Absolutely charming place that was built in 1929 and became La Simpatia in 1944. Make sure to take the time to take in all the photos. Rosa, the owner has been here since 1977 and is a wealth of history as well as just fun to talk to. You can see why this place is a favorite with locals & tourists. The food is DELICIOUS and the same regular portions they've served since 1944. You'll leave pleasantly full with a smile on your face read more

Cool, old school diner vibe with killer dishes. Food came out piping hot and everything was homemade. I had the combo with an enchilada, taco, rice and beans. My partner and his mom split a combo that had just about everything. Both entrees were outstanding. Service was friendly enough. We'll definitely be back. read more

Talk about homemade! Being able to watch and hear your food being meticulously prepared was a bonus. The relleno was fantastic! The tamales were scrumptious! The taco was crispy and flavorful. Rice and beans - fantastic! Wish they were open more often. Service was slow but friendly. Bathroom was clean. This is a great place to have an authentic Mexican meal made with care. Well worth the wait. Keep it up please! read more

La Simpatia Cafe - Combo plate. Everything you see is tasty! - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, California

See all

At La Simpatia Cafe In Guadalupe,CA Again..!! Gonna Get Our Grub On...!!! As Usual Quickly Seated And Greeted. And As Usual For About Most Of My Life VERA My Moms Old Friend And Stomping Grounds. Even My Grandma Was A Regular Here So Always Feels Like Home To Come Visit And Eat At This Familia Run Business..!! Even President George W. Bush Ate Here During His First Campaign..!! And As Usual We Sit In The Dark Pancho's Hideaway..!!! If You're Ever In GUADA CA And HUNGRY Stop By And Enjoy...!!! read more

See all

If you've never been to Guadalupe, this is the one reason you should. Picture a Mexican cafe stuck in a time warp. Pictures of Marilyn Monroe and George W. Bush with classic Guadalupe memorabilia. The abuelitas have it down with the food prep and cocktails especially the weekend specials. I literally have had dreams about the chicken soup and tacos. The chicken mole had an amazing deep, rich flavor. The guacamole tostada-superb. Pro tip: sit at the counter and watch the abuelitas in action. read more

Local Take: This is one of the few really historic eateries on the Central Coast of California. It was a Mexican ["Spanish"] restaurant before WWII, and even witnessed the wholesale internment of many of the former Japanese residents in 1942, when this cafe had it's older name, La Charita. Prior to even that, according to the old Japantown map, it was called the U.S. Cafe & was part of the Kashiwagi Hotel. Some of the other buildings in the town were former Hotels as well [even the Pizza place has "Hotel" visible on the side of the building]. ["The restaurant opened as La Simpatia --  intended to mean personality, or good vibrations -- in 1944 when brothers Francisco and Rafael Quiroga bought what was formerly the La Charrita Cafe from Martin and Francisca Manriquez and began making authentic Mexican food, including their own tortillas.] Furthermore, it was even famous later [" It has been in magazines and travel guides and even attracted President George W. Bush and his wife Laura in 2000 on a campaign stop."]. As the Santa Maria article states, this is a true dinner. Fortunately, it was one of the few places in town that not only survived an earthquake, but had a seismic retrofit [ref. : https://santamariatimes.com/news/local/historic-guadalupe-restaurant-nears-its-opening-date/article_0d804ea0-0a17-552f-8963-6750a032a366.html ]. That earthquake & the expense of retrofits, ironically has in a sense preserved many buildings in town from being used as they sadly generally decay. For a local look at the WWII internment, just down the street is a market that a descendent of those times still runs, and their father was not only a survivor, but then served in WWII, & then later returned to this fascinating town. [ref: https://santamariatimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/guadalupes-harry-masatani-recalls-internment-during-world-war-ii/article_866679c0-aff6-5896-8d6f-ae9978b99abc.html ] No visit is complete unless you walk thru town & take in all the old buildings & the town clock from pre-WWII times. Older yet are the many artifacts in the Dunes Center museum, which contains a partial Sphinx from the set of the old B&W Ten Commandments movie done on the dunes so many decades ago [circe 1923 ]. The whole town & beyond helped with this first Mega-Hollywood Hit. Other exhibits have sand from all over the world, pictures of the Dunites, & much more in this small, but mighty museum. [ref.: http://dunescenter.org/visit-the-dunes/dunes-center/exhibits-and-activities-research/the-lost-city-of-demille/ ] Of course, as you walk the town, the old Jail, pass by the Buddhist Temple, visit the Dunes Center, enjoy nature/hiking at the Dunes themselves, you can work up a good appetite. What more do you need from history, but have some historically great local food, in a friendly atmosphere. The owner was super nice, & explained a whole lot of the history of this dinner. I was impressed not only with the food, but the spotless & comfy diner seating. Please make sure not to miss the many pictures on the walls, news articles, & even old artifacts. No former "Wild West" town would be complete without a dark 1960's vintage bar in the back room...Pancho's Hideaway. I did love the wholesome homestyle food. My gold standard is Menudo, which was excellent as well. If I lived closer to here, I would be here quite often for sure. Signing up for the Dunes Center mailing list when you make some sort of donation, will score you invites to nature walks/hikes/trash gathering & all sorts of cool educational activities. Some are great for kids & families. Again, after a solid hike or nice long walk at either the Dunes or Oso Flaco Lake & beach, only a few miles away, you cannot go wrong with a stop here in this historic town to grab some great grub. [ref: http://dunescenter.org/visit-the-dunes/points-of-interest/ Map of Japantown matched to current buildings: http://japantownatlas.com/map-guadalupe.html ] read more

