Cancel

Open app

Search

Miguel's Cocina

3.8 (1.6k reviews)
ModerateMexican, Bars
Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Miguel's Cocina Photos

Business Info

MIGUEL'S COCINA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Classy
Good for kids

You might also consider

More like Miguel's Cocina

Recommended Reviews - Miguel's Cocina

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

Tacos with beans and rice
Lisa P.

This location is right in beautiful Old Town. The food was delicious. The service was fast and easy. Luckily we were able to walk around the town after a full meal. This is the first time at this location. Can't miss it right on the corner. We got lucky with street parking. We enjoyed our meal. They provide this yummy cheese sauce to go with your chips. Simple tasty and delicious l.

Amanda C.

Their salsa is sooooo good and I love their queso as well. I literally devour both when I come here. I also like the vibe, it's a little more quiet and a good place to celebrate something like a birthday. You can't go wrong with the fish taco. Always fresh and delicious and pretty filling as well. I am such a picky eater and always ask for my sauces on the side which the staff handled so well! I appreciated the good service a lot. This is not the only location, there's a couple of other Miguel's around but this one in Old Town is particularly fun due to the location.

The not so good Dirty Martini
Esther S.

We've been to this Miguel's many times over the years, and overall it's been a decent experience. We came in on a Friday night 03/27. It was busy so we had a wait time of about 30 mins. The food is good...nothing particularly spectacular, but okay enough if you're in the mood for Mexican food in Old Town. Service is usually good, which we've appreciated. That said, our most recent visit left us a bit concerned. We came in with a group of five, and unfortunately one person in our party got sick afterward....like really sick. We're thinking food poisoning. He was the only one who ordered the surf and turf burrito, so that may have been the cause. He still can't have shrimp as he has flashbacks of this place. On top of that, the dirty martini we ordered was not good at all, which was disappointing. I had to ask for the olives. Odd! We've had enough good visits in the past to give this place a fair shot, but after this last experience, we're honestly not sure if we'll be back.

Carlos R.

So I came here yesterday and left around 4ish and first off once again this spot rocks!!! The food was so freaking good per usual to me. The service was even better. Thank you to the hostess Ms Anisha G her service was outstanding she kept coming back to check on the table and how the food was, when something ran out she asked if refills were needed, wasn't pressed to order & just showed all around great care and that is what I loved and expect each and every time I come to a restaurant to eat!! Hands down you deserved that tip and more Anisha!! We need more Anisha's!!! Make sure she sees this. Place was well kept up too clean too and decor was decent as well.

ceviche
Chris M.

Walked in not realizing it was happy hour and pleasantly surprised! Great HH margarita!! Queso with the chips was a perfect start. We shared the HH 3 street tacos... so good! The ceviche was super fresh and just really good...not overly cold like it just came out of a cooler, nice size bites, right mix of spice and citrus. Also, had the fish tacos. Really good. Fish was cooked perfectly...nice and crispy. I would say a little more of the sauce on them and it makes something really good...great. Really nice bar with a TV. Caught a little bit of the Padres game. Little bit of a hometown crowd rootin for the Pads so that's always cool.

Non-alcoholic options
Becca K.

Came here for a late lunch on a time crunch and had a great experience! The server was super understanding that we had an hour to get in and out and made it happen. They bring out salsa and a small thing of queso with the chips, which was awesome! We also got the guac which was really good! Everyone loved their respective dishes and we all left happy! The drinks were really good as well, but slightly small portions, so just be ready for that. Overall, it was super good and would definitely recommend!

Shrimp omelette with chorizo potatoes
Lynn R.

We usually eat at the Point Loma location but we came to see the play at the cygnet theatre in old Town so we had lunch here today. Service was excellent and so was the food. I docked it a star because the bathroom was out of toilet paper. My husband had the shrimp omelette smothered in white sauce and the potatoes cooked with loads of chorizo. A rich and filling meal that he took half home. Loads of shrimp and cooked Peppers. The carne asada taco was delicious and smothered in guacamole. I took the swordfish taco home for another meal. Love their refried beans!

Albondigas
Laura P.

I love the albondigas soup at Miguel's. For Happy Hour they offer a very large portion for a very reasonable price. Of course the margaritas are always good also. Although we were inside this time, this location has a beautiful outdoor patio. Sorry I didn't get a photo this time.

Mitch P.

10 of us came here at the suggestion of a friend, and he gets a congratulations. We were able to park in a lot behind the restaurant so that was the first "yes!" I got chicken fajitas and they were very good, and everyone enjoyed their meal. The server was very good and sitting outside we could see the neighborhood and people walking down the street in Oldtown, which we did after our meal. Would definitely recommend this restaurant next time you're in San Diego

Jordyn J.

Came back with my mom for some lunch and we loved it here. The food was delicious. Soooo good. This burrito trio was so tasty and a great way to taste a little bit of everything. As pictured, the chips and dips were also a total hit

Chicken Fajitas Ceviche
Gina M.

