese crisp, but the fresh tortillas and everything else I have tried on the menu, have been delicious! Complimentary appetizers in the bar during happy hour. This place always puts me in a festive mood with the bright colors and mariachi bands. This is my choice to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. read more

Casa De Pico - Happy Cinco De Drinko! Happy hour special, Margaritas are $5 - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Great ambiance and feel good Mexican food. I've been coming here as long as I can remember. My mom would take us here to eat under the colorful umbrellas in Old town for a treat. Recommendations: -Carnitas -Chicken avocado taco's for a healthier option -Enchiladas suizas -Large margarita's for a good time and a hot day refreshment read more

Delicious food and great service. The tacos, chili verde and carnitas burritos were delicious and the homemade tortillas were amazing. The chips and salsa was served fresh. The only downside is it is a bit expensive. Overall a great experience read more

Very busy place it looked really promising. Well, to the point. Food overall was bland. Kids rolled tacos were filled with oil so imagine biting into that. Beef fajitas, steak was tender, bland and not colored at all. The green bell peppers were not trimmed so you recieve all of the bitterness of the white insides. Beer was warm like, really warm. Disgusting. I wont be back. Not sure what all the hype is about. Taco shops are alot better. read more

Happy hour is amazing. Got it quick and easy. Service was great. Fun spot. And bar is cool.

Great environment with mariachi live music in weekends. Food is excellent nearly the same as old town which is authentic Mexican food. Prices are reasonable and staff are friendly read more

Been here several times before and never complained about slow service. Patience is the essence, and I'm always willing to wait. The food has always been bomb, until today. The carnitas were not as flavorful as usual and they were dry. My husband was dissatisfied. I ordered a flying saucer that was loaded with 1/2lb of beans. The tomatoes they put on top were cut in 1/4 size, which seemed like the cooks were too lazy to cut them and make the plate look presentable. The service was actually good this time in a timely manner but the quality of the food really was disappointing. There was no concern or questions from the waitress about our food let alone an apology. As we were leaving we usually get a thank you come back soon, this time nothing from anyone. It will definitely be a while before we decide to go back or if we ever go back. Sorry Casa De Pico read more

Always a favorite. Eat at the bar. Service is good, bartenders are attentive! They make great flour tortillas! The lime shrimp entree is excellent! If you go on Sunday at 10am you'll find plenty of parking. Otherwise the lot in Grossmont is a bear. read more

I visit Casa De Pico all the time with my family and boyfriend! I always have a fun time and love the environment and yummy food!

This review is for the bar only. Great Cadillac margaritas made by Rubio the daytime bar manager. The chips and salsa are fabulous too. I know better than to order food here. It's just meh. For decent sit-down Mexican, go to Hacienda in El Cajon. read more

The best place ever been going here since I was a little girl move away from San Diego but ever time I get home I have to revisit Casa De Pico it is a Must Great Food read more

Strong margaritas for a low price... 17 ounces of margarita for less than $7 is a great deal. Free chips and salsa which taste great! Price is on the higher side, but food portions are huge! Great and fast service - there's alot of seating inside and out. Menu selection is plentiful. Didn't get to try the desserts which looked yummy. read more

Absolutely love this place. It's been a family tradition for years to eat here every time we're in San Diego. We've been eating here since before they moved from Old Town where we would wait outside in line for them to open and shop around the Bazaar del Mundo afterward. Now it's in a more "modern" shopping area but the restaurant is just as fantastic as always. They've got plenty of seating indoors and outside on the patio and some of the best margaritas and pina coladas you will ever have. Everything I've tried on the menu is great. I usually get enchiladas everywhere I go but I tried the street tacos last time I was here and they were wonderful. Unfortunately I forgot my leftovers on the table. :( Oh well - more reason to come back again soon! read more

Hostess wasn't friendly, but server was very attentive...chips and salsa are tasty, but nothing special. I ordered a healthier option 670 cal for two chicken enchiladas and black beans, Black beans were runny with no flavor, the enchiladas were good, but not great. To be honest this exact same meal is 640 cal at lazy dog Café and is delicious. read more

Just went there tonight for the first time and it was phenomenal! From customer service to food to the ambiance! Our server Luz Elena was wonderful! Absolutely loved her and the whole experience. I 100% recommended coming here. Thank you Luz Elena! read more

never a bad meal! let me repeat...never a bad meal! always fresh...always tasty...good restaurant

I absolutely love this place. Sit down have the best margarita I've ever had with some complimentary chips and yummy salsa. Then the food that I crave daily the seafood enchiladas are to die for. I can't get over it. As well as there fish tacos! Love this place!!!! read more