See all

La Simpatia has been around since WW2 and there are many reasons why its lasted so long. I have been coming here since 1963 and my tastebuds can remember that first meal as though it were yesterday. The chile relleno, rice and beans all sampled at the same time on your fork will cause you tastebuds to sing like the vienna boys choir. the food is classic Californio/Chicano mexican food and while simple, it is filling, delicious and satisfying. Portions are adequate even for big eaters, pricing-reasonable, service-the best. You will have to eat somewhere, why not at an authentic eatery of wholesome food, rather than the over processed fast food that is killing america today. When driving north on 101, at Santa Maria, take the 166 to hwy 1/cabrillo hwy/guadalupe street(all the same street, but has different names) turn right and be looking on your left for 827 guadalupe street. You won't be disappointed! read more

La Simpatia Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, California

The food portions were good but the food tastes like it was made in old pans or a dirty grill. The food did not taste fresh. It taste like it came out of cans or spent a lot of time in a freezer. The salsa bowl had a black stain ring in it that I could not scrape off with my fork. I do not recommend eating here. read more

We finally made it to lunch here. It was well worth the wait. The nostalgia and history were an added bonus. It has been in business since 1944. We loved looking at all the old pictures on their walls. Everyone was very kind and friendly. All food is made to order, so they're not a fast as some restaurants. They actually refry their beans. We sat at the old lunch counter, It was a treat to be able to watch the ladies cook our meal. I had a combo that was delicious. While waiting someone ordered fried chicken , French fries and cheeseburgers. Now we definitely have to go back to try them. In the back there's a large full service bar and large banquet room. We highly recommend this old restaurant Call before you go to make sure they're open. If they're not busy sometimes they call it a day. We're definitely going to become regulars. read more

Best chili rellenos on the coast. It's all about the gravy! Going tomorrow for my usual.

Rosa knows what's up! Fresh, local, and old school ingredients. Super flavors! The relleno with that gravy is as good as advertised!

The food was simple amazing the scene was like a vintage restaurant going back in time. Restaurant has been there for 50 years simply amazing the food service I recommend you go there open on Sundays for short time they close at 2 PM. read more

I like to eat here the food is great, the last 2 times I've been there it says it's open but they weren't, they should update the hours if not going to be open, we drove from up north to go here and it's closed on a day at 2? read more

The Chili Colorado and cheese and onion enchilada were our favorite dishes at this 50's style diner with authentic Mexican menu. Nothing out of a can, everything's hand made. If you're craving a hotter salsa than what's on the table, just ask for some hot sauce and you'll be stoked on a side with more flavor and complexity. There's a full bar in the back. Specializing in breakfast and lunch, when we came in for dinner the place was all ours. The cooks and servers were friendly and adorable. Decor was hilar. read more

See all

Always great, authentic Mexican food and attentive service. The history lesson on the walls is fascinating. Get the owner, Rosa, if she's there, to tell you more. Poncho's Hideaway in the back is a fun little bar, but also nice place to sit and eat. read more

Guacamole tacos! Guacamole was delicious and the shell was warm and crunchy. A true delight. The staff was also friendly and attentive which is always a win! read more

Best Mexican food in the area. Service is always great. It's a very simple menu but the most authentic place in the area. Been going here for over 40 years. Yes prices have changed but they have with everything. Best beans around. Margaritas are the best! Any bad reviews are just crazy! read more

La Simpatia Cafe - Outside - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, California

When i ordered my enchiladas i requested green sauce and they told me they don't have it... so i just took the red sauce. then i requested sour cream and our server told us they also don't have that and "haven't in 40 years".... what kind of mexican restaurant doesn't have sour cream???? kind of ruined my meal, besided that the food was okay. margarita was bland and watered down.. probably wouldn't come back. read more

Three of us went for a a late lunch Friday (1:45pm). What a friendly restaurant...such beautiful smiles after a difficult day were most welcome. Then there was the food!!! Hubby had tge Chili Colorado (it was si good gecwanted to lick his plate). My friend and I had the Combo Plate of a Taco, Tamale, and Chili Relleno (I passed on the beans and rice ... wish I hadn't ... they were so tasty). Two of us also had Margaritas ... yum! My friend also placed a Burtito To-Go Order; waitress was so helpful taking the special order and bagging up the leftover chips and AWESOME Guacamole. The great tasting food and the outstanding service made for a very comforting afternoon. read more

La Simpatia Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, California

Went here today for lunch and everything was excellent!! All of the food was cooked perfectly and was the best we have had on the central coast. My a la carte plate had a crispy shredded beef taco, chile verde enchilada, and chile relleno. No rice and beans. Everything was great and the chile relleno was exceptionally good. My wife had the taco/enchilada with rice and beans, which she thought was the best. I tried her rice and beans and they are exceptional. Chips and salsa were perfect. Service was great. The server was very accommodating and friendly. We enjoyed the ambiance since we sat in the room where the kitchen is and that was a unique experience we have never had. Definitely recommend this place. read more

Little speakeasy bar in back where the locals go. Food is delicious recommend guacamole taco. Kinda place you might find something wrong but don't wanna be the guy that does:) read more

La Simpatia Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, California

Most amazing Mexican food I've ever had! I loved it! I love the old school historic look and the food was all perfect. I'll be back!!!

Been our favorite place for years ... no longer ... food still good but the now have ridiculous prices $18 - 22 for simple combo platters See the photo for menu pic and combo #3 $18.75 Cross this off our list ... read more

La Simpatia Cafe - Mucho $$$$$$$ - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, California

See all

Crappy overpriced food. Just paid $20 for a taco and a tiny beef enchilada. How is this place still on business? Beans tasted two weeks old. Should have guessed when the restaurant was empty during the lunch hour. Don't waste your time. read more

Absolutely some of the best authentic Mexican food on the Central Coast! The refried beans and rice alone are amazing. But so is everything else - Chile Verde, Chile Colorado, Birria on Saturdays, Carne Asada tacos. Plus, the vibe and historic photos add to the experience. read more