Best Location in San Diego - Cozy Atmosphere and Great Service I've visited a few other locations in San Diego, but the Old Town location is by far my favorite. I loved the décor--it felt cozy and authentic. The food tasted very fresh, which was clear since, even though the restaurant wasn't too busy, it took about 15-17 minutes for all of our dishes to arrive together. The service was excellent as well. The staff genuinely seemed happy to be there, and that's one of the most important things I look for when deciding where to support with my business.

Banquet room
Rebecca H.

This restaurant is my daughter's favorite so when we started planning a very small wedding reception we decided to see if Miguel's had a space for that. I'm so happy to say that they had a perfect space! Karina made the booking and arrangements so simple and effortless. Everything was upfront with no hidden details. The space and food was exactly what we discussed and it was great! There were 2 servers assigned to our 45 person event and they were also amazing. Both servers were super attentive to the bride and groom and were a constant presence any time anything was needed. The servers were so personable, addressing guests by name, remembering preferred drinks, and even chatting about gardening. I got many compliments from the guests about how great the service was. I cannot say enough about how great the restaurant made this experience!

La Baja Combination
Archie S.

3.5 Stars but since there are no half ratings, rounding it up sounds fair. Miguel's Cocina is located in Old Towne San Diego and it's one of the nicer and prettier restaurants with lots of inside and outside seating. Being on a street full of Mexican Cuisine it has to stand out from its competitors and it does in its own way. Service was good and friendly, yet felt slightly rushed around 8:30 because they were closing at 9pm. I had tried their Ceviche and La Baja Combination which comes with Shrimp Enchilada and Beef Taco along with Rice and Beans. The ceviche was good but was just lacking a salt and a kick of spice but maybe that's me. The quality was definitely good though as you could tell the freshness was there. As for the entree, the Beef (carne asada) Taco was extremely simple but the seasoning and flavor of the beef was excellent. While I enjoyed the Shrimp Enchilada, I didn't enjoy the sauce it came with which was like a cheesy white sauce. Maybe it's just my opinion but something more like a classic red or green sauce would have been amazing with it. Over all, slightly above average in my opinion with my over all rating from service, and food. Parking could be tricky depending on time and the day, but the best place to park would be on the side streets or the Lot next to the Old Towne Historic Park.

Tacos with rice and beans

See all

Photo of C T.
0
13
12

5 hours ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Melisa M.
160
55
19

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 43
Thanks 18
Love this 46
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 2

16 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 2
Love this 11
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lynn R.
547
384
1731

1 year ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Gina M.
27
26
42

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Archie S.
2665
1356
2253

6 months ago

Helpful 14
Thanks 3
Love this 11
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 1

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 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

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Karen M.
8
134
35

2 months ago

Delicious and flavorful food! The menu has a good variety. Our table shared items and they were all yummy!!! We will definitely return.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Bunny G.
1072
1412
4953

1 year ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Jana N.
131
419
1205

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Colin L.
400
82
114

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Simore M.
207
336
518

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 40

Miguel's Cocina Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Miguel's Cocina

Are the gluten free items fried in a separate fryer to prevent cross contamination?

No, these types of restaurants can never guarantee that no cross contamination will occur.

Taco Tuesday specials?

We offer $1 off featured tacos all day.

Are you doing reservations and how big can your party be up to due to coronavirus?

Since we only have outdoor dining at this time, please call the restaurant directly for this information - 619-298-9840.

If you're in group make sure to ask for your own quest dip!

Definitely

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

Old Town Saloon

Old Town Saloon

3.3
(211 reviews)
0.1 mi
$

We love a good dive bar, so while exploring San Diego's Old Town we did what any responsible day…read moredrinkers would do... we Googled "dive bars" & ended up at Old Town Saloon. And honestly? This place was exactly the vibe we were hoping to find. The second we walked in, I loved the vintage feel of the decor. It has that authentic old-school saloon energy that can't be manufactured. A genuine neighborhood watering hole with personality - a little worn in, full of character & packed with stories. One of the best parts of our visit was the bartender, who also happened to be the third-generation owner. He struck that perfect balance of being super friendly & welcoming without being all up in our business. You could tell he genuinely cared about the place & its history. He shared some great stories that made the experience feel personal. We settled in for some drinks & soaked up the atmosphere. The history of San Diego Old Town swirled around us as we enjoyed our time at the Old Town Saloon. Highly recommend.

This is a great spot to grab a drink when there is a crowd outside. We were waiting for the Whaley…read moreHouse tour and stopped in for a drink. Liz was awesome and even made recommendations for restaurants for us. She was talkative and engaging while also serving everyone quickly. Looks like a great spot for the evening, but we were just starting out the lunch drinkers for the day!