I came here one time and i was not greeted and i was not seated. I felt weird but then some lady got to help me and the food i got was great! Good drinks and good entertainment. I love coming here now. Best food in the whole shopping center read more

Went there for dinner early Monday evening and ordered the carnitas which I have had many times before and it's always been excellent. This time it was all dried out and very tough and chewy. I was very disappointed with my dining experience. I'm not sure I will go there again as the quality of the food was not good. read more

Best Mexican in San Diego. Come here weekly and it never disappoints. Try the Mexican Stir Fry. Very tasty and actually a healthy choice!!! Love this place. read more

Best Mexican food I've ever tasted. We just had a #3 & #9 combo delivered by DOORDASH! We always, the food was delicious! Thank you for being open during these had times! read more

Such a disappointment! In a city like San Diego there is no excuse for bland overpriced food. On my recent visit to Casa De Pico not only were my tacos bland but my 9 year olds kids meal burger was tiny. Not listed as a slider, we expected a normal sized burger and fries. Yet it was miniature when it arrived leaving my 9 year old hungry. Their only solution to sell me a second meal. So for $14 my son had a regular meal. Wish that was the only problem but my tacos were bland and just disappointing overall. read more

Dinner was good but honestly pretty run of the mill Mexican food. There was nothing that really "set it apart." The atmosphere was lovely and the service was great however. read more

This is a great place to eat. Our waiter was a wonderful man. He was right on point to anything needed the one thing is that my passport discount card was not used because cashier said it's not taken there. But before going there I called and asked if it was accepted and she said yes on the phone... well, we paid and that was it. My husband said well we now know.. I redial the same number and asked again this time I had it on speakerphone female attendant said yes. I think we do let me check for you. The she says oh yes we DO ... MMMMMM.... I SAID OK WE WERE JUST THERE AND WE WERE TOLD NO. so I am just letting you know incase someone else calls or tries to use their card. .. again food is good. Waiters are friendly and cordial. Knowledge of discount cards... no bueno.. read more

Margarita was made from a giant pre-made batch. Tasted very sweet and involved no bartending "skill" whatsoever. Food was expensive for Mexican food read more

I was at Casa de Pico on Thursday, celebrating my birthday. I did not want to go out because I was feeling down, my friend insisted we go for lunch at Casa de Pico. We got there at 11:05 I guess they had just open because we were the only table in the restaurant. Our sever came to great us with a charming smile, asked how we were doing. I responded I felt down because it was my # birthday, he said oh please! You look great, he made me feel so good. I was having trouble deciding what to order. He asked what I was craving, I said chilaquiles And carne asada. He said I got you, he went out he's way to make a special plate for me. After I left I felt great, maybe because the margaritas also lol!!! Thank you Jose G.H for making my birthday special. read more

I don't often go to Mexican restaurants, but I really like Casa de Pico. I ordered the grilled shrimp mango salad and it was so good I forgot to take a picture of it. The chipotle dressing is delicious and it's a pretty big plate but don't feel bad eating every last bite since it's healthy. It IS a salad. My mom got the Chile relleno tacos(I didn't know about those) and she really liked them. My mom makes delicious Chile's rellenos so these must have been dry good. My daughter had the chicken enchiladas and loved them. My hubby had the carnitas and it comes with your choice of corn or flower tortillas made fresh and a tortilla chip bowl filled with refried beans that are very good. If you go you have to get a margarita....I don't care to much for them but I always get one when I go there, it's a must. read more

We had an excellent happy hour / early dinner here on the patio and had a great time! Luz Elena was our server and she was a delight . She had recommendations on our food and tequila ! We enjoyed both ! Thank you so much Luz Elena, we had a great night! read more

Luz Elena was our server. She was super friendly and had a great attitude. Ordered the street tacos and enchiladas de carne which was super filling. Definitely larger portions make it somewhat shareable. Margaritas are great! read more

AWESOME HAPPY HOUR deals. Lime Margaritas are only 3.95 very tasty. I really like that they have FREE APPETIZERS during happy hour in the cantina, when you see them bring out more food, you want to get in line or else everyone will fill their plates up and leave nothing but scraps LOL (i've actually seen a black lady stuff her purse with chicken wings.......). Only thing that is kinda eh...is that their happy hour is only weekdays from 4-7ish(?) or maybe it was til 8. Well it isn't very long. But trust me, you only need maybe one or two small margaritas. I got the BIGGESt one they had.......and I could not finish that, not even close. Overall cool Happy Hour! Actual food is kinda pricey, but still good. read more