RUDE, RUDE, RUDE! We were welcomed with, "Make sure your children are seated the whole time, this is not McDonalds!" Not los friendly, even if you have good kids. Expensive food with bad service, no thanks... never again. read more

This is not your hipster Mexican food restaurant! This is much more like homemade mexican food. Greasy, plain, no frills! BUT it's pretty darn good! The restaurant itself is super cute inside, like an old diner. Love the old pics on the wall, and the bar is definitely a throwback and has a vintage feel. I ordered the crispy beef tacos and a side of refried beans. These aren't your "El Torito" beans, these are FRIED and greasy and cheesy! My father got a combo plate and their "gravy" had great flavor. Worth checking out if you are in town. A little pricey but hey so is everything these days! And to add, the service was great no complaints there. read more

Great bar! Wonderful service! Bartender knew so much of the local history! I would definitely recommend stopping here for a drink or food.

Much better options in this town for better food and service. A lot of nostalgia here with the old style seats and counter, it's too bad their service and prices aren't better. read more

Amazing authentic Mexican food! Great historical atmosphere! Wonderful people! Awesome margaritas too!

The chili colorado was off the hook good. A rich smokey red chili with perfectly tender meat. The refried beans were legit and the salsa was pretty good as well. Loved the counter seating. read more

Amazing. This is a machine working efficiently. From the woman preparing your food behind the counter to the server. If I could summarize this restaurant I would say "comfort food". No microwave or heat lamps. Just fire and steal. The Chile relleno is made right in front of you and not pulled out of a refrigerator and reheated in a plastic bag. The beans have all kinds of yummy Lard and taste smooth. No fancy anything just great Mexican food. Will most definitely return. read more

See all

Great restaurant to eat. Their food is amazing I like their crispy sopes and quesabillia are amazing

I ordered chili verde, it was excellent! The beef soup, beef and pork burritos equally received a thumb's up. The place just re-opened after retro fitting. All aprons still look crisp white will come back here if passing by Guadalupe again. Service is friendly. Plate is in not huge like typical Mexican food in the Bay Area, but it suits me well. read more

La Simpatia Cafe - It's an open kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, California

I asked the owner why the Cadillac margaritas were $12, and I was told that's what everyone charges. I mentioned another restaurant and the owner told me to go to that restaurant. Unfortunately, she's lost several good customers. read more

Hands down best chile relleno and menudo. We stop by here everytime we go up north from LA.

This is without a doubt our favorite authentic Mexican restaurant. They use dried cheese in their enchiladas & tacos which to me are the best. The chile rellanos are the best as well. And the beans??? Heaven! Made the right way with lard. It is a good thing they are not around the corner as we would be there often. So if you want the real deal this is it. They have been there since 1944. read more

La Simpatia Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, California

La Simpatia is a throwback to different times and places. The food is above average and very tasty, but it is not millennial fusion, it is down home good Mexican food, the pork burrito was plain until you got to the pork which was great, the sauce was good, it just did not look like an architectural masterpiece - the carne asada soft taco was above standard fare, the veggie tostadas were great the beans were just right, the rice was also above average. Plus they have a full bar- worth going to just wander through the bar and look at California as it used to be in small agricultural towns. Personally I like the art of old bull fights and dancing senoritas, but I get it is not everyone's taste. Going to go back and have a late breakfast next-time. Guadalupe is a bit out of the way but probably worth a short drive once in a while GL read more

Great family run spot. We went as a referral from friends and were very pleased. Denise,our server, was friendly, helpful and a tour guide, all in one. The food was very good, I got chili verde, my wife chili relleno. Homemade style and you watch the ladies cook. So clean and down-home. Really a nice experience. They are even proud of the restrooms, clean and decorated nicely. We hope Guadalupe can remain alive and a reminder of times past. read more

Our family is always happy after eating here. Good food & service!! The Saturday Birria special is sweet & savory, delicious. On Sunday the Chicken Mole is my favorite. There is a down home feel that is comfortable & casual. read more