Photos
Cheers
Cheers
Exit
Exit
Corona, Midori sour

See all

Corona, Midori sour
Oculto 477

Oculto 477

4.2
(306 reviews)
0.0 mi
$$

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
Seat at the bar
Seat at the bar
La Llorona
La Llorona
Oculto 477

See all

Starlite

Starlite

4.1
(2.6k reviews)
1.5 mi
$$$

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
Bar area after entering
Bar area after entering
Chef's vegetable salad, beautiful presented and super yummy!
Chef's vegetable salad, beautiful presented and super yummy!
Cocktails are fun!

See all

Cocktails are fun!
False Idol

False Idol

4.4
(1.4k reviews)
2.6 mi
$$

Went here with advance knowledge of the place during our PHX to SD whirlwind vacation to see Bob…read moreDylan at the Rady Shell. Had to put in our names, as there is only so much space on an early Saturday evening. Took all of 10 minutes before entry was granted. Led inside to a standing room-only table. Lady friend got the Saturn, myself the 151 Swizzle. I probably did the wrong thing and didn't allow the ice packed on top of the swizzle to melt thoroughly enough into the drink to dilute the 151 overproof black Demerara's rum. Nae worries, brah. It was delicious. Affordable tiki-theme cocktails, decor(!) and atmosphere is why this place will remain popular and a must visit when in Sandy Eggo. Top notch!

What a fun nightlife spot! If you're looking for a fun place to grab cocktails, this is definitely…read morea spot worth checking out! **Located inside Craft & Commerce Walking into False Idol honestly feels like you've been transported somewhere else. It's hidden behind Craft & Commerce, and once you step inside, the immersive tiki atmosphere really sets the mood. The decor, lighting, and sound effects all come together to make the experience feel fun and memorable. Just know, if you are hoping to sit down, good luck! A lot of reservations are made in advance. However, at the bar, if you see a reservation sign and they're not there yet, staff will let you sit down once it's time to get up for the reserved party. DRINKS: 9/10 The cocktails were creative, well crafted, and definitely strong enough to make you feel like you were getting your money's worth. I also loved how much attention they put into the presentation. Every drink looked like a piece of art and added to the whole tiki experience. SERVICE: 9/10 The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They took the time to answer questions and made great recommendations without making us feel rushed. AMBIANCE: 10/10 This is easily the highlight of the experience. The entire space is beautifully designed, and every little detail makes it feel like you've escaped into a hidden tropical bar. It's cozy, intimate, and unlike any other place I've been to in San Diego. Reservations are definitely worth making since the space is on the smaller side and fills up quickly. The only reason I'm giving 4 instead of 5 stars is that, while the experience and ambiance were amazing, the drinks are definitely on the pricier side. I understand you're paying for the craftsmanship and atmosphere, but it's probably not somewhere I'd visit regularly because of that. It's common for tiki bars to be pricey so it was to be expected. Overall, I'm really glad I finally got to experience False Idol. If you're in San Diego and enjoy creative cocktails in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, I'd definitely recommend checking it out at least once!

Photos
Tiki themed decor
Tiki themed decor
Rum barrel
Rum barrel
Back bar rum selection

See all

Back bar rum selection
The Loft

The Loft

4.3
(199 reviews)
2.0 mi
$$

It's really known as a local gay dive bar, and that's exactly what makes it so special - it's…read moreauthentic, unpretentious, and just overflows with good energy. What I truly appreciate is how inclusive it is; when they say "all are welcome," they genuinely mean it. You feel like part of the community the moment you step through the door, no matter who you are. The folks working behind the bar are absolute superstars. They're not just great at mixing up a delicious drink, but they're also super friendly and always up for a bit of banter. It's the kind of place where striking up a conversation with someone new at the bar is effortless. There's a constant buzz of friendly chatter and laughter, making it such a wonderful place to just relax and be yourself. And let's talk about value - they truly know how to pour a proper drink, and their prices are incredibly fair. You definitely get a fantastic drink without feeling like you've splurged. It's just an all-around great spot to unwind, meet some cool people, and enjoy a top-notch beverage in a relaxed, friendly setting. Highly recommend giving The Loft a visit!

When I visit San Diego, The Loft is at the top of my "must visit" list and is normally one of the…read morefirst places I go after getting settled in. Situated on 5th Avenue in beautiful Hillcrest, The Loft is a small, but mighty place that is near and dear to my heart for a variety of reasons. From the bartenders, to the patrons, and of course the drinks...this spot is an absolute vibe! Everyone is beyond welcoming and fun here. The space is a great combination of indoor/outdoor. The drinks are strong and well priced, which is not a combination you can find many places these days! They don't serve food, but they are fine if you want to bring your own, which many folks do. We have enjoyed a cocktail and UberEats'd something so we didn't have to leave. Overall, while I am not a San Diego local (yet), I consider The Loft my local spot. Love this place!

Photos
$8 Bloody Mary
$8 Bloody Mary
Inside
Inside
The Loft

See all

Miguel's Cocina - mexican - Updated July 2026